Location: Asheville
Top Things to do in Asheville
10 Things to Do 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. Biltmore Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
George Vanderbilt's historic country estate in Asheville, NC; Biltmore includes Biltmore House--America's largest home--plus gardens, winery, Antler Hill Village, historic farm, 4-star Inn on Biltmore Estate, shops, restaurants, branded products, and outdoor adventures. This National Historic Landmark is an amazing destination offering a wide range of activities for all ages.
Reviewed By SCAngler
The home is truly a masterpiece of architecture. The grounds are beautiful, especially when flowers and trees are in bloom. My wife and I just visited on 4/11/18 and blooming flowers(tulips, etc) and trees(redbuds, etc.) were on full display. There are several trails on the...MoreWe are happy to hear you enjoyed your visit to Biltmore! We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you to the estate again in the future.
2. Biltmore Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Anne M - Hendersonville, North Carolina
My husband and I visited Biltmore Estate specifically to see their annual Spring tulip display and we were not disappointed!!! In the first week of March, all the tulips were in various stages of showing their beautiful buds and colors. We parked near the tulip garden so before leaving we checked out the gift shop there...the Gardener's Cottage. They have wonderful gift items as well as all sorts of garden items for your home.
3. Asheville Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 585 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 Susan F - West Orange, New Jersey
Convenient and free parking! We are good walkers and stopped by to pick up the 1.7 mile urban trail map. The woman at the welcome center suggested we park there (free!) so we did. Good advice.
They have PLENTY of brochures, maps, a gift shop, bathroom. Definitely worth a visit to help plan your stay.
Not the very best of places to get restaurant & nightlife advice. The women on staff when we visited were "of a certain age" and perhaps not so personally knowledgeable about music, bars, and restaurants.
4. Asheville Community Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 191 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 tostle - Salt Lake City, Utah
Just finished watching a fabulous performance at 35 Below! Well done! The cast was very talented and lovely! It was great to see Margaret Crowell performing again! Thank you for a charming afternoon with many chuckles!So glad you enjoyed the show! Hope you'll be able to come to another performance soon!
5. Grovewood Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 431 reviews
Experience Asheville's historic arts and crafts destination. Located adjacent to The Omni Grove Park Inn, this site once housed the weaving and woodworking operations of Biltmore Industries, an Arts and Crafts enterprise founded by Edith Vanderbilt and two inspired teachers, Eleanor Vance and Charlotte Yale. Today, the 11-acre property - listed on the National Register of Historic Places - is home to Grovewood Gallery, working artist studios, Golden Fleece restaurant, the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum, and Asheville's only antique car museum. PLEASE NOTE: Our 2 museums are closed during the winter months of January - March. Grovewood Gallery and Golden Fleece restaurant are open year-round. Grovewood Village has no admission fees, and free parking is available on-site.
Reviewed By SchnauzerBridget - Titusville, Florida
We went here specifically for the antique auto museum; my husband is a car aficionado. We were there during the holiday week so long line to get into the Grove Park Inn complex. Once you're in it's easy to park and enjoy the Grovewood Village. We enjoyed a glass of wine at the restaurant and a few of the outdoor sculptures. The star is the museum! The docent greeted us and gave us a brief history and even photographed our pack of 3 schnauzers! Then we were on our own to enjoy the VERY impressive display.
6. Lexington Glassworks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 772 reviews
Lexington Glassworks, located in the heart of downtown Asheville, NC, was born out of the desire to create timeless and innovative hand-blown glass. Each piece is skillfully crafted using century old techniques and locally sourced material with the singular goal of creating top-notch work. The gallery features high quality custom lighting and handmade glass for any budget. Lexington Glassworks is a makers studio where the public is invited to view the artists at work. While here take the unique opportunity to enjoy a locally crafted beer, this is truly an Asheville experience. Note: We do not blow glass on Tuesdays.
Reviewed By Irisheyes_777 - Nashville, Tennessee
This glass blowing studio is a cool place to check out while in Asheville! It was awesome to watch the glass blowers work and create. There are so many beautiful pieces on display that are for sale and the employee working at the studio / main desk was very informative and friendly. They do not have a parking lot to park in, but there is affordable public parking near by. Definitely worth the stop!
7. Asheville Pinball Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 647 reviews
Reviewed By Krista O - Greer, South Carolina
We had a great day at the Pinball Museum. We loved that they had all types of games from old to new and that there was a room in the back with classic video games! Being able to drink a beer while there and come and go throughout the day was also a huge plus! The staff was also really friendly!
8. Basilica of Saint Lawrence
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 962 reviews
Reviewed By dwtraveldude - Bluffton, South Carolina
This place is quite beautiful and worth a visit. The architecture and stained glass windows are amazing.
9. The North Carolina Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Nestled in the Southern Appalachian Mountains just south of Asheville, The North Carolina Arboretum offers acres of cultivated gardens and groomed trails featuring some of the most beautiful, botanically-diverse plants in the region.
Reviewed By Sousabby - Cary, North Carolina
I read the reviews about people visiting this place and thought it could be something. It is still winter, the leaves are bare, there is no greenery in the mountains or flowers in the garden. There are no bonsai exhibits. The art center is a waste of building and space, instead they could just let the forest grow in its place. The train setting was not working. It may be a good place t visit in spring, summer, fall but do not visit this place in March. Oh and there is $14 parking fee.
10. Blue ridge Parkway Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
Reviewed By D2958ZXgarym - King, United States
The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Visitor Center occupies a spacious new building at Milepost 348 on the Blue Ridge Parkway [BRP] and serves as a hub for a broad assortment of cultural attractions in Western North Carolina. Along with information about attractions, food, and lodging, the Visitor Center/Destination Center features small exhibits relating to the history and heritage of the Parkway and the region. The 22-foot I-Wall is an interactive map of the entire BRP providing information about places to visit on or near the Parkway. A 24-minute movie entitled “The Blue Ridge Parkway – America’s Favorite Journey” is shown in the 70-seat theater. A 1.2-mile loop trail starts at the Visitor Center parking lot and connects with the slightly longer Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The Center is open 9-5 daily. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
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