The 30 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC

For a medium-sized Blue Ridge mountain town with a population of under 100,000, there is a surprising wealth of unique things to do in Asheville NC.

Thanks to an infusion of wealth brought in by the Biltmore Estate in the early 20th century, there’s historic art deco-influenced architecture.

There are also countless critically-acclaimed restaurants, with lots of craft breweries and farm-to-table fare. There’s also a vibrant cultural community, particularly in the River Arts District.

Thanks to sound city planning, many of the best Asheville hotels are within walking distance of its major attractions. 

But our favorite aspect of Asheville is the fact that it’s surrounded by wilderness, including nearby ecotourism attractions such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Linville Gorge, and Pisgah National Forest.

So here’s a look at some of the best things to do in Asheville NC, from touring the Biltmore Estate, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, and hiking in Mount Mitchell State Park to rafting the French Broad River and seeing endangered Red Wolves.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ASHEVILLE NC

Black Walnut B&B Inn -Romantic 1899 B&B in Montford, 2 pet-friendly rooms.

GLō Best Western Asheville Tunnel Road -Affordable new chic hotel.

Hampton Inn & Suites-Biltmore Village -Affordable pet-friendly.

Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville -Mountain View, great location.

The Windsor – Asheville – Boutique hotel w/ full kitchen & washer/dryer.

Best Things To Do in Asheville NC

1. TOUR THE BILTMORE ESTATE

Named after former North Carolina governor Samuel Ashe, Asheville was born in 1797. But it wasn’t until George Washington Vanderbilt II finished building his Biltmore Estate in 1895 that the city began to attract national attention. 

The family’s 125,000-acre estate became a popular retreat among early 20th century icons such as automaker Henry Ford, inventor Thomas Edison, and Presidents William McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson.

With 250 rooms encompassing over 135,000 square feet, the historic landmark’s Châteauesque-style architecture, lushly landscaped gardens, and forestry initiatives have made it the most popular Asheville attraction. 

There are numerous Biltmore tour options, included self-guided and audio tours of the house, gardens, winery, and rooftop, as well as tours just for kids.

There are also endless outdoor activities on the 8,000-acre estate, ranging from biking, hiking, and kayaking to falconry, fly-fishing, horseback riding, and sporting clays.

2. FIND FORAGED FOODS

Did you know that the nature-lover’s paradise around Asheville boasts over 300 wild edibles!

Founded in 1995, eco-tour operator No Taste Like Home offers “Wild Food Adventures” that teach travelers how to safely harvest edible wild plants for themselves.

Exploring local fields and forests with an expert, you’ll find a broad variety of edible berries, greens, flowers, nuts, seeds and North Carolina mushrooms. 

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Asheville with kids, check out their 90-minute Wild Food Stroll at the Omni Grove Park Inn.

Afterwards, you can either take your foraged foods home or visit one of six local restaurants whose chefs will whip up an appetizer with the ingredients you’ve foraged. It’s a great way to give kids a taste of what founder Alan Muskat calls, “find dining.”

3. SEE NORTH CAROLINA RED WOLVES

The Red Wolf is one of the most critically endangered canid species in the world. But thanks to captive breeding programs at various zoos and wildlife refuges, they’ve slowly begun to recover. There are now around 130 in the wild, and 250 others in captivity.

One of our favorite things to do in Asheville is visit the 42-acre Western North Carolina Nature Center, which connects people with the native plants and animals of the Blue Ridge  Mountains. 

Their animal exhibits include Black Bears, Cougars, Coyotes, Red and Gray Foxes, Raccoons, River Otters, and many more. But the WNC Nature Center’s most unique offering is the chance to see around a dozen Red Wolves in North Carolina.  

The Nature Center’s breeding program is helping to save this beautiful species, which is endemic to North Carolina. Their beloved wolves have been known to howl in unison when the mood strikes. 

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Asheville, NC for kids, check out their “Junior Wild Walk: A Behind the Scenes” tour, or consider hosting a birthday party at the center.

4. EXPLORE DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE’S RESTAURANT SCENE

Downtown Asheville has an astounding array of critically acclaimed restaurants for a 45-square-mile mountain town with a population of less than 100,000 people.

