The romantic, purple-tinged peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains have attracted generations of visitors to this city in Western North Carolina. A notable admirer was George Vanderbilt, who constructed America’s largest residence here in the 1880s, filling it with invaluable works of art. The Biltmore House remains within the family and is unmatched in both scale and grandeur, encompassing 8,000 acres of Blue Ridge Mountain terrain for exploration on the estate.

Downtown Asheville resembles a time capsule, showcasing a substantial amount of early Art Deco architecture that has survived to the present day, providing an atmosphere for shopping, dining, and live entertainment.

Indeed, Asheville’s captivating sense of creativity is evident everywhere, from traditional Southern Appalachian crafts at the Folk Art Center to open studios within the River Arts District, along with outdoor fairs and performances housed in Pack Square Park.

1. Biltmore Estate

George Washington Vanderbilt II (1862-1914) was enchanted by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which led him to commission this estate on the French Broad River in the south of Asheville in 1889.

The Biltmore House is officially recognized as the largest privately owned residence in the United States, boasting 250 rooms and four acres of floor space.

Every aspect of this Châteauesque mansion is adorned luxuriously, featuring tapestries, family portraits, European masterpieces, original furnishings, and intricate architectural details.

Notable rooms include the library, which houses 10,000 volumes, and the Banquet Hall, which features ceilings that rise 70 feet.

While the house serves as the centerpiece, it is just one component of an 8,000-acre estate. Visitors can explore gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, a conservatory with a model railroad, natural landscapes comprising 22 miles of trails, and a winery offering complimentary wine tastings.

2. The North Carolina Arboretum

The Southern Appalachian Mountains exhibit an extraordinary degree of biodiversity, making Asheville an ideal location for a prominent arboretum.

After a century of discussion initiated by Frederick Law Olmsted, it was finally established in the late 1980s on 434 acres off Milepost 393.6 of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

While relatively new, the North Carolina Arboretum continues to evolve even 40 years later.

Visitors will be amazed by some of the species, notably the metasequoias, soaring over 100 feet, ranking as the tallest in the South.

Sixty-five acres of cultivated gardens await exploration, with more than 100 specimens featured in the Bonsai Collection, as well as vibrant spring colors from the National Native Azalea Collection and numerous native wildflowers dispersed throughout the grounds.

A visit during the Christmas season is highly recommended for the enchanting Winter Lights display, featuring a 50-foot lighted tree.

3. River Arts District (RAD)

Emerging in the mid-19th century, a previously open area on the east side of the French Broad River developed into an industrial zone.

This expansion accelerated with the arrival of the railroad in 1879, resulting in a series of factories, mills, and warehouses lining the riverbank.

As these substantial structures were gradually abandoned throughout the 20th century, artists sought out the area for its affordable rents and ample space for creative pursuits.

Today, the River Arts District thrives as a vibrant community, with hundreds of artists eager to exhibit their talents.

Exquisite dining and beverage options make this location worthy of an extended visit, allowing exploration from one studio to another and from gallery to gallery. Those visiting on a Second Saturday will find the district buzzing with demonstrations, workshops, live performances, and unique culinary offerings.

4. The Folk Art Center

Located eight miles from downtown Asheville at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Folk Art Center is dedicated to the preservation of Southern Appalachian craft and culture, both traditional and contemporary.

This center serves as the headquarters for the Southern Highland Craft Guild, showcasing three galleries exhibiting craftsmanship nurtured over generations up to the present day.

Visitors can observe craft demonstrations daily in the lobby from March to December.

Additionally, for those wishing to acquire a piece of art, the center houses the Allanstand Craft Shop, established in 1895, recognized as the oldest craft shop in America, representing the work of over 400 members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild.

The center features its own nature trail, while Milepost 382 serves as an access point to North Carolina’s extensive 1,200-mile Mountains-to-Sea trail.

5. Biltmore Village

Adjacent to the main entrance of the Biltmore Estate, George Vanderbilt constructed this charming village in the 1890s as a company town for the estate’s workers.

Featuring Tudor-style half-timbering, Biltmore Village was designed to emulate an English country village, complete with a parish church, the Cathedral of All Souls.

Today, the village’s cottages and pebbled streets host a quaint commercial district comprising a blend of small businesses and national brands.

Visitors can explore antiques, browse art galleries, sample local craft beers, and choose from a diverse array of cuisines.

