Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a vibrant and eclectic urban hub that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and beauty. The downtown streets are lined with colorful buildings, delicious restaurants, art galleries, and tons of shops and boutiques, making it the perfect place for a relaxing getaway or a fun family vacation.

There’s no end to the awesome things to do in downtown Asheville. With its historical landmarks, contemporary art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, and lively street performers, you’ll have so much to see and explore close to your Asheville vacation rentals!

About Downtown Asheville

Downtown Asheville is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood known for its arts scene, historic architecture, and delicious restaurants you won’t want to miss out on! While exploring its streets, you’ll find artisan shops, boutiques, cutting-edge galleries, music venues, and so much more! So, to help you plan your vacation “must-see” list, here are just a few of our favorite spots we think you’ll love too!

Dining

Cúrate

Cúrate Bar de Tapas in Downtown Asheville offers a curated culinary experience featuring vibrant Spanish flavors. Their menu is carefully crafted using fresh local ingredients and traditional Spanish spices. 

Cúrate’s extensive beverage selection includes wines, sherries, vermouths, and spirits, guiding guests through perfect pairings. The curated approach promotes conversation, exploration, and discovery of new flavors. Cúrate also serves as a culinary education and events hub, hosting cooking classes, wine tastings, and special events to further explore Spanish cuisine and its cultural significance. 

Chai Pani

Chai Pani is one of the top downtown Asheville restaurants, offering a curated culinary adventure through authentic Indian street food, featuring classics, inventive creations, and unique offerings like bhel puri, vada pav, and Kathi rolls. 

The restaurant’s commitment to quality ensures each dish is crafted with care, reflecting the essence of Indian street food. Chai Pani also participates in charitable initiatives and community events, fostering connections and creating positive change. 

Isa’s Bistro

Isa’s Bistro is one of the restaurants in downtown Asheville with exceptional culinary experiences combining contemporary American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. The menu features seasonal starters, inventive entrees, decadent desserts, and thoughtful wine pairings. 

The seasonal starters, such as watermelon, feta salads, and roasted beet, set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The entrees showcase the finest ingredients and techniques, while the decadent desserts satisfy sweet tooth cravings. The knowledgeable staff expertly recommends wine pairings to match the flavors and profiles of the dishes, leaving guests craving more. 

Shopping

L.O.F.T.

Shopping in downtown Asheville NC is incomplete unless you stop at L.O.F.T. The boutique store in Asheville, NC, offers a curated selection of women’s clothing, accessories, and gifts. The store aims to provide a unique and stylish shopping experience for customers. The clothing collection includes dresses, tops, sweaters, pants, skirts, and more, reflecting current fashion trends. 

Accessories include jewelry, handbags, scarves, belts, and other items to complement outfits. L.O.F.T. of Asheville also offers gifts for various occasions, including candles, home decor, and stationery. Making it the perfect place to shop for gifts for your loved ones!

Mast General

Mast General Downtown Asheville shopping store is a vital institution that bridges the gap between the past and the present. With a warm atmosphere, exceptional selection, and commitment to community, the store exudes nostalgia and offers a wide range of quality goods. 

The friendly staff exemplifies Southern hospitality, offering personalized service and warm smiles. Mast General Store actively engages with the community through events, fundraisers, and workshops, celebrating local traditions and regional talents. Mast General Store preserves age-old techniques and practices by supporting artisans, minimizing ecological impact, and inspiring conscious consumer choices. 

Asheville Bee Charmer

The Asheville Bee Charmer is a charming boutique shop in Asheville, North Carolina, specializing in honey and bee-related products. It promotes the importance of bees and their role in the ecosystem. The store offers artisanal honey from local beekeepers and honey-infused products like spreads, sauces,  candies, beauty products, and so much more! 

They also sell beekeeping supplies and equipment, providing resources and education on beekeeping practices and honeybee population preservation. The store is known for its commitment to sustainability and supporting local beekeepers, emphasizing responsible practices and raising awareness about the decline of honeybees.

Attractions

The Drum Circle

The Drum Circle is one of Asheville’s top attractions, promoting community, creativity, and celebration. Held every Friday evening at Pritchard Park, it features drums, percussion instruments, dancing, and, more importantly, anyone is welcome to join! 

The event fosters a sense of belonging and togetherness, showcasing influences from African, Native American, Latin, and other musical traditions. The rhythms transport participants to distant lands and ancient rituals, connecting them to a global heritage. Join the Drum Circle on a Friday evening to experience the power of rhythm, connect with the vibrant community, and leave with unforgettable memories.

Lazoom Bus Tours

Lazoom Bus Tours is a unique tour that combines entertainment, history, and comedy. The bus is colorful, eye-catching, and has a playful sense of humor, providing a laugh-filled adventure for locals and visitors. 

This comedy tour tells tales of Asheville’s colorful history, captivating legends, and fascinating anecdotes. The interactive nature of the tour encourages active participation. As you explore neighborhoods and landmarks, you’ll discover unique shops, local landmarks, and lesser-known spots that showcase the city’s vibrant culture and charm. The tour offers a taste of Asheville’s eclectic and artistic side, leaving you with a smile and memories to cherish.

The Orange Peel

The Orange Peel, a legendary live music venue in Downtown Asheville, features industrial architecture, exposed brick walls, and high ceilings. Originally a skating rink, the venue’s history connects it to the city’s cultural landscape. It hosts a diverse lineup of world-class performances, catering to established and up-and-coming artists. 

Seeing a show at the Orange Peel is one of the most fun downtown Asheville things to do; its intimate size allows for a personal experience with performers, making it a sought-after destination for musicians and music enthusiasts. 

The venue also hosts events that foster community engagement and support local initiatives, such as fundraisers, benefit concerts, themed dance parties, and art shows. Attending a show at The Orange Peel is an unforgettable experience, with music taking center stage and creating moments of pure joy and connection.

The Double Decker Coffee Bus

The Double Decker Coffee Bus in downtown Asheville offers a cozy ambiance with a lower and upper deck for seating. The menu features delicious coffee concoctions, specialty drinks, and local favorites. The converted double-decker bus serves as a community hub, fostering connections among locals and visitors. 

The café also hosts special events, such as live music performances and art exhibitions, to engage the community further. The unique design and offerings make it an ideal spot for locals and visitors to enjoy exceptional coffee and local flavors and foster connections.

Parking

Parking in downtown Asheville can be challenging due to limited spaces and high demand, especially during peak times. Several options include on-street parking, parking garages, private parking lots, and public transportation. 

Metered parking spaces, garages, and lots may have different rates, but signs are always nearby with the listed rules and times for each parking location. And the best news is no matter where you park; you’ll find something new and interesting to experience close by!

Book Your Asheville Vacation Rental With Pete Key Properties

Asheville offers a blend of outdoor adventures, artistic charm, and culinary delights and is the perfect spot for a relaxing and fun getaway. Imagine waking up to stunning mountain views, exploring picturesque hiking trails and historical streets, and immersing yourself in the thriving arts scene. When you book your Asheville, NC vacation rental with Pete Key Properties, you can do just that!

Whether you’re seeking a cozy mountainside vacation rental, a chic condo, or a charming historic home, Pete Key has just the spot for your Asheville getaway. Find your downtown Asheville vacation rental today and start planning an unforgettable Ashville vacation!