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Grovewood Village is one of the hidden gems of Asheville with rich history and art. The picturesque campus is located behind the Omni Grove Park Inn, which was once used for weaving woodworking operations of Biltmore Industries. The second floor impresses with American-made studio furniture and an exclusive lighting collection.

It all began in with the opening of the Highland Brewing Company. Shortly, Asheville was recognized as the first Beer City in the United States in and continued winning the title over the years.

Today there are dozens of popular breweries in Asheville welcoming guests with craft beer and snacks. The following top 3 Asheville craft beers listed are worth being part of your must-visit list.

In short, Burial Beer Co. That is why the delicate notes of beer differ. It is worth trying Tether, a farmhouse ale. The company, founded in , follows the traditions of brewing crafted Belgian beer mixed with American notes. The best thing about the brewing company is a cozy venue at Broadway with brick walls and hardwood floors to relax after a downtown walk and enjoy craft beer. The Asheville Museum of Science is a small learning center with interactive exhibits and educational programs for kids and adults.

Located in Downtown Asheville, the Colburn Hall of Minerals in the museum displays rare minerals found on the territory of North Caroline such as quartz, kyanite, beryl, bending rock, and other unique exhibits from around the world.

You will also see the Teratophoneus dinosaur skeleton, watch geographic processes like plate tectonics, volcanoes, and earthquakes, dig for fossils, and so much more exciting things to do and to try in the museum. Kindly note: no food or beverage is allowed on the territory of the museum except for lidded bottles of water. If you love art and architecture, you will simply fall in love with the town.

The 1. Scott Fitzgerald, and other historical figures used to stroll. The trail can be walked in an hour, but you will probably end up spending a whole day enjoying historical corners, little restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops.

If you are looking for a beautiful secluded spot for leisure, Botanical Gardens at Asheville can become your perfect escape from the city fuss. You will find collections of about species of plants native to the Southern Appalachian Mountains with about species of wildflowers, trees, vines, sedges, aquatic plants, mosses, lichens, and more.

A walking trail makes a half-mile loop crossing bridges, streams, and woodland ridge. The garden is beautiful in summer and fall, with different seasonal plants growing.

The Pisgah pronounced PIZ-guh National Forest is a gem of Asheville with high peaks, forest-covered slopes, and waterfalls occupying over The nearest access point to Pisgah is ten minutes from downtown Asheville. The territory is a popular destination for hiking and camping, with miles of diverse trails crossing the Pisgah National Forest.

Besides hiking, rock climbing, biking, and picnicking dare to slide down the foot Sliding Rock to a natural swimming pool, watch the Looking Glass Rock on feet, and enjoy the beauty of untouched nature in Cold Mountain.

This is one of my favorite day trips from Asheville , hands down! Asheville is not only a historical and cultural experience about downtown or hiking in the national park. It is an extreme rush down the French Broad River on kayaks to experience Asheville waterways. Before kayaking on the river, guests are instructed and trained with the basics of Watersport to make you feel confident when boating. Be a kid again and splash around in a cool mountain swimming hole. Ride down Sliding Rock, swim under a waterfall, sun on a mountain beach or pristine lake, or spend a lazy day tubing down a river.

Dine outdoors in nature! Plan a picnic at some amazing locations where you can enjoy sweet views. Some working artists have set up shop in the River Arts District. Drive a little, walk a little to visit studios and galleries. Find an amazing variety of art and see how the artists create it.

It’s just a few miles from downtown Asheville and Biltmore Estate. Unwind at one of our favorite downtown Asheville wine bars and great places for cocktails. Travel back in time with historic cabins, crafters, old logging equipment, guided tours, movies, food and shopping. Home of the first forestry school opened in in America.

In Pisgah National Forest. Open mid-April through October. Explore a big variety of very interesting museums and historic places in Asheville and the surrounding mountain small towns, filled with the fascinating history and culture of the Appalachian Mountains. Many are free to visit. There are lots of options if you want to plan a few fun day trips while you are in Western North Carolina.

