20 Things to Do in Asheville, North Carolina
There are so many great things to do in Asheville, NC. The city is settled in the mountains, full of history and is brimming with culture. We were visited for three days, but I think it would be easy to fill three weeks with activities.
Food and Drink
I believe it’s only fair to start with food and drink as Asheville is known for its breweries. With well over 30 breweries within the city limits (and even more in the metro area) it’s not hard to find a beer. And where there’s beer- there’s food.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb was one of our first stops- we chose this restaurant because of the glowing reviews we researched beforehand. We were not left disappointed. The restaurant was quaint with beautiful wooden furniture and decor that makes you feel at home.
I began my meal with a glass of red- Finca Dicero Melbec, it was sweet and savoury.
Where do I start with the food? Their menu changes seasonally and we visited in July, thus we were able to enjoy the summer menu. We started the meal with the Goat Cheese Buratta- light goat cheese with herbs, lemon, and cucumber. (It kind of reminded me of a tzatziki flavour) For my main I tried the Seared Sunburst Trout Fillet. I hadn’t really had trout prior to this, and it was an excellent introduction. The skin was crisp, and the trout was light and flaky. I loved the grits and the peanut-pickle relish that was served with it.
Sunshine Sammies
Sunshine Sammies is the place to go for ice cream in Asheville. They make ice cream sandwiches with different cookie and ice cream flavours. In store they have a variety of suggested combinations, or you can build your own!
I went with peach ice cream on ginger cookies. Can I give it an 11/10?
Bhramari
I’m going to preface this by saying, we went to Bhramari twice… In three days.
We loved the atmosphere, and the beer was great! They have both indoor and outdoor seating. Inside has a bit of an industrial feel with exposed fermenters, palates of beer and string lights.
The first night we were there I ordered the Atomic Pageantry sour beer- a cocktail of passionfruit, guava, mango, strawberry, tangerine, blood orange, and raspberry. It sounds like a lot of flavors in one, but I’m here to tell you it was incredible.
During our second stop I snagged the Unicorn Deathwish, a sour Berliner Weiss. Apparently, they threw a bunch of sherbet into the batch, and this was the result. Even if you don’t like beer, I bet you would enjoy this one!
I must shout out the pickled eggs too (my guilty pleasure). While I generally prefer a tangy or spicy egg, these sweet ones were delicious. They come stuffed with marmalade and hot sauce (I didn’t find them spicy), the garnish is aioli and a saltine cracker. These were a fun little side to go with our drinks.
Wicked Weed Funkatorium
Someone get me the marketing manager on the phone because calling a bar a “funkatorium” is a fool-proof way to get me through the door. The wicked weed was so much fun. If you’re in Downtown Asheville, you must make the stop!
They have so many different brews on tap including over 15 sours! (I do love a good sour) We sat outside in the Biergarten, and each ordered a different flight. I chose the Roulette Mixed Flight featuring: Oak Fermented Cider, Frutifera, Terra Merit and the Black Angel. All four were tasty, but my favorite was the Frutifera!
Hi-Wire Brewing
I’m going to be honest; we were at Hi-Wire Brewing at about 10:30pm, which doesn’t lend to great photos. Nonetheless, we enjoyed our stop here. Like a few other places downtown, Hi-Wire had an awesome industrial feel. The bar area seems to be sitting in the middle of a warehouse and is decorated with antique fans and trinkets.
I can’t really speak on the beer as I ordered a stout, and I don’t normally like stouts. (It was blueberry crumble, how good does that sound? I couldn’t help myself) I wanted to like it, but it just wasn’t for me.
Burial Beer Co.
Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to Burial Beer Co., but it’s on this list because it looks like so much fun! The taproom looks awesome- the strange graffiti on the walls lends such a vibe, and the beer looks SO good! (Just check out their instagram!)
Side note: A lot of breweries in Asheville close at 10pm! Plan accordingly!
New Belgium Brewing
I hate to admit it, but we also didn’t get to experience New Belgium Brewing. We ran out of time on our most recent trip, and when I was there in 2019, they were hosting a concert on the grounds. If you’re able to make it- New Belgium Brewery has a huge outdoor patio, massive main building all on prime real estate of the French Broad River.
Although I haven’t got to experience draft straight from the source, I can vouch for the beer. New Belgium Beer is sold across the country.
12 Bones Smokehouse
I can’t say enough good things about 12 Bones Smokehouse. The River Arts District has a fun atmosphere- the graffiti and eclectic style make for an awesome place to eat and drink. At 12 Bones Smokehouse the BBQ is unparalleled, and the beer is fantastic. For more on 12 Bones Smokehouse, check out my post on the River Arts District.
Wedge
Wedge is the perfect stop for a cold drink on a hot day (or any day for that matter). The vibe matches that of Riverview Station. They have an awesome patio with yard games. While we were there, I tried a hard ginger beer named “Ginger’s Revenge,” I’m glad I tried it, but probably would not order it again.
