Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm
Sunday 10am-5pm
Grove Arcade is a beautifully preserved historical building in the heart of Downtown Asheville that represents the heart and character of the town. It’s rich history and ornate architecture combined with its eclectic mix of shops and restaurants offer patrons a full-day immersion into Asheville lifestyle and culture. Opened in 1929 by E.W. Grove, Grove Arcade was built to celebrate the city he loved so much. Its rich history, ornate architecture, and eclectic mix of shops and restaurants were designed to offer patrons a full-day immersion into Asheville lifestyle and culture. Learn the fascinating story behind its construction, government takeover, renovation, and finally its grand reopening in 2002.
Come play a wide array of pinball machines spanning from the 1950’s to the 21st Century!
Asheville’s only full service outfitter, French Broad Outfitters runs daily kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and tube trips on the historic French Broad River through the heart of Asheville and the Biltmore estate. Instruction, camping equipment rentals, shuttles, and sales in the River Arts District.
French Broad Outfitters is a full-service river outfitter in Asheville, NC. With three in-town locations, we offer kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, and tube trips on the third oldest river in the world.
Our outfitter store is a full-service kayak shop with anything that you would need for a day on the river. Our Hominy Creek location, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, is a two-acre bar/playground situated on a peninsula with the French Broad.
In the heart of downtown Asheville many gather to participate listen and dance to the Asheville Drum Circle. Everyone is welcome to dance, drum, and celebrate with one another. It starts around 6:00 pm and ends at 9:45 pm. The drum circle has been active since 2001. For another authentic yet very different Asheville longtime music event, go to the Shindig on the Green.
Professional Fly Fishing Guide Service based in Asheville North Carolina. Specializing in guiding and teaching fly fishing for trout, smallmouth bass and musky in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee. Offering Guided Float Trips for trophy brown trout on South Holston River and Watauga River. Offering Guided Float Trips for trophy Smallmouth Bass near Asheville, NC. Offering Wade Trips for trout near Asheville, NC. Asheville Fly Fishing Company is committed to providing you with the trip of a lifetime. We value long-lasting relationships with our guests and enjoy sharing memorable days on the water. We are professional, hard-working guides who love bringing people to the finest waters this area has to offer. We welcome anglers of all experience levels and enjoy helping our clients develop their fly fishing skills. For more advanced thrill-seeking anglers, we can provide you with the most challenging yet rewarding fly fishing you will experience.
Consistently creative cuisine — Chestnut offers classics done right with a touch of cutting edge. From house cured meats to perfect mashed potatoes to local steak cooked to a turn to local vegetables fresh from the farmer; it’s not what you do, but how you do it.
WHERE DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE COMES FOR. Creative Cuisine & Craft Cocktails
Since 2012 Chestnut has been making a gustatory impression on Downtown Asheville. Located at 48 Biltmore Avenue Chestnut is in close proximity to some of the city’s favorite venues including the Fine Arts Theater, Diana Wortham Theatre, and The Orange Peel.
Let the local experts guide you to our favorite “secret spots” along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in our National Forests. Home to 250+ waterfalls and miles of hiking trails, the stunning scenery does not disappoint. Our tours provide a unique blend of storytelling, sightseeing and nature discovery! We visit historical sights and 150-foot waterfalls, and even enjoy wild food foraging on all of our tours. Our aim to provide a soul-nurturing experience in the outdoors is the reason why our guests return to experience these mountains with us, again and again! If you have a half day to spend with us, we recommend the Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Tour so you can capture multiple highlights of western North Carolina, including the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, historic sites and “secret” hidden waterfalls. For those who have just a few hours to spend with us, we recommend the Guided 2-Hour Waterfall Hike. Private Tours, fully customizable, are also available and offer a range of hikes!
Our private waterfall & hiking tours are tailored to your skill level. Do you want a long hike? We have them. Are you looking for a big pay-off without to much hiking? We have that too! The best part is, regardless of your physical ability, we can get you away from the tourists and up close & personal with amazing waterfalls. This is more of an adventure then your standard tour. We our open year round & 7 days a week!
