Top Rated Parks to Visit 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."

"If you’re looking for things to do in downtown Asheville on a Friday night, you can’t go wrong with the awesome Pritchard Park Drum Circle. This group of drummers gathers every week without fail – except in the winter – in Pritchard Park. While there, together, they perform an impressive set of impromptu jams that fill the park and the areas near it with joyful music."

"Drum Circle – taking place every Friday night at Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville, the Drum Circle invites both locals and visitors to make music together. This tradition has been going on in Asheville for 20 years and you shouldn’t miss it."

"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!"

"Although the situation is starting to improve, a lot of the discussion about Greenways in Asheville has thus far been about dreams and politics. However, the city has begun a multi-year, multi-million dollar project under the Asheville Greenways Master Plan which, if it gets funding and community support, will eventually offer a minimum of 29 miles of multi-use trails through 14 corridors. The greenways will connect to parks, rivers, and even long distance regional trails such as North Carolina's Mountains to Sea Trail and planned Buncombe County greenways."

"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."

"copper crown is a neighborhood bistro in East Asheville, offering their take on New American cuisine with a nod to New Orleans standards. Their menu is updated often to reflect what is new and fresh in the kitchen. Their cuisine pays homage to New Orleans, Italy and the American south while also utilizing the relationships that they have built with local farmers over the years."

"There are two Wedge Brewing Co. locations and we love them both but we chose the one at the Foundation for our best outdoor brewery and bar list in Asheville because it has a ton of seating as well as a walk-up beer window. There’s always a food truck on-site in case you get hungry and there’s usually a few corn hole boards laying around. Beer to try: Iron Rail IPA"

"If Asheville is well known for its culinary scene, it’s equally beloved for its beverages, especially beer. Locals credit Oscar Wong’s Highland Brewing Company with kicking off the craftbrew culture in 1995, and it has exploded in years since, making it one of the go-to cities for a beer tour. To taste your way through the offerings, head first to the South Slope, where a dozen breweries line the streets."

"Visit the South Slope of Asheville and check out the Funkatorium, a Wicked Weed Brewing establishment that features over a dozen varieties of beers on draft. If you’re looking for a place to grab a place to eat as well, this is an excellent option."

"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."

"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..."