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Is Asheville your next dreamy getaway? Check these spots out

Microsoft Travel logo Microsoft Travel 14/12/2022 Microsoft Travel

Asheville is known for its vibrant theater scene, with numerous places to enjoy the dramatic arts and there is the Asheville Community Theatre which is famous, along with the NC Stage, Magic Theatre, and the Wortham Center for Performing Arts. It is often called the San Francisco of the East, it thrives on art, music, unbelievable food, craft beer, and wine, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In Asheville you will find some beautiful attractions that you just cannot miss! Places like Asheville Waterfall Tours, Asheville Museum Of Science, and Grovewood Village and many more. Continue reading to know more.

Asheville © Provided by Microsoft Travel (Blightylad-infocus Getty Image) Asheville

1. Asheville Waterfall Tours

Feel the chilly mountain and breath the sweet scent of plants as you approach the lovely, shadowed woodland. © Provided by Microsoft Travel (Wikimedia Image) Feel the chilly mountain and breath the sweet scent of plants as you approach the lovely, shadowed woodland.

This tour will take you on a picturesque, bushland trail with a 150-foot cascading waterfall, rock gardens, and early 1900's ruins, all in under two hours, with a seasoned local and storyteller as your guide. This tour will mesmerize people of all ages, particularly young people. You'll meet your guide in Old Fort, North Carolina, a captivating mountain town just 25 minutes east of Asheville, and then head to the trailhead for a quick journey.

2. Asheville Museum Of Science

Asheville Museum of Science is a science exploration museum located in Asheville, North Carolina. © Provided by Microsoft Travel (J Image) Asheville Museum of Science is a science exploration museum located in Asheville, North Carolina.

The Asheville Museum of Science gives an experience of science, learning, and discovery in technology, arts, engineering with interactive exhibits of permanent and temporary, and with a variety of educational programs. This museum gives historical information and is for all ages with stunning exhibits.

3. Grovewood Village

The Grovewood Village is on an 11-acre property located in Asheville, North Carolina. © Provided by Microsoft Travel (Trekbible Image) The Grovewood Village is on an 11-acre property located in Asheville, North Carolina.

The Grovewood Village is home to Grovewood Gallery, a sculpture garden, and working artist studios. The gallery is a premier art and craft gallery that exhibits work from artists and craftspeople. This village also features the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum and the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum.

4. Jonas Gerard Fine Art

See what paint and everyday objects can be in the hands of a master artist. © Provided by Microsoft Travel (Tripadvisor Image) See what paint and everyday objects can be in the hands of a master artist.

Delve deep into a world of rich colors and highly detailed sculptures at the Jonas Gerard Fine Art. See how vibrant hues and dynamism influenced a huge portion of the gallery. From expressionism to abstract paintings from two-dimensional illustrative canvass paintings, to three-dimensional fusions of mundane objects we see every day, the pieces of the exhibit are expertly crafted to bring out the beauty hidden inside. A transcendent experience awaits!

5. Maggie Valley Fall Arts & Crafts Show

Maggie Valley Fall Arts & Crafts Show is a must-see activity in the city as it aims to inspire guests to love arts. © Provided by Microsoft Travel (Allevents Image) Maggie Valley Fall Arts & Crafts Show is a must-see activity in the city as it aims to inspire guests to love arts.

Maggie Valley Fall Arts & Crafts Show, located in North Carolina, United States, is a fun tourist spot where guests can do various exciting arts and crafts. The place also offers fun-filled activities where guests can showcase their talents and improve their artistic skills.

6. French Broad River Park

Great for nature walks or a bike ride to nature, featuring lush vegetation and sparkling blue waters. © Provided by Microsoft Travel (Akrassel Getty Image) Great for nature walks or a bike ride to nature, featuring lush vegetation and sparkling blue waters.

French Broad River Park is a beautiful park with a river overlook, a half-mile trail, and a greenway. The park features a vast area of open green space with old trees, a wildflower garden, paved trails, picnic tables and pavilions with grills, an observation deck, and a small playground. A nice place for a weekend getaway.

7. French Broad River Park

Great for nature walks or a bike ride to nature, featuring lush vegetation and sparkling blue waters. © Provided by Microsoft Travel (Akrassel Getty Image) Great for nature walks or a bike ride to nature, featuring lush vegetation and sparkling blue waters.

Considered the third oldest river in the world, the French Broad River majestically exudes a calming atmosphere in its most unadulterated form. The park allows various outdoor activities are allowed such as picnics and sports, great for team building exercises, family get-togethers, or a night of camping with friends. Lush vegetation and trees surround the trail, with glimpses of the river peeking from the greeneries. It's going to be a walk to remember, that's for sure.

