Asheville, NC: Top Twenty Things To Do In The North Carolina Mountains

by | Aug 22, 2011 | Asheville, NC

What are the must-do places to see and experience in a romantic getaway to Asheville? Here are the Top 20 Things worth Doing in Asheville and the encompassing Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

And romantic mountain outings don’t have to be pricey. Many of these are free!

1. Blue Ridge Parkway: Ride the non-stop 200-mile Asheville area stretch of one of America’s most picturesque drives and stop at countless overlooks with mountain views and a selection of places to explore on the way. Take a picnic!

2. Hiking: To truly appreciate the natural elegance, explore by foot.

3. Biltmore Estate: This is an absolute must see, even if you have visited before.  Visit America’s biggest house, stroll through amazing gardens, hike across the eight thousand acre estate, sample Biltmore wines, and enjoy many dining and shopping options.For discount Biltmore tickets, order pre-booked tickets on their web site.

4. Downtown: With 2 hundred local stores, lots of art galleries, beautiful design and fifty eateries, downtown Asheville is a wonderful place to explore. For a fun tour, take the LaZoom town tour on the massive purple bus. And don’t miss the Fri. Night drum circle. Close by Hendersonville, Brevard, Black Mountain, Highlands and Waynesville also have interesting downtowns with plenty to see, do and taste.

5. Cabins: Cuddle up in front of the fireplace of an isolated cabin, while being near so much to do. Many mountain cabins have outside hot tubs under the stars.  Some offer lower rates on Sunday-Thursday nights.

6. Waterfalls: This is the Land of Waterfalls. Highest recommended are High Falls and Treble Falls at DuPont State Forest, with Looking Glass Falls, Linville Falls and Rainbow Falls.

7. Food and Lager: Asheville was just named Lager City USA again, so sample some of the 60 local brews.  At the same time, enjoy seasonal bounty at many farm-to-table cafes. Take a farm tour and don’t miss the apple orchards near Hendersonville in late summer.

8. Art: Asheville was just named as top little town for art in the States.  You will find galleries and studios all around. Watch the artists at work, and buy from them in the Brook Humanities District and the Toe Stream area studios near Penland College.

9. Festivals : Street festivals and art fairs abound in the spring, summer and fall.  Most are free to attend, including the giant of all of them, Bele Chere. Ten. Mt. Mitchell : Drive to the pinnacle of the tallest peak east of the Rocky Mountains.

Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can enjoy 360-views from the observation platform on the summit. 11. Sliding Rock : Ride down this natural waterslide in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard. It’s fun for all ages.

12. Great Smokies : For an enchanting evening watching elk graze a short distance away, drive to the Cataloochee Valley section of the Great Hazy Mountains Countrywide Park. Hike to Mt. LeConte or the Chimneys. Or drive to New-found Gap from Cherokee.

13. Bed and Breakfasts: Have a romantic getaway in a grand, significant home and awake to a gourmet breakfast. Many B&Bs have great holiday packages that include flowers, turn-down service, Biltmore tickets and more.  See our packages and specials!

14. Zip Lines: Fly across brooks and valleys and thru lush forests on canopy tours. Wildwater Ltd. Offers tours at 2 zip line courses in the Great Hazy Mountains.

15. Music and Theatre: There are several choices for theatre, dance, opera, and music including the stellar Brevard Music Center Festival, Folkmoot and Shindig on the Green.  Plus, hear a huge assortment of bands in numerous live music locales and clubs, including the Orange Peel in Asheville.

16. NC Arboretum: Celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer, this showcase of blooms, plants and trees encompasses a entrancing bonsai tree garden, nature trails and items.

17. Chimney Rock: See impressive perspectives of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure from atop this famous rock formation.  Hike to a 400-foot waterfall, a film location for one or two films.

18. Shopping: From antiques store and art galleries to consignment shops, the area is a shopper’s paradise.

19. Whitewater Rafting: Ride down the rapids in a raft or canoe on the Nantahala, Pigeon or French Broad Streams.

20. Get Wed or Reaffirm Your Vows: Celebrate your love and commitment in the stunning and romantic marriage mountain setting. The area is particularly preferred for destination marriages and elopements.

For more information on these and other things worth doing, see our Things to Do in Asheville, NC page.