Those seeking vegetarian, vegan, or just plain healthy food will have a wealth of options to choose from, from the Green Sage and Laughing Tree Cafes to Plant and Rosetta’s Kitchen & The Buchi Bar.

Looking for more exotic fare? Check out award-winning Indian fare at Chai Pani, the French fare of Bouchon, Korean restaurant Stone Bowl, and new-ish Ramen joint Futo Buta. 

If you’re looking for chef-driven dining, foodies fawn over hotspots such as Katie Button’s Cúrate (tapas), Peter Pollay’s Posana (farm-to-table), Linton Hopkins’ H&F Burger, John Fleer’s Rhubarb, and Elliott Moss’ Buxton Hall.

But for good old-fashioned Southern comfort food, check out rising star Ashleigh Shanti’s Benne on Eagle, 12 Bones Smokehouse (the Obamas’ favorite), and the Tupelo Honey Cafe, one of the oldest restaurants in Asheville. 

5. RAFTING THE FRENCH BROAD RIVER

The French Broad River winds its way right through the heart of Asheville. The river is lined with lush, verdant parks perfect for picnics and recreation.

Rafting the French Broad River is one of the most fun things to do in Asheville with kids, or a group of friends.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center has been offering guided rafting trips here longer than anyone else. They have half-day tours that are aimed at beginners (ages 8 and up). There are also full-day, 8-mile, intermediate tours that tackle more challenging Class IV rapids.

Hardy kayakers will especially love hitting the river in the off-season, when the water is high and tourist traffic on the French Broad River is relatively low.

6. EXPLORE THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT

Asheville has emerged over the past 10 to 15 years as a progressive cultural haven in the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge region.

NYC-bred clothing designer Pattiy Torno (former chair of the Asheville Area Riverfront Redevelopment Commission) was one of the area’s artistic pioneers.

She set up her CURVE Studios in what became known as the River Arts District in 1984, when Downtown Asheville was teetering on the brink of economic collapse. Now the picturesque area is the creative home to more than 200 artists working in a broad variety of mediums.

Visitors looking for a weekend getaway immersed in culture will find excellent shopping opportunities in countless galleries occupying 22 former industrial buildings along a one-mile stretch of the tranquil French Broad River. 

From Curve and the Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts to the 110,000-sq foot Riverview Station and the relatively new Pink Dog Creative, each building is a treasure trove of creativity. 

7. RAPPEL IN GREEN RIVER GORGE

A tributary of the Broad River, the Green River begins in the Blue Ridge Mountains and flows into the Piedmont region.

Located just southeast of Asheville, the area surrounding the Green River Gorge boasts some of the most biodiverse forests in the eastern United States.

Green River tubing is always popular here due to the river’s controlled water flow. But for a change of pace, try canyoneering, one of the most adrenaline-pumping things to do in Asheville.

Green River Adventures offers two options for rappelling. At 70 feet tall, the Little Bradley Waterfall is perfect for youngsters (aged 12 and up) and first-timers.

Big Bradley Falls, at 200 feet, is more challenging, and recommended for thrill-seekers ages 15 and up. Both tours include expert instruction and plenty of practice time.

8. SLIP DOWN SLIDING ROCK

It may be a mountain town, but Asheville can still get extremely hot during the dog days of summer.

There’s nothing better at the end of a long day of outdoor adventures than cooling off in one of the area’s countless waterfalls.

If you’re still hungry for more action, head to Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest. This is considered “the king of swimming holes,” offering a 60-foot natural rock water slide that feeds into an 8-foot deep pool.

While this may be one of the most fun things to do in Asheville for kids, be aware that the Blue Ridge mountain waters can be chilly– usually around 55-60º!

But there are observation areas for folks who find those temps too “refreshing.” Just get there early, because this local hotspot is a popular place for families in the summertime.

 

9. TAKE A FREE HIGHLAND BREWING TOUR

Arguably the best Beer City in America, the extensive Asheville breweries list ranges from nationally recognized companies such as Sierra Nevada and New Belgium to locally grown brands like Wicked Weed and Hi-Wire.

But the very first Asheville brewery, Highland Brewing Company, was founded back in 1994 and remains one of the best breweries in Asheville.

