Asheville’s mountain magic blends outdoor adventure with artsy charm, on a budget. Scenic trails, street performers, craft markets, and free galleries make it perfect for chill days and spontaneous fun. I love how I can sip coffee with a view, hike to a waterfall, and browse handmade art. All without overspending.
I’ve got hiking boots by day, live music by night, and fresh mountain air all around, all while exploring one of the Blue Ridge’s most creative (and affordable) towns. Who knew cool and quirky could come with such a chill price tag?
Start with a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll find overlooks and hiking trails like Craggy Gardens and Graveyard Fields that cost nothing to enjoy. In town, wander through the River Arts District to see artists at work—many galleries and studios are free to explore.
Catch street music downtown or head to Pack Square Park for local festivals and community events. Take a peaceful stroll at the Botanical Gardens at Asheville (free admission!) or visit the North Carolina Arboretum, which has low-cost parking and plenty of trails.
For a laid-back afternoon, I grab something tasty from a food truck and people-watch in downtown Asheville’s vibrant core. Mountain trails, music, and murals, without the tourist price? Can’t wait for you to experience it too!
Where to stay in Asheville, NC:
- Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville
- Grove Park Inn
- The Inn on Biltmore Estate
- Hotel Indigo Asheville Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- Grand Bohemian Asheville, Autograph Collection
Best Things to Do in Asheville:
1. Wander Gilded-Age Grandeur at the Biltmore Estate, Asheville
Biltmore Estate is one of my favorite places to visit in Asheville. You’ll explore the grand mansion built by George Washington Vanderbilt between 1889 and 1895—the largest privately owned house in the United States.
I love the variety of tours you can take. You can choose self-guided or guided options, but I especially recommend the rooftop tour. The views from up there are unbelievable. Don’t miss walking through the beautifully manicured gardens—they’re simply stunning.
Afterward, I stroll through Antler Village and the Winery. You can browse charming shops and taste fine estate wines. For a truly special experience, consider staying overnight in one of the estate’s three luxurious accommodations. You’ll get a real feel for estate life.
Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, North Carolina 28803, Phone: 828-225-1333
2. Meet Native Wildlife at the WNC Nature Center
Home to over 60 species, including black bears, cougars, and red wolves, the WNC Nature Center is one of my favorite spots to connect with the Southern Appalachian wildlife. You’ll find 42 acres dedicated to educating visitors about the region’s amazing fauna and flora.
I love exploring the indoor Appalachian Station, where you can see reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals up close. Otter Falls is another highlight—you’ll watch North American river otters play alongside aquatic turtles.
If you’re wondering what to do in Asheville with kids, I recommend this place. The Appalachian Predators exhibit is home to red and gray wolves, bobcats, and coyotes, while Black Bear Ridge lets you see American black bears, white-tailed deer, and birds of prey.
There are picnic tables throughout the park—perfect for family lunches. I also appreciate the vending machines for snacks and drinks when you want a quick break.
Address: 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, North Carolina 28805, Phone: 828-259-8080
3. If You Love Culinary Adventures, Join Asheville Food Tours
Experience Asheville’s unique Southern culture and charm through its amazing food with Asheville Food Tours. I love how these tours take you to up to seven handpicked restaurants, eateries, and food shops right in trendy downtown Asheville.
You’ll enjoy tastings of everything from melt-in-your-mouth appetizers to freshly cooked entrées, all paired with splashes of fine wine. I always find it’s a delicious way to discover the city’s culinary vibe.
The tours were created to introduce visitors like you to Asheville’s growing food scene while supporting local businesses. You’ll meet the talented chefs and artisans behind the dishes, making every bite feel even more special.
4. Step Into Literary History at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial
The Thomas Wolfe Memorial was once home to one of America’s great writers, Thomas Wolfe. You’ll find this Victorian house in Asheville’s Downtown Historic District, and it’s been a National Historic Landmark since 1971.
I love that Wolfe captured his childhood home in his novel, ‘Look Homeward, Angel.’ It makes the visit feel extra meaningful. Though the house was almost destroyed by fire in 1998, it has been carefully restored along with its precious artifacts.
Now, you can visit and experience the place that inspired a literary classic. I think it’s a must-see for literature fans and history lovers alike.
Address: 52 North Market Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801, Phone: 828-253-8304
5. Forage and Feast on a Wild Food Journey with No Taste Like Home
No Taste Like Home takes visitors on a unique forage-to-table experience that lets them pick their own ingredients in the surrounding forest, accompanies by expert guides who help them identify edible roots, berries and mushrooms. Once the foraging is done, you get to cook what you picked as well.
