July is a perfect time to visit Asheville. Whether you’re looking to escape the heat or just want a little change of scenery, we’re pretty sure you’ll find some fun things to do in Asheville. But, where to begin? We’ve rounded up some of the best tours in Asheville from sightseeing and food tours to bike, brewery and helicopter tours – and so many more.
Photo: Asheville Food Tours.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
It’s no secret that Asheville’s beer scene is just bubbling over. This tour operator offers choices on whether to walk or drive – just leave the driving to them 😉.
Who doesn’t love a good food tour? Asheville Food Tours is the original walking food tour in Asheville and takes guests to some of the best spots in town. So, take a bite out of Asheville. It’s delicious!
No Taste Like Home Foraging Tours
If you prefer to work, rather than walk for your food, this foraging tour is so much fun. And after the tour, you can take your haul to any of their restaurant partners – some of Asheville’s top restaurants – to prepare it all for you. So, are you ready to go wild?
Wander around Asheville in style in the van in black. Just tell them what you’d like to see and do and your wish is their command. For example, if you’d like to visit a winery and brewery, check out the River Arts District with lunch at 12 Bones, take a spin on the Blue Ridge Parkway and have a final stop at the Grove Park Inn – the van in black will get you to all those places and back. They also have Asheville wine tours – some are even multi-day and they’re also available for things like airport pickups, wedding transportation, bachelorette parties, corporate events and more.
HISTORICAL / ART
Whether you want to make art or see art, Asheville Art Experience has a tour for you. Tour goers will have a chance to mix and mingle with local artists in the River Arts District – one of the most diverse districts in the nation.
Photo: Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours
Ride the rooftops where history and cocktails collide! If you love history, long range views and sipping libations, then Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours is your ideal experience. Offering group and private tours in their VIP luxury van.
These purple buses have practically become synonymous with Asheville. They offer four public tours: the city comedy tour, haunted comedy tour, band and beer bus and Lil Boogers (designed for kids, but fun for the whole family). These tours are chock-filled with fun surprises at every turn.
Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville
This is Asheville’s number one sightseeing tour. You can hop on and hop off whenever you like. They also have a ghost and Christmas tour.
SCENIC / ACTIVE
This mountain adventure company is all about getting you outside! From hiking to waterfalls and bird-watching off the Blue Ridge Parkway to meeting wild mountain Elk, Asheville Hiking Tours will give you a good workout in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.
Asheville is a cycling destination and this is one of the best ways to discover the beautiful hills and valleys of the Blue Ridge. This group offers six different tours ranging from 7, 5 and 3 nights to single-day trips.
These photo tours take you to some of the most breathtaking vistas around – and teach you how to capture the best images possible. You’ll visit those off the beaten path locales that only the locals know about!
Photo: Scenic Helicopter Tours
If you’re looking for a real birds-eye view, hop on board a heli for unique vistas of the Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Mountains, and more. They offer night flights and wine tasting tours too!
Step back – or wheel back – in time. Enjoy a ride-a-long around Asheville in a 1923 For Model T and experience Asheville back in its heyday.
One thing is for sure, book your ticket ahead of schedule! Ready to take a tour (or 3) of Asheville? I mean really – why just choose one? Then book your stay here.
STAY WITH US
And, if you’re looking for a great place to start and end your day, these rental properties are ideal because they’re close to everything this vibrant city has to offer:
King of the Hill (up to 9 guests)
King of the Hill
Adoring Asheville Luxury Bungalow (up to 4 guests)
Adoring Asheville Luxury Bungalow
Hilltop Splendor (up to 10 guests)
Hilltop Splendor
If you’ve got a few days off or just want to get away, a Thanksgiving vacation in Asheville makes for a perfect fall, holiday escape. Whether you choose to visit on your own, with a loved one, a friend, or the whole family, Asheville offers so many things to do. Fly or drive and find a cozy place to rent that will only enhance your stay.
