Asheville Bucket List – 75+ Things to Do

Asheville, North Carolina is a place we hold near and dear to our hearts. It’s where Matt and I met and we called it home for a couple of glorious years, in fact we will always consider it a home of sorts. Since moving away, we go back as often as possible. After our many, many adventures in and around Asheville, I decided to put together an Asheville Bucket List for any traveler looking to spend time in this beautiful mountain town and show off the very best things things to do!

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The Ultimate Asheville Bucket List

Explore Downtown – Asheville Bucket List

Downtown Asheville has a little taste of a lot of the things that make Asheville so… well, Asheville! You’ll find funkiness all over downtown whether you’re eating, shopping or just wandering around. This is our downtown Asheville bucket list. I’m including a couple of “South Slope” destinations in this as well. (The South Slope is basically downtown, just a little further south.)

DOUBLE D’S COFFEE + DESSERTS – This is one of the cutest coffee shops you’ll find anywhere in the world because it’s located in a double-decker bus. Fun, delicious and cash only!
BURIAL BREWING – This brewery often tops brewery rankings for the entire state. If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, it cannot be missed.
GREEN MAN BREWERY – This is a local fav. If you want the O.G. experience go to the Dirty Jacks taproom. Then, walk over to the Green Mansion to see how this brewery has grown.
HORSE + HERO – This is a funky little shop that has arts + crafts produced by local artists. I’ve never gone in without wanting something to take home.
CHOCOLATE FETISH – The only reason this shouldn’t be on your list is if you have a chocolate allergy. Their truffles are that good. Don’t worry, if you totally fall in love, you can have them delivered anywhere around the country.
FRIDAY NIGHT DRUM CIRCLE – In spring, summer and fall (and sometimes in winter if the weather is nice) there is a drum circle located in Pritchard Park that is a site to behold. Bring your own drum, clap along or simply be a spectator.
DOWNTOWN AFTER 5 – On Friday nights during the warm weather seasons, downtown Asheville has a weekly little festival with beer stalls, live music and more. It’s an absolute blast! This is a great little Asheville bucket list addition.

GROVE ARCADE – Built in the 1920’s this beautiful shopping center is a beautiful mix of historic luxe and modern shops + restaurants. Even if you don’t want to shop, you should go to check out the architecture.
LIVE MUSIC @ THE ORANGE PEEL – This music venue attracts popular artists from all kinds of genres. Look up their schedule to check out if any of your favorite bands are playing there.
THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL – This is the historic home and museum for the author of Look Homeward Angel, who was born in Asheville. Even as someone who hadn’t read the book, I found Wolfe’s life to be very interesting and I would highly recommend this stop as Wolfe was an important documenter of Asheville’s history.
BATTERY PARK CHAMPAGNE BAR + BOOK EXCHANGE – This is one of my favorite spots in Asheville. This used/new bookstore has dozens of nooks + crannies filled with books and a delicious cafe with a bar as well as tasty coffee.
MALAPROP’S BOOKSTORE AND CAFE – I love this bookstore so much as well! It also has a coffee shop inside and great staff. My favorite fun thing that Malaprop’s does is “blind date with a book“. They wrap up books in brown paper and write a few things about the book, like genre + a bit about a character, but not the title or author.
BASILICA OF ST. LAWRENCE – This beautiful basilica was built in 1905 and it’s worth a visit to check out the architecture. If you see someone who works there, ask to see the crypt.
BARLEY’S TAPROOM – This pub has great weekly specials and everything I’ve had there has been delicious. It’s a great location to grab a bite and a crowd pleaser because who doesn’t love pizza?

CHICKEN ALLEY + OTHER STREET ART – Chicken Alley is an incredible example of street art downtown and there are many others too see as well. One of my other favorites is the wall of turquoise Buddhas.
ASHEVILLE URBAN TRAIL – This Urban Trail runs across 1.7 miles downtown and is self-guided. Following this trail will take you past many of the other stops on this Asheville bucket list.

Eat All the Delicious Foods and Treats

Asheville has a wonderful mix of world-class fine dining, funky food trucks and casual eateries serving up some of the most delicious foods you can find in the region. Don’t think it’s all just southern fare, Asheville has an amazing selection of ethnic foods and funky finds as well. Eating is absolutely on my Asheville bucket list. Also, I’ve included some spots for sweet treats as well!