6. Downtown Asheville

Interestingly, a prolonged period of economic struggle has contributed to the allure of downtown Asheville. The Great Depression significantly impacted the city, which resolved to settle its debts over a duration exceeding half a century.

The positive aspect of this situation was the minimal development that took place, resulting in one of America’s most impressive and largest collections of Art Deco buildings remaining intact into the 21st century.

Currently thriving, downtown Asheville pairs exquisite architecture with upscale shopping, boasting over 200 locally owned stores and boutiques.

Visitors will find diverse dining options, contemporary art, and numerous events ensuring something always occurs when in town. Pack Square Park, situated at the base of several Art Deco masterpieces, serves as a central location for many free festivals and events.

7. Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Renowned novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938), recognized as one of the significant literary figures of the 20th century, was both born and raised in Asheville.

His childhood residence in downtown Asheville served as the backdrop for his inaugural novel, Look Homeward, Angel (1929), referenced as “Dixieland,” and is now preserved as a historic house museum.

This two-story Queen Anne style house, constructed in 1883, is presented as it was during Wolfe’s upbringing, a time when a rotating group of boarders would spend their summers at what was originally named “Old Kentucky Home.”

The rooms are infused with excerpts from Wolfe’s writings, providing insight into early 20th-century Asheville, which served as a summer health retreat.

8. Water Adventures on the French Broad River

Flowing steadily through Asheville from south to north, the French Broad River is considered by some to be among the three oldest rivers globally.

Nearly half of the river’s total length constitutes an official paddle trail, with numerous access points in and around Asheville suitable for kayaking, paddleboarding, or tubing.

Adventurers can promptly embark on a self-directed excursion, supported by various local adventure companies, including French Broad Outfitters, The Outpost, Wai Mauna Asheville SUP Tours, and Asheville Adventure Co.

For a combination of nature and sightseeing, consider starting your journey south of the Biltmore Estate, where you can admire the grand structure peeking above the treetop line from the river.

9. Grove Arcade

Constructed in the late 1920s, one of the earliest indoor shopping malls in America occupies a full city block in Asheville. If you are curious about the unique shape of the Grove Arcade visible from the street on Battery Hill, it serves as the base for a skyscraper that was never built.

The architecture complements the downtown environment, characterized by Late Gothic stonework and a Parisian ambiance along the corridors, illuminated by skylights.

Since 2002, the building has emerged as a refined lifestyle destination, featuring galleries, specialty shops, and numerous enticing dining establishments, many of which offer outdoor seating along the sidewalks.

At the Battery Park end, the outdoor Makers Market features displays from local artisans selling art, jewelry, local farm products, and other items.

10. Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

Asheville stands out independently, yet numerous reminders exist that the city can play a pivotal role in extensive adventures.

Few sites can rival the Blue Ridge Parkway, recognized as the longest linear park in the United States, spanning 469 miles.

No unit within the National Park System welcomes more visitors, which is unsurprising given the magnificent landscapes along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where waterfalls and towering peaks await exploration.

The parkway’s headquarters and visitor center are situated on the eastern edge of town, providing an excellent starting point for planning itineraries while igniting enthusiasm for the sights and activities available along the route.

11. Craggy Gardens

Another must-visit destination along the Blue Ridge Parkway is a series of natural summit meadows located approximately 14 miles northeast of downtown Asheville.

Situated at an elevation exceeding one mile above sea level, the Craggy Gardens feature a lack of tree coverage, presenting breathtaking vistas reminiscent of scenes from a fantasy film.

The breathtaking scenery captivates throughout the year but takes on an otherworldly quality in June during the vibrant blooming of pink and purple Catawba rhododendrons.

The chosen hike here is the Craggy Pinnacle Trail, leading through wind-sculpted hardwood forests, showcasing rare or endangered species and culminating at a high overlook, where the peaks of Pisgah National Forest extend for miles.

Due to the cooler temperatures, which can be as much as 20°F lower than those in downtown Asheville, this area provides an excellent retreat during summer months.

12. Basilica of Saint Lawrence

Spanish building engineer Rafael Guastavino (1842-1908) spent the latter part of his career in Asheville, significantly contributing to the Vanderbilt House and this notable minor basilica located downtown.

The Basilica of Saint Lawrence, completed in 1909 in the Spanish Renaissance style, stands among Asheville’s distinguished landmarks.

