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Nestled amidst the beautiful peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a romantic haven where several things to do in Asheville, NC, for couples are easily accessible.
The city’s harmonious blend of art, culture, and nature invites couples to explore shared experiences and unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re wandering hand in hand through vibrant districts or savoring delectable flavors in various restaurants, this guide provides a collection of things to do in Asheville, NC, for couples that promise to make your adventure a beautiful chapter in your love story!
Best Things to Do in Asheville For Couples
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The expansive Biltmore Estate offers a romantic getaway that brings couples to a world of sophistication and magnificence.
Guests of the Biltmore Estate can enjoy a variety of activities such as biking, experiencing a Land Rover ride, horseback riding, carriage rides, strolling along the river hike, taking a raft trip, fishing, going on a kayak journey, enjoying a farmyard tractor wagon ride, visiting gardens, and taking tours.
The private estate grounds also have more than 22 miles of trails to explore. If you have children, they can try the kids’ nature quest, participate in crafts and art workshops, and play at the Pisgah playground.
After a day of city exploration, you can enjoy a romantic wine tasting at the Biltmore Winery and savor the flavors of locally made wines. Additionally, there are two beautifully designed spaces for you to enjoy. The first is the indoor Tasting Room, and the second is the indoor/outdoor Wine Bar at the Biltmore Estate.
As the sun sets, you can have a candlelit dinner at one of the estate’s fine dining restaurants, where the ambiance is just as exquisite as the food.
To complete the experience, you should stay at the charming inn on the property, where you’ll find luxurious accommodations and a peaceful environment that creates an unforgettable retreat for you and your special someone.
If you live in Asheville, you might consider purchasing a Biltmore Estate annual pass, which gives you admission and discounts for an entire year.
Here are the ticket admission prices for various seasons:
| SEASON | TICKET PRICING |
|---|---|
| Annual Pass | $299 per person + tax |
| Summer (May 26-September 30) |
|
| Fall (October 1-November 2) | Adult Biltmore House admission: $94 |
| Christmas (November 3- January 7) | Adult Biltmore House admission: $109 |
Pisgah National Forest, a place of high mountains, many waterfalls, rivers, extensive trails, and lush woods, offers the perfect escape for couples.
You can hike together on beautiful trails and elevated viewpoints, have private picnics with beautiful surrounding falls and rivers, and try exciting things like biking on mountain trails or climbing rocky areas. There are also water activities like kayaking, riding waves, and fishing.
When the night comes, you can set up a camp under the stars while sharing stories amidst nature’s calm and soothing sounds, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere.
Couples seeking a place to escape the noise and stress of city life can enjoy the Lake Lure boat tour! Here are some ways you and your partner can enjoy it.
Guided Boat Tours
You can join a guided boat tour and discover the lake’s legends and the history of Hickory Nut Gorge. The boat sets off at 11 a.m. daily, and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
| Age Category | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | $20 |
| Seniors aged 62 and above | $18 |
| Children | $10 |
Box Lunch Cruise
Like the guided tour, you’ll discover the lake’s history while enjoying delicious sandwiches, chips, and desserts through a Box Lunch Cruise. Remember, you must make a reservation, book your lunch, and secure your spot at least two weeks ahead!
The package can be availed for $450 plus room rate and tax.
Pontoon Boat and Fishing Boat Rentals
Pontoon boat rentals provide a 4-hour pontoon rental for a maximum of 9 individuals and a picnic lunch for two.
Remember that prior boating knowledge is necessary, and boat availability is limited. Lake Lure Tours also offers options for renting fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
Here are the rates for reference:
| Category | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Pontoon Boat Rental Rate | Call (828) 625-1373 |
| Stand-Up Paddleboards, Canoes |
|
| Kayaks |
|
| Hydro-Bikes | $12.00 per hour |
4. Breathtaking Hot Springs
Hot springs provide exceptional natural splendor, relaxation, and health benefits, making them ideal for a romantic retreat. A few noteworthy desirable spring destinations in Asheville, NC that couples might want to explore include the following:
5. Romantic Spa Retreat
A romantic spa retreat will provide couples with a relaxation and rejuvenation experience. Among the various options, notable spas that are a must-visit haven for couples are the following:
6. Scenic Horseback Riding
Another ideal activity for couples to do in Asheville is horseback riding. The serene trails, lush forests, and scenic vistas provide a romantic backdrop that allows couples to simultaneously connect with each other and nature.
