Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers a perfect blend of natural splendor, historic grandeur, and artistic spirit. From America's largest home to hidden mountain trails, our city invites you to explore its many wonders with an open heart and a sense of adventure.
Step into a world of Gilded Age opulence at the magnificent Biltmore Estate, the crown jewel of Asheville's attractions. This 250-room château, built by George Vanderbilt, spans four breathtaking acres and is surrounded by 8,000 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens and pristine forest.
Tour the mansion at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour (allow 1.5-2 hours), then lose yourself in the stunning gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Don't miss the Conservatory with its exotic tropical displays or the award-winning winery where complimentary tastings await.
The legendary Blue Ridge Parkway winds 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains, with some of its most spectacular sections right here in Asheville. This scenic route offers breathtaking vistas, access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing opportunities around every curve.
October brings a kaleidoscope of fall colors that draw visitors from around the world, while summer reveals blooming rhododendrons, mountain laurel, and flaming azaleas. Pull off at overlooks to capture the perfect mountain panorama or venture onto trails that lead to hidden natural treasures.
Asheville's vibrant downtown pulses with creative energy, where historic architecture houses an eclectic mix of independent shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and lively street performers. Stroll the Urban Trail, a 1.7-mile self-guided tour marked by 30 stations featuring sculptures and plaques that reveal the city's colorful history.
Wander down Wall Street with its inviting restaurant patios, explore the beautifully restored Grove Arcade filled with unique local shops, or join the legendary drum circle that forms spontaneously at Pritchard Park on Friday evenings. The compact downtown area is perfect for exploration on foot, with surprises waiting around every corner.
Once industrial warehouses along the French Broad River, the River Arts District has transformed into Asheville's creative epicenter. More than 200 artists work in studios housed in colorful buildings adorned with striking murals and street art.
Spend an afternoon wandering from studio to studio, watching artists work in mediums ranging from ceramics and glass to painting and fiber arts. Many offer demonstrations or hands-on experiences. Between gallery visits, refuel at eclectic cafés and restaurants scattered throughout the district.
Located at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this cultural treasure showcases the finest traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Appalachians.
Learn MoreFeatures the largest freestanding elliptical dome in the country with Spanish Renaissance architecture built without wooden supports or steel beams.
Learn MoreRecently renovated museum featuring American art of the 20th and 21st centuries with a focus on the modern American aesthetic.
Learn MoreExperience the Blue Ridge Mountains from a thrilling new perspective as you glide through the forest canopy on a zipline adventure.
Learn MoreDiscover cascading waterfalls, old-growth forests, and panoramic summit views, all within a short drive from downtown.
Learn MoreOne of the oldest rivers in the world offers opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and tubing through the heart of Asheville.
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