What Are the Must-See Sites in Asheville?

Asheville, located in western North Carolina, is a lively and vibrant city full of rich and varied cultural options, fantastic restaurants, exciting outdoor activities, and plenty of great attractions. It’s no wonder that this city has become a popular vacation destination for people from across the country–and once you visit, you’ll quickly see why!To help you plan your stay, here are 10 must-see sites and attractions in Asheville, N.C.

1. Biltmore Estate

The first stop on any Asheville itinerary should be the majestic Biltmore Estate. Built in 1895 by George Vanderbilt as a private residence, this sprawling 8,000-acre estate is now a major tourist attraction in North Carolina. There is plenty to do and see on the grounds, including gardens and trails, wineries and restaurants, bicycle rentals, and a variety of other activities. To learn more about Biltmore Estate and plan your visit, go to the official website here: Biltmore Estate Website.

2. The Blue Ridge Parkway

For an incredible road trip experience, take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This 469-mile highway winds through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting Chattanooga, Tennessee with Asheville, N.C. Along the route, you’ll find breathtaking views, scenic trails, and a variety of attractions like waterfalls, campgrounds and even breweries. To learn more about the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can visit the official website here.

3. The North Carolina Arboretum

Set on 434 acres of land in the Pisgah National Forest, the North Carolina Arboretum is a peaceful paradise filled with gardens and trails perfect for an outdoor adventure. The Arboretum hosts a variety of educational events throughout the year, including educational programs, workshops, and festivals. It also offers exhibits designed to teach visitors about the natural world. To learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum, go to their website.

4. The Grove Park Inn

The historic Grove Park Inn is another must-see in Asheville. Opened in 1913 as an exclusive inn catering to wealthy travellers, today it still offers many of its original amenities and services as well as new additions like fine dining and spa facilities. The Grove Park Inn also hosts music events throughout the year and offers breathtaking views of the Asheville skyline. To learn more about the Grove Park Inn, you can visit their website at Omni Hotels & Resorts.

5. The River Arts District

If you’re looking for interesting art and culture in Asheville, check out the River Arts District. This up-and-coming area is home to a variety of locally-owned galleries, studios and shops where you can find art from more than 200 different artists. The River Arts District also offers regular events and classes so you can get involved in the arts community while you’re there. To learn more about the River Arts District in Asheville, go to their website.

6. Thomas Wolfe Memorial

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial is a must-see attraction in Asheville if you’re a fan of classic literature or American history. Located in Downtown Asheville on West monument Street, the memorial was once the home of Thomas Wolfe–a prolific writer whose works include Look Homeward Angel and Of Time and the River–and now serves as a museum dedicated to Wolfes life and literature. To learn more about Thomas Wolfe Memorial and plan your visit, take a look at their website here.

7. Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock State Park is one of the best places to enjoy nature in Asheville and a popular destination for hikers and climbers alike. Between its impressive views, mountain climbing tours and educational programs, visitors can experience all that the park has to offer with ease. To learn more about Chimney Rock Park and plan your trip, go to their official website.

8. The Botanical Gardens At Asheville

The Botanical Gardens at Asheville offers visitors a chance to explore an outdoor oasis in the middle of the city. This 15-acre space is filled with meandering paths and gardens filled with annuals and perennials for visitors to explore year round. Learn more about The Botanical Gardens at Asheville by visiting their website.

9. The Southern Highland Craft Guild

With more than 900 juried craftspeople from throughout the region represented in their member guilds, the Southern Highland Craft Guild offers visitors a unique chance to appreciate regional handicrafts from Appalachian culture such as quilts, pottery, glasswork, jewelry and much more. Learn more about the Southern Highland Craft Guild at their website.

10. The Basilica Of Saint Lawrence

The Basilica of Saint Lawrence is an awe-inspiring cathedral located in downtown Asheville. Built in 1905 by Rafael Guastavino–the famous Spanish architect who influenced many famous United States buildings such as Ellis Island or Carnegie Hall–the Basilica of Saint Lawrence remains as one of finest examples of Spanish Baroque architecture found anywhere in America today and is definitely worth visiting during your stay in AshevilleTo learn more about the Basilica of Saint Lawrence and plan your visit, go to their website. Asheville is full of fascinating sites, attractions and cultural experiences for visitors to discover. Whatever your interests may be–from outdoor adventure to art appreciation to historic exploration–there is something for everyone in this unique mountain city! With so much to offer, your trip should never be boring!