Things to Do in Asheville
If you are traveling to Asheville and planning to have some spare time to experience the area, these are our personal recommendations for our favorite can't-miss activities, restaurants, and entertainment!
Excursions & Adventures
LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours (Downtown): The most Asheville creative comedy tour!
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Blue Ridge Parkway: If you have a vehicle, take a mountain drive and spend a morning or afternoon exploring hiking trails and enjoying the views from many scenic outlooks
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North Carolina Arboretum: Botanical gardens, bonsai, walking trails, and much more
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Folk Art Center: Craft guild and shop for local arts and goods
Near the Crowne Plaza Hotel
Activities
Adventure Center: Ziplines, mountain biking, outdoor fun for adults and kids
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Racquet Club: Tennis, fitness, swimming pool
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Golf Club: 9-hole golf course and driving range
Restaurants
Gemelli: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner — Our favorite Italian in town! Espresso, yes! Wine, definitely! Serving charcuterie for breakfast and lunch, and fine dining for dinner. Next door to Earth Fare local grocery.
West Asheville
Shopping
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Flora
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Whist
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Sparky's Toys
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Provisions​
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Ware
Food & Drink
Simple Cafe: Breakfast, lunch, smoothies and juice bar. Locally owned, fresh, healthy, delicious!
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Botiwalla: Lunch — Authentic Indian street grill. Flavor explosion!
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Nine Mile: Dinner — Caribbean fusion comfort food. Local favorite and ours too! No reservations, expect some wait after 5 pm.
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The Hop West: Local ice cream!
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The Odd: Dive bar with punk/sideshow artsy vibe and lots of curiosities
River Arts District
Activities
The Foundation: Old warehouse complex turned into artist studios, retail, and restaurants. Graffiti murals, Wedge Brewery, 12 Bones BBQ restaurant, pleb Urban, Winery, Kismet Vintage, and Studio 42 (live glass-blowing)
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The RAD Greenway: Walking and biking along the river and art studios
Food & Drink
Smoky Park Supper Club: Dinner
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Wedge Brewery: At the Foundation. Excellent hometown brewery in the heart of the River Arts District. Food truck on site.
Downtown
Activities
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Pinball Museum: ​Fully playable collection of pinball machines throughout time!
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Lexington Avenue: Best street downtown for local shops, vintage clothing, antiques, and more
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Basilica of St. Lawrence: Our parish, a beautiful old church, art, and architecture. Largest freestanding elliptical dome in North America. Sunday Mass 9 am & 11 am, check out the tour of the basilica after the 11 am mass.
Food & Drink
Rosetta's Kitchen: Local, casual vegetarian comfort food on Lexington Ave
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Limones: Mexican fusion fine dining. Reserve ahead!
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The Crow & Quill: Edgar Allan Poe inspired bar, best cocktails in town, quality beer selection