Their guided walking tours of the facilities– one of the best free things to do in Asheville– are available every day of the week.

The original Asheville beer tour if offered twice a day on Monday and Tuesday, and on four different occasions each afternoon for the rest of the week. Each lasts around 45 minutes, and include a beer tasting to celebrate the occasion.

Note that these tours have been temporarily suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns. To find out when they’ll resume, visit the brewery’s web page here.

 

10. WATCH FOR CATALOOCHEE ELK

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited of America’s National Parks, boasts a bevy of wildlife species.

It’s home to 200 species of birds, 50 species of fish, 39 species of reptiles, 43 species of amphibians, and mammals such as Black Bears, Raccoons, Bobcats, River Otters, Beavers, and two species of Fox.

Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best free things to do near Asheville, especially if you’re going to see the ever-expanding Cataloochee Elk herd.

Elk once roamed these North Carolina hills by the thousands, but they were all killed off by hunters in the 1700s.

Thanks to a 2001 reintroduction program, there are now over 150 Cataloochee Elk in the park. The Cataloochee Valley (which is surrounded by picturesque 6000-foot peaks) is easily the best place to see them.

These massive megafauna can often be found grazing along the road into the park. But park volunteers can typically tell you where the herd was spotted last.

11. ZIPLINING IN ASHEVILLE

Putting an eco-friendly pin on typical zipline tours, Navitat Canopy Adventures speaks for the trees and encourages their guests to respect the beauty of nature.

The company’s Treetop Tour is perfect for first-timers, combining 6 ziplines (one 1250 feet), two bridges, two rappels and two hikes. Treetop Tour participants must weigh between 90 and 250 pounds.

The Mountaintop Tour is bigger, higher and faster. It boasts one zip measuring 3,600 feet long and 350 feet high, going at speeds up to 65 mph. Mountaintop Tour participants must weight between 70 and 250 pounds.

Adrenaline junkies will love The Ultimate Adventure Tour, which combines both packages for six hours of invigorating action and incredible Blue Ridge mountain views. 

 

12. PEOPLE WATCHING IN PACK SQUARE PARK

When it comes to free things to do in Asheville, NC, just sitting and watching the wonderfully eclectic array of people milling about in Pack Square Park was easily our favorite.

Located in the heart of downtown Asheville, the park was created in 1900 and named for lumber tycoon George Willis Pack (who died just six years later). 

Known as Asheville’s greatest philanthropist, he donated the land on which Pack Square was built, which is now surrounded by the historic art deco buildings for which the downtown area is known.

It’s a great place to get a feel for the mountain town’s remarkable diversity, where city slickers, grungy backpackers, young hipsters and aging hippies, tattooed cowboys, and young moms pushing their babies in strollers all commingle. 

If shopping is more your speed, you’ll also find Asheville’s best-known shops here along Biltmore Avenue. You can see everything from indie book and record stores to trendy clothing boutiques, an old-timey general store, lively brewpubs and more in a span of just a few blocks.

 

13. FISHING LINVILLE GORGE

Known as “the Grand Canyon of North Carolina,” the 11,876-acre Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is one of only two gorges in the Southern United States that was never clear-cut for logging.

The Linville River is situated approximately 1,400 feet below the ridge, so hiking Linville Gorge is most enjoyable for those who like a somewhat strenuous challenge.

In addition to bears, foxes, raccoons, hawks, and other wildlife, the area is also a haven for fly fishing in North Carolina. Anglers come here from all over the US, hoping to hook their limit of well-stocked brown, brook, and rainbow trout.

Hiking down into Linville Gorge is an intense, all-day affair. But there’s much easier access near the 45-foot drop of Linville Falls (located about 70 minutes outside Asheville), where the Linville River intersects the Blue Ridge Parkway.

 

14. MOUNTAIN BIKING PISGAH

One of the first national forests in the eastern United States, Pisgah National Forest encompasses more than 510,000 acres of the southern Appalachian Mountains.

This gorgeous haven offer lots of things to do near Asheville, NC for hiking, camping and mountain biking enthusiasts.

Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures offers half-day, full-day, multi-day, and even nighttime tours guided by locals who know the area like the back of their hand.

