Five ways to enjoy summer in Asheville, NC

This summer, the natural scenery of Asheville NC is waiting to be explored.

The region’s creative soul has emerged with reopened studios in the River Arts District (RAD) and verdant hiking trails and cool waterfalls to discover.

A renaissance is unfolding in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

With the completion of Asheville Regional Airport’s expansion this June, escaping to the region’s culture and nature has never been easier.

Five ways to find your peak in Asheville this summer:

Arts Renaissance: | The Appalachian region’s rich craft heritage is experiencing a revival. Visitors can witness this creative resurgence up close with AVL Free Walking Tours‘ new “Flood to Flourish” tour, which highlights revitalized spaces and the artists shaping the RAD’s future. Notable stops include ceramicist Akira Satake‘s new showroom, shared with Rite of Passage, a slow-fashion boutique honoring local textile traditions. Artists displaced by the hurricane will showcase their work every week, during RAD Market Saturdays.

Downtown, Center for Craft is exhibiting works by 40 craft artists impacted by Hurricane Helene. Just a few blocks away, two artist studios — Print House (modern printmaking) and Ignite Jewelry Studios (jewelry and metalsmithing) — have reopened in new locations, inviting visitors to create their own works of art.

The Big Crafty July (12-13) and the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands (July 17-20) gather hundreds of artists and craftspeople in one space, offering visitors the chance to bring home a handmade gift. Fashion and design enthusiasts will enjoy The Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up Tour, a first-of-its-kind traveling luxury retail event at Asheville’s Tanger Outlets (June 13 – Aug. 10).

Appalachia’s most bountiful season | Summer in Asheville bursts with flavor —from farmers’ markets to restaurant menus crafted from wild-foraged ingredients. Chefs pay homage to the land with daily specials at upscale spots, like Luminosa, The Admiral and Neng Jr.’s – a 2025 James Beard finalist. New restaurants and bars include Rowan Coffee, a cafe inside a repurposed Greyhound station, with soaring factory windows and dark wood interiors.

DayTrip, a newly reopened LGBTQ-owned bar and lounge, charms with its kitschy, granny-core vibe. Food-lovers looking for a quick, delicious and affordable bite can pop into new fast-casual gems: ButterPunk, a new RAD spot helmed by Beth Kellerhals, known to her customers as the “Queen of Biscuits,” and Pho Real, a café north of downtown serving Vietnamese classics, like pho, banh mi and noodle bowls.

For a true taste of Asheville, pay a visit to Spicewalla‘s shop at the Grove Arcade for the new “Made With Love in Asheville Collection,” featuring 10 custom blends co-created with local chefs, with proceeds supporting storm recovery efforts.

Asheville family adventures | For families seeking connection, Asheville offers immersive outdoor adventures. Moonlit forest bathing and secluded creekside cabins set the scene for an enchanted storybook adventure, while art and craft workshops let kids (and grown-ups) create their own masterpieces.

Animal lovers can meet native wildlife at the reopened WNC Nature Center or farm animals at Hickory Nut Gap Farm and Biltmore Estate‘s Farm to Table Tour & Taste experience. Families can cool off at one of the area’s hidden natural pools, waterfalls – and even a thrilling ride down Sliding Rock, a natural waterslide in Pisgah National Forest.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, an iconic setting for picnics and hikes with panoramic mountain views, is officially open for the season – visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and confirm hours and parkway access here.

Summer also marks the return of beloved traditions, like cheering on the Asheville Tourists at McCormick Field and spreading out a picnic blanket at the Fourth of July fireworks display at the Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa.

Unwind and recharge | For the soul-tired and nature-starved, Asheville offers a gentle reminder to exhale. Here, the art of JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) is just as celebrated as the region’s vibrant festivals and bustling markets. For those seeking a lavish treatment with all the trappings, The Spa at Grand Bohemian just reopened with luxurious facials, healing rituals and custom massages.

Just a short drive from downtown, Shoji Spa transports guests to a serene forest retreat, where Japanese-inspired treatments and private outdoor soaking tubs encourage deep rest and reconnection. AyurPrana Listening