Cúrate is a celebration of authentic Spanish cuisine. For those who have visited Spain, the Cúrate menu will bring back memories of the country’s best jamón Ibérico, vermuterías, and lively tapas culture. In recognition of the restaurant’s all-Spanish wine list, Cúrate was listed as one of America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants by Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 2018. Cúrate means ‘cure yourself’ in Spanish, reflecting the belief held by Chef Katie Button and her family that there are curative effects in sharing good food and wine with family and friends. Experience the essence of Spain in downtown Asheville… one plate at a time.
Blue Dream Curry House is an international journey of flavor serving curries from around the world and local beers at an affordable price using high quality, fresh and locally sourced ingredients. We will always pay a living wage to our employees and take care of the earth while supporting the local economy of Asheville, NC in every way possible.
Allanstand Craft Shop
Established in 1895, Allanstand Craft Shop is nationally recognized as the oldest craft shop in America. Explore artisan-made jewelry, textiles, pottery, glass, and much more, crafted by the members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, over 400 artists and craftspeople of Southern Appalachia.
AILY CRAFT DEMONSTRATIONS
March – December
Visitors are invited to watch and interact with Guild artisans demonstrating their craft in the lobby from 10am-4pm. Visit craftguild.org/events or call 828-298-7928 for the schedule.
Celebrating 16 years in historic Biltmore Village, fig is a small bistro with a big heart. We offer wholesome lunches and simple suppers rich in European tradition and served with a southern twist. Menus change with the seasons featuring daily specials along with fig classics like our sublime quiche, rich and savory bolognese and pan seared salmon. fig is a place where you go to be with your friends, be it a late lunch, an espresso and some dessert, or a glass of chilled rose in our tree filled courtyard. Our friendly little wine list, although small, is carefully curated with discerning palettes and budgets in mind. Understated yet elegant, with only 40 seats inside, fig feels familiar and intimate—your home away from home.
Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures is a mountain bike guide service that specializes in professionally guided trips in Pisgah and Dupont. Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures offers self-supported guided trips that we will customize to your individual tastes and ability levels. We offer 1/2, full, and multi-day trips that include a snack and lunch. Let the locals show you the best Pisgah has to offer.
The Asheville Outdoor Center has been offering family-friendly calm-water river paddling since 1992. Enjoy a leisurely 7-mile canoe, kayak, SUP, or raft paddle down the French Broad River through the Biltmore Estate property. Please check out our website for more information and call us to make a reservation. Normal business hours Thursday-Sunday 9AM-5PM. We will also be open on Memorial Day and Labor Day. We are closed for the season from November thru March. We are the “Pioneers of the French Broad.” Come visit us!
Come down and enjoy all of the great festivities the AOC has to offer. Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of our picnic tables before or after your trip. We also offer our grounds for a variety of outdoor events.
Caribbean inspired vegetarian friendly restaurant and bar with three locations in Asheville. A local and tourist favorite serving neighbors near and far with laid back vibes and fresh flavors.
Biltmore House, the main residence, is a Châteauesque-style mansion built for George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895 and is the largest privately …
Outdoor Recreation, Gardens, Food and Wine, Music, Family Fun and more…
Wai Mauna SUP Tours was founded in 2015 in Asheville, North Carolina, when the founder, Kyle Ellison, moved from his childhood home in Maui to the mountains of North Carolina. Looking for a way to “bring Maui to the Mountains,” he named the new company “Wai Mauna SUP Tours”—a phrase which, in Hawaiian, means “fresh water in the mountains”—and offered guided paddleboard trips on Asheville’s French Broad River.
In 2021, Wai Mauna SUP Tours expanded to Driggs, Idaho, and now offers paddleboard rentals and shuttles on the scenic Teton River, with plans to expand in coming years to a mountain town near you!
When the sun sets on Biltmore Village and the local shop owners return to their homes, the Corner Kitchen keeps cooking. Enjoy the warmth of our illuminated interior with comfortable cuisine. Order a unique cocktail and gaze upon the mountain sky from the comfort of our pristine patio. Find out what locals have known for over 16 years — dinner doesn’t only happen downtown in Asheville.