Pleb Urban Winery
Pleb was an awesome place to stop for a glass of wine (or three!) The aesthetic fits into the environment of the River Arts District, but it has and upscale vibe to it. You feel relaxed and posh at the same time. They grow their own grapes in the Appalachian Mountains.
(Check out my Guide to the River Arts District for more info on 12 Bones, Wedge and Pleb!)
Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
Settled in the Appalachian Mountains, it would be hard to visit Asheville without taking some time to explore outdoors.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles of winding road through the southern and central Appalachian Mountains. The road originally began as a project in 1930’s to create more jobs following the Great Depression. The trail was completed in 1987 and has been fondly nicknames “America’s Favorite Drive.”
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through North Carolina and Virginia, connecting Smoky Mountain National Park and Shenandoah National Park, passing right near Asheville. The Parkway hosts several lookouts and camping areas along the way. Even if you don’t have a lot of time, I would suggest hopping on the trail and taking a short drive through the mountains, it will be worth your while!
Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather mountain is about an hour and a half north of Asheville, and SO worth the drive! At the base of the trail is a huge bridge coined “the mile high swinging bridge.” It’s a 228-foot suspension bridge that crosses and 80-foot valley. It was originally built in 1952 but was reconstructed in 1999.
There are several trails through the park ranging from easy walking trails to challenging treks. We chose one of the more difficult paths and made it up to and beyond MacRae peak. We spent 6 hours hiking and covered close to 7 miles. The trail had a boulder scramble, several ladders, and areas where a cable is required for assistance.
Craggy Gardens
Craggy Gardens is the perfect spot for getting outside without making too much of a commitment. Only a 30-minute drive from Asheville along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, there is so much to do without having to hike very far. Craggy Pinnacle is a 1.4-mile round trip that leads to jaw dropping 360 degree views of the mountains.
See my post on Craggy Pinnacle for additional details!
Rocky Fork State Park
Rocky Forks State Park is located just across the Tennessee border approximately 40 minutes from Asheville.
The Park hosts about 20 miles of trail systems ranging from easy to difficult. While we were there, we hiked about 20 miles along several different trails. One of the most notable areas was Whitehouse cliffs trail, at the top of which, we had panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains. The trails were primarily under a thick treed overhang which kept us out of the sun.
DuPont State Recreation Forest
Another awesome hiking location just under an hour from Asheville, is Dupont State Recreation Forest. DuPont is the perfect mix of everything, they have trails, waterfalls, views, lakes, and bridges. We had a blast hiking (about 10 miles again) on several trails throughout the park. There is something for everyone here- trails range in difficulty level.
A fun fact about DuPont Recreational Forest is that several scenes from The Hunger Games were shot here. If the third picture (below) looks familiar, it’s because it’s the place Katniss found Peeta when he had almost died in the first movie.
Sliding Rock Pisgah Forest
We didn’t make it to Sliding Rock on our most recent trip, but I remember experiencing it several years ago, and having a blast. Sliding rock is a 60-foot natural waterslide that ends in an 8-foot pool. From Memorial Day to Labour Day the park is staffed and they often have lifeguards on duty. For more information check out the Pisgah National Forest Website.
Remember to bring shorts!
Mom, if you’re reading this, can you send me a few pictures?
Other Fun Things
While Asheville is notorious for its beers and the mountains, there are several other things you cant miss while you’re in town.
River Arts District
The River Arts District was so much fun that I wrote a whole post on it! Check it out here.
While we explored around Riverview Station for an afternoon, you could easily spend a day or two admiring the artwork and enjoying the food and drink. There is so much culture and creativity in this area, it’s hard to leave!
Jonas Gerard’s Studio at Riverview Station
Grove Park Inn
The Grove Park Inn is rich in history. Construction on the Inn began in 1911 and took just under one year to complete. The Inn sits just on the edge of Asheville and has breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. It is also well known for its prestigious spa and sought-after golf course.
They have a fabulous restaurant overlooking the mountains, but you better believe anything on the menu is waaaay out of my price range.
Grove Arcade
If you’re trying to shop local the Grove Arcade is the place to do it. I know this because I looked up all the awesome things that I didn’t get to do and see. Unfortunately, three days is too short to hit all the stops, and we missed out on Grove Arcade.
The place has fabulous architecture, a variety of dining options, and plenty of local shops to find anything you could be looking for.
You best believe this is on my to-do list for next time I’m in Asheville, but I hope you beat me to it.
Biltmore Estate
Last, but certainly not least, Biltmore Estate. The grandeur of the grounds and buildings had me picking my jaw up off the floor. We spent one evening here and hardly scratched the surface of things you can do.
If you’re interested in the ins-and-outs, check out my post: Experiencing Biltmore Estate!
Asheville offers so many great things to do and see. Beautiful sites, fantastic history, and amazing food and drink. If you start wth these 20, I can guarantee you an incredible time.
XOXO Kat ♥