BISCUIT HEAD – This is my absolute must anytime I’m in Asheville. My favorite is the original location in West Asheville. These massive biscuits are served a million different ways, but my favorite is to get it plain with sides because they have an incredible jam + butter bar, all made in-house, of course.
EARLY GIRL – This is another favorite brunch spot. Don’t look too close at the menu before you go because their daily specials are often what I end up ordering. That said, the Yam Scram is a new go-to. I had it twice the last time I was in Asheville…. Don’t judge.
WHITE DUCK TACO – This is one of my very favorite spots to grab a quick lunch or a social dinner. Their tacos are a fun selection of fusion-style tacos. My favorite is the Bangkok Shrimp and I never go without queso. The frozen margaritas are also super tasty!
LUELLA’S BBQ – This is one of my favorite BBQ places in town. Every single thing I’ve ever had here has been top notch. If they have their squash casserole as a daily side, get it.
PAPA’S AND BEER – Best fajitas ever. Instead of just pepper and onion, they also add zucchini to the mix! Plus, they have a salsa bar – Matt swears by the jalapeño pumpkin salsa.
ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK – Delicious fried chicken with varying level of spiciness! This is a must on a chicken-lover’s Asheville bucket list. Just to give it that Asheville funk, they offer a discount if you have tattoos on Tuesdays.
CHAI PANI – Some of the absolute best Indian street food you’ll have outside of Asia. Everything I’ve had thus far has rocked my world.
SUNNY POINT CAFE – This is a favorite spot for breakfast that will leave you oh-so-satisfied with anything choose from its menu. I haven’t been for lunch or dinner yet, but those menus look just as delicious.
EL KIMCHI – This Korean + Mexican fusion food truck can be found around town. I know they’re at Wedge Brewing fairly often and it’s worth hunting for.
NINE MILE – A Caribbean-inspired restaurant with ultra-yummy pasta and rice dishes. They have a large selection of vegetarian options as well as things for the omnivores in your travel party. Regardless of protein, it’s sure to be flavorful.
W.A.L.K. – West Asheville Lounge + Kitchen (WALK) is a wonderful spot for some casual dining. Think quesadillas, snacks and sandwiches. Plus, their beer + cocktail menu is pretty great too!
WICKED WEED – This brewpub has great beer and a delicious menu. They started out like the other craft breweries in town but eventually “partnered” with Anheuser-Busch and now locals don’t show them the same respect as they once did because they’re very “local-centered”. That said, it still remains very popular with tourists and some locals. I’m still a fan of their beers, but I do hit up other local breweries before them now.

12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE – This is a fantastic BBQ joint that has won many awards. In fact, they have a stamp of approval from the Obamas! If you’re up for it, get the Hog-zilla. You won’t be disappointed. This has made its way on our musts for every visit to Asheville.
HOLE DONUTS – This was voted the best dessert in the entire country in 2016 and I believe it. The classic vanilla-glazed is unreal, but everything I’ve had there is fantastic. These donuts are made fresh to order and basically melt in your mouth when you eat them.
ULTIMATE ICE CREAM – This creamery has ice creams made in-house and they come in varying flavors that aren’t overly sweet, but are overly delicious! The mint flaked chocolate and fresh strawberry are two of my favorites.
THE HOP – Their in-house made ice creams and sorbets are some of the best. They also have lactose free options which is awesome for vegans and lactose intolerants alike. The Hop has amazingly unique flavors and multiple locations sure to satisfy your sweet-tooth while checking off this stop on your Asheville bucket list.

Discover the River Arts District + West Asheville – Asheville Bucket List

The River Arts District (RAD) is located along the river in West Asheville. It’s where so many artists both live and work. West Asheville is the center of all the bohemian, funky, artsy vibes of the city. West Asheville is filled with amazing cafes + restaurants and covered in gorgeous murals. If you’re looking for that hippy feel when checking off your Asheville bucket list, this is the spot for you!

VISIT THE AMAZING WORKING STUDIOS – There are so many amazing working studios in Asheville’s River Arts District. This means that you can buy art from artists while they’re making more art! It’s so amazing because it makes the thing you purchase really come to life. Pink Dog Creative is one of my favorites to walk through!
WEDGE BREWING – This is one of my very favorite breweries. There are two locations in RAD, but I have to say that the location at Wedge Studios is my favorite. Probably just because it’s the original and I have such fond memories there, but both are amazing. The Paynes Way Pilsner and Iron Rail IPA are my two favorites.
12 BONES – I mentioned this in eats, but it also needs to be noted specifically for West Asheville. It took us a long time to finally go here, and now it’s my favorite BBQ joint!
ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR – This bar is completely music-centered. In theme, in decor and in the fact that there is often live music or festivals here. It’s an amazing location to rub elbows with local musicians and have a great drink.
HOLE DONUTS – Like I mentioned in the food section, these are some of my favorite donuts of all time. They’re a must-have and I hope that you get to enjoy a donut that’s made just for you.

