Things To Do In Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina is located in Buncombe County, North Carolina- it is the most populated city in western North Carolina as well as the 12th largest city in that state. The United States Census estimated its population in 2016 as 89,121. Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the intersection of the French Broad River and the Swannanoa River, the city comprises 45.3 mi.².

Asheville has a reputation as a healing resort and art colony, according to exploreasheville.com, and this Bohemian streak makes it a vibrant and welcoming metropolitan location. If you're planning on visiting, this mountain metropolis is known for a diverse downtown district complete with over 30 art galleries, a trendy culinary scene, lots of live music and the natural splendor of the Appalachian Mountains.

Reading reviews of Asheville travel experiences, the consensus is that it's a great city if you are a history buff, nature lover, foodie, architecture fan, or just somebody that enjoys the peace and quiet of natural outdoor experiences. If you're out and about, some things you should remember is to pack a light jacket because the mountain air can get cool.

The Biltmore Estate

If you're looking for things to do in Asheville, North Carolina, one of the more popular destinations is the Biltmore estate-a historic site and landmark. This is actually George Vanderbilt's historic country home and features a historic farm, winery, gardens, restaurants and outdoor fun for both adults and children. Visitors were impressed by the candlelight tour, wine tasting, seasonal Christmas decorations, bowling alley, café and easy valet parking.

• One history buff from New York City flew in and booked a hotel just to explore this massive home- which he describes as the largest private residence in America with 275 rooms and 43 bathrooms.
• He advises new visitors to purchase tickets ahead of time and consider using the valet service to make sure you don't get caught up in parking difficulties. 
• While reviewers say that the majority of the rooms in the home are inaccessible to the public, there's still a ton to look at and do as you explore this historic mansion.
• Another visitor who drove in from Charlotte and purchased the audio tour enjoyed the 90-minute guided experience that walks you through the rich cultural history of the mansion and the Asheville, North Carolina area.
• Another visitor endorsed it as a fun and educational experience, particularly if you have children and older family members, recommending that you spend 1 to 2 days exploring the grounds- while harnessing the self-guided audio tour walk. 

Another fun and spooky event to enjoy it you are in the Asheville area is the Asheville Ghost Walking Tour. This two-hour walking tour is shepherded by a local guide expert in the region's spooky and dark history. Some of the places you'll see include the Asheville History Museum, the Grove Park Pink Lady ghost, Helen's bridge suicide apparitions, the battery Park Hotel spirit, as well as the Asheville Masonic Temple.

• Reviewers say that the evening begins at the Masonic Temple and explores different venues in the area all led by an expert tour guide who helps to make traditionally dull history exciting.
• On the other hand, some reviewers say that your experience will depend on the quality of the tour guide- with some saying that it was hard to hear the guide and in other cases, their monologues were a bit tedious and long-winded. 

The Lexington Glassworks

81 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801-3309 / 828-348-8427 / Website

Another interesting experience for visitors and local area residents is Lexington Glassworks a hybrid art gallery museum and shopping experience located on Lexington Avenue. Visitors said they enjoyed the beautiful pieces of glass art and watching the glassblowing demonstrations.

• One Georgia resident tells us that she flew in and booked a hotel in Asheville specifically to enjoy cultural experiences.
• She wasn't disappointed watching the studio hands create brilliant pieces of glass artwork like light fixtures, vases and more. 
• A California father took his children to this fun and educational downtown Asheville glassblowing demonstration on a gray Sunday morning, saying they watched a wine decanter get created out of thin air.
• One of the fun features is you can buy the blown glass artwork and take it home with you- a fun memento of a rich cultural traveling experience.