Explore our favorite cool small towns in the NC mountains near Asheville, each with its own personality, local shops and restaurants, friendly residents, and relaxed atmosphere. There are thousands of miles of hiking trails near Asheville, many of which are in pristine national forests or parks.

We picked our favorites and created extensive guides for each with photos and details. Find hikes for all skill levels in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains.

Drive to the top of the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This state park has an observation tower, plenty of hiking and a restaurant. Be prepared for much cooler temperatures at the top. Open year-round except snowy days in the winter. Group or private lessons are designed for beginners and experienced. Take home a souvenir of art that your create! Check out our very diverse and passionate food and drink scene.

Be a little adventurous and try something new. Or, enjoy time-honored classics. From crafted cocktails to local brews, there’s plenty to drink. Forage for food, visit a farm or tour a vineyard. Meander tree-lined streets, explore 40 unique shops and relax at 10 cafes and restaurants. Most businesses are housed in historic cottages and buildings. Don’t miss the fabulous New Morning Gallery.

Take a guided tour for sightseeing, art, wildlife, history, food, beer, waterfalls, wellness and more in Asheville and western North Carolina. See our list of favorites. So many things to do – art, train excursions, heritage sites and more! Many are located downtown, so you can create your own walking tour. See our top spots for local brews. Visit a gallery to be amazed at a big variety of local art and craft, including glass, paintings, pottery and every other medium you can imagine.

Asheville and the North Carolina mountains are home to hundreds of world-class artists. Here are our favorite galleries to see their creations. Relax and rejuvenate as you get pampered at a spa.

From natural hot springs to world-class destination spas, there are plenty of choices. We have been a destination for wellness for centuries. Also, find a mecca for holistic and alternative wellness. In recent years, Asheville has become a well-known destination for travelers seeking holistic and alternative wellness. Explore the most visited national park in the country! Four entrances to the Park are within 60 miles of downtown Asheville.

This quaint mountain village at 3, feet elevation has great restaurants, breweries, shops, Wildcat Lake beach, and many events including the Woolly Worm Festival in October. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. Find much to do! Ride the train on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad before you explore their downtown shops and galleries, or paddleboard down the river.

Nearby Deep Creek in the Smokies features camping, hiking, trout fishing, and the ever-popular tubing. Raft the Nantahala River. And that’s just the beginning! From casual to sophisticated, there are many restaurants for all tastes, with flavors from around the world. Climb the highest peak east of the Mississippi River at Mount Mitchell with an elevation clocking in at feet.

You can see all of your favorite mountains from afar. Tired of generic Asheville travel itineraries? Experience Asheville like a local with our free Asheville Favorites checklist, including restaurants, breweries, and hiking. Plus, get local updates — including events and hidden gems — straight to your inbox. Sign up here. If you love mountain biking , the Blue Ridge Mountains are your home away from home. We are not expert mountain bikers, by any means, but we do love hitting the trails.

Living in Asheville, we have transformed into professional picnickers. You can either pack a picnic for your hike or enjoy something lighter by a lake. For easy picnics, head to a winery like Stone Ashe Vineyards. Grab our full list of the best Asheville picnic spots.

With acres of streams, nature trails, bridges, and spots perfect for picnicking, this lesser-known gem is also a refuge for endangered wildflowers. Pack a blanket and bring a book! This holiday lights display is truly one of the best winter things to do in Asheville. From November to January 1st, the Arboretum lights up its gardens with innovative creations, wildlife exhibits, and lights that dance to music. Of course, you can see Bonsais, butterflies, and their famous Quilt Garden.

You must pay a small parking fee to enter the grounds. Does Winter Lights sound magical? Read more about all of the best spots to catch Christmas lights in Asheville. Are you looking for things to do in Asheville where you can meet the furry Western North Carolina locals in a safe environment instead of on the trails or our front steps…? The center also houses snakes, turtles, hawks, goats, frogs, and donkeys. Find plenty of exploration stations and themed playground areas for the littles — spider-web jungle gym included.

Wide and paved walking paths are extra stroller-friendly. After hours, stroll the grounds with a beer or cider in hand. Enjoy local eats too. Like The North Carolina Arboretum, there is a small entrance fee. Or, become a member.

