Man standing on top of the mountain relaxing and  enjoying beautiful summer mountain landscape. A panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains from the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. Near Asheville.; Shutterstock ID 1907256715; your: Sloane Tucker; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: destination
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Asheville

The undisputed ‘capital’ of the North Carolina mountains, Asheville is both a major tourist destination and one of the coolest small cities in the South. Cradled in a sweeping curve of the Blue Ridge Pkwy, it offers easy access to outdoor adventures of all kinds, while downtown's historic art-deco buildings hold stylish New Southern restaurants, decadent chocolate shops, and the homegrown microbreweries that explain the nickname 'Beer City.'


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Day Trips

Wondering where to spend a day exploring from your home base Asheville? These are our 18 favorites.

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Transportation

With a population just under 100,000, Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina. The city is tucked within the Blue Ridge Mountains and flanked…

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Free Things to Do

The collegial spirit of Asheville is maintained in part by the many free activities offered across town, from public art and live concerts to trail-filled…

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Spring time in Downtown Asheville overlooking city skyline with wild rhododendron flowers in foreground.
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Downtown Asheville skyline flowers in spring - stock photo
Spring time in Downtown Asheville overlooking city skyline with wild rhododendron flowers in foreground.

Activities

17 of the best things to do in and around Asheville, North Carolina

Jul 17, 2024 • 7 min read

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