19 Fun & Free (or cheap) Things to do in Asheville
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
6. Hike to a mesmerizing waterfall
The WNC region is home to over 200 dazzling waterfalls. In fact, you can get to many of these without venturing more than an hour outside of the city. Here are a few of my favorite easy waterfall hikes to get you started:
- Looking Glass Falls: A beautiful 60 foot single drop roadside waterfall.
- Catawba Falls: Easy 1.5 mile hike featuring great leaf peeping & a multiple level 100 foot waterfall.
- Tom’s Creek: Relatively secluded hiking trail leads you to an incredible 60 foot multi-tiered waterfall.
- Whitewater Falls: At a height of 811 feet, this mesmerizing waterfall comes in strong as the tallest in the state.
7. Hunt down deals at Downtown Books & News
Downtown Books & News, a wonderful used book shop, is a great place to spend a few hours on a rainy day. You will find lots of great deals here (much cheaper than Amazon). Plus, there is a special discounted dollar section. The setting is cozy and comfortable, the perfect ambiance for getting lost in your own world for a bit.
Lots of rare finds, out of print books, and a huge newspaper selection comprise the 25,000+ collection. As independent bookstores are so rare today, Downtown Books comes in as a real treat. Note: Malaprops is another great local bookshop, this one featuring a coffeeshop on-site!
Location: 67 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801. Hours: 11am-5pm, 7 days a week
8. Take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway
Although it will cost you a little bit in gas, you really can make a whole day out of exploring this scenic stretch of road without spending much. Scenic overlooks, hiking trails, museums, state parks, picnicking areas, galleries (check out the Folk Art Center)…there is so much to see and do. Whether you decide to drive just a small section, or go all out on a 400+ mile adventure, “America’s Favorite Drive” is more than worthy of a visit while you are in such close proximity.
9. Take a walk around the beautiful Omni Grove Park
Although it’s quite pricey to stay at this Omni, this extravagant resort is worthy of a visit, if anything just to enjoy the grand architecture and incredible mountain views. Grab a coffee and enjoy relaxing by the magnificent lobby fireplace or take a seat outside and enjoy the breathtaking scenery! There are also a handful of novelty shops to explore.
If you are up for splurging a bit, breakfast in the Blue Ridge Artisanal Dining Room cannot be beat! With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Blue Ridge mountains and an incredible lineup of breakfast fare, it’s by far the best breakfast/brunch option in town!
- Location: 290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
10. Take a stroll around Biltmore Village
While the famous Biltmore Estate is open for tours, it’s quite a pricey experience. Instead of shelling out hundreds of bucks, consider taking a stroll around the lovely Biltmore Village. Window shopping, browsing the galleries, and enjoying the architecture and beautiful trees makes for a wonderful budget friendly activity.
Be sure to stop in the Olde World Christmas Shoppe – their decor is gorgeous! And, if you are on the lookout for a decent cheap breakfast swing Well Bred Cafe for a slice of quiche or delicious homemade pastry. Another great option is the lunch buffet at Andaaz, serving authentic Indian cuisine.
Also be on the lookout for seasonal events, most notably “A Dicken’s Christmas” celebration featuring old time carolers (pictured above).
