Things to Do in Asheville
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Asheville

26 curated spots from Asheville itineraries

Activities & Attractions

13 curated experiences

Antler Hill Village at Biltmore
Do
afternoon

Antler Hill Village at Biltmore

Wander this charming village with shops, interpretive exhibits, and occasional live music; a nice way to wind down your Biltmore visit.

1h · Included with Biltmore admission
Biltmore Estate
Do
afternoon

Biltmore Estate

Tour George Vanderbilt’s grand mansion, explore the formal gardens, Conservatory, and grounds, then visit Antler Hill Village and the winery; plan for a full, leisurely experience.

4h · $80-110 per person (ticket prices vary by date and options)
Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive (near Asheville)
Do
afternoon

Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive (near Asheville)

Drive a nearby stretch of the Parkway, stopping at overlooks like Tanbark Ridge Overlook or Craggy Gardens for panoramic mountain views and short walks.

2h 30m · Free (fuel cost only)
Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
Do
morning

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

Stop in to get maps, current conditions, and recommendations before driving to scenic overlooks and short hikes along the Parkway.

30m · Free
Crabtree Falls Hike
Do
afternoon

Crabtree Falls Hike

2.7-mile easy-moderate loop to 70ft waterfall; wear sturdy trail shoes, medium fitness, 1hr drive from downtown.

2h 30m · Free
Craggy Gardens Visitor Center and Trails
Do
afternoon

Craggy Gardens Visitor Center and Trails

Take an easy-to-moderate hike to rocky outcrops and rhododendron gardens with expansive views; pack water and light layers.

1h 30m · Free
French Broad River Market
Do
afternoon

French Broad River Market

Wander stalls for local ferments, cheeses, honey; Saturdays best, eclectic vendor mix.

1h 30m · $20-40
New Belgium Brewing Company
Do
afternoon

New Belgium Brewing Company

Large riverside brewery with a spacious patio, tours, and a rotating tap list; often has food trucks on site.

1h 30m · $10-20 per person
Pack Square Park
Do
morning

Pack Square Park

Stroll the central square framed by historic buildings, public art, and mountain views; a nice place to sit with coffee and plan the day.

30m · Free
River Arts District
Do
afternoon

River Arts District

Stroll converted warehouses along the French Broad River housing working artist studios, galleries, and murals; many artists are on-site.

2h · Free (unless you purchase art)
River Arts District Studios
Do
morning

River Arts District Studios

Stroll 200+ eclectic studios like Cottonmill, watch live pottery/glassblowing; 1-2 hours free-form.

2h · Free
Sovereign Remedies
Do
evening

Sovereign Remedies

Stylish cocktail bar with creative drinks, dim lighting, and an intimate feel; sit at the bar or a cozy table for a nightcap.

1h · $12-20 per person (one or two cocktails)
The Orange Peel
Do
evening

The Orange Peel

Legendary music venue hosting touring bands and diverse genres; check the calendar and book tickets in advance if a show appeals.

2h · $20-60 per person (varies by show)

Restaurants & Food

13 local favorites

All Day Darling
Eat
morning

All Day Darling

Bright neighborhood cafe with coffee, baked goods, grain bowls, and egg dishes; slightly off the main tourist path.

1h · $15-22 per person
Bargello
Eat
evening

Bargello

Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in the Kimpton Hotel Arras with house-made pastas, wood-fired dishes, and an elegant yet approachable vibe.

1h 30m · $35-55 per person
Biltmore Estate Winery
Eat
afternoon

Biltmore Estate Winery

Enjoy a wine tasting and browse the wine shop in Antler Hill Village; you can share a flight and pick a bottle to take home.

45m · $0-25 per person (tasting options vary; some included with admission seasonally)
Biltmore Winery Tasting Room
Eat
morning

Biltmore Winery Tasting Room

Reserve seated wine flight with charcuterie amid historic cellars.

1h 15m · $45-65 per person
Corner Kitchen
Eat
morning

Corner Kitchen

Biscuits with mountain gravy or smoked trout hash.

1h · $35-50 per person
Cúrate
Eat
evening

Cúrate

Acclaimed Spanish tapas restaurant in a brick-lined former bus depot; share plates like jamón ibérico, pan con tomate, and patatas bravas.

1h 30m · $40-60 per person (depending on drinks and number of plates)
Early Girl Eatery - Downtown Asheville
Eat
morning

Early Girl Eatery - Downtown Asheville

Cozy, farm-to-table Southern spot known for biscuits, shrimp and grits, and hearty brunch plates; go for a relaxed, unhurried breakfast for two.

1h · $15-25 per person
New Belgium Brewing
Eat
evening

New Belgium Brewing

Vliet Pilsner flight with pretzels; riverside patio.

1h 30m · $40-60 per person
Red Stag Grill
Eat
evening

Red Stag Grill

Order the sunburst trout or elk loin in a stylish hunting lodge ambiance.

1h 30m · $60-85 per person
Rhubarb
Eat
evening

Rhubarb

Seasonal, farm-driven restaurant on Pack Square offering refined Appalachian-influenced dishes and a solid cocktail and wine list.

1h 30m · $35-55 per person
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar - Asheville
Eat
morning

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar - Asheville

Popular spot for elevated Southern brunch classics like fried chicken and waffles, sweet potato pancakes, and strong coffee.

1h · $15-25 per person
White Duck Taco Shop
Eat
afternoon

White Duck Taco Shop

Try duck confit or oyster tacos amid vibrant street art.

1h · $40-55 per person
White Duck Taco Shop - River Arts District
Eat
afternoon

White Duck Taco Shop - River Arts District

Colorful, casual taco spot by the French Broad River with inventive flavors and outdoor seating; great for a quick, flavorful meal.

45m · $12-20 per person

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