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Attractions
Once you've ventured to Asheville, you'll discover why one visit can never be enough.
Step back in time and experience Gilded Age elegance at America’s largest home,
George Vanderbilt’s 250-room Biltmore House. Meet artisans and discover a treasure
trove of handmade crafts. Explore the historic downtown. Learn about the native Cherokee
Tribe. Visit spectacular gardens or relish the high mountain peaks along the Blue Ridge
Parkway, the nation’s most scenic road. Experience the real Cold Mountain. These
attractions and more await you in the Asheville area.
**Admission prices and operation hours are subject to change. Please contact the
attraction for verification.
Historic Downtown Asheville
Steeped in history, Asheville's downtown boasts more art deco architecture than any
southeastern city other than Miami Beach. Over 150 boutiques, shops, art galleries and
antique stores offer lots of opportunity to browse or buy. The newly reopened Grove Arcade
Public Market showcases locally-owned and operated restaurants, craft shops and food
vendors. Nearly 50 diverse restaurants, cafes, tea rooms, and brewery pubs provide
mouth-watering cuisine and a place to people watch. Area night clubs feature everything
from regional music to poetry slams to nationally known acts. During the summer and fall,
a variety of entertainment can be found outdoors at City/County Plaza and Pack Square.
Free. 828/251-9973
Asheville Historic Trolley Tours
See the best of Asheville aboard a vintage trolley and enjoy our fully-narrated tour. Your
guide will combine humorous stories and historical information into a fun-filled
experience. De-board the trolley at any of our convenient stops, then re-board and
continue the tour.
Asheville Visitor Center - 151 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville. 888/667-3600
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Sun. 12:30-3:30 p.m. Closed January-February (except
for special group bookings). Allow 75 minutes for the full tour.
Admission: Adults $16; Seniors/AARP $15; Students ages 5-17 $9; Children under 5 Free;
Group rates available.
Biltmore Estate
Built by George Vanderbilt in the late 19th century, America’s largest private home,
the 255-room Biltmore House still contains its original collection of 50,000 furnishings,
artwork and antiques. The 8,000 acre estate also features fabulous gardens designed by
renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and a winery which produces
award-winning, European-style wine.
Located on US 25, just north of I-40. 800/543-2961
Hours: Open daily 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., except Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. Allow four
to six hours for visit.
Admission: $39 for adults, $19.50 for youth ages 6-16 and complimentary for children 5 and
under with a paying adult.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Considered the nation’s most scenic highway, the 470-mile roadway winds
through the Blue Ridge Mountains, through Asheville and into the entrance of the Great
Smoky Mountains National Park. Numerous overlooks, roadside exhibits and hiking trails
make a trip along the Parkway a delight year-round.
The Parkway intersects Asheville at US 25, US 70, US 74 & NC 191. Free. Audio guides
may be purchased through Travel Narrator. 828/298-0398
Brevard Music Festival
Captivate your senses at the South's most exciting classical music festival. Each
year the Festival showcases the music of students and professionals in musical
productions, symphonies, solos, operas and jazz ensembles.
Brevard (44 miles from Asheville). 888/384-8682
Hours: Performances daily from June 16-August 5. Allow 1½ to 3 hours for visit.
Admission: Ranges from free to $25, excluding Special Events.
Carolina Nights Dinner Show
Located in Maggie Valley, the Carolina Nights Dinner Show combines good food with
country, bluegrass, contemporary or gospel music along with a comedy act for exciting
family entertainment.
3714 Soco Road, Maggie Valley (34 miles from Asheville). 888/622-SHOW
Hours: Open May-December. Allow 1½ hours for visit.
Admission: Varies. Reservations required.
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
Home of famous poet and biographer Carl Sandburg, the site preserves and protects
over 260 acres of land, 50 historic structures and over five miles of trails. The house
and farm are open to the public for guided tours.
1928 Little River Road, Flat Rock (27 miles from Asheville). 828/693-4178
Hours: Daily from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., except Christmas Day. Allow two hours for visit.
Admission: Adults $3; Children ages 16 & under admitted free.
Chimney Rock Park
Ride the 26 story elevator to the top of the "Rock" where you can enjoy
75-mile views. Experience the lush scenery featured in the film "The Last of the
Mohicans." Hike the trails, see the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls, and take part in
special events year-round.
Hwy. 64/74A, Chimney Rock (25 miles from Asheville). 800/277-9611 or 828/625-9611
Hours: Ticket plaza open year-round 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (EST) and 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
(Daylight Savings Time). Allow one hour to all day to enjoy the Park. Closed Thanksgiving,
Christmas and New Year's Days.
Admission: Adults $14; Children ages 4-12 $6.
