Asheville Summer Checklist
Join us as we tackle our summer checklist! Asheville has so much to offer and even as a local there is so many things we haven’t done! Whether you are visiting during the summer or are an Asheville resident this checklist will help you make the most of the season.
Checklist:
1. Visit Gorges State Park
2. Cocktails at Sunset Terrace
3. Outdoor show at Rabbit Rabbit
4. Visit Cats at Play Cafe
5. Float the French Broad River
6. Visit Zillicoah Beer
7. Dessert at Old Europe
8. Pick flowers at The Never Ending Flower Farm
9. Climb Fryingpan Mountain Tower
10. Blueberry Picking at Graveyard Fields in August
1. Visit Gorge’s State Park
Nestled in Transylvania County on the border of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia this State Park is the perfect destination for all the waterfall lovers. With over 26 waterfalls, Lake Jocassee, and 70 miles of trails there is no shortage of activities.
Activities:
Hiking (56 miles)
Biking (17 miles)
Horseback riding (12 miles)
Fishing
Picnicking
Summer Hours:
Monday - 7:00 am - 9:00pm
Tuesday - 7:00 am - 9:00pm
Wednesday - 7:00 am - 9:00pm
Thursday - 7:00 am - 9:00pm\
Friday - 7:00 am - 9:00pm
Saturday - 7:00 am - 9:00pm
Sunday - 7:00 am - 9:00pm
2. Cocktails on the Sunset Terrace
The historical Omni Grove Park Inn offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and it’s conveniently located just 10 minutes outside of the city. This resort is a destination in itself from the golf course to the spa but we have our sights set on the Sunset Terrace. This stone 3-tiered patio cascades down the side of the mountain giving you breathtaking views at eye level. Stop by for a cocktail and the sunset and finish the night at one of the restorst 3 resturants!
Hours:
Daily: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
*weather permitting
3. Attend an Outdoor Show at Rabbit Rabbit
Rabbit Rabbit is one of Downtown Asheville’s only outdoor music venues. Conveniently located in the hub of Asheville’s south slope, you can grab dinner, drinks, and head to a show. Check out their line up!
Upcoming Shows:
Sylvan Esso - June 14th & 15th
Pixies - June 17th
Noah Kahan - June 20th
Fleet Foxes - June 23rd
Manchester Orchestra & Jimmy Eat World - July 29
Dirty Heads - August 2nd
Shakey Graves & Trampled by Turtles - August 4th
Jason Isabel - June 11th
Death Grips - June 13th
Queens of the Stone Age - June 16th
4. Visit Cats at Play Cafe
Take a visit to Asheville’s first-ever cat cafe! Their cat lounge is the ideal sanctuary for all cat lovers. This boutique and rescue lounge is a stylish and cozy foster home where you can hang out with cute, cuddly, and most importantly, adoptable cats. Enjoy a cup of coffee with meeting your new best friends. The good news is if you get too attached adoptions are encouraged!
Business Hours:
Monday: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday & Wednesday: Closed
Thursday - Saturday: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
5. Float the French Broad River
Cool off this summer with a float down the French Broad River! This is the perfect lazy afternoon activity, especially during July and August. Grab a tube, a cooler, and your friends, and relax on the river. Trips can last anywhere from 2 to 5 hours. There are so many companies in Asheville that have tubes for rent and provide transportation back to your vehicle.
Companies:
6. Visit Zillicoah Beer Company
Hop on over to Woodfin to enjoy a craft beer from Zillicah Beer Company. This local gem sits on 4 acres of riverfront land just 2 miles outside Downtown Asheville. Enjoy one of the best views of the serene French Broad River with a beer in hand.
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Friday & Saturday: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
7. Dessert at Old Europe Pastries
Old Europe Pastries is an Asheville staple, serving delicious European-style pastries for 44 years. Recently, they upgraded to a new location. We’ve been dying to check it out and will take any excuse for one of their delectable desserts. This family-owned and operated bakery is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 7 am - 10 pm
Friday - Sunday: 7 am - 11 pm
8. Pick Flowers at The Never Ending Flower Farm
The Neverending Flower Farm is a locally owned and operated farm beautifully located in Barnardsville just 30 minutes north of Asheville. Their You-Pick Flower Farm is an idyllic summer activity. They provide buckets, shears, and water for your stems. No reservations are needed and pricing ranges from $25 - $75 per bucket.
Summer Blooms
June: Larkspur, bachelor buttons, snapdragons, ammi, nigella, yarrow, rudbeckia, chocolate lace flower, Late June - Cosmos, zinnias, sunflowers, marigold, amaranth
JULY - SEPTEMBER: Zinnias, cosmos, rudbeckia, sunflowers, ammi, snapdragons, strawflower, scabosia, dahlias, gompherna, marigolds, celosia, marigolds, amaranth
Hours
Sunday: 8 am - 8 pm
Tuesday: 8 am - 8 pm
Wednesday: 8 am - 8 pm
Thursday: 8 am - 8 pm
Friday: 8 am - 8 pm
Saturday: 8 am - 8 pm
9. Climb Fryingpan Mountain Tower
Experience a once and a life time view from the top of an abandoned fire tower. Used as an active lookout tower to spot fires up until the 1990’s this short 1.5-mile hike gives you a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains that is unbeatable. If you are scared of heights you may want to sit this one out but it’s so worth it! Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway this summer activity is perfect for all thrill seekers. Dogs are allowed yet might be best left at home due to the stairs and heights.
10. Blueberry Picking at Graveyard Feild
The month of August is the perfect time to harvest blueberries! Head over to Graveyard Fields right off the Blue Ridge Parkway to pick wild fresh blueberries. This highly visited natural attraction named after its corpse like trees offers a water, hiking trails, and wild flowers. The perfect activity to make a day out of it! Pack a picnic, a bottle of wine, and a basket to collect blueberries.
