10 Things to do in Asheville North Carolina
Ready for a summery dream getaway in Asheville, NC? Here's my thoughtfully curated guide brimming with colorful outdoor escapes, artsy indulgences, and foodie essentials—all without putting a hand on a whitewater raft!
1. Blue Ridge Trails Hike & Cool Off by Waterfalls
- Pisgah National Forest & Dupont State Forest: Just ~20 minutes from downtown, they feature the well-known waterfall hikes—Hooker Fall, Triple Falls, Catawba Falls—and lovely forest trails. southernliving.com
- Blue Ridge Parkway: Drive or bike its green thoroughfares, stopping for overlooks and nature soaking.
2. Explore the Biltmore Estate
Walk through America's largest privately owned home (over 250 rooms!) and stunning Olmsted-planned gardens. During summer, choose on-site biking, winery tours, or seeing special exhibitions (e.g., Tutankhamun)—family package prices even include a free kid's admission!
3. River Arts District
Walk through refurbished industrial buildings now occupied by artist studios, galleries, and working craftsmen. Watch glassblowers and painters work, chat with artists, and buy quirky souvenirs .
4. Festivals & Outdoor Music
Shindig on the Green: Weekly Appalachian music and dance series—free, fun, and family-friendly. Additional summer festivals and cultural celebrations across Asheville and WNC keep the rhythm going all summer long.
5. Folk Art & Botanical Treasures
Folk Art Center: A Parkway treasure with 3,500 Appalachian crafts—free admission
Botanical Gardens at Asheville: Ten acres of native Southern Appalachian flora, perfect for a peaceful summer stroll—also free.
6. Carrier Park & "Mellowdrome"
Along the river, Carrier Park offers trails, picnic areas, and the mellow Asheville Velodrome - perfect for cycling and enjoying an open-air ride.
7. Savor Food & Craft Beer
- Asheville boasts the most breweries per capita in America—summer-ideal taprooms like Burial, Highland, and French Broad.
- Savor award-winning local fare: shrimp & grits, Appalachian-fusion dinners, festive brunch restaurants, farm-to-table offerings.
8. Downtown Culture & Live Performance
- Urban Trail: An art and sculpture walking tour of charming historic and artsy buildings downtown.
- Wortham Center: Hosts orchestras, concerts, live dance and symphonies—you’ll find summer performances weekly
9. Relax & Recharge
Recharge your body and mind with rooftop bars, wellness classes, spa days (e.g., at Omni Grove Park Inn), or zen hikes to quiet overlooks and secret summits.
10. Go Rafting with US!
Okay, yes… this is our totally shameless (but totally awesome) plug for one of the coolest, most family-friendly adventures you can have near Asheville.
We’re Blue Heron Whitewater—proudly co-owned by three longtime river guides who each have over 25 years of whitewater experience under our life vests. We’ve paddled all over, but our hearts (and paddles) belong to the French Broad River, right here in beautiful Western North Carolina.
We’re not just a rafting company—we’re locals who live and breathe this river, and we love sharing its beauty, stories, and splashy fun with our guests.
So if you're ready for an unforgettable ride, grab your sunscreen, your sense of adventure, and your people.
Summer Itinerary Ideas
Day A.M. P.M. Evening
- Blue Ridge Parkway drive & Folk Art Center Walk River Arts District + brewery Shindig on Green
- Hike to waterfall & Botanical Gardens Biltmore tour & winery tour Dinner downtown + live music
- Kayak or bike in Carrier Park Craft brewery brunch Summer concert or outdoor film
Summer Hints
- Timing: Start hikes early to miss the heat; hydrate often.
- Tickets: Reserve Biltmore tours ahead of time (weekends, in particular).
- Gear: Bring layers—mountain weather is changeable.
Final Take
From grandeur at the Biltmore to artistic stimulation in the downtown core, and epic mountain retreats, Asheville's a summer playground without water rapids. It perfectly blends nature and culture—whether you're after waterfalls, craft fare, or dancing under the stars.
Enjoying a memorable Southern summer? Asheville awaits with open arms.