Search results
Apr 29, 2024 · Asheville is in Buncombe County in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. It is the Buncombe County seat and the county’s largest city. According to the 2020 US Census, the population of Asheville is 94,589. Asheville’s average elevation is about 2,200 feet above sea level. Asheville and Buncombe County border the following.
- Tour The Biltmore Estate
- Find Foraged Foods
- See North Carolina Red Wolves
- Explore Downtown Asheville’s Restaurant Scene
- Rafting The French Broad River
- Explore The River Arts District
- Drive The Blue Ridge Parkway
- Hike in Mount Mitchell National Park
- See Looking Glass Rock & Skinny Dip Falls
- Find Flora at The NC Arboretum
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 Estatein 1895 that the city began to attract national attention. The family’s 125,000-acre estate became a popular retreatamong early 20th century icons such as automaker Henry Ford, ...
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 Homeoffers “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...
The Red Wolfis one of the most critically endangered canid species in the world. But thanks to captive breeding programs, 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 w...
Downtown Asheville has an astounding array of critically acclaimed restaurantsfor 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 Buc...
The French Broad River winds its way right through the heart of Asheville. The river is lined with lush, verdant parksthat are perfect for picnics and recreation. Rafting the French Broad River is one of the most fun things to do in Ashevillewith kids, or a group of friends. The Nantahala Outdoor Center has been offering guided white water raftingt...
Asheville has emerged over the past 10 to 15 years as a progressive cultural haven in the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridgeregion. 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 CURVE Studiosin the River Arts District in 1984, wh...
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 ...
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 sh...
Located less than 40 miles from Asheville (near Brevard NC), 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...
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 Arboretumoffers an array of activities, including various educational programs, tours, and events. There are 7 main garden areas. The Blue Ridge Court is c...
- Cut a Rug at the Waynesville Street Dance. Located 8 miles from downtown Waynesville in the tourist town of Maggie Valley NC, the Stompin’ Ground Dance Hall is a haven for fans of clogging, square dancing, and other Appalachian dance styles.
- Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. Waynesville is located about 7 miles northeast of the Blue Ridge Parkway, with several great hiking trails, overlooks and waterfalls within easy driving distance.
- Explore Downtown Waynesville. I may somewhat biased, but for my money Waynesville NC has one of the most charming downtown areas of any of the 30+ Blue Ridge Mountain Towns we’ve visited.
- Explore the Shining Rock Wilderness Area. Are state parks and national parks getting a bit too crowded for your taste? Wilderness Areas offer many of the same natural attractions, but with a fraction of the visitors!
People also ask
Where is Asheville NC located?
What are the best places to visit near Asheville WNC?
What is the best lake in Asheville NC?
Where are the best waterfalls near Asheville NC?
- Beaver Lake. One of the best lakes in Asheville, NC, Beaver Lake is a must for bird-watching, sunsets, picnics, and a quiet stroll. Located in the gorgeous North Asheville neighborhood, enjoy a more residential area filled with restaurants, the Botanical Gardens at Asheville, and grocery stores perfect for stocking up for that picnic.
- Lake Julian Park. For Asheville lakes and parks, Lake Julian is a recreational haven for families in Arden/South AVL. The park features a playground, sand volleyball court, and horseshoe pits.
- Lake Powhatan. Bent Creek Experimental Forest and Lake Powhatan are popular mountain biking areas for locals. It’s easy to see why. This is one of the best lakes around Asheville for those requiring a diversity of trails by length and difficulty as well as activities for everyone.
- Lake Louise Park. Just 10 minutes from Asheville, head over to Weaverville. Weaverville is home to a dog park bar, delicious restaurants, breweries, and Lake Louise.
- Christine
- Hike the trails. It’s no secret that hiking is one of the absolute best things to do in Asheville, and we have quite a few favorite hikes near Asheville.
- Chase breathtaking waterfalls. When looking for more of the “must do” things to do in Asheville, chase those waterfalls. Transylvania County is known as the “Land of Waterfalls,” after all.
- Drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) is another one of the “must” Asheville things to do and one of WNC’s most popular attractions.
- Watch a Grove Park Inn sunset. Catching a sunset at the famous and historic Omni Grove Park Inn is one of the best things to do in Asheville, NC at night.
Explore. Need a hotel room in Asheville? Book now. There are 8 ways to get from Alabama to Asheville by bus, train, car, or plane. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. best. Bus. 36h 44m. $155–352. cheapest. Drive 325.7 mi from Alabama to Asheville. 5h 55m.
Apr 7, 2024 · Uncover the best things to do in Black Mountain, North Carolina, including breweries, restaurants, shopping, and hikes. We visit this beautiful mountain town frequently as Asheville locals and hope you love the area as much as we do.