Its most celebrated feature, drawing visitors inside, is the dome, measuring 58 feet by 82 feet, making it the largest freestanding elliptical dome in the country.

The exquisite stained glass windows further enhance the basilica’s aesthetic, accompanied by an array of statuary beautifully crafted in Italy.

13. The Orange Peel

Having opened in 2002 as part of downtown Asheville’s revitalization, The Orange Peel has become a quintessential live music venue within the city.

This structure, dating back to 1950, initially served as a roller-skating rink and subsequently transformed into a nightclub that hosted acts such as The Bar-Kays and The Commodores. After a period of closure, The Orange Peel has flourished as the premier location to experience your favorite live performances.

Throughout the past 20-plus years, renowned artists such as Bob Dylan, Lauryn Hill, Sonic Youth, The Flaming Lips, Smashing Pumpkins, Queens of the Stone Age, and Kings of Leon have graced its stage.

Accommodating 1,100 attendees, this venue has been recognized among the “Top Five Rock Clubs in the Country” by Rolling Stone.

14. Woolworth Walk

Where else can you find an art gallery set within a converted Art Deco department store?

Woolworth Walk, situated in a former Woolworth’s branch established in 1938 and operational until 1989, has a diverse history including sit-ins at the lunch counter during the Civil Rights movement.

The gallery’s origins can be traced back to downtown’s revitalization in the early 2000s, with the meticulous restoration efforts earning its owners two Griffin Awards.

Officially the largest gallery in the city, Woolworth Walk captivates visitors with its emphasis on local artists.

The offerings include photography, paintings, woodworking, pottery, glass, digital art, metalwork, and more, all complemented by a vintage-style soda fountain in full operation.

15. Western North Carolina Nature Center

A zoo with a focus on local ecosystems, the Western North Carolina Nature Center showcases the wildlife native to the Southern Appalachian Mountain region.

This attraction has undergone significant evolution since the late 1990s, concentrating on regional species and constructing a variety of award-winning habitats as part of a long-term master plan.

Visitors can encounter species such as American river otters, turkey vultures, great horned owls, gray foxes, cougars, eastern mud turtles, American red wolves, and black bears, among over 60 total species on display.

The center is enriched with fascinating natural history facts, set along winding trails by the Swannanoa River, where children can engage in play at a series of activity stations.

16. Asheville Art Museum

Located at Pack Place in downtown Asheville, the Asheville Art Museum reopened in 2019 after a $24 million expansion and renovation initiative.

Boasting up to 20 significant exhibitions annually, the expansion also enables the museum to host major traveling exhibitions from leading institutions across the nation.

The permanent collection focuses on American art from the 20th and 21st centuries while also reflecting the distinctive traditions and diverse cultures of Western North Carolina and Southern Appalachia.

A rooftop sculpture terrace overlooking Pack Square features the Blue Mountains in the background, with Henry Richardson’s Reflections on Unity—a two-ton glass sphere—welcoming visitors at the entrance.

17. Gray Line Trolley Tours

A suitable first stop in Asheville is the Visitor Center, which includes an information desk, brochures, and a store full of local products from the Western North Carolina region.

This center also serves as the departure point for Gray Line’s hop-on, hop-off trolley services throughout the city. Departing every half hour, these 90-minute tours cover numerous highlights of Asheville while delivering many captivating stories along the way.

Participants will view downtown’s Art Deco gems, the River Arts District, the celebrated Omni Grove Park Inn, and the elegant homes in the Montford Area Historic District, which features over 600 buildings dating from the turn of the 20th century.

18. Grovewood Village

This historic site next to Omni Grove Park Inn was once the location of Biltmore Industries, dedicated to woodworking and weaving, producing high-quality crafts and textiles.

That legacy continues in the 21st century as the visually appealing complex has been revitalized into a hub for arts and crafts. Grovewood Village hosts active artist studios with specialists in various mediums, from ceramics to metalworking.

Visitors can explore the gallery for exceptional crafts, observe these skills in action at the studios, and learn about the village’s craft heritage through guided history tours.

Additionally, take time to visit the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum and the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum, housing an impressive collection of vintage automobiles in the historic weaving shop.

19. McCormick Field

For fans of distinctive vintage ballparks, the 4,000-capacity McCormick Field, home to MiLB’s Asheville Tourists, offers a delightful experience. This facility ranks among the oldest minor league stadiums still operational, characterized by its scenic location on a small plateau ascending a wooded hillside.

