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7 Ways to Get the Most out of Your Fall Visit to Asheville

Seriously, there’s great stuff to do here!

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1. The Biltmore Estate

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There’s a reason the Biltmore estate is one of Asheville’s best known attractions. The daytime pass includes access to main house and Antler Village (pictured above), gardens, farm, free guided wine tasting (click here for details about pricing, discounts and flex tickets). You’re ticket is good for an entire day, so you can take your time and see everything this beautiful estate has to offer!

Some call Biltmore a well-known Asheville attraction; we prefer classic!

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2. Hiking Trails

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I am not the “outdoors type” by any stretch of the imagination, but for those of you who are…Asheville is known for it’s beautiful hiking trails and while they are lovely all year round exploring them during the fall offers a breathtaking spectrum of colors. With a little prep you can customize most hikes for your preferred challenge level, length and landscape. You can even utilize tools to help you go on a more romantic trails for couples or target specific landscape features like waterfalls or mountain views!Asheville has over 3,000 miles of free public hiking so there’s more than enough room for you, your family, dog or significant other to roam freely!

3. Blue Ridge Parkway

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If you’re not super “out-doorsey”…For the slightly less adventurous who still crave Asheville’s famed fall foliage the Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 mile long scenic route through several states that you can follow for as long as you want in the comfort of your car before turning back around to do more fabulous adventures in town

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4. Hot Air Ballooning

Yes, you read that right! You can take a hot air balloon ride in the mountains!If you’re not a fan of hiking, but still want more interaction with nature (or just want to have an awesome time!) ballooning my be the answer for you! Take in the autumn colors, mountains, waterfalls and rivers like you never have before – from the air! It’s like Imax, but for real. And if you’re looking for something with a romantic flair, there are very few things in this world as beautiful as appreciating the type of scenery Asheville offers from the sky.Note: if you or your significant other gets motion sick easily, you will want to take Dramamine (probably the non-drowsy kind) about half an hour before you embark. Or you can look for these at your local drug store or super market. I’ve heard people swear by them and they don’t make you tired, like more motion sickness medicine.

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5. Downtown Asheville

If you crave the buzz of the city…Downtown Asheville has something for everyone! From fine dinning and bars to unique shops , spas or just wandering in the streets taking in the energy of the city and people downtown Asheville is a guaranteed fun time! The going’s on ( as well as their great deals and discounts) are always changing, but here is a great place to keep up with most of it! (for some awesome deals on events, food, tickets, and activities check out here, here or here)!

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6. Theatre

Phot courtesy of Diana Wortham Theatre’s Facebook

Does anybody want to see a play?Regardless of if you tend towards more formal theatre or the whimsical, heartfelt productions of community theatre Asheville can supply you with both! Diana Wortham Theatre caters to a more sophisticated feel with traveling productions and acts from well (and not quite so well) known groups and artists. While the community theatre offers a more laid back (and often less expensive) alternative with completely local talent. Either way, you’re in for a treat!

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7. Swing Dance

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Feel the beat and swing into the state dance!Yes, there are other dance clubs in Asheville, but why go to a club that could be anywhere else in the country where you could enjoy the state dance in one of its most enthusiastic cities? There are lessons and events for every level of skill and involvement. You can choose from places like here, here or even here to make sure you find somewhere you’re comfortable and can lose yourself dancing the night away (or at least till you go down to the pub on the corner for some beer)!

Stay Flexible!

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Asheville is full of unique experiences and, clearly, this post is all about getting out there and “Carpe Diem” and all that. No matter what that looks like for you, take time to enjoy the small moments. From my experience it’s the little things you totally didn’t expect that really make the trip and stick with you as memories you love sharing later.P.S. The Hunger Games were really shot in Asheville, so keep an eye out for not-so-small moments too, like maybe meeting Jennifer Lawrence!

Photo courtesy of blog.exploreasheville.com