Read on to find out about the top 10 things to do in Asheville, North Carolina.
Asheville is the largest city in the western part of North Carolina and one of the prime tourist hubs in the state. The beautiful rocky mountains that encompass the city are undoubtedly a treat for all nature lovers. After visiting the city, tourists can engage in a wide array of outdoor activities, ensuring that a trip to Asheville is full of possibilities. From the beautiful state parks, museums and gardens to mesmerizing art galleries and memorials, a trip to Asheville is a must for those who are eager to experience North Carolina.
1. Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is one of the best places to visit in Asheville. With its stunning architectural accomplishments, guests to The Biltmore Estate will be able to delve into the rich historical past of North Carolina. The property is extremely well maintained, making the estate a real treat for all who take the time to visit. Wander around the grounds on your own or opt for a guided tour.
Biltmore Estate
Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, USA.
Price: Admission fee starts from USD 50 per person.
Opening Hours: All seasons, all days, from 9 A.M - 5 P.M.
Website: Biltmore Estate
2. 2. Biltmore Gardens
The Biltmore Gardens occupies a significant portion of the Biltmore Estate. It’s a great destination for any tourists who can’t get enough of nature’s lush, green ambiance. The garden itself is extremely well-maintained and comprises many rare and beautiful species of flowers. The greenhouse of the garden is filled with numerous beautiful orchids, roses, and other attractive flowers. Besides this, tourists can also check out the fish pond that is situated just inside the garden. With its serene and beautiful surroundings, an afternoon in the Biltmore Gardens can be a real treat for visitors of all ages.
Biltmore Gardens
Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803-2662.
Price: Admission fee starts from USD 50 per person.
Opening Hours: All seasons, all days, from 9 A.M - 5 P.M.
Website: Biltmore Gardens
3. The North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum is one of the most exciting places to visit in Asheville. The highlight of the arboretum is the beautiful garden, where stress seems to melt away in the presence of such natural beauty. The gardens are truly a paradise for all tourists who are fond of nature and who love spending some quiet time in a serene environment. The area is also a perfect destination for hiking and cycling. Whether solo or with a significant other, spending an afternoon at the North Carolina Arboretum is one of the loveliest things to do in Asheville.
North Carolina Arboretum.
Address: 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806, USA
Price: Free admission.
Opening Hours: All seasons, all days, from 8 A.M - 9 P.M.
Website: The North Carolina Arboretum
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4. Folk Art Center
Located near the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Folk Art Center is an excellent tourist destination. This lovely art center is a prime destination for all who are fond of art. Inside the museum is a variety of skillfully crafted artworks, courtesy of local artists. Ranging from quilts, pottery to homemade clothes and jewelry, everything is available here. Possibly the best part of a visit to the museum is that guests also have the opportunity to buy any work that might catch their eye.
Folk Art Center
Address: Folk Art Center: Milepost, 382 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28805, USA.
Price: Free Admission
Opening Hours: All seasons, all days, from 9 A.M - 6 P.M.
Website: Folk Art Center
5. Highland Brewing Company
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Highland Brewing Company is the best regional brewery in Asheville and is known throughout the North Carolina for its best in class beer. The tourists can easily go for guided tours throughout the length and breadth of the facility and can gain a lot of information about the company and their manufacturing procedure. They can also get to taste some of the latest varieties that are available only at the company tasting room. This family friendly tour can indeed turn out to be one of the best experiences in Asheville. Thus, spending an afternoon at the Highland Brewing Company is a great experience and hence, must be included on the must-visit list.
Highland Brewing Company
Address: 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Asheville, NC 28803, USA.
Price: Free Admission.
Opening Hours**: All seasons. Monday to Thursday 3 P.M - 9 P.M. Friday and Saturday 12 P.M - 10 P.M. Sunday 12 P.M - 6 P.M.
