The Western North Carolina Nature Center connects people with animals and plants native to the region. You can attend the 90-minute Wild Food Stroll at the Omni Grove Park Inn, or spend an afternoon walking through the gardens. The Moogseum is another fun venue. The RAD Rivers Arts District is also worth a visit, with its diverse array of shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Shindig on the Green
During the summer, the community celebrates music and dance traditions from the Southern Appalachia region with Shindig on the Green. The free concert series features performances by local musicians and a variety of performances ranging from scheduled shows to jam sessions. Visitors can also catch free concerts during Downtown After 5 on the third Friday of the month from May to September. The festival draws between 3,000 and 5,000 people each year.
A trip to the Biltmore Estate is a must, as this 8,000-acre mansion is one of the largest estates in America. The audio tour is narrated by the family’s Saint Bernard Cedric. Kids under sixteen can tour the estate free of charge and take advantage of the winery’s free tastings. Guests can also participate in a zombie-themed game or attend a scavenger hunt.
Pisgah National Forest
If you’re looking for one of the coolest things to do in Asheville or the surrounding region, the most popular natural attractions are found outside the city limits. Located just outside the city, the Pisgah National Forest is home to the first forestry school in the country. The forest is home to white water rapids and waterfalls, hiking trails, and camping options.
Located in Western North Carolina, Pisgah is home to more than 500,000 acres of hardwood forest. You can explore mile-high mountain peaks, whitewater rivers, and waterfalls while hiking the hundreds of miles of trails. The national forest was created in 1916 as part of the Weeks Act, which led to the creation of national forests throughout the eastern U.S. Asheville is less than ten miles from the forest, so you can easily make a day of it.
Moogseum
Located on Broadway Street in downtown Asheville, NC, the Moogseum is a fun, interactive museum that educates visitors about electronic music. The interactive exhibits include a Hands-On Synthesis lab where visitors can explore the building blocks of synthesis and sculpt sound themselves. Visitors can also shop for Moog synthesizers, apparel, and other unique collectibles at the Moogseum store.
Another fun thing to do in Asheville is to explore the town’s museums. The Asheville Art Museum is well worth visiting, while the Asheville Museum of Science is also worth checking out. The museum features interactive exhibits as well as expert talks. It’s also home to an amazing gem collection. If you love pinball, there are dozens of pinball machines available for purchase.
RAD Rivers Arts District
If you’re looking for a cool, unique place to spend an afternoon, RAD is the place to go. With plenty of parking, free WiFi, and small-batch coffee roasters, the RAD is an excellent place to spend an afternoon. Visitors can also find some great restaurants and cafes, as well as European-style decor markets. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived in the area for years, you’re sure to find something to enjoy.
The River Arts District is a collection of renovated warehouses along the French Broad River, just minutes from downtown Asheville and the Biltmore Estate. Here, more than two hundred artists display their works, and visitors can attend art workshops, wine tastings, and live music. You can also enjoy the area’s free trolley service, as well as take an e-bike tour.
Western North Carolina Nature Center
If you’re looking for some of the coolest things to do in As Heville, NC, look no further than the Western North Carolina Nature Center. You’ll find a fun array of summer camps run by knowledgeable staff members. These camps are designed to help children get a closer look at the world around them, while also learning about the animals they encounter. Choose from Early Childhood Camps, Kindergarten Camps, or All Taxa Biodiversity Camp. Or, if you’re looking for some educational activities, you can opt for the pre-school programs or even field trips.
In addition to learning about the wildlife, you’ll get a chance to see endangered species. In Western North Carolina, black bears are native species, but their numbers have declined due to intensive hunting. Visitors can experience the natural habitat of black bears in the wild at the Nature Center, and learn about their habits and survival skills. And don’t forget to try your hand at cheese and butter making.
