The 40 Best Things To Do In Asheville, North Carolina

The ultimate guide to the City of Land and Sky.

Asheville, North Carolina is far from a sleepy mountain town. The City of Land and Sky is energetic, eclectic, and bursting with artistic vitality. While its location among the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains calls visitors to the trails, the city's vibrant culinary and arts scene answers right back. It's a city with a rich history and an ever-evolving present that celebrates the region's multicultural roots while simultaneously embracing progress. Even so, it's the city's natural surroundings—the craggy bluffs and cool mountain air—that lure visitors and locals alike.

From outdoor adventures to local sips and shops, Asheville offers an experience for every taste. Here's how to spend your time in the "Paris of the South."

Grab A Beer

Asheville is known for its craft beer community—the city has more breweries per capita than any other in the United States. From award-winning producers of some of the best beers in the country to new, small-batch breweries bringing fresh creativity to the craft beer scene, there are endless options for beer lovers to grab a glass after a day on the trails. As a matter of fact, national craft brands Sierra Nevada, Oskar Blues, and New Belgium opened big-budget East Coast operations here, thanks to the abundant water flowing from the mountains that is said to have ideal pH levels for making beer.

Behold The Biltmore Estate

The crowning jewel of George Vanderbilt’s sprawling mansion built in 1895, the Biltmore Estate is the largest private home in America. Open to the public, the 8000-acre estate includes restaurants, lodging, gardens, trails, and an award-winning winery offering tastings and tours.

www.biltmore.com, One Lodge St., Asheville, NC 28803

Peruse Marquee

This converted 50,000-square-foot warehouse is an art gallery and marketplace full of pieces from regional vendors. Grab a beverage or snack from St. Brighid's just inside the entrance and wander through the aisles of this pet-friendly venue. Showcasing and selling antiques, vintage and contemporary pieces, home decor, jewelry, and crafts, this space is a highlight of the River Arts District.

marqueeasheville.com, 36 Foundy St., Asheville, NC 28801

Catch A Show

Catch a show with some of the biggest names in music and hot up-and-comers at one of the many live music venues in the city. The Grey Eagle Music Hall is the longest-running venue boasting a long list of local and national talent acts performing in an intimate stage setting. The venue offers options for seated shows; it also has an in-house Taqueria featuring Latin American cuisine and an ever-expanding beer selection.

www.thegreyeagle.com, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Explore The Gardens

The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre public garden, located just south of Asheville and adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Influenced by famed Biltmore architect Frederick Law Olmsted, cultivated garden exhibits, and hiking and biking trails cover the grounds. Don't forget to stop for a meal or snack at the Bent Creek Bistro.

www.ncarboretum.org, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806

Chow Down At Chow Chow Culinary Festival

Celebrating the unique foodways of the Southern Appalachian region, this multi-day food festival features panel discussions, tasting bazaars, and dinners focusing on promoting an equitable regional food system. Founded in 2019, the flavors and food culture of Asheville come alive during Chow Chow each September.

Dine At Cúrate

Helmed by James Beard Award-winning couple, Katie Button and Felix Meana, Cúrate is a love letter to Spain through elevated small plates, cured meats, cherries, and wine. The flagship restaurant is in a former 1920s bus depot while a wine club, online retail store, and Spanish market and bakery rest right around the corner. Feast on stuffed piquillo peppers, Iberico pork, and Spanish cheese. Looking for lunch? Don't miss Button's La Bodega around the corner.

curatetapasbar.com, 13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Set Out On The Mountains-To-Sea Trail

Part of a 935-mile byway connected by footpaths, bike trails, bridges, and roads, the trail passes through Asheville and spans 71 miles. The terrain is rugged with elevations ranging from 2,000 feet at the French Broad River to over 6,600 feet at the summit of Mount Mitchell, this segment is accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Stay In The City

While some may seek a quiet mountain retreat away from the hustle and bustle, there's something to be said for waking up within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Check in and say goodbye to your car at The Foundry Hotel, a modern, restored steel foundry in the heart of Asheville's historic East End. Between the hotel's cocktail lounge, nearby boutiques, and neighborhood eateries, you'll really only need your car if you're leaving the city. The Restoration is another delightful place to stay downtown. New to the scene, this boutique hotel offers some of the best mountain views in the city from its rooftop bar.

Indulge With Doughnuts

The donuts at Hole Doughnuts are considered some of the best yeast doughnuts in the state of North Carolina, but it’s not only these sweets that keep locals coming back. Hole is home to a secret noodle night called NoodleHole, where diners have to sign up via a secret Instagram account. If you’re deadset on cake doughnuts, head over to SouthSlope for Vortex Doughnuts. Vortex has the added benefit of having a ton of vegan options for plant-based customers.

Boost Your Spirits On A Distillery Tour

Nestled in the mountains are the secrets of mountain moonshiners but all are open to the public for tours and samples of gin, whiskey, rum, moonshine, liqueurs, and cocktails for those who imbibe. Local distilleries include Chemist, Eda Rhyne, Asheville Distilling Co, Cultivated Cocktails, Rye Knot, Dalton, and Oak & Grist.

