Asheville: what's actually worth it
Asheville breathes the bold ambition of George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate, where Gilded Age opulence still anchors a town that prefers artistic whimsy to corporate polish. Walking its hills feels less like touring and more like wandering through a cozy, eclectic living room filled with murals, craft beer, and genuine curiosity. It is not merely a destination but a vibrant community hub where historic preservation meets modern innovation, inviting you to slow down and savor every artisanal detail of this mountain sanctuary.
Top things to do in Asheville
Biltmore
Historical Place · ★ 4.7 (39,430 reviews)
George W. Vanderbilt’s iconic French Renaissance château features 250 rooms, lavish gardens & tours.
Check tours & tickets →The North Carolina Arboretum
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.8 (8,204 reviews)
Arboretum in a forest with mountain views, gardens & a bonsai exhibit, plus hiking & biking paths.
Check tours & tickets →Western North Carolina Nature Center
Zoo · ★ 4.7 (4,278 reviews)
A zoo exploring flora & fauna of the Southern Appalachian region, with more than 60 animal species.
Check tours & tickets →Asheville Pinball Museum
Museum · ★ 4.8 (3,087 reviews)
All-you-can-play arcade featuring 75+ pinball machines & classic video games, plus beer & soda.
Check tours & tickets →Catawba Falls
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.8 (2,013 reviews)
Mossy & shady forest trail leading to a series of waterfalls on the Catawba River.
Check tours & tickets →Woolworth Walk
Art Gallery · ★ 4.7 (1,914 reviews)
Woolworth-store-now-gallery featuring diverse works by 175 local artists & a restored soda fountain.
Check tours & tickets →Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.7 (1,814 reviews)
National park on the preserved goat farm & farmhouse where the acclaimed poet lived until his death.
Check tours & tickets →Pack Square Park
Park · ★ 4.6 (1,948 reviews)
This community green space with a stage & shade trees is popular for festivals & events.
Check tours & tickets →Asheville Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.5 (2,280 reviews)
A half-mile trail meanders through these gardens that feature 600+ species of Appalachian plants.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
American Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (7,980 reviews)
An all-day menu of Southern comfort food with a creative twist, plus craft beers & cocktails.
Website →Pack's Tavern
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (6,525 reviews)
Modern restaurant in a restored historic building with over 35 rotating taps & an eclectic food menu.
Website →Sunny Point Cafe
Breakfast Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (5,143 reviews)
Family-owned stop for American comfort food from AM to PM, with a covered patio.
Website →Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack
American Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (5,955 reviews)
Counter-serve outfit dishing up Tennessee-style hot chicken in casual surroundings.
Website →Moose Cafe
Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (7,387 reviews)
Part of a small casual chain offering Southern-style comfort food made using locally grown veggies.
Website →Daddy Mac's Down Home Dive
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (3,606 reviews)
Smoked meats & mac 'n' cheese skillets, plus cocktails & craft beer in a rustic-chic space.
Website →Chestnut
American Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (2,928 reviews)
New American eatery for seasonal bites & homemade treats in restored 1920s digs with a full bar.
Website →Cornerstone
American Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (4,863 reviews)
Established American restaurant offering burgers, steaks & seafood in an airy, rustic-chic setting.
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
Navitat Canopy Adventures
Adventure Sports Center · ★ 5 (4,071 reviews)
Attraction offering guided zipline tours through the forested terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Check tours & tickets →Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville
Tour Agency · ★ 4.8 (1,075 reviews)
Long-standing tour company chain offering a variety of city tours by bus throughout North America.
Check tours & tickets →Get outside
Chimney Rock State Park
State Park · ★ 4.8 (9,524 reviews)
This iconic rock offers wide-reaching panoramic views over the surrounding parkland.
Website →The North Carolina Arboretum
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.8 (8,204 reviews)
Arboretum in a forest with mountain views, gardens & a bonsai exhibit, plus hiking & biking paths.
Website →DuPont State Recreational Forest
National Park · ★ 4.8 (4,196 reviews)
Massive nature preserve featuring mountains, waterfalls, lakes, seasonal hunting & hiking trails.
Website →Carrier Park
Park · ★ 4.6 (1,859 reviews)
Sports facilities from roller hockey to lawn bowling, plus trails, picnic space & river views.
Website →Blue Ridge Parkway
Hiking Area · ★ 4.9 (845 reviews)
Website →After dark
Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar
Bar · ★ 4.6 (3,661 reviews)
Casual haunt featuring piano duels & specialty cocktails in a 1920s space with a convivial vibe.
Website →Jack of the Wood Pub
Pub · ★ 4.6 (2,161 reviews)
Comfortable Irish public house offering handcrafted ales, locally sourced pub grub & live music.
Website →Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (1,585 reviews)
Relaxed bar known for craft cocktails & burgers, with a patio & seating in a renovated vault.
Website →The Odd
Bar · ★ 4.7 (1,062 reviews)
No-frills neighborhood hangout hosting live bands & drag shows in a quirky vintage space.
Website →More guides
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