Introduction
Asheville is a city of eclectic architecture, world-famous art and beautiful mountains. Add in a thriving food and drink scene, and it’s no wonder that everyone is raving about Asheville right now. If you’re looking for the perfect weekend getaway or next vacation destination, Asheville might be the answer. We have compiled a list of the best things to do in Asheville so you can experience all the wonders this city has to offer for yourself!
The Biltmore Estate
While the Biltmore Estate is the largest privately owned house in the United States, it’s a sight to behold. The estate was built by George Washington Vanderbilt II (the grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt) between 1889 and 1895 as a summer home for himself and his wife Edith. The house is located at an elevation of 3,000 feet above sea level and covers approximately 178 acres. Today it remains one of Asheville’s most popular tourist destinations, as well as one of America’s largest private residences with over 250 rooms!
If you’re looking for a place to take photos while in Asheville then I highly recommend visiting Biltmore House; there are plenty of photo opportunities throughout this historic property including inside gardens and outside on sprawling grounds that overlook mountainside views. You’ll certainly want to bring your camera along since there are so many great shots waiting just around every corner or behind every tree.
City of Art and Enjoys
Asheville is a city that loves art, and it’s not afraid to show it. A number of museums and galleries are scattered about the area; in fact, Asheville has been named “the best small city” for art lovers by American Style Magazine. The biggest of these is the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA), which boasts an impressive collection including works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol and Monet. The NCMA also has some pretty great events throughout the year such as the Holiday Swing Dance Party or Thursday Afternoons at NCA: Jazz for Kids!
The Asheville Art Museum (AAM) houses an even more diverse collection with paintings from both modern masters like Jackson Pollock and Pablo Picasso as well as ancient artifacts from cultures around the world. The AAM also hosts events like Art After Dark or Friday Nights at AAM where you can enjoy live music while viewing their latest exhibitions.
Famous American Artist’s Home
Asheville is also home to one of the most famous artists in America. You’re probably familiar with his work, but you might be surprised to learn that he was born and raised here in Asheville, North Carolina.
The artist we’re talking about is none other than George Vanderbilt himself the same guy who built Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned house in America (and one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country). Biltmore House is a sight to behold with its 250 rooms packed full of artwork from around Europe and Asia; it has over 90 fireplaces, including one made from marble salvaged from Napoleon’s palace; and it boasts more than 50 acres of gardens surrounding its structure.
Spooky Tour of Asheville’s Haunted Places
- Haunted Asheville Tours. For a more in-depth look at the paranormal side of Asheville, check out Haunted Asheville Tours. This attraction offers tours that will give you an up-close and personal experience with some of the city’s most haunted places. With over 10 years of experience, they can help you understand what makes these locations so spooky and whether or not there are spirits lurking around.
- Ghosts of Asheville. The iconic Biltmore House is said to be haunted by George Washington Vanderbilt II’s first wife, Alice Gwynne Vanderbilt Rutledge Belmont who died shortly after falling down a flight of stairs at their home in Hyde Park New York while pregnant with their second child in 1904. If you’d like to see if it’s true, then try taking a tour through this historic landmark during October when it’s open for Halloween season!
Unique Beauty of Asheville at Night
Asheville is a city with a lot of charm, and it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in the United States. The city has earned several nicknames over the years, including “the Paris of Appalachia” or “America’s most livable city.” In addition to being full of natural beauty, Asheville also has an interesting history that makes it stand out from other cities.
It’s clear why Asheville is such a popular tourist destination: aside from its stunning natural features and well-preserved history (which you can experience on your own via self-guided walking tours), there are plenty of great pubs and restaurants in town where you can grab a beer while enjoying some live music with friends.
An Asheville Brewery Made
The brewery is called Wicked Weed, and the beer is called Pernicious. It’s a Belgian-style golden ale brewed with raspberries and pilsner malt, as well as Belgian candi sugar. It won a silver medal in the American-Style Fruit Beer category at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado.
Asheville’s Beer
If you’re not into beer, but are still interested in learning more about the history of Asheville and the state’s beer scene, there are plenty of options. One popular tour is The Beer City Tour. This bus tour takes you around downtown Asheville and points out different breweries and bars along the way so that you can learn more about each one.
On this tour, you’ll learn about what makes a good beer, how it’s made and why people love it so much (the answer will surprise you!). You’ll also get to sample some brews from those breweries or bars along with snacks like chips and salsa or pretzels or even cheese curds!
The Local Flavors of Asheville
Asheville has a lot of great food tours. Imagine walking with a guide through some of the city’s best restaurants and hearing their stories, learning about the local ingredients they use and getting to taste them in samples. You can also try tasting some regional recipes or foods that have been adapted to be more accessible to tourists.
While most people think “tourist trap,” Asheville is actually home to many authentic restaurants with locally-sourced ingredients prepared by chefs who have lived here for years and know where to get everything they need. Food tours are one of the best ways you can learn about this side of Asheville while also tasting delicious food from different places around town!
You can relax and unwind with a massage, facial or other spa treatments in the mountains.
Asheville is rich with opportunities for health and wellness, whether you’re a fitness buff or just looking to relax. You can treat yourself to a massage, facial or other spa treatments in the mountains. Your body will thank you and Asheville’s natural surroundings are sure to soothe your mind as well.
Sprawling Estate
- The Biltmore Estate: This sprawling estate was once the home of George Vanderbilt. The grounds are well maintained and the house is stunning; you can even tour it!
- The Grove Arcade: Whether you’re looking for a place to eat lunch or just window shop, this historic arcade has something for everyone. It’s been around since 1912 and still holds up today!
- Grove Park Inn: Built in 1913, this hotel is considered one of Asheville’s best hotels with its spa, restaurants, golf course and more!
- Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center: This museum showcases works by students who attended Black Mountain College during its days as an experimental art school (1933–1957).
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about some of the things I love most about Asheville, North Carolina! I love my home because it’s such a unique place and there’s always something new to do. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway or just an afternoon adventure, consider visiting this beautiful city. Whether you’re into art galleries, craft beer or hikes in the mountains, you’ll find something here that suits your interests.
