Welcome to Asheville, North Carolina – a charming mountain city that blends stunning natural beauty with vibrant urban culture. As a premier wedding destination, Asheville offers a perfect backdrop for your special day and an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Whether you’re here for the wedding festivities or extending your stay, this guide will help you make the most of your time in our beautiful city.

driving through the mountains

Table of Contents

Climate: A Year-Round Destination

Asheville’s climate offers something enjoyable in every season, making it a year-round destination with unique experiences throughout the year.

Spring (March-May): Mild and pleasant, with temperatures from the mid-40s to 70s°F. Flowers bloom, and rain showers are common.
Summer (June-August): Warm with highs around 85°F. It’s comfortable for outdoor activities, and the humidity is lower than other Southern areas.
Fall (September-November): Cool and crisp, ranging from the 50s to 70s°F. The mountains come alive with vibrant fall foliage, making it a peak time for visitors.
Winter (December-February): Mild with temperatures between 20s to 50s°F. Snow is light, mainly in higher elevations, creating a cozy winter feel.

the biltmore estate

Must-Do Activities in Asheville

1. Explore the Biltmore Estate

Tour America’s Largest Home, set on 8,000 acres of breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountain views. The Biltmore Estate offers:

Lavish gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted
A winery with complimentary tastings
Miles of walking trails
Seasonal events and exhibits

the biltmore estate gardens

Insider Tip: After touring the house, leave time to explore the property. Don’t miss the quaint Biltmore Village just outside the gates, where you can shop and dine at the delicious Corner Kitchen.

mountains near asheville nc

2. Hike the Blue Ridge Parkway

Asheville is a gateway to some of the most stunning hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Popular trails include:

Craggy Gardens Trail: Panoramic views of blooming rhododendrons and rugged peaks
Looking Glass Rock Trail: A moderate hike leading to breathtaking 360-degree views from a massive granite dome
Graveyard Fields: A shorter, family-friendly option featuring waterfalls and wildflower meadows
Mount Pisgah Trail: A favorite leading to a summit with expansive vistas

3. Discover the River Arts District

Wander through galleries and studios of local artists in this vibrant creative hub. Here’s what to expect:

Over 200 artists working in various mediums
Live demonstrations of pottery, painting, and glassblowing
Unique shopping opportunities for one-of-a-kind art pieces

Don’t Miss: Start at Riverview Station, home to over 60 local artists in a historic 1902 building. Then, check out Marquee for curated antiques and artful decor.

Insider Tip: Make a pit stop at Wedge Brewing Company for a delicious craft beer between browsing and shopping.

shopping in asheville

4. Stroll Downtown Asheville

Explore the eclectic and vibrant downtown area, known for its:

Unique shops and boutiques
Art galleries and street performers
Historic architecture
Live music venues

Must-Visit Spots:

Woolworth Walk: A restored Woolworth’s featuring local arts and crafts
Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar: A two-story bookstore with wine and small bites

5. Discover Local Breweries

Known as “Beer City USA,” Asheville boasts over 50 breweries. Don’t miss:

Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium: Specializing in sour and funky beers
Highland Brewing Company: Asheville’s first craft brewery
Burial Beer Co.: Known for creative brews and a cool atmosphere

6. Relax at a Spa and Enjoy Sunset Cocktails

Unwind at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn Spa, featuring:

Underground pools
Rock walls
Breathtaking mountain views

Afterwards, head to the Sunset Terrace for cocktails and sweeping views of the Blue Ridge mountains.

7. Float Down the French Broad River

Experience Asheville’s natural beauty from a different perspective:

Rent kayaks, tubes, or paddleboards
Enjoy a leisurely float down the scenic French Broad River
Try Zen Tubing for an easy, all-inclusive experience

gardens at the arboretum

8. Visit the North Carolina Arboretum

Explore 65 acres of cultivated gardens and 10 miles of hiking and biking trails. Highlights include:

Bonsai Exhibition Garden
National Native Azalea Collection
Seasonal exhibits and events

9. Indulge in Asheville’s Food Scene

Asheville is a foodie paradise, offering:

Farm-to-table dining
Appalachian cuisine
Artisan chocolates
Food trucks and fine dining

Don’t Miss: Chai Pani in the South Slope Brewery District for award-winning Indian street food.

