Priceless Romance: Ten Free Asheville Outings

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to enjoy a romantic outing in the popular mountain resort city of Asheville, North Carolina. In fact, many activities won’t cost you a dime! Here are our Top Ten Free Romantic Outings for Asheville:

1. Get the Latest Deals: While a bunch of brochures may not seem romantic, your first stop in Asheville should be the spiffy new Visitor Center on the edge of downtown on Montford Avenue near I-240, exit 4C. You will get lots of ideas for free outings and events. Their very knowledgeable staff will give you tips, timely deals, and plenty of maps and brochures. The planning together for an outing can be very romantic! Save money before you arrive by visiting www.CoolAshevilleSavings.com for information about free things to do, gas saving tips, coupons and other ways to save in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
2. Explore Downtown: During the day, downtown Asheville bustles with shoppers browsing more than 200 spots, including dozens of galleries, antique shops, an old-fashioned general store, local boutiques and a variety of funky shops. The Grove Arcade has been restored to its grandeur when it opened in 1929 as one of the first “malls” in America. Each evening, enjoy street entertainers and great people watching. Tour the fascinating Thomas Wolfe Home for only a buck!
3. Discover Lots of Art: Asheville is one of the top arts destinations in the country. Galleries abound downtown and in Biltmore Village, and visits to these are as fascinating as a world-class art museum. You can also visit many artist studios tucked away in the River Arts District, mountain valleys and nearby small communities. To learn more about Southern Appalachian artists, don’t miss the Folk Art Center with three fine art galleries and daily craft demonstrations. It’s located on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 382) near the U.S. 70 intersection. There is no admission fee to any of these, but bring your credit card if temptation overcomes you. See our Gallery Guide.
4. Cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway: Often named one of the top ten drives in the country, the Blue Ridge Parkway provides a leisurely drive to see nature’s beauty along the crest of the mountains. You’ll find breathtaking scenery from numerous overlooks and walking trails, plus great spots for picnics. Drive north to Craggy Gardens and Mt. Mitchell or south through a dozen tunnels to Mt. Pisgah. There is no entrance fee to the Parkway or any of the above stops.
5. Find Waterfalls: There are many waterfalls in nearby state and federal parks (with no admission fee) to discover. About 40 miles outside of Asheville is Dupont State Forest, where you can take a short hike and see three waterfalls including Triple Falls, where you can picnic on a large flat rock area between the second and third waterfall. Other area “free” waterfalls include Looking Glass Falls and Linville Falls.
6. Take a Hike: To appreciate the natural splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains, get out of the car and explore by foot. There are trails for all fitness levels, from short walks in the woods to strenuous hikes up to mountain peaks. The Hiking Guide includes the highest point east of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell, and the best hikes in the Smokies. New for 2009: Bike the Point Lookout Trail.
7. See the Smokies: For a serene evening watching elk graze a short distance away from your car, drive to the Cataloochee Valley section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are two additional entrances to the park within 50 miles of Asheville (the quieter side of the most visited national park) at the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Cherokee.
8. Attend a Festival: Free outdoor festivals abound. Gather downtown on Saturday nights during July and August for Shindig on the Green, a genuine glimpse into the music traditions of Appalachia. The Drumming Circle happens every Friday evening downtown. The biggest street festival in the South is Bele Chere, held each July. Plan your trip around one of the many art walks and tours, including Center City Art Walks, the Village Art and Craft Fair, Weaverville Art Safari and River District Artist Stroll. See our Art Festival Guide and Annual Events Guide.
9. Explore Architecture: If you love art and history, don't miss Asheville's Urban Trail, a 1.7-mile walking tour through the streets of downtown. Asheville's history and past are told through 30 stops, each with public sculptures which function as landmarks along the trail. Free Urban Trail maps are available at Pack Place near the tall monument downtown and the Visitor Center.
10. Stroll Through a Garden: The Asheville area contains some of the most diverse plant life on the planet. The Botanical Gardens of Asheville, part of the University of North Carolina at Asheville near downtown, is a hidden jewel with a ten acre nature preserve dedicated to preserving and displaying the rich, native flora of the Southern Appalachians.
11. BONUS: Several museums have free days! NC Arboretum (every Tuesday), Asheville Art Museum (first Wednesday of each month 3-5 PM), and Health Adventure (first Wednesday of each month 3-5 PM). The Asheville Paranormal Museum with its collection of oddities and signs of mystery is free everyday (in the back room of Classie Moon Thrift Boutique downtown at 39 Battery Park Avenue).

Asheville continues to receive awards and accolades as one of the best places to visit in the United States, In fact, Frommer’s named Asheville as on of the top ten most unique and enticing destinations in the world!

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