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Places to see around asheville north carolina - places to see around asheville north carolinaPlaces to see around asheville north carolina - places to see around asheville north carolina -
One of the best things to do in Asheville with kids is the Asheville Museum of Science. The museum is fairly small, but the kids will have tons of fun. It features a more hands-on technique for learning about science.
The goal of the Asheville Museum of Science is for visitors to experience science, not just observe it. If you are interested in rocks and minerals, there is the Colburn Hall of Minerals. They also have a self-guided STEM lab that is also interactive. It is one of the most popular exhibits in the museum.
The museum also has exhibits that change throughout the year, making it a fun and exciting Asheville activity to come back to throughout the year. The kids will love exploring the museum and interacting with all the fun exhibits.
Thomas Wolfe was a famous American author in the 20th century. He was born in in Asheville and his childhood home still stands in Asheville. Wolfe would later immortalize his childhood home in his writings, although he gave everything different names.
Now visitors can experience the Victorian home as Wolfe would have experienced it. They offer daily tours and there is also a walking tour you can take around the home and the area.
It is in downtown Asheville, so it is a stop on the Urban Trail too. For those interested in American literature or historic homes, this is one of the best things to do in Asheville. It features a unique Spanish Catalan design that is not very common in the area. The church was built in by the famous Spanish architect, Rafael Guastavino. Now the Basilica is the only basilica in Western North Carolina. One of its most unique design features is its elliptical dome. Historians and architects believe it may be the only freestanding elliptical dome in the United States.
Inside it is an ornately designed sanctuary. The ceiling features bricks laid in a herringbone pattern, large rectangular and semi-circle stained glass windows, and a large ornate altar.
It is one of the more unique Asheville attractions. There are many great breweries in Asheville perfect for anyone who likes to try local craft beers when they travel. Asheville is even known as one of the best beer cities in America, so you know they take pride in their work. One brewery to visit is the Catawba Brewing Co. It is family-owned and opened in You will love the vibe of this brewery as well as all the drinks with their fun names.
If you are looking for really unique things to do in Asheville that will get you out in nature, consider doing a foraging tour. No Taste Like Home is a foraging tour company based in Asheville. The expert guides here will lead you through nature and teach you how to find delectable wild edibles. A variety of mushrooms, fruits, nuts, roots, flowers, and greens can be found depending on the time of year. When the tour is over, you can bring your finds to one of the partnering Asheville restaurants where they will be prepared as an appetizer to your purchased meal.
You can also stop by the Asheville Wild Foods Market for more wild edibles or buy them made into pestos, teas, and more.
Chimney Rock State Park is about an hour from Asheville and is a great escape from the city. The one sculpture you must make a point to find your way to with the tour travel guide is the Flat Iron Sculpture, named after the Flatiron building, by local artist Reed Todd. It was set up in as a bit of a joking nod to the flatiron buildings popping up in the early s. This sculpture is a part of the Asheville Public Art Collection and is known in North Carolina for its unorthodox, tongue-in-cheek nature!
Designed by Rafael Guastavino, a Spanish architect who worked on the Biltmore Estate, in , it is a mark of the 20th-century prosperity that the city and its wealthiest residents enjoyed. Guastavino worked with fellow Biltmore architect Richard Sharp Smith to create what he felt the city needed: an opulent and grand Catholic church. Religious artifacts live inside, from German stained glass windows to Italian statues and even a marble frescoed high altar.
Keen to explore other areas of North Carolina? Why not check out some of the places to visit in Greensboro, NC? The reason Pink Dog Creative is one of the best artistic Asheville attractions is that artists here open their studios for two days every week. It is an interactive location that is one of the most fun things to do in Asheville, North Carolina.
It showcases artifacts and information regarding the life and times of Bob Moog, or Robert Arthur Moog, who had a huge impact on the electronic music scene with his synthesizers. He would also invent concepts for the synth, like envelope generation, voltage control, pitch wheel, and modularity — all key fundamentals now!
Moog began working on his synthesizer back in and it quickly skyrocketed to popularity — especially in , when it was used in a Grammy-winning album. Moog passed away in and, a year later, his family established the Bob Moog Foundation to retain and pass on his legacy.
Exhibits are interactive and involve multiple senses, with visualization showcases, playable exhibits, and educational info about how electricity can make sound. For unique activities and unorthodox stuff to do, check out the Asheville Mystery Museum. It is made from a collection of curiosities set up by Joshua P.
Warren, a paranormal investigator whose name you may recognize from his fictional counterpart in The Conjuring series of horror movies. This museum in North Carolina shows off photographs of alleged paranormal activity, exhibited items and memorabilia that tell the tales of said paranormal activity, and plenty of interesting creepy artifacts. It is said that a woman named Helen once lived either at the mansion or close to it with her daughter, who she loved dearly.
