fun things to do in asheville

Asheville, North Carolina, is a vibrant city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s known for its arts scene, craft breweries, and outdoor activities. Here are some fun 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: Fly through the trees with companies like Navitat Canopy Adventures or Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures.
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, including the Asheville Gallery of Art and the Haen Gallery.
4. Street Art: Explore the city’s vibrant street art scene, with murals and graffiti adorning buildings and walls.
5. Music: Asheville has a thriving music scene, with venues like the Orange Peel and the Grey Eagle.

Food and Drink

1. Craft Breweries: Asheville is famous for its craft breweries, with over 20 breweries in the area, including Wicked Weed and New Belgium.
2. Food Tours: Take a guided tour of the city’s culinary scene, sampling local cuisine and drinks.
3. Farmers’ Markets: Visit the Asheville City Market or the West Asheville Tailgate Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods.
4. The Omni Grove Park Inn: Even if you’re not staying here, visit for the stunning views and sunsets.
5. The Early Girl Eatery: A farm-to-table restaurant serving Southern cuisine.

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 Pinball Museum: A unique museum featuring over 30 pinball machines.
4. The Asheville Riverwalk: A scenic path along the French Broad River, perfect for walking or biking.
5. LaZoom Comedy Tour: A wacky tour of the city’s comedy scene, featuring improv and sketch comedy.

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