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. Address: 36 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States. Here, grey wolves, bobcats, coyotes, and the rare and endangered red wolf live and thrive. If you are looking for adventure don't miss out on these top things to do during this winter. The Gray Line Trolley is an amazing way to see all the tourist attractions and activities that the city has to offer. From how famous novelist Thomas Wolfe described the home he grew up in, you likely wouldn’t think much of the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, known also as Dixieland or the Old Kentucky Home. A French Broad River Water table display lets you make rain. Make an inspiring visit to the home of one of America’s greatest writers, indulge in a salt cave spa or explore a fascinating urban trail. Here are 38 best and fun things to do in Asheville, North Carolina. Black bears, cougars, and more are waiting to be seen. The fact that it’s one of the best ways to relax as you jump between attractions on your list of what to do in Asheville means it deserves its own number on this list. Each and every single machine has a plaque that contains product information and stories about its impact on the world of gaming. The menu at Curate Bar de Tapas is varied and changes regularly. You can try horseback riding, cycling, rock climbing, hiking, and fishing. Pisgah National Forest was one of the country’s first national forests to be officially designated. It was created during the Great Depression in 1930 in order to help create a market for artists and their work across the area – though it does have roots all the way back to the 1800s. Find great package deals and local restaurants too. Whether you like the sophisticated flavors of olive oil and olives or the fiery heat of peppers, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for things to do in downtown Asheville on a Friday night, you can’t go wrong with the awesome Pritchard Park Drum Circle. Try their croquetas de pollo, patatas bravas,jamón Ibérico, or fine wine and you’ll soon know why this tapas bar is one of the city’s most loved! Even later, the National Gallery of Art would use the estate to store its prized pieces during World War II. Check out the fine art exhibits at the Asheville Art Museum , find vintage games at the Pinball Museum (yes, you can play! Address: 67 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States. At its largest, the estate covered 125,000 acres of land, though Vanderbilt’s passing led to 87,000 acres being sold in 1914. Trails, swimming spots, boat ramps, showers, and camping areas are all available to use and try out. Address: 1 Battle Square Ste 1b, Asheville, NC 28801, United States. Though it only began operations in 2009, Chai Pani has already been featured in multiple publications in different countries. This may have contributed to the fact that Wolfe left the city and didn’t return for almost a decade after the book’s publication. Whether you’re trying appetizers, wine, full meals, or desserts, the food tours will show you how to enjoy the very best of local cuisine and local businesses. A mix of all sorts of drum players come to this gathering. Address: 47 Bryant St, Asheville, NC 28806, United States. Asheville Urban Trail. It’s surprising to think how such an important aspect of musical culture began its life in Asheville! Asheville, North Carolina, is a small city nestled in the Smoky Mountains and rapidly making its mark on the tourist circuit. Machines from the 1960s and beyond are operating and ready to play. It is a large complex that has 27 artist studio spaces, with the entire area being shared by some of this North Carolina city’s best businesses. Studio Strolls is an exciting event where a free trolley service takes guests across multiple different studios, all open for the special occasion! There are also demonstrations of crafts that have almost been forgotten since they were brought down from mountain tribes, such as broom-making, cabinetry, and weaving. ), or for a real throwback Thursday, visit the antique car museum . They bring dunduns, djembes, congas, shekeres, and other percussion instruments to create catchy beats and flowing rhythms. It’s the best way to visit all the food-related points of interest that are a testament to the Southern charm and flavors of the city. 195 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC 28803, United States, 3 River Arts Pl, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, United States, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806, United States, 382 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28805, United States, 75 Gashes Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28805, United States, 52 N Market St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 1 Page Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 36 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 111 Grovewood Rd, Asheville, NC 28804, United States, 67 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 43 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 151 W T. Weaver Boulevard, Asheville, NC 28804, United States, 1600 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, United States, 76 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 364 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Black Mountain, NC 28711, United States, 160 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804, United States, 1 Page Ave #115, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 91 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 18 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 11 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 97 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 348 Depot St #342, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 56 Broadway Street, Front, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 80 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 201 Beaucatcher Rd, Asheville, NC 28805, United States, 120 College St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 1 Battle Square Ste 1b, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 32 Banks Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 5 Foundy St Ste 10, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 22 Battery Park Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 5 River Arts Pl, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, 13 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States, Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, 30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Fresno (California), 19 Best & Fun Things To Do In Sandusky (Ohio), 27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Solvang (California), 41 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In Indiana, 29 Best & Fun Things To Do In Springfield (Illinois), 50 Best International Travel Tips To Make Your Life Easier, 50 Best Vacation Spots & Places To Visit In The World, 18 Simple Steps To Plan Your Next Trip Or Vacation, 50 Most Beautiful Places In The US To Visit In Your Lifetime, 50 Travel Hacks That Will Save You Time, Space And Money. All its dishes are homemade and the ingredients used throughout the menu are fresh but simple, which adds a homey, fun, and relaxing environment to the Asheville staple. It is, now, the home of America’s first school of forestry, the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. The indoor exhibits of the nature center include small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and the very interesting World Underground exhibit that discusses what exists beneath the ground. Discover Asheville's history on the Asheville Urban Trail Lovers of art, history and architecture will