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 LGBTQ 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.
Also see Blue Ridge Pride's community-driven, searchable database for LGBTQ safe businesses, churches, events, groups, programs, and more. Go to Blue Ridge Pride's virtual LGBTQ Community Welcome Center.
Gay Friendly Asheville Places to Stay & Things to Do
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… read more
Cedar Crest Inn, Asheville
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… read more
1889 Whitegate Inn & Cottage, Asheville
Experience this 4-diamond Asheville bed and breakfast nestled between stunning mountain views and historic downtown. Perfect for a romantic getaway, this property features lush gardens, cascading… read more
Haywood Park Hotel, Asheville
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 Southern… read more
Explore Downtown Asheville
During the day, downtown Asheville bustles with shoppers browsing more than 200 galleries, antique shops and local boutiques. Each evening, enjoy street entertainers, restaurants, breweries,… read more
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… read more
The Reynolds Mansion, Asheville
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… read more
The Lion and the Rose Bed & Breakfast, Asheville
This beautiful 1898 pink lady in the Montford historic district near downtown Asheville is uniquely decorated with antiques, period-style furnishings and Persian rugs. The high ceilings, four… read more
Experience Biltmore
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… read more
Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours
See the city’s scenic beauty and historic landmarks atop some of Asheville’s highly acclaimed rooftop bars! This fun guided tour in the heart of the city offers fascinating stories and photos from… read more
Bittersweet Cottage & Suite, Asheville
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… read more
Beaufort House Inn, Asheville
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… read more
Shoji Spa & Lodge, Asheville
Discover tranquility at this spa retreat near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Shoji is an unpretentious and unique destination spa nestled on a mountainside 8 minutes from downtown Asheville. 4 units, $… read more
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.
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… read more
Compassionate Expressions Inn & Healing Sanctuary, Leicester
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… read more
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… read more
Top Art Galleries
Visit a gallery to be amazed at a big variety of local art and craft, including glass, paintings, pottery and every other medium you can imagine. Asheville and the North Carolina mountains are… read more
Top 75+ Outdoors - Asheville & NC Mountains
Explore our mountains with hikes, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and many thousands of acres of national forest and park land. Get outside in the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains with our 70… read more
Asheville Outlets
Shop 75 national and local outlets in this beautiful, new outdoor shopping village. It's located on I-26, just six miles from Biltmore and seven miles from downtown Asheville. It's pet-friendly,… read more
Asheville Pride Weekend
Blue Ridge Pride Festival
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… read more
