Discover Parks & Wildlife contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of the Amazon links (or other affiliate links), we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure policy for more information.
15 Things To Do In Asheville If You’re Obsessed With Nature And Charm
Looking for a spot that perfectly blends quirky charm, a laid-back atmosphere, and no shortage of things to keep you entertained? Then Asheville, North Carolina, might just be your new favorite getaway.
Tucked between rolling hills and vibrant city life, it’s the kind of place that lures you in with its artsy edge and keeps you hooked thanks to its endless options for exploring, eating, and just having an all-around great time. From cool museums to breathtaking trails, you’ll find something here that speaks to you (probably with an Appalachian accent).
Stick around as we highlight some must-dos in and around this lively city.
Got your own Asheville hotspots to share? Don’t hold back, drop a comment on MSN once you’ve checked these out.
Tour The Biltmore Estate
Step inside the sheer opulence of America’s largest privately owned home (apparently, George Vanderbilt thought 250 rooms and 65 fireplaces were modest). Built in the late 1800s, this French Renaissance-style chateau is equal parts luxurious and jaw-dropping.
And whether you’re wandering through its palatial bedrooms, admiring the indoor bowling alley, or getting lost in its 8,000-acre backyard (yes, that’s just the yard), you’ll quickly realize this place is more than a house; it’s a statement.
Don’t skip the gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the guy who landscaped Central Park). Strolling through these rose gardens and exotic plants might convince you you’re part of a period drama. And if that doesn’t do it, the wine tastings at the onsite winery will.
Explore Biltmore Village
Biltmore Village was built for George Vanderbilt’s estate workers, but walking around, you might think it’s straight out of a British countryside dream. Cobblestone streets? Check. Quaint shops in Tudor-style cottages? Yep. A world-class croissant spot hidden away if you know where to look? Arguably the highlight.
While the shopkeepers here don’t don 19th-century gear (thankfully), the architecture and atmosphere make this village feel like a delightful time warp. From unique boutiques to locally sourced bites, it’s perfect for spending a lazy afternoon buying artisanal jam.
Plus, you’ll be surrounded by a community built for support, making every shop visit feel more personal (and slightly harder on the wallet).
Drive The Blue Ridge Parkway
Hop in your car, crank up some road trip tunes, and prepare to witness a highway so scenic it could convince even the staunchest city-lover to appreciate nature. Dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway will have you cruising through sweeping mountain views and lookout spots with names that sound straight out of poetry (Mile High Overlook, anyone?).
Spanning 469 miles, this two-lane beauty connects Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park, offering travelers endless opportunities for picnics, photography, and existential reflection.
Pro tip? Go in the fall when the leaves turn into a mosaic of golds and reds, but bring some snacks because you might be stopping every ten minutes to take in another photo-worthy view.
Cool Off At Sliding Rock
Why settle for a boring old pool when you can slide down a 60-foot natural rock waterslide and plunge into a cold, eight-foot-deep mountain pool? Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest is the ultimate mix of thrill and chill.
Water rushes down the slick stone face like it’s been custom-designed for adventure lovers who enjoy a bit of a bumpy ride. And whether you’re riding the current laughing (or screaming, no judgment), this spot is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.
Admission is only a few bucks, and lifeguards are on duty during peak hours… probably to ensure no one decides to nap mid-slide. Remember to bring a towel, you’ll leave wet and grinning like a kid on a sugar high.
Hike Graveyard Fields
Don’t be put off by the ominous name; Graveyard Fields is less spooky and more jaw-droppingly gorgeous. The origins of its eerie moniker trace back to historic windstorms and logging fires that left behind stumpy, grave-like remains.
Today, it’s a slice of paradise populated by wildflowers, waterfalls, and possibly the juiciest blueberries you’ll ever taste (if you’re there in August, grab a bucket). Meander along its moderate, family-friendly trails while the roar of cascading water guides you to Lower and Upper Falls, both equally refreshing for the soul.
Friendly warning, though. If you plan to plunge into one of those swimming holes, brace yourself for a chill that’ll wake you up better than a double espresso.
Tour The Asheville Pinball Museum
Wander into this retro wonderland and suddenly, it’s a battle between your inner gamer and your inner 80s kid. Turns out, the Asheville Pinball Museum isn’t just a museum; it’s a fully interactive playground where you can play over 75 vintage pinball machines and classic arcade games.
Don’t expect glass display cases and “please don’t touch” signs here. Instead, they encourage you to press, flipper, and smash those buttons to your heart’s content.
Each machine tells its own quirky story, and there’s something oddly satisfying about realizing your high score will probably outlive your vacation memories. Just don’t be surprised if you spend hours perfecting your Frogger skills. This hidden spot is not only air-conditioned; it’s unapologetically nostalgic.
Pick Berries At Craggy Gardens
Strap on those hiking boots (or whatever passes as hiking boots in your closet) and venture up to Craggy Gardens in late summer. Sure, the sweeping views and fresh mountain air are worth the trip alone, but the real stars here are the wild blueberries dotting the highland trails.
It’s nature’s version of a snack bar, except you don’t have to awkwardly dig for quarters in your pocket. Just pop ‘em straight into your mouth, after a quick inspection, of course… no one wants a crunchy bug surprise.
See if you can manage to make it home with enough berries to bake a pie instead of eating them all on the spot (I’m not sure I can). Between the berry-picking and the breathtaking overlooks, you might actually forget you’re technically getting exercise.
Wander Around The North Carolina Arboretum
Hidden away in the lush mountains just south of Asheville is the North Carolina Arboretum, where plant enthusiasts and casual wanderers find common ground (usually on one of the pristine walking trails).
