Explore the Best of Asheville
March 23, 2021
Asheville is a thriving and vibrant mountain community tucked in the peaks of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville is the gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains and is surrounded by more than a million acres of protected forests and parks and the highest peaks in the eastern US. An easy drive-to-destination for a city getaway, socially distant activities, and fresh air adventures in the mountains!
Join us as we explore the best of Asheville, rich with natural wonders, impressive architecture, iconic landmarks, and hidden treasures. Explore the bustling walkable streets, discover Asheville’s lively art scene, or head into the Blue Ridge Mountains for quiet seclusion.
Escape to the Great Outdoors
It’s easy to get outdoors in Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Ride the cool waters of Sliding Rock, chase waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest, take a sunrise stand-up paddle on the French Broad River, or hike the trails of Chimney Rock State Park with panoramic views over Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. French Broad Adventures offer awesome outdoor activities in Asheville from zipline tours, canyoneering, and climbing to calm water float trips or wild white water rafting on the French Broad River.
Soar Above the Treetops
The family-friendly Adventure Center of Asheville is only minutes from downtown Asheville and promises a thrilling adventure for all ages. Soar hundreds of feet above the majestic red and white oaks with panoramic views of downtown Asheville, challenge yourself on an aerial trail at the Asheville Treetops Adventure Park or ride the tracks and play in the skills park at the Kolo Bike Park. If you’ve got little kids in tow, the Littleville Kids Bike Track is full of fun features, or let them experience Asheville’s greatest kid’s adventure, the KidZip, America’s first zipline adventure for kids under 10.
Take a Scenic Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park, Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is fondly known as “America’s Favorite Scenic Drive”. Open year-round, the Blue Ridge Parkway boasts the highest peaks east of the Mississippi, spectacular hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, paved overlooks, and picnic spots with dramatic 360-degree views. Travel north to Craggy Gardens and Mount Mitchell or head south to the Folk Art Center, Blue Ridge Parkway Visitors Center, and onto Asheville’s most iconic peak Mount Pisgah.
Ride the Wolf
Ride the wolf during your winter vacation in Asheville! Nestled in the mountains, only 30 minutes north of Asheville, lies Wolf Ridge Ski Resort, a family-friendly winter destination for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The closest ski resort to Asheville, the Wolf sits at an elevation of 4,700 ft with 4 lifts, 15 runs, and a tube run for hours of family fun on the slopes.
Explore America’s Largest Home
Asheville is home to America’s largest home, Biltmore Estate. The French Renaissance Castle is the most luxurious private residence in America and an iconic Asheville landmark dating back to 1895. Take a self-guided tour of the interiors with original furnishings, art, and artifacts. Stroll through the sprawling grounds with formal gardens, unique outdoor sculptures, and beautiful trails through farmlands and forests. There are shopping and dining in the historic cottages of Biltmore Village or tour the Biltmore Winery and the Biltmore Legacy exhibit in Antler Hill Village.
Arts & Culture
Asheville has been dubbed a “Paris of the South” thanks to the buzzy cultural arts scene, funky café culture, and art deco buildings that line the streets. Soak up the bohemian spirit of Asheville in the River Arts District on the banks of the French Broad River, home to over 200 artists and craftsmen. Discover Asheville’s African-American heritage and history on an interactive and intimate Hood Hugger Tour of The Block, Asheville’s historical Black business district, or learn about the fascinating past of Asheville on the Asheville Urban Trail.
Dining Out in Asheville
Get a taste of Asheville’s vibrant restaurant scene on your Blue Ridge Mountain vacation! Asheville has an abundance of outdoor dining with sidewalk restaurants, rooftop bars, and a hip café culture. Taco and sandwich bars, traditional African American cuisine, pop-up restaurants, and fine dining, you’ll find it all in Asheville. From Restaurant Row at the historic Grove Arcade to the Master Collection at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge, you’re in for a tasty treat in Asheville. Four-time winner of Beer City USA, Asheville is also a craft beer mecca with endless breweries around town with great dining options (even beer-themed donuts)!
Pet Friendly
If you’ve booked a pet-friendly Asheville cabin for your stay in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the good news is Asheville is super pet-friendly! Discover miles of mountain trails, dog-friendly hikes, natural watering holes, and pet-friendly Asheville attractions. Hike the grounds of Biltmore Estate, the manicured gardens of North Carolina Arboretum, or take a riverside walk in French Broad River Park. Grab lunch at the Wagbar or one of the pet-friendly breweries, go shopping at Funky Mutts, pick up treats from the Woof Gang Bakery and give your pooch at spa treatment at the Soapy Dog. a a DIY dog wash in the RAD. You can bring the whole family to Asheville.
Live Music
Asheville is “One of America’s 12 Greatest Music Cities” with a vibrant music scene ranging from hip street performers, live music, and dance parties to classical opera and symphonies. Immerse yourself in Asheville’s live music scene at an outdoor amphitheater, riverfront music venue, or Asheville’s Friday night drum circle at downtown’s Pritchard Park. Top Asheville music venues to check out are the Orange Peel, named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the “Top 5 Rock Clubs in the US”, Rabbit Rabbit, Asheville’s newest music venue with socially distant igloo pods, and Citizen Vinyl Café with a café, bar, recording studio and record store.
Asheville Cabin & Vacation Rentals
Asheville cabins and vacation rentals are the safest options for your Blue Ridge Mountain vacation. Whether you’re booking a historic loft apartment in the city, a family home in a quiet neighborhood close or a luxurious log cabin in the seclusion of the mountains, both Carolina Mornings and Coldwell Banker King have a wide selection of cabins and homes with outstanding amenities and perfectly located for a safe, hassle-free and memorable stay in Asheville, NC.