Best of all, they can customize your Pisgah mountain bike adventure to match your style and ability, whether you prefer climbing, downhill, or single-track riding!

 

15. ROCK CLIMBING AT CHIMNEY ROCK

Made famous by the 1992 Daniel Day Lewis film, The Last of the Mohicans, Chimney Rock State Park is located 25 miles outside Asheville.

It’s become increasingly popular amongst rock climbers in recent years thanks to its challenging array of cliffs, rock walls, and boulders.

Fox Mountain Guides & Climbing School (the only school in the Southeast certified by the American Mountain Guide Association) offers 1-on-1 rock climbing instruction and guided trips for skill levels ranging from beginners to experts.

Check out Rumbling Bald Mountain, which features 1,100 acres of world class technical rock climbing and around 1,500 boulders to conquer. All are easily accessible by car.  

 

16. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

Stretching 469 miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway attracts more than 15 million annual visitors a year.

The world-renowned scenic route passes through Asheville, making it easy to explore the remarkable array of majestic mountains, lush valleys, and fertile forests that surround the city.

You won’t find any billboards, neon signs, restaurants, shopping centers, or other signs of commerce along the way. But there are loads of breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks, not to mention many noteworthy landmarks. 

A few of our favorites include Mount Mitchell (the highest point in NC), Pisgah National Forest, the Linville Gorge Wilderness, the Linn Cove Viaduct, and Grandfather Mountain State Park.

There are also plenty of Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trails to explore, many of which lead to wondrous waterfalls. Looking Glass Falls, Crabtree Falls, and Soco Falls are especially worth visiting, as are areas like Craggy Gardens and Little Switzerland.

17. Hike in Mount Mitchell National Park 

Located in Burnsville NC, just 30 miles north of Asheville at BRP milepost 355, massive Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet.

Mount Mitchell State Park is one of North Carolina’s most popular outdoor attractions (especially in summer), offering 7 different hiking trails encompassing around 15 miles.

The shortest is of them all is also the most rewarding. The trek to the summit from the parking lot is moderately strenuous due to the sharp incline. But it’s just .4 miles, and rewards you with spectacular 360º scenic views (particularly when fall colors reach their peak).

The park also offers loads of camping options, a restaurant and concession stand, and an exceptional picnic area that includes 40 tables and two shelters with fireplaces.

18. See Looking Glass Rock & Skinny Dip Falls

Located less than 40 miles from Asheville (near Brevard), Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 417 offers a chance to see two excellent attractions in one stop.

Looking Glass Rock is named for the fact that it often ices over in winter, reflecting sunlight from its stony summit. 

It’s possible to climb the massive monolith, if you’re inclined. The Looking Glass Rock Trail gains 1,700 feet of elevation in 3.2 miles (6.5 miles round-trip), with lots of switchbacks along the way.

So you could reach the summit and be back to your car in 4-5 hours. Or you could just view it from the overlook and take the MUCH easier Skinny Dip Falls hike, leading to one of our favorite Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls.

That one’s just .9 miles of gentle inclines and gorgeous forest, with a beautiful waterfall and swimming holes waiting for you at the end. 

19. Find Flora at the NC Arboretum

The largest of the Asheville botanical gardens, the NC Arboretum encompasses 434 acres in the Pisgah National Forest. 

Devoted to education, research, conservation, and garden demonstrations, the Arboretum offers an array of activities, including various educational programs, tours, and events.

There are 7 main garden areas. The Blue Ridge Court is central to the Promenade, and features a garden pool, while the Stream Garden features mostly native North Carolina plants. 

The Heritage Garden features plants used in medicinal herbs and crafts; the Quilt Garden features Appalachian-style floral designs; and the Plants of Promise Garden demonstrates landscaping design with flora and stone. 

Along with the Holly Garden and National Native Azalea Repository (featuring 16 species that bloom in April), these features make the North Carolina Arboretum one of the best botanical gardens in the Eastern United States. 

Downtown Hendersonville, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

20. Take a Day Trip to Hendersonville NC

Located just 25 miles from the heart of Downtown Asheville, Hendersonville NC used to be one of many sleepy little Blue Ridge mountain towns.