Tour The South Slope Mural Trail

Take a self-guided tour along a two-mile walkable trail around the South Slope neighborhood. Nearly 20 murals completed by local artists span the trail bringing color, vibrancy, and ingenuity to public art spaces.

Get In The Mood For Indian Street Food

Meherwan Irani opened Chai Pani in 2009 to introduce Asheville to the Indian street food of his childhood. With no formal training as a chef, he’s now a James Beard Award winner, and Chai Pani regularly has a line out the door.

www.chaipani.com, 22 Battery Park Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Cure Your Chocolate Cravings

Asheville is known for its dessert scene, namely chocolate confections. The most popular, French Broad Chocolate, has bean-to-bar factory tours and a chocolate lounge downtown in Pack Square. The Chocolate Fetish and Asheville Chocolate both have retail counters, and the latter has monthly confectionery classes.

Get Lost In A Game

If you're into board games, card games, or even obscure role-playing games, Well Played Board Game Café is for you. Connect (Four) through play with friends and strangers, and engage in friendly competition with a game library of more than 700 games. Add the beer, food, and drink options, and you may never leave.

wellplayedasheville.com, 162 Coxe Ave. #101, Asheville, NC 28801

Indulge At Cultura

The interiors at Cultura are just the beginning. The seven-course tasting menu is the true extravaganza. Wicked Weed's first venture into fine dining, the restaurant brings fermentation to the table under a glow of orb lights in unexpected ways. An al la carte menu is available on Thursday nights, and for some fun, Sunday's Cease and Desist dinners give diners a clever, upscale spin on comforting dishes from their favorite fast-food chains.

www.culturaavl.com, 147 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Join The Weekly Drum Circle

Inside its amphitheater, Pritchard Park serves as an urban oasis to hit up the drum circle every Friday night (weather permitting) starting at 6 p.m. Spectators and drummers are all welcome to join in the music by communing or bringing their own drum. Don’t forget to check out the drum circle at Lake Julian on the last Thursday of every month starting around 5:30 p.m.

Stop By Citizen Vinyl

Shop for classic, vintage, and new vinyl while having a snack. Housed in the historic Asheville Citizen-Times newspaper building, this cafe and vinyl shop showcases the art of preserving music in a casual, laid-back setting. Make sure to check out one of three vinyl pressing plants within the building while taking one of the free factory tours.

citizenvinyl.com, 14 O'Henry Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Reserve A Table At Rhubarb

Chef John Fleer's restaurant Rhubarb is a fixture on Pack Square for a good reason. His approachable yet elevated menu reads like a love letter to the Blue Ridge’s bounty. While the dishes change with the seasons, you can always count on locally sourced ingredients and fare that grounds the restaurant with a sense of place.

www.rhubarbasheville.com, 7 SW Pack Sqare, Asheville, NC 28801

Walk The Asheville Urban Trail

This easily walkable 1.7-mile loop is a self-guided walking tour of art, local history, and outdoor landmarks. Walk in the footsteps of F. Scott Fitzgerald, O. Henry, or Thomas Wolfe. There is an audio tour guide and a blueprint of a scavenger hunt available online.

Visit Local Farmers' Markets

Don’t forget your reusable shopping bags as you head out to stock up on local goods, produce, and art at local farmers' markets. Open year-round on Wednesdays, the River Arts District Farmers Market is held at the Smoky Park Supper Club. Alternatively, the Western NC Farmers Market is open to the public daily.

Relax At Omni Grove Park Inn

With sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and downtown Asheville, this 100-year-old hotel was built by business magnate E.W. Grove. One of more than 100 sites in Asheville listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this mountain oasis features world-class accommodations, multimillion-dollar spa facilities, seven bars and restaurants, and a self-guided audio history tour.

www.omnihotels.com, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville, North Carolina, 28804

Cheer For The Asheville Tourists

Root for the home team at an Asheville Tourists Minor League Baseball game. This affiliate team of the Houston Astros was founded in 1897 and plays at McCormick Field. This ballpark was one of the sets for the 1988 film “Bull Durham” starring Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon.

www.milb.com/asheville, 30 Buchanan Place, Asheville, NC 28801

Take A Drive On The Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited National Park according to the National Park Service. Luckily, Asheville is home to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center. Pick up maps, purchase souvenirs, speak to docents, and see interactive exhibits extolling the natural beauty of the area.

www.blueridgeparkway.org, 195 Hemphill Knob Rd., Asheville, NC 28803

Tour The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Asheville’s most famous former resident’s childhood home is now open as a museum and for guided tours. Named “Old Kentucky Home" and originally used as a boardinghouse owned by Wolfe’s mother, the house is the setting for the 1929 novel "Look Homeward, Angel." Today the home is a museum and landmark.

wolfememorial.com, 52 North Market St., Asheville, NC 28801

Watch Lexington Glasswork Artists At Work

A delicate and unique part of the arts community, this studio is part workshop, part gallery. View the glassblowing process from start to finish, watch the artists at work, and stroll the gallery for a unique gift or home decoration.

www.lexingtonglassworks.com, 81 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Float Down The French Broad River

Several companies will outfit and send you down the river to go with the flow during the warmer months of the year. The shortest float trip takes you through the River Arts District while others explore points on the French Broad River Paddle Trail, covering more than 140 miles of protected waters.

