Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Mount Mitchell

"The Western North Carolina Nature Center is one of the top 10 Asheville attractions, especially for animal fanatics. The facility covers 42 acres and is dedicated to an educational mission: to teach the public about the habitats, diversity, and variation of the everyday life of mammals in Asheville and beyond. The indoor exhibits of the nature center include small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and the very interesting World Underground exhibit that discusses what exists beneath the ground."

"The Nature Center is like a small zoo - a city park which mainly features exhibits of animals native to Western North Carolina and the southern Appalachian mountains. In addition to the paths leading to the various animal exhibits, the 0.6 mile Trillium Nature Trail loops along the Swannanoa River and the forested slope above. The Nature Center charges a fee for admission (which is lower for Asheville residents)."

"The 42-acre Western North Carolina Nature Center is home to various wildlife, indoor exhibits, and gardens. Popular exhibits include “Appalachian Station” and “Otter Falls,” not confused with this High Country waterfall hike. Back to the WNC Nature Center, though, where there’s plenty more to explore, and you can learn about it here."

"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."

"Another park located in downtown Asheville, Pritchard Park is relatively small, but it’s central location means there is almost always something going on. This triangle-shaped, tree-lined park sits right between Haywood Street, College Street, and Patton Avenue. That’s pretty much the center of all things Asheville."

"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."

"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!"

"Whether you are searching for home decor, kitchenware, or a wardrobe update, you’ll find it all at the Asheville Outlets. Their factory outlet stores include G.H. Bass & Co., GNC, Nike, J. Crew, and more."

"This hidden gem is tucked away near the shops/museums near the Grove Park Inn. The ambience is a more quiet and intimate dining scene as opposed to the downtown vibe. They have an amazing outside garden area for dining during the warmer months."

"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."

"Biltmore Village, Old FortThis no-nonsense outfit down the road from Biltmore Village has it going on. Family-owned since it opened in 2017, Hillman is less industrial-chic than some of its fellow AVL taprooms. Instead, it skews cozy, with low iron-wrought rafters and bistro lights above long communal tables inside, and large deck and patio spaces both out front and back."

"Clayton from Knox Road Tripper introduced us to Papa’s & Beer, and now, we cannot stay away. With multiple locations across Asheville, this is the perfect Asheville takeout restaurant for burritos. A family-run business, they boast of Authentic California-style Mexican cuisine."

"I should have taken a picture but let me just say they are so delicious. Love the variety of... (828) 255-2204Order online"