One of our top weekly things to do in Asheville, we love walking the 2-mile Perimeter Trail around Beaver Lake and dip into the Bird Sanctuary. Beaver Lake is perfect for a stroll after a North Asheville lunch or dinner. Bring a book and some binoculars.

The Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary houses a. Birdwatchers can spy hawks, osprey, herons, vultures, kites, sparrows, woodpeckers, ducks, wrens, swallows, warblers, and bluebirds. Although Beaver Lake is privately owned, the area is open to the public and free. Please consider leaving a donation in the parking lot box, though. One of our top recommended things to do in Asheville is enjoying the three or four waterfalls at DuPont.

Triple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are famous. We suggest parking in the Hooker Falls Access Area. If you still have energy, walk under the covered wooden bridge to Bridal Veil Falls, which adds 4 more miles to your hike. If you need lunch afterward, drive minutes to nearby Hendersonville — another one of our favorite towns.

Asheville sees the most visitors in the fall and around the holidays. The leaves! Growing up in CT, we thought New England was the boss of fall foliage. Who knew that the Western North Carolina mountains had an equally breathtaking fall season? Nothing beats an Asheville autumn. Enjoy fall foliage hikes, corn mazes, apple picking, and catching those purple and pink sunsets. Our top things to do in Asheville, NC in autumn include visiting the apple orchards for cider donuts and brewery hopping for spiced and pumpkin beers.

Pick a pumpkin. Trek the most beautiful fall foliage hikes , and wine taste at the vineyards with the best views. Asheville in the fall is also a great time to drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway. In need of cooler summer things to do in Asheville, NC? Drive under one hour to Skinny Dip Falls to kiss the magical Dragon Tree on your way to this serene waterfall.

Spread out along the falls and take a dip in one of its pools. You can also head over to Sliding Rock and literally slide down a foot natural boulder into the chilly waters. Sliding Rock has reopened, and Skinny Dip Falls looks a bit different — the bridge washed away and the falls have a new path.

Imagine walking along the Riverwalk in the River Arts District and suddenly spying a gaggle of floating and cackling unicorns…. Where can you get your tubing on? French Broad Outfitters and Zen Tubing are just a few.

While the best things to do in Asheville, NC — to us — are all outdoors, our next go-to are those breweries. Asheville has no shortage of beer. Below, find the best Asheville things to do that involve all of the booze: wineries, distillers, cideries, wine bars, and rooftop bars. You cannot come to Asheville without trying as much of the local craft beer as possible. As locals, what are our favorite breweries in AVL? For something different, Bhramari and Funkatorium sours are sure to impress or weird you out.

Directly in Asheville, check out pleb urban winery in the River Arts District. Of course, Biltmore has a famous winery, and wine tasing is included with your ticket. If you head out of Asheville, our personal favorite wineries are in Hendersonville , including Sawyer Springs, St. If you know Christine from The Uncorked Librarian, you also know that we partner with Cultivated Cocktails for some of our literary-inspired drinks.

They sell the best cocktail schwag, too. Of course, if you are gluten-free or looking for apple-related drinks, Asheville and Hendersonville have the best cideries and meaderies. Many ciders are sold at the local breweries and wineries. Urban Orchard and Noble are the most well-known cideries in Asheville.

Botanist and Barrel and Bold Rock just opened downtown Asheville taprooms. Rooftop bar hopping always makes the top of the list for the best things to do in Asheville, NC. The poshest Asheville rooftop bars promise sunsets, small plates with your Southern favorites, and jaw-dropping views. Their delicious craft cocktails are perfect before a fancy dinner out in downtown Asheville.

You may wish to take an Asheville Rooftop Bar Tour to see them all with a designated driver. However, if you are looking for relaxing things to do in Asheville with a bottle or glass of wine, head to:. Wedge Brewing is right next door.

