The Best Things To Do In Asheville

Asheville and its surrounding areas offer an abundance of things to do, from hiking one of the beautiful trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains to embarking on a brewery tour—the options are endless. Due to the large number of activities, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to residents and tourists alike. In the list below, we do the work for you and break down the top five things you can do when in Asheville, NC.

1. Visit the Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate’s storied history dates back to 1889 when George Vanderbilt commissioned it as a vacation home. The French-Renaissance-style estate is considered America’s largest private home, with 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. Although tickets can seem pricey, ranging between $70 and $110 depending on the season, the cost of admission is definitely worth it. A day trip to the estate leaves guests in awe of the sheer size and attention to detail included in this relic of a bygone era. 

2.  Take a Drive Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway starts in Virginia and continues into western North Carolina for about 250 miles. The parkway offers stunning mountain views, hiking trails, and quaint mountain towns that add to the charm of the entire region. Perhaps the best part about driving the parkway is that it is an entirely free experience (except for gas, of course!). The headquarters and main visitor center are just outside Asheville and milepost 384. There, visitors can learn about the natural and cultural history of the region, as well as the many outdoor activities.

3. Tour the Asheville Breweries

Asheville has emerged as the beer capital of the Southeast, boasting more than fifty breweries within its city limits. Beer lovers everywhere will enjoy Asheville’s hoppy variety and the wide range of tasting rooms open to the public. There are multiple ways to explore this brewery capital, whether by a self-guided walking tour from the Appalachian Ale Trail or transported around town by Asheville Brewery Tours, you are guaranteed a good time.

4. Walk the River Arts District

Known locally as RAD, Asheville’s River Arts District started from humble beginnings. With just a few studios in the 1980s, it was hardly an artists’ paradise at the time. Much has changed since then, and the district now houses more than 300 artists. Visitors can stroll the area and experience the art in various forms through studios, shops, restaurants, and a newly opened boutique hotel called The Radical. 

5. Explore Sliding Rock

One of Asheville’s most unique attractions is Sliding Rock, a natural 60-foot water slide powered by 11,000 gallons of water per minute. This attraction is definitely for the more adventurous, although all age groups can have fun. The slide empties into a picturesque eight-foot natural pool, where visitors often bask in the sunny, calm waters. Visitors of the Pisgah National Forest always make sure they make Sliding Rock a stop on their visit, even if it means only going down the slide once or twice. 

Living at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove

Asheville’s only gated golf community, The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, provides an unparalleled Asheville experience for its residents. Just minutes from downtown, this community is tucked away into a lush valley, bordered by the Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Parkway. Residents of Walnut Cove enjoy the convenience of being close to a small city while still being immersed in Western Carolina’s beautiful nature.

The community also boasts many impressive amenities for its members, including a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, the only championship course to debut with a PGA Tour event. The 18,000-square-foot wellness center features group exercise spaces, an outdoor pool, and tennis courts, among many other notable features. 

Not only does the club membership provide a world of amenities and experiences at Walnut Cove, but it also grants access to all communities at The Cliffs, including seven state-of-the-art golf courses, multiple wellness centers, various dining options, and stunning grounds.  

Find Your Dream Mountain Property at The Cliffs

At Cliffs Realty, the official brokerage at The Cliffs, we love finding people their dream mountain homes. In Walnut Cove, there are many unique properties available to satisfy any mountain lover’s taste. We have homes and homesites available for those looking to build their homes from scratch. 

Whatever you’re looking for, chances are we have it here at The Cliffs. Reach out to one of our agents or view our Walnut Cove properties below. We are excited to help you find the Asheville home you’ve dreamed of!