Vinnie’s features “Old School” Neighborhood Italian food reminiscent of Brooklyn, the Bronx, and the North End of Boston. It is hard to put into words the feeling of being in one of those great neighborhood Italian restaurants we have all grown up with. The aromas of home-cooked Italian food along with the rhythmic sounds of martinis being shaken to chilling perfection sets the tone for a night of fun and laughter. This combination of homemade cuisine and warm, friendly atmosphere makes you feel like part of the family. It means you could only be at Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian®.
Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina mountains we call home. Our recipes are simply crafted and made from scratch with responsibly sourced ingredients that bring the best of every season. For 20 years, we have infused our Southern spirit into every bite. At Tupelo Honey, we create breakfasts, lunches and suppers that invite you to put on your Sunday’s best and gather around the table for gracious and delicious Southern food.
Mountain High Adventures is a custom, guided tour service based in Asheville, NC. We offer sightseeing and hiking tours along the Blue Ridge Parkway, DuPont State Recreational Forest, and Pisgah National Forest. Chauffeured private hourly rentals are also available.
Consistently creative cuisine — Chestnut offers classics done right with a touch of cutting edge. From house cured meats to perfect mashed potatoes to local steak cooked to a turn to local vegetables fresh from the farmer; it’s not what you do, but how you do it.
WHERE DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE COMES FOR. Creative Cuisine & Craft Cocktails
Since 2012 Chestnut has been making a gustatory impression on Downtown Asheville. Located at 48 Biltmore Avenue Chestnut is in close proximity to some of the city’s favorite venues including the Fine Arts Theater, Diana Wortham Theatre, and The Orange Peel.
Plant is an evolving chef-driven vegetable, fruit, and active-foods restaurant in Asheville, NC. We serve dinner from an open kitchen and bar, with 13 tables, 47 seats, kitchen-side dining, and a seasonal dog-friendly patio.
Caribbean inspired vegetarian friendly restaurant and bar with three locations in Asheville. A local and tourist favorite serving neighbors near and far with laid back vibes and fresh flavors.
A blend of great regional micro brewed beers and bluegrass acts. Both traditional and alternative bluegrass acts represented at this annual event. 1PM – 7 PM.
Jettie Rae’s Oyster House is a neighborhood destination where families and friends gather. It is a place to celebrate life, to toast after a long day of hard work, and to enjoy the finest oysters and freshest fish available. We offer quality cocktails and honest food done well in a relaxed and casual environment. We look forward to seeing you!
Inspired by a heritage stretching from Maine to the Gulf Coast, we celebrate the Gullah Geechee, French, Native American and Spanish cultures that have influenced the preparation of our seafood. We honor sustainability, we’re conscious of our source and we support the families and individuals who make their living from our coastal waters.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains along the French Broad River, and parallel with the River Arts District, Asheville is home to our East Coast Brewery and Liquid Center tasting room. Come spend some of your time in Western North Carolina with us imbibing on an Asheville-brewed Fat Tire and vibing with friends, family, our amazing bartenders and tour guides. Every Friday is Fat Tire Friday. A delicious cast of rotating food trucks will feed your belly as we feed your soul on one of our award-winning brewery tours. Please visit our website to learn more about upcoming events, our live music schedule, private room rentals, and to reserve your ticket on one of our tour experiences.
Asheville’s only full service outfitter, French Broad Outfitters runs daily kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and tube trips on the historic French Broad River through the heart of Asheville and the Biltmore estate. Instruction, camping equipment rentals, shuttles, and sales in the River Arts District.
French Broad Outfitters is a full-service river outfitter in Asheville, NC. With three in-town locations, we offer kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, and tube trips on the third oldest river in the world.
Our outfitter store is a full-service kayak shop with anything that you would need for a day on the river. Our Hominy Creek location, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, is a two-acre bar/playground situated on a peninsula with the French Broad.
