Asheville is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Blue Ridge Mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop. The Biltmore Estate, a grand 19th-century mansion, is also a must-see, and you can tour the estate and its extensive gardens. The vibrant downtown has a thriving arts and music scene, with numerous galleries, craft breweries, and energetic street performers. Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. October is peak season for the parkway, with its colorful foliage and picturesque scenery, and is one of the best times of year to visit the Great Smoky Mountains. However, if you prefer a less crowded season, plan your visit in early to midsummer to see the blooms of azaleas, mountain laurel, and fiery rhododendrons. You can enjoy the beautiful views from the road and its many stops, or consider exploring the hiking trails that wind through the surrounding countryside and the Southern Appalachians for a closer look. The mountains surrounding Asheville are also home to some of North Carolina's most beautiful waterfalls. If you're visiting during the hot summer months, be sure to pack your swimsuit and water shoes for a dip in the cool water. Tour Biltmore Estate The Biltmore Estate is Asheville's most famous tourist attraction and a big draw for couples looking for a romantic getaway in North Carolina. The centerpiece of this 8,000-acre estate is the Vanderbilt Mansion, the largest private residence in the United States. The mansion alone sits on four acres and has 250 rooms—199 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms. In addition to admiring the art, antiques, and impressive architecture of the estate, leave time to wander through the gardens and grounds. Be sure to leave plenty of time to explore the estate. Tickets can be a bit pricey, but most people spend almost the entire day here. You can take a self-guided tour at your own pace with an audio guide. Expect your visit to last about 1.5 to 2 hours. Additional tours are available at an additional cost. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at the restaurant or head straight to the gardens. It is recommended that you spend at least 45 minutes in the gardens and greenhouses. Alternatively, you can purchase a ticket to the gardens and grounds, which includes a tour of the gardens and access to walking, hiking and biking trails. Visit the Western North Carolina (WNC) Nature Center Spanning 42 acres, the Western North Carolina Nature Center is dedicated to educating the public about the rich and diverse animal life and natural habitats of the region. Indoor exhibits include resident reptiles and amphibians, small mammals, and the "Underworld" exhibit, which explores the wonders of the underground world. The Nature Center is a fun-filled family destination focused on natural play. The outdoor play area offers a variety of fun and engaging nature activities for kids of all ages. For an additional fee, kids can try their luck at the gem and mining sluices to find that special rock. After exploring, take a break from exploring the many animal programs and get up close and personal with snakes, turtles, and even otters. The outdoor exhibits cover a variety of habitats and are home to native species such as otters, turtles, endangered farm animals, raccoons, and foxes. The Appalachian Predator Habitat is the largest habitat in the park and is home to bobcats, coyotes, gray wolves, and the critically endangered red wolf. The Nature Center also features hiking trails for all ages and offers special programs and events throughout the year. North Carolina Botanical Garden The North Carolina Botanical Garden covers more than 65 acres and features a wide variety of botanical gardens. Highlights include the National Collection of Native Azaleas, the G-Scale Rocky Bay Railroad model train, and the Bonsai Exhibit Garden, which features up to 50 unique and fragile bonsai plants. The Heritage Garden will be interesting for those who want to learn more about the traditional uses of plants, including medicinal and functional applications, while the Patchwork Garden pays homage to the Appalachian patchwork tradition. This 434-acre natural retreat offers outdoor activities and 10 miles of hiking trails. The center also offers guided trail walks, self-guided tours for mobile devices, and geocaching. The botanical garden also hosts traveling exhibits. Asheville History Museum The beautiful Smith-McDowell House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is home to the Asheville History Museum. This pre-Civil War home is the oldest surviving residence in Asheville and has been restored to feature antique furniture and decorative arts from the 19th century. The elegant brick building also served as the official residence of the local mayor and a Civil War major. Another Asheville attraction is the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site on North Market Street. The childhood home of the famous American author, this Victorian-style house was formerly the Old Kentucky Boarding House, which was once run by Wolfe's mother. The house appears in several of Wolfe's works, most notably the autobiographical "Look Homeward, Angel". Asheville Pinball Museum Located in downtown Asheville, the Asheville Pinball Museum allows you to not only see the 40 vintage pinball machines, but also play most of them. Tickets to this nostalgic museum include 40 classic video games, and free trials of various machines, making it a great way to reconnect with your youth. The Pinball Museum can get very crowded at times and has limited capacity. For the convenience of visitors, the museum offers a waitlist service so you can explore and shop in downtown Asheville before your turn. You can also shop and dine at the Grove Arcade across the street during your waitlist. Be sure to check the website for hours; they are closed in the mornings.