Dine in or out for your Thanksgiving vacation in Asheville
Since you’re on a fall getaway, cooking is probably not top of mind. And we respect that! That’s why we’ve come up with a few ideas that will keep you out of the kitchen and give you more time to soak in the season. If you choose to dine in at your rental place, there are several places in Asheville where you can order a sumptuous turkey dinner to go. They include:
Moose Cafe: This farm-to-fork restaurant is an Asheville classic.
Black Bear BBQ: Get something smoked from this soulful kitchen that delivers dishes for those culinary adventurers.
Post 25 Kitchen and Lounge. They offer a variety of platters that are sure to make you smile.
Or – To help you plan, see more up-to-date information about local restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving, go to the Asheville Independent Restaurants website or social media.
Many Asheville supermarkets such as Whole Foods, Fresh Market and Ingles also offer Thanksgiving orders to go. And since this is Asheville, vegans and vegetarians will find plenty of options they can enjoy too. And, if you’re interested in grabbing a few Thanksgiving pies from local bakeries, consider placing an order at City Bakery or The Baked Pie Company.
If you prefer to dine out, we’ve got you covered there too:
Bargello: Located in the Kimpton Hotel Arras, this stunning restaurant offers a family prix fixe menu.
Isa’s Bistro: Locally sourced and inspired, this Asheville restaurant is a local and tourist destination too.
Pack’s Tavern: A local family-owned restaurant located in a renovated historic building. It’s warm and friendly service keeps people coming back time and time again.
Red Stag Grill: Enjoy European flavors with a Carolina twist.
The Blackbird Restaurant: Vibrant cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
Keep in mind, this is not an exhaustive list. Explore Asheville is a good resource for updates on where to dine in or out in Asheville on Thanksgiving Day.
Take a Thanksgiving Day Walk Around Asheville
After you’ve filled up on turkey, stuffing and pie, what better way to work off those Thanksgiving holiday calories than taking to the great outdoors? Fall is an amazing time to be in Asheville’s mountains and there are so many great places to get out and walk without having to go too far off the beaten track.
- Bent Creek: Just 15 minutes from downtown Asheville, you’ll feel like you are miles and miles away. The trails vary from easy to more advanced. Mountain bikers are welcome on many of the trails too.
- Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary: This lovely lake provides an ideal habitat for resting, feeding and nesting. And if you want to get a few more steps in, you can walk around the lake – it’s about a 2-mile loop.
- Wilma Dykeman Greenway: A local fave, this delightful greenway runs along the French Broad River. Walkers, bikers and rollerbladers can pop into a host of breweries, wineries, or galleries along the way.
- Riverside Cemetery: This historic cemetery is located in the Montford neighborhood. There are even walking tours that you can sign up for.
If you’re looking for something a bit more robust, head to the Blue Ridge Parkway (but check the map for possible weather closings first). There’s a multitude of hikes to do from Frying Pan Mountain and Mt. Pisgah to Crabtree Falls and Graveyard Fields. Dupont State Forest is also home to the magnificent Triple Falls.
Activities to do Thanksgiving Weekend in Asheville
You can choose to do a lot or a little. It’s up to you. Here are some holiday-inspired activities to get you started:
- Kick off the holiday season at the popular North Carolina Arboretum. Its open-air winter lights show is dazzling fun for the whole family.
- Have a hot cider at the Great Hall Bar at the Grove Park Inn.
- Bundle up and head to Antidote’s Rooftop bar. There’s an outdoor fireplace and lots of heat lamps to keep you warm.
- Buy Your Christmas Tree: Obviously, this one is for those of you who are driving. Visit a “choose and cut” tree farm. Many farms offer hayrides and other activities too.
- Visit Biltmore Estate: We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention this iconic estate. Located on nearly 8,000 acres, this is a top-notch fall destination that includes a magnificent house, art exhibition, award-winning winery and copious dining and shopping venues. There are also 20+ miles of nature trails to explore.
So, are you ready to ditch the apron and grocery list? Treat yourself to an Asheville fall getaway. Cedar Cliff Village is a good place to check out if you’re looking to rent a place for your stay. It’s minutes from downtown and the Blue Ridge Parkway and it offers a variety of choices when it comes to booking group stays.
