Award-winning professional theatre in downtown Asheville connecting people with entertaining and exceptional plays that illuminate our shared human experience. NC Stage is a local hit, voted best local theatre many times over, and has received national recognition with accolades from the American Theatre Wing. Opening week specials and student discounts available.
Attractions
Explore Asheville attractions such as shopping, tours, parks, art galleries, music concerts, and hundreds more.
The Bent Creek Experimental Forest is the oldest federal experimental forest east of the Mississippi river. It encompasses nearly 6,000 acres within the Pisgah National Forest near Asheville, North Carolina. It was established in 1925 for the purpose of conducting research on silvicultural practices that would aid in the rehabilitation of cutover, abused lands and promote sustainable forestry, and also to provide a field demonstration of forest management practices.
A 427-acre facility with a Visitor Education Center, state-of-the-art greenhouses, beautiful gardens, and walking trails. Surrounded by lush folds of the botanically diverse Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum is adjacent to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, at Milepost 393, and is nestled in one of the most beautiful natural settings in America. Please note that the Arboretum recently increased its personal vehicle parking fee to $14 in order to help sustain new and future upgrades at the Arboretum and also create more job opportunities. Also, commercial vehicle parking is $50, bus parking is $100, and the first Tuesday of each month is half off personal vehicle parking.
The museum is located at 400 N. Main Street in downtown Hendersonville. It currently features a mix of exhibits that range from specimens of raw minerals in their natural state to polished gemstones and other finished material. The museum also hosts special exhibits of collections on loan. Admission is free!
Experience Appalachian life in the late 18th century at this living history museum composed of a log cabin, a weaving room, a barn and a smoke house. This outdoor drama, Horn in the West, set during the same era, is performed on site.
Test your sense of adventure at this popular natural water slide fueled by 11,000 gallons of water a minute! Wear old jeans or shorts for the 150-foot long ride down slick rock into a six-foot-deep pool of chilled mountain water. And for safety’s sake, there’s a life guard or two watching the fun and aiming to keep it that way. Located in the Pisgah National Forest just north of Brevard. 7.6 miles from the junction of US Highways 64 and 276, is Sliding Rock, one place where you’re invited to “take the plunge” down a 60-foot slippery cascade into the 50-60 degree, 7-foot deep pool.
The Western North Carolina Nature Center is the first place where area children meet the animals they have read about. Deers, bears, cougars, wolf, racoons, birds and even farm animals are there for all to learn about. Exhibits on area poisonous snakes are worth absorbing. An aviary, self-guided nature trail and petting zoo make this a great place for the family. Small admission fee.
Nearly 500,000 acres of protected forest, featuring hundreds of miles hiking, biking, and horse trails, waterfalls, and beautiful mountaintop views.
A multi-agency wildlife center focusing on the wonders of NC native wildlife. Attractions include aquarium, guided walks, tour of fish hatchery, and gift shop. The center also offers a verity of schedules programs for groups. Special-event programs and educator workshops are also scheduled during the year. Free admission. FR 475 off us 276 N. Pisgah Forest.
Authentic general store featuring quality goods, traditional clothing and custom fit shoes. Since 1883, Mast General Store has been outfitting the Appalachians with traditional mercantile goods, comfortable clothing, rugged footwear and quality outdoor gear for all mountain seasons. Discover for yourself why….. some times are just too good to leave behind, and why it is a simple pleasure to just browse throughout the store.
Adjacent to The Omni Grove Park Inn is one of Asheville’s hidden gems. Known today as Grovewood Village, this site once housed the weaving and woodworking operations of Biltmore Industries, a force in American craft that was originally backed by Edith Vanderbilt. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 11-acre property is now home to Grovewood Gallery, 8 working artist studios, the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum, and the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum.
When you’re in Asheville, you’re just over an hour away from the nation’s leading home furnishings resource and a shopping experience you’ll never forget. See a thousand lines in nearly a hundred beautiful factory stores, outlets and galleries. Ideas galore. Famous North Carolina prices. On-site hotel, restaurant, shipping service. Visit hickoryfurniture.com.
