Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Blue Ridge Mountains

"Formerly the Asheville Zoo, WNC Nature Center has evolved into a habitat for more than 60 wild and domestic animals as well as native plants that represent the rich biodiversity of the Southern Appalachians. A big part of their mission focuses on species survival in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department, with a focus on the North American river otter, cougar, and red wolf."

"The Western North Carolina Nature Center is a zoological park that opened in May 1973. It is about 42 acres big."

"Grove Arcade has everything boiled into one spot, with local artists and galleries mixed in. This historic building was one of America’s first indoor shopping malls and has stuck around for nearly 100 years, like many places in Asheville. Whether you shop inside or grab a bite out on the street, stopping by the Arcade is definitely one of the best things to do in Asheville."

"Another architectural jewel, the unique Grove Arcade combines Art Deco, Italian Renaissance, and Gothic elements. Instead of leveling the foundation, Grove Arcade’s designers decided to follow the natural topography instead, a very noticeable feature when walking the shopping center’s sloping marble hallways. Grove Arcade, 1 Page Avenue, Asheville, NC, USA, +1 828 252 7799"

"One of those old historic buildings that survived is the Grove Arcade. It dates back to 1929, and today is home to unique restaurants and shops, most of which sell things made in North Carolina."

"Out of all of the Asheville Parks, we love visiting French Broad River Park first thing in the morning. This park also has a dog park and walking trails that connect into Carrier Park. If you are looking for a park that follows the French Broad River and is in West Asheville past the River Arts District, don’t miss the French Broad River Park."

"Home of Asheville’s famous “Shindig on the Green” summer bluegrass concert series, Pack Square is a great park right in the heart of downtown Asheville. Even when the concerts are taking place (they start “along about sundown” on Saturday nights), there is still plenty of green space for kids to run around and play. One of my family’s favorite summer weekend activities is to walk around downtown, eat dinner, grab some ice cream, then set up our camp chairs and listen to some good bluegrass music at Pack Square."

"If you are looking for centrally located parks in Asheville, NC, don’t miss Pack Square or the iconic City Hall in the distance. If you are looking for parks in downtown Asheville, don’t miss Park Square. I consider Pack Square exactly that: a public square in the heart of AVL."

"This interactive water feature delights children with its 21 jets of water that run in 12 combinations. You never know where it’s going to splash you next!"

"Sitting atop downtown with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains is famed Grove Park Inn, a luxury mountain resort built soon after the completion of the Biltmore Estate. Behind the resort, the Vanderbilts founded an arts and crafts hub that now features an antique car museum, working artists studios, and restaurant. Grovewood Village, 111 Grovewood Road, Adjacent to The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC, USA, +1 828 253 7651"

"This historic site is home to the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum, the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum, and the nationally-recognized Grovewood Gallery. Grovewood Village has something for everyone. Your visit could include a leisurely stroll through the sculpture gardens, a lesson on vintage automobiles, or a meal at the contemporary Golden Fleece restaurant."

"The museum is home to several vintage automobiles that Harry and his dealership had come to own over time. Highlights to the collection include a rare 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham and Asheville?. s own 1921 American LaFrance fire truck."

"Although not technically one of the ‘official’ Asheville museums, Riverside Cemetery is a historic landmark in Asheville’s Montford neighborhood. Walk the 3.5 miles of paved roads in this beautiful Victorian cemetery, especially if you visited the downtown Thomas Wolfe Memorial. Opened in 1885, Riverside Cemetery encompasses 87 acres of picturesque grounds filled with flowers overlooking the French Broad River."

"Address: 53 Birch St, Asheville, NC 288013.5 miles of paved roadsGrab Our Complete Guide To Riverside Cemetery With Must-See Sites. Find 3.5 miles of paved roads surrounded by Asheville history. This beautiful Victorian-style cemetery is the final resting place for literary greats like Thomas Wolfe and O."

"Step out of Gatlinburg to go to Asheville and see Riverside Cemetery, which is approximately 1h 30 min away. The adventure continues: identify plant and animal life at Deep Creek, contemplate the long history of Walker Sisters' Cabin, and learn about winemaking at Tennessee Homemade Wines."

"In West Asheville, you’ll love this small cafe with HUGE flavors. Sunflower Diner is a dedicated vegan restaurant with gluten-free options, including dessert. Picture nachos, breakfast burritos, and tempeh sandwiches."

"Little more than a year old, new-kid-on-the-block Elements Real Food sells its own nut “mylks” and smoothies with everything from spirulina and maca, a South American tuber. On the cafe side, Elements has a unique sipping broth (a good anti-cold elixir with its chaga tea, chickpea miso, ginger, and sesame); an ALT (an avocado, lettuce and tomato sandwich with veganaise and on bread from artisanal baker Farm and Sparrow); and raw food desserts such as an avocado-vegan chocolate pie."

"This cold-press juice bar and cafe serves and sells 16-ounce bottles of freshly made juices, nut “mylks” made with cashews, and smoothies. Those looking for a bit more texture can choose from acai bowls, salads or avocado toast, and gluten-free bread and other options can be found on their menu as well. And for raw dieters, their raw desserts earn rave reviews."

"A post shared by Elements Real Food (@elementsrealfood) on Dec 2, 2019 at 7:05am PST. An amazing organic dining experience accompanied by amazing drinks and perfect service, these are what await you at Elements Real Food restaurant. The restaurant is committed to preparing high nutrient food that is both satisfying in taste and quality."

"Near Curve Studios sits the century-old Wedge Studios building, which basically serves as a mini-version of the best of the River Arts District and Asheville in general. Here, painters, filmmakers and textile artists create by day and can often be found sipping beers after work in Wedge Brewery’s funky courtyard. Wedge Studios, 129 Roberts St, Asheville, NC, USA"

"Once on the northbound Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll soon encounter the Folk Art Museum (milepost 382). Stop to see a variety of handicrafts created by mountain people—some from necessity for household jobs, and others for sheer beauty. Travelers who revel in such creations could spend half a day here, while others will be satisfied with a quick look. In either case, leave your camera locked in the car."

"The Folk Art Center in east Asheville showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Appalachians. Guests may browse the Eastern National bookstore, Blue Ridge Parkway information desk, three art galleries, a library, and a craft shop. Don’t miss the fascinating live craft demonstrations offered daily in the lobby!"

"Part gallery, part store, and wholly dedicated to Southern craftsmanship, the superb Folk Art Center stands directly off the Blue Ridge Pkwy, 6 miles east of downtown Asheville. Handcrafted Appalachian chairs..."