5 Unique Things to Do in Asheville, NC

Nestled in the heart of the scenic Carolina mountains is a small city that is rich in history, artistic culture, and eclectic charm. Known as one of the best places to live in the country, Asheville offers the best urban amenities coupled with outdoor adventure. If you are new to the area or are looking to plan your first visit, there are plenty of things to see and do! In this post, we will share five unique things to do in Asheville, NC while visiting this stunning mountain city. 

1. North Carolina Arboretum

With plants in full bloom, why not visit the state arboretum found just south of downtown Asheville? This 434-acre public garden is located within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest found within the Pisgah National Forest. 

Home to 65 acres of cultivated gardens, Bonsai Exhibition Garden, and the National Native Azalea Collection, there are so many beautiful plants to admire and learn about. During the year, there are rotating exhibits that offer educational experiences allowing you to learn more about the nature that surrounds you. Within the arboretum, there are more than ten miles of hiking and biking trails, a gift shop with art pieces created by local artists, and even areas for an afternoon picnic in the gardens. 

2. The Biltmore Estate 

While The Biltmore Estate may be one of the most well-known places in Asheville, you can explore its architecture, gardens, and cuisine in new ways. Throughout the year, the Biltmore Estate puts on a number of one-of-a-kind events that transform the experience for visitors. These range from music performances and art exhibits to special dinners and holiday-themed festivities. They also have kid-friendly events that are a wonderful way to encourage learning in an engaging way and create family memories that will last a lifetime. So, no matter how many times you may have seen the grounds before, you can have a unique experience each and every time.  

3. Adventure Center

Home to the country’s first zipline adventure specifically designed for kids, the Asheville Adventure Center is perfect for visitors of all ages. Located a short drive outside of downtown, the complex offers a number of outdoor activities including whitewater rafting, treetop courses, ziplining, and a mountain biking park. So no matter how old you are, you’ll be sure to have a day filled with thrilling activities here. 

Kid’s Corner

Looking for even more creative ways to keep your kids entertained? Read our post to discover six exciting activities for your kids happening at The Cliffs this summer.   

4. Spend the Afternoon with a Good Book and Bubbly

Next on the list of unique things to do in Asheville, NC is the Battery Park Book Exchange. Found inside the Grove Arcade shopping mall, this is the perfect place to curl up on the couch with your favorite book. With thousands of new and pre-owned books on the shelves to choose, from you will be sure to find one to take home with you. Here, you can also order fine wine and champagne, cheese boards, or a local dessert. If you visit during breakfast hours, they also have fresh coffee and pastries available too. The bookstore is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends inside with you for a day filled with some of life’s finest pleasures.

5. Reserve a Table at an Award-Winning Restaurant 

Home to countless fine-dining restaurants, Asheville is widely known for its culinary scene. For a Southern, home-cooked meal, visit Mayfel’s, located right in the heart of downtown. The menu includes brunch classics like eggs benedict, thick-cut ham, fried green tomatoes, and homemade biscuits. Next on the list is The Admiral –– one of Asheville’s best-kept secrets. Offering creative twists on comfort food, their menu changes every week, making it a spot that will make you want to come back and taste new additions to the menu.

If you’re looking to dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, Cúrate Tapas Bar is on the top of the list. The menu includes Spanish ham and cheese boards, traditional tapas created by Chef Katie Button, and the finest wines imported from Spain. To ensure you can dine at the restaurant you’ve been looking forward to trying, we recommend you book a table ahead of time. 

For a delicious and exotic meal, visit Chai Pani, also located in downtown. Here you can enjoy Indian street food with a twist created by five-time James Beard nominated chef Meherwan Irani. From authentic chaats to thalis, traditional family meals, the menu allows you to experience Indian cuisine to its fullest.

After dinner, if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, head over to The Biltmore Creamery for hand-scooped ice cream in a setting inspired by the original Biltmore Dairy Bar. 

Discover The Asheville Region at The Cliffs 

Imagine spending your afternoons wandering around the charming streets of downtown Asheville or starting the day with a hike to one of the many scenic viewpoints. All this, and more, could be yours if you choose to reside at The Cliffs. With one of our three regions located right in Asheville, we make it possible to call this vibrant mountain city your home and enjoy the many luxury amenities of our community. 

Located a short drive outside of Asheville is The Cliffs at Walnut Cove –– one of our seven private luxury communities that make up The Cliffs. Known for its proximity to downtown, this community allows you to enjoy the urban amenities of the eclectic city, and connect personally with the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains –– all from your own backyard.   

Life at The Cliffs was designed with outdoor adventure in mind! With a premier golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, a state-of-the-art wellness center, and a stately clubhouse perfect for socializing with other members of the community, you’ll hardly want to leave the gates. 

The Cliffs is your own private corner of the Carolina mountains, offering various ways to become a homeowner and exclusive club member. From stunning modern townhomes to charming cottages –– or even the opportunity to build a custom home –– there are endless possibilities to make The Cliffs your home.

To begin your search and find the luxury mountain home of your dreams, click on the button below.