If you’re ready for some exercise, we’ve got the spot for you. The Park features six different hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy-to-moderate to moderate-to-strenuous. Some lead to 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls; others lead through the woods through old growth forests, dazzling displays of wildflowers and interesting rock formations. The Great Woodland Adventure features fun, whimsical sculptures of some of the animals that call the Park home. Guided bird and wildflower hikes are just a few that are offered throughout the season. The Park, a Natural Heritage Area, is located 25 miles SE of Asheville in scenic Hickory Nut Gorge. Open all year. Live it up!
The boyhood home of the author Thomas Wolfe (Look Homeward, Angel) is furnished with family posessions and open for tours (appx. 30 min.). A number of special events take place each year. Small admission fee.
Located in WNC near Grandfather Mountain, Linville Caverns are worth the visit. Deep beneath Humpback Mountain, nature has sculpted a veritable masterpiece in stone. Toiling many centuries, slowly moving ground water has been the primary artist for this creation of underground labyrinths. The water dissolved out an incredible series of rooms and passages. The cavern was discovered in the 1800’s by men intrigued by the mystery of fish swimming out of the mountain. Since then, extensive research has been done to acknowledge the history, folklore, geology and biology of Linville Caverns. The mystery is still alive.
The Orange Peel Social Aid & Pleasure Club of Asheville, North Carolina was voted one of Rolling Stone magazine’s Top 5 Rock Clubs in the country. Asheville’s premier downtown live music club is a smoke free facility that features a state of the art sound and lighting system. Musical acts appearing on stage have included Bob Dylan, The Flaming Lips, Ben Harper, Blondie, Spoon, Sonic Youth, My Morning Jacket, Dinosaur Jr, Smashing Pumpkins, Arcade Fire and many more. Our warm atmosphere and beautiful facilities are also ideal for private parties and events of all kinds. We look forward to seeing you at the Peel!
Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, The Folk Art Center is the home of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, representing craft artists fromSouthern Appalachia. The Allanstand Craft Shop carries the work of over 300 of these guild members. Open: Jan-March 9am-5pm daily; April-Dec 9am-6pm daily.
With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will enjoy year-round scenic train journeys through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Great Smoky Mountains. Nantahala Gorge Excursion (4½ hour round trip), Day Out With Thomas™, Peanuts™ Pumpkin Patch Express, and the Polar Express™, are just a few of the wonderful trips available to passengers. Call for additional information, or to make advance reservations.
Crabtree Meadows marks the last stretch of the Parkway through the Blue Ridge Mountains. At Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 339.5, turn into Crabtree Meadows Recreation Area. Waterfall is accessible year-round. If campground is closed, the hike to falls is an additional 0.3 miles. Moderate trail distance is 2.5 mile loop.
Looking for a summer camp in the cool WNC mountains, then look no further, as the Asheville.com camp directory lists a broad range of selections.
The State Theatre of North Carolina, and one of the finest local playhouses in the United States. Highly acclaimed throughout the theater world. The Playhouse’s dual mission of producing the performing arts and providing education in the performing arts includes a ten-show professional series; a summer and fall college apprentice and intern program; performances and cabaret series by the YouTheatre; year-round classes and workshops for students from kindergarten through adults. Flat Rock Playhouse now hosts over 90,000 patrons annually and is a major contributor to the local economy and the Arts in North Carolina.
George Vanderbilt created Biltmore Estate in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains more than a century ago as a retreat for family and friends; a place to rediscover gracious hospitality and revel in nature’s beauty. His vision holds true today. Explore Biltmore House, a magnificent 250-room château filled with priceless art and antiques. Stroll through century-old gardens designed by America’s first landscape architect. Savor award-winning wines and taste our chefs’ creations using estate-raised foods. Enjoy our 8,000 acres of forests, farmlands, and rivers on bikes, horseback, and rafts.
The Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre’s work includes family oriented dance theatre productions, collaborative shows, community involvement, dance networking, educational training, touring shows and presentations, and an international exchange program.
For years, the 18,000 square foot YMI building was the social and economic center of Asheville’s Black community. Currently YMI is a cultural center operating with support from the City of Asheville. Its impressive Tudor-style structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features four galleries and a 300-seat performing arts theatre.