Battery Park Book Exchange — This champagne bar used bookstore is iconic. Read more about the best and most hipster Asheville wine bars. We just love the Asheville bar scene , and bar hopping is one of the most fun things to do in Asheville. Have we made you hungry yet? As far as Asheville attractions go, No Taste Like Home is not very typical, but you can probably see the great appeal to it!

Wacky hijinks ensue throughout the ride as the bus shows you what to see in the downtown portion of Asheville — edutainment at its finest! Expect silly slapstick comedy, ridiculous costumes, and jokes throughout each ninety-minute bus ride. The big purple bus is here to make an impression and it will certainly do just that while managing to teach you about history, too! The Craggy Gardens are a delightful spot that offers the best things to see for plant-lovers and nature enthusiasts in general, especially those who love rare plants.

More than 20 threatened or endangered flora types are grown and displayed here in these amazing Asheville, North Carolina gardens. The trees are quite unique thanks to the high winds faced in this part of Asheville, which means they only have vegetation growing on one side of them and they never get very tall.

The Moog Factory is home to the Moog synthesizer, a big brand that left a large imprint on the world of entertainment and music composition when it emerged in the s. The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa is considered one of the places to visit for relaxation in Asheville, thanks to being famous not just in North Carolina but all across the nation for being one of the most highly-rated spas of its kind.

The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa has steam rooms packed with relaxing scents, contract pools to relax in, and lounges by fireplaces, all provided for on a huge service menu. The design of the spa is pretty impeccable and fun, with a 6,star ceiling made with fiber optics, music that plays underground, and two waterfalls.

This history gives the spa some added meaning, especially when you catch little bits and pieces of that old history within. Massages, foot soaks, and other relaxing services are provided to help you enjoy peace and serenity during the more hectic periods of your holiday. Furniture in the form of plush chairs and sofas let you lounge while treatments are provided in rustic but equally opulent bowls of copper, handmade.

Water is perfumed with delightfully calming fragrances that engage the senses without overwhelming them. Despite having only a population of 90,, it has multiple beer breweries and factories that provided unique, expertly crafted drinks special to the local area. One brewery to stop by is Wicked Weed , which has a delightful Funktorium taproom praised for its industrial-chic charm. It specializes in sour beers and has a gift shop where you can purchase beers by their pH level and barrel type.

Head down to the Pack Square Cultural District, which is where all the art of Asheville comes together. The intimate setting of the seat establishment and the wide variety of performances make this a wonderful place to catch something exciting that everyone will enjoy! The Asheville Urban Trail spans 1. The tour is self-guided and takes you through five different eras in time, ranging from the very beginning of the Gilded Age to the current age, called the Age of Diversity.

It takes about two hours to complete the self-guided tour, which feels a little like a scavenger hunt in many ways. The one sculpture you must make a point to find your way to with the tour travel guide is the Flat Iron Sculpture, named after the Flatiron building, by local artist Reed Todd. It was set up in as a bit of a joking nod to the flatiron buildings popping up in the early s. This sculpture is a part of the Asheville Public Art Collection and is known in North Carolina for its unorthodox, tongue-in-cheek nature!

Designed by Rafael Guastavino, a Spanish architect who worked on the Biltmore Estate, in , it is a mark of the 20th-century prosperity that the city and its wealthiest residents enjoyed. Guastavino worked with fellow Biltmore architect Richard Sharp Smith to create what he felt the city needed: an opulent and grand Catholic church.

Religious artifacts live inside, from German stained glass windows to Italian statues and even a marble frescoed high altar. Keen to explore other areas of North Carolina? Why not check out some of the places to visit in Greensboro, NC? The reason Pink Dog Creative is one of the best artistic Asheville attractions is that artists here open their studios for two days every week. It is an interactive location that is one of the most fun things to do in Asheville, North Carolina.

It showcases artifacts and information regarding the life and times of Bob Moog, or Robert Arthur Moog, who had a huge impact on the electronic music scene with his synthesizers. He would also invent concepts for the synth, like envelope generation, voltage control, pitch wheel, and modularity — all key fundamentals now!

Moog began working on his synthesizer back in and it quickly skyrocketed to popularity — especially in , when it was used in a Grammy-winning album. Moog passed away in and, a year later, his family established the Bob Moog Foundation to retain and pass on his legacy.

