Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Downtown Asheville

Observing the outline of Downtown Asheville on a map reveals its radical, irregularly edged shape, reminiscent of a jigsaw puzzle. However, it becomes evident that this North Carolina district offers an exceptional experience filled with a multitude of attractions that surpass many downtown areas twice its size.

Anticipate an enlightening visit to the residence of one of America’s most esteemed authors, indulge in a rejuvenating salt cave spa, or traverse an intriguing urban trail. Navigate Downtown Asheville via a vibrant purple bus, observe skilled artisans blowing glass, or delve into the district’s culinary scene through a guided walking tour followed by a picturesque sunset over the mountains. These experiences are truly remarkable.

By engaging in these top fifteen activities, your experience in the “Paris of the South” will transcend the ordinary and become extraordinary.

1. LaZoom Tours

A lively and entertaining way to explore Downtown Asheville is through a LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour. Expect an experience that diverges from the ordinary.

Envision performers in humorous attire meshing comedy with an exploration of Downtown, the River Arts District, and the Montford neighborhood.

The LaZoom Comedy Bus departs from Biltmore Avenue in Downtown Asheville, providing a continuous flow of entertainment throughout a ninety-minute journey.

For those who prefer a walking tour accompanied by craft beer, consider the BREW-ed Downtown Asheville Brewery Walking Tour.

2. Thomas Wolfe Memorial

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial is an expansive 19th-century mansion located on North Market Street in Downtown Asheville, dedicated to commemorating the renowned American author whose literary works were influenced by the city and its residents.

The museum houses over eight hundred artifacts relevant to the author and the timeframe of his literary contributions. The rooms have been meticulously preserved and reflect the period when Thomas Wolfe resided at the property, which operated as a boarding house.

Visitors have the option to explore the exhibits independently or participate in a guided tour led by a qualified historian.

3. Grove Arcade

The Grove Arcade serves as Downtown Asheville’s premier destination for shopping and dining. Constructed in the late 1920s, this historical edifice was among the most sophisticated of its era and is now recognized as a landmark.

Following renovation in 2002, the arcade reopened, sustaining its original purpose by offering a diverse range of unique products and services from select retailers. Inside, visitors can discover fine jewelers, specialist clockmakers, and outlets featuring fossils and minerals imported from around the world.

The Grove Arcade also boasts a wide array of dining options, ranging from falafel and burgers to a champagne bar that houses a book exchange and a wine bar with an outdoor patio. Additionally, a daily Artists Market provides an avenue for local artisans to showcase their crafts.

4. Asheville Urban Trail

Walking the Asheville Urban Trail provides an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with the history of Downtown Asheville while appreciating its vast array of public art. Stretching just under two miles, the trail begins at Pack Place and nearly completes a circuit around the Downtown area, concluding in close proximity to its starting point.

Trail maps can be obtained from the information center in Pack Square Park or downloaded online. Along the trail, thirty individual artworks are featured, including bronze turkeys, pigs, a large flat iron, and life-size statues of a fiddler and dancers.

Be sure to bring a camera to capture the sculptures, which will enhance any collection of Downtown Asheville memories.

5. French Broad Chocolate Lounge

Rather than having dinner, consider heading straight for dessert at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. The striking blue building located at Pack Square in Downtown Asheville embodies a haven for chocolate enthusiasts.

Within the lounge’s exposed brick and polished wood interior, guests can savor handmade truffles, ice creams, cookies, and a variety of other delightful confectioneries and chocolate beverages.

All desserts are crafted from chocolate produced at the French Broad Chocolate Factory, which, although situated outside the Downtown district, is equally worthy of a visit.

6. Asheville Community Theater

The Asheville Community Theater, located on East Walnut Street, serves as the venue for showcasing local talent from the Downtown Asheville community.

For over sixty years, this theater has presented high-quality performances by local actors in a diverse array of productions, including Sweeney Todd, Young Frankenstein, and Annie, Get Your Gun.

While performers may not be professional actors, attendees can expect an outstanding show delivered with commendable professionalism.

