The Best Things to do in Asheville
By Kelly McMurtry
Editor’s Note: Due to Hurricane Helene, some spots mentioned in this article may be closed or damaged. Please consider donating to recovery efforts—a list of organizations can be found here.
Asheville is one of those places where you can experience a little bit of everything—from outdoor adventures to quirky cultural spots, all while sipping a craft beer. If you’re wondering what to do in this charming mountain town, I’ve got you covered with five activities that will make your trip memorable and maybe even a little bit weird. In a good way.
1. Hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Let’s start with what Asheville does best: hiking. The Blue Ridge Mountains are practically in the city’s backyard, and the trails here are as diverse as your taste in music. Whether you're into leisurely strolls or hardcore treks, there’s a trail with your name on it. Take a hike up to Craggy Gardens if you’re looking for stunning views without the need to train for a marathon. Just remember, the best hikes often end with a beer at one of Asheville’s breweries. Call it a reward for all that “effort.”
2. The Biltmore Estate
Visiting Asheville and skipping the Biltmore Estate is like going to Paris and ignoring the Eiffel Tower. This sprawling mansion built by George Washington Vanderbilt II is the closest thing we have to a castle on this side of the Atlantic. Tour the house, wander through the gardens, and maybe even do a wine tasting at the estate’s winery. But be warned: after seeing how the Vanderbilts lived, your home might feel a tad small.
3. Sweat it out at Sauna House
If you're looking to sweat out all those indulgent meals, Sauna House is the spot. This Nordic-inspired bathhouse in the heart of Asheville offers communal saunas, cold plunges, and relaxation rooms that will make you forget you’re in the middle of the city. The sauna-cold plunge cycle is supposed to be invigorating, but mostly it's a great excuse to spend an hour or two doing absolutely nothing. Just imagine yourself alternating between sweating buckets and braving the cold, then reward yourself with a nap in one of their cozy lounges. You’ll walk out feeling like you’ve been reborn—or at least like you can handle another brewery visit.
4. Stroll the River Arts District
If you think art is best appreciated while holding a drink, then the River Arts District is your new happy place. This former industrial area is now home to over 200 artists working in everything from painting to pottery. Wander through the studios, chat with the artists, and maybe even pick up a piece of original art that won’t fit in your carry-on. If you’re feeling fancy, some of the studios even offer classes so you can channel your inner Picasso. Or at least try.
5. Chill out in a Salt Cave
Yes, you read that right—a salt cave. Asheville’s got one, and it’s exactly what you didn’t know you needed. Imagine sitting in a room made entirely of Himalayan salt while soft music plays in the background. The idea is that the salt air is supposed to help with everything from stress to respiratory issues. Whether or not it actually works is beside the point—it’s a uniquely Asheville experience that’s perfect for when you need a break from all the outdoor adventuring.
The Complete Guide to Asheville
Best Things to do in Asheville
Asheville is one of those places where you can experience a little bit of everything—from outdoor adventures to quirky cultural spots, all while sipping a craft beer.
Asheville’s Best Restaurants
Allow me, a seasoned Asheville eater, to guide you through six of the best spots in a town where you can’t throw a stone without hitting a farm-to-table gem.
The Best Hotels in Asheville
Whether you’re here to hike, eat, or just soak up the mountain vibes, these five hotels are the ones to book if you want to do Asheville right.
After the destruction of Helene, chefs and restaurants in Asheville have appealed to customers to help their employees pay the bills.
By Caitlin Rothstein
As a born-and-bred New Yorker, my idea of "outdoors" has always been the Central Park Zoo—one part curated wilderness, two parts high-strung tourists. But in Asheville, nature wasn’t a background character; it was the main act, the star of the show.