Discover a very diverse community in gay Asheville! It's been a popular resort and relocation area for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities for many years. The large LGBTQIA community enjoys welcoming visitors, since most of them were once visitors before they fell in love with the area and relocated. Find many places to go and things to do. With a very vibrant arts community, creativity abounds! For an extra festive weekend, come to the Blue Ridge Pride Celebration each fall.
Gay Friendly Asheville Places to Stay & Things to Do
Scandals Nightclub
Since 1982, Asheville's largest high-energy dance club is renowned throughout as the epicenter for creativity, diversity and entertainment. Don't miss their midnight show, premiering the best drag anywhere. Dance the night away with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems.
Malaprops Bookstore & Coffee Shop
Enjoy java in this wonderful independent bookstore that has been a fixture downtown for 20+ years. Browse their diverse collection, enjoy goodies in their coffee and pastry shop, or use their free wi-fi. Stop by for a reading and autograph on many evenings. Or enjoy open mic nights for local poets. Open until 10 PM on Friday & Saturday. 55 Haywood St.
300 Things to Do
See our master list of places to see and things to do in the western North Carolina mountains, including Asheville and our many small towns.
Relax and unwind at this casually elegant bed and breakfast, only a 1/4-mile stroll from downtown. This AAA Four Diamond property features lush gardens, cascading streams and Koi ponds, and a Greenhouse Conservatory that is home to 1,500 orchids and tropicals. $169-$389, 4 rooms, 4 Jacuzzi suites, cottage,... read more
Listed on the National Registry for Historic Places, this Mansion was built in 1847 and is one of the few remaining pre-Civil War homes. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast in the Grand Dining Room or sip your morning coffee on the massive porches. 13 rooms, $205-$305, private baths, fireplace, Jacuzzi or claw foot tubs, LCD TVs. Cottages and the... read more
This one-story, ranch-style Inn offers luxury and elegance with just a touch of rustic charm. The oversized guest rooms all have newly-renovated bathrooms, sitting areas and fireplaces. Relax on back patio with mountain views. 5 rooms, $145-$205, WiFi, beverages and afternoon snacks, flat-screen TVs with cable and DVD... read more
The magnificent Queen Anne mansion provides guests with a glimpse back in time. Lavish interior woodwork, period antiques and Victorian décor are found throughout. Just a few blocks from Biltmore Estate. 12 rooms, $155-$295, 2 guest cottage suites, private baths, fireplaces, gourmet breakfast, 1.5 miles from downtown... read more
Tucked away on Elk Mountain, with views of Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll find a renovated Arts and Crafts style cottage or a new Asian-inspired suite. 6 miles north of downtown. 1 cottage & 1 suite, from $210, 2-night min, gourmet kitchen, refrigerator stocked with breakfast items, wireless internet,... read more
Only 30 minutes from Asheville, experience the renewing power of this magical mountain retreat and certified wildlife habitat. Enjoy clean and thoughtfully designed cabin-like retreat houses or inn rooms on 40 private acres. Bordered by a trickling creek and wild medicinal foliage. 2 rooms, 2 house rentals, $99-$125, spa packages... read more
Stay in a gracious, historic 1894 Victorian mansion just a half mile from downtown. It's stately yet casual. Evening wine tasting. Awake to a gourmet two-course breakfast. Beautiful garden setting on 1.5 acres in the Chestnut Hill Historic District. Find old world charm with today's luxuries. 11 rooms, $179-$325, two-person... read more
This beautiful Georgian mansion in the Montford Historic District has uniquely-furnished rooms decorated with antiques, Persian rugs and period appointments. Four blocks to downtown Asheville. 5 rooms, $160-$235, private baths, antiques, sumptuous breakfasts, cable TV, luxury linens & soaps, custom robes. ... read more
Find tranquility at this unique spa retreat near the Blue Ridge Parkway. All accommodations are cozy and classy, overlooking the forest treetops of Pisgah National Forest. Japanese-style hot tub and full spa on-site. Located 6 miles from downtown Asheville, North Carolina. 4 units, $239-$389With two bedrooms, two queen beds and two... read more
Just a short walk from downtown Asheville, be welcomed by a historic bed and breakfast in this 1900 Arts & Crafts-style home. Their king- and queen- bedded rooms are spacious and light with comfortable beds and luxury linens. 5 rooms plus a cottage, $175-$280. Full gourmet breakfast, evening... read more
The 1905 stone-and-shingle home features antiques and contemporary furnishings. Affordable luxury located just one mile from the Biltmore Estate. 1.5 miles from downtown Asheville. 6 rooms, $139-$259, cable TV, gardens, WiFi, 3-course mountain breakfast.Comfortable and bright bedrooms have plush bedding and amenities rarely... read more
LaZoom Tours
Take the most fun city tour ever in a bright purple bus full of laughter! Through captivating stories, comedy skits and an enthralling musical soundscape, experience Asheville's history, current culture and counterculture with their 90-minute interactive bus tours that depart from downtown. Haunted and beer tours, too!