DISCOVER THE MURALS BEHIND THE TANNERY – There are a large amount of abandoned buildings and containers behind the tannery near Summit Coffee and artists around Asheville have covered them in gorgeous, colorful murals. Grab a coffee and explore the equivalent of a free art museum.
LIVE MUSIC + TACOS AT THE GREY EAGLE – This is my favorite venue in town. I love the intimacy of it and have been lucky to see some of my favorite artists here. Also, they have a taqueria with some amazing-looking food. I haven’t tried it out yet, but that’s something I plan to remedy.
BATTLECAT COFFEE BAR – This coffee shop located inside a house has some tasty coffee and pastries. I have to say, though, the Vietnamese-style coffee is typically my go-to. Plus, the atmosphere is fresh and funky.
BISCUIT HEAD – If someone told me I could only eat one place in Asheville, Biscuit Head is always what I choose. It’s often my first stop of my first full day so I can grab brekkie here. There are multiple locations now, but the Haywood Road one is the original and also my favorite.

SUMMIT COFFEE – This coffee shop is located just next door to 12 Bones. It’s a beautiful space with super-delicious coffee. It’s a perfect location if you’re looking for a quick cup of coffee or if you’re looking for a space to hang out and/or work. It’s a new favorite of mine!
TAKE A PYSANKY WORKSHOP – Andrea Kulish Wilhelm is a local artist who specializes in Ukrainian eggs, called pysanky. She offers workshops for people to learn this amazingly unique and beautiful tradition. We took a personal class with her and it was just so incredible and so much fun! Andrea is a fantastic teacher!

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Have a Pint… Or Maybe a Few…

Asheville has been dubbed Beer City, U.S.A. several times. With over 30 breweries in Asheville-proper and dozens other sitting just outside of Asheville there is no shortage of craft beer to try and enjoy. Craft beer lovers have flocked to this destination again and again.

BURIAL BEER CO. – This brewery often tops list of the best beer in the state, as well as in Asheville specifically. Their beer names may seem intense, but don’t let that intimidate you. Their beers are delicious and the staff has always been wonderful about answering questions.
WEDGE BREWING – This is my favorite brewery in Asheville, for multiple reasons. First of all, their space is mostly outdoors which I love on those summer AVL nights. They have a good selection of food trucks and, of course, their beer is so dang good. Their Iron Rail IPA is so popular that it has its own window to order and their Paynes Way Pilsner is a delicious, easy-drinking beer. I always love trying some of their specialty brews as well!
GREEN MAN BREWING – This is actually where my husband and I had our first date, so it has a special place in my heart. They have a wide variety of styles on tap, but their IPAs always top my list because they’re just so good. The Wayfarer IPA is one of my all-time favs. I’ve also had their sours each time we’ve been back lately and they’re always fresh and tart.
HIGHLAND BREWING – This is the O.G. craft brewery in Asheville. They have one of the coolest outdoor spaces and offerings. Roof top bar? Yep. Frequent live music? You bet! Food trucks? Of course. Hiking trails? Why not?! They also just opened a second downtown location.
BHRAMARI BREWHOUSE – This bee-themed brewery is located on Asheville’s South Slope. All the beers I’ve had here were very good and I love that they have a decent-sized, tasty food menu as well.
HI-WIRE BREWING – With two taprooms in the city, it’s easy to grab a pint here. Their beers are always fun and exciting.

WHISTLE HOP BREWERY – This funky brewery sits mere minutes outside of Asheville in Fairview. However, it’s so worth popping in to see. Not only is their beer top notch, but the space is so fun! It’s totally family-friendly including a small, free putt-putt course and even a playground. However, it’s also great if you’re flying kid-free!
ZILLICOAH BEER COMPANY – Although Zillicoah is technically located just outside of Asheville in Wodfin, it’s so good that it has found its way on my Asheville bucket list. Their outdoor space is spacious but yet still seems cozy, and every beer I’ve had there is just so good.

Must See Sites And Activities

Asheville is full of historic, cultural and natural sites to take in. This makes for several experiences to be had while in this gem of the Blue Ridge Mountains to add to your Asheville bucket list. From bus tours with “nuns”, to spa magic and more, you’ll definitely be able to fill your time in Asheville.