This national forest contains the Memorial Joyce Kilmer Forest that contains one of America’s oldest stand of Poplar Trees. The Nantahala National Forest lies in the mountain and valleys of southwestern North Carolina. The largest of North Carolina’s four National Forests, the Nantahala encompasses 531,148 acres with elevations ranging from 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along Hiwassee River. The Forest is divided into three Districts, Cheoah in Robbinsville, NC, Tusquitee in Murphy, NC, and the Nantahala in Franklin, NC.
The gallery features an state-of-the-art, interactive exhibition that uses a solid terrain model animated with regional voices, video, music and lasers to bring the culture and history of Western North Carolina to life. The Grove Arcade Arts & Heritage Gallery is a project of the Grove Arcade Public Market Foundation. Opened in January 2006, the gallery features the crafts, music and stories of the Blue Ridge. Visit the gallery and experience the places, objects and activities that authentically represent the people of Western North Carolina. The Gallery’s mission is to strive to help drive the local economy of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area by establishing strategic partnerships and promoting the region’s arts, crafts, music and cultural heritage.
This is the home of the Western North Carolina State Fair. The facilities include the McGough Arena, J. Clayton Davis Arena, Outside Warmup Rings, Sales Arena, Stall Barns, and Youth Building.
Pearson’s Falls is located in the foothills of Western North Carolina off Hwy. 176 between Tryon and Saluda. This wildlife and bird sanctuary is comprised of 268 acres of native forest, granite, spring-fed streams and a moderate 1/4 mile trail to a 90 ft. waterfall. There are over 200 species of rare wildflowers and plants. The Tryon Garden Club has owned this 250-acre site for nearly 70 years.
The Botanical Gardens at Asheville, North Carolina is located in one of the three most diverse temperate ecosystems on earth – the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Our collections are primarily native species displayed in both natural settings and in ways designed for ease of examination and beauty.
Most people aren’t aware that Asheville is the brewing capital of the Southeast. In fact, on just about any day of the year, one can select from about fifty locally brewed craft beers.
Housed at the base of John Rock, the hatchery raises the thousands of trout used to stock area streams. Feeding the fish is a real treat for kids, and an educational center with programs and interpretive walking trail will educate and entrain all ages.
The Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) is Western North Carolina’s home for experiential science learning, discovery, and exploration. AMOS strives to spark the imagination and foster lifelong curiosity. Featuring science-based exhibits and programs on-site and educational programming in schools and the community, AMOS strives to give science lovers of all ages a hands-on, interactive experience.
Looking for a place to stay in Asheville, NC? With its charming décor and comfortable amenities, the Country Inn & Suites provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere sure to please business and leisure travelers. Our Asheville hotel near the Blue Ridge Parkway boasts beautiful views of the mountains. You’ll find culture, nature, history and fine dining in abundance near our Asheville, NC lodging.
Welcome music, science and history lovers! The Moogseum, located in downtown Asheville, is the museum bringing Bob Moog’s pioneering legacy to life through experiential historical exploration, multi-sensory interactive educational exhibits and the opportunity for guests to play both Theremins and Moog synthesizers. Museum shop offers an array of items for sale to celebrate your visit and gifts for discerning friends.
Whatever your needs, Carolina Mornings has you covered with the finest vacation homes and cabin rentals in and near Asheville – whether it’s a mountain chalet, an upscale log cabin, an elegant downtown loft or a Biltmore Village condo. Be showered with free activities and concierge services from Carolina Mornings. Cabins sleep up to 10 guests, and many are pet-friendly! An exclusive offer from Carolina Mornings: all rentals also receive FREE Biltmore Estate admission, guided river rafting, golfing, downtown tours, and more with each stay!
The Magnetic Theatre seeks to connect Asheville audiences to original, artist-driven theatre. We support emerging local playwrights and produce exciting work that has not been seen in this region. We work to encourage new perspectives by illuminating the human condition through diverse, challenging projects and cultivating a passionate creative community.
On WCU campus in Cullowhee. The center celebrates heritage of the Southern Appalchian region through exhibits, publications, educational programs and demonstrations. Free.