Here are the horseback riding trails you can visit near Asheville, NC:
This path offers beautiful trails that go through the tall hills, mountain meadows, and wooded areas of Madison County. There is no age limit, but you must not weigh over 250 pounds.
The hour-long guided ride is ideal for beginner to intermediate-level riders. If you have riding experience already, there’s a private two-hour trail ride with lunch. Note that you need to make a reservation at least two days ahead.
7. Breathtaking Hot Air Balloon Ride
What is more romantic than to be alone with your partner while seeing the gorgeous landscape of Asheville than riding a Hot Air Balloon?
The tranquility of the skies, the awe-inspiring views, and the shared excitement of the adventure all combine to create a truly magical bonding experience between couples. It is one of the best things to do in Asheville, NC, for couples.
The Asheville Balloon Company is one of the top six best balloon rides in the world, according to US News and World Report. Here, you will fly with a highly experienced FAA-certified pilot while enjoying the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest.
8. Brewery Yoga Sessions
Brewery Yoga Session is just what it sounds like. Sweat-inducing yoga combined with drinking cold beers at the same time!
The sessions often take place in the laid-back ambiance of a local brewery, offering couples a chance to unwind together, engage in gentle exercise, and savor craft beers afterward. Some breweries in Asheville that offer yoga sessions include:
Asheville’s River Arts District is where art, creativity, business, and fun blend together, driven by Asheville’s talented artists and visionaries.
On the second Saturday of every month, there’s the Second Saturday event in the River Arts District. The event includes gallery tours with live demonstrations, workshops, music, wine tasting, tasty food, and more. Couples can also take part in art exploration!
Here’s a compilation of activities at Asheville’s River Arts District.
Join a glass-blowing workshop and shop for gorgeous blown-glass creations. They are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Tuesdays.
Couples can visit the Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, where they can participate in classes and workshops to create art together and gain new knowledge.
Couples can enjoy the exhibition showcasing both up-and-coming ceramic artists and those with well-established careers. The center is open every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Tuesdays.
Here, you can rent a studio, attend a basket weaving or oil painting class, then enjoy a gallery show. You can also find shirts, pottery, and paintings.
Couples can participate in activities like joining exhibits at Wedge Studio. Aside from studios, they also have a brewery, restaurant, wine bar, and hair salon.
Here you will find numerous artists, makers, musicians, and creatives. For fun and music, you can go to Asheville Guitar Bar for live music and an active crowd.
See arts through wheels! Mountain Mural Tours provides a two-hour guided street art tour through a private van. The tour includes convenient pick-up and drop-off services within the River Arts District from The Foundry area.
10. Thrilling Zipline Adventure
One exhilarating escapade for couples that creates lasting memories while fostering a sense of adventure is a zipline adventure! Here are the ziplines to try in Asheville, NC:
Enjoy an adrenaline-packed adventure with ziplines up to 350 feet high and almost three-quarters of a mile long. If you both enjoy nature, the Treetop Tour zipline is perfect.
It is a unique experience woven into the trees, using no poles for support. This tree-focused setup has thrilling sky-bridges and rappels, making for an unforgettable adventure for couples!
Discover the excitement of flying and the wonders of nature in one holistic adventure. This tour combines ziplines, rappels, short hikes, and a beautiful bridge walkway to a lovely treehouse.
The Gorge
This zipline tour is known as the steepest and fastest in the state. The Gorge has 11 zip lines, three big rappels, a sky bridge, and drops an impressive 1,100 vertical feet from start to finish.
It goes through 120 acres of forest and offers beautiful views of over 14,000 acres of mountains and the Green River.
Free Things to Do for Couples in Asheville
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
11. Romantic Stroll in Downtown Asheville
If you want a romantic way to spend your time, this one’s for you.
Downtown Asheville offers a perfect setting for couples to enjoy a romantic stroll. The charming streets, lined with quaint shops, art galleries, bookstores, music venues, restaurants, and cozy cafes, create an intimate ambiance ideal for leisurely walks hand in hand.
12. Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Drive
The scenic driveway in Blue Ridge Parkway is a captivating experience for couples seeking awe-inspiring moments together.
