Asheville, North Carolina has been my home for a little over two years now. And in that time, as a photographer, I’ve been able to explore so many places, meet so many people, and discover so many unique things that Asheville has to offer. I used to send over little emails to my clients with restaurant suggestions and things to do that weekend, until I figured it would do more good as an Asheville guide on the internet. And so here you have it, my guide to Asheville. Filled with free things to do, things to do with kids, things to do today, tomorrow, next time you visit, etc.

Things To Do In Asheville, NC

Here's a small sampling of things to do in and around town, and sources to utilize to see what’s happening and changing in Asheville this week:

- Romantic Asheville -

Hands down, this site is an encyclopedia of Asheville. It has an overwhelming amount of things it suggests, but it's a great resource if you want the fast facts about any trail, restaurant, event, or pretty much anything else.

- Blue Ridge Parkway -

Always a good time driving along the parkway and hiking around the area too, and the fact that it runs directly through Asheville makes it super accessible. If they end up closing any of roads for whatever reason (mostly weather or construction related, the parkway doesn’t open much during the winter months), this is your best resource for seeing that. I would suggest checking out Black Balsam (1 hr from downtown), or Craggy Pinnacle (40 min from downtown) which are some of your best hikes near Downtown Asheville. If you’re looking for a mountain view that doesn’t involve a hike, check out Jump Off Rock (not on the parkway), Chestoa View Overlook, or Wisemans View. If you want more off the beaten path trails, message me and maybe I'll share some of my secrets…

- Asheville Waterfalls -

Lots of good ones! Some of my favorites are Crabtree Falls (medium hike), Triple Falls (small hike), Catawba Falls (medium hike), and Looking Glass Falls (no hike, literally). If you’re a waterfall nerd, check out 60 waterfalls just in Western North Carolina!

- The River Arts District -

Some studios are open right now and some aren't in RAD, so be sure to check their website. But if you're a fan of graffiti art, park at 4 Foundy St. suite 20 (which also happens to be the amazing Summit Coffee) and just follow the art on the walls for a short little walk. You’ll run into RosaBees and the RAD Skatepark too. RAD is full of coffee shops if you're a fan of unique ones!

- Asheville Farmers Markets -

If you're looking for some local goods and produce and treats and kombucha and fresh breads and pastries and honey and maple syrup and popsicles and CBD products and coffee beans (I could go on…) check out the Tailgate Market Saturdays from 8-12 on UNCA's campus (3300 University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804) or the RAD Market Wednesdays behind Plēb Urban Winery (289 Lyman St, Asheville, NC 28801)

- Asheville Bars -

The bar scene is STRONG in Asheville, as you might already know. You can always get curbside pickup of some canned beers from some of the local breweries if you’re still Covid conscious, but otherwise all are back open. This will website will give you all that info Otherwise, here is a list of ALL the breweries, but worth calling before you go. I’m not a beer fan (wine drinkers rejoice!) so I spend most of my time at 5 Walnuts, a sweet little wine bar with best live music, and Battery Park Book Exchange, a bookstore and champagne bar under one roof!

- Asheville Best Restaurants -

At the time of writing this, most everywhere is still doing primarily curbside takeout and indoor dining with a lower capacity and strict Covid regulations in place. Being vegan, I like to suggest places that have options for all (anywhere from vegan to gluten free to carnivore). So here are just a few of the many restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and fine dining establishments Asheville has to offer:

Nine Mile (a couple locations but my fav at 751 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806) - Caribbean inspired pasta dishes - lunch & dinner

Biscuit Head (a couple locations but my fav at 417 Biltmore Ave #4f, Asheville, NC 28801) - bisucits and anything you can put on/in them - breakfast & brunch

Strada Italiano (27 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801) - Italian classics and new creations - dinner

Sunny Point Cafe (626 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806) - think brunch, but more delicious and more southern - breakfast & brunch

Vortex Doughnuts (32 Banks Ave #106, Asheville, NC 28801) - whenever honestly

White Duck Taco Shop (a couple locations but my fav at 388 Riverside Dr, Asheville, NC 28801) - loads of different tacos, all a bit untraditional, all a bit delicious - lunch & dinner

Deli Llammma Food Truck (check on their social media) - delicious food that needs no qualifier - lunch & dinner

Simple Cafe & Juice Bar (643 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806) - smoothies, juices, baked good, and lots of brunch dishes - breakfast & lunch

Pro Asheville tips that you only get from a local (and because you made it this far in the article) -

- French Broad Chocolate is super popular for dessert but overrated in my opinion (and line is always a mile long). Instead go up the street to Asheville Chocolate (25 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801) and try their Gelato and chocolates.

- Cheapest parking in downtown is at the College Street Garage (164 College St, Asheville, NC 28801).

- If you’re wondering what to in Asheville this weekend, consider signing up for AVL Today’s Email Newsletter (or just visiting their website if your trip to Asheville is a one-time-only thing (which I can almost guarantee it won’t be))

- If you're looking for a unique drinking experience, check out Crow & Quill. If you think you aren't at the right address, you're at the right address.

- The Biltmore Estate is one of Asheville’s most popular attractions. If you’re going to splurge and buy tickets, spend at least half the day there and aim for going in the morning or in the evening around sunset time. There’s lots of walking trails, dining options, and free wine tastings (no reservation needed, just show up and get in line. Even if you’re not proposing, check out my Guide to Biltmore for how to purchase tickets and such.

- Looking for a nice outdoor swimming pool? The Aloft Hotel in Downtown Asheville has a rooftop pool with day passes and special events.

The REALLY Cool Stuff To Do - The unique things to do in Asheville, NC

- Axeville Axe Throwing - The name says it all, axe throwing and a bar. Things we didn’t know we needed until we needed them.

- Hot Air Balloon Rides - No better vantage point of downtown and the Blue Ridge Mountains than from above! Perfect for an adventure, a romantic evening, or even a surprise proposal…

- Comedy Tours by Lazoom - Lazoom takes all of Asheville’s quirkiness and stuffs it into a comedy routine/ bus tour of the downtown Asheville streets, buildings, and monuments.

- Rock Climbing and Mountain Bike Riding - There are a small handful of indoor climbing walls, but none that boast a mountain biking trail as well. Great for adventure seekers and on a rainy day.

- Mountain Rollercoaster - Not technically in Asheville, but it would be a shame not to include in the list. If you’re looking for a day trip and have always wanted to ride a rollercoaster through the forest, check em out!

Anything missing from this list? Message me your favorite things in Asheville and I might just add them!

All photos taken by Asheville Photographer Nick Levine Photography