Ultimate Asheville Bucket List: Part 1
We’ve rounded up the best things to do in Asheville, North Carolina! Whether your a tourist or a local, you can use this Bucket List round up to plan your next adventure in the city. From historic buildings to must-do hikes we’ve got you covered so that you don’t miss out on any of the Asheville essential experiences.
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1. Explore the Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is a historic home turned museum and Asheville’s largest tourist attraction. Located on 8000 acres, this grand estate is America’s largest home and was built by George Vanderbilt. The iconic French Renaissance château features 250 rooms. There are many different activities you can do on the property including: horseback riding, carriage rides, hiking trails, bike riding, winery tours & tastings, kayaking, and so much more!
2. Tour a local brewery
Did you know that Asheville is home to over 30 breweries? That leaves a lot of options! Whether you’re a fan of craft beer, ciders, sours, porters or any other type of beer - you can find it in Asheville. Looking for beer with history? Check out Highland Brewing, it was the first brewery to open after the Prohibition, established in 1994.
3. Walk around the River Arts District
Did you know that this area is known for its colorful buildings and it’s art studios?! The River Arts District (RAD) is home to over 200 artist studios. You can visit and purchase artwork from these working art studios and galleries located in former industrial buildings near the French Broad River. On the second Saturdays’s of every month the River Arts District hosts a gallery walk with art demonstrations, workshops, food vendors, wine tastings, and live music entertainment along the mile-long district.
4. Complete the Devils Courthouse Hike
The Devil's Courthouse Hike is located 38 miles Southwest of Downtown Asheville. The hike is 0.8 miles out and back and is ranked as a moderate trail according to alltrails.com. Dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they are kept on a leash.
5. Explore the Omni Grove Park Inn grounds
The Omni Grove Park Inn is a historic resort hotel with a world class subterranean spa and golf course. You can explore the Omni Grove Park Inn grounds for free with free parking for 3 hours. The property includes: the Sunset Trail (0.7 mile loop), 6 tennis courts, an indoor pool, fitness center, 5 restaurants, 3 bars and a cafe.
6. Scenic Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
Known as “America’s Favorite Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-see. Spanning 469 miles across Virginia and North Carolina, there are plenty of hikes, overlooks, campsites, picnic areas and restrooms to stop at. Fun fact: “The Blue Ridge Parkway was the first national rural parkway to be conceived, designed, and constructed for a leisure-type driving experience.” - www.brpfoundation.org
7. Slide down Sliding Rock in the Pisgah National Forest
Located in the Pisgah National Forest, Sliding Rock is a 60-foot natural water slide! With lifeguards on site from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Sliding Rock is a family friendly attraction. For those who don’t want to brave the 50 degree plunge into the 8 foot deep pool of water, there are 2 observation platforms for viewing!
8. Zip-line the Blue Ridge Mountains
The most exhilarating way to view the Blue Ridge Mountains! Asheville is home to several zip-line adventure companies, including a zip-line built with kids in mind at Asheville Treetops Adventure Park. For the highest rated zip-line, we recommend venturing 21 miles out of Downtown Asheville to Barnardsville, North Carolina to Navitat Canopy Adventures for best views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Check out the Ultimate Asheville Bucket List Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 too!
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