best things to do in asheville

Asheville, a vibrant city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is known for its arts scene, craft breweries, and outdoor activities. Here are some of the best things to do in Asheville:

Outdoor Activities

1. Blue Ridge Parkway: A 469-mile scenic road that runs through the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering stunning views and hiking trails.
2. Pisgah National Forest: A beautiful forest with waterfalls, hiking trails, and camping sites.
3. Whitewater Rafting: Experience the thrill of rafting on the French Broad River.
4. Zip Line Canopy Tours: Explore the forest canopy on a zip line tour.
5. Hiking: Asheville has numerous hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

Arts and Culture

1. River Arts District: A former industrial area turned arts district, featuring studios, galleries, and restaurants.
2. Asheville Art Museum: A museum showcasing American art from the 20th and 21st centuries.
3. Galleries: Asheville has numerous galleries featuring local and regional artists.
4. The Orange Peel: A popular music venue hosting local and national acts.
5. Asheville Symphony Orchestra: Enjoy classical music performances at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.

Food and Drink

1. Craft Breweries: Asheville is known for its craft beer scene, with over 20 breweries in the area.
2. The Omni Grove Park Inn: Enjoy stunning views and fine dining at this historic resort.
3. The Early Girl Eatery: A farm-to-table restaurant serving Southern cuisine.
4. The White Duck Taco Shop: A unique restaurant serving Asian-fusion tacos.
5. Asheville City Market: A historic market featuring local produce, meats, and prepared foods.

Other Attractions

1. Biltmore Estate: A grand chateau-style mansion with beautiful gardens and grounds.
2. The North Carolina Arboretum: A 434-acre park featuring beautiful gardens and walking trails.
3. Asheville Botanical Gardens: A 10-acre garden featuring a variety of plants and flowers.
4. The Thomas Wolfe Memorial: A museum dedicated to the life and works of author Thomas Wolfe.
5. The Asheville Pinball Museum: A unique museum featuring vintage pinball machines.

Festivals and Events

1. Asheville Festival of the Arts: A festival celebrating music, dance, and visual arts.
2. Mountain X Pottery Festival: A festival featuring local potters and ceramic artists.
3. Asheville Jazz Festival: A festival showcasing local and national jazz musicians.
4. Moogfest: A festival celebrating electronic music and technology.
5. Asheville Pride Festival: A festival celebrating diversity and inclusivity.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Asheville. The city has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, arts and culture, food and drink, or simply exploring a vibrant and eclectic city.