– Things to Do, Attractions & Activities in Asheville | Asheville, NC’s Official Travel Site

There are also murals with a spiritual or political message. Some are collages of different images or quotes and others are made for photo ops. Walking around and trying to spot the various murals is one of the fun free things to do in Asheville. Over , acres of it were once owned by the Biltmore Estate, but over time more and more have been sold back to the United States government. The National Forest is now over , acres of dense hardwood forest, waterfalls, rivers, and mountain peaks.

Go hiking, biking, pack a picnic, or just drive through the park to see some stunning views. It is also known to have some of the best hiking trails in Southwestern North Carolina. They range from easy to difficult and you can see breathtaking waterfalls or climb the highest peaks in the East. You can also enjoy Pisgah by taking a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. During the fall, Pisgah National Forest is one of the best places to experience fall foliage in North Carolina.

There are dozens of beautiful waterfalls near Asheville just waiting for you to explore. Many of the waterfalls require some sort of hike. You can also take a whole day and stop at several different waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you do that, we suggest packing a picnic lunch, it may not be easy to find a place to eat near some of them.

When you plan your day trip, keep in mind that while most of the falls are free to hike to, some do have a fee to enter the parking area. However, you should be able to see most of these waterfalls without paying an entrance fee. If you are visiting Asheville you absolutely need to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are a ton of great stops along the parkway near Asheville.

You can also travel farther north up the parkway and make a day trip out of it. You can find plenty of places to go near Asheville along your Blue Ridge Parkway drive including hiking trails , parks, and overlooks. What was once the industrial district of Asheville is now the River Arts District. The art studios include crafts like pottery, painting, and glassblowing. Because it is a vibrant part of the city, there are also plenty of unique places to eat and shop. Some of the best restaurants in Asheville can be found in the River Arts District.

It is one of the best things to do in downtown Asheville. After admiring all the art from local artists in the River Arts District, you may want to see some more. Most of the collection is works from local artists, in particular artists that went to the local art school. Black Mountain College was open from to and was a major art institute in the area. The museum is working on adding more Cherokee and Native artists to its collection but currently features over 60 Cherokee artists.

The Asheville Art Museum is a wonderful representation of art in the Southern Appalachian region that continues to strive for better representation in the art scene. Carl Sandburg was a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and poet. Established in , it was the first National Historic Site to honor the life of an American poet. Sandburg was an important literary voice during the Civil Rights Movement, and he was an early writer on what was happening in Chicago that led to the infamous Chicago Race Riots.

It is a charming home dedicated to the life and memory of an important American author who fought for Civil Rights for decades. Asheville is quickly becoming known as a hot destination for foodies.

One of the things that makes downtown Asheville restaurants so unique is that almost all of them are focused on the farm-to-table movement. Located in downtown Asheville, the Pinball Museum allows you to not only see their 45 vintage pinball machines, but play them as well. This nostalgic museum allows free play on its machines, with a flat admission fee, and is a great way to regain your inner teenager. The Pinball Museum can become very busy, and the facility limits capacity.

To make it easier, the museum has a waiting list service, which allows you to explore and shop in downtown Asheville until your turn comes up. You can also pass your time across the street at the Grove Arcade while waiting. Biltmore Village was one of the country’s first “company towns” — an entire community planned for the purpose of housing Biltmore Estate workers and their families. Designed to resemble an English village, it has become a top tourist destination for both its historic charm, European ambience, and shopping.

You’ll find everything from independent boutiques to major labels, as well as a wide variety of some of Asheville’s best restaurants. Another Biltmore-related spot is Grovewood Village , once the center of Biltmore’s woodworking and weaving branches. Here, you will find the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum, as well as an antique car museum, an art gallery, and a sculpture garden. Nearby Places to Visit: This area of North Carolina is a treasure trove of quaint mountains towns and scenic drives.

