Things to do in  Asheville

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America’s most scenic road trips—a slow-paced drive through Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the south, connecting all the way to Shenandoah National Park in the north. Along the 469 winding miles (754 kilometers), you’ll find long-range vistas, waterfalls, picnic spots, and close-up views of the parkway’s namesake: the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains.

Lovers of history, architecture, and gardens will enjoy touring the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately owned home. The Biltmore House and grounds are as grand as it gets, providing hours of exploration and enjoyment. Beyond the 250-room mansion—evoking the Gilded Age inside and out—lies a park-like landscape with trails to walk, gardens to explore, and ponds for quiet serenity, all open to the public for exploration.

Once an abandoned track of warehouses along a destitute stretch of Asheville’s French Broad River, the River Arts District (RAD) has transformed into a hotbed for artists and budding businesses. There is a vast array of studios where you can see artists working on creative projects ranging from photography and painting to basketry and pottery.

Right off the Blue Ridge Parkway and just minutes south of downtown Asheville, the North Carolina Arboretum is more than 400 acres (160 hectares) of color, showcasing both the native diversity of the region and wild, exotic flora. With gardens, miles of trails, and a gaggle of local reptiles, this is a great spot to while away an afternoon in nature.

The historic retail center opened in 1929 before being taken over by the US government in World War II and later becoming the National Weather Records Center. On the National Register of Historic Places, Grove Arcade was reopened in 2002 after renovation as a shopping center with restaurants, specialty shops, apartments, and offices.

Few museums are as hands-on as the Asheville Pinball Museum, where visitors can literally play the exhibits to their heart’s content. Featuring over 75 classic and modern pinball machines, plus video games, the museum offers a unique pop-culture blend of interactive entertainment and vintage charm. It is a must-visit for ball-popping enthusiasts and families alike.

Just east of downtown Asheville, Pack Square Park is where the city goes to celebrate, from large-scale festivals to fun weekend markets and events. It’s a lively spot from morning to night, making it a great place to people-watch, enjoy the art and fountains, and chill an afternoon away.

One of the oldest community theaters in the nation, the Asheville Community Theatre has brought locally run performances to western North Carolina since 1946. Producing musicals, comedies, and dramas, ACT has two venues that offer shows year-round, along with offering classes, readings, and special events.

Simply put, Asheville’s Folk Art Center is the oldest craft shop in America. Dating back to 1895, the center now showcases the work of some 400 artists and craftspeople, all based in Southern Appalachia. Situated at milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this arts hub is a must-stop for anyone interested in the history of American jewelry, textiles, and pottery.

Thomas Wolfe, one of the Southern United State’s most famous novelists, was born in Asheville. Now known as the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, his childhood home still stands today and is open for tours. The Victorian home showcases Wolfe’s life in Asheville at the turn of the 20th century when both the city and the man were still in the making.

Home to hundreds of vintage motorcycles and cars, the Wheels Through Time Museum takes visitors on a journey through 80 years of American transport history. Aptly located off the popular motorcycle route Blue Ridge Parkway, the rare collection is arranged to replicate a traditional garage for an immersive experience.

The idea for the Downtown Asheville Arts District took shape when newly opened locally owned businesses contributed to the revitalization of downtown Asheville in the 1990s. It was formalized in 1999 when a group of art galleries established the Downtown Gallery Association, often called DAAD. Today, more than 20 galleries and museums are part of the DAAD.

The North Carolina Stage Company is a beloved theater in downtown Asheville. With only 125 seats, this intimate venue has a two-decade history that includes awards and world premieres, and it produces four to seven productions each season.

“Not a bad seat in the house” is a common review for the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. This Asheville gem is a Goldilocks find: small enough to feel intimate with great sound, large enough to attract high-profile acts. With three venues in the complex, there’s always something on at the Wortham Center, from comedy to ballet and beyond.

Robert Moog invented the Moog synthesizer in 1964, and it’s since been adopted by bands from the Beatles to ABBA to Black Sabbath to MGMT. Although the Moogseum is not affiliated with Robert’s company, Moog Music, it does celebrate the legacy of his invention and the history of synthesizers. This interactive museum has Moog synthesizers and theremins available for guests to play.