Wild Food Adventures lets you choose from a number of signature experiences, excursions and events. ‘Lookin’ and Cookin’’ consists of foraging and cooking at one of the local restaurants. Other popular adventures and presentations include ‘Wild Food Banquets’, ‘Off-the-Eaten-Path’ and ‘Show and Smell’.
Ranked as one of Fodor’s ‘best food experiences in the world’, No Taste Like Home is a must-try when visiting Asheville.
6. Savor Creative Southern Cuisine at Rhubarb
Rhubarb is one of my favorite spots to gather with friends and family. You’ll find it right in lively Pack Square, where the atmosphere is relaxed and the food is crafted from the best local ingredients.
I love stopping by for light snacks in the afternoon, but you can also settle in for the main event—dinner. The menu offers appetizers, salads, Small Plates perfect for sharing, and mouthwatering entrees.
The wine list is impressive too, featuring sustainably sourced grapes that pair beautifully with the food. I always enjoy discovering new favorites here.
Address: Rhubarb, 7 SW Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801, 828 785 1503
7. If You Crave Spanish Flavors, Dine at Curate Bar de Tapas
Built in a former 1927 bus depot in Asheville’s historic downtown, Curate Bar de Tapas is one of my favorite spots to enjoy authentic Spanish flavors in a cozy, welcoming space.
The menu changes often, and I love how each dish takes you straight to Spain—with fire engine-red peppers, huge black olives, and the smoothest virgin olive oil you can imagine. Eating here feels like a celebration you share with friends and family, and that vibrant energy fills every corner.
Don’t miss smoky jamón Ibérico, crispy croquetas de pollo, and the melt-in-your-mouth patatas bravas. I always pair my meal with fine Spanish wines—they really complete the experience.
Address: Curate Bar de Tapas, 13 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 , Phone: 828-239-2946
Romantic Things to Do in Asheville:
8. Stroll Through Blooming Beauty at the North Carolina Arboretum
Resting within Pisgah National Forest, just southwest of Asheville, the North Carolina Arboretum is one of my favorite places to connect with nature. You’ll find 434 acres of public gardens and plenty of activities for the whole family.
I love hiking and biking the trails, especially stopping by the intimate stream garden and the beautiful garden dedicated to native and non-native hollies. You can also join guided tours led by expert botanists who introduce you to the unique plants and wildlife of the region.
The arboretum is home to one of the best bonsai collections in the country, plus colorful flower exhibits throughout the year. When I need a break, I head to the Savory Thyme Café in the education center for snacks and drinks.
Address: 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, North Carolina 28806, Phone: 828-665-2492
9. Sip Bold Craft Ciders at Urban Orchard Cider Co.
Asheville is famous for craft beer, but I think Urban Orchard Cider Co. is changing the game. It’s North Carolina’s first craft cider tasting room and production company, located in West Asheville where you can taste up to six different apple ciders every day.
The space is spacious and relaxed, one of the few true cider bars you’ll find in the country. I love learning about cider styles here—from traditional Sweet English and Dry Ridge to creative blends with berries, hops, vanilla, and even jalapeno peppers.
Since Asheville sits near one of the country’s biggest apple-growing regions, Urban Orchard uses only local apples for their ciders. The family who owns the company even planted 55 apple trees on their property, though they’ll need to wait a while before making cider from their own apples. It’s a place I recommend for any cider lover or curious visitor.
Address: Urban Orchard Cider Co., 210 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806 , Phone: 828-774-5151
10. Still Point Wellness
Still Point Wellness is one of my top picks for luxury spa experiences in Asheville. You can indulge in a full menu of services designed for both individuals and couples, including their unique salt water flotation sessions.
I find the flotation chamber incredible—it uses sensory deprivation principles to help restore your body and calm your mind. They offer 60, 90, and 120-minute sessions, which are known for boosting your immune system and relieving pain in a way I’ve rarely experienced elsewhere.
Other treatments I recommend include their trademarked Esalen massage, which uses long, flowing strokes combined with deep tissue pressure to ease shoulder, leg, arm, and lower back pain. I’ve also tried their craniosacral therapy—it helps improve cerebrospinal fluid movement and provides relief from migraines, TMJ, and whiplash.
Address: Still Point Wellness, 946 Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC 28805 , Phone: 828- 348-5372
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What makes Asheville a popular destination?
- Asheville is a beautiful mountain town surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering unique art, great food, breweries, pretty gardens, and world-famous historic attractions like the Biltmore Estate and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial.
- What are some fun activities in Asheville for kids?
- Top things to do in Asheville with kids include visiting the Western North Carolina Nature Center to see rare animals, taking a historic trolley tour, and dining at family-friendly restaurants.
Asheville, NC Events:
- LEAF Festival
- Asheville Art in the Park
- Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum
- Asheville Symphony Orchestra Masterworks
- Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
- Asheville Oktoberfest
- Asheville Holiday Parade
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