Other highlights in this region are the beautiful waterfalls. These are easily visited on day trips from Asheville. You can also work in some hiking if you have enough time. If you’re visiting in winter, some of North Carolina’s best ski resorts are not that far away and can make a nice side trip. North Carolina Travel Guide. We recommend these great hotels in Asheville, near downtown shops, restaurants, and attractions: The Windsor Boutique Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel in a great central location.

Rooms have exposed brick walls, the apartments have full kitchens and the bedding is luxe linens. Hilton Garden Inn Asheville Downtown is a mid-range priced spot in an excellent location that is easily walkable to the sights of downtown.

A highlight here is the sunny rooftop terrace that is ideal for catching the sunset. The hotel also has a complimentary downtown shuttle and well equipped fitness center. This 3-star hotel has bright rooms, an indoor pool and gym, and a free downtown shuttle. This is a budget hotel with clean rooms, free breakfast and parking, in-room fridges and microwaves. The hotel also has a free downtown shuttle. Ghostly Asheville : Believers and skeptics alike will enjoy this evening tour of Asheville’s most haunted spots, including the Basilica of St.

Lawrence and the Omni Grove Park Inn. Nearby Deep Creek in the Smokies features camping, hiking, trout fishing, and the ever-popular tubing. Raft the Nantahala River. And that’s just the beginning!

From casual to sophisticated, there are many restaurants for all tastes, with flavors from around the world. Plus, find many more award-winning chefs throughout the mountains. See our top picks for dining in Asheville. Gem mining has been a favorite activity for visitors to the mountains of North Carolina for many years.

Most gem mines in the Asheville and Franklin areas are open from spring through autumn. Also tour several gem and mineral museums. Enjoy plenty of fishing spots, whether novice or experienced. Full- and half-day guided trips, tying classes and classes geared toward women.

This tiny town of residents is perhaps best known for its hot mineral springs. Located north of Asheville at the junction of the Appalachian Trail goes right through downtown and the French Broad River.

Hike from town up to Lover’s Leap for a great view of the town. We are lucky enough to have six rivers near Asheville that are good for rafting and kayaking. Find professional companies that provide rafting guides, so no experience is necessary. You can even learn how to kayak in the rapids or paddleboard on a lake.

This is the coolest town on our list for temperature highest town in the eastern USA at 5, feet elevation. While it’s very popular for skiing and snowboarding each winter, they have an impressive trail system for hiking and mountain biking in the summer.

Summer golf and scenic chairlift rides too. Each fall, follow the yellow brick road at Autumn at Oz. Hike, mountain bike or horseback ride a multitude of trails to see many waterfalls and lakes on 10, acres. Plus, picnic on mountaintops and swim at Hooker Falls. Visitor center, free admission. Stroll down Marion’s Main Street lined with historic buildings, churches and the courthouse.

It sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains near popular attractions like Mt. Mitchell and Linville Falls. Experience the beauty of Biltmore House and its century-old gardens where the Vanderbilt family once strolled. Come see why George Vanderbilt chose Asheville as the site for his famous estate. Explore Biltmore’s 8,acre Blue Ridge Mountain backyard, taste award-winning wines, dine and shop.

See our extensive guide with many photos and tips. Find the best places to tube down a river on a hot summer day, including the French Broad River through Asheville, Deep Creek in the Smoky Mountains and Green River Gorge – with rentals and shuttle services. Shop 75 national and local outlets in this beautiful, new outdoor shopping village. It’s located on I, just six miles from Biltmore and seven miles from downtown Asheville. It’s pet-friendly, and there are many events and sales throughout the year.

Find many fun, friendly wineries for sampling local wines, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery at their vineyards. Many are located near each other – perfect for visiting several in a day. Fly above the trees and experience the mountains’ natural beauty from a bird’s perspective.

No experience is needed. Canopy guides provide all instruction and assistance. It’s fun for all fitness levels! Shop ’til you drop with a huge variety of stores, galleries and outlets in the Asheville area.

Find plenty of local, unique shops with items you won’t find anywhere else. See the best areas to hit. Visit for many festivals and gem mining. The design of the spa is pretty impeccable and fun, with a 6,star ceiling made with fiber optics, music that plays underground, and two waterfalls.

