As soon as I arrived in Asheville, I could feel something different in the air—maybe it was the scent of pine and mountain rain or just the sheer creative energy buzzing through the town. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is equal parts wild escape and artsy haven. Whether you’re into waterfall hikes, local food, or indie bookstores, this mountain town over-delivers. In this guide, I’ll walk you through my favorite things to do in Asheville—places I visited, meals I still dream about, and corners of the city I can’t wait to return to.
1. Stroll Through the River Arts District
One of my favorite places in Asheville is the River Arts District. I spent an afternoon hopping between converted warehouses filled with working artists—ceramicists, painters, printmakers, you name it. Some even let me watch them work and chat about their process. If you’re an art lover, this district will absolutely be your jam.
Pro tip: Go on a weekend when more studios are open, and grab a latte from Ultra Coffeebar while you wander.
2. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway isn’t just a scenic drive—it’s a full sensory experience. I rolled the windows down, let the cool mountain air rush in, and stopped at several overlooks just to soak in the views. Craggy Gardens and Mount Pisgah are easy pull-offs with short hikes that lead to incredible panoramas.
3. Hike to Craggy Pinnacle
The hike to Craggy Pinnacle is short (under 2 miles roundtrip) but the view? Unreal. I timed my visit for sunset, and the sky exploded in layers of pink and orange over the Blue Ridge. If you only do one hike in Asheville, let it be this one.
4. Explore the Biltmore Estate
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s pricey. But visiting the Biltmore Estate feels like stepping into a Gilded Age fairytale. I toured the mansion, strolled through the gardens, and sipped wine at their onsite winery. I’d go back just to see the greenhouse again—it’s a plant lover’s dream.
5. Sip Craft Beer at Local Breweries
Asheville’s craft beer scene is next level. I hopped between Burial Beer Co., Wicked Weed, and Green Man Brewery, each with its own vibe. Burial had the best outdoor patio, and I loved their hazy IPA.
6. Catch a Sunset at The Omni Grove Park Inn
Even if you don’t stay at The Omni Grove Park Inn, go for a drink on the terrace. I ordered a cocktail and watched the sun dip behind the mountains. It was one of the most peaceful evenings of my trip.
7. Browse Local Shops in Downtown Asheville
From Mast General Store to quirky bookshops and vintage stores, downtown Asheville is perfect for wandering. I picked up a handwoven scarf and a signed poetry book—my favorite kinds of souvenirs.
8. Visit the North Carolina Arboretum
Tucked into the forest, the NC Arboretum was such a quiet and beautiful place to reset. I spent a couple of hours exploring the bonsai garden, walking the trails, and just enjoying the fresh air.
9. Stop by the Folk Art Center
Right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Folk Art Center highlights Appalachian crafts and traditions. I saw woodcarvings, hand-woven baskets, and quilts that tell stories. It felt like a living museum—and I even caught a live demo.
10. Eat Your Way Through a Food Tour
I joined a downtown food tour, and it was one of the best decisions of my trip. We stopped at six spots—from upscale Southern to plant-based cafés—and I left absolutely stuffed and happy. Great way to meet fellow travelers too.
11. Wander Around the Botanical Gardens
Free, quiet, and just a few minutes from downtown, the Botanical Gardens at Asheville are a lovely detour if you need a little calm between adventures.
12. Picnic at Beaver Lake
I grabbed pastries from Old Europe Pastries and picnicked by Beaver Lake. There’s a bird sanctuary nearby too, which made it feel like a nature escape without leaving the city.
13. Visit the Asheville Pinball Museum
A nostalgic blast from the past—this museum is part arcade, part collection. I paid one entry fee and played vintage pinball machines for hours. Pure joy.
14. Watch Street Performers at Pritchard Park
On Friday evenings, Pritchard Park comes alive with buskers and a drum circle. I sat on the edge of the fountain and watched it all unfold. It felt like the heart of Asheville’s quirky soul.
15. Relax at a Salt Cave or Spa
After a few days of hiking and walking, I treated myself to a session at the Asheville Salt Cave. Think calming music, warm lighting, and a totally zen atmosphere. My body said thank you.
16. Catch Live Music at The Orange Peel
Asheville’s music scene is legendary, and The Orange Peel is where you catch it. I saw a bluegrass band here, and the energy was electric.
17. Visit the Moogseum
If you love music history or synthesizers, the Moogseum (yes, like Moog) is a fun stop. It’s small but interactive, and I left with a newfound appreciation for analog sound.
18. Enjoy Farm-to-Table Dining
Asheville’s food scene is big on local, seasonal ingredients. My top picks: Cúrate for Spanish tapas, Plant for vegan fine dining, and Rhubarb for Southern-inspired dishes.
19. Attend a Drum Circle
Held at Pritchard Park on Fridays, the Asheville Drum Circle is equal parts rhythmic and magical. Locals and visitors dance, drum, and hang out in a completely welcoming vibe.
20. Drive to Sliding Rock
About 40 minutes outside town, Sliding Rock is a natural water slide in Pisgah National Forest. I slid down once, screamed like a child, and then did it all over again. So worth it.
21. Explore Waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest
On my last day, I chased a few waterfalls—Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls were easy to reach and picture-perfect. If you have a car, don’t miss this part of the region.
Final Thoughts
Asheville completely won me over. It’s the kind of place where you can go from mountain trails to live music in the same day—and still have time for a farm-to-table dinner. Whether you’re planning a weekend or a whole week, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
If you’re heading that way, I hope this guide helps you make the most of it. Let me know what you discover—there’s always something new in Asheville.
FAQs
What is Asheville best known for?
Asheville is best known for its Blue Ridge Mountain scenery, vibrant arts scene, historic Biltmore Estate, and craft beer culture.
When is the best time to visit Asheville?
Spring and fall are the most popular seasons due to blooming flowers and fall foliage. But Asheville is a year-round destination with seasonal charm.
Do you need a car in Asheville?
If you want to explore areas outside downtown—like the Blue Ridge Parkway or Pisgah Forest—a car is helpful. But downtown itself is very walkable.
Is Asheville family-friendly?
Yes! There are parks, interactive museums, hikes for all ages, and family-friendly restaurants.
What food is Asheville known for?
Asheville is famous for its farm-to-table restaurants, Southern comfort food, and thriving vegan scene.