But as Asheville’s growth has exploded over the past decade, Hendersonville has emerged as an impressive alternative to the bustling metropolis. The town of 14,254 people is beloved for its climate, gorgeous scenery, rich history, and abundance of parks and other attractions. 

A day trip to Hendersonville can include laid-back activities, such as strolling the charming downtown area’s lovely art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants. There are cool attractions like the Appalachian Pinball Museum, Mineral Lapidary Museum, and Pisgah Forest Gem Mine.

For active pursuits, there’s Holmes Educational State Forest and DuPont State Forest, which is full of waterfalls and 80+ miles of roads and hiking trails.

Don’t miss Jump Off Rock, which offers those those spectacular misty mountain views the Blue Ridge region is known for.  

21. Get Cultured at the Folk Art Center

Located at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 382, just 11 miles from Downtown Asheville, the Folk Art Center is arguably the finest collection of Appalachian arts and crafts in the USA. 

The most popular attraction on the BRP (250,000 visitors a year), the Center traces its roots back to 1890, when Yale grad Frances Goodrich came to Asheville to do missionary work. In an effort to help Appalachian women who wove traditional quilts and coverlets, she founded the Allanstand Craft Shop around the turn of the century. 

The Southern Highland Craft Guild collective was founded in 1930, making it the second oldest craft organization in the US. They opened the Folk Art Center to the public at its current location in 1980, with three galleries, a library, an auditorium, and the historic Allanstand Craft Shop.

With over 1000 artists and craftspeople representing 9 southeastern state, the Guild’s permanent collection of 3,500+ pieces dating back to the dawn of the 20th century is second to none. 

From stunning quilts, woven baskets, and pottery to turned wood, furniture, and stained glass, it’s an extraordinary testament to the creativity of the Blue Ridge region.

22. Explore the Asheville Botanical Gardens 

Though it’s not nearly as large or popular as the more famous gardens at the Biltmore and the NC Arboretum, the 10-acre Asheville Botanical Gardens is a lovely place to explore the native plants of Western North Carolina. 

Properly known as the Botanical Gardens at Asheville, the tranquil nature sanctuary is located on the grounds of the University of North Carolina at Asheville, but operates as an independent non-profit.

It was established in 1961 on abandoned timberland that had been badly eroded. Noted landscape architect Doan Ogden (who also planned the Daniel Boone Native Gardens in Boone NC) created the design, and some 5,000+ plants were brought in from private lands and national forests. 

Today there are more than 650 species of native plants found in the garden, which has a gurgling creek running through it as well as some great spots for a picnic. 

We saw tons of North Carolina wildflowers and flowering trees during our visit, including trillium, flame azaleas, and Eastern redbuds. It was one of our favorite free things to do in Asheville NC.

23. See the Thomas Wolfe House

Located in the Downtown Asheville Historic District, the Thomas Wolfe House (a.k.a. Thomas Wolfe Memorial) is the  boyhood home of the legendary author.

Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1971, the two-story yellow house was famously used as the setting for Wolfe’s classic novel, Look Homeward, Angel.

Called “Dixieland” in the book, the big boarding house was actually named “Old Kentucky Home.” Built in 1883, it was purchased by Julia Wolfe in 1906.

Tom, who lived there for 10 years before enrolling at UNC, adapted colorful stories of his family, friends, and boarders into the fictionalized novel. The house became a memorial to the author after his mother’s death, and has been open to visitors since the 1950s. 

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site is open from 9AM to 5PM Tuesday through Saturdays, with guided tours offered daily at half past each hour. 

24. Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

Located at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 384, less than 7 miles from Downtown Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center is a great place to learn more about the history of the route and get personal tips on things to see and do on your epic road trip. 

There are themed exhibits on everything from Blue Ridge flora and fauna to Cherokee history, traditional Appalachian culture, and the construction of the Parkway (which lasted from 1935 to 1987). 

The Visitor Center also features a 22-foot, interactive digital map of the Parkway, as well as an award-winning 24-minute film that offers an excellent overview of the history and nature that make the BRP so special.

There’s also a 1.4-mile loop trail that begins at the far end of the visitor center parking lot. It ultimately connects to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which stretches 1,175 miles from the North Carolina mountains to its coast. 

