Things To Do While In Asheville

Mars Hill

Mars Hill, North Carolina, and its surrounding area offer a variety of attractions and activities. Here are some notable attractions and places to visit near Mars Hill:

  1. Mars Hill University: Explore the picturesque campus of Mars Hill University, known for its beautiful architecture and natural surroundings.

  2. Bailey Mountain Bike Park: This park offers thrilling downhill mountain biking trails and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

  3. French Broad River: Enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and tubing on the French Broad River.

  4. Max Patch: A popular hiking destination with stunning 360-degree views of the Appalachian Mountains. It's especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change.

  5. Wolf Ridge Ski Resort: In the winter, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at this nearby ski resort.

  6. Big Bald: Another great hiking spot with panoramic views. It's part of the Appalachian Trail and is not far from Mars Hill.

  7. Blue Ridge Parkway: Drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and stop at various overlooks for breathtaking mountain views.

  8. Downtown Mars Hill: Explore the quaint town with local shops, cafes, and restaurants. Mars Hill is known for its small-town charm.

  9. Madison County Arts Center: This center features art exhibitions, classes, and cultural events showcasing the local art scene.

  10. Hot Springs, NC: A short drive away, Hot Springs is known for its natural hot mineral springs and the Appalachian Trail running through town.

  11. The Appalachian Trail: Access points to the Appalachian Trail are in the vicinity, allowing for day hikes or backpacking adventures.

  12. Weaverville, NC: This nearby town has a charming downtown area with galleries, shops, and restaurants.

  13. Mars Hill Bald: This is another hiking option, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

  14. Roan Mountain: Just over the border into Tennessee, Roan Mountain is known for its high-elevation gardens and hiking trails.

  15. Farmers Markets: Check out local farmers' markets for fresh produce and handmade crafts.

These attractions offer a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and natural beauty, making the Mars Hill area a great destination for those looking to explore the North Carolina mountains and Appalachian region.

Weaverville

Here are some notable attractions and places to visit near Weaverville:

  1. Downtown Weaverville: Explore the charming downtown area with its unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. You can also visit the historic Vance Birthplace nearby.

  2. Reems Creek Golf Club: If you're a golfer, enjoy a round of golf at this scenic course with mountain views.

  3. Blue Ridge Parkway: Drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers breathtaking views and access to numerous hiking trails and overlooks.

  4. Vance Birthplace State Historic Site: Learn about the history of Zebulon Baird Vance, a Confederate military officer and governor of North Carolina, at this historic site.

  5. Lake Louise Park: A lovely community park where you can have picnics, walk around the lake, and enjoy the outdoors.

  6. Zebulon B. Vance Monument: Visit the monument dedicated to Zebulon B. Vance in downtown Asheville.

  7. Echoview Fiber Mill: Take a tour of this sustainable fiber mill and learn about the process of turning raw fibers into textiles.

  8. Andrews Geyser: Located in Old Fort, not far from Weaverville, this is one of the largest man-made geysers in the world.

  9. Historic Flat Iron Building: An iconic building in downtown Asheville known for its unique architecture.

  10. Asheville: The vibrant city of Asheville is just a short drive away, offering a wide range of attractions, including the Biltmore Estate, art galleries, breweries, and cultural events.

  11. Grove Park Inn: Explore the historic Grove Park Inn, known for its stunning mountain views and historic architecture.

  12. North Carolina Arboretum: A beautiful botanic garden with walking trails, gardens, and exhibits, located just south of Asheville.

  13. Navitat Canopy Adventures: If you're an adventure seeker, try ziplining at Navitat Canopy Adventures in nearby Barnardsville.

  14. Outdoor Recreation: The area offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and fishing in the nearby mountains.

  15. Art Galleries: Explore local art galleries and studios in the Weaverville area, which often feature the work of talented regional artists.

Weaverville and its surroundings provide a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventure, making it an appealing to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Asheville region.

Asheville, NC

Here are some of the top attractions and things to do in Asheville:

  1. Biltmore Estate: Visit America's largest home, the Biltmore Estate, which offers tours of the mansion, beautiful gardens, winery, and outdoor activities.

  2. Blue Ridge Parkway: Drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, known for its breathtaking mountain views, hiking trails, and overlooks.

  3. Downtown Asheville: Explore the eclectic downtown area with its art galleries, shops, restaurants, and vibrant street scene.

  4. Grove Park Inn: Visit this historic resort with stunning mountain views, and enjoy its renowned spa and restaurants.

  5. Art Galleries: Asheville is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and studios to explore in the River Arts District and elsewhere.

  6. Asheville Botanical Gardens: Stroll through the beautiful gardens that showcase native plants and flowers.

  7. Asheville Breweries: The city is famous for its craft beer scene, so consider taking a brewery tour or visiting some of the many breweries.

  8. Hiking and Outdoor Activities: Enjoy the great outdoors by hiking in the surrounding mountains, mountain biking, or exploring the nearby Pisgah National Forest.

  9. Biltmore Village: Shop, dine, and stroll through this charming historic district located near the Biltmore Estate.

  10. Asheville's Food Scene: Savor the diverse and delicious culinary offerings in Asheville, including farm-to-table restaurants, food trucks, and international cuisine.

  11. North Carolina Arboretum: Visit this botanical garden with walking trails and exhibits on native plants.

  12. WNC Nature Center: Discover native wildlife and animals, including black bears, cougars, and red wolves, at this educational center.

  13. Thomas Wolfe Memorial: Tour the childhood home of the famous author, Thomas Wolfe, and learn about his life and work.

  14. Folk Art Center: Explore the Southern Highland Craft Guild's headquarters, showcasing traditional and contemporary Appalachian craft.

  15. Live Music and Festivals: Enjoy live music, from buskers on the streets to concerts at venues like The Orange Peel, and attend local festivals and events.

  16. Mount Mitchell State Park: Drive to the highest peak in the Eastern United States, Mount Mitchell, and enjoy hiking and panoramic views.

Asheville offers a rich blend of culture, outdoor activities, history, and arts, making it a popular destination for a wide range of interests. It's also known for its welcoming and diverse community, making it a welcoming place to explore.

Mars Hill, North Carolina