Cold Mountain
With the Christmas Day release of the movie "Cold Mountain" –
written and directed by Anthony Minghella and starring Jude Law, Nicole Kidman and Renée
Zellweger – the actual Cold Mountain becomes one the most famous peaks in America.
The easiest place to see it is along the Blue Ridge Parkway just past Wagon Road Gap
(mentioned in the book). From Asheville, drive south along the Parkway past Mt. Pisgah to
milepost 411. There visitors will find a large, weathered, wooden National Park Service
sign, not unlike those found at all of the other Parkway overlooks. The exception is that
this spot is now easily one of the more photographed along the Blue Ridge Parkway, with
visitors strategically placing themselves next to the sign with the now-famous mountain
looming in the distance.
Cradle of Forestry
Historic site and home of the Forest Discovery Center. Activities include:
18-minute movie, guided hikes, historic cabins, craftsmen, 1915 logging train, helicopter
simulator, scavenger hunt, hands-on exhibits, cafe and gift shop. Near waterfalls, hiking,
fishing and camping on Hwy. 276.
1002 Pisgah Hwy. (Hwy. 276), Pisgah Forest (41 miles from Asheville). 828/877-3130
Hours: Open daily 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., April 12-November 2. Allow two hours for visit.
Admission: Adults $5; Children ages 4-17 $2.50. Season passes available.
Craft Heritage Trails of Western North Carolina
Seven driving tours with almost 450 stops including craft shops, studios,
galleries, and historic inns and restaurants are included in this 145-page guidebook.
Folk Art Center
The nation's preeminent organization representing the crafts culture of the
Southern Appalachians, the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild, owns and operates this
facility where works of guild members are displayed and sold and artisans frequently
demonstrate their craft.
Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville. 828/298-7928
Hours: Open daily 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (April-December); 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
(January-March). Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Days. Allow 45 minutes
to one hour for visit. Free.
French Broad River Brewery
Maker of award-winning fine lagers and specialty ales brewed since 1999 in the
tradition of old European breweries with an American perspective.
101-D Fairview Road, Asheville. 828-277-0222
Hours: Brewery tours and tastings are offered the first and third Saturdays of the month
at noon and 1:00 p.m. Please call for parties of six or more.
Grandfather Mountain
Featuring environmental habitats with native wildlife, numerous hiking trails,
the famous mile-high swinging bridge and a nature museum and theater. The mountain is
designated an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations.
US 221 and Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville (75 miles from Asheville). 800/468-7325 or
828/733-4337
Hours: Open daily 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. in winter; 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. spring through fall.
Allow two to three hours for visit. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.
Admission: Adults $12; Senior Citizens (Age 60+) $11; Children ages 4-12 $6.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Scenic excursions through mountain gorges pulled by diesel-electric and steam
locomotives.
119 Front Street, Dillsboro (50 miles from Asheville). 800/872-4681 or 828/586-8811
Allow three hours to all day. Dinner trains available. Daily departures from Bryson City,
Dillsboro and Andrews year-round.
Admission: Varies. Call for schedule and reservations.
The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa
Built in 1913 of massive boulders, the grand hotel, one of the most famous in the
South, overlooks Asheville’s skyline, with fabulous views of the mountains beyond. An
engineering marvel, the resort is one of the preeminent landmarks in the city.
290 Macon Avenue, Asheville. Open year-round. Free. 800/438-5800 or 828/252-2711
Lake Lure Tours
Discover why National Geographic named Lake Lure “one of the ten most
spectacular man-made lakes in the world.” Scenic one-hour boat tours, sunset and
dinner cruises are available. Visitors may rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, electric
boats and pontoon boats as well. Splash at the beach and the new water park. Play at the
Fun Center with family-oriented, interactive games and activities.
25 miles southeast of Asheville on scenic Highway 64/74A.
Call toll free: 877/FUN-4-ALL (877/386-4255)
Open daily March through November. Early spring and late fall hours may vary according to
weather and other conditions. Admission varies for each activity.
Montford Historic Area
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Montford area, just north
of downtown Asheville, boasts a variety of architectural styles as well as historic
tidbits. Here, in 1948, F. Scott Fitzgerald's wife Zelda died in a fire at the old
Highland Hospital. Several residents found immortality in Thomas Wolfe's Look Homeward,
Angel, and Riverside Cemetery is the final resting spot for some of Asheville's most
prominent citizens like Thomas Wolfe, O. Henry and Zebulon Vance. Today, the area contains
homes and businesses, including 15 bed and breakfasts. 828/255-4946
North Carolina Arboretum
Located at the edge of the Pisgah National Forest, a short distance from
Interstates 26 and 40, the 424-acre site features a Visitor Education Center,
state-of-the-art greenhouse complex, an array of gardens, a loop trail and a variety of
ongoing special programs.