Summer in Asheville, NC can bring you closer to nature or delight you with new city activities. Whichever direction you choose to go, you’ll find things to do. But to avoid the commonplace tourist destinations and the overhyped activities, your best bet is to try one — or more — of these 10 unique-to-Asheville tours. Pick the ones that resonate with your interests for a delightful experience.
10 Tours for Your Summer in Asheville
LaZoom Comedy Tours
If you don’t know where to begin, try an entertaining tour to get a feel for the landscape. LaZoom not only provides a fun ride around Asheville’s distinctive locations but also includes live comedy. It’s like a theatre on four wheels and comes highly recommended.
Asheville Wellness Tours
Unplug, unwind, and reconnect with your own, custom mini-retreat in Asheville, NC. Choose a-la-carte from a menu of options like Private Chef Services, Tarot Readings, Mountaintop Yoga Hikes, Forest Bathing Walks, Private Yoga Sessions, Winery Tours, and more or work with their complimentary concierge service to create your ideal wellness retreat.
Asheville Detours
Whether you want a one-of-a-kind bachelorette party or a scavenger hunt with your friends or family, choose Asheville Detours. Explore the city while participating in fun activities. These tours take you off the beaten path. They also make authentic Asheville gift boxes available.
Asheville Wine Tours
Western North Carolina is wine country. These tours take you inside the world of wineries, but the best part may be the beautiful countryside surrounding most destinations. Choose three or four of the area’s 13 wineries.
Asheville Brews Cruise
This cruise cut to the chase of one of Asheville’s major industries: beer production. These cruises are entertaining and educational, allowing you to sample a variety of beers while enlightening you on the history, work and passion behind each sip.
Asheville by Foot
Offers guided walking tours of the city. The specialists who lead these tours know Asheville’s history and architecture better than anyone. These one-of-a-kind tours inform and delight you as you learn about the rich art, culture and history of the city and region.
Asheville Hiking Tours
These walking tours lead you to see stunning waterfalls and get you closer to wildlife while also introducing you to edible plants. Visit a world of wildflowers and exotic trees. Learn and experience nature as never before.
Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours
These tours offer a bird’s eye view of the city. Go on a magnificent tour of Asheville’s best rooftop pubs, which not only show off some gorgeous views but also offer local brews and carefully crafted cocktails.
Eating Asheville Food Tours
A delicious way to explore Asheville is these tours for foodies. The city features 3 unique food tours and many eateries with over 500 reviews on TripAdvisor and a 5-star rating. Choose a culinary experience that suits your tastes. These tours reveal fascinating historical facts as well.
Asheville Art Experience
Asheville has a history as an artist haven. These tours take you to different sites and give you a personalized map so you can choose what you want to see. Visit directly with artists and even spend time making your own art in painting, clay, glasswork and woodworking.
Ready to experience another kind of LVMH? Experience our version of a Luxury Vacation Mountain Home, Asheville style where modern architecture meets luxury amenities in the heart of our mountain city, Asheville.
Introducing Bauhaus
The newest townhome development is ready for you featuring:
- Stunning modern architecture
- Open floor plans with expansive windows
- Spacious 1,800 – 2,400+ sq. ft., 3 and 4 bedroom homes
- 3 Levels with 3.5 baths
- Private rooftop patios with incredible long range mountain views
- Enclosed 2 car garages
- Optional private elevators
- Gourmet chef’s kitchens
- Stainless Steel Appliances and Hardwood Flooring
- Adjacent to historic McCormick Field, America’s oldest active minor league ballpark
- Two blocks from galleries and microbreweries
- 3-minute drive to Mission Hospital
- 10-minute drive to Biltmore Estate
- 15-minute drive to Blue Ridge Parkway
Most of the townhomes are private residences but a small group are available for vacation rental and we have the first ready for you!
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Don’t just visit; live here
If you really enjoy your stay or have considered moving to the area, then check out available units: https://www.bauhaussouthslope.com/availability/