10. Enjoy Asheville’s Vibrant Music Scene

Experience live music at various venues:

The Orange Peel: A historic venue hosting national acts
Salvage Station: An outdoor venue with a riverside setting
Local breweries: Many offer regular live music

Insider Tip: Join the Asheville Drum Circle in Pritchard Park on Friday nights for a unique community experience.

Additional Activities and Attractions

11. Visit the Folk Art Center

Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this center showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary craft of the Southern Appalachians.

12. Explore the Historic Grove Arcade

This beautifully restored architectural wonder houses unique locally-owned shops, restaurants, and outdoor markets.

13. Take a Ghost Tour

Discover Asheville’s spooky side with a guided ghost tour through downtown’s historic districts.

14. Visit the Western North Carolina Nature Center

Perfect for families, this living museum features over 60 species of animals native to the Southern Appalachians.

15. Attend a Show at the Asheville Community Theatre

Enjoy local theatrical productions at this historic venue that’s been entertaining Asheville since 1946.

16. Take a Foraging Tour

Join No Taste Like Home for a “wild food adventure” where you’ll learn to identify and harvest edible plants.

17. Visit the Basilica of St. Lawrence

Admire the architectural beauty of this minor basilica, known for its elliptical dome.

18. Explore the Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Visit the childhood home of one of America’s most famous authors, preserved as a historic site.

Seasonal Activities

Spring

Biltmore Blooms: Witness the estate’s gardens come to life
Asheville Herb Festival: The largest herb festival in the Southeast

Summer

Downtown After 5: Free concert series on the third Friday of each month
Shindig on the Green: Free folk music and dance performances

falls in asheville nc

Fall

Leaf peeping drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway
Apple picking in nearby Hendersonville

Winter

Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum
Skiing at nearby resorts like Wolf Ridge or Cataloochee

fall in the blue ridge mountains

Day Trips from Asheville

Chimney Rock State Park: Iconic rock formation with panoramic views
DuPont State Recreational Forest: Home to several stunning waterfalls
Black Mountain: Charming town known for its arts scene
Hot Springs: Relax in natural hot mineral springs
Cherokee and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Rich in history and natural beauty

Romantic Activities for Couples

Couple’s spa treatments at local wellness centers
Scenic drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Sunset picnics at mountain overlooks
Romantic dinners at acclaimed local restaurants

Local Shopping Guide

Grove Arcade: Historic shopping center with local artisans
Lexington Avenue: Eclectic boutiques and vintage shops
West Asheville: Trendy area with unique thrift stores
Asheville Outlets: For brand-name shopping

Culinary Experiences

Food tours with Eating Asheville or Asheville Food Tours
Cooking classes at Asheville Mountain Kitchen or Cottage Cooking Asheville
Visit the Western North Carolina Farmers Market
Try diverse cuisines: Spanish tapas at Cúrate, New American at Cúrate at Button & Co. Bagels, or innovative vegetarian at Plant

Outdoor Adventures

Ziplining with Navitat Canopy Adventures
Rock climbing at Chimney Rock State Park
Mountain biking in Pisgah National Forest
Whitewater rafting on the French Broad River

Arts and Culture

Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center: Celebrating the experimental spirit of Black Mountain College
Asheville Art Museum: Showcasing 20th and 21st century American art
Center for Craft: Advancing the understanding of craft
Local theaters: Asheville Community Theatre, NC Stage Company, and Diana Wortham Theatre

Practical Information for Out-of-Town Guests

Transportation: Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) serves the area. Downtown is walkable, but a car is useful for exploring beyond.
Best areas to stay: Downtown for urban convenience, Biltmore Village for a historic feel, or West Asheville for a trendy vibe.
Local customs: Asheville is known for its laid-back, friendly atmosphere. Casual attire is generally acceptable.
Emergency services: Dial 911 for emergencies. Mission Hospital is the main healthcare facility in Asheville.

We hope this guide helps you and your guests make the most of your time in Asheville. Congratulations on your wedding, and enjoy your stay in our beautiful mountain city!