enjoy the 1.7-mile self-guided, downtown Asheville walking tour: The Asheville Urban Trail. This sculpture is a part of the Asheville Public Art Collection and is known in North Carolina for its unorthodox, tongue-in-cheek nature! Address: 364 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Black Mountain, NC 28711, United States. more. Did you know Asheville has a thriving craft beer scene? The community had been fighting against development in order to preserve their neighborhood for years, and this garden was meant to be a peaceful response to the troubles they and other neighborhoods near to them faced. Being someone who was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina I have carefully taken note of the best places to go, and things to do to get the ultimate Asheville experience! Address: 11 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States. The Craggy Gardens are located on Hemphill Knob Road. The facility covers 42 acres and is dedicated to an educational mission: to teach the public about the habitats, diversity, and variation of the everyday life of mammals in Asheville and beyond. If you’re in Asheville at the right time, check out Studio Strolls, which happens twice annually. Plus, the Silver River Center hosts multiple events like the SeatWeavers’ Guild Fathering or The Chair Affair. Located in Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville, Splasheville is an interactive water park made to be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you feel like it, you can even stop by Wake’s own store, which sells handmade candles, artisanal products, and apothecary items. In its own right, Chai Pani can almost be considered among Asheville attractions – but even if you don’t think of it as one, it’s well worth a visit regardless. It’s a great representation of the Gilded Age and its prominence makes a visit here one of the best things to do in Asheville. It is run and owned by Meherwan Irani, who has been nominated for the James Beard Award thrice. The Craggy Gardens are a delightful spot that offers the best things to see for plant-lovers and nature enthusiasts in general, especially those who love rare plants. Are you a foodie in this North Carolina city? Now, Grovewood Gallery is home to crafts of all kinds from contemporary artists, both local to North Carolina and from all across the country. Keeping your adventure to or within the vicinity of Asheville gets you to the Craggy Gardens, Mount Mitchell, and the Folk Art Center – and two of these are such good city tourism staples that they’re discussed further in this list! Address: 382 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28805, United States. How to use this map. Local artists enjoy talking about their work but take note of studio operating hours if you want to meet them. This group of drummers gathers every week without fail – except in the winter – in Pritchard Park. Do note that the museum isn’t open to the public unless you’re a part of a Haunted Asheville ghost tour, so you’ll have to sign up for one of them in order to visit it. True to the free-spirited nature of Asheville, the River Arts District is made up of 22 buildings of historical or previous industrial purpose. What are the top attractions to visit in Asheville? A Hurricane Simulator lets you experience the worst forcefulness of a storm. Asheville, NC, makes for a great weekend getaway. Buxton Hall Barbecue opened its doors in 2015 in a building that was once a Standard Paper Sales Company structure. This makes it one of the most unique things to do in the state of North Carolina. Looking for some of the top things to do in Asheville while you’re in the city this weekend? It’s completely free to enter, which makes it one of the best things to do in Asheville if you have some extra free time today. They’re dog-friendly and well outfitted with amenities, including a picnic area! Different experiences might offer presentations or different adventures, so try them out if you’re interested. One of the best free things to do in Asheville is simply get outside and go for a hike! The menu primarily offers scrumptious takes on Indian chaat street food, including meals like vegan corn bhel, chicken and kale pakoras, kheema pav, and okra fries. Don’t forget to visit the oldest craft store by the Guild, called the Allanstand Craft Shop, for fun souvenirs. If you opt for a guided tour of this delightful Asheville location, botanists will talk to you about the region’s fauna and flora, taking you through diverse species of flowers. 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 noted for its many beautiful spots and the glory of the nature that it preserves. Address: 13 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States. Address: 111 Grovewood Rd, Asheville, NC 28804, United States. Located in downtown Asheville, there’s no doubt that the memorial house is where to go if you’re a history buff. 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! The Downtown Asheville Art District (DAAD) is the home of the best fine art and studio crafts in the city. It’s definitely a fascinating experience worth checking out! Address (Wicked Weed): 91 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States. The Asheville Urban Trail spans 1.7 miles and is a wonderful way to get some sightseeing in while you’re at this historical North Carolina city. Address: 290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804, United States. So it should come as no surprise that one of the best things to do in Asheville is explore the city’s arts district. Some of the Diana Wortham Theatre’s hosted acts include the Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance, the Asheville Puppetry Alliance, and the Asheville Lyric opera. Massages, foot soaks, and other relaxing services are provided to help you enjoy peace and serenity during the more hectic periods of your holiday. Visting other areas of North Carolina? With our love for international travel and our travels taking us out of the states more than keeping us within its borders, Asheville, NC wasn’t even on our radar. The piece is made from cast iron and looks like, well, a clothing iron. Asheville urban trail. Asheville, North Carolina is a beautiful mountain town surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, where you will find unique art, great food, breweries, pretty gardens and world-famous historic attractions such as Biltmore Estate and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial. Mary Holden Thompson, an advocate for the arts, opened the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center in 1993 to tell the college’s story. Small towns are also great rustic stops for a meal or some exploration. Found in Western North Carolina, Asheville is one of the most amazing places to visit. The outdoor exhibits, on the other hand, are dedicated to local species, like foxes, turtles, raccoons, otter, and even endangered farm animals. 3. Usually, a crowd of interested audience members and excited dancers will slowly gather to join in on the fun and entertainment. There are also gardens for hollies, gardens by streams, and more! Address: 18 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States. Hopefully, this guide to the best of what Asheville has to offer has given you some great ideas for what to do in the city and add to your bucket list! Three different ranger districts make up the forest, divided for visitor convenience. The architecture is pretty interesting and there’s a good mix of stores inside, with eclectic options ranging from galleries to restaurants and from bars to bookshops. Map of the best things to do in Asheville. It’s one of the coolest things to do in the city! 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