25. Watch the Sunset from Craggy Gardens

One of our favorite memories from our latest trip to Asheville was a magnificent picnic we shared while watching the sunset at the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center. 

Located at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 364.4, it’s a 40-minute drive from Downtown Asheville. But if you’re looking for an epic sunset above those trademark rolling hills, this spot atop Black Mountain is the place to be.

Note that it can get quite windy and cold up there, with an elevation of approximately 5,497 feet. So you’ll definitely want to dress in layers, and bring hats and gloves just in case. 

But picking up a “Tapas For 2” from Cúrate and spending a few hours watching the sky evolve into the glorious vision depicted above was truly a trip highlight we will never forget.  

26. Play at the Asheville Pinball Museum

Growing up as a child of the ’80s, I was an avid video game junkie (Atari 2600 was my jam). So this excellent Asheville attraction brought back loads of nostalgic arcade memories. 

Located across from the Grove Arcade in Downtown Asheville, the Asheville Pinball Museum offers an extensive collection of 70+ vintage pinball machines and classic video games you can play.

And since there’s a set price (Adults $15, Children 10 & under $13), you can stay as long as you want and not need to buy more tokens.

Several of their machines date way back to the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, but most of them are from the Golden Age of Video Games in the ’80s-’90s.

So you’ll find Star Trek, Evel Knievel, The Black Hole, and Creature From the Black Lagoon pinball machines, as well as classic video games such as Frogger, 1942, Q-Bert, etc. 

They also offer adult beverages such as beer (including numerous local brews), as well as snacks and sodas. 

27. Explore the Montford Area Historic District

Waterfall in Weaverville NC, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

28. Take a Day Trip to Weaverville NC

As we search for a Blue Ridge Mountain town to call home, Weaverville NC would be at the top of our list if real estate prices were not a factor. It truly has everything we’re looking for in a community.

It’s located just 8 miles from downtown Asheville, yet somehow Weaverville (population 4,000) feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of the burgeoning metropolis, with ample green space that has earned a “Tree City USA” designation from the Arbor Day Foundation.

There are lots of things to do in Weaverville NC, including an array of downtown parks, great restaurants, historical museums, and cultural attractions. 

And while the fine hotels of the former resort town’s 1930s heyday have long since closed down, charming bed-and-breakfasts and cute cabins are commonplace (including some right along Reems Creek).

Weaverville also boasts a great arts and music scene, and there’s a weekly tailgate market offered from April through October.

29. Visit the Moog Store & Moogseum

From weekly drum circles in Pritchard Park to decades of killer concerts at the Orange Peel, Asheville is known as one of the hippest music towns in the Blue Ridge region. 

But engineering physicist Robert Moog, the electronic music pioneer who invented the first commercial synthesizer (and moved to Western NC in 1978), was an Asheville resident long before the city’s 21st century boom. He even taught at UNC Asheville back in the early ’90s! 

The Moog Store and Moogseum both offer great opportunities to learn more about this iconic inventor and his enduring influence on the evolution of popular music. 

The Moog Factory has suspended tours due to COVID, but the Moog Store is offering small group sessions (by appt only) that include a brief history of Moog Music, demos of historically significant instruments, and more. 

The Moogseum, the hallmark project of the Bob Moog Foundation, is an impressively immersive and interactive museum where Moog’s influential legacy and the science of sound truly come alive. It’s really a must-see for any die-hard music lovers who visit Asheville. 

30. Celebrate Christmas in Asheville

From the myriad Boone Christmas tree farms and Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock to the Polar Express Train in Bryson City, there are many Western NC Christmas events that have become popular holiday traditions.

But for our money, it’s difficult to beat the diversity of attractions you can find during Christmas in Asheville. 

Christmas at Biltmore is easily the largest celebration, with a tree-raising event, daytime and candlelit nighttime tours of the festively decorated rooms of the Biltmore House, and holiday happenings in both the Antler Hill and Historic Biltmore Village areas. 

But the largest privately owned home in America is far from the only Asheville Christmas game in town. 

There’s also the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn, Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum, and numerous other Christmas light displays that make Asheville a great place to spend the holidays!  –by Bret Love; lead image of Downtown Asheville via Canva