100 Frederick Law Olmstead Way. 828/665-2492
Hours: Grounds open daily from 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. April-October, 8:00 am- 7:00 p.m.,
November-March. Visitor Education Center open Mon.-Sat. 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Sun.
Noon-5:00 p.m. Greenhouse open 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Mon.-Fri. (2:00 p.m. closing on Weds.).
Allow 45 minutes to a half-day for visit.
Admission: Charge is $6 per personal motor vehicle, $25 for commercial vans and $45 for
buses and motorcoaches.
Oconaluftee Indian Village and "Unto These Hills"
Oconaluftee Indian Village is an authentic recreation of an 18th century Cherokee
Indian village.
Hours: Open daily 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. May 15-October 25.
Admission: Adults $12; Children ages 6-13 $5.
"Unto These Hills" brings the history, culture and traditions of Cherokee
Indians to the stage in an outdoor drama.
Hours: Performances nightly at 8:30 p.m. June-August, except Sundays.
Admission: All ages $16, reservations required.
Both located on Hwy. 441 North, Cherokee (48 miles from Asheville). 828/497-2111
Outdoor Activities
Craving an outdoor adventure? The Asheville area is ideal for an excursion into
the mountains of Western North Carolina. There are rivers to raft, mountains to climb,
trails to hike, golf courses to be played, horses to ride and more. Refer to our outdoor
activities section for more ideas and contacts.
Pack Place Education, Arts and Science Center
The center houses the Asheville Art Museum, Colburn Gem and Mineral Museum, The
Health Adventure and the Diana Wortham Theatre, with the affiliated YMI Cultural Center
located at the corner of Eagle and Market streets. The $14 million, 92,000-square-foot
project is a cornerstone of downtown revitalization underway. Admission varies.
Multi-museum passes available. 828/257-4500
Smith-McDowell House
Relive the Victorian era at Asheville's oldest house (circa 1840). Explore
opulent period rooms, history exhibits and grounds designed by the renowned Olmstead
brothers.
283 Victoria Road, Asheville. 828/253-9231
Hours: Open Tues.-Sat. 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Sun. 1:00-4:00 p.m. (April-December);
Tues.-Sat. 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (January-March). Allow 45 minutes for visit.
Admission: Adults $4.50; Senior Citizens, Students & Children ages 5-18 $3.50.
Stuart Nye Hand Wrought Jewelry
Jewelry made in natures own designs - leaves and flowers. Visitors may watch
craftsmen at work in mediums of sterling silver, copper and brass.
940 Tunnel Road, Asheville. 828/298-7989
Hours: Open Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m.-Noon and 12:30-4:00 p.m. Allow 15 minutes for visit. Free.
Thomas Wolfe Memorial
The boyhood home of novelist Thomas Wolfe is located in downtown Asheville.
Portrayed as Dixieland in Wolfe's most famous novel, Look Homeward, Angel, the boarding
house is currently closed as repairs are made to fire damage. However, guided walks are
still available to tour the home's exterior and the Memorial's Visitor Center, with
interactive displays, programs and gift shop, remains open to the public.
52 North Market Street, Asheville. 828/253-8304
Visitor Center Hours: April-October: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Tues.-Sat. and 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Sun. Closed Mon.
November-March: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Tues.-Sat. and 1:00-4:00 p.m. Sun. Closed Mon.
Admission: Adults $1; Students $.50.
Urban Trail
This self-guided historic walking tour makes a 1.7 mile loop of downtown and
tells the fascinating story of Asheville interpreted through art.
Downtown Asheville. 828/258-0710
Hours: Guided tours available at 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Meet at Pack Place. Allow 2½
hours or walk the trail in segments.
Admission: Self-guided tour is free; guided tour is $5.
Vance Birthplace State Historic Site
Historic homestead of North Carolina's Civil War governor, Zebulon B. Vance. The
state historic site depicts early pioneer life in the mountains during the 1800s.
911 Reems Creek Road, Weaverville (7 miles from Asheville). 828/645-6706
Hours: Open Mon.-Sat. 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Sun. 1:00-5:00 p.m. (April-October); Tues.-Sat.
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Sun. 1:00-4:00 p.m. (November-March). Allow 1½ hours for visit.
Free.
WNC Farmers Market
Considered one of the finest such markets in the United States, this 36-acre
state-owned facility operates year-round with an array of offerings, including fresh
produce, mountain crafts, jams, preserves, plants, and garden supplies.
570 Brevard Road, Asheville. 828/253-1691
Hours: Open 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. daily. Closes at 5:00 p.m. during winter months. Free.
WNC Nature Center
Native animals and plant life located in natural habitats with trails, exhibits
and special activities.
75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville. 828/298-5600
Hours: Open daily 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and
Martin Luther King Days.
Admission: Adults $4; Senior Citizens $3; Children ages 3-14 $2.
