Asheville The South, USA Travel Guide
Asheville's mountain setting offers diverse outdoor experiences.
Bent Creek Experimental Forest (multi-use), Asheville Botanical Gardens (gentle paths). Use AllTrails app for information, local gear shops for maps, hiking guide books.
Catawba Falls Trail (impressive waterfall), Rattlesnake Lodge Trail (historic views). Sections of Mountains-to-Sea Trail also available.
Mount Pisgah Trail (panoramic views), Art Loeb Trail (demanding backcountry sections), Looking Glass Rock Trail (steep climb to dome). Carry water, snacks, map; cell service can be unreliable.
Always check weather and road conditions before heading out, especially on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Be prepared for rapidly changing mountain conditions.
Engage with Asheville's cultural scene.
Diana Wortham Theatre hosts music, dance, theater, from local and touring companies.
The Orange Peel (national/international acts), Grey Eagle (intimate folk/Americana/indie).
Isis Music Hall (restaurant/bar/performance space). Many breweries feature local musicians (bluegrass, folk, indie).
Support local artisans directly by visiting studios in River Arts District. Engage with local producers at farmers markets.
Downtown After 5 (free concerts, spring/summer). Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival (Sept, local arts/crafts/music).
Every Friday evening (weather permitting), an open-to-all community drum circle gathers. A lively, informal cultural event.
Find tranquility and rejuvenation in Asheville.
Some holistic health practitioners in the area offer alternative or traditional healing practices, like acupuncture, reiki, or herbal medicine consultations.
While Asheville is not coastal, some hotels offer pools for guests. Nearby Lake Lure (about 45 minutes east) has a small beach area open to the public during summer, for swimming and sunbathing.
Lake Lure is popular for boating, swimming, and beach activities. Famous as a filming location for movies like "Dirty Dancing."
Engage in mindful walks on mountain trails or in peaceful gardens for mental clarity.
Explore local health food stores and farmers markets for fresh, organic ingredients to support well-being.
Consider personalized wellness consultations from local practitioners for tailored health goals.
Asheville awakens after dark with music and dynamic entertainment.
Asheville has limited traditional nightclubs. Dancing options are more often found at specific bars or music venues that host DJs or live bands with a dance-friendly atmosphere.
Downtown Asheville is dense with bars and breweries, making it ideal for walking pub crawls. The South Slope Brewery District is packed with breweries within easy walking distance.
Many bars and some restaurants downtown and in the South Slope remain open until 1 AM or 2 AM, especially on weekends.
Central location with diverse bars, easily walkable for exploring multiple spots.
South Slope district offers a concentrated area of breweries, many with their own food options.
Live music is common at various venues, demonstrating local talent across genres.
Asheville's nightlife caters to a variety of preferences, from quiet pubs to lively music venues.
