Asheville’s Top Summer Activities
May 9, 2018
A trip to Asheville in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina makes for a great summer getaway. Asheville has a mild summer climate—with warm days and cool nights—so it’s an ideal destination for escaping the heat, and there’s still plenty of sun and warm water activities.
We know vacation planning can be overwhelming, so we’ve put together the best summer activities in and around Asheville, NC, to help you out. All of the following activities are either completely free (like hiking) or have free tickets included when you book with Xplorie!
Go whitewater rafting
Rafting is a popular summer activity in the Asheville area, and we recommend the French Broad River for its warm waters. It’s also only a 25-minute drive from downtown Asheville! The half-day rafting adventures with French Broad Adventures cover Class I, II, and III rapids and are safe enough for anyone ages 8 and older.
Take a scenic drive
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic roads in the country and goes directly past Asheville. Take the Parkway either south (toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park) or north, and you’ll find scenic overlooks, waterfalls, numerous hiking spots, picnic areas, small villages, art centers, and more.
Zipline in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Soar through the treetops on a zip line and get a bird’s-eye view of the mountains and forests that surround Asheville. The zip line tours at French Broad Ziplines include ten individual zip lines which connect to cover over one mile of fun! The canopy walkway and treehouse are just added adventure, and you’ll learn about the plants and animals that live in the area.
Explore the Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate, built in 1895 for George Vanderbilt, is a must-visit on your Asheville summer vacation. The 135,220 square foot home is the largest in America. A trip to the estate is perfect in any weather, as you can take self-guided tours both inside the home and outside through the expansive gardens and grounds.
Go for a hike
From walking to a waterfall to standing on a summit, there are a variety of hikes and objectives in the Asheville area. There’s even an Asheville “urban” trail to explore the city! The area even links up with the Appalachian Trail (AT) for a number of scenic loops.
Dig into Asheville dining
While you’ll have a full kitchen in your vacation rental, it’s relaxing to have a couple meals out during your vacation. As you’ll find out when you arrive, Asheville is a hotspot for foodies, the restaurants serve everything from wood-fired pizza to fresh seafood. There are also lots of family-friendly dining options sure to make everyone happy!
To be prepared for the best summer activities in Asheville, we recommend packing the following items:
To be prepared for the best summer activities in Asheville, we recommend packing the following items:
Comfortable shoes to walk around downtown Asheville and visit historical sites.
Hiking shoes to explore the local trails and to go zip lining.
Clothing and shoes that can get wet for whitewater rafting.
Sunglasses for downtown dining and relaxing outside your vacation rental.
Backpack for hiking or day-long adventures in Asheville.
Camera to capture memories of your vacation!
If you have any questions about planning your Asheville vacation, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Xplorie team! And, don’t forget to share your vacation memories with us via Facebook or Instagram by tagging #xplorie, #xploriestory, and/or #xploriefun.