Thomas Wolfe actually included the bridge in his famous novel, Look Homeward, Angel, because he walked under it so often in his youth. It was created thanks to John Andrew Rice, who had been dismissed from his Florida teaching spot in an allegedly unjust manner. At this time, the Nazi Party antagonism led to intellectuals fleeing Europe as the Great Depression swung harder than ever. Rice and some European artists found themselves with a similar goal, and they holed up in this little wooded area of Asheville.
Since then, it has relocated and grown to encompass 6, square feet, with two floors, a library, and a bookstore. Exhibitions showcase all sorts of historical, meaningful works and rotating events are often fun and unique. The museum is housed in an old hotel that is actually on the National Register of Historic Places.
It is home to over 20 classic arcade video games, 30 vintage pinball tables, and it charges only one fee for you to enter and play many of them! Each and every single machine has a plaque that contains product information and stories about its impact on the world of gaming. The goal is to provide Carolina-style barbecue authentically in Asheville in a modern and more fun manner.
Located on a picturesque acre plot of land in Leicester NC about 17 miles from Downtown Asheville , this fourth-generation family farm started focusing on growing grapes back in They have more than 6 acres of grapes planted now, and plan to gradually expand it 10 acres.
You can also purchase their small-batch wines online. Although there are no apple orchards in Asheville proper, there are quite a few options in Hendersonville NC, which is just 25 miles south of the city.
Starting on Labor Day weekend, the farm also features family-friendly activities such as an apple cannon, cow train, and a corn maze you can try to navigate. Formally known as the Basilica of St. Inside, the basilica features elaborate stained glass windows made in Munich , statues of saints made in Italy , a marble altar from Tennessee , and a wood carving of the Virgin Mary and John the Apostle made in Spain.
Walk-in visits are permitted during the hours posted on their website, and self-guided tours of the basilica are free though donations are always appreciated. Horseback riding is a great way to immerse yourself in natural beauty Asheville has to offer, and the Biltmore Equestrian Center offers private two-hour tours. Theirs are the only Asheville horseback riding tours within the city limits, exploring the trails of the historic property. Expert guides lead up to four guests at a time through the world-renowned estate, which is surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest.
Note that all participants will need a Biltmore day pass or annual pass, or an overnight room at the estate. The area is home to two beautiful lakes Junaluska and Logan , surrounded by some of the tallest mountains in NC, and offers awesome outdoor recreation in the Shining Rock Wilderness. Downtown Waynesville is very walkable, with the best shops in a 5-block area on Main Street. Christmas at the Biltmore is easily the largest celebration, with a tree-raising event, daytime and candlelit nighttime tours of the festively decorated rooms of the Biltmore House, and holiday happenings in both the Antler Hill and Historic Biltmore Village areas.
But the largest privately owned home in America is far from the only Asheville Christmas game in town. We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the Leave No Trace principles of responsible environmental stewardship.
Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie. Bret grew up camping and hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia and North Carolina with his parents, and the couple both spent childhood summers on the water with their grandparents. After becoming empty nesters, they yearned for a pristine place where they could escape the hustle and bustle of the city, commune with nature and family, and embrace a sustainable lifestyle that leaves time to appreciate the simpler things in life.
Join them and their team as they explore the region, offering expert insights on Blue Ridge travel as they search for the perfect mountain home. Pin 6K. Zelda Fitzgerald stole my heart although she did hump a bush in the rain. Find locally crafted bevies. They even hand you a personal cooler. For the best Asheville things to do for your inner geologist, head to the Asheville Museum of Science. A smaller science learning center, learn more about North Carolina geology and local specimen.
AMOS has gemstones, dinosaur bones, and animal installations. Encounter hands-on exhibits and scavenger hunts, learn about the French Broad River, and dig for fossils. AMOS is also one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Asheville. They even have a forest-themed playground with bears. Visitors of the home can take a guided tour, walk the park, hike the grounds, or visit the bookstore. Looking for dark tourist things to do in Asheville, NC? Head to Riverside Cemetery to pay your respects to literary greats.
Henry — are buried here. Grab a walking guide at the gates and stroll 3. Grab our guide to Riverside Cemetery , and see why we think this is one of the best haunted places to visit in Asheville. If you are looking for evening things to do in Asheville, attend a concert. We try to list a few concerts and live music on our Asheville Events Calendar. Picture quirky and comedic theater under the stars as fireflies light up the night sky.
They are magical. Many of the plays are by Shakespeare, but they mix it up too. Bring or purchase boozy beverages. Theatergoers go all out with their professional picnic baskets. Rent or bring your own chairs and blankets. While tickets are free, leave a generous donation. Performers circulate the crowd at intermission with collection baskets.