Website: Highland Brewing Company
6. Smith-McDowell House
The Smith-McDowell House is Asheville’s first mansion and oldest surviving house. Guided tours are offered and provide ample information regarding the home’s history and its unusual mixture of décor. In addition to this, the tour guides provide an in-depth explanation of the home’s wide range of historical artifacts. An afternoon at the Smith-McDowell House is a great way to peek into Asheville’s fascinating past.
Smith-McDowell House
Address: 283 Victoria Rd, Asheville, NC 28801, USA.
Price: Free for children aged 7 and under. 5 USD per person, aged 8-10. 9 USD per person for adults. 5 USD for students (ID required).
Opening Hours: All seasons. Wednesday to Saturday 10 A.M - 4 P.M.
Website: Smith-McDowell House
7. Thomas Wolfe Memorial
The Thomas Wolfe Memorial is an ideal destination for those who are curious about Asheville’s culture, literature, and rich historical past. This museum is one of the prime resources on North Carolina’s history. The memorial offers the story of unsuccessful novelist Thomas Wolfe and the struggles he endured during the course of his life. It also reveals how tragically the novelist died at a very young age. Spending a morning or afternoon at this famous memorial offers an interesting insight into Asheville’s literary past.
Thomas Wolfe Memorial
Address: 52 N Market St, Asheville, NC 28801, USA.
Price: Free for children aged 6 and under. Children aged 7-17 are 2 USD per person. Adults are 2.50 per person. 2 USD for students (ID required).
Opening Hours: All seasons. Tuesday to Saturday 9 A.M - 5 P.M.
Website: Thomas Wolfe Memorial
8. Asheville Pinball Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Asheville Pinball Museum is one of the famous tourist destinations in Asheville. It’s a great place to spend an evening along with friends and family. It is known all over North Carolina and those who visit here can quickly see why. With pinball machines and old school video games on offer, there’s plenty to take in and much fun to be had. Check out some of the museum’s most popular classics like Pac Man, Mrs. Pac Man, Galaga, Tron and Frogger.
Asheville Pinball Museum
Address: 1 Battle Square #1b, Asheville, NC 28801, USA.
Price: USD 10 per children aged 10 years or below. USD 15 per person aged above 10 years.
Opening Hours: All seasons. Monday 1 P.M. – 6 P.M. Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 2 P.M.-9 P.M. Saturday 12 P.M. – 9 P.M.Sunday 1 P.M. – 6 P.M.
Website: Asheville Pinball Museum
9. Western North Carolina Nature Center
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Western North Carolina Nature Center is a small zoo that is ideal for children. Situated in a lush green environment, the park offers a variety of animals such as cougars and bears. Guests can also opt for long walks throughout the park. Spending a day at the Western North Carolina Nature Center is fun for the entire family.
Western North Carolina Nature Center
Address: 75 Gashes Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28805-2529
Price: Free for children aged 2 years or below. USD 6.95 per child aged 3-15 years (Asheville City Residents - $5.95). USD 10.95 per adult (Asheville City Residents - $7.95). USD 9.95 for seniors 65+ (Asheville City Residents - $6.95).
Opening Hours: All seasons, all days, from 10 A.M - 5 P.M.
Website: Western North Carolina Nature Center
10. Asheville Ghost Walking Tour (from USD 26.0)
All visitors to Asheville should opt for this exciting and spooky tour through the city’s downtown. The two hour guided tour is undoubtedly a spine-chilling activity as well as a great insight into the city’s past. Perhaps the best part of the Asheville Ghost Walking Tour is that the guides are extremely knowledgeable of the area’s dark secrets and hair-raising stories. It’s their expertise that helps build the spooky ambiance that is maintained throughout the tour. Have fun delving into the eerier side of Asheville with this spectacular tour!
Asheville Ghost Walking Tour with Mystery Museum Admission
Duration: 2 hours
Asheville – a great holiday experience
A trip to Asheville can be one of the best vacations you’ll ever take. The city is renowned throughout North Carolina for its vibrant tourist destinations. With a wide array of indoor and outdoor activities on offer - including beautiful estates, amusement parks, art centers and mini zoos, Asheville is a destination worth taking the time to explore.
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