But this isn’t just your average garden where you politely admire some roses and call it a day. No, this place cranks it up a notch with a bonsai collection that will leave you wondering about the ambition of your houseplants.
Want to feel fancy? Stroll through acres of cultivated gardens that seem to quietly whisper, “When did you last water your fern?” And for those feeling adventurous, the hiking and biking trails give you a perfectly good excuse to break a sweat while pretending it’s all about “appreciating nature.”
Climb Chimney Rock State Park
Prepare for a leg day your calves won’t soon forget. Chimney Rock State Park is home to a towering 315-foot granite monolith that looks like it’s straight out of an action movie… and that’s because it is. You might recognize it from hits like The Last of the Mohicans.
But don’t get too distracted by the film trivia, because you’ve got trails to conquer. If hiking isn’t your thing (or your knees loudly protest the idea), don’t worry, there’s also an elevator that zips you straight to see those jaw-dropping views nearby.
Once at the top, you’ll find yourself glued to the stunning panorama of Hickory Nut Gorge, a landscape so breathtaking you might briefly consider writing poetry. Briefly.
Check Out Grove Park Inn
Walking into the Grove Park Inn feels like strolling into a time machine that’s taken a pit stop in 1913 (which is when this beauty was built). The design features heavy stone walls, massive fireplaces, and just enough charm to make you ponder why your own home doesn’t have a wood-beamed ceiling.
The real showstopper, however, is the view. This place practically hugs the Blue Ridge Mountains, giving even the most stubborn “indoorsy” guests a reason to gawp out the window.
And whether you’re grabbing a drink on the terrace or just roaming the historic halls wondering how they keep the floors so shiny, be sure to carve out time to soak in the timeless elegance.
Float The French Broad River
What’s better than floating lazily down a river that’s older than the Appalachian Mountains themselves? Not much. The French Broad River is one of the oldest in North America, and these ancient waters are perfect for tubing, kayaking, or just splashing about like an overgrown toddler.
With plenty of outfitters nearby, you can rent a tube, plop yourself in the water, and gleefully drift past lush landscapes and maybe a few curious turtles. Just don’t forget sunscreen unless you want raccoon eyes from your sunglasses.
Pro tip for ultimate relaxation? Pair your float with a cooler of snacks and beverages securely tied to its own tube. You’ll leave feeling like you just wrote your own “how to unwind” manual.
Learn Local History At Thomas Wolfe Memorial
Step into the charming childhood home of Thomas Wolfe, an author who wrote big, bold novels about small-town life (and likely knew the struggle of sharing a bathroom in a busy household).
Preserved as a museum in Asheville, this house offers a peek into both the early 20th century and the roots of Wolfe’s creative brilliance. While exploring the rooms, you might find yourself marveling at the absence of TV or Wi-Fi.
How did people fill their time? By becoming literary greats, apparently. The tour is filled with tales from Wolfe’s quirky family life, which shaped his later works. It’s also haunted (allegedly). Nothing says “literary legacy” quite like a possible ghost story to go with your history lesson.
Stroll Downtown’s Grove Arcade
The Grove Arcade isn’t just any shopping spot; it’s where history mingles with coffee shops and boutique stores. Originally built in the 1920s, it was one of America’s first indoor shopping malls before its wild career shift into a military base during WWII and then housing weather records.
Today, it’s home to local artisans, food, and people-watching opportunities galore. So you could argue it’s where impulse buys meet cultural enlightenment.
Craving a custom scarf knit by someone who genuinely loves llamas? Yep. Hungry for pastries that might ruin all other bakeries for you? You know it. It’s classy, it’s charming, and you won’t leave empty-handed… even if it’s just a too-full stomach.
Explore The Folk Art Center
Appalachian artists have been cranking out kitchen-worthy pottery and stunning quilts longer than most of us have had smartphones. And the Folk Art Center, perched along the Blue Ridge Parkway, proudly showcases their crafty genius with over 3,500 pieces ranging from “wow, that’s practical” to “whoa, is that made of wood?”.
Look, it’s not some sleepy gallery; this is the Parkway’s busiest stop, raking in a whopping 250,000 visitors annually. There are live crafting demos too, so you can watch an artist weave baskets and try not to think about how you haven’t mastered spaghetti twirling yet.
If you’re into supporting local makers and resisting the temptation to start your own failed Etsy shop, you’re in the right place.
Discover The Western North Carolina Nature Center
If you think “wildlife” means dodging squirrels at the park, you’re in for an education at the Western North Carolina Nature Center. Open since 1977, it’s a haven for over 100 species that call the mountains home, from majestic red wolves to utterly unimpressed black bears.
What makes it even cooler is its mission to care for animals unable to survive in the wild… aka permanent VIP guests. You can also meet some crowd favorites, like otters who seem to make lounging an Olympic sport.
Whether you spend your visit gawking at cougars or learning how to “speak owl” from the educational exhibits, you’ll leave with a newfound respect for critters and a nagging feeling you should become a wildlife photographer.
Like Our Content? Follow Us on MSN (or click the Follow Button above) for more from Discover Parks & Wildlife.
17 San Diego Spots That Promise Unmatched Beauty And Fun
Dreaming of sunshine, beach vibes, and fantastic food all in one trip? You won’t want to miss this; it’s San Diego at its absolute best, and yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds.
16 Unforgettable Miami Attractions Perfect For Families
Looking for a family adventure that’s equal parts sunny vibes and unforgettable memories? Check out how Miami delivers big on fun with attractions everyone will rave about for years!
12 Overlooked U.S. Cities That Should Be On Your Travel Radar
Ready to have your travel plans ejected from the boring highway straight into the scenic backroads? Check out this treasure trove of overlooked U.S. cities that will have you questioning why you ever thought New York and L.A. were the only places worth visiting.
