Asheville, North Carolina Things To Do

Downtown Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville Biltmore Estate, North Carolina
Harrah's Cherokee Casino, North Carolina
Asheville Nantahala Outdoor Center
Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville, North Carolina
North Carolina Great Smoky Mountains National Park
North Carolina Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Chimney Rock State Park, North Carolina
Grandfather Mountain State Park, North Carolina
North Carolina Arboretum

Named a "must see" global destination by Frommers, Asheville, North Carolina is a beautiful, vibrant, and historic city nestled in the stunning ranges of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From its rich history to modern energy, Asheville is a hip blend of art, nature, culture, and mountain flavor. With an alluring Southern rhythm, Asheville boasts a lively downtown, unique shopping, architectural marvels and a thriving arts scene with performing arts, galleries and events rooted in deep mountain heritage.

Walk the streets of downtown Asheville lined with restaurants offering every imaginable cuisine, local artists' galleries, eclectic shops, historic buildings and Art Deco architecture. Enjoy Asheville's adventures and activities - from mountain hikes to whitewater rafting to music festivals. There are a myriad of things to do in Asheville, North Carolina - where mountain vistas and urban charm captivate your spirit.

Asheville, North Carolina Attractions & Activities

Downtown Asheville -

Downtown Asheville is filled with colorful sights, historic buildings, and spectacular Art Deco architecture. Explore the charming streets of downtown Asheville lined with wonderful restaurants, bookstores, shops, live music and over 30 art galleries. Enjoy art walks or watching the street artists and musicians.

Visit the Asheville Art Museum or the Grove Arcade, an architectural wonder built in the 1920s with eclectic boutiques, dining for every palate, craft exhibits and local artists' galleries. The beautifully restored building offers live music, tours, and the outdoor portico market. Asheville's rich architectural legacy with its mix of Art Deco, Beaux Arts and Neoclassical styles is a stunning backdrop to its edgy energy.

Biltmore Estate -

Experience the Gilded Age's elegance at America's largest home, George Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate. A National Historic Landmark and one of the country's top architectural wonders, the Biltmore Estate is a breathtaking home in the Blue Ridge Mountains with 250 rooms, historic exhibits, magnificent century-old gardens and a charming winery. Explore the estate's breathtaking 8,000-acre backyard, a peaceful escape for horseback riding and rafting. Enjoy guided tours and see the exquisite Tiffany stained-glass lamp exhibit. Enjoy relaxed dining, shopping and wine tasting at Antler Hill Village.

Harrah's Cherokee Casino -

Enjoy gaming action, entertainment, dining and mountain golf at Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel. Nestled at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Harrah's Cherokee Casino features digital Blackjack and Baccarito tables, video poker slots and a Poker Room. See concerts and live music in the Cherokee Events Center and Essence Lounge. Enjoy dining at Paula Deen's Kitchen and Ruth's Chris Steak House. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, Sequoyah National Golf Club is a spectacular 72 par course with breathtaking views. Visit www.harrahscherokee.com.

Nantahala Outdoor Center -

Located within The Grove Park Inn and offering a range of activities in Western North Carolina and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Nantahala Outdoor Center provides whitewater river rafting expeditions, kayak and canoe trips, as well mountain biking, hiking, climbing and fishing adventures.

Experience whitewater rafting on seven of the southeast's exciting rivers, including the Chattooga River, French Broad River, Nantahala River, and the Ocoee River. Learn to canoe and kayak in the Paddling School. Named "One of the Best Outfitters on Earth" by National Geographic, the NOC offers a unique opportunity to book outdoor adventures and purchase outdoor gear without having to leave this legendary mountain resort.

Blue Ridge Parkway -

Named America's Favorite Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway connects The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Take a 469 mile journey into America's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, including Cherokee traditions, music, and crafts. Enjoy stunning vistas of mountain meadows, old farms and diverse flora and fauna. Discover scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks. The Blue Ridge Parkway is more than a road - it's a beautiful adventure.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park -

America's most visited national park, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a place of beauty and diversity. Straddling North Carolina and Tennessee, the park is a peaceful escape for cycling, hiking, climbing, fishing, backpacking, horseback riding, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and auto touring. Explore ancient mountains, majestic forests, tall waterfalls, tree-dotted ridges, endless hiking and biking trails, historic areas, and scenic overlooks with jaw-dropping vistas. Go horseback riding, fish in rushing streams and marvel at colorful wildflowers. Whether you crave a challenging hike to a mountain crest or the serenity of sunset, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a refuge for the soul.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad -

Hop aboard for mountain rail adventure! The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad takes you through beautiful Western North Carolina into river gorges, across lush valleys and through tunnels carved out of mountains. Travel in style in 1940s-era bar, lounge and dinner cars that feature delightful table seating.

First Class passengers receive an all-inclusive lunch served by the car's private attendant and a refillable souvenir tumbler. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers excursions year round.

Chimney Rock State Park -

Part of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, Chimney Rock State Park is a beautiful destination for outdoor adventure and connecting with nature. Located 25 miles southeast of Asheville, North Carolina, Chimney Rock is a mountain getaway with panoramic views, scenic hiking trails, a lake, rare plants and animals, and a 400-foot waterfall. Breathe fresh mountain air, trek along five hiking trails, and bask in the cool mist of Hickory Nut Falls, one of the most dramatic waterfalls in North Carolina. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Lake Lure is perfect for swimming, boating, fishing, cruising, and relaxing on the beach.

Star Watch Night Vision Tours -

Providing a unique opportunity to view the sky above as never before! Using Alpha Generation 3 military-issue night vision goggles, search the heavens for constellations, shooting stars, satellites, experimental aircraft and unidentified flying objects. The night sky is alive and offers extreme star-gazing opportunities for all ages. Plan your star-gazing adventure at www.starwatchtours.com.

Grandfather Mountain State Park -

Towering 5,946 feet above northwest North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain State Park is a breathtaking natural attraction with miles of walking and hiking trails from the base to the majestic summit. Circling the lower slopes and picnic area, the Woods Walk is a scenic loop through a mature Appalachian forest. See diverse wildlife and more than 60 flower and plant species. Explore the Black Rock Nature Trail and walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge - a landmark of a pioneering spirit - with panoramic views of Grandfather Mountain. The Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum houses exhibits about the natural history of Grandfather Mountain and the surrounding region.

North Carolina Arboretum -

Experience the beauty of nature at the North Carolina Arboretum. Explore over 400 acres of natural sanctuary with beautiful gardens, 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, and engaging indoor and outdoor plant and flower exhibits. See one of the most unique bonsai collections in the country at the Bonsai Exhibition Garden. Explore the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the self-guided Natural Garden Trail or Discovery Day Packs. Plan your visit at www.ncarboretum.org.