GROVE PARK INN – This historic hotel was built in 1913 and has one of the very best views in all of Asheville. You can see the mountains and downtown all in one view. There’s history here, like, F. Scott Fitzgerald lived + wrote here for a brief period of time. Whether you stay here, eat here or just visit to check it out, it’s worth a visit. Don’t miss a ride in the old elevator and if you’re there on a cool day, try to snag a rocking chair in front of one of the massive fireplaces – holy coziness!
GROVE PARK INN SPA – Speaking of the Grove Park Inn, the spa here is like heaven on earth. This was the spa that turned me into a spa person. Indoor and outdoor pools, cold baths, saunas, hot tubs with massaging waterfalls and a full spa menu of massages and other treatments. A day pass here is my idea of a perfect splurge!

DRIVE ON THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY – The Blue Ridge Parkway is a road that connects Smoky Mountains National Park with Shenandoah National Park but it is chock-full of beauty and trails in its own right. Plus, it cuts right through Asheville, so it’s so easy to jump on and see some amazing mountain views.
TAKE A YOGA CLASS – Asheville Community Yoga is my go-to yoga studio when I’m in Asheville. They offer studio classes and outdoor classes. But there are many, many classes.
TUBE THE FRENCH BROAD – Hopping on an inner tube (you can rent one easily + cheaply at Ben’s Tune Up) and jump in the French Broad which cuts through Asheville.
ASHEVILLE FARMER’S MARKET – Located on the edge of town, is the Asheville Farmer’s Market filled with locally grown produce and some locally made products. I love the unique things I’ve always been able to find here.
NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM – The North Carolina Arboretum is made up of over 60 acres of cultivated gardens within Pisgah National Forest. There are trails in there, family-friendly activities and loads of natural beauty to see. Plus, it’s located right in Asheville.

BILTMORE ESTATE – This is the largest privately owned home in all of the United States and even though it was built in the late nineteenth century, it will still completely blow you away. You can make a day of a visit here between the house, the winery and all the gardens and grounds!
FOLK ART CENTER – This folk art center is all about creating local crafts from the Southern Highlands. It holds traditional crafts and modern objects all on display to foster creativity in the region.
BOTANICAL GARDENS AT ASHEVILLE – This botanical garden is located on the campus of UNC-Asheville. These gardens are perfect for a stroll right within the city while looking at beautiful plants.
GRAY LINE TROLLEY TOURS – This tour takes you around to popular and historic spots around Asheville. This is great to get to know the city since they describe what you’re seeing while you pass. You can choose from a 90-minute tour or a hop-on-hop-off option. Looking for something spookier? Take a haunted trolly tour!
LAZOOM COMEDY TOURS – These tours go through downtown and are always entertaining. You’ll see Asheville, stop at breweries + other places and have belly laughs all at the same time.

Take a Hike / Get Outside

Getting outside is my favorite thing most places that I visit. Asheville is no exception. In fact, there are so many hikes near Asheville that would be worthy of any Asheville bucket list, but I won’t share too many of them – these are the highlights close by. In addition to hikes, I’ve included some other outdoor activities that shouldn’t be missed as well!

DEVIL’S COURTHOUSE – This is one of my favorite hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a couple of reasons. One is that it’s short + sweet. The trail is only 1 mile total roundtrip, but it is straight up and straight down. The second reason is that the view from the top is absolutely incredible.
BLACK BALSAM KNOB – The Black Balsam Knob hike via the Art Loeb Trail is a show-stopper. It’s such a beautiful hike that leads to truly unreal mountains from every single angle. Also, you can even see the Blue Ridge Parkway from the top.
MAX PATCH – Max Patch will forever be one of my favorite hikes in the entire state. It’s part of the Appalachian Trail, and offers one of the most incredible views you can imagine. This hike is also pretty short, but it leads to the top of a bald mountain with 360-mountain views.
FRYINGPAN FIRE TOWER – This hike takes you up an old fire tower located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The views are extraordinary and the structure just adds that little something extra. Plus, in the summer the trail is lined with wildflowers.
CATAWBA FALLS – This is a hike with two tiers of amazing falls. The Lower Falls are more of a cascade and the Upper Falls are more of a traditional waterfall with a swimming hole at the base. Getting to the Upper Falls requires a bit of an adventure of pulling yourself up ropes to get to the falls.
DU PONT STATE FOREST WATERFALLS – This beautiful and very popular state forest is full of waterfall trails. These trails are all decently easy and lead to falls of varying shape and sizes all in one concise area. As I mentioned, this state park is very popular, so expect crowds!
SLIDING ROCK – Sliding rock is a waterfall that cascades 60 feet down a slanted, reasonably flat, boulder. It gets its name from the ability to slide down it like a natural waterslide. If you’re there when lifeguards are on staff it costs $4 to enter. If you go before or after that time, you can slide for free. Warning, the water here is super cold.w
SKINNY DIP FALLS – This is my favorite swimming hole in North Carolina, so of course it belongs on an Asheville bucket list! It’s located across the parkway from the Devil’s Courthouse Parking area. It’s a 1.5 mile total trail out and back and leads to a series of cascades and swimming holes. It’s quite popular on weekends, especially in the summer. The water here is also quite cold.

