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1. Biltmore Estate
1 Approach Rd, US 25 just north of I-40, Asheville, NC 28803 · 828-225-1333
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BILTMORE AREA. Western North Carolina's beloved "castle on the hill" resides on an 8000-acre estate, complete with manicured gardens, woodlands, and an award-winning winery (the nation's most visited). Built in the late 19th-century by George Washington Vanderbilt II, the chateau-inspired home is an opulent example of the wealth acquired during America's Gilded Age. The magnificent 250-room mansion ranks as the largest private residence in the country and offers self-guided tours that can easily last for hours.
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Chimney Rock Park has as its centerpiece a monolithic, jutting rock that rises 315 feet above the ground and affords astounding views of the surrounding terrain. Climb it (or take the elevator up) and then experience the rest of the beauty and breadth of the park and its waterfalls. A network of trails invites exploration, and you can look out over the landscape at sites like Inspiration Point and Peregrine's Rest. Located 35 to 40 minutes outside of Asheville.
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It's not a destination – it's an experience. Considered "America's most scenic drive," the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway meanders through changing vistas of natural beauty, touching on stellar mountain views, hiking trails, and picnic sites. Seasonal changes along the parkway are dramatic, so return visits are a good idea if you want to see the entire panorama. The parkway intersects Asheville at US 25, 70, 74 and NC 191. A visitor's center is located 25 miles outside of Asheville.
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DOWNTOWN. Located in the Pack Place Education, Arts and Sciences Center, this museum houses both permanent collections and visiting exhibits of 20th- and 21st-century American art. Regional, national, and international works are featured, not to mention western NC artists and a range of media. Special shows may require additional fees.
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DOWNTOWN. Located in the Pack Place Education, Arts and Sciences Center, the well-regarded Health Adventure places a focus on understanding the body and promoting wellness. Its intended audience is children and families, and its goal is heightened awareness of health's role in our lives. A variety of programs and exhibits makes science fun and engaging, and the hope is that motivated children will make strong efforts to lead healthy lives and share their knowledge with others.
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DOWNTOWN. It's been said that climbing is one of the fastest-growing sports in America. ClimbMax offers an exciting, weatherproof environment where athletes and novices can enjoy roped and unroped climbing to heights ranging from 40 to 225 feet. The facility also offers beginner's classes and outdoor climbing.
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Western North Carolina's beauty and Appalachian culture take the stage at this public garden, located near the Blue Ridge Parkway. More than 60 acres of the arboretum are expertly cultivated gardens that showcase a variety of flora, including one of the most extensive bonsai collections in the US. Also on display are an ericaceous (acid soil-loving) plant collection with more than 16 species of native and hybrid azaleas and the Heritage Garden, which highlights plants pivotal to the region's craft industry. Ten miles of trails allow visitors to fully explore the unique landscape. Each season, the center hosts educational programs, workshops, and demonstrations.
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DOWNTOWN. Located in the Pack Place Education, Arts and Sciences Center, this museum is, according to The Washington Post, "a mini-Smithsonian of gems." Within, you can view natural treasures from North Carolina and the world, including rare gems, fluorescents, and volcanic and earthquake artifacts. Additional exhibits teach visitors about weather, mining in western NC, and fossils.
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DOWNTOWN. Dedicated to showcasing the beauty and biological diversity of the Southern Appalachian mountains, this reserve features everything from trees to lichens. Every season brings some spectacle of its own, and visitors especially cherish the spring display of wildflowers in April and May. A trail through the ten-acre parcel invites strolls and passes by benches, a gazebo, a spring house, and a dogtrot cabin. A library, gift shop, and visitor center are useful features for interested patrons.
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BILTMORE AREA. Asheville's oldest home is Victorian in style and was built around 1840. The red-brick structure was a rarity in the days of log cabins, and it was built using slave labor. Occupied by a variety of prominent Asheville citizens and families, the house features exquisitely landscaped grounds designed by renowned Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. Today, the home's lovingly furnished period rooms offer a glimpse of Asheville's early days, and informative history exhibits further elucidate life during the era.
You want quality attractions and activities for your lesiure time. To that end, we've researched a diverse list of options, ruled out the wastes of time, and delivered only the 10Best. We provide quality information about historical sites, theme parks, sporting events, and city parks that you won't want to miss. Peruse our lists, see what grabs your fancy, and then head out for some personal time!
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