15+ Best Things to Do in Asheville: An Artsy Guide to North Carolina’s Creative City

Revised July 14, 2026

Asheville isn’t just a gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains—it’s one of America’s most creative small cities. Colorful murals, working artist studios, historic architecture, live music, and locally owned galleries give Asheville an energy that’s unlike anywhere else in North Carolina. Even after Hurricane Helene, the city has welcomed visitors back, with downtown attractions, restaurants, breweries, and many cultural venues open while parts of the River Arts District continue their long-term recovery.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to discover what’s new, this artsy Asheville adventure highlights the best museums, neighborhoods, public art, restaurants, and mountain experiences that make this Blue Ridge destination so unforgettable.

What’s New in Asheville

Asheville’s creative spirit continues to evolve with new galleries, music venues, restaurants, and public spaces. The River Arts District is welcoming visitors back as artist studios reopen, while downtown continues to buzz with locally owned shops, craft breweries, and live music. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, you’ll find fresh reasons to explore one of the Southeast’s most vibrant arts destinations.

Hurricane Helene Recovery

Hurricane Helene left a lasting impact on Asheville in 2024, particularly along the French Broad River and the River Arts District. Today, downtown Asheville, the Biltmore Estate, and most major attractions are open and thriving, while restoration continues in some riverfront parks and portions of the River Arts District. Visiting Asheville is one of the best ways to support local artists, restaurants, and small businesses as the community continues its remarkable recovery.

A stroll along Asheville’s historic Main Street reveals beautifully preserved late-19th- and early-20th-century brick buildings that now house independent shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cafés, adding to the city’s distinctive character.

Grove Arcade

The Grove Arcade is one of Asheville’s most beloved landmarks and a masterpiece of early 20th-century architecture. Opened in 1929, it was envisioned by pharmacist and entrepreneur E. W. Grove as one of America’s first indoor shopping arcades. The building featured elegant archways, handcrafted stonework, and distinctive gargoyle sculptures that still guard the entrance today.

After serving a variety of uses over the decades—including as a federal government building—the beautifully restored arcade once again welcomes visitors with locally owned boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and cafés.

Jackson Building

Rising above Pack Square, the Jackson Building has been an Asheville icon since its completion in 1924. At 13 stories, it was the tallest building in western North Carolina for many years and remains one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Designed in the Neo-Classical style by architect Ronald Greene, the building’s elegant limestone exterior, decorative cornice, and distinctive copper roof reflect Asheville’s prosperity during the 1920s building boom.

Today, the Jackson Building anchors the heart of downtown Asheville and serves as an excellent landmark while exploring the city’s walkable streets. Its location near Pack Square places you within easy walking distance of galleries, restaurants, shops, and historic attractions. Be sure to look up as you stroll past—the building’s ornate architectural details and timeless design make it one of Asheville’s finest examples of early 20th-century commercial architecture and a favorite subject for photographers.

Public Service Building

One of the most striking buildings in downtown Asheville is the Public Service Building on Patton Avenue. Completed in 1929 during Asheville’s building boom, this eight-story landmark was designed by architects Beacham & LeGrand for Carolina Power & Light.

Look closely at the upper floors to admire the colorful glazed terra-cotta details, Romanesque arches, and intricate decorative motifs that make it one of the city’s finest examples of Jazz Age architecture. Today, the beautifully preserved building remains a highlight of Asheville’s historic skyline and is well worth a stop on a self-guided downtown walking tour.

S&W Building

The S&W Building is one of Asheville’s finest examples of Art Deco architecture. Built in 1929 as the home of the elegant S&W Cafeteria, its colorful terra-cotta façade, geometric designs, and distinctive green roofline reflect the city’s prosperity during Asheville’s Roaring Twenties building boom. Today, the beautifully restored landmark houses restaurants and shops, making it one of the most photographed buildings in downtown Asheville.

S.H. Kress Building

The S.H. Kress Building is one of downtown Asheville’s most significant historic landmarks and a beautiful example of early 20th-century commercial architecture. Completed in 1928, it was built as a flagship store for the S.H. Kress & Co. five-and-dime chain. The building’s elegant cream-colored terra-cotta façade, decorative tile accents, and large display windows reflect the quality craftsmanship that made Kress stores architectural standouts across the country.

