Asheville, North Carolina Attractions & Things to Do

Biltmore Estate
Blue Ridge Parkway
WNC Agricultural Center
Downtown Asheville Civic Center
Cataloochee Ski Area
Antler Hill Village
Pisgah National Forest

Often described as the "Paris of the South," Asheville, North Carolina offers both residents and visitors a unique combination of stunning natural scenery, historic architecture, an edgy urban energy and a thriving
arts scene.

With a Appalachian Mountains location, a well-preserved historic downtown, hundreds of locally owned shops and art galleries, world-class restaurants and a wide range of outdoor adventures just waiting to be discovered, Asheville is one part art colony, one part healing resort and one part outdoor adventurer's dream destination. www.exploreasheville.com

Things to Do in Asheville, North Carolina

Biltmore Estate -

This historic, 100-year-old family estate is the largest home in America and features 250 rooms, historic furnishings and artwork, stunning gardens, an 8,000-acre park, historical exhibits, a gift shop, a café, and a variety of activities from horseback riding to rafting. www.biltmore.com

Blue Ridge Parkway -

Take a drive on this 469-mile-long scenic road that offers outstanding landscapes, picturesque farmsteads, mountain meadows, campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, and several overlooks offering vistas of the surrounding mountains. www.blueridgeparkway.org

Historic Downtown Asheville -

From historic buildings boasting an eclectic mix of Art Deco, Beaux Arts and Neoclassical architecture to modern art galleries, interesting boutiques, superb restaurants and fun nightclubs, historic downtown Asheville offers visitors a rare combination of rich history and modern urban energy. www.exploreasheville.com

WNC Agricultural Center -

Horse lovers and event goers love this 87-acre exhibition center with an indoor horse and livestock facility that hosts horse shows, dog shows, rodeos, food events, quilt exhibitions, circus performances, and other events all year long and is also home to the North Carolina Mountain State Fair. www.wncagecenter.org

Chimney Rock Park -

This state park, featuring an impressive, 315-foot-tall chimney rock formation, also offers views of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure, hiking trails, visitor discovery stations and one of the highest waterfalls in the Eastern United States. www.chimneyrockpark.com

Biltmore Village -

With its tree-lined streets, brick sidewalks, historic architecture and a range of attractions, art galleries, shopping, dining, and the stunning Biltmore Estate, historic Biltmore Village is a popular visitor attraction. www.biltmorevillage.com

Asheville NC Airports -

With more than 735,760 passengers flying from Asheville each year, the Asheville Regional Airport offers air travel services to residents and visitors in the Asheville metro area on several major airlines, including American Eagle, Continental Express, Delta Connection, and United Express. www.flyavl.com

Asheville Mall -

This large shopping center features more than 120 specialty stores and national retailers, such as Dillard's, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Abercrombie & Fitch, Eddie Bauer, and Victoria's Secret, plus restaurants, a food court and entertainment. Open Mon.-Sat., 10am-9pm; Sun., noon-6pm. www.asheville-mall.com

Asheville Civic Center -

This state-of-the-art exhibition and events complex features a 25,000 square-foot exhibit hall, a 7,700-seat arena and a 2,400-seat theater and is host to a range of large conventions, trade shows, consumer events, banquets, and live entertainment events throughout the year. www.ashevillenc.gov/departments/civic_center/default.aspx

The Orange Peel Social Aid & Pleasure Club -

With major concerts featuring national entertainers, DJs and comedians, this popular nightclub offers a smoke-free environment and also hosts benefits, galas, weddings and other events. The club has hosted major entertainers, including Bob Dylan, Arcade Fire, Blondie, Lauren Hill, and the Smashing Pumpkins, among others. www.theorangepeel.net

NC Arboretum -

Explore this 434-acre botanical park that features 65-acres of manicured gardens, 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, garden tours, family style nature activities, special exhibits, a café, and a gift shop. Open daily 8am-9pm. www.ncarboretum.org

UNCA -

This unique liberal arts college offers students a challenging and rewarding educational experience for more than 3,700 undergraduate students through small classes taught by award-winning faculty and more than 30 different degree programs. www.unca.edu

Harrahs Cherokee Casino -

Try your luck at this fun casino offering more than 3,000 slot, video and table games, four restaurants and premium live entertainment. www.harrahscherokee.com

Cataloochee Ski Area -

Ski the mountains of Western North Carolina on 16 lighted slopes with three aerial lifts and two carpet lifts at this family style ski resort that also features ski equipment rentals, ski and snowboarding lessons, a tubing play area, supervised childcare, a lodge. and more, all just 40 minutes away from downtown Asheville. www.cataloochee.com

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort -

This family friendly ski area, located just 30 minutes from Asheville, offers 54 acres of skiing on 15 runs with two double lifts, a quad lift and two surface lifts, plus snowboarding, a snow tube run, ski rentals, lessons, and a ski lodge. www.skiwolfridgenc.com

McCormick Field -

Home to the Asheville Tourists single A professional baseball team, McCormick Field was built in 1924 and completely renovated in 1992. Located on a hillside, the park features views of Asheville's landscapes, a natural grass field, food concessions, a souvenir shop, and an intimate venue for baseball fans of all ages to enjoy. www.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t573

Antler Hill Village -

Enjoy shopping, dining, wine tasting, live entertainment, and plenty of history at this quaint village located on the site of the former Antler Hall, which served as the home and social center for many families working at the Biltmore Estate. www.biltmore.com/visit/antler_hill_village

Pisgah National Forest -

Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, camping, horseback riding, picnicking, and exploring waterfalls at the 500,000-acre Pisgah National Forest near Asheville. www.ncwaterfalls.com