Best Museums in Blue Ridge Mountains

"The Chemist (Distillery) | Address: 151 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA For an unforgettable sunset view, head to Black Balsam Knob trail in Pisgah National Forest. It’s only about a 1-1.5 hour drive from Asheville, then a 10-15 minute easy hike to the summit, which boasts amazing views into the surrounding ridges and valleys below. In the summer, you can set out a picnic blanket and enjoy the last few rays of golden light to end your trip in the most beautiful way."

"The first women’s cultural museum in Southeast United States the ‘aSHEville Museum’ documents significant exhibits regarding the evolution and lifestyle of women. The exhibits comprises of diverse and rich stories, facts, narratives, and visual imagery of experiences of women and girls from throughout the world. There’s a section which shows the lifestyle of Appalachian ...Read more"

"Bring your family to this exploratory science museum and experience in downtown Asheville!. At the Asheville Museum of Science, you’ll find fully interactive exhibits. Be like a geologist in the Colburn Hall of Minerals, discover topography with the Terra Box elevation simulator, dig for fossils and splash in the French Broad River water table!"

"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..."

"The Black Mountain College was once a central artists’ hub in Asheville, where thinkers and creatives – many of them famous – would go to learn, experiment, and make. It was created thanks to John Andrew Rice, who had been dismissed from his Florida teaching spot in an allegedly unjust manner. This drove him to want to create his own school."

"See historic and contemporary art exhibits at the two-floor Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center in downtown Asheville. Rotating exhibitions are on display for about four months at a time. The museum serves to preserve and continue the legacy of the innovative Black Mountain College."

"The Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center (BMCM+AC) preserves and continues the legacy of educational and artistic innovation of Black Mountain College (BMC)."

"The new, modernized Asheville Art Museum serves as an anchor for creativity in this corner of our state, poised to bring far-reaching attention to western North Carolina’s past, present, and future artistic achievements. It’s a boon for the city that would not have been possible without enormous community support and visionary direction."

"The Asheville Art Museum is open following a $24 million renovation and expansion. The 68,000-square-foot museum features 20th and 21st century American art. The museum’s collection of 5,000 objects and art pieces are displayed in beautiful galleries through the three-floor building."

"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."

"And if you like art, definitely check out Woolworth Walk, a cool gallery and emporium located in the fully-restored downtown Woolworth building."

"Dark wood floors, muted yellow walls, bistro tables topped with flowers and additional sidewalk seating give this eatery upscale appeal. The kitchen serves tantalizing breakfasts such as New Orleans-style French toast, sweet potato pancakes and omelets with complimentary hot biscuits all day. Dinner options include shrimp and grits, nutty fried chicken with mashed sweet potatoes, and a veggie plate that might include organic honey-glazed carrots, marinated grilled tofu or candied ginger cornbread with peanut butter."

"Chicken & Sweet Potato Waffles with eggs and fruit from @tupelohonecafe is on point!. Credit: @shanebecton. Ever had pecan-pie French toast?"

"Not only does UpCountry serve gluten-free pizza crust, but you can also order delicious Darë Vegan Cheese on your pie. We highly recommend the Mixed Mushroom gf pizza with vegan cheese."

"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."

"Hillman’s small space packs quite a punch thanks to a large front porch and garage doors that connect the two spaces on pleasant days. They also share the space with Rise Above Deli, which makes everything from scratch on-site, including killer Reubens, pastramis, and falafels. Even if you’re not hungry, split a pig missile—a pretzel stuffed with brat and sauerkraut—while you work your way through their 15 in-house beers."

"Hillman Beer is another awesome brewery with food in Asheville. Their Asheville location has a distinct pub-like atmosphere with indoor/outdoor space for you to gather with family or friends. (They have a location in Old Fort, NC as well)."

"Zen Sushi provides one of the top sushi values in and around Asheville. The quality is high, and the cost is low for sushi not in the grocery case."