Published:
06/10/2011 09:42am
Asheville Top 20 Things to Do in the North Carolina Mountains
What are the must-do places to see and experience during a romantic getaway to Asheville, North Carolina? According to the readers of RomanticAsheville.com Vacation Guide, here are the Top 20 Things to Do in Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. And romantic getaways don’t have to be expensive. Many of these are free!
1. Blue Ridge Parkway: Ride the non-stop 200-mile Asheville area stretch of one of America’s most scenic drives and stop at countless overlooks with mountain views and a variety of places to explore along the way.
2. Hiking: To really appreciate the natural splendor, explore by foot. RomanticAsheville.com includes a list of the Top 40 hikes that offer the best mountain scenery and perfect for all fitness levels.
3. Biltmore Estate: This is a must see, even if you have visited before. In addition to America’s biggest house, stroll through amazing gardens, hike throughout the 8,000 acre estate, sample Biltmore wines, and enjoy many dining and shopping options. This summer, the new Tiffany at Biltmore exhibit runs July through October.
4. Downtowns: With 200+ local stores, dozens of art galleries, beautiful architecture and 50+ restaurants, downtown Asheville is a wonderful place to explore. For a fun tour, take the LaZoom city tour on the big purple bus. Nearby Hendersonville, Brevard, Black Mountain, Highlands and Waynesville also have bustling downtowns with plenty to see, do and taste.
5. Cabins: Snuggle up in front of the fireplace of a secluded cabin, while being close to so much to do. Many mountain cabins have outdoor hot tubs under the stars.
6. Waterfalls: This is the Land of Waterfalls. Don’t miss stops include High Falls and Triple Falls at DuPont State Forest, along with Looking Glass Falls, Linville Falls and Rainbow Falls.
7. Food and Beer: Asheville was recently named Beer City USA, so come sample some of the 60 local brews. At the same time, enjoy seasonal bounty at many farm-to-table restaurants.
8. Art: Asheville was just named as top small city for art in the USA. You will find galleries and studios all around. Watch the artists at work, and buy directly from them. Don’t miss the River Arts District and the Toe River area studios near Penland School.
9. Festivals: Street festivals and art fairs abound during the spring, summer and fall. Most are free to attend, including the giant of them all, Bele Chere.
10. Mt. Mitchell: Drive to the top of the highest peak east of the Rocky Mountains. Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can enjoy 360-views from the observation deck on the summit.
11. Sliding Rock: Ride down this natural waterslide in the Pisgah National Forest. It’s fun for all ages.
12. Great Smokies: For a romantic evening watching elk graze a short distance away, drive to the Cataloochee Valley section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hike to Mt. LeConte or the Chimneys. Or drive to Newfound Gap from Cherokee.
13. Bed and Breakfasts: Spend the night in a grand, historic home and awake to a gourmet breakfast.
14. Zip Lines: Fly across rivers and valleys and through lush forests on canopy tours. Wildwater Ltd. offers tours at two zip line courses in the Great Smoky Mountains.
15. Music and Theatre: There are many choices for theatre, dance, opera, and music including the stellar Brevard Music Center Festival, Folkmoot and Shindig on the Green. Plus, hear a huge variety of bands in many live music venues and clubs, including the Orange Peel
16. NC Arboretum: Celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer, the showcase of blooms, plants and trees includes a fascinating bonsai tree garden.
17. Chimney Rock: Soak in spectacular views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure from atop this famous rock formation. Hike to a 400-foot waterfall.
18. Shopping: From antiques store and art galleries to consignment shops, the area is a shopper’s paradise. It’s especially fun to shop in the charming downtowns of Hendersonville, Waynesville, Black Mountain and other mountain towns.
19. Whitew