CRABTREE FALLS – Crabtree Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls near Asheville. We always do the 3 mile out and back trail, or you can turn it into a 3.5 mile loop that circles back over the top of the falls. This latter is more strenuous, but both lead to the perfect view of this beautiful waterfall. The reason I love this waterfall most of all is the beautiful shape of it. It’s quite large, but it hits several rocks on the way down creating a delicateness to it is as well.
LOOKING GLASS FALLS – This is one of the most popular waterfalls in all of Western North Carolina for two reasons. For one thing, it’s one of the biggest most beautiful waterfalls in the area which makes it popular. Secondly, it’s basically on the side of the road. All you have to do is go down a flight of stairs to take in this beauty.
LAKE LURE – This lake/lake town was made popular by Dirty Dancing, which was filmed here. Lake Lure is very popular in the summer because it has a beach that feels, well, just like a beach!
NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST – This national forest is exceptionally scenic, even if you just want to drive. Also, there are several waterfalls along the road that are short hikes packed with a lot of beauty. Dry Falls being the prettiest and a very easy walk. Plus, you can walk behind it!
WHITE WATER RAFTING or KAYAKING – There are many locations just outside of Asheville to let your inner adrenaline-junkie out on the waters. This is on my own Asheville bucket list!
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY – I mentioned the Blue Ridge Parkway above as a site to see, but it is truly a wonderful gateway to the mountains near Asheville.

Local Shops

I think shopping is almost always something people do while traveling, whether you intend to or not because a shopfront intrigues you or you need to kill a few minutes before going somewhere else. If you’re looking to shop, these are a few of my favorite local shops.

HORSE + HERO – Horse and Hero is an art gallery is full of prints and other works of art by local artists. Matt and I have bought several beautiful works of art here for our home.
L.O.F.T. OF ASHEVILLE – This shop downtown has loads of quirky gifts.
MOUNT INSPIRATION APPAREL – Mount Inspiration was literally inspired by the mountains along the Appalachian Trail. Their apparel is fun, adventure-themed and good-quality. They also have a “You Are Always Growing” program where you can buy your child a onesie or tee and trade it in for a new one when they outgrow it! Your used clothing is either sent to someone else in the program, donated or used for rags making this company unbelievably sustainable!

ROSE’S GARDEN SHOP – Rose’s Garden Shop is one of the most darling plant-related places I’ve ever been. Located inside of a house, there are multiple levels of house plants, outdoor plants, pots and gifts. It’s impossible to leave without something. Seriously, just try.
FLORA – This plant shop is packed with the most beautiful green things and all the plant accessories. It even has a coffee shop called ‘Forage’ inside so you can sip your cuppa while looking for the perfect plant baby to bring home with you. I loved their pot selection. It has a very boho-feel to it, which I love.
TWICE ROUND VINTAGE – A West Asheville staple that is packed with extremely unique selections to choose from.
PURL’S YARN EMPORIUM – If you’re a crocheter or knitter, this yarn shop has a wonderful selection of yarns and has that typical Asheville funk to it.
ASHEVILLE LOCAL 604 BOTTLE SHOP – If you’re a fan of craft beer, this shop on Haywood Road, is the place to pick up cans and bottles of North Carolina brews to take home with you. We love to stop here to bring home a variety of North Carolina brews to share with our friends!
MALAPROP’S BOOKSTORE & CAFE – I seriously just love this bookstore so, so much. It’s a stop I make every single visit to Asheville.

Clearly, Asheville, North Carolina is a bucket list destination. It’s impossible for someone to not find something they’re interested in. Asheville is a very unique city with lots of character that will leave you feeling inspired and itching to tick everything you found out about on our Asheville bucket list.

Plan Your Own Asheville Bucket List Trip

These are some more detailed posts on Asheville and things to do nearby. Simply click the photos to be taken to the corresponding posts.

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