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
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.
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 winery and enjoy fine dining. See many things to do with our detailed insider's guide!
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 streams and Koi ponds, and a Greenhouse Conservatory that is home to 1,500 orchids and tropicals. $169-$389, 4 rooms, 4 Jacuzzi suites,... 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
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 home to hundreds of world-class artists. Here are our favorite galleries to see their creations.
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 the back patio with mountain views. 5 rooms, $145-$205, WiFi, beverages... 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, $165-$349, 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 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 fireplaces, original golden oak and stained glass create a stunning environment. 5 rooms, $159-249, private baths, gourmet breakfast, free Wi-Fi,... read more
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, $239-$389There are... 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!
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, festivals and music. Walk the Urban Trail and tour historic sites. See our Top 25 things to do downtown.
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 Southern hospitality. 48 spacious suites, from $249, wireless Internet, complimentary valet and bell service, 43″ HDTVs, Keurig® coffee makers... 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 buildings, including old warehouses and factories along the river near downtown and Biltmore.
Top 70 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 favorite things to do.
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, and there are many events and sales throughout the year.
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Asheville Pride Weekend
Blue Ridge Pride Festival
Saturday, September 25, 2021
**CANCELED due to increased cases of Covid** 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. See our Weddings Asheville Locations & Services for more resources. Also see tips and places for Elopements in Asheville.
Check this out!
Many couples travel to Asheville and the mountains of North Carolina for an elopement or a small wedding celebration with a few friends or family members. It's the perfect place to elope. Since we... 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 getaway weekend trip or family vacation to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville and western North Carolina? Here are our reader's Top 20... read more
