There are few things we love more than walking around downtown Asheville on a warm, sunny day. But Mother Nature requires more than just sunshine to transform our mountains into bountiful green ecosystems each spring. Sometimes, a rainy day must be shuffled into the mix.
That’s okay! Our great city still offers many fun things to do, even when it’s better to be inside.
Here are ten fun things to do on a rainy day in downtown Asheville, NC.
1. Visit a Museum
Western North Carolina is home to many interesting museums, from the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee to the American Museum of the House Cat in Sylva. Luckily for us, you can find several great museums just in downtown Asheville. We even walk by a couple of them on our tour! Check out the Asheville Art Museum, Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS), Asheville Pinball Museum, Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, Center for Craft, and Moogseum. The Thomas Wolfe Memorial Home also hosts a museum space with interesting exhibits of local interest.
2. Grab a Coffee
A warm beverage always makes a dreary day more palatable. Toss in the ambiance of a gourmet coffee shop in a bustling downtown, and the day starts to look downright cozy. There are a handful of places to enjoy a custom coffee, hot tea, or even hot chocolate. Perhaps the most unexpected landmark in downtown Asheville is the double decker bus at the corner of Biltmore Avenue and Aston Street. Double D’s Coffee & Desserts doubles (get it?!) as a great stop for an espresso.
3. Sit in Silence
Completed in 1909, the Basilica of St. Lawrence is an architectural marvel! Among its many outstanding features, it has the largest freestanding elliptical dome in the country. It was designed by Rafael Guastavino and Richard Sharp Smith, who came to the area to work on the nearby Biltmore House. Gustavino, who died before the building was completed, was interred in the basilica. Take a few minutes to enjoy the reverential space, or grab a brochure for an enlightening self-guided tour. We recommend taking the guided tour, if possible. Tours are free, but donations are encouraged.
4. Take a Sip
Asheville is the undisputed beer city of the mountains. Highland Brewing Company began operations in the basement of Barley’s Taproom in 1994. Since then, it has exploded in size, along with the number of local breweries and taprooms downtown. We love One World’s speakeasy-like basement location. Asheville Brewing Company is another long-time favorite for craft beer and innovative pizzas. And downtown’s walkable South Slope district is home to no fewer than a dozen breweries, distilleries, cideries, and even a sake brewery.
5. Admire Local Art
If you’re in the market for quality, local fine art and crafts, downtown Asheville does not disappoint. No matter the medium, you’ll find what you’re looking for here (or in the River Arts District). Take the new arts trolley to one of the dozen galleries, arts centers, and more that dots downtown. Woolworth Walk is a great place to view booths managed by dozens of local artists, as is the Kress Emporium. And Lexington Glassworks is a great spot to see glass art from silica to finish during one of their regular glass blowing demos.
6. Be Awed by Architecture
Did you know that Asheville has one of the highest concentrations of Art Deco architecture in the Southeast? In fact, we’re second only to Miami Beach! On sunny days, we recommend traveling Asheville’s Architecture Trail. But even when you’re stuck inside, there are plenty of century-old buildings to enjoy along our skyline. Rainy days are a great time to explore the Grove Arcade, commissioned by E.W. Grove. It’s just as stunning from inside!
7. See a Show!
You won’t be able to hear the patter of rain on the rooftops over the raucous applause at one of Asheville’s live performance venues! Asheville Community Theatre is one of the longest continually running community theaters in the region. Live music colors the calendars at Diana Wortham Theatre, Harrah’s Cherokee Center, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, and the Orange Peel. And for a more cinematic experience, grab a ticket for one of the two screens at the Fine Arts Theatre.
8. Treat Yourself
Asheville’s cosmopolitan nature means there are ample opportunities to treat yourself while you’re here. Those who enjoy retail therapy can enjoy an all-day session at the many locally owned boutiques dotting downtown. Foodies have plenty to choose from, as well. And those with a sweet tooth are advised to take a tour of downtown’s many chocolate shops and patisseries. But for our money, we enjoy a spa day! Refresh your body and mind at Wake Foot Sanctuary in the Grove Arcade. It’s the perfect stop after a day walking around town.
9. Roll the Dice
Fun is the name of the game in Asheville. Well Played Board Game Cafe bills itself as the town’s gaming oasis. Try one of the 700+ board games they have on hand. Not sure how to play? A gamemaster will guide you. Located nearby, Level 256 is a classic arcade bar where you can play all day for only $10. Looking for a game with higher stakes? Breakout is the number one escape room in Asheville. Bring a group and enjoy one of nine creative game themes.
10. Read a Book!
Bibliophiles will have no trouble finding a cozy corner to read in town. Don’t have a book with you? That’s okay! Some of our favorite bookstores are downtown, including Malaprop’s Bookstore & Cafe, a downtown staple for more than 40 years. Downtown Books & News is their sister store, offering a wide selection of used titles. And don’t forget Battery Park Books & Champagne Bar. (You read that right.) It’s easy to get lost in their stacks—literally!
Plan a Sunny Day with the AVL Lit Tour!
On a sunny day, walking tours are a great way to learn more about the city of Asheville while taking in its sights and sounds. If you’re into books and all things literary, then AVL Lit Tours are for you. Learn about many Asheville-related authors, from the 19th century to the present.
Asheville Literary Tours are a great respite to enjoy the city’s sites and also grow your minds. Book your 90-minute AVL Lit Tour today!