Well-behaved pooches are welcome. Grab dinner at Nine Mile beforehand. Riverside Cemetery is nearby. Thinking of attending?
Read more about what to expect and bring in our Shakespeare in the Park Guide. For sports lovers and families, one of the most fun things to do in Asheville is to watch the Asheville Tourists play at McCormick Field. The Asheville Tourists are a minor league baseball team. Tickets are a steal although parking is a little funky. Grab souvenirs, local beer, and of course, baseball food. We highly recommend spending a little time in each. West Asheville is pretty hipster with breweries, trendy restaurants , and a gorgeous Dolly Parton and RuPaul mural.
As mentioned above, RAD showcases the most vibrant street art. For local things to do in Asheville, NC touring the neighborhoods truly gives you a feel for residential life. Heck, it might convince you that you want to move to Asheville — like us. There are tons of things to do in Asheville, NC for book lovers. As mentioned above, you can visit the Carl Sandburg Home, Biltmore library, and even drop into Pack Memorial Library to see history along the walls. Pay your respects to Zelda Fitzgerald who perished in the Highlands Hospital fire, and tip your hat to F.
Scott Fitzgerald while at the Grove Park Inn. BUT, if you are looking for things to do in Asheville that involve buying gifts, fun stuff you never knew you needed, and local treats, we have just the shopping list for you. Battery Park Book Exchange is a multi-level champagne book bar. Located in the historic Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville, they sell used books and have extensive wine, cocktail, and champagne selections.
Asheville offers a ton of shopping in independent stores, boutiques, and open-air markets in all of its districts, including places like Historic Biltmore Village , the River Arts District, West Asheville, and Downtown. The Grove Arcade is architectural eye candy filled with a little yuppie love, including places like the Battery Park Book Exchange and Asheville Proper.
For a little history lesson: E. Grove, also infamous for constructing the Grove Park Inn, opened the Grove Arcade in as a retail center. During WW2, the Arcade transformed into a more covert military hub. Then, in the National Weather Records Center took over the building until the city reclaimed the space in the 90s. Although you can spend a lifetime doing all of the things in Asheville, we quickly wanted to mention a few brief getaways.
Hendersonville is about minutes away from downtown Asheville. A smaller city, find even more cafes, restaurants, shops, bookstores, and the best Hendersonville breweries. The wineries, orchards, and DuPont State Forest are all nearby. Hendersonville also has sweet Bed and Breakfasts and museums.
Uncover all of the fantastically fun things you can do in Hendersonville, NC. We also have a post showcasing our favorite Hendersonville restaurants , including German food and more BBQ. A little under two hours away, you also might want to head over to Knoxville, Tennessee for the day. Like Asheville, Knoxville has a historic downtown filled with distilleries, breweries, bookstores, and endless fun. A little over 1. Plus, Pigeon Forge itself makes for a great day trip with its waterparks, Parrot Mountain and Gardens, the Titanic Museum, breweries, wineries, and zip-lining.
Explore the best places to stay in Asheville. A few of our top suggestions:. What are your favorite Asheville attractions and activities? Learn how this hip mountain town came to be. Peruse Asheville's legendary independent bookstores like Malaprops , or sip champagne with your pooch at the Battery Park Book Exchange.
Find that perfect piece of art or handmade craft available for sale at downtown art galleries , craft fairs, or the open-air market at Grove Arcade. Climb to the top of Asheville's tallest buildings and enjoy the view from above at one of the many rooftop hangouts. See our guide to 11 of Asheville's best rooftop bars! Is that drumming you hear? Follow the rhythm to the downtown drum circle , a long-standing Friday night tradition.
Explore Asheville's darker side with a nighttime Haunted Ashevill e tour, or immerse yourself in the theatrical solve-a-puzzle-to-escape challenge, Conundrum.
Head outside to explore the century-old gardens, go horseback riding , or biking across the many trails. Visit Biltmore Village , located outside the entrance of Biltmore. This former neighborhood for estate workers is now filled with great shopping, amazing arts and craft galleries, and delicious restaurants. Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Be sure to pack your hiking shoes to explore the timeworn trails dotting the mountain landscape.
Trails range anywhere from easy-as-pie to whoa Nellie! Find your perfect Asheville hiking trail and get ready for some incredible views!
Use our Asheville Hike Finder to easily filter by distance from downtown, trail length and difficulty level. Bike the Blue Ridge! Road or trails, there are plenty of way to challenge yourself with a bike ride in the mountains.
Asheville is home to hundreds of native and migratory species of birds. Grab your binoculars and practice your birding skills. Bonus points if you see a peregrine falcon! Venturing outdoors is like taking a mountain safari.
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