Located just an hour and a half from the Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge area, Asheville, NC offers visitors plenty of indoor and outdoor fun in the Smoky Mountains. With highlights like Biltmore Estate, historical monuments, great shopping, and more, there is plenty of fun for everyone. Pack up the car and plan a quick day trip to the fun of Asheville with these great entertainment ideas:
Biltmore Estate in Asheville
- Perhaps the area's most famous landmark, Biltmore Estate is the largest home in North America and offers plenty to do for everyone in the family. A tour of the interior of the home will yield incredible reactions as you explore the stately architecture & remarkable decor, and learn more about the Vanderbilt family that called Biltmore home. You'll get to see and hear about the 65 fireplaces, 250 rooms, indoor pool and bowling alley, and more inside Biltmore. If you're looking for a bit of peace and quiet, consider a stroll of the world-famous gardens, which features more than 2,300 roses and more than 1,000 azaleas! If excitement is more your style, head out back of the estate to a 8,000 acre recreational playground where you can take horseback riding excursions, float down the river, and more.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Asheville
- Experience life in the Smoky Mountains as the settlers did with an unforgettable ride aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This fascinating train journey will take you over the hills and through the valleys of the mountains of North Carolina. You'll hop aboard for a four to seven hour adventure that will take you along 53 miles of track, including two tunnels and 25 bridges. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers several different departure plans, including a Saturday night Gourmet Dinner Train - perfect for couples and families - and the suspense-full Mystery Theatre Dinner Train that runs select dates from late May through November.
Downtown Attractions & Shopping in Asheville
- It's easy to spend an entire day exploring downtown Asheville, including the historic Urban Trail walking excursion. History abounds with exciting home and museum tours, including the Thomas Wolfe Home, the Smith-McDowell House Museum, and more. Check out the marvelous tile dome ceiling at the St. Lawrence Basilica, then prepare for an afternoon of shopping and dining. This unique district includes favorites such as the Grove Arcade Public Market, the Mast General Store, and more. Other fantastic Asheville shopping districts include the Historic Biltmore Village, Interiors Marketplace, Village Galleries, Ten Thousand Village, WNC Farmers Market, and more.
Family Attractions in Asheville
- Mom, Dad, the kids, and everyone else in the family will have a blast at so many of the fantastic attractions in Asheville. Head to Asheville's Fun Depot for 36,000 square feet of thrills that includes go karts, laser tag, a climbing wall, mini golf, batting cages, and more! For the sports enthusiast in your family, consider hitting the winter slopes at the Cataloochee Ski Area about 35 miles from Asheville, or taking on the halfpipes of the Food Lion Skate Park in Asheville.
No matter what your interests are, you're guaranteed to find plenty of fun and adventure waiting in Asheville. Whether you plan on spending the day or spending the night, the short drive from Gatlinburg will be well worth the lifelong memories you'll make in Asheville, NC!