Urban Orchard Cider Co. provides two warm and inviting spaces in two unique parts of the Asheville, allowing visitors to experience our one-of-a-kind hard ciders that are made on site. We proudly offer a welcoming atmosphere that fosters creativity, invigorating discussion with friends, or a warm chair to enjoy your cider in one hand and your new favorite book in the other.
In a time where product labels can be difficult to navigate and interrupt, you can be sure that Urban Orchard Ciders are of the purest form. We are dedicated to producing the highest quality craft ciders that we feel good about drinking ourselves. Forget the days of overly sweet ciders, full of artificial sweeteners, aromas, and flavors. We let fresh-pressed apple juice do the job for us. Aging/maturation and a variety of yeast strains are competitive advantages for us and we have found that the extra work delivers us a superior product in the end. Stop by for a visit!
Vinnie’s features “Old School” Neighborhood Italian food reminiscent of Brooklyn, the Bronx, and the North End of Boston. It is hard to put into words the feeling of being in one of those great neighborhood Italian restaurants we have all grown up with. The aromas of home-cooked Italian food along with the rhythmic sounds of martinis being shaken to chilling perfection sets the tone for a night of fun and laughter. This combination of homemade cuisine and warm, friendly atmosphere makes you feel like part of the family. It means you could only be at Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian®.
Visit our historic winery on Biltmore’s 8,000-acre estate nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. With your general admission Biltmore ticket, enjoy complimentary tastings of more than 20 of our handcrafted wines as our wine hosts take you on a journey through our reds, whites, and rosés. Linger at our wine bar where you can taste our reserve and sparkling wines by the glass along with delectable cheeses and locally-made truffles. Shop for your favorites and take home a taste of Biltmore. Interested in seeing our vineyards? Our exclusive “Vine to Wine Tour” combines an excursion over the river to our breathtaking vineyards on the west side of Biltmore—an area that most guests never see—with a walking production tour and wine tastings throughout the experience.
Biltmore House, the main residence, is a Châteauesque-style mansion built for George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895 and is the largest privately …
Outdoor Recreation, Gardens, Food and Wine, Music, Family Fun and more…
Sunny Point Café is a family owned, independent restaurant serving upscale comfort food from dawn to dark. Whether you want breakfast for dinner or a scrumptious dessert for breakfast we would love to satisfy your craving. We take pride in our made-from-scratch products and farm-to-table approach with our menu selections. At Sunny Point, we like fresh ingredients so much we have our own garden adjacent to the restaurant. During peak growing season, staff works daily in the garden harvesting ingredients for our specials – hard to get much fresher! Feel free to walk through our garden before or after your meal. Our café is small, but we do have a covered outdoor dining area, as well as tables in the garden, so you can dine al fresco most seasons. Well behaved dogs are welcome on the patio. Dinner is served starting at 4:00pm Tuesday-Saturday, and yes, you can order items from our breakfast and lunch menu in the evenings. We are busiest weekend mornings, but have provided plenty of shaded seating so you can relax while waiting for your table. Please note we are unable to seat incomplete parties, thanks for understanding.
When the sun sets on Biltmore Village and the local shop owners return to their homes, the Corner Kitchen keeps cooking. Enjoy the warmth of our illuminated interior with comfortable cuisine. Order a unique cocktail and gaze upon the mountain sky from the comfort of our pristine patio. Find out what locals have known for over 16 years — dinner doesn’t only happen downtown in Asheville.
Celebrating 16 years in historic Biltmore Village, fig is a small bistro with a big heart. We offer wholesome lunches and simple suppers rich in European tradition and served with a southern twist. Menus change with the seasons featuring daily specials along with fig classics like our sublime quiche, rich and savory bolognese and pan seared salmon. fig is a place where you go to be with your friends, be it a late lunch, an espresso and some dessert, or a glass of chilled rose in our tree filled courtyard. Our friendly little wine list, although small, is carefully curated with discerning palettes and budgets in mind. Understated yet elegant, with only 40 seats inside, fig feels familiar and intimate—your home away from home.
