Location: Asheville
Top Things to do in Asheville
10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Asheville That You Shouldn't Miss
If you’re into eating locally and supporting sustainable agriculture, go to Asheville—and eat, eat, eat. This town of less than 100,000 people has 17 farmers’ markets, and the local restaurant scene is all about taking advantage of the seasonal produce sold there. And don’t miss the area’s microbreweries.
Restaurants in Asheville
1. Asheville Community Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 228 reviews
Since 1946, Asheville Community Theatre has been dedicated to producing high quality theatre starring local performers. We'd love for you to join us when you're next in town - or we'd for you to love to make a special trip to see one of our shows!
Reviewed By richandlindas - Spartanburg, United States
We saw "The Fantasticks". Seated near back of auditorium, but the seats were great...the place is not large. The atmosphere was good, the volunteers efficient and friendly. And the show---performers were great! Cost was reasonable. Big issue with parking. We went an hour and a half before the performance and rode around for 15 minutes before finding a space. This situation is the norm for Asheville, however.
2. Diana Wortham Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 142 reviews
In the heart of downtown Asheville, the Diana Wortham Theatre is an intimate 500-seat theater with exceptional acoustics and sightlines and one of the most active performance spaces in all of western North Carolina. The Diana Wortham Theatre offers live performances of music, theatre, dance, comedy, and circus arts by nationally touring artists, as well as a wide array of performances by professional and avocational regional arts groups. The main entrance is marked by the theatre's marquee on Biltmore Ave. between Marble Slab Creamery and White Duck Taco. Patrons enter the theatre through the breezeway and into a large interior courtyard with multiple glass doors into the theatre's lower lobby and box office.
Reviewed By KenCookie - Asheville, United States
This 500-seat theater has been completely refurbished and also now has two much smaller auxiliary performance areas. Shows at The Wortham run the gamut—from stand-up comedians to highbrow performances. Whatever you choose to see, know you’ll be able to sit comfortably, have a good view of the stage, and hear everything without interruption. The staff is excellent. There is plenty of comfortable seating in the lobby for pre-show or intermission seating; even the restrooms are modern and spotless. This gem is widely supported by the Asheville community; in turn, it gives much back to the community. For instance, school children are invited to numerous matinee performances at a very low cost.
3. Noble Cider
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Given the current situation with the spread of COVID 19 and with the recommendations from our local health department, Noble Cider has decided to open The Cidery Taproom only three days a week for the time being. Thursday-Friday 3:00pm - 8pm, Sat 2pm - 8pm. Masks and social distancing are required. Only limited seating available. Our online store is still open at www.noblecider.com and gift cards are available for purchase for both locations in the meantime. Please stay safe and well out there. Check in with your friends, neighbors, and others in your community that may need assistance. We look forward to fully serving our community again once everything blows over!
Reviewed By Amburrlee - Central Florida, United States
I used to live right up the road and would visit Noble often. They have great activities, such as board games and dart boards to play while enjoying some cider. For the time bring, the inside is closed, but it was great to go back for a visit and place a Togo order. Their prices are great! We got a 64 ounce growler for $12! Can’t beat that. Every single thing I’ve tried has always exceeded my expectations and taste buds! I would highly recommend giving this place a visit if you’re in the Asheville area. The Golden Arrow flagship, my favorite, is light and refreshing and has a hint of ginger. The Spice Merchant has a hint of chai and is my other fave!
4. Axeville Axe Throwing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Move over bowling... move over darts. There's a new game in town! Axeville is an indoor space designed where people can indulge in the sport of axe throwing all while enjoying some of the amazing local craft beer, wine and cider selections that Beer City has to offer. Perfect for birthday parties, bachelor / bachelorette parties, corporate team building, company outings and so much more!
Reviewed By 673caraw - Apex, United States
I had my first experience with axe throwing last week at the Axeville Axe Throwing Club. I did this with a group of friends and we had a blast. This venue is excellent, especially for first time axe throwers. The online reservation process was simple and straightforward. The staff was committed to teaching us how to throw and gave us pointers throughout our time at the club. So if you are in Asheville and want to experience something new and different you need to try out the Axeville Axe Throwing Club! Cara Winstead
5. Thomas Wolfe Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 511 reviews
Thomas Wolfe's childhood home, immortalized in his 1929 novel, "Look Homeward Angel," is preserved intact as a lasting monument to one of the 20th century's most prominent writers. The house, originally operated as a boardinghouse by his mother, retains most of its original furnishings and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. Tours of the 29 room house are offered hourly. The adjacent visitor center and museum highlight Wolfe's life and major literary accomplishments.
