17 amazing activities to experience in and around Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville radiates a joyful energy. It's hard to say why – perhaps it's the fresh mountain air, the street performers, the vibrant craft beer scene, the eclectic food offerings, or the many hikers arriving from the Appalachian Trail, all contributing to the city's charm.

With a friendly atmosphere, the city is framed by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. There's always something happening, so use our guide to help focus your itinerary on the best experiences Asheville has to offer.

1. Stroll through downtown Asheville

You'll likely fall in love with Asheville while meandering downtown on a Friday night. Street performers strum banjos on the corners, bustling patios fill with diners, and the quirky purple LaZoom bus rolls by, bringing a playful spirit. The rhythmic sounds of a drum circle add a primal touch to the ambiance. Daytime explorations are just as delightful, offering a chance to admire unique murals, browse independent shops, or delve into Asheville's history along the Urban Trail.

2. Indulge at French Broad Chocolate Lounge

Swing by the French Broad Chocolate Lounge for a decadent selection of chocolate bonbons, cakes, and ice creams. Their menu features delights like a flourless truffle torte, mocha stout cake, and a chocolate chip cookie wedge. This stylish lounge offers a lovely view of Pack Square in downtown.

3. Explore the Biltmore Estate

Finished in 1895 for shipping magnate George Washington Vanderbilt II, this sprawling estate, with its exquisite gardens and perfectly groomed grounds, stands as Asheville's top attraction. During summer, over 140,000 sunflowers bloom at the Biltmore Estate, reaching heights of 8 feet and typically flowering for one week in July and again for a week in early September.

Planning tip: Check the online bloom report to find out what's in bloom and plan your visit accordingly. Tickets begin at $80 per adult.

4. Join the rhythm at the Friday Night Drum Circle

What started as a small gathering of 10 drummers in 2001 has evolved into a beloved downtown tradition, attracting hundreds of onlookers and numerous drummers, along with belly dancers, hula-hoopers, families, and anyone seeking a lively community experience.

Planning tip: Taking place in Pritchard Park, the free event runs from 6pm to 10pm on Friday nights, typically from April through October. Bring your own drum and join in the fun!

5. Explore Asheville's craft breweries

With approximately 50 craft breweries in the surrounding metropolitan area, Asheville proudly carries the title of Beer City USA (second only to Portland, Maine, for the highest number of breweries per capita). The best part? The breweries here foster a collaborative atmosphere that invites exploration. If you're downtown, take a stroll to the compact South Slope District, a former industrial area now home to 10 craft breweries. Further out, popular spots like New Belgium and Sierra Nevada draw crowds to their taprooms. For a cozy yet varied selection, visit the bar at the long-standing favorite, Thirsty Monk. The Asheville Ale Trail is a great way to kick off your brewery adventure.

6. Hike, paddle, or mountain bike in the great outdoors

The Blue Ridge Mountains are a paradise for adventurers. Trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway lead to stunning waterfalls, vibrant wildflowers, and grassy balds that offer breathtaking views. Paddlers in search of whitewater flock to the French Broad River, while mountain bikers race down singletrack trails in Pisgah National Forest. Ziplines and canopy tours can be found throughout the mountain foothills.

Planning tip: If you're seeking more outdoor adventures, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, another hotspot for exploration, is located 55 miles west of Asheville.

7. Join a foraging tour

If you love berry picking but want to elevate your experience, consider joining a foraging tour with No Taste Like Home. These expert guides will meet you in a local natural area for a morning of gathering wild edibles, such as mushrooms and fruits. Sample your finds along the way with your guide, enjoy a cooking demonstration, and then take your gathered ingredients to a participating restaurant, where the chef will transform them into an appetizer.

8. Immerse yourself in local culture at the Folk Art Center

Featuring three galleries, a well-stocked gift shop, and daily craft demonstrations from March to October, the Folk Art Center along the Blue Ridge Parkway is the premier destination to experience Southern Appalachian arts and crafts. The Allanstand Craft Shop offers a selection of high-quality jewelry, textiles, pottery, and glassworks, all created by artisans from the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The galleries display both contemporary and traditional works, as well as pieces from the permanent collection.

9. Enjoy local barbecue at 12 Bones

Barbecue enthusiasts will find their paradise at 12 Bones. Located beside the French Broad River in the River Arts District, it's famous for its tender, slow-cooked smoky meats and delectable side dishes.

10. Enjoy a sunset cocktail at the Omni Grove Park Inn

Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show just beyond the terrace at the Omni Grove Park Inn, especially during sunset. With the clouds illuminated, forests and mountains in the distance, and stunning stone craftsmanship framing the view, it’s the perfect spot to reflect on your day over exquisite cocktails. The entire hotel, an Arts and Crafts-style lodge that opened in 1913, evokes a bygone era of elegance and adventure.

11. Explore the live music scene

Rooted in the Southern Appalachian tradition, old-time music and bluegrass set the musical tone across the city. Yet, a wave of innovative musicians keeps the traditional sounds vibrant, creating a thriving music scene. Most venues are intimate, making performances feel personal. The Orange Peel hosts big-name indie bands, while the Grey Eagle features emerging local, regional, and national acts across various genres. Many breweries also host live music events.

12. Engage with unique interactive museums

At the Asheville Pinball Museum, you don’t need any quarters—your paid admission grants you unlimited access to vintage pinball machines. With 40 pinball machines and 40 classic video games, the fun never ends. The interactive Moogseum highlights the legacy of Dr. Bob Moog, a longtime Asheville resident who created the first commercial synthesizer, revolutionizing how we reproduce instrument sounds. Both museums are conveniently located downtown.

13. Enjoy tapas at Cúrate

In a city known as Foodtopia, it's hard to pick just one restaurant. However, Cúrate serves as an excellent introduction to Asheville's culinary scene and will motivate you to explore what other chefs have to offer. Established in 2011 by Chef Katie Button and her Catalan husband Félix Meana, Cúrate played a key role in Asheville's rise as a nationally recognized dining destination. Food lovers from near and far eagerly seek reservations at this cozy yet vibrant restaurant, famous for its authentic Spanish tapas bursting with flavor.

14. Discover local plant life at the North Carolina Arboretum

Spanning 65 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, well-maintained hiking and biking trails, and innovative exhibits that merge nature with art, the North Carolina Arboretum offers a serene escape. The themed gardens showcase the rich diversity of plant life found in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, often reflecting the region's cultural heritage in their designs.

15. Discover the River Arts District

Once-aging warehouses along the French Broad River have been transformed into a vibrant collection of galleries and working studios. Indie restaurants, trendy coffee shops, and the lively Wedge Brewing Co keep this neighborhood buzzing day and night. More than 180 artists showcase and sell their creations—jewelry, paintings, ceramics, glassware, metal textiles, and woodwork—in this expanding area, which stretches a mile along the river, just southwest of downtown.

Planning tip: Join the gallery walk featuring workshops, demonstrations, live music, and wine tastings on the second Saturday of each month.

16. Support local... and regional artisans

Asheville boasts several shopping districts, all sharing a common trait: a wealth of independent businesses and locally crafted products. Downtown is filled with unique shops, from galleries and bookstores to chocolate boutiques and outdoor gear stores. The River Arts District features art in various forms across 23 galleries. Don’t miss the craft galleries in the nearby town of Black Mountain.

17. Experience a LaZoom City Comedy Tour

Hop on the purple bus for a lively comedy tour around the city. Discover Asheville's history and its coolest hidden gems as you explore the historic downtown, the South Slope District, and the River Arts District.

Planning tip: There are also kids' tours, a ghost tour, and a beer tour available, plus small dogs are welcome on board.