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Most travelers visit the mountain town of Asheville for its outdoor adventure activities. However, this trendy town also promises an eclectic culinary showcase, an elegant boutique culture, and a vibrant arts scene. Try to visit Asheville between March – May when all the green spaces in town are covered in fresh spring blooms. You can also visit between September – November to see the beautiful fall foliage against a backdrop of the surrounding mountains. In both spring and fall, the average temperatures range from 60 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit, crowds are sparse, and room rates are reasonable. Summertime from June – August is the peak tourist season. The weather is hot and humid and the average temperatures soar to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this is still a popular season for travelers from nearby towns looking for mountain-side getaways. Winters are cold and the surrounding mountains are snow capped, but Asheville does not experience much snowfall. Average temperatures range from 20 – 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Both tourist traffic and hotel rates are at their lowest at this time of the year.

One of the best ways to get around Asheville is by car. Driving will give you the flexibility to explore many nature trails and attractions that are located just outside town. The downtown area is quite compact and walkable. Asheville Redefines Transit (ART) offers several bus routes within town. The fares are fixed at $1.00 USD per ride. For a scenic way to explore Asheville, try the hop-on hop-off trolleys operated by Gray Line Historic Trolley Tours. The tour features several stops within downtown as well as in areas like the River Arts District and Biltmore Village. Trolleys depart every 30 minutes and a 2-day adult ticket costs $29.00 USD. A few reputed taxis companies operate taxicabs in Asheville. Ride-share with Uber is also easily available throughout the town.

Things to do and places of interest in Asheville

A small, chic town, Asheville boasts epic vistas of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The town’s constantly evolving culinary scene and plenty of outdoor activities makes it a coveted destination amongst foodies as well as adventure enthusiasts. Here are a few suggestions on what to do, when you travel to Asheville.

• Get a taste of Asheville’s quirky and magical past on a 2-hour self-guided walking tour along the Asheville Urban Trail.
• Tour the historic Biltmore Estate which is home to the gigantic, French Renaissance-style house of millionaire George W. Vanderbilt.
• Enjoy a multi-day hike along some of the Appalachian Trail’s highest peaks, or enjoy a day-long trip and hike through the Pisgah National Park.
• Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and make stops at Milepost 355.4 to see Mount Mitchell, Milepost 364.4 to visit Craggy Gardens, Milepost 382 to see the Folk Art Center, and Milepost 393 to visit the North Carolina Arboretum.
• Shop for cool indie wares, wearable art, and vintage apparel at one of many boutiques or specialty stores. Shop for art and handmade crafts at markets in Grove Arcade or Biltmore Village.
• Stroll through the River Arts District and meet over 200 local artists who are experts in various mediums like textiles, ceramics, paintings, photography and jewelry.

Tips and tricks for visiting Asheville

Make Asheville festivals a part of your visit

Plan your visit to coincide with one of the many events and festivals that Asheville hosts through the year. Some of the popular ones include Biltmore Blooms from March – May, Downtown After 5 from May – September, the LEAF festival in May, Mountain Dance and Folk Festival in August, and Brewgrass Festival in September.

Make the most of Asheville’s culinary offerings

For a true foodie experience in Asheville, sign up for one of the many food tours and sample delicious local fare. You can also visit local farms to buy the fresh meat and produce. Head along the WNC Cheese Trail and visit multiple creameries along the way. Enlist for a guided foraging expedition through the mountainside. Attend one of the free wine tasting sessions at the Biltmore Estate winery. Sample a wide range of local brews while enjoying splendid views from rooftop bars, such as SkyBar Asheville Rooftop Bar, or Thirsty Monk in Downtown Asheville.