7. Asheville Museum Of Science

Experience an enlightening visit to the Asheville Museum Of Science on Patton Avenue in Downtown Asheville. Although the museum is compact, it features several engaging interactive exhibits that will impress any visitor.

Step inside the Hurricane Simulator to feel the power of a storm, or create rain in the French Broad River water table display, and come face-to-face with a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton or a robot used for Mars exploration.

The museum also features an extensive collection of minerals in the Colburn Hall of Minerals and multiple displays focused on the geology of North Carolina.

8. Off The Wagon

Off The Wagon is a vibrant dueling piano bar located on North Market Street in Downtown Asheville.

Settle in at this 1920s speakeasy-style bar and prepare for an exhilarating experience. Join in on selecting songs for the performers or sing along when familiar lyrics are presented.

The ambiance is laid-back, making it an enjoyable evening out in Downtown Asheville.

9. Asheville Salt Cave

Discover the therapeutic benefits of rock salt at the Asheville Salt Cave, located on Eagle Street in Downtown Asheville.

Engage in meditation among the negative ions present in a cave built with twenty tons of pink salt blocks, recharge your spiritual and physical energy, or indulge in a detoxifying hot salt stone massage or an aromatherapeutic salt glow treatment.

Additionally, sound healing concerts, Yoga Nidra sessions, and new moon meditations are offered at the Asheville Salt Cave.

10. Lexington Glassworks

Visit Lexington Glassworks on South Lexington Avenue in Downtown Asheville to observe master glassblowers at work in their studio.

Witness the transformation of a simple blob of glass into a stunning and unique piece of art through the artistry and breath of the glassblowers.

If the heat of the furnace generates thirst, the studio offers an on-site taproom serving Asheville craft beers in hand-blown glassware.

11. The Flying Bike

Effortlessly explore Downtown Asheville aboard a Flying Bike. Begin your journey just outside Downtown on Coxe Avenue, select a Pedego Boomerang Plus bicycle, and enjoy a morning of electric-powered exploration.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, discover the key Downtown Asheville sites during a two and a half hour tour that spans approximately nine miles through the city’s streets.

Prefer not to join a tour? You can also rent a Flying Bike and navigate Downtown at your own leisure. Both options promise a delightful experience.

12. Asheville Pinball Museum

Step back in time to the world of gaming at the Asheville Pinball Museum, located in Battle Square in Downtown Asheville.

The museum features eighty machines, including antique pinball games and classic video games like Pac-Man, all available for play.

Admission is limited to eighty guests at a time, ensuring each visitor has access to a machine. It is advisable to arrive early, as pinball is a favored activity in Downtown Asheville.

13. Taste Carolina Food Tour

To immerse yourself thoroughly in the culinary offerings and sample dishes from multiple Downtown Asheville restaurants simultaneously, consider joining a Taste Carolina Food Tour.

Participate in a Downtown Asheville Tasting Tour during the day, exploring farm-to-table eateries, gourmet food stores, and hidden culinary treasures, or opt for the Downtown Asheville Evening Eats and Drinks Tour for an elevated sampling experience.

It will quickly become clear why Downtown Asheville has emerged as a favored destination for food enthusiasts in North Carolina.

14. Asheville Music Hall

The Asheville Music Hall, located on College Street in Downtown Asheville, is a contemporary concert venue eliminating any notion of being outdated or reminiscent of vaudeville.

This venue hosts premier bands and DJs, as well as trivia nights, talent shows, and songwriting competitions.

With a standing capacity of over three hundred and fifty guests and an additional bar, the One Stop, featuring local music talent, it is a vibrant hub for music lovers.

15. Montford Rooftop Bar

The Montford Rooftop Bar, situated in Hyatt Place on Haywood Street, is the ideal venue to observe the sunset over Downtown Asheville.

This elevated bar features a west-facing, glass-walled terrace that offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Indulge in an Asheville craft beer or cocktail while enjoying baked Carolina bison meatballs or house tater tots as you take in breathtaking sunset vistas, providing a fitting conclusion to your day in Downtown Asheville.