Asheville, North Carolina, is one of the most beloved getaway destinations in the Eastern United States, and for good reason. The city is gorgeous in every season, always offering something to see or do. The locals are friendly, the food is delectable, and the history is fascinating. No matter when you choose to book one of our Asheville vacation rentals, you’re in for a great time! However, if you find yourself planning a trip to Asheville in the colder months, you’ve got an advantage. There are so many incredible things to do in Asheville in winter that it’s impossible to get bored!
No matter what you’re interested in, from nature to shopping to nightlife and more, Asheville can provide. Here are a few of the top Asheville winter activities that you won’t want to miss out on!
Experience the Blue Ridge Parkway
Driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway is a popular pastime in the fall, thanks to the breathtaking foliage and colors that the area experiences. But there’s still plenty of reason to go in the winter! You may be able to drive the entire Parkway for crips mountain views, but if it’s particularly cold, some sections of the road may be closed. Don’t fret! You can enjoy all kinds of fun winter activities beyond the Parkway itself. (Note: It’s wise to check the road conditions and closures in advance before you leave your rental for the day.)
Hiking trails allow you to experience the beauty of Asheville firsthand, minus the crowds that summertime can bring. Gorgeous wildlife abounds here in the winter, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for tracks! You can also participate in winter pastimes like sledding, skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and more. Bundle up in your coziest winter gear and head out for a fun-filled afternoon in the snow!
Winter Waterfalls
Have you ever seen a winter waterfall? Although water doesn’t always flow if temperatures get far below freezing in the winter, visitors to the area can still witness one-of-a-kind ice formations where waterfalls usually reside! In some cases, a waterfall will freeze right in its tracks, providing a sense of timelessness that’s sure to make you pause and enjoy the view.
Looking Glass Falls is just outside of Asheville and is relatively easy to access, making it one of the most popular winter waterfalls around here. DuPont State Forest has quite a few winter waterfalls, as does High Shoals Falls. Head into the National Forest near Blue Ridge Parkway to see Linville Falls, which some have called the state’s most photographed waterfall. Other notable falls include Catawba Falls, Moore Cove Falls, Daniel Ridge Falls, and Log Hollow Falls.
Relax with a Spa Day
Your vacation should be a time when you can relax and unwind, making it the perfect time to plan a spa day! Go solo, bring your partner, or go with your friends. There are several top-quality spas in the area, all minutes away from our Asheville rentals. For instance, The Spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn is consistently named among the best resort spas in the world! This destination offers massages, restorative mineral pools, and more, all in the midst of stunning rock formations and picturesque mountain views.
In the middle of downtown, you’ll find the Asheville Salt Cave and Spa, where you can harness the power of salt therapy. The Spa at Greystone Inn has one of the most extensive menus in the area, offering facials, manicures and pedicures, herbal body wraps, massages, and more. Get a facial treatment or cupping therapy at Adelaide Spa & Salon, or experience a custom foot soak at Wake Foot Sanctuary.
Visit the Iconic Biltmore Estate
No trip to Asheville is quite complete without a visit to the Biltmore Estate, especially in the wintertime! If you visit around the holidays, you’ll have the chance to see millions of lights all over the property, which is fully decorated inside and out for Christmas. But even after the holidays, there’s still plenty to do here. You can even get special discounts if you visit on a weekday in January or February!
The Biltmore has recently started offering Winter Wellness Experiences to guests, which have quickly become some of the most popular Asheville, NC, winter activities. Experience gatherings like Winter Bird Watch Sessions, Morning Meditation, Guided Mindfulness Nature Hikes, or Nature Games! While you’re on the property, be sure to enjoy a bite to eat at the Stable Café, see the unique plant life at the Conservatory, and sample a glass of wine at Antler Hill Village.
Plan Your Visit
Asheville is the perfect place to have a mountain vacation in every season! Contact the team at Pete Key to start planning your dream getaway. We look forward to hosting you!
Warm Up With a Fresh Brew
Many of the best things to do in Asheville in the winter have to do with being outside, but it gets cold quickly out there! Why not stay inside to warm up and enjoy a one-of-a-kind craft beer? Asheville stands out for its incredible craft breweries, so be sure to visit a couple while you’re in town. Hit up popular joints like the Asheville Brewing Company and Green Man Brewery to see how the craft beer scene got started around here.
Hi-Wire Brewing has an extensive range of options to offer something for every palate, even if you don’t consider yourself a beer drinker. Pisgah Brewing Company stands out thanks to its certified organic status, while Thirsty Monk Brewery and Pub will transport you to Belgium as soon as you step through the threshold.
Live Entertainment at The Harrah’s Cherokee Center
Harrah’s Cherokee Center is a vital location in downtown Asheville, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy live entertainment all year long. The offerings vary throughout the year, but this destination has hosted comedy acts, sports tournaments, musical performances, and so much more. Whether you’re traveling with your friends or bringing the kids along for the trip, there’s bound to be something happening that will catch your attention.
2023 will prove to be a big year for the Cherokee Center. The Asheville Wine and Chocolate Festival will be held here in March, and there will be an Epic Dance Showcase in April! Other acts coming to the Cherokee Center in early 2023 include Brett Young, John Crist, the Asheville Symphony, the Harlem Globetrotters, Kevin James, and others.
Where to Stay
This list is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of winter activities in Asheville. But before you can start planning your itinerary, you’ll need to figure out where to stay! Pete Key is proud to offer welcoming properties throughout Asheville, as well as impressive rentals in Brevard NC.
Our vacation rentals are centrally located near the best activities in town while still offering enough privacy and seclusion for you to truly relax. Enjoy having access to amenities like high-speed internet, in-unit washers and dryers, fully stocked kitchens, and breathtaking views of the mountains just outside the city. On top of all that, you’ll have our knowledgeable team by your side to ensure your stay is everything you want it to be and more. Contact us today to get started booking your winter Asheville vacation!
