If the weather isn’t cooperating with outdoor activities, you can try a few indoor activities, such as watching a movie at the Grail Theater, which shows unknown movies in a cozy setting. If you are lucky, the rain doesn’t last long, so you can get out and explore Asheville on your lunch break or over a romantic dinner. For a truly memorable experience, try a tour of the Biltmore House, a historic hotel, or even a shopping tour.
Studio Strolls
The first Studio Strolls in Asheville occurred in 1994. Today, they are held biannually and often pair with other events, such as Burners & BBQ and Foundation Hellraiser. If you have the time, consider catching the weekend update with Ali McGhee and Jason Sandford. The inaugural photo+craft event occurs March 31-April 3 in arts spaces throughout Asheville. The show brings together artists from the arts community to share their work.
You can also check out local artists’ work and talk with them. Many of these artists have open studio hours during the summer and fall months, and the stroll is free. You can also ride a trolley to a variety of art studios and the Biltmore Estate, once the home of George Washington Vanderbilt. The Biltmore is cited as the largest privately owned house in the country, and the historic estate is a great place to see the artwork displayed there.
Chimney Rock State Park
If the weather isn’t too dreary, you can still enjoy a hike at Chimney Rock State Park when it rains. During the summer months, you can take an elevator to the top of the state park. The elevator is a fun alternative to the stairs that lead to the overlook. The trail begins with a gentle climb before leading you to the Exclamation Point overlook.
If it’s raining, you can head to Chimney Rock State Park, a 3,000-foot-high natural rock formation that’s reminiscent of a chimney. The park’s trails are easy enough for people of all abilities to enjoy. Hiking trails are great for kids of all ages and you can take a picnic lunch or picnic along the way. Alternatively, you can choose to take a gondola up to the rock formation.
Swannanoa Valley Museum
If you are looking for a unique activity for your family to do while the rain is falling, the Swannanoa Valley Museum in As Heville might be the perfect choice. Visitors can attend monthly hikes, check out the museum’s permanent exhibit, and even visit a goat dairy farm. There are only a few hours left before the museum closes for the season.
The Swannanoa Valley Museum reopened this fall after extensive renovations, and it now has a new home in the town. Eden Roorda, a chef and former resident of Montreat, has made it to the final round of the Got to Be NC culinary competition. Four Montreat residents have settled a lawsuit over a proposed town hall site. Black Mountain aldermen voted to keep the tax rate at 37.5 cents per $100 valuation, and the Verner Center for Early Learning received a $1 million grant from Early Head Start. The Owen High Warhorse Stadium is now covered in turf. The Owen Little League all-stars recently defeated North Buncombe in a game in which the teams were not even playing on a field.
If it’s raining, you might want to avoid visiting the Museum of Western and Eastern Art, but don’t let that stop you from taking in the Swannanoa Valley’s collection of local art. The Swannanoa Valley Art Museum offers an eclectic mix of art, music, history, and science. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, and is closed on Mondays. It is also free to visit.
Adventure Center of Asheville
For family days in Asheville, the Adventure Center of Asheville is the perfect place to take the kids, especially those under the age of 10. The ziplines are fun for all ages, but little ones will love the KidZip course. For older children and teens, there are ziplines and obstacle courses that will keep them busy and entertained. For those looking to go hiking or mountain biking, there are many trails, pump tracks, and jump lines. The course is kept clean and safe with social distaging protocols in place to prevent injuries.
If rainy weather doesn’t get you down, don’t let it stop you from visiting the Museum of Science and the Adventure Center of Asheville. This place has hands-on exhibits, scavenger hunts, and a tree climbing structure perfect for little ones. During the rainy season, it’s possible to get free admission for locals through the Buncombe County Library System.