Today, the beautifully restored building is home to the Kress Emporium. Visitors can browse locally made art, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and unique gifts created by regional artists.

Thomas Wolfe Memorial Angel

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial Angel stands outside the Asheville Art Museum in Pack Square as a tribute to one of North Carolina’s most celebrated authors. Dedicated in 1949, the bronze sculpture honors Asheville native Thomas Wolfe, whose novels, including Look Homeward, Angel, drew inspiration from his hometown. The inscription on the pedestal features a passage from the novel, making it a meaningful stop for literature lovers exploring downtown Asheville.

The angel also reflects Asheville’s rich artistic heritage, standing at the entrance to the city’s premier art museum. Even if you’re unfamiliar with Wolfe’s work, the graceful sculpture is worth pausing to admire before visiting the museum or strolling through Pack Square. Together, the memorial, museum, and surrounding public art capture the creative spirit that has long defined Asheville.

Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site preserves the boardinghouse where Wolfe spent much of his childhood. Known as Old Kentucky Home, the Victorian house was operated by Wolfe’s mother and later inspired the fictional “Dixieland” boardinghouse in his autobiographical novel Look Homeward, Angel.

Guided tours allow visitors to explore the restored rooms, learn about Wolfe’s life and literary legacy, and discover how Asheville shaped one of America’s most influential 20th-century writers. The museum also features exhibits of Wolfe’s personal belongings, manuscripts, and photographs

Bronze Animal Sculptures

These bronze animal sculptures are among my favorite discoveries in Pack Square because they tell the story of Asheville’s earliest days. Part of the city’s self-guided Urban Trail, the life-sized pig, piglet, and nearby turkey sculptures mark the route of the old Buncombe Turnpike, where drovers once herded livestock through the mountains to markets in Charleston and Savannah. The animal footprints embedded in the pavement invite visitors to literally walk in the footsteps of Asheville’s past.

Today, these whimsical sculptures are a favorite stop for visitors exploring downtown Asheville. Children love posing with the bronze animals, while history buffs appreciate how they connect the modern city to its frontier roots. I enjoyed stumbling across them while wandering Pack Square—they’re a fun reminder that Asheville’s public art doesn’t just beautify the city; it also tells the fascinating stories that shaped western North Carolina.

Shopping Daze

This sculpture, titled “Shopping Daze,” is one of the 30 stops on Asheville’s self-guided Urban Trail. It commemorates the days when Haywood Street was western North Carolina’s premier shopping destination, especially from the 1920s through the 1970s. The forged-metal sculpture of three stylish women and their dog was created by sculptors Tekla and Dan Howachyn with Tucker Cooke.

The playful sculpture celebrates an era when downtown Asheville was the region’s premier shopping destination, lined with elegant department stores, boutiques, and specialty shops. Its exaggerated figures and modern design capture the excitement of a day spent browsing the city’s bustling storefronts.

Stone Sculpture

This majestic stone sculpture, known as Roger, stands outside the Asheville Art Museum in Pack Square and serves as one of downtown Asheville’s most recognizable landmarks. The winged lion, or griffin, was dedicated in 2004 in honor of Roger McGuire, a civic leader whose vision helped shape modern downtown Asheville. McGuire played a key role in preserving historic buildings, creating Pack Place, and transforming Pack Square into the vibrant public gathering place.

With the body of a lion and the suggestion of wings, the griffin has long symbolized strength, courage, and guardianship. Perched above Pack Square, Roger appears to watch over the heart of the city while welcoming visitors to Asheville’s arts district.

River Art District

Any art pilgrimage necessarily begins in the River Art District (RAD). The city’s long “arts-way” (my wordplay on parkway) consists of working artist studios and galleries located in 23 former industrial and historic buildings. The RAD is spread along a one-mile stretch of the French Broad River.

Asheville’s River Arts District (RAD) is a destination that grew out of necessity. Artists needed cheap rent and large spaces. An industrial zone east of the railroad tracks had a glut of aging and empty warehouses.

