Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina has recently begun attracting attention for its abundance of fun activities as well as its natural beauty. Enjoy dining, shopping, museums, and the town’s lively arts scene, or head out for a remote hike on one of the nearby mountain trails. For those who crave the excitement of a city and the comfort of a small town, Asheville offers the best of both worlds. Here are a few of the many great things to do there this summer.

Visit Festivals

If you love outdoor festivals and events, Asheville is the place for you. Throughout the entire summer, the city hosts various arts and music festivals. Check out Bluegrass music and square dancing at the Bluff Mountain Festival, experience international food and dance at the Folkmoot International Festival, or sample delicious vegan food at the famous VeganFest. You can even attend all these festivals and more. There is always something to do in Asheville. The only challenge is saving enough energy for all the events!

Discover Abundant History

As one of the nation’s oldest cities, Asheville is home to a rich history just waiting to be explored. Make your first stop a tour of the iconic Biltmore Estate. Built by George Vanderbilt II in the late 19th century, the Biltmore Estate sits on 8,000 acres and has a total of 250 rooms, making it the largest privately-owned house in the United States. With its castle-like appearance, stunning landscaping, and famed winery, the Biltmore is undoubtedly one of the nation’s most unique destinations.

Although the Biltmore Estate is arguably one of the most eye-catching historic features, it is far from being the city’s only historic attraction. History buffs can uncover Asheville’s past through a self-guided scavenger hunt, visit one of the many museums, tour Grovewood Village’s weaving and woodworking facilities, or learn about Cherokee life at the Museum of the Cherokee or Oconaluftee Indian Village.

Relax in the Mountains

When it’s time to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, journey into the mountains to traverse biking trails, discover hundreds of local waterfalls, or camp in one of the state parks. The Blue Ridge Mountains have every outdoor activity you can dream of including foraging tours, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and zip lining.

With the perfect balance of nature and city amenities, another huge draw of Asheville’s surrounding mountain range is the easy and peaceful lifestyle. The hills feature several amazing homes that are located a convenient distance from the town but still boast breathtaking mountain views.

No matter what type of fun pursuits you and your family enjoy, Asheville, North Carolina has something for everyone. If you have never had the chance to visit this incredible city, be sure to add it to your summer travel list. Set aside several days to take part in everything the town has to offer. You may just adore it so much that you never want to leave!