This history gives the spa some added meaning, especially when you catch little bits and pieces of that old history within. Massages, foot soaks, and other relaxing services are provided to help you enjoy peace and serenity during the more hectic periods of your holiday. Furniture in the form of plush chairs and sofas let you lounge while treatments are provided in rustic but equally opulent bowls of copper, handmade.

Water is perfumed with delightfully calming fragrances that engage the senses without overwhelming them. Despite having only a population of 90,, it has multiple beer breweries and factories that provided unique, expertly crafted drinks special to the local area. One brewery to stop by is Wicked Weed , which has a delightful Funktorium taproom praised for its industrial-chic charm. It specializes in sour beers and has a gift shop where you can purchase beers by their pH level and barrel type.

Head down to the Pack Square Cultural District, which is where all the art of Asheville comes together. The intimate setting of the seat establishment and the wide variety of performances make this a wonderful place to catch something exciting that everyone will enjoy!

The Asheville Urban Trail spans 1. The tour is self-guided and takes you through five different eras in time, ranging from the very beginning of the Gilded Age to the current age, called the Age of Diversity. It takes about two hours to complete the self-guided tour, which feels a little like a scavenger hunt in many ways.

The one sculpture you must make a point to find your way to with the tour travel guide is the Flat Iron Sculpture, named after the Flatiron building, by local artist Reed Todd.

It was set up in as a bit of a joking nod to the flatiron buildings popping up in the early s. This sculpture is a part of the Asheville Public Art Collection and is known in North Carolina for its unorthodox, tongue-in-cheek nature! Designed by Rafael Guastavino, a Spanish architect who worked on the Biltmore Estate, in , it is a mark of the 20th-century prosperity that the city and its wealthiest residents enjoyed. Guastavino worked with fellow Biltmore architect Richard Sharp Smith to create what he felt the city needed: an opulent and grand Catholic church.

Religious artifacts live inside, from German stained glass windows to Italian statues and even a marble frescoed high altar.

Keen to explore other areas of North Carolina? Why not check out some of the places to visit in Greensboro, NC? The reason Pink Dog Creative is one of the best artistic Asheville attractions is that artists here open their studios for two days every week. It is an interactive location that is one of the most fun things to do in Asheville, North Carolina. It showcases artifacts and information regarding the life and times of Bob Moog, or Robert Arthur Moog, who had a huge impact on the electronic music scene with his synthesizers.

He would also invent concepts for the synth, like envelope generation, voltage control, pitch wheel, and modularity — all key fundamentals now! Moog began working on his synthesizer back in and it quickly skyrocketed to popularity — especially in , when it was used in a Grammy-winning album. Moog passed away in and, a year later, his family established the Bob Moog Foundation to retain and pass on his legacy. Exhibits are interactive and involve multiple senses, with visualization showcases, playable exhibits, and educational info about how electricity can make sound.

For unique activities and unorthodox stuff to do, check out the Asheville Mystery Museum. It is made from a collection of curiosities set up by Joshua P. The interior is filled with a litany of antiques, vintage furniture, and paintings. The entire estate will probably take the average guest an entire afternoon to get a good look at all there is to offer. Nature lovers can enjoy the most gorgeous species of plants that North Carolina has to offer, whether they are active outdoors or not.

This Arboretum has more 65 acres of gardens, plus an additional 10 miles of trails outside, leading to more great views. The arboretum is famous for its great bonsai trees and exotic flowers. Take your time going through these gardens and join one of the many tour guides. There are thirty stops in total on a 1. This unique granite formation shoots up over two thousand feet high.

Tourist sites near asheville nc – tourist sites near asheville nc –

 
 
From the top of the paneling pipes of all shapes and sizes stick out and provide beautiful music for the church sanctuary. If you are looking for more local and lesser-known things to do in Asheville, head to Riverside Cemetery in the Montford District. M heads daily masses, virtual masses, and self-guided tours available in the side vestibule. Find hikes for all skill levels in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. Now visitors can experience the Victorian home as Wolfe would have experienced it.