New Morning Gallery
This 13,000-sq. ft. gallery represents 500 American artists with hand-crafted furniture, home accessories, pottery, glass, jewelry, garden sculpture and other imaginative gifts. Located in Biltmore Village at 7 Boston Way.
Just across the French Broad River from downtown, the hotel has a shuttle service so you don't have to hunt for parking. Take a dip in their heated indoor pool and read a book from their library. Awake to the "Be Our Guest" complimentary breakfast. 94 rooms, $109-$299, free parking, WiFi, pet-friendly, fitness center, guest... read more
Stay right in the heart of downtown Asheville at this historic, boutique hotel. Be pampered in elegantly-appointed, oversized suites. Enjoy champagne at check-in and immerse yourself in the hospitality. 33 rooms and suites, from $249, wireless Internet, valet parking, 43″ HDTVs, Keurig® coffee makers, nightly turndown... read more
This hip downtown hotel offers an inviting and refreshing experience with the urban, yet natural, setting of Asheville captured and reflected in the hotel design with local artwork, wall coverings depicting nature scenes and a multitude of striking architectural details. OneFiftyOne Bar & Kitchen features locally inspired cuisine, a... read more
Experience Biltmore Estate
Take in the grandeur of our country's largest home, the "Downton Abbey" of America. Explore the many rooms inside the house, walk through breathtaking landscapes and gardens, taste vintages at the winery and enjoy fine dining. See many things to do with our detailed insider's guide!
Meet Artists in River Arts District
Our top pick for art lovers is exploring the River Arts District to watch artists at work, ask them about the process and buy art as a souvenir of your visit! More than 200 artists work in 25 buildings, including old warehouses and factories along the river near downtown and Biltmore.
Asheville Pride Weekend
Blue Ridge Pride
Saturday, September 29, 2018
The biggest LGBTQ pride festival in western North Carolina is held in downtown Asheville at Pack Square Park, with more than 100 vendors, entertainment, as well as a kids area with lots of fun activities.
Same Sex Gay & Lesbian Weddings
Asheville is a popular destination for same-sex weddings. Any of the inns featured above can also help with arrangements for a very small gathering. And see our Weddings Locations & Services page for more resources. Also see details on how to get a local marriage license & officant.
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Downtown Asheville is a great place to be! Our lively city center has gorgeous architecture, fantastic stores, a huge variety of 100 restaurants, interesting museums, fun street performers and many... read more
For a great date night, take your sweetie to hear world-class music, see a Broadway musical, watch intimate professional theater and enjoy a big variety of performing arts. Find shows year-round in... read more
Art galleries in the Asheville area abound! Did you know that western North Carolina is one of the top areas in the country for art? Thousands of extraordinary artists live in our Blue Ridge... read more
Looking for ideas for activities and things to do for a romantic getaway or family vacation to Asheville and the mountains of North Carolina? Here's our bucket list of 25 favorites, according to our... read more
