Asheville City, for its natural beauty and stunning architecture, was named the “Paris of the South” in the 1990s. If you’re looking to have an effortlessly good time, Asheville is the perfect place to laze and enjoy coffee shops, chocolate, art, and history. Beautiful gardens and industrial buildings provide a unique character to the city. If you’re coming to visit for the impressive outdoor destinations, festivities, and adventures, this North Carolina city district has activities lined up the whole year round. Resident food trucks also offer affordable and tasty bites while you take a break from all the sightseeing. You can stay in historic hotels or cabins for rent available in the city. Indulge in fun desserts, colorful artwork, and beer with this list of the top things to do in Downtown, Asheville.
1. Attend local events at Harrah's Cherokee Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
"We'll meet again, Don't know where, Don't know when, But I know we'll meet again some sunny day" : Steve Atkins | Fox Cove Photography
Posted by Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville on Friday, January 1, 2021
Originally called the US Cellular Centre, this entertainment stadium is an ideal place to check out interesting local events in Asheville, including concerts, sports tournaments, conferences, and educational workshops for people of all ages. There is also a hotel with an on-site casino where you can spend a thrilling evening with your friends or family. Centrally located in the heart of Asheville, this entertainment hub has a variety of facilities such as fun activities for your children, adult-only events, and food bars. There are also accommodations here, in case you wish to stay overnight.
Harrah's Cherokee Center
Address: 87 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
Website: Harrah’s Cherokee Center
2. Float down the beautiful river with this awesome paddleboarding tour
If you are into watersports, this tour is sure to thrill you beyond words. Paddle while standing up through the beautiful French Broad River with a private group. You will be guided by an expert who will show you around and teach you about the historic landmarks along the river. On this tour, you get access to all the equipment you need for paddleboarding, a personal floatation device for emergency purposes, and a free shuttle service to and from the destination.
Asheville Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
3. Explore the city along Urban Trail
If you’re fond of exploring hiking and trekking spots, Urban Trail is a well-known hiking area you can visit. Found on Biltmore Avenue, the hiking trail takes you through the most historic landmarks in the city over the course of about two hours. If you are interested in culture and history, this can be a truly rewarding experience as you walk along the streets of Asheville checking out architectural wonders such as Guastavino’s Monument and Woodfin House. Check out the historic Asheville City Hall as well as the bronze sculptures around the city. You can also stop by Grove Arcade for a bit of shopping or pop into the many cafes lining the streets.
Urban Trail
Address: 11 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
4. Shop for unique souvenirs at Grove Arcade
Just like the River Arts District and West Asheville, the downtown area is also one of the best shopping spots in Asheville. Looking for a sprawling shopping complex that houses a wide variety of independent shops and boutiques as well as dining and entertainment avenues? Grove Arcade is the ultimate place to be.
Also known as Arcade Building, this is a unique complex that looks like an indoor streetside shopping destination with thoroughfares and walkways inside a Tudor-style building. Luxurious interiors made of glass and bronze welcome you as you shop at handicraft stores, check out unique souvenirs, and pop into local restaurants for a quick bite. It also features a champagne bar where you can enjoy a glass of wine.
There is also the Battery Park Book Exchange for book lovers. It is the pride of Asheville and a must-visit destination here.
Grove Arcade
Address: 1 Page Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
Website: Grove Arcade
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm
5. Catch a live theater show at Asheville Community Theatre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Taking the shot. For tickets or more info:http://ashevilletheatre.org/events/transition/
Posted by Asheville Community Theatre on Thursday, November 19, 2020
If you are interested in theatre and the performing arts, don’t miss out on Asheville’s own community theater where musicians, actors, and dancers from all over the country showcase their talents. Found on Walnut St., this historic building has been around for more than 60 years and is an integral part of the Asheville community. Enjoy special events such as concerts or dance performances or catch a live theatre show here. The choices are endless, and you can keep an eye on the website for special events coming up.
Asheville Community Theatre
Address: 35 E Walnut St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
Website: Asheville Community Theatre
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 7:30pm - 11:59pm; Sun: 2:30pm - 6pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
6. Have fun playing pinball at Asheville Pinball Museum
In a time where almost everything has shifted to the virtual realm, Asheville Pinball Museum offers a refreshing experience that will surely give you a good time. For just 15 USD, you’ll have the time of your life playing old-school pinball and classic arcade games. There are over 70 historical and rare pinball machines and video games.
Asheville Pinball Museum
Address: 1 Battle Square Ste 1b, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
Website: Asheville Pinball Museum
Opening hours: Sat: 12pm - 9pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm; Wed - Fri: 2pm - 9pm (closed on Tue)
Price: 15 USD
7. Dare to know haunted tales in a spooky night stroll around Downtown (from USD 26.0)
With the long and rich history that surrounds Asheville, there are sure to be dark times embedded within it. Along with the beautiful things that line this neighborhood comes a dark history of violence. Unravel the secrets behind this town’s storied past by joining the Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour. Discover all the spooky sites, go ghost-hunting, and use real equipment to catch their presence.