In operation since 1923, the stadium is currently undergoing renovations. The Tourists have a rich history dating back to 1897, with the team having navigated various classes and leagues throughout the years. As of this writing, they serve as the High-A affiliate for the Houston Astros.

Here, culinary offerings add to the experience, featuring plenty of vegetarian choices, local craft beers, and discounted hot dogs on Fridays.

20. Fine Arts Theatre

Among downtown’s sleek Art Deco buildings lies a movie theater that has operated since 1946. With its understated cream facade featuring a stepped gable and slim strips of block glass, this establishment initially opened as the Strand Theatre.

Over the years, a second screen was added in the old balcony, and both auditoriums transitioned to digital technology in 2012. The Fine Arts Theatre remains the only functioning movie theater downtown, dedicated to showcasing independent, foreign, and classic films.

Both screens include operational curtains, a feature that may surprise younger viewers, while this venue offers a unique experience allowing patrons to enjoy a glass of wine or beer while watching a film.

21. Asheville Community Theatre (ACT)

Rest assured, Asheville Community Theatre is far from the ordinary community theatre. Established in 1946, it ranks among the oldest operational community theaters in the United States.

Moreover, in the 1947 season, the notable actor Charlton Heston and his wife Lydia Clarke directed productions here. It was in this theater that Clarke decided to pursue acting as her full-time career, while Heston’s path to Broadway began shortly afterward.

Every performance captivates audiences, showcasing top-notch performances, costumes, direction, and set designs. The mainstage auditorium is named in Heston’s honor, hosting all-volunteer productions catering to diverse tastes throughout the season.

22. Appalachian Trail

The legendary Appalachian Trail passes closely to Asheville, tracing the North Carolina/Tennessee border. This 2,200-mile trail, running from Springer Mountain, GA, to Mount Katahdin, ME, traverses the charming town of Hot Springs, situated approximately 30 miles north of Asheville.

This location serves as a wonderful starting point for day hikes, offering a brief out-and-back journey to gain insight into the experiences faced by dedicated thru-hikers.

Within a mile lies a striking lookout known as Lovers Leap. An additional breathtaking spot conveniently accessible from Asheville is Max Patch, a mountain summit adorned with wildflowers, boasting expansive views in every direction.

23. Barley’s Taproom

For craft beer enthusiasts, a visit to Barley’s Taproom is highly recommended. Asheville boasts a robust craft beer culture, which was spearheaded by this local landmark located on Biltmore Avenue in downtown.

Opened in 1994 within a converted appliance store from the 1920s, Barley’s Taproom originally featured Highland Brewing in its basement—the first brewery in Asheville since Prohibition—before moving to larger facilities.

Visitors can savor Highland’s signature brews, such as Oatmeal Porter and Gaelic Ale, alongside an extensive selection of local and regional craft beers.

With 28 taps in the main bar and another 28 upstairs, Barley’s offers a billiards room and a food menu prominently featuring Barley’s renowned sourdough pizza.

24. Botanical Gardens at Asheville

Exploring the region’s flora doesn’t necessitate venturing onto the Appalachian Trail; a more accessible alternative is available at the Botanical Gardens at Asheville, located roughly one mile north of downtown, adjacent to the University of North Carolina at Asheville campus.

The gardens, free to enter, highlight the diverse plants and habitats indigenous to the Southern Appalachians, established on ten acres of previously deforested land in the early 1960s.

Home to over 650 species of trees, grasses, herbs, ferns, and wildflowers, many of which are seldom found in the wild, the gardens showcase vibrant colors throughout the year, with a particularly enchanting display during the spring wildflower season.

25. Festivals

If there is a city that truly knows how to celebrate, it is Asheville, where events occur throughout the year, often with an artistic flair.

Among the highlights are the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands in July, featuring nearly 200 local artists and crafters. Pack Square Park comes alive with free mountain music weekly during the Shindig on the Green throughout July.

August brings AVL Fest, a four-day celebration of music and art across various venues in the city. The arrival of fall signals Blue Ridge Pride and Asheville Art in the Park, transforming Pack Square Park into a grand art fair on consecutive Saturdays throughout October.

The Biltmore Estate also plays host to a variety of seasonal events, displaying splendid decorations during the holiday season and hosting over 130,000 flowers for the Biltmore Blooms in spring.