There are a few places in the world that still stand apart from the ordinary. Rising more than a mile high, surrounded by the gentle mist of low-hanging clouds, Mount Mitchell State Park is one of these extraordinary places.
SART’s purpose has been to produce quality theatre by a professional non-profit company and to present plays concerning Appalachia that portray the rich culture and heritage of its people and to promote the development of original plays.
This is a historical site and interpretive center in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard. The Cradle of Forestry is a beautiful place to visit any day of the week.
America’s most visited National Park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has the Blue Ridge Parkway going through it, so it is to access with great vistas around every turn.
If you are planning a visit to the Asheville area for the color season, you might want to plan a visit to the Smith-McDowell House Museum. Built circa 1840 by James McConnell Smith, the Smith McDowell House is Asheville’s oldest surviving house and the oldest brick house in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Small admission fee.
This historic site consists of a 22 room house, barns, sheds, rolling pastures, walking trails, two small lakes, ponds, flower and vegetable gardens, and an orchard. This is where Carl Sandburg felt the peace and solitude he required to write.
The Asheville Urban Trail creates a living, historic walking tour of Asheville: a museum without walls, that illustrates and highlights the city’s heritage. “The remarkable abundance and survival of much of the city’s turn-of-the-century architecture has set the decorative tone for the rebirth of the downtown area. And the visual beauty and intricate detail of the architecture style found here is not only a feast for the eyes, but also stands as a visual reminder of the remarkable, creative history of the city and of the dynamic and talented individuals who first chose Asheville as home.” Along the Urban Trail the history of the city and of its people is represented in story and art.
Learn the history and meet the people of the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Visit the Oconoluftee Indian Village and see “Unto These Hills” for a great educational opportunity.
The newest addition to North Carolina’s state parks is right here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Gorges State Park has over 80 inches of rain a year making it a temperate rain forest. The plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, sheer rock walls, and concentration of rare and unique species makes this a wonderful park to visit.
One of America’s finest driving routes, following the Blue Ridge Mountains from Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Established by artists and incorporated in 1948, the Asheville Art Museum is committed to being a vital force in community and individual development and to providing lifelong opportunities for education and enrichment through the visual arts. The Museum’s mission is to engage, enlighten, and inspire individuals and enrich community through dynamic experiences in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. The newly renovated 54,000-square-foot building opened in November of 2019 and the Museum presents a robust schedule of engaging exhibitions throughout the year featuring American art of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The AVMRC has two free open house’s every week that have been enjoyed by grandparents and grandchildren, as well as kids of all ages for over 2 decades. We offer two operating model RR’s with our inside HO scale layout having 2,000 feet of track. Our new outside layout is a larger G scale. Kids can run a Thomas or Emily train while there. Additionally, we have many historic pictures and items about railroads on display. Admission is free!
Take yourself down to the ballgame at McCormick Field as you watch Asheville’s minor-league heroes, The Tourists, confront a host of regional contenders. The Tourists will open the gates of McCormick Field for the first time in 2018 on April 12th for a Thirsty Thursday matchup against the Columbia Fireflies. Go Tourists!
Travel back to 1750 when you enter this recreated Cherokee community featuring Native American guides in traditional costumes. Craft demonstration including canoe construction and arrow making take place in the midst of a seven-sided coucil house, sweat lodge and cherokee homes.
This is 12,000 sq. feet of “hands-on” experimental exhibits that include live animals, earth and physical science, toddler areas and natural history exhibits. Located on the SALT block in the Arts & Sciences Center of Catawba Valley, 243 Third Ave., NE in Hickory.
Since 1984, Gallery of the Mountains has featured handmade crafts by more than 100 local and regional artists living in the Southern Appalachian region. Discover curated collections of artisan-made clothing, jewelry, home decor, unique gifts and Asheville-made mementos. Gallery of the Mountains is located in the Sammons Wing of The Omni Grove Park Inn, set atop Sunset Mountain in Asheville, NC.
This national scenic trail begins in Georgia and stretches across 2,144 miles of Appalachian Mountain ridge lines to end in Maine. Along the way, it traverses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and parts of Western North Carolina. For more information on the trail, and day hike suggestions, contact the Appalachian Trail Conference.