The iconic roadway, hailed as America’s Favorite Scenic Drive, is a 469-mile road that winds through the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, linking Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
As it nears Asheville, the parkway treats travelers to awe-inspiring vistas of the area’s loftiest peaks and provides convenient access to its finest hiking trails.
13. Capture Memories with a Photoshoot
Capture the times you spend together as you explore the captivating allure of Asheville.
Whether wandering through charming downtown streets, restaurant hopping, enjoying the history, arts, and music of Ashville, or discovering the tranquility of nature trails, a photoshoot lets you capture these moments and preserve your connection in beautifully framed snapshots.
Local Events Activities in Asheville for Couples
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
11. Attend a Local Festival
Attending a local festival is another must-do activity for couples looking for a memorable experience in Asheville! Festivals in the city are ideal to experience its vibrant spirit and offer a fantastic way to immerse yourselves in its culture.
Here are the festivals in Asheville that you should consider participating in:
Highlighting the best creations of nearly 200 skilled artisans around Asheville and the surrounding area, this four-day festival provides an extraordinary chance to witness artists showcase their talents through live demonstrations.
Accompanied by live musical performances, the event showcases various art forms spanning clay, glass, fabric, paper, wood, jewelry, leather, and metal.
Goombay is a fun weekend-long festival held every year in September at Pack Square, where you can watch all kinds of performances and have the chance to dance the day away to everything from West African drumming sessions to gospel, reggae, funk, and soul music.
There are also vendors selling cool clothing, CBD products, and yummy food and drinks.
Happening every third week of the month from June to September on Lexington Ave., couples can enjoy free live music and many options for food and drink. There are also a lot of interesting shops, so take the chance to walk around after the fun.
15. Live Music and Dancing
Participating in live music and dancing offers couples a spirited and enchanting way to connect and create cherished memories with each other’s company.
Share the joy of music, sway together to the rhythm, and feel the energy of a live performance at the following live music venues in Asheville:
Located in downtown Asheville, this outdoor music venue offers more than just concerts. Alongside the outdoor music shows, they host enjoyable events such as Silent Disco, pop-up markets, trivia nights, and family-friendly gatherings.
It is a well-loved outdoor music spot that has gained popularity among locals for its vibrant live music scene. With indoor and outdoor stages, the venue showcases headlining acts while providing a lively space for local musicians, games, and outdoor dining options.
This Asheville’s biggest high-energy dance club stands out as a hub of creativity, diversity, and entertainment. Experience their captivating midnight shows, and dance to your heart’s content amid state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems.
Wrap Up
Asheville has a lot of activities to offer that are perfect for couples to enjoy together. There are outdoor adventures, picturesque parks and nature trails, performing arts and theaters, and more that cater to various interests and preferences.
We hope this guide helped you gain insightful information about what you can do and enjoy with your loved ones in Asheville, NC. For other blogs related to the essential things you need to know about North Carolina, you can navigate through our website.
If you need help with anything about Asheville, please don’t hesitate to contact us by giving us a call at 828-550-5195 or sending a message through luke@findyournextplace.com or any of the social media platforms below:
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need prior experience for brewery yoga sessions?
No, Brewery Yoga also offers beginner-friendly sessions and welcomes people of all skill levels.
What's the best time of year for waterfall hikes?
Spring is the ideal season to enjoy waterfall hikes, especially if you want to see them at peak flows. Many waterfalls are also at the lowest elevation so you can swim in their holes later in spring.
Are reservations required for hot air balloon rides?
Yes, making reservations for hot air balloon rides in Asheville is recommended because these are popular attractions and often have limited availability.
Are there vegetarian-friendly options available during culinary tours?
Asheville’s culinary scene is diverse, and finding vegetarian-friendly options is possible. Some vegetarian-friendly options are Rosetta’s Kitchen, Dobra Tea, and Laughing Seed Cafe.
Can you visit the Biltmore Estate without a tour guide?
Yes, as the Biltmore Estate provides both guided and self-guided tours, the self-guided option takes approximately 90 minutes to finish at your comfortable pace.
Can you visit the Blue Ridge Parkway in the winter?
Yes! Blue Ridge Parkway is open all the time. Some parkway sections may be closed temporarily due to weather conditions, but many parts remain accessible, and you can still enjoy scenic drives.
Road closures or icy conditions might be possible during winter, so checking the Road Closure Chart is advisable.
