In the western reaches of North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains cradle the city of Asheville. Asheville’s burgeoning art scene, lowkey atmosphere, and natural beauty have made the city a sanctuary for alternative, LGBTQ+, and outdoorsy folks.
But Asheville — known as “The Paris of the South” — is also the most romantic city in Appalachia. In Asheville, you can steal a kiss under a roaring waterfall, browse street art along the French Broad River, or dive into the food and drink scene.
Come along as we explore 17 fun and romantic things to do in Asheville for couples.
Table of Contents
1. Touch the sky at Mount Pisgah
Just 15 miles from Asheville, Mount Pisgah rises 5,721 feet into the sky. Mount Pisgah is among the most iconic peaks in Western North Carolina and offers commanding views of the region.
For the adventurous couples out there, climbing Mount Pisgah is a great couple’s activity in Asheville. The trailhead is easily accessible from the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway for a moderate 2.3-mile hike.
2. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
I’ll set the scene…the perfect playlist, the windows down (weather permitting), and you and your beloved driving down the winding Blue Ridge Parkway. A drive down this highway, which runs 469 miles through North Carolina and Virginia, is the perfect romantic thing for couples in Asheville.
The Blue Ridge Parkway skirts past Asheville, giving visitors and residents alike easy access to one of the most beautiful drives in the United States. This couple’s activity in Asheville can be easily linked with several others, such as waterfall-chasing and mountain climbing.
3. Take a historical tour
Romanticize your love life and hop on a Love Stories of Asheville tour, where you can learn about the many historic love stories of the city and maybe write your own. Or opt for the spookier option and explore a haunted Asheville.
No matter what you choose, a historical tour is a great romantic thing to do in Asheville.
Also read: 16 Must-Visit Historic Towns in North Carolina
4. Sip bubbly and browse books
There’s no stronger sign of love than a couple who can sit together at home each doing different things, like reading. But when in Asheville, why not sit together and read at Battery Park Book Exchange, which happens to also be a champagne bar?
Grab a good book, hand it to your partner, and vice versa, then sit down with a bottle of bubbly. Once you’ve sipped and read for a while, the conversation will flow as you discuss the literary masterpieces (or disasters) that you’ve selected.
5. Pick some apples
Fall more deeply in love at one of the beautiful apple orchards nearby Asheville. Although Asheville offers endless opportunities year-round, it is a thoroughly autumnal city.
When the air begins to cool and the trees begin to change, there’s no better time to grab a basket and start gathering juicy, crispy apples. Head to orchards like Grandad’s Apples N’ Such and Coston Farm and Apple House, where you can collect basketfuls of fresh apples at low prices all while enjoying stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains.
6. Get away to the mountains
Sometimes when you’re in Asheville, it’s better to leave. Not because the city is unpleasant, but because one of the most romantic things to do in Asheville is get away to the mountains.
Asheville is nestled among natural beauty and within close reach of places like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pisgah and Nahantala national forests, and many other locations that don’t need a designation to be beautiful.
Lounge at the lakeside at The Lodge on Lake Lure or get cozy at Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds to take your romance as close to the natural wonders of Western North Carolina as you can.
7. Find a secluded waterfall
The Blue Ridge Mountains are some of the oldest in the world, between whose green folds many secrets are hidden. Despite their humble, gentle appearance, these mountains are home to more than a few thunderous, secluded waterfalls.
Hike to romantic Bridal Veil Falls for a wispy cascade of water over a slanted cliffside. Catch your reflection in Lookout Glass Falls, which can be seen from the roadside, or the 70-foot cascade at Crabtree Falls. These waterfalls are the perfect romantic spots in Asheville.
8. Browse the breweries
When it comes to beer, there’s no place better than Asheville. Asheville has more breweries per capita than any other city in the United States.
If united by your love for one another and your love for beer, a brewery tour is one great romantic thing to do in Asheville for couples. Hop on a guided brewery tour while exploring the city’s downtown districts, or create your own.
Sample some sours at The Funkatorium, enjoy a riverside brew at Zillicoah Beers, and hop between the specialty taprooms of Hi-Wire Brewing.
