Top Activities To Do in Asheville

Visiting the Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate is not just a fabulous winery; It is a whole experience, a gorgeous old estate with gardens, activities, secret passageways, and rich history. Biking, wine tastings, an entire library, and history are packed inside the estate. There are often classes and a rotating scene of various things to do, making their season pass a must-have for anyone planning on visiting frequently.

It is gorgeous to visit during the holiday season when the whole estate is decked out in the prettiest décor. Holidays at Biltmore are a treat, as every little thing is breathtaking. If the plan is only to go once, definitely go during the holidays.

They have trails and gardens that are to die for.  However, it does cost more than other options to visit, and some planning needs to go behind this one.

Hiking Trails and Camping are Plentiful

One of the best parts about the Asheville area is the fantastic hiking and camping locations. It’s home to the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell, and has tons of gorgeous waterfalls to find. For movie lovers, DuPont has seen a few blockbusters filmed in it.

Such camping and hiking trails include:

• Mount Mitchell
• Big Butt and Little Butt
• Pisgah National Forest
• DuPont National Forest
• Lane Pinnacle Trail
• Linville Gorge
• Grandfather Trail
• Graveyard fields
• Art Loeb Trail

There are hiking and camping options for all sorts of skill levels and lengths, including some that are perfect for family outings. Places such as Linville Gorge have some areas that are easily accessible while also being home to a massive wilderness area for more rigorous camping and hiking. In contrast, the Grandfather Trail requires a permit and a timely return to vehicles, or else you will need to have a search party sent after the hikers.

If nothing else, the Blue Ridge Parkway that most of these are off of is a stellar drive just to go down and watch go past the car window, especially in the spring and fall. Much of these are closed during the winter months, but there are still some things to do nearby for winter camping and hikes.

Even if it’s challenging to get out and about, Asheville has so many different trails and camping options that everyone can experience and enjoy the outdoors. There are cabins, wilderness areas, and even short trails for a day hike. There are places where car camping or RV parking is allowed, too, so get out there and see the world.

Hot Air Balloon Rides Give a New Perspective

As long as someone isn’t afraid of heights, there’s nothing like getting up into the skies and slowly moving along in a unique view. Hot air balloon rides are ideal for going around for an hour or so depending on the company and just enjoying the crisp air away from everything and everyone. 

Asheville is home to a few companies that offer hot air balloon rides, making it easy to locate the perfect one for the budget. They also know that this is ideal for proposals and couples, so there is no need to be shy about setting up that perfect date.

They tend to be a bit pricy, especially if the plan is for a private flight. For example, one of the highest-rated companies, Asheville Hot Air Balloons, offers one-hour sunrise flights and costs $400 per person. If it’s been on the bucket list, though, there’s nothing like it as it gives some fantastic views of Cold Mountain, Mt. Pisgah, and Mt. Mitchell in an unforgettable way.

Tour the Haunted Downtown with the Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour

Even the skeptics can agree that the Asheville Ghost Tour is something special. It’s a highly educational tour with many historic buildings, sites, and history. Plus, there are all sorts of equipment that they let everyone use.

The tour isn’t even expensive, making it a worthwhile experience even if ghosts aren’t someone’s thing. The history and the fantastic architecture can be enough for the history buffs out there, and the unique look at the ghost hunting world is sure to excite those interested in the paranormal.

Not to mention, so few tours take place at night and this one not only does that, but it also has people walking around instead of zipping past too quickly in a vehicle. It’s a unique way to spend the later hours for the night owls in the family instead of just holing up in the hotel.

Zip Lining is an Option

Another option out there for the adventurous and fearless is zip-lining experiences. Due to their fantastic location, Asheville is home to some perfect places to set up a zip line, and it’s an experience worth going to do as long as nobody involved is too afraid of heights.

It’s one of the best views, no matter which one is taken, and they’re incredibly safe despite being suspended from a harness on a cord. There’s nothing like it, so it’s worth trying at least once. There are also many different ones to choose from, ranging from really short to pretty long.

Stroll Through the River Arts District

The River Arts District is a section of the city home to many local artisans, their galleries and studios, and even some live exhibits. The best part is along the French Broad riverbank, making it an exceptionally scenic walk while looking for unique pieces.

Not only that, but it also happens to be home to some of the most popular restaurants and breweries, making it an all-around good time. It’s a unique place to find gifts and pieces that will not be anywhere else. One-of-a-kind décor, handmade gifts, and experiences to last a lifetime all find themselves home here. 

A whole day could be spent in this district without noticing it, as there’s so much to see and do here alone. Some cost some money, and others don’t. No matter the budget or taste, it’s worth it to visit.

Find a Live Concert

Asheville, North Carolina, is dubbed one of the top music cities in the country. There are so many stages, performances, budding artists, and experiences that finding a live concert is accessible regardless of musical taste.

Many appear in the River Arts District or as live shows in various locations. Some of the parks are home to great stages or street performers, which is a treat in and of itself.

Such places to find some live music include:

• River Arts District
• Parks
• Restaurants
• Clubs
• Bars
• Various stages and pavilions

Music is not something that will be missed while visiting the city. Chances are, a live performance is going to be stumbled on at least once anyway, which makes for a lovely experience, especially if people aren’t from music-rich areas themselves.

Their Alcohol Scene is Top-Notch

Asheville has some of the highest quality wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the southeast United States. If anyone is interested in drinking, this is the place to look for something special right from the source. There’s also a ton of tours in true Asheville fashion for them.

Be sure to check out some of these locations:

• Biltmore Estate
• Oak & Grist Distilling Company
• Sawyer Springs
• St. Paul Mountain Vineyards
• Stone Ashe Vineyard
• Asheville Brewing
• Zillicoah
• Wedge at Foundation
• South Slope
• One World Brewing
• Eurisko
• Twin Leaf
• Ginger’s Revenge
• Bhramari
• Funkatorium

There are so many different pubs, breweries, wineries, distilleries, bars, clubs, and everything else under the sun in the city that there is something for anyone with a taste for it. Not to mention, there are plenty of tastings that run the gamut for a price, making it one excellent stop for enthusiasts.

The Botanical Gardens are Free

Just because Asheville is home to some fantastic tours and experiences doesn’t mean they all have to cost a fortune. For example, the Botanical Gardens are entirely free to stroll through for anyone who adores plants. See some exotic and endangered plants, enjoy lovely quiet scenery, and perhaps learn a thing or two.

The gardens come highly recommended by frequent visitors and locals alike, so it’s something to look at while visiting. The thing is that it’s relatively lesser-known by outsiders as it takes a backseat to the camping and hiking in the area. However, there are ten whole acres of streams, trails, bridges, picnicking, and endangered wildflowers that there’s nothing quite like.

Since it’s a bit lesser-known, it’s one of those places to go to wind down from some busier experiences throughout the city. Pack a nice lunch and find a place to sit down to enjoy the outdoors without needing to rough it to get there.

The WNC Nature Center is a Must for Animal Enthusiasts

The WNC Nature Center has a small entry fee, but it is one fantastic place for animal lovers to visit. The locals highly recommend it with its array of wildlife within their care.

Such wildlife includes:

• Black Bears
• Red Pandas
• Red Wolves
• Various birds of prey
• Snakes
• Turtles
• Various other reptiles

It’s an excellent place to see and learn about these animals without needing to wander into most of them on the trails or risking endangering them. It is a beautiful center where the animals are cared for. It’s not just a fancy zoo; it is a place to let the animals thrive.