Cool Things to Do and See in Asheville, NC
Asheville, North Carolina is hard to succinctly describe. The city is small by big-city standards at only 90,000 and is tucked nicely in the western North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. It is easily accessible by car or plan and has great foodie restaurants, historical landmarks, craft breweries, and a vibrant downtown scene. Here are several cool things to do in Asheville, NC
Visit the Biltmore Estate
Constructed in 1894 by the Vanderbilt family, the Biltmore is the largest privately-owned residence in the US and is located on an 8,000-acre parcel. Admission allows you to tour the grounds and many rooms in the mansion. Even if you do not appreciate touring historic residences, you will likely love the Biltmore. The house is a legacy to a previous era of the Gilded Age - very reminiscent of the Downton Abbey house on the hit TV show. In the mansion, you can see expensive wood, tapestries, priceless cloth tapestries, and other grand rooms that hark back to European castles. The tour of the house and property can take anywhere from a few hours to literally days - there is that much to see. The property also is home to a working winery that also provides tours. And the gardens of the estate are not to be missed.
Cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway
Minus the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city of Asheville would be a vastly different city. It is an outdoor enthusiasts mecca because of the vast activities available year round. While the Blue Ridge Highway spans into Virginia, at Asheville you can get a glimpse of this marvelous motorway. There are numerous scenic spots to stop and view the breathtaking scenery, especially in the autumn months. Along the way, take in some of the more notable landmarks:
- Skinny Dip Falls Trail
- Craggy Gardens Trail
- Mount Mitchell (the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River)
- Linville Falls
Stay at Grove Park Inn
A stay at the Omni Grove Park Inn is a throwback to yesteryear. The Inn is actually a full-service resort offering a sports complex, 18-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a spa. Even if you can't stay at the Inn, visit it for lunch or dinner and tour the property and shop in the boutique shops. In the winter time, you can also view the National Gingerbread House Competition. And during the holiday season (Thanksgiving through New Year's), the can see countless decorated gingerbread houses.
Walk Downtown Asheville
Downtown Asheville has a plethora of eating, shopping, and sightseeing destinations. The restaurants range from casual brew pubs to upscale dining that will rival any larger city. There are numerous independent and boutique shops to browse as well a number of great independently-owned bookstores stocking timeless classics. Musicians roam the streets virtually all day and night, so there is always something entertaining going on. And Asheville is unique for its Drum Circle, where you can dance, drum, or view diverse cultural activities.
Asheville is one of the great small cities in the United States. No lifetime of travel would be complete without a visit to Asheville, NC. For more information on Asheville Visit Here.
Asheville is one of the great small cities in the United States. No lifetime of travel would be complete without a visit to Asheville, NC. For more information on Asheville Visit Here.