Best Murals & Public Art

One of my favorite ways to experience Asheville is by discovering its colorful public art. Murals brighten downtown streets, West Asheville, and the River Arts District, where you’ll also find outdoor sculptures, painted utility boxes, and ever-changing installations created by local artists. Keep your camera ready—you’ll find inspiring artwork around nearly every corner, making Asheville one of North Carolina’s best cities for an arts-focused walking tour.

And I felt a genuine wrap-around hug when I saw a big yellow mural festooned with a giant RED heart and the word LOVE YOUR COMMUNITY.

Working Artist Studios

The one thing missing during a visit to a large art museum is a one-on-one conversation with the artist. This is not the case in Asheville. Many artists serve as clerks to ring up your sale (and discuss their work). This was our favorite aspect of visiting art districts in any city—the opportunity to learn about the artist’s motivations.

My daughter Claire and I interviewed one artist who had painted a mountainscape viewed from an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cindy Lou Chenard has produced multiple versions of her 2- and 3-dimensional abstracts and modern landscapes influenced by mid-century modern artists. I fell in love with Blue Ridge Evening.

Cindy’s work can also be viewed at the Woolworth Walk in downtown Asheville. This celebrated gallery (located in the former W. W. Woolworth Co. store) features 170 local artists offering jewelry, fine art, decorative art, and crafts.

We covered a lot of ground in the RAD, alternating between galleries and working studios. Since there are no typical 9-5 “Open Hours” at the RAD, you can usually always find some artist at work. More than 200 artists work in paint, pencil, pottery, metal, fiber, glass, wax, paper, and more. Check the artists’ schedules before visiting.

Battery Park Book Exchange

Eventually, we felt hungry, so we left the RAD and drove back to the city center for a late lunch. Claire chose Battery Park Book Exchange as the next stop. It was located in The Grove Arcade in the heart of Asheville.

To say this operation is eclectic is to undersell it. This is pure bibliophile decadence—velvet curtains, thick carpets, cozy chairs, leather sofas, fringed lamps and walls of bookcases. The two-story store features a sweeping bookcase from which I descend after my search for used books.

This store is a literary labyrinth dedicated to snare a book lover for an hour, an afternoon … or perhaps an entire day. (Since the bookstore also offers on-premises dining and a full bar, it is not outside the realm of possibility that some Asheville residents might park themselves there from 9 am to 9 pm.) Honestly, you could hide yourself in its maze of connecting rooms and never be found. It’s a great place to start writing the Great American Novel.

Champagne Bar

Battery Book Exchange also serves as a Champagne Bar, so I encourage all shoppers to allow time for an aperitif. Since Claire and I both majored in English in college, we had no choice but to order each of the sparkling (wine) cocktails named after beloved books in our past. The dog-friendly patio is pure luxury, with comfy sofas and big, plush pillows.

I quote the menu to describe its poetic descriptions of these bestsellers.

The Great Gatsby: This is an elegant take on the classic champagne cocktail that will relieve you from temptation in this southern cesspool of sin.
~ sugar cube, orange bitters, orange twist

The Secret Garden: Elderflower and hibiscus plucked from the grounds of Misselthwaite Manor help create this refreshing, floral cocktail.
~ elderflower and hibiscus syrup, candied hibiscus bloom ~

Death in the Afternoon: This is a take on Hemingway’s favorite: absinthe and champagne. Take a seat out on the patio and picture yourself sitting at Les Deux Magots in Paris.

Cultivated Cocktails & Distillery

I also recommend visiting Cultivated Cocktails & Distillery for a cocktail tasting. It is also a way to support a locally grown family business. Since 2015, the family distillery has been crafting award-winning spirits in Asheville. It proudly proclaims its multigenerational history in the Appalachian Mountains.

The cocktail menu guides the visitor. To build your own G&T, you can choose the HWY9 gin or Shades of Rose Gin. Next, you select the proper tonic from a wide range of options, including blueberry. Alternatively, the bartender can fix a Hibiscus Chai Daiquiri, featuring the distillery’s own Hazel 63 Rum.

If time permits, you definitely should take a tour of the distillery!

Elder & Sage Community Garden

The Elder & Sage Community Garden is a hidden gem tucked into downtown Asheville, just a short walk from Pack Square. Created in partnership with the City of Asheville, this garden features raised beds filled with vegetables, herbs, flowers, and pollinator-friendly plants. Neighborhood volunteers maintain the garden. It’s a peaceful place to pause during a day of sightseeing.

