Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Lake Lure

"The Western North Carolina Nature Center is a living museum of plants and animals local to the Appalachian region. They have events planned throughout the year, and it is a great place for kids to learn and understand more about nature and the environment through hands-on and sensory programs. Hours:Open Daily 10 am – 5 pmPrices:Adults – $10.95 (Buncombe Co. Residents: $7.95)Seniors (65+) – $9.95 (Buncombe Co. Residents: $6.95)Youth (3-15) – $6.95 (Buncombe Co. Residents: $5.95)2 and younger – Free"

"With over 40 acres of park space, this zoological park houses 60 species of wildlife unique to the Asheville area. With interactive exhibits and trails, the kids will be able to see and learn about animals such as otters, black bears, grey and red wolves, and more. Let them get up close to the farm animals or hang around for a feeding demonstration with the otters (a personal favorite!)."

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

"The Green River Adventures Waterfall Trek shows you the best of the Big Bradley Falls and Cove Creek Gorge. The hike starts with a 1 mile hike towards Big Bradley Falls before sending you rappelling a 30 foot vertical wall to access the base of the falls and the Cove Creek Gorge."

"The Mountain Play Lodge is great, especially for rainy days!. It is clean, safe, fun, and provides kids a place to let their imagination run wild!. It includes a huge treehouse jungle gym, unbelievable soft-foam sculptures, and realistic playhouses!"

"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!"

"Address: 1056 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC 28804Free and donation-based parking at the Sanctuary and surrounding lots/streetsPermit for dogs and boats at Lake (no dogs allowed at the Sanctuary)Perimeter Trail Length: 2.1-mile loopGrab Our Complete Guide To Beaver Lake. For hiking in Asheville, NC you’ll love this local spot. Beaver Lake Trail and Bird Sanctuary are stunning throughout the year."

"Although not technically one of the public parks in Asheville, NC, Beaver Lake is privately owned but open to the public for picnics and leisurely strolling. Here, you can walk the 2+-mile nature trail or visit the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary. If you love bird watching and nature trails at the Asheville parks, don’t skip a visit to Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary in North Asheville."

"Located near the famous Biltmore Estate, Biltmore Village offers a wide selection of shops, including antiques, art galleries, home furnishings, and more. Notable stores include The Olde World Christmas Shoppe, Lululemon, and Village Antiques. You can even attend cooking classes at Williams Sonoma!"

"A post shared by Riverside Rhapsody Beer (@riversiderhapsody). About ten minutes north of Asheville is the Riverside Rhapsody Brewery. The idea behind Riverside Rhapsody came from the two owners, Mike and Joey."

"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."

"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..."

"The Folk Art Center is a museum that showcases Appalachian arts and crafts. It is located at milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway."

"Just a few miles from Biltmore is this very different kind of mansion. James McConnell Smith commissioned the house in the 1840s, having it built out of brick. Building with brick was almost unheard of at the time, a signified of his wealth."

"The Asheville location of this regional hand-mixed ice cream chain is conveniently located on Biltmore Ave. (The main drag through downtown Asheville.). Here, Marble Slab Creamery makes small-batch, carnivalesque ice cream with mix-ins, before your very eyes. (It’s like Cold Stone in concept, but it has a much more small-town personality.) This is a good ice cream shop for families with kids."

"Values-led, Vermont-based ice cream company with locally owned and operated Scoop Shops, known for its euphoric flavors and commitment to using high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients."

"Line was long and moving slowly, got a pint out of the freezer to avoid the wait and it was freezer burnt."

"The creamery is nearby the winery, shops, and dining on the Biltmore Estate. We went here after eating dinner nearby, and the cones were huge!. (See pictu... More reviews"