Asheville Urban Trail Map

Asheville Urban Trail and Public Art Collection Public art, Art

Discovering the Best Attractions in Asheville

Asheville is a vibrant city with many attractions to discover. The Asheville Urban Trail Map is a great way to explore the city’s top attractions, hidden gems, and historical landmarks. Some of the must-see sights include the Biltmore Estate, the Grove Arcade, and the Asheville Art Museum.

The Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate is one of the most famous attractions in Asheville. This magnificent mansion was built in the late 1800s by George Vanderbilt. Visitors can explore the estate’s gardens, winery, and museum.

The Grove Arcade

The Grove Arcade is a historic building that dates back to the 1920s. Today, it houses a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Visitors can also enjoy live music and other events throughout the year.

The Asheville Art Museum

The Asheville Art Museum is a great place to explore the local art scene. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including contemporary art, folk art, and photography.

Exploring the Food Scene

Asheville is known for its diverse and delicious food scene. Visitors can enjoy everything from farm-to-table restaurants to food trucks and breweries. Some of the must-try dishes include barbecue, biscuits and gravy, and craft beer.

Barbecue

Barbecue is a Southern staple, and Asheville has some of the best barbecue restaurants in the region. Some of the top spots include 12 Bones Smokehouse, Buxton Hall Barbecue, and Luella’s Bar-B-Que.

Biscuits and Gravy

Biscuits and gravy are a classic Southern breakfast dish. Visitors can find this dish at many restaurants in Asheville, including Biscuit Head, Early Girl Eatery, and Tupelo Honey.

Craft Beer

Asheville is home to more than 30 breweries, making it a great destination for beer lovers. Some of the top breweries include Highland Brewing Company, New Belgium Brewing, and Wicked Weed Brewing.

Enjoying Outdoor Adventures

Asheville is surrounded by natural beauty, making it a great destination for outdoor adventures. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and more. Some of the top places to explore include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and the French Broad River.

The Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that stretches for 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina. The Parkway offers stunning views of the mountains, forests, and valleys.

Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest is a great place to explore the outdoors. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and more. The forest is home to many waterfalls, including Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock.

The French Broad River

The French Broad River is a great destination for kayaking, tubing, and rafting. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and hiking along the river’s banks.

Discovering Family-Friendly Activities

Asheville is a great destination for families. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities that are fun for all ages, including museums, parks, and outdoor adventures.

The Asheville Museum of Science

The Asheville Museum of Science is a great place for kids to learn about science and technology. The museum features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a STEM lab.

Asheville Pinball Museum

The Asheville Pinball Museum is a fun and unique attraction for families. Visitors can play vintage pinball machines and arcade games from the 1970s and 1980s.

Western North Carolina Nature Center

The Western North Carolina Nature Center is a great place to learn about local wildlife. The center features exhibits and habitats for animals such as black bears, red wolves, and otters.

Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Asheville is full of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Visitors can explore unique attractions, such as the Asheville Salt Cave, the Folk Art Center, and the Asheville Ghost Tours.

The Asheville Salt Cave

The Asheville Salt Cave is a unique spa experience that involves relaxing in a room filled with Himalayan salt. Visitors can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of salt therapy, such as improved respiratory health and stress relief.

The Folk Art Center

The Folk Art Center is a great place to explore Appalachian arts and crafts. The center features exhibits, galleries, and demonstrations of traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery, and woodworking.

The Asheville Ghost Tours

The Asheville Ghost Tours are a fun and spooky way to explore the city’s haunted history. Visitors can choose from a variety of tours, including the Haunted Asheville Tour, the Ghost Hunters Tour, and the Vampire and Occult Tour.

Experiencing Art and Music Scene

Asheville has a thriving art and music scene. Visitors can explore galleries, attend concerts, and enjoy street performances throughout the city.

The River Arts District

The River Arts District is a great place to explore local art. The district features galleries, studios, and shops where visitors can meet artists and purchase unique works of art.

The Orange Peel

The Orange Peel is a historic music venue that has hosted many famous musicians over the years. Visitors can enjoy concerts and other events throughout the year.

Downtown Asheville

Downtown Asheville is a great place to explore the city’s art and music scene. Visitors can enjoy street performances, art installations, and galleries throughout the city center.

Taking Walking Tours and Exploring Architectural Marvels

Asheville is home to many architectural marvels, including the Art Deco City Hall and the Basilica of St. Lawrence. Visitors can also explore the city’s history and culture by taking walking tours.

The Art Deco City Hall

The Art Deco City Hall is a landmark building that dates back to the 1920s. The building features intricate details and beautiful architecture.

The Basilica of St. Lawrence

The Basilica of St. Lawrence is a stunning church that features Spanish Renaissance architecture. Visitors can explore the church’s interior, which features intricate details and beautiful stained glass windows.

Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great way to explore the city’s history and culture. Visitors can choose from a variety of tours, including the Asheville Urban Trail, the Historic Montford Walking Tour, and the Haunted Asheville Walking Tour.

Enjoying Wellness Retreats and Adventure Sports

Asheville is a great destination for wellness retreats and adventure sports. Visitors can enjoy yoga retreats, spa treatments, and outdoor adventures such as rock climbing and ziplining.

Wellness Retreats

Asheville is home to many wellness retreats that offer yoga, meditation, and other holistic therapies. Some of the top retreats include the Shoji Spa and Lodge, the Asheville Yoga Center, and the Prama Institute and Wellness Center.

Adventure Sports

Asheville is a great destination for adventure sports such as rock climbing, ziplining, and whitewater rafting. Visitors can enjoy these activities at places such as Asheville Adventure Company, Navitat Canopy Adventures, and French Broad Adventures.

Exploring Local Markets, Beaches, and Mountains

Asheville is surrounded by natural beauty, including beaches and mountains. Visitors can explore these natural wonders and enjoy local markets such as the River Arts District Farmers Market and the North Asheville Farmers Market.

Local Markets

Local markets are a great place to find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and other local goods. Visitors can enjoy markets such as the River Arts District Farmers Market, the North Asheville Farmers Market, and the Asheville City Market.

Beaches and Mountains

Asheville is surrounded by natural beauty, including beaches and mountains. Visitors can explore these natural wonders and enjoy activities such as hiking, swimming, and fishing. Some of the top destinations include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Lake Lure, and the Outer Banks.

Experiencing Cultural Immersion

Asheville is a diverse city with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can experience this cultural immersion by exploring African American cultural sites, attending cultural festivals, and visiting Native American heritage sites.

African American Cultural Sites

Asheville has a rich African American heritage, and visitors can explore this history by visiting cultural sites such as the YMI Cultural Center and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial.

Cultural Festivals

Asheville is home to many cultural festivals, including the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, the Goombay Festival, and the LEAF Festival. These festivals celebrate the city’s diverse culture and heritage.

Native American Heritage Sites

Asheville is home to many Native American heritage sites, including the Cherokee Indian Reservation and the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of the region’s Native American communities.