Check Out The S&W Market

Originally a fine example of art-deco architecture that served as a flagship building for the S&W Cafeteria chain based out of Charlotte. Today, the food hall has six food stalls featuring local independent restaurant vendors. The building’s mezzanine is home to anchor tenant Highland Brewery, with an elevated taproom experience with seating overlooking the hall.

swmarketavl.com, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Grab A Drink At The Double Crown

A beloved classic dive bar, The Double Crown is housed in a tiny house in West Asheville. This spot beckons guests with funky speakeasy vibes and the promise of karaoke, inexpensive drinks, and excellent people-watching. Don’t miss the last Thursday of each month as it’s Gospel Night, one of the most popular special event nights of the week.

www.facebook.com, 375 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806

Spend An Afternoon At The Biltmore Village

Originally an enclave created to house employees of the Biltmore Estate, today the Biltmore Village is a shopping center with over 50 shops, boutiques, and cafes. Farm-to-table restaurants, cafes, and craft breweries span the area. The Cathedral of All Souls is a recognized landmark in the area lauded as a fine example of Romanesque Revival architecture.

Take A Hood Tour With Hoodhuggers

Buried history is unveiled on this series of walking tours of Eagle Street, Burton Street, and The Block, some of Asheville’s oldest African American neighborhoods and portions of Downtown that include shops and galleries featuring African American artisans, the YMI Cultural Center, and significant African American architecture.

Grab Brunch At Benne On Eagle

Benne on Eagle has seen its fair share of James Beard-recognized chefs at the helm. Each brought a new take on Appalachia’s diverse food history and the legacy of The Block, a once thriving Black neighborhood where the restaurant is located, to the menu. Through each new interpretation, brunch has remained a bright spot. Pair the shrimp and grits made with andouille sausage with Benne Biscuit, and you'll be ready to tackle the day.

www.benneoneagle.com, 35 Eagle St., Asheville, NC, 28801 

Explore GRINDFest

This free, three-day festival takes place over Memorial Day weekend in downtown Asheville. The festivity celebrates the life and progress of Black entrepreneurs and business owners. GRINDFest events include street dance parties, hip-hop aerobics, a poetry slam, yoga and storytelling sessions, local food vendors, and a line-up of national acts.

grindfestavl.com, 8 River Arts Place, Asheville, NC 28801

Soak In the Sounds At Shindig On The Green

An annual summer event, this free, outdoor bluegrass music and dance festival takes place in Pack Square in downtown Asheville. In addition to scheduled performances, informal jam sessions are encouraged on the stage and around the park. Sit back, relax, and experience old-time string band performances and dancing.

folkheritage.org, Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801

Check Out The Grove Arcade

After E.W. Grove completed the Grove Park Inn, he set his sights on the construction of Grove Arcade. Considered Asheville’s original shopping mall, Grove Arcade has gone through many phases during its 100 years of history, including a military base and the National Weather Records Center. Today, local crafts, shopping, restaurants, office spaces, and luxury apartments fill the historic building.

grovearcade.com, 1 Page Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801

Visit The Folk Art Center

The Southern Highland Craft Guild is one of the nation's oldest and represents hundreds of skilled artisans across the Southeast. At The Folk Art Center, you can admire guild members' works in clay, glass, wood, fiber, metal, leather, paper, jewelry, and more. It's a fantastic place to pick up a few gifts (along with something for yourself).

southernhighlandguild.org, 382 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28805

Browse Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe

Malaprop's is a longtime fixture in downtown and a local favorite. You can find every kind of book for adults and children here, but the most popular section may be "Books Undercover." Take your chances and buy a book wrapped in brown paper and identified only as "Dragons! Shenanigans! More Shenanigans!" The staff liked it and think you will, too.

www.malaprops.com, 55 Haywood St., Asheville, NC 28801

Zip Line Down A Mountain

The Asheville area offers all the zip lining experiences you need to get your blood pumping. At the Adventure Center of Asheville, urban zip lines provide sweeping views of downtown, plus there is a zip line for smaller kids. A short drive away, Navitat Canopy Adventures and The Gorge Zipline will have you zooming from treetop to treetop and plunging down mountainsides.

Catch Live Music At Jack Of The Wood

This downtown pub is a must for traditional music lovers. Depending on the night, you could be treated to a traveling bluegrass band, a few Irish tunes, or an old-time mountain jam session. Jack of the Wood is also a pleasant place to while away a few hours eating pub food, drinking local brews, or sampling whiskeys.

jackofthewood.com, 95 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

Grab Brunch At Tupelo Honey Cafe

The Tupelo Honey phenomenon has spread to cities around the South, but Asheville is where it all started. Enjoy a farm-to-table, scratch-made, Southern-style brunch that honors traditions and shakes things up a bit. A few of those breakfast favorites are also available on the lunch and dinner menu.

tupelohoneycafe.com, 12 College St., Asheville, NC 28801

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