Location: Downtown Asheville
Top Things to do in Downtown Asheville
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What to do and see in Downtown Asheville, North Carolina (NC): The Best Things to do
If you’re into eating locally and supporting sustainable agriculture, go to Asheville—and eat, eat, eat. This town of less than 100,000 people has 17 farmers’ markets, and the local restaurant scene is all about taking advantage of the seasonal produce sold there. And don’t miss the area’s microbreweries.
Restaurants in Asheville
1. Asheville Community Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 228 reviews
Since 1946, Asheville Community Theatre has been dedicated to producing high quality theatre starring local performers. We'd love for you to join us when you're next in town - or we'd for you to love to make a special trip to see one of our shows!
Reviewed By richandlindas - Spartanburg, United States
We saw "The Fantasticks". Seated near back of auditorium, but the seats were great...the place is not large. The atmosphere was good, the volunteers efficient and friendly. And the show---performers were great! Cost was reasonable. Big issue with parking. We went an hour and a half before the performance and rode around for 15 minutes before finding a space. This situation is the norm for Asheville, however.
2. Herstory Asheville: A Tour that Tells the Rest of the Story
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
Asheville's only tour spotlighting women's history is a walking tour of downtown filled with the city's fascinating history and stories of women who helped shape it. It's an inspiring look at Asheville from a different point of view (that can't be found with a google search)! We now offer guided Urban Trail tours as well, planned in conjunction with the Urban Trail Subcommittee. The best possible tour experience is guaranteed!
3. Fine Arts Theater
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By kytraveler800
We were fortunate to happen on a showing of "Fantastic Fungi" on our two day trip to Asheville. We love seeing films in this art theater. Even afternoon showings are always almost or totally full with a great audience that is very engaged--and the films are good. This was no exception. If you are in town, but sure to check out what is playing. It is right next door to the Blue Spiral Gallery, and lots of other galleries, restaurants etc. are just a short walk away.
4. Asheville Food Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,222 reviews
Discover the original Asheville Food Tour. In this premiere tour, taste the unique flavor of Asheville on our guided walking tours of the city's culinary treasures, in historic downtown Asheville. Eating Asheville one bite at a time never tasted so good! One of the nation's premiere food destinations, Asheville boasts some of the most exciting and memorable food in the South. Asheville Food Tours offers a sumptuous glimpse into this exotic world of local Asheville restaurants and gourmet food shops and featuring artisan cheeses and choice meats from local farms, crusty baked breads from local ovens, rich hand-made chocolates, dynamic wine lists and hand-crafted local beer.
5. Blue Spiral 1
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Founded in 1990, Blue Spiral 1 presents work by exceptional artists in an awe-inspiring space. The light-filled 15,000 square-foot gallery spans three floors connected by an open stairway. Blue Spiral 1 presents over twenty annual exhibitions of sculpture, paintings, studio craft, and photography. They are either discipline based or developed around themes. The gallery's upper level features a diverse collection of works by nearly 100 regularly represented artists. The gallery also has had the privilege of representing the estate of Will Henry Stevens (1881-1949) for thirty years. A pioneer in modernism in the American South, Stevens, "should be on everyone's list of the top 10-15 underrated artists in America in the first part of the 20th Century." -David Houston, Director of Curatorial, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (previous)
Reviewed By BouvierSterling
We searched this out after reading some of the TripAdvisor reviews, and were not disappointed. This is a large gallery, showcasing an excellent variety of art mediums and styles, much of it craft-based. Spend 2 hours here, even if you don't have a chance to purchase now. You will be inspired. If one is serious about possible purchase(s) without a specific medium or artist in mind, 3-4 hrs will be needed.
6. Barley's Taproom
7. Jack of the Wood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Asheville NC's best social gathering spot! Featuring great Irish food items such as bangers and mash, Irish stew, fish and chips along with 18 rotating taps and one cask tap. We feature a large selection of local brews and have a full liquor bar.
Reviewed By clintb766 - McHenry, United States
After a day touring this fine city, we chose this place on a recommendation from a friend. She was right, and it exceeded our expectations. The group playing was wonderful and the food terrific and prepared correctly. We had the vegetable plate, scottish eggs, roasted brussel sprouts, bangers and mash, and of course beer. Don't miss it.
8. The L.O.F.T.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By kellyng2018 - Knoxville, United States
This is a really neat store with Unique little gifts. It has several stocking stuffer ideas as well. I personally really liked the sticker collection they have up front by the registers. This store also has an upstairs area that has more things.
9. Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 536 reviews
Reviewed By sc52017 - Red Oak, United States
On our first visit to Asheville a couple of years ago we found this place just walking around downtown during the day. We've been back to Asheville a second time and made a point to go again in the evening. It's a unique, fun, quirky place. A bookstore, a wine/champagne/coffee bar with snacks. Go to sit and relax, visit with friends, or shop for a used book. Our last visit was for a delicious dessert and coffee after having dinner downtown. It's 2 levels with all kinds of nooks and crannies. There's also live music on certain days. Pet friendly. They have a great outside seating area. A definite place to go when in Asheville.
10. Downtown Asheville Art District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 515 reviews
This listing is for Asheville's downtown art galleries. A group of art galleries and museums within a walk-able area centered around Pack Square located at the intersection of Biltmore Avenue and Patton Avenue. Not to be confused with the river arts district, an area some distance from downtown with artists studios.
Reviewed By WildWildeWorld - Mogadore, United States
Definitely stop at the Blue Spiral and Woolworth! Overall lot of cool shops and plenty for any type of art lover.
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