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Best Things To Do In Asheville NC: A Complete Guide
Asheville is a vibrant city in western North Carolina that beckons tourists and natives alike to come and explore its unique and exciting offerings. As a tourist, it can be difficult to know what to do in Asheville, especially if you’ve never been there before. Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Asheville NC. From hiking trails and bike trails to unique shops, museums and events, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn more about this beautiful city and all it has to offer.
Outdoor Activities in Asheville NC
HikingNo matter your hiking preference – easy strolls, moderate hikes, or more challenging terrain – Asheville has it all! Within the city limits, you’ll find five of the best hiking trails Asheville can offer: West Ridge Trail (1.4 miles), Billy Goat Trail (2.6 miles), Limestone Trail (3 miles), Powerline Trail (5.5 miles), and Lookout Loop (7.1 miles). Beyond the city limits, you can explore countless trails that wind through the surrounding mountains. Hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway for some of the most spectacular trails the mountains have to offer.Mountain BikingAsheville is known countrywide for its mountain biking trails. From beginner trails like Amboy Road (6.3 miles) to expert courses like Bikedevil’s Flow & Jolley Trails (10 miles), there’s something for all skill levels here. If you really want to go all out, try riding at Bent Creek or Mills River, both of which are considered by many to be some of the top mountain biking experiences in the country. CampingYour outdoor adventure won’t be complete without camping in one of the many campgrounds that are located near Asheville. The area is full of campsites scattered throughout Pisgah National Forest and along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Whether you’re looking for an RV site or a primitive tent site in the mountains, you’ll have no trouble finding a spot that suits your camping needs.
Cultural Excursions in Asheville
Of course, Asheville isn’t just about hiking, biking and camping. The city also offers a wide variety of interesting cultural attractions, like museums, galleries and live music performances. Museums & Galleries From the iconic Asheville Art Museum to the funky Phil Mechanic Studios, Asheville houses a variety of compelling visual art spaces. One of the most popular is the month-long River Arts District Studio Stroll in October, when the studios are open for public visits. But don’t wait for an event – explore these extraordinary works year-round! Other galleries worth visiting include Blue Spiral 1 and the Haen Gallery. Live Music Venues Asheville is home to some truly unique music venues, with a plethora of options for all genres and ages. For traditional Bluegrass and folk music, check out Genuine Groove Music at Highland Brewing Co., or The Grey Eagle if you prefer something more modern. Or if you’re looking for some cutting edge indie music, New Mountain Music Hall and The Mothlight are great spots to look. And don’t forget the classic rock and roll experience at local favorites The Orange Peel, Jack of the Wood or The Sly Grog.
Unique Experiences and Local Attractions
Downtown Asheville No visit to Asheville is complete without spending some time downtown! This lively downtown area is full of craft breweries, independent stores, trendy eateries and lots of nightlife venues. For a dose of history, come explore Pack Square Park – designed by the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted – with its towering statues and monuments that are over 100 years old. Or stop by The Masonic Temple for beautiful architecture and remnants of the past still on display today. Biltmore Estate For a truly unforgettable experience, visit the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home and one of its top tourist attractions. Tour its grand rooms and captivating gardens as well as enjoy activities like horseback riding, carriage rides, winery tours and more. The estate is so spectacular it’s been featured in films multiple times! Don’t miss the chance to explore one of America’s most beloved properties.Explore Local Dishes Eating local specialties is always an adventure, especially in Asheville! Dive into Southern-style meals like pimento cheese sandwiches and hush puppies at Catawba Brewing Co., enjoy mouth-watering local cheeses from Looking Glass Creamery or visit Appalachian Vintner for local wines from North Carolina vineyards. Don’t forget about dessert either – The Hop Ice Cream Cafe won’t disappoint with over 100 flavors made with local ingredients.
Conclusion
There’s no shortage of things to do in Asheville NC! Outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking and camping will let you explore all of the wonders that North Carolina’s mountains have to offer, while downtown exploration and local eateries will help you indulge in culture and gastronomy unique to this beautiful city on the Eastern seaboard. Whether you choose to stay for just a day or explore for longer – this is one town you won’t want to miss!