Although the garden itself does not host a regular weekend farmers market, it occasionally holds community events and open garden days. If you’re looking to shop for local produce and artisan foods while visiting Asheville, you’ll find several excellent farmers markets nearby, including the Asheville City Market on Saturday mornings and the year-round Western North Carolina Farmers Market, which is open daily.

FAQs

1: What is Asheville, NC best known for?

Asheville is best known for the magnificent Biltmore Estate, its thriving arts scene, vibrant downtown, and Blue Ridge Mountain setting. The city is also famous for its craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

2. Has Asheville recovered from Hurricane Helene?

Yes, Asheville has made remarkable progress since Hurricane Helene. Downtown Asheville, the Biltmore Estate, many restaurants, breweries, shops, and popular attractions are open and welcoming visitors. Most travelers can enjoy the city’s vibrant arts, food, and music scene much as they did before the storm.

3: How many days do you need in Asheville?

Three days is ideal for most visitors. This gives you enough time to explore downtown Asheville, tour the Biltmore Estate, drive a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and visit nearby attractions like the North Carolina Arboretum or Pisgah National Forest. A weekend trip is also enough to experience many of the city’s highlights.

4: What is the best time to visit Asheville?

Spring and fall are the most popular times to visit Asheville. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and mild temperatures, while fall offers spectacular foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Summer is perfect for hiking and outdoor festivals, and winter features festive holiday events and beautifully decorated attractions like the Biltmore Estate.

5: Is Asheville a walkable city?

Yes. Downtown Asheville is very walkable, with many restaurants, breweries, galleries, shops, and historic buildings within a few blocks of one another. However, you’ll need a car or tour transportation to visit attractions outside downtown, including the Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, and nearby hiking trails.

Explore More Near Asheville

If you have extra time, these nearby destinations make excellent day trips or weekend getaways from Asheville.

Biltmore Estate

Tour America’s largest privately owned home, stroll its magnificent gardens, and sample wines at Antler Hill Village.

➡️ Read: Your Biltmore Estate guide & Biltmore House Interiors Tour

Biltmore Gardens

Explore Frederick Law Olmsted’s spectacular gardens, which are beautiful in every season.

➡️ Read: Guide to Biltmore Gardens

Biltmore Village

Browse historic cottages, boutique shops, restaurants, and galleries in this charming neighborhood just outside the estate.

➡️ Read: Guide to Biltmore Village

Black Mountain

Discover one of North Carolina’s most welcoming mountain towns, known for its art galleries, local shops, and scenic hiking.

➡️ Read: Best Things to Do in Black Mountain

Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

Learn about the legendary experimental college that influenced generations of artists, architects, writers, and musicians through fascinating exhibits and programs.

➡️ Read: Guide to Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

Blue Ridge Parkway

Drive one of America’s most scenic roads, stopping at overlooks, waterfalls, hiking trails, and panoramic mountain vistas along the way.

➡️ Read: Blue Ridge Parkway Guide

Chimney Rock State Park

Climb to spectacular overlooks, hike scenic trails, and enjoy some of the most breathtaking views in western North Carolina.

➡️ Read: Chimney Rock: Stairway to Bliss

Hendersonville

Walk a vibrant Main Street filled with public art, historic architecture, and locally owned restaurants and boutiques.

➡️ Read: Best Things to Do in Hendersonville

Saluda

Visit one of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ oldest railroad towns, where you’ll find charming shops, hiking trails, and a beautifully preserved historic downtown.

➡️ Read: Best Things to Do in Saluda

Final Thoughts

Asheville offers the three As necessary to a perfect visit—Art, Adventure & Artisan (Cocktails). It is also a great jumping-off point to explore the region’s famous Blue Ridge Parkway, hike Chimney Rock, tour the Biltmore Estate, and sample charming small towns, like Black Mountain, Saluda, and Hendersonville. The only thing I regret is that I didn’t buy the t-shirt emblazoned with the pithy saying Asheville Got Weird Y’All! But I promise I will come back to Awesome Asheville and Take A Walk On The Wild Side.