10 Unforgettable Things to do in Asheville, NC
There are a lot of hidden gems in Asheville, NC that you should definitely know about when you decide to go there for a visit.
10 Unforgettable Things to do in Asheville, NC
(Content updated August 23, 2022)
The summer is hot and humid in the Carolinas and sometimes you just need to get away from the heat, the daily routine, and the chores around the house, and go up to the mountains.
Asheville is the perfect place to go for a short or long weekend. No matter how far away you are, it is definitely a great getaway and a must-see.
Do you have an RV, Camper, or tent? Then pack your stuff and head up to the mountains.
Here are the best things to do in Asheville, NC if you are traveling with an RV or tent:
Lake Powhatan is a recreation area located in the Pisgah National Forest near Asheville, North Carolina. The lake is named after the Native American tribe that once lived in the area.
The recreation area offers a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and mountain biking. There are several hiking trails in the area, including the Bent Creek Trail, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and the Hard Times Trail.
The lake itself is stocked with trout, bass, and bluegill, making it a popular spot for fishing.
Lake Powhatan is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors in Western North Carolina.
Campground Lake Powhatan in Pisgah National Forest
Wow, what a great Campsite.
This Campground is located in a National Experimental Forest. It has big lots with a fireplace and benches and nice, clean bathrooms.
The sites are pretty easy to pull in and out.
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A lot of bike and hiking trails start right here at the Campground and make it easy to entertain the kids.
You can let them run around the camping site or go for bike rides around the loop.
Or go swimming or fishing in Lake Powhatan with crystal clear water and a dedicated swimming area. There is even a lifeguard on duty on the weekends.
The campground is about 10 miles away from Asheville which makes it easy for exploring.
And being so close to Asheville you should definitely go and check it out, especially when you are a beer lover.
Frequently Asked Questions on 10 Unforgettable Things to do in Asheville, NC
What is Asheville, NC known for?
Asheville is a pretty quaint city in the mountains in western North Carolina. Not far away is the Biltmore Estate and access to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Asheville is also known for its craft beer scene:
New Belgium Brewery in Asheville, NC
Sit outside on the deck, enjoy a freshly brewed beer, and watch the people floating by on the lazy river.
Get a bite to eat from the Food Trucks and enjoy the music or play corn hole. It is a nice hangout for a late afternoon and a good way to start the evening.
Right around the corner is the
River Arts District
Go for a stroll and explore the newly developed artsy district. Pretty funky, a little hippie, but if you like it a little differently you are at the right place.
Have a wood-fired Pizza at Fresh West which is really delicious. Sit inside or outside and watch the groundhogs running around.
After dinner walk up the street and have a drink at the Wedge Studios. Definitely, a place to go and to check out. Interesting welding objects are displayed and incorporated into the rustic area.
On the weekends you can either watch a play or listen to a band play while you are having a drink or two on the outside deck.
It has a nice and relaxing vibe and if you are hungry, get some delicious food from the food truck.
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Asheville Downtown
After a relaxing day at the campground, check out the shops with handcrafted decor, jewelry, and clothes in Downtown Asheville.
It is really a nice walk up and down College Street, have a drink at the Wicked Weed Brewery, and then move on to a variety of very delicious restaurants. The food is also very good at the Wicked Weed Brewery, I love the Bison Burger.
You can choose between pricy and also very reasonable but very good restaurants:
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Our favorites are:
- Wicked Weed Brewing Funkatorium
- Curry House
- Red Ginger Dimsum & Tapas
- Curate Tapas
If you come with children and you rather want something easy and casual check out
- Mellow Mushroom or
- The White Duck Taco Shop.
No matter what you choose, the food is delicious.
A lot of new Restaurants open up all the time, so it is hard to keep up with them and make suggestions.
Just walk around and see for yourself what kind of food you desire.
Many restaurants serve vegan food and use local produce.
You can taste the difference, good and healthy food is just so much better.
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Pretty cool is
West Asheville. (Best restaurants in West Asheville):
West Asheville is a lovely area with a lot of Bars, Breweries, and of course Restaurants.