9. Bib up for some barbecue
A quick question — what do Obama and I have in common? Not much, but we have both eaten at 12 Bones Smokehouse. In Asheville’s River Art District, 12 Bones Smokehouse boasts some of the best barbecue around.
Love isn’t always pretty, and sometimes things get messy. Like when you say goodbye to table manners and dive into ribs dripping with sauce or a dive into a one-of-a-kind pulled pork sandwich. Grab a table, put on a stain-stopping bib, and enjoy this Asheville staple.
10. Live lavish at the Biltmore Estate
Asheville is home to America’s most famous mansion — the Biltmore Estate. Product of the absurd wealth of the Vanderbilt family, the Biltmore Estate opened its doors in 1895 and to this day is still owned by the family.
However, the 179,000-square-foot mansion is open to the public and sits on a much larger estate. Take my word for it and don’t think twice about visiting the Biltmore, especially during the Christmas season. This lavish, beautiful property with panoramic views is one of the most romantic spots in Asheville.
11. Climb an abandoned tower
Not far from Mount Pisgah, Frying Pan Lookout Tower rises like a metal skeleton over the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 70-foot tall tower once housed fire watchers working for the United States Forest Services, but has since been decommissioned.
Now, you can reach the viewing platform by climbing five flights of stairs. Frying Pan Lookout Tower is the tallest thing around. If you’re with the one who makes you feel safe, this fun thing to do in Asheville for couples is a great way to face your fears.
12. Explore the River Arts District
Any art-loving couple will enjoy the fun Asheville couples’ activity. Explore the River Arts District, where collaborative studios, open galleries, and street art fill the warehouses and low-rise brick buildings.
The streets of the River Arts District weave between the French Broad River and the ever-present greenery of Asheville. Hundreds of artists call this neighborhood their creative home. If you get hungry or thirsty, the River Arts District has some of the best eateries and bars in town.
13. Catch some Appalachian tunes
Welcome to Appalachia, the land of bluegrass, fiddles, and twanging folk songs that have inspired musical styles for centuries. From heart-hollowing ballads to ditties that make you want to dance, listening to live Appalachian music is a wonderful Asheville couples’ activity.
Catch some live bluegrass or mountain music at Isis Restaurant & Music Hall on Tuesdays or Jack of the Wood from Wednesday to Saturday.
14. Visit a vineyard
The hills around Asheville are dotted with wineries and vineyards. Choose from wineries like the expansive wine cellars of the Biltmore Estate or the family-run Souther Williams Vineyard and head to the hills.
If you’d rather keep your wine tastings urban, another great couples’ activity in Asheville is grabbing a drink at plēb urban winery. At this hip winery in the River Arts District, grapes arrive from local farmers and are turned into wine on-site, like some ancient Roman magic.
15. Go leaf-peeping
When autumn comes around, the rolling forests around Asheville are a destination for leaf-peepers. The plethora of beautiful vistas, hikes, and scenic routes make catching the autumnal kaleidoscope a never-ending adventure.
Plan your trip around the turn of the season and fall deeper in love among the forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains before the leaves fall to the ground.
16. Stroll through botanical gardens
In addition to its natural beauty, Asheville has beautiful botanical gardens that house specimens from across the world. It doesn’t get more romantic than quiet gardens where you and your special someone can wander down endless paths between flower beds and rare plants.
The North Carolina Arboretum sprawls across 65 acres and connects with bike and hiking trails. The garden also features rotating nature art exhibits. Another Asheville romantic activity is to visit the Botanical Gardens at Asheville, which are famous for specializing in the flora of the Appalachian Mountains.
17. Have a romantic dinner
Many of the city’s renowned restaurants make for romantic spots in Asheville. Grab a table for two in “The Paris of the South” for a forgettable romantic dinner.
Enjoy a vegan twist on cuisine at Plant, a romantic dusken dinner at Sunset Terrace, or dine with ton/ta cherie at French-inspired Bouchon. Don’t forget to finish off with a sweet treat at French Broad Chocolate Lounge.
Conclusion
Much like the mountains in which it sits, Asheville is a city to be discovered. What better way to do that than in the company of the person you love? If Asheville has brought you and your partner closer together, let us know some of your favorite places and experiences.
