With its mild climate, sunny skies, and miles of hiking trails and city streets to explore, Asheville is the picture-perfect place to be in the springtime. The trees and the flowers are in bloom, the air is mildly warm and comfortable, and local adventures abound. Let’s explore some of our favorite springtime things to do!
1. Go waterfall hunting
Asheville is situated near a number of beautiful state and national parks, and many hiking trails offer spectacular views of beautiful waterfalls, such as Linville Falls, Daniel Ridge Falls, the Hunger Games Waterfalls at DuPont State Forest (so named because scenes from the movies were filmed there, and actually named Triple Falls), and so many more. Scout them on your own or use a helpful resource like this handy guide to hiking to waterfalls near Asheville.
2. Check out American art
If you’re into art museums, the Asheville Art Museum is a must. This newly renovated local gem focuses primarily on American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. It’s also right next to the French Broad Chocolate Lounge, which is another treat in and of itself; it’s just one of the more high-calorie varieties.
3. Take a LaZoom bus tour
Ever see a bright purple bus full of happy, laughing adults careering around Asheville’s city streets? The LaZoom bus tour is not to be missed, and includes multiple different types of tours including comedy, kids, ghosts and beer! This PG-13 comedy tour is just what the doctor ordered if you’re needing to get your funny bone tickled (and honestly, who doesn’t need that?) The tours are all taking special precautions for Covid safety and the bus’ windows are all completely open for maximum air circulation.
4. Take a hike
No, really. The Pisgah National Forest, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the various other state and national parks around Asheville are teeming with trails to explore and excitement to be had. In springtime, all of the wildflowers and rhododendrons are coming into bloom, and catching them at different stages of blooming is a breathtaking experience. Hiking around Asheville is absolutely world-class.
5. Hang out in one of the local parks
Does a local park sound boring to you? Not if you’re in Asheville. The local parks here boast an amazing array of architecture, sculptures, art, trees and gardens for your enjoyment, simply by hanging out in the city and taking a tour through some of the local parks.
6. Pack a picnic and head for the Botanical Gardens
Asheville’s Botanical Gardens are located on the UNC-Asheville campus, and visitors can enjoy 10 acres of nature trails, bridges, streams, and perfect picnic spots. The Botanical Gardens are overflowing with life in spring following the chilly, drowsy winter and it’s a gorgeous place to find yourself a picnicking spot, or just enjoy on its own. A refuge for endangered wildflowers, the Botanical Gardens are a beautiful — and free! — way to enjoy Asheville.
7. Bird-watching at The Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary and Perimeter Trail
Bird-watchers will find a huge variety of beautiful birds to watch at the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary, and the Perimeter Trail gives you a lovely two mile footpath to watch birds from. The area is privately owned but free and open to the public (there is a donation box if you wish to contribute). From the half mile boardwalk at the Sanctuary you can spot bluebirds, warblers, swallows, wrens, ducks, herons, vultures, kites, hawks, osprey, sparrows and woodpeckers. A bird watcher’s paradise!
These are just our top seven — we could go on and on! Asheville is an extraordinary place and we’re grateful to get to share it with you. If you’re considering moving to Asheville, you’ll want to stop by or schedule a tour with White Oak Grove Apartments, Asheville’s premier apartment community. With a variety of floorplans and bedroom spaces available within our units, not to mention granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, flexible lease terms, and an assortment of other features and community amenities, you’ll be right at home. Contact us today!