Check out
- Nine Mile Restaurant, Caribbean Food
- Oyster House
- All Sevens Brewing
No matter what you do, don’t miss out to go to the
Sierra Nevada Brewery. Not in downtown Asheville, just a short drive to get there. Enjoy the beer garden (they often have bands playing). Dogs are allowed in the beer garden but not inside the restaurant.
Have a beer in the beer garden, but go inside if you are hungry because inside you get the real food served.
I love the organic food they are offering.
The pizzas, the salads, the chicken wings, the burgers, all of their food is absolutely delicious.
And if you don’t know which beer you like, get a sample rack and try them all.
But wait, there is more:
What is the best month to visit Asheville, NC?
The best months to visit Asheville are from March to May and September to early November when temperatures hover between the upper 50s and the mid-70s – ideal weather for exploring the blooms in spring and the foliage in the fall. We just went in August to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway with the motorcycles and were lucky. But expect rain in the afternoon.
Is Asheville, NC a hippie town?
Yes, Asheville is pretty funky and hippie. Each year, on the last Saturday in September, Downtown Asheville welcomes the Blue Ridge Pride Festival celebrating the LGBT community. Many music festivals take place in downtown Asheville, and lots of artists and funky people are staying during summer and sell their art.
Is Asheville a walkable city?
Yes, you can book a nearby hotel and walk to breweries, restaurants, and shopping within a short distance.
How far is Asheville from the Biltmore Estate?
It is a 4-mile distance from downtown Asheville to the Biltmore Estate.
What airport do you fly into?
The nearest airport to Asheville is Asheville (AVL) Airport which is 11.6 miles away. Other nearby airports include Greenville/Spartanburg (GSP) (52.9 miles), Knoxville (TYS) (82.3 miles), and Charlotte (CLT) (94.9 miles).
Can you bike in Asheville, NC? Are you a biker?
We brought the motorbikes and took a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway. What a great drive. No matter if you bring your bike or your car, do it!
Very relaxed to drive because it is a scenic route and there is no stress speeding.
Stop on the lookout and enjoy the beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take it slow and enjoy the ride.
If you like to print out all my tips, here is a pdf. for you:
8 secret weekend tips Asheville, NC-2
What you should know about the Smoky Mountains:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a national park located in the southern Appalachian Mountains of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. It is one of the most visited national parks in the United States and is known for its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and cultural history.
The park covers over 500,000 acres and includes over 800 miles of hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. There are also several historic structures within the park, including old cabins, churches, and farmsteads that provide a glimpse into the history of the region.
The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, elk, and over 200 species of birds. The park is also known for its diversity of plant life, with over 1,600 species of flowering plants and trees.
Overall, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone interested in exploring the cultural history of the southern Appalachians.
Besides Food,Beer and riding there is much more to do:
If you want to be active and have some fun, here are my suggestions:
Go ziplining if you want to fly over the forest (expensive) http://naviatat.com
Float on the lazy river for a couple of relaxing hours (but don’t forget sun protection and a hat) . <a href=”http://ashevilleoutdoorcenter.com”>http://ashevilleoutdoorcenter.com
Go to DuPont State Park and climb up the waterfalls (wear hiking shoes) Go to Hendersonville and stroll around a small town with pretty shops and buy local produce.
Climb up the Chimney Rock in Chimney Rock State Park and enjoy the stunning view of the Devil’s Head balancing rock and a 404-foot waterfall.
Final thoughts about Asheville, NC and the Smoky Mountains
There are many things to do in Asheville and around Asheville if you are a nature freak.
If you love to hike, that’s the place. Hike the Appalachian State Park and choose a trail that fits to your pace. There are pretty challenging trails you have to be prepared for, so decide on a trail that is fun and fits your fitness level.
Check out mountain bike trails and ziplining, swim in the river, or float on a tube if you want to be lazy.
The kids will have a blast – and you can enjoy a good beer in a beer garden. There are many to choose from.
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This looks like an lovely vacation spot. I’d love to go and learn about the history. I’m sure Lake Powhatan has some of Native American history. Pocahontas was a Powhatan.
Asheville certainly seems to have a very cool vibe.
Thanks for sharing these awesome tips!
Hi Terri, thank you for your reply. Asheville is certainly a great vacation spot, also for children. We love going up to the mountains with the camper. Check it out.