Discover the Best Things to Do in Asheville this Summer!

Asheville, North Carolina, is a unique city in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in Asheville. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or thrilling adventures, Asheville has it all.

Here are a few fantastic activities to consider when planning your summer trip to Asheville, including free things to do in Asheville, NC, and things to do in Asheville with kids.

Take a Relaxing Float Along the River

Zen Tubing is right up the road from Asheville River Cabins and offers one of the favorite Asheville, NC activities – tubing on the French Broad River. This is an excellent choice for families and friends seeking a day of fun and leisure. Zen Tubing makes the experience seamless, with easy parking, tube rental, brief instructions, and a relaxing float downstream. The process is so easy, and your car will be waiting for you at the end of your tubing trip.

Visit the Winery at the Biltmore Estate

Relax with a glass of handcrafted wine at the Biltmore Winery, located within the renowned Biltmore Estate. This estate, built by the Vanderbilt family, exudes elegance and history, and the winery is no exception. Guests can indulge in a complimentary wine tasting at the Tasting Room and visit the beautifully designed indoor/outdoor Wine Bar. Knowledgeable wine hosts will guide you through the award-winning vintages and provide insights into the winemaking process. Access to the winery is available with a daytime ticket or a Biltmore Annual Pass!

Explore the Gardens at the NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is just minutes away from Asheville River Cabins. With acres of cultivated gardens and extensive trails, the Arboretum is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The Bonsai Exhibition Garden is a must-see, showcasing up to 50 bonsai specimens at a time, including traditional Asian bonsai subjects and American species. The arboretum is home to an array of native wildflowers, offering a vibrant display from early spring through fall. Hikers and walkers can explore the Arboretum’s 10+ miles of trails, with options ranging from easy strolls to moderately challenging hikes.

Shindig on the Green

Immerse yourself in the rich musical tapestry of Asheville by attending Shindig on the Green, a free outdoor mountain bluegrass music and dance festival held at Pack Square Park in Downtown. Running throughout the summer months, this lively event showcases local talent and invites visitors to kick back and enjoy the soul-stirring rhythms of mountain melodies. Join in the festivities on Saturdays from late June to late August.

Go on a Scenic Hike Near Asheville 

Let’s dive into our recommended hikes near Asheville, NC! 

Mount Mitchell

Standing at 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River and represents the pinnacle of mountain adventures near Asheville. The clear-day views from the summit are simply breathtaking, offering panoramic views in every direction. The surrounding high-elevation forest, with its aromatic balsam, moss, and fern set in a dense spruce-fir forest, adds an extra layer of majesty to the experience.

Rattlesnake Lodge

Hiking to Rattlesnake Lodge unveils a beautiful overlook and the ruins of a 1900s summer estate. This trail may lack expansive views, but it compensates with scenic beauty and historical significance, leading hikers through a beautiful hardwood forest alongside a historic road to the remains of the estate. 

Craggy Gardens

The Craggy Gardens Trail is one of the best hikes in Asheville, NC. It is a high-elevation forest filled with blooming rhododendrons, wild blueberries, and vibrant wildflowers. The unique and beautiful forest is adorned with knobby, rocky, rhododendron-covered landscapes, tall wildflowers, and an abundance of wild blueberries, creating an enchanting and scenic environment.

Graveyard Fields

Experience a scenic hike at Graveyard Fields, a breathtaking trail that leads to stunning waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, and a swimming hole perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. Despite its eerie name, Graveyard Fields exudes rugged beauty and natural splendor. Be enchanted by sunlight filtering through rhododendron thickets and marvel at the cascading waters of both the second and upper falls. 

Cool Down at These Asheville NC Breweries

Let’s check out the best breweries in Asheville, NC! 

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

Starting off with one of the more known Asheville, NC, breweries, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company offers one of the most stunning brewery experiences in Asheville. If you’re seeking some sun, head to the Back Porch for a relaxing beer and snack. The brewery also offers interactive tours, which include hop handling, nature hikes, and, of course, beer sampling. Tours such as the Brewhouse Tour, Beyond the Pale Tour, and Beer Geek Tour are available and provide valuable insights into the beer-making process. With limited space for each tour, reservations are strongly encouraged – the brewery tour is an experience not to be missed.

Ginger’s Revenge

Located just a few miles from the River Arts District and the heart of downtown Asheville, Ginger’s Revenge is a unique brewery in RAMP Studios. Offering 8 rotating ginger beers on tap and snacks from local vendors, this brewery serves as a perfect spot for an intimate gathering or a casual day out with friends. The brewery also has lounge areas, board games, and small high-top tables to enhance the social experience. 

Burial Beer Co.

Known as the “little dive bar in the alley,” Burial Beer Co. is an essential and vibrant destination in Asheville. With two bars, indoor and outdoor seating, a full kitchen menu, wine, slushies, and more, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing beverage or a tasty meal, this brewery offers a diverse range of options to satisfy your cravings. The inviting ambiance makes it an ideal place to unwind and socialize in the heart of Asheville.

Shop in Downtown Asheville

Grove Arcade

The Grove Arcade Mall is the ultimate shopping destination in Downtown Asheville. Showcasing a diverse range of vendors offering everything from furniture and art installations to designer clothing and locally crafted arts, the arcade exudes a unique charm particular to Asheville. The Makers Market, located outside of the Grove Arcade, is an outdoor bazaar featuring artisans selling their craft directly to the public. Visitors can peruse handmade jewelry, paintings, clothing, soap, musical instruments, local honey, and more. The lively and friendly atmosphere of the market makes it the perfect place to immerse yourself in local culture and find the perfect gift to commemorate your time in Asheville.

The L.O.F.T

The LOFT is a hidden gem in Asheville, offering an eclectic mix of products, from home decor and bath & body items to jewelry and stationery. Whether you’re in search of a unique souvenir or a special find, this shop has a little bit of everything to cater to your needs. Find The L.O.F.T. towards the bottom of Broadway, just across from Mellow Mushroom.

Asheville Bee Charmer

A visit to Asheville Bee Charmer is an exploration of the world of honey. With 25-35 types of honey available depending on the season, the store offers a unique honey-tasting experience that allows visitors to sample and learn about different varieties from around the world. With a focus on promoting bee conservation and habitat enhancement for pollinators, Asheville Bee Charmer’s efforts have garnered international attention and recognition. Their passion for pollinators and the vital role bees play in our ecosystem are apparent, making it a must-visit destination for those intrigued by the wonders of the honey world. Visit the Asheville Bee Charmer at one of their two Downtown locations.

Asheville NC Accommodations with Asheville River Cabins

Asheville River Cabins offer a truly immersive Asheville accommodation experience, making them one of the best places to stay in Asheville, NC. In a stunning natural setting, our Asheville riverfront cabins provide unparalleled retreats with standout features such as community fire pits, a bubble window sauna, and the Provisions Food Truck for convenient refreshments. With river access, pet-friendly options, and well-appointed amenities, including private hot tubs and Riverview saunas, guests can enjoy luxurious comfort amidst nature. Whether you’re attending Asheville events going on in July or simply seeking a serene escape, our luxury cabins in Asheville provide the ideal blend of relaxation and luxury in Asheville’s breathtaking landscape.