Experience Jargon’s innovative menu of modern American plates, creative cocktails and desserts in a unique and fabulous setting. We source food from local growers that showcase seasonal offerings and unique ingredients that are blended with artistry and skill by award winning Chef Steven Goff and his crew. Located in a small historic building in the heart of West Asheville, Jargon’s continental social cuisine is inspired by the world around us, unconstrained by borders, and intended to bring folks together to delight in a language we all understand… delicious food. Masterful technique, amazing ingredients and deep relationships with local farmers and food providers all contribute to the dining experience at Jargon. It is our pleasure to wow your palate and surprise you with a culinary delight like no other.
Experience expertly prepared cuisine that emphasizes estate-raised and local ingredients, with world-class service inspired by the Vanderbilts. White linen tablecloths, fine china, and crystal add to the elegance, along with sweeping views of the estate.
Dinner showcases the season’s finest meats, seafood, and hand-crafted pastas served in a beautifully appointed location perfect for celebrations.
copper crown is the result of a dream 11 years in the making. Our mission is to provide a neighborhood gathering place in our community of East Asheville where delicious food and drinks may be enjoyed by all. We are nestled between many neighborhoods, including Beverly Hills, Haw Creek, Oteen and others. We are conveniently located en route to the Blue Ridge Parkway and a few minutes drive away from downtown.
We aim to provide a little something for everyone and offer dinner seven nights a week. Our menu reflects both the diversity of our influences (American South, Italy, & New Orleans to name a few) as well as our support of many local farms. Our bar program features signature cocktails, local package and draft beer selections, and a full wine list. We are offering both indoor and covered patio dining, reservations are highly recommended due to limited availability. We appreciate your support and look forward to feeding you!
Visit the Western North Carolina Nature Center – home to over 60 species of animals including river otters, black bear, red wolves and cougars. The Western North Carolina Nature Center connects people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region by inspiring appreciation, nurturing understanding, and advancing conservation of the region’s rich biodiversity. The Nature Center is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. Less than 230 facilities in the United States have met the high accreditation standards set by AZA.
Black bears, red wolves, otters, and red pandas await you! Learn more about the special animals you’ll see who call the WNC Nature Center home.
Allanstand Craft Shop
Established in 1895, Allanstand Craft Shop is nationally recognized as the oldest craft shop in America. Explore artisan-made jewelry, textiles, pottery, glass, and much more, crafted by the members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, over 400 artists and craftspeople of Southern Appalachia.
AILY CRAFT DEMONSTRATIONS
March – December
Visitors are invited to watch and interact with Guild artisans demonstrating their craft in the lobby from 10am-4pm. Visit craftguild.org/events or call 828-298-7928 for the schedule.
Hiking Through a Rhododendron Tunnel on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Craggy Gardens offers one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains stretch far into Tennessee to the west and toward central North Carolina to the east. These views can be enjoyed from the parking area near the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center and along nearby hiking trails.
A large picnic area is popular with visitors. On clear nights, Craggy Gardens is also a perfect place for stargazing.
In early summer, Craggy Gardens becomes a mountain-sized bouquet when the rhododendron thickets on the upper heights cover the landscape in pink and purple. A favorite hiking trail, Craggy Pinnacle, leads hikers through a “tunnel” of rhododendron to the summit which offers 360-degree view. This 1.5 mile round trip is an easy walk.
Books, CDs, souvenirs, and a photographic display can be found in the Visitors Center, and restrooms are on premises. There is no food concession.
Hours of Operation
Craggy Gardens Visitor Center: Memorial Day through October
This section of the Parkway is closed in the winter months.
Hours of operation are subject to change. Contact directly for most current information.
Location
Craggy Gardens is approximately 24 miles from Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Craggy Pinnacle parking lot Milepost 364.1
Craggy Gardens picnic grounds Milepost 367.5
Craggy Gardens Visitor Center Milepost 364.6
For more information, contact:
Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
195 Hemphill Knob Road
Milepost 384
Asheville, NC 28803
Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center: 828-298-5330
Visitor Information Recorded Message: 828-298-0398
http://www.nps.gov/blri