The magic of Asheville comes alive as you explore the history and beauty of the city. If you're staying in Wander Asheville Meadows, here are some suggestions for places to visit around town.
Downtown Asheville Daytime Tour
Photo from Viator
Distance from Wander Asheville: 8.5 miles
Location: 36 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 (meet-up point)
Instead of walking around, try touring downtown Asheville using a segway. Great for first-timers, this 2-hour guided tour will not only teach you how to operate a segway but it will also take you around to see the city's history and culture.
Before you book, just take note that this experience requires participants to be at least 10 years old and above. It's also not recommended for guests with vertigo.
Downtown Asheville Nighttime Tour
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
Distance from Wander Asheville: 8.5 miles
Location: Asheville Masonic Temple, 80 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801 (meet-up point)
Meanwhile, horror enthusiasts will appreciate what this nighttime walking tour has to offer. This spooky stroll will take you through the streets of downtown Asheville where you'll learn about the area's dark history.
Biltmore and Biltmore Estate Winery
Photo from Biltmore Estate Winery
Distance from Wander Asheville: 11.5 miles
Location: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
Hours: 11AM-6PM daily
Phone: (800) 411-3812
Website: https://www.biltmore.com/visit/winery/visit-our-winery/
Transport yourself back in time and see how the Vanderbilt family lived in their classic, yet boujie home. The three-floor complex features 16th century tapestries, a library with 10,000 volumes, a banquet hall, an indoor pool, and even a bowling alley (yes, you heard that right).
In the spring and summer, be sure to visit the stunning garden and grounds where you can enjoy leisurely walks through the forest or meadow. Fun fact: there are over 250+ varieties of roses that adorn the garden. You can find more information and tickets here.
When your tour is over, take a break and relax with a glass of handcrafted wine at the beautiful Biltmore Estate Winery, where the Vanderbilt legacy lives on with each clink of glasses.
Here's a tip: with your admission ticket to Biltmore, you can head over to the winery for a complimentary wine tasting (reservation required).
North Carolina Arboretum
Photo by North Carolina Arboretum
Distance from Wander Asheville: 15 miles
Location: 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806
Hours: 8AM-9PM daily
Phone: (828) 665-2492
Website: https://www.ncarboretum.org/
This gorgeous 434-acre public garden contains 65 acres of cultivated gardens, 10 miles of hiking trails and several miles of bike trails. Pro tip: the arboretum is known for their unique bonsai collection, so be sure to check it out!
Leashed dogs and pets are welcome on property, so feel free to bring your furry friend.
The arboretum also offers year-round educational programs and programs for adults, families, kids, and trade professionals. Visit their website to get updates on these programs.
Botanical Gardens at Asheville
Photo by Botanical Gardens at Asheville
Distance from Wander Asheville: 9.2 miles
Location: 151 WT Weaver Blvd, Asheville, NC 28804
Hours: 7:30AM-7:30PM daily
Phone: (828) 252-5190
The Botanical Gardens at Asheville covers 10 acres of gardens with a half-mile trail that meanders through these gardens, featuring a variety of plant species. Peak blooms in the gardens are generally in mid-April and mid-August, but this can vary slightly with seasonal weather changes.
There is no charge for admission, but donations are suggested. Unfortunately, no pets are allowed in the gardens.
Western North Carolina Nature Center
Photo by Western North Carolina Nature Center
Distance from Wander Asheville: 5 miles
Location: 75 Gashes Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28805
Hours: 10AM-3:30PM daily
Phone: (828) 259-8080
Website: https://wildwnc.org/
The Western Carolina Nature Center is a zoo that showcases the flora and fauna of the Southern Appalachian region. It's home to more than 60 animal species.
Most of the animals in the center have been permanently injured or have been imprinted, meaning they have no fear of humans and never learned the skills they would need to survive in the wild.
Pro tip: Be sure to visit seals Obi and Olive and watch them show their playful side in their habitat. Bring quarters and pennies if you plan on purchasing feed for the animals as part of your experience.
The nature center does not take reservations, but tickets can be purchased in advance online.
Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
Distance from Wander Asheville: 8.3 miles
Location: 97 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801
Visiting Hours: 11AM-12PM Monday; 11AM-1PM and 3PM-5PM Tuesday-Thursday; closed Friday-Sunday
Phone: (828) 252-6042
Website: https://saintlawrencebasilica.org/
The Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr was built in the mid-1890s to early-1900s by renowned Spanish architect, Rafael Gustavino, who also came to work on the Biltmore House.
The Basilica offers self-guided tours with a brochure that dives into the adorned artwork and Spanish Renaissance architecture of the building. Mass is offered to worshipers throughout the week.
For personalized recommendations on things to do around Asheville, be sure to text our concierge desk.
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