Jean’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Explore the various gardens and nature trails. Plus, the bonsai collection is exquisite!
582 locals recommend
The North Carolina Arboretum
100 Frederick Law Olmsted WayExplore the various gardens and nature trails. Plus, the bonsai collection is exquisite!
Driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must if you're visiting Asheville! You'll experience breathtaking views of the mountains and get access to many trailheads for hiking. Plus its America's longest and most diverse national park, running for 469 miles through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties, linking Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
757 locals recommend
Blue Ridge Parkway
3884 Blue Ridge ParkwayDriving along the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must if you're visiting Asheville! You'll experience breathtaking views of the mountains and get access to many trailheads for hiking. Plus its America's longest and most diverse national park, running for 469 miles through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties, linking Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Mount Mitchell, just 19 miles north of Asheville along the Blue Ridge Parkway, is the highest peak in eastern North America. Well worth a visit!
114 locals recommend
Mount Mitchell
Mount Mitchell, just 19 miles north of Asheville along the Blue Ridge Parkway, is the highest peak in eastern North America. Well worth a visit!
A small non-profit botanical garden dedicated to the study and promotion of the native plants and habitats of the Southern Appalachians.
194 locals recommend
Botanical Gardens at Asheville
151 W T. Weaver BoulevardA small non-profit botanical garden dedicated to the study and promotion of the native plants and habitats of the Southern Appalachians.
Pisgah Inn, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, has a restaurant with okay food and amazing views. Or just sit in the rocking chairs outside and enjoy the view.
123 locals recommend
Pisgah Inn
408 Blue Ridge PkwyPisgah Inn, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, has a restaurant with okay food and amazing views. Or just sit in the rocking chairs outside and enjoy the view.
It's a bit of a drive to Bryson City, but a ride on this historic railroad is a fun adventure for all ages.
306 locals recommend
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
18 Fry StIt's a bit of a drive to Bryson City, but a ride on this historic railroad is a fun adventure for all ages.
Ride horses along a beautiful river in the Great Smoky Mountains.
21 locals recommend
Smokemont Riding Stables Barn
135 Smokemont Riding Stables RdRide horses along a beautiful river in the Great Smoky Mountains.
A tourist destination in its own right, the Biltmore Estate is a Gilded Age mansion built in the 1800s for George Washington Vanderbilt II and is the largest privately owned house in the United States. Tour the house, but also explore the gardens, vineyards, farm, and more.
1485 locals recommend
Biltmore
1 Lodge StA tourist destination in its own right, the Biltmore Estate is a Gilded Age mansion built in the 1800s for George Washington Vanderbilt II and is the largest privately owned house in the United States. Tour the house, but also explore the gardens, vineyards, farm, and more.
Shopping
A wonderful independent bookstore in downtown Asheville.
133 locals recommend
Malaprop's Bookstore / Cafe
55 Haywood StA wonderful independent bookstore in downtown Asheville.
A must-visit if you're coming to Asheville! The Folk Art Center features local & traditional arts and crafts with a shop on the first floor, a museum and gallery on the second floor, and (often) demonstrations by craftspeople.
255 locals recommend
The Folk Art Center (Southern Highland Craft Guild)
382 Blue Ridge PkwyA must-visit if you're coming to Asheville! The Folk Art Center features local & traditional arts and crafts with a shop on the first floor, a museum and gallery on the second floor, and (often) demonstrations by craftspeople.
Food scene
An amazing chocolate experience in downtown Asheville! Or, visit their chocolate factory for a tour and tasting.
363 locals recommend
French Broad Chocolate Lounge
10 S Pack SquareAn amazing chocolate experience in downtown Asheville! Or, visit their chocolate factory for a tour and tasting.
Delicious southern comfort food! There's often a line for weekend breakfast/brunch, but it's worth the wait.
223 locals recommend
Early Girl Eatery
8 Wall StDelicious southern comfort food! There's often a line for weekend breakfast/brunch, but it's worth the wait.