Things to do in  Asheville

Asheville is known for many things. To history buffs, it’s known for the grand Biltmore Estate. To beer lovers, it’s known for having among the most breweries per capita in the US. To outdoor lovers, it’s known for its access to the Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Parkway.

It depends on where you go. For being a town of under 100,000, Asheville has a surprising variety of vibes. You’ll find a definitively artsy vibe in neighborhoods like the River Arts District and West Asheville, Victorian elegance and homey B&Bs in the Montford Area Historic District, and big-city buzz downtown.

Explore the Biltmore Estate or historic homes of the Montford neighborhood, get your nature fix at the Western North Carolina Nature Center, and check out foodie hot spots like the White Duck Taco Shop or Ginger’s Revenge. If you have time, throw in an eclectic spot like the Pinball Museum.

In a word, autumn. The air is crisp but sunny, the summer crowds have departed, and the fall foliage can’t be beat. Asheville sits between three national forests deep in the mountains, which you can easily explore via the Blue Ridge Parkway. In fall, of course, expect fewer Blue Ridge blues and more reds, oranges, and golds.

Downtown Asheville has some spectacular hotels, museums, and restaurants. The Asheville Museum of Science is a standout, as are the Asheville Art Museum and the Pinball Museum. Visiting the entire list of worthwhile restaurants and breweries would take weeks, from White Duck Taco Shop to Tupelo Honey to Rhubarb and beyond.

Absolutely. The “Paris of the South” hit the jackpot when it comes to nature, cuisine, culture, history, and things to do. From touring a Vanderbilt castle to kayaking the French Broad River, from driving the Blue Ridge Parkway to sipping suds at one of the city’s many, many breweries, just about anyone can find something to enjoy in Asheville.