17 of the best things to do in and around Asheville, North Carolina

17.07.2024 - 13:49 / lonelyplanet.com

Jul 17, 2024 • 7 min read

Asheville is a city in a very good mood. It's hard to pinpoint the cause, though – it could be the mountain air, the buskers, the craft breweries, the dynamic food scene or the hordes of relieved hikers just off the Appalachian Trail bringing the magic.

The city exudes a collegial vibe, and the whole shebang is backdropped by the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. It's a busy place with lots going on, so narrow down your plans with our guide to the top things to do in Asheville.

When you fall in love with Asheville, it will likely be while wandering downtown on a Friday night. Buskers play banjo on the corner. Patios buzz with diners. The purple LaZoom bus rattles by with its joke-y joie de vivre. And the thumping beat of the drum circle adds a primeval edge to the scene. Daytime wanderings are equally appealing. You can admire off-beat murals, pop into indie shops or discover the history of Asheville while following the Urban Trail.

Stop by the French Broad Chocolate Lounge for an indulgent taste of chocolate bonbons, cakes and ice creams. The menu of delights includes a flourless truffle torte, a mocha stout cake and a chocolate chip cookie wedge. The chic lounge overlooks Pack Square downtown.

Completed in 1895 for shipping magnate George Washington Vanderbilt II, the enormous estate, with its lush gardens and manicured grounds, is Asheville's premier attraction. More than 140,000 sunflowers bloom on the Biltmore Estate in summer. The bright yellow flowers can grow to a height of 8ft and typically bloom for one week in July and again for a week in early September. 

Planning tip: Check the online bloom report to see what's flowering, and then plan your visit around that. Tickets start at $80 per adult.

What began as a 10-person drum session in 2001 has become a downtown tradition drawing hundreds of spectators and a slew of drummers – not to mention belly dancers, hula-hoopers, music-loving families and folks simply looking for a fun communal experience.

Planning tip: Held in Pritchard Park, the free event lasts from 6pm to 10pm on Friday nights, typically from April through October. Feel free to bring your own drum and join in!

With around 50 craft breweries in its greater metropolitan area, Asheville is appropriately nicknamed Beer City USA (in fact, it's second only to Portland, Maine, for the highest number of breweries per capita). Best part? Breweries here exude a cooperative vibe that encourages exploring. If you're staying downtown, walk to the compact South Slope District, a former industrial neighborhood that's home to 10 craft breweries. Further afield, heavy-hitters New Belgium and the Sierra Nevada are also drawing thirsty crowds to their taprooms. For a world of choice –