8. Asheville Art In The Park

A handmade art exhibition for professional local artists. © Provided by Microsoft Travel (Wikimedia Image) A handmade art exhibition for professional local artists.

Asheville Art in the Park hosts events to display some of the finest handcrafted artworks of the local artists. Skilled workers of glass, ceramics, wood, jewelry, metal, pottery, fabric, and two-dimensional art, gather to show and sell their creations to the public at the Art in the Park outdoor market.

9. Visit The Western North Carolina Nature Center

The Western North Carolina Nature Center is a 42-acre zoo in Western North Carolina. © Provided by Microsoft Travel (Expedia Image) The Western North Carolina Nature Center is a 42-acre zoo in Western North Carolina.

The Western North Carolina Nature Center inspires awareness for and advances the protection of the region's biodiversity by connecting people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region. It is home to sixty species of wild and domestic animals, as well as hundreds of plant species, all of which are unique to the Southern Appalachians bioregion.

10. North Carolina Arboretum

Where mind and body expand with the help of flowers and plants. © Provided by Microsoft Travel (JillLang Getty Image) Where mind and body expand with the help of flowers and plants.

Located in a 400-acre complex in Pisgah National Forest, this arboretum features lovely plant and flower displays for both the young and the young-at-heart. Meanwhile, the educational programs for both adults and the youth focus not only on plants, but also on fields like zoology and holistic healing. Aside from these programs, other special events add a touch of variety to this garden paradise. And for those looking for some physical activity, there are hiking and biking trails within the arboretum complex.

11. Basilica Of St. Lawrence, Asheville

A product of religious passion from an Old World artist sharing his talents to the United States. © Provided by Microsoft Travel (J Image) A product of religious passion from an Old World artist sharing his talents to the United States.

The Basilica of St. Lawrence the Deacon & Martyr is an architectural feat from the Old World that still stands the test of time up to this day. Designed by Rafael Gustavino and Richard Sharpe Smith in 1905, the Basilica is built entirely on red clay bricks and tiles without the aid of wood or steel in its foundations. Inside, you are greeted with gorgeous stained walls depicting the life of Jesus Christ in different stages. The grandeur of the Roman Catholic Church is truly exemplified here at the Basilica of St. Lawrence D.M.!

12. Asheville Community Theatre

Asheville Community Theatre is known for performing well-known plays and musicals of different genres. © Provided by Microsoft Travel (J Image) Asheville Community Theatre is known for performing well-known plays and musicals of different genres.

Asheville Community Theatre, located in North Carolina, United States, is the must-visit place where guests can watch high-quality plays and musicals. The theater is also famous for its excellent facilities ensuring visitors a great time watching performances. Guests can also learn more about the city's culture by checking out the shows at the theater.

13. Folk Art Center

Folk Art Center is a great museum known for its Appalachian arts and crafts exhibits. © Provided by Microsoft Travel (Ehrlif Getty Image) Folk Art Center is a great museum known for its Appalachian arts and crafts exhibits.

Folk Art Center, located in North Carolina, United States, is a must-visit destination for those who love admiring beautiful works of local artists. It features engaging exhibits where guests can learn more about its culture and traditions. Guests will love the museum to know more about the story and meaning behind the works.

14. Asheville Pinball Museum

Asheville Pinball Museum is a unique museum where guests can learn more about the historic and fun pinball game. © Provided by Microsoft Travel (Wikimedia Image) Asheville Pinball Museum is a unique museum where guests can learn more about the historic and fun pinball game.

Asheville Pinball Museum, located in North Carolina, United States, offers pinball artifacts to learn more about the 70s and 80s. The museum offers a nostalgic experience for guests as it features over 75 vintage or classic video arcade games, with the oldest being from the 1940s. Guests will love taking a trip down memory lane and enjoy reminiscing their childhood memories.

15. Botanical Gardens At Asheville

Botanical Gardens at Asheville is a non-profit garden located in Asheville, North Carolina. © Provided by Microsoft Travel (Wikimedia Image) Botanical Gardens at Asheville is a non-profit garden located in Asheville, North Carolina.

Botanical Gardens at Asheville is a 10-acre garden with native species of plants. The maintenance is by memberships, donations, and volunteers and has more than 650 plants native to the southern Appalachian Mountains. The garden operates independently and by a Board of Directors. The garden has sitting benches throughout for the visitors to relax.

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