Asheville Ghost Walking Tour with Mystery Museum Admission
Duration: 2 hours
8. Please your eyes discovering locals' artworks at Woolworth Walk
Woolworth Walk on Haywood Street is a gem found in the heart of downtown Asheville. Filled with artworks from local and other artists, you’ll enjoy browsing through the powerful exhibits found in this gallery. You can make a purchase and support local artists or just gaze through the colorful works of art.
Woolworth Walk
Address: 25 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801-2835
Website: Woolworth Walk
Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 5pm; Mon - Sat: 11am - 6pm
9. Discover the best of Downtown on a walking tour (from USD 2.0)
Learn the history of Asheville’s historic downtown, and a few more tips and tricks for tourists by joining the walking tours. With over two hours of strolling around the city center, you’ll be fascinated by the history that lies beneath the walls, structures, and corners of Asheville. The tour also includes learning the best places to chill out, dine in, and even places you can hang out for free. It’s an interactive tour that entails so much more than learning history. The Basilica of St Lawrence, Grove Park Arcade, and several other major attractions of the district are covered in this tour.
Tip-Based Asheville Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
10. Explore the mansion of a 20th-century American novelist, The Thomas Wolfe Memorial
Thomas Wolfe is an American author best known for his novels Look Homeward and Angel, but has written many other short stories, dramatic works, and novels. In the early 20th century, his mother purchased a 29-room boarding house, formerly called the Old Kentucky Home, where the famous author spent 10 years of his life writing autobiographic novels. This is where he was said to have contracted Tuberculosis of the brain, a dreaded disease with no cure at that time, and died at the early age of 37. Located on North Market Street, it was later called “The Thomas Wolfe Memorial” and has since been a go-to venue for aspiring writers looking for inspiration and tourists wanting to get a good look at the life of one the greatest American writers of all time.
The Thomas Wolfe Memorial
Address: 52 N. Market St. Asheville, N.C. 28801
Website: The Thomas Wolfe Memorial
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 5 USD (Adults), 2 USD (Children)
11. Get glammed and have the best of your trip captured by a photographer (from USD 150.0)
For locals and visiting tourists, make the most out of your time by having a professional photographer immortalize the experience through beautiful, stunning photos. With extensive experience in outdoor photography, you can make advanced reservations for pre-wedding photoshoots, and group and family shoots. You can bring your furbabies, too, for a more exciting escapade. With an experienced photographer, who knows the in and outs of Asheville, you can have your photo taken in rustic rural areas you may not know about and won’t get charged any extra fees.
Photo-shoot Asheville
Duration: 1 hour
12. Enjoy a rooftop brunch at Social Lounge
Rooftop bars are always a great hangout for their breezy outdoor seating and great views from the top and Social Lounge is no different. Survey the city lights at night from the vantage point of a rooftop spot and enjoy the view of the night sky. The breeze will keep you cool even when the days are a little warm. Aside from spending a whiskey-soaked evening with your friends, you can enjoy a great meal as they serve a pretty good set of brunch and dinner menus.
Social Lounge
Address: 27 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801
Website: Social Lounge
Opening hours: 3pm - 10pm (daily)
13. Taste the best beers around Downtown in a brewery walking tour (from USD 69.0)
Asheville has been nicknamed the “Beer City” with its long list of beers and favorite breweries available in the area. Join a brewery walking tour led by a recognized expert and tag along at unique locations around historic downtown while you listen to tales and stories of beer and craft breweries.
Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
14. Take home unique gifts and souvenirs from Asheville Emporium
For a one-stop gift shop that has a wide and unique variety of choices, shop at Asheville Emporium. Crafted by local artisans and global artists, you can get your crazy souvenir fix in Asheville Emporium. Here, you’ll find weird and quirky crafts, from thimbles to advocacy-oriented souvenirs, that are great for the holidays or your everyday surprises.
Asheville Emporium
Address: 35 Wall Street, Asheville, NC 28801
Website: Asheville Emporium
Opening hours: Sat: 9:30am - 8:15pm; Sun: 9:30am - 6:15pm; Mon - Wed: 10am - 6:15pm; Thu: 10am - 7:15pm; Fri: 10am - 8:15pm
15. Laze and treat yourself with sweet delights to French Broad Chocolate Lounge
A little café filled with choices and sweet delicacies, French Broad Chocolate Lounge is situated in a celestial blue building found on Pack Square. It is a quaint spot for locals and tourists to spend their afternoon. Indulge in the sweet flavors of salted caramel and take a bite of that delicious layers of moist chocolate cake. An extremely famous spot for tourists, carrot cake, milkshakes, and an afternoon delight is a promise when you drop by French Broad Chocolate Lounge. Don’t forget to take some home for your friends and family, too.
French Broad Chocolate Lounge
Address: 10 S Pack Square, Asheville NC 28801
Website: French Broad Chocolate Lounge
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
Enjoy the best of Asheville from dusk till dawn
Whether it’s a spooky night of ghost hunting or a nice breezy day out to see art, Downtown, Asheville, is a lively place brimming with activities. If you happen to find yourself in the western district of North Carolina, make the most of your time by exploring this set of to-dos. It’s good for family trips, honeymoons, or simply romantic getaways. Be sure to check out some vegan restaurants for excellent food scenes.
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