Asheville's Hidden Gems: Exploring Top Attractions
Asheville, North Carolina is one of the most popular cities on the east coast of the United States for families and couples alike looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
The adventurous tourist will find a wide variety of Asheville activities to experience during a stay in this quaint little town.
People can choose from a number of different Asheville tours that include a drive through historic downtown, a haunted tour that takes people to must see creepy spots throughout the region, and a local tour of the Biltmore house, the largest house in the country built on eight acres of sprawling farmland.
Arts and entertainment are both major parts of Asheville’s culture, and any visitor to the mountain town should spend some time taking in the local flavor.
Among the many things to do in Asheville include a visit to the River Arts District, a place where artists and musicians alike come to live, work, and show off their many talents. Among the many attractions in Asheville, visiting the River Arts District is a must for any fan of the fine arts.
Among the many Asheville excursions that must be taken advantage of is a trip to one of the best hiking and camping sites on the east coast: The Blue Ridge Mountains. This sprawling mountainous region is one of the top places to visit among outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers alike.
Asheville, NC is a great destination for couples, individuals and families looking to get away to a place that offers a small town feeling yet is within close proximity to the great outdoors.
Make sure you take a map with you to this “Land of the Sky” because you don’t want to miss out on all Asheville has to offer.
Curious about Asheville's must-see attractions? Find out here!
Nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville is renowned for its lively arts scene and spectacular offering of outdoor activities.
The city is located between the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests. Trek up Mount Pisgah to enjoy the wilderness and gorgeous views. During the fall, the mountainous landscape explodes into a spectrum of colors many visitors plan their visit around the changing leaves.
Often referred to as “Paris of the South,” Asheville is, at its core, an artists’ colony. A creative spirit pervades the lively community, offering a ceaseless stream of exhibits, concerts and plays.
The town has enough restaurants and cafés to satisfy even the most devout food connoisseurs. It is also well-known for its beer production, offering over a dozen craft breweries within walking distance of the downtown.
Stroll down Asheville’s River Arts District to understand why it is called the “San Francisco of the East.” Outdoor performances are a daily occurrence. Sidewalks are peppered with local artists vending their wares.
Settle down at an outdoor café along the French Broad River to enjoy the scene. Spend a rainy afternoon in Grove Arcade to browse regional crafts, dine at local eateries and hear live music.
Drive a few minutes outside the downtown to the historic Biltmore Estate.
Built by George Vanderbilt II at the turn of the 20th century, it has 250 rooms and takes the title as the largest privately owned home in the U.S. The estate offers guided tours, a winery and luxurious accommodation.
Plan for an entire afternoon to explore the house, gardens and grounds the visit is well worth it. Pre-book a Christmas tour of the beautifully decorated main building.
Visitors can fly into Asheville Regional Airport, which offers direct flights to destinations throughout the U.S. Located 130 miles (190 kilometers) from Charlotte, Asheville can be accessed by car via Interstates 26 or 40.
The drive to and from this western North Carolina town spans the Blue Ridge Parkway and is renowned as being one of the most scenic routes in the U.S.
Uncovering Asheville's Top Attractions
1.Biltmore Estate
Wander through gardens and lush grounds, tour the grand mansion and learn about the history of this opulent estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
2.The Orange Peel
The Orange Peel is just one of the places to see in Asheville, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the area’s great live music and acclaimed theater scene.
3.Asheville Outlets
You can search for that perfect souvenir at Asheville Outlets during your trip to Asheville. Discover the area’s top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed theater scene.
4.University of North Carolina at Asheville
Explore the campus of University of North Carolina at Asheville as part of your travels around Asheville. Amble around the area’s picturesque gardens or seek out the local tours.
5.Antler Hill Village
You can find out about the history of Asheville when you stop by Antler Hill Village. Discover the area’s great live music, or seek out its local tours.
6.Pack Square
Find out about the history of Asheville when you spend time at Pack Square. Discover the area’s mountain views, or seek out its local tours.
7.Western North Carolina Nature Center
Visit the native and exotic animals who call Western North Carolina Nature Center home during your travels in Asheville. In the area, take in the lively festivals and mountain views.
8.Botanical Gardens at Asheville
Enjoy the mountain views and explore Botanical Gardens at Asheville, a lovely green space in Asheville. Experience the area’s great live music and lively festivals.
9.Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville
You can enjoy a show at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on your trip to Asheville. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Asheville
1.Downtown Asheville
Travelers to Downtown Asheville praise its popular shops. If you’ve got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Pack Square and Wicked Weed Brewing.
2.West Asheville
The picture-perfect mountain views and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to West Asheville. A stop by New Belgium Brewing Company or French Broad River might round out your trip.
3.Biltmore Village
Biltmore Village is beloved for its majestic mountain landscape. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Historic Biltmore Village and Cathedral Of All Souls.
4.Historic Montford
If you’re spending some time in Historic Montford, Riverside Cemetery and Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre are top sights worth seeing.
East End – Valley StreetWhile visiting East End – Valley Street, you might make a stop by sights like McCormick Field and Memorial Stadium.
5.River Arts District
You’ll enjoy the restaurants and live music in River Arts District. You might want to make time for a stop at Grey Eagle or French Broad River.
What to do in Asheville
Free Things to Do in Asheville
Vacationing in Asheville on a budget? The following can be experienced for zip.
- Black Mountain College Museum – Talk to the friendly staff or curator and learn about the interesting collections exhibited here.
- Pack Square – Architecture fan or not, you’re sure to be impressed by this landmark’s modern-day design.
- Riverside Cemetery – Amble through this historic attraction and uncover some secrets from days gone by.
- Downtown Market Asheville – If you’d love to explore some of the more important or interesting places in the community, it’s worth visiting this place.
- Basilica of Saint Lawrence – Stop for some quiet reflection and learn a thing or two about this site’s spiritual significance.
- Blue Ridge National Heritage Area – Bring along your camera and let the natural surrounds inspire you.
- Botanical Gardens at Asheville – Nurture your green thumb and explore the wide range of plants on display.
Things to Do in Asheville with Kids
There are loads of memorable experiences in Asheville that the entire gang will love. Here are a few of the best family friendly experiences around.
- Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tour with Expert Naturalist
- Guided Horseback Riding Adventure on the Flame Azalea Trail
- Guided Horseback Ride through Flame Azalea and Fern Forest
- Birding at Beaver Lake
How can I get cheap hotels in Asheville?
Best tips to find a cheap hotel in Asheville
If you’re looking to travel to Asheville on a budget, you’ll be happy to know that you can find hotels for as low as $60. Of course, that price is affected by amenities, star rating, and even the time of year you visit.
At most, hotel prices can be as high as $447. Staying a short amount of time in Asheville is an effective way to reduce hotel costs.
When you cut your vacation down to just a few days, you don’t have to worry as much about hotel prices since you don’t have that many nights to stay.
For budget hotels in Asheville, 3 to 4 days should be all the nights you need. That’s generally enough to enjoy the city’s top attractions, though there’s certainly enough to do to warrant a week-long trip.
When booking cheap hotel rooms in Asheville, it’s typically best to book about 3 weeks in advance. Book further in advance than that and you could be paying too much for your room, as hotels will often overestimate future demand.
However, if you wait too long, you might find that the hotel has been completely booked.
When you utilize search filters , you’ll be able to narrow down your results in a flash.
These search filters cover a wide variety of factors you may be interested in when it comes to finding a cheap hotel in Asheville, including amenities such as Free Breakfast, 2-star rating, or proximity to local attractions.
You can even set filters for price limits to ensure that all the displayed results are within your budget.
Cheap Hotels in Asheville, NC
Pick from 50 Asheville Cheap Hotels and compare room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.
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