Things To Do
in Asheville
Asheville, located in North Carolina, is known for its vibrant arts scene, eclectic galleries, and unique boutiques. The city is surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, offering plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and rafting. Asheville is also famous for its craft beer scene, with numerous breweries to explore.
In addition, the city is home to the historic Biltmore Estate, a grand mansion and gardens that draw visitors from around the world.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1.50 - $2.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy breathtaking views and fresh air to energize your adventure.
Visit the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home, and stroll through its beautiful gardens. Enjoy lunch at one of the estate's cafes, sampling local flavors.
Head downtown for dinner at a cozy restaurant. Experience live music at one of the local venues to wrap up your day.
Spend the morning at the North Carolina Arboretum, where you can explore stunning gardens and trails. Engage with the beautiful landscape and enjoy nature.
Visit the River Arts District to tour local artist studios and galleries. Grab a casual lunch at a nearby café, sampling local art and food.
Dine at a restaurant showcasing farm-to-table cuisine. Take a sunset stroll along the French Broad River to wind down your day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Vibrant arts and music scene, known for its festivals and live performances.
- Culinary diversity with a focus on farm-to-table restaurants and craft breweries.
- Strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere.
- Mild climate with four distinct seasons, ideal for outdoor activities.
- Higher cost of living compared to some other areas in North Carolina.
- Tourism can lead to crowded areas, especially during peak seasons.
- Job market may be competitive in certain sectors.
- Public transportation options are limited.
- Potential for increased traffic congestion as the city grows.
Best Activities in Asheville
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the numerous hiking trails in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, such as the trails at Mount Mitchell or the Pisgah National Forest.
Enjoy whitewater rafting on the scenic and exciting rivers near Asheville, such as the French Broad River.
Take a leisurely bike ride along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway or explore the mountain biking trails in the area.
Try rock climbing at the nearby Looking Glass Rock or other popular climbing spots in the region.
Tours
Uncover the best of Asheville with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Asheville
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and plenty of photo opportunities along the scenic drive
Features beautiful gardens, a historic house, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains
Known for its breathtaking mountain vistas and wildflower meadows, perfect for photography enthusiasts
Food in Asheville
Asheville Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Southern dish featuring buttermilk biscuits smothered in savory sausage gravy. Head to Biscuit Head for a creative twist on this classic dish.
Must-Try!
A beloved Southern staple made with creamy stone-ground grits, seasoned shrimp, and often a flavorful sauce. Visit The Early Girl Eatery for a delicious rendition of this dish.
Freshly caught trout from mountain streams, often prepared simply to highlight its delicate flavor. Try the trout at Corner Kitchen for a taste of the region's bounty.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Asheville better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling farmers' market showcases a diverse array of local produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods. It's a great place to sample fresh fruits, cheeses, and baked goods from regional vendors.
Asheville's thriving food truck scene offers an eclectic mix of cuisines. Visit downtown food truck parks like The Lot to savor a variety of street foods ranging from gourmet hot dogs to global fusion dishes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Asheville, it's important to be mindful of personal space and to avoid standing too close to others, especially during conversations.
Asheville has a strong environmental focus, so it's respectful to follow eco-friendly practices such as recycling and reducing waste.
Asheville has a vibrant arts and music scene, and it's considered respectful to show appreciation for local artists and musicians.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Asheville with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Asheville
Ensure a smooth experience
In Asheville, tipping is a common practice in the service industry, including restaurants, bars, and hotels. The customary tip percentage for good service is around 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment in Asheville is primarily done using cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment methods. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and contactless payment options are also becoming more popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Asheville.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for blooming flowers and mild temperatures.
Ideal for outdoor activities and festivals, but it can be hot and crowded.
Popular for fall foliage and harvest festivals, with cool temperatures.
Great for holiday lights and cozy indoor activities, but it can be cold and snowy.
Asheville at Night
Hiking in Asheville
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Offers a variety of trails ranging from easy to strenuous, along with beautiful waterfalls and stunning views.
Features many access points with scenic overlooks and hiking trails that showcase the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Located a short drive from Asheville, it provides numerous hiking options including the famous Appalachian Trail.
Home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, with several challenging hikes and breathtaking vistas.
Known for its striking views and rhododendron gardens, offering moderate trails suitable for most hikers.
Features rugged hiking trails and impressive rock formations with panoramic views from the summits.
Famous for its beautiful waterfalls and a network of easy to moderate trails for all skill levels.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Asheville through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Asheville by plane.
The largest airport in North Carolina, located approximately 130 miles southeast of Asheville, serving as a major hub for American Airlines.
Located about 70 miles south of Asheville, this airport serves the Upstate region of South Carolina and parts of western North Carolina.
Located about 200 miles south of Asheville, ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world and serves as a major international gateway.
Located approximately 220 miles west of Asheville, BNA is the primary airport serving Nashville, Tennessee, and offers numerous international flights.
Located about 90 miles northwest of Asheville, this airport serves the Knoxville, Tennessee area and offers various international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Approximately 80% of the population identifies as White, a significant majority in the region.
Representing about 13% of the population, this group contributes to Asheville's cultural diversity.
Comprising around 6% of the population, this demographic adds to the multicultural fabric of the city.
Around 2% of the population identifies as Asian, reflecting a small but growing community.
This group accounts for approximately 2% of Asheville's population, indicating a trend towards mixed heritage.
Less than 1% of the population identifies as Native American, representing the indigenous roots of the region.
This category includes various racial identities that make up a small portion of the community.
The Soul of Asheville
Discover the essence of Asheville through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in Asheville, with various local teams and leagues, including youth and amateur levels.
Widely played among both youth and adults, with numerous clubs and recreational leagues for all ages.
Asheville's scenic trails and parks attract many runners, with local races and running clubs being prevalent.
The surrounding mountains offer excellent trails, making mountain biking a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
With close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and various national forests, hiking is a top activity for locals.
Tennis courts are available throughout the city, and there are a number of local leagues and tournaments.
Asheville features several golf courses that attract both locals and visitors for recreational play.
Yoga has gained popularity in Asheville, with numerous studios and outdoor classes available.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Asheville.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Asheville's culinary scene is exceptionally accommodating to vegetarians and vegans, with numerous restaurants offering dedicated plant-based menus and creative meat-free dishes. Look for vegetarian-friendly establishments like Laughing Seed Cafe and Green Sage Cafe.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities will find many eateries in Asheville accommodating their dietary needs. Restaurants like Posana specialize in crafting gluten-free dishes, from pastas to desserts, without compromising on taste or quality.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Asheville with these cultural adventures.
