Asheville, on paper, is a little hard to believe: a trendsetting craft beer scene, global cuisine offerings, scores of art deco architecture, incredible museums, art galleries, and music venues—all in a town of some 90,000. There's even a castle. For the outdoorsy, Asheville sits in the heart of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, where hiking, kayaking, and paddling are year-round adventures. Few small towns offer as much in the realm of things to do, so come curious, come hungry, and come with your hipster side at the ready.
Few destinations are as four-season friendly as Asheville, but many consider fall—specifically late September into early November—the best time to visit the Paris of the South. As it's deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the leaf-peeping here is some of the country’s best, and a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway in this season is a must. Spring is also a great time to visit, with the waterfalls running high and the mountains exploding in wildflowers.
For the best Asheville experience, you’ll probably want a car—that way you can head out on your own to the city’s numerous neighborhoods, explore the surrounding natural areas, and take a leisurely scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you have centrally located accommodations in downtown or the River Arts District, for example, you can probably get by with some mix of walking, taxis and rideshares, and tours.
Don’t overlook a winter visit—temps regularly climb into the 50s, the crowds have all but left, and the locals are thrilled the easy-parking season has finally arrived. You can spend your days testing out breweries (Asheville has the most per capita in the US), scoping out the world-class dining and music scene, and going on hikes, like the trail from Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain, which is a local favorite.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EDT (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 4 | Tours 115 | Reviews 6,900 |
Asheville is known for many things. To history buffs, it’s known for the grand Biltmore Estate. To beer lovers, it’s known for having among the most breweries per capita in the US. To outdoor lovers, it’s known for its access to the Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Parkway.
...MoreIt depends on where you go. For being a town of under 100,000, Asheville has a surprising variety of vibes. You’ll find a definitively artsy vibe in neighborhoods like the River Arts District and West Asheville, Victorian elegance and homey B&Bs in the Montford Area Historic District, and big-city buzz downtown.
...MoreExplore the Biltmore Estate or historic homes of the Montford neighborhood, get your nature fix at the Western North Carolina Nature Center, and check out foodie hot spots like the White Duck Taco Shop or Ginger’s Revenge. If you have time, throw in an eclectic spot like the Pinball Museum.
...MoreIn a word, autumn. The air is crisp but sunny, the summer crowds have departed, and the fall foliage can’t be beat. Asheville sits between three national forests deep in the mountains, which you can easily explore via the Blue Ridge Parkway. In fall, of course, expect fewer Blue Ridge blues and more reds, oranges, and golds.
...MoreDowntown Asheville has some spectacular hotels, museums, and restaurants. The Asheville Museum of Science is a standout, as are the Asheville Art Museum and the Pinball Museum. Visiting the entire list of worthwhile restaurants and breweries would take weeks, from White Duck Taco Shop to Tupelo Honey to Rhubarb and beyond.
...MoreAbsolutely. The “Paris of the South” hit the jackpot when it comes to nature, cuisine, culture, history, and things to do. From touring a Vanderbilt castle to kayaking the French Broad River, from driving the Blue Ridge Parkway to sipping suds at one of the city’s many, many breweries, just about anyone can find something to enjoy in Asheville.
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