Reviewed By carolynn762 - Avon, United States
This is the boarding house that was the childhood home of Thomas Wolfe and his family. It is maintained as part of a memorial to the local author and is next to a modern structure erected by the city to showcase his life.
6. Asheville Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 807 reviews
Want to know one of the best ways to save money and find a room in the Asheville area in the fall? Make your first stop the Asheville Visitor Center in downtown Asheville at 36 Montford Avenue. Pick up brochures and coupons from area attractions and accommodations. For help with finding your way around Asheville, chat with one of the many volunteers who can help customize your visit and provide insider information.
Reviewed By travel7continents - Norfolk, United States
We came to Asheville with reservations to tour the Vanderbilt house. Having spent a day at Biltmore, we went to the Visitor Center the next day. A bus was in the lot and the staff inside the Center asked if we were here for the bus tour leaving in 5 minutes. Yes, good idea. The center is large, well laid out and welcoming with clean restrooms which was all we had time to see. Our tour bus driver-guide was outstanding. He had an answer for any question. We learned so much about the area history and the people there. The tour was worth every cent we paid.
7. Grovewood Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 565 reviews
Grovewood Village is a hidden gem rich with art and history. Located adjacent to the Omni Grove Park Inn, this site once housed the weaving and woodworking operations of Biltmore Industries, a force in American craft and textiles that was originally backed by Edith Vanderbilt. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 11-acre property is now home to Grovewood Gallery, working artist studios, the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum, and the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum. PLEASE NOTE: Our 2 museums are closed during the winter months of January - March. Grovewood Gallery is open year-round. Grovewood Village has no admission fees, and free parking is available on-site.
Reviewed By MargieP562 - Goldsboro, United States
There is so much to see here and truly great shopping. There’s a speciality hand crafted master furniture store with top quality work on the second floor. The first floor sells beautiful work created for jewelry, kitchen ware, clocks, unique gifts and so much more. The free antique car museum is a real treat. All beautiful cars with a lot of history explained. There’s also an old boot legging still in there and an Asheville fire truck beautifully maintained. Outside the shops are lawn ornaments and wind ornaments all for sale. Excellent work on every piece for sale.
8. Blue Spiral 1
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Founded in 1990, Blue Spiral 1 presents work by exceptional artists in an awe-inspiring space. The light-filled 15,000 square-foot gallery spans three floors connected by an open stairway. Blue Spiral 1 presents over twenty annual exhibitions of sculpture, paintings, studio craft, and photography. They are either discipline based or developed around themes. The gallery's upper level features a diverse collection of works by nearly 100 regularly represented artists. The gallery also has had the privilege of representing the estate of Will Henry Stevens (1881-1949) for thirty years. A pioneer in modernism in the American South, Stevens, "should be on everyone's list of the top 10-15 underrated artists in America in the first part of the 20th Century." -David Houston, Director of Curatorial, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (previous)
Reviewed By BouvierSterling
We searched this out after reading some of the TripAdvisor reviews, and were not disappointed. This is a large gallery, showcasing an excellent variety of art mediums and styles, much of it craft-based. Spend 2 hours here, even if you don't have a chance to purchase now. You will be inspired. If one is serious about possible purchase(s) without a specific medium or artist in mind, 3-4 hrs will be needed.
9. The Folk Art Center (Southern Highland Craft Guild)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,360 reviews
Traditional and contemporary Southern Appalachian crafts, including century-old pieces, are displayed in this Folk Art Center, which also houses the first craft shop of the U.S.
Reviewed By ruthf289 - Laurinburg, United States
There are many interesting hand crafted items on display upstairs at the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Arts Center. Many items are also on sale on the lower level. You find things that you will not see in the usual shops.
10. Woolworth Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 801 reviews
Reviewed By judyh786 - Richmond, United States
Located conveniently to show, restaurants, and hotels, this place is a very inventive use of an old Woolworth store. There is a sandwich counter and two floors of artists’ booths-a wide variety of media and styles are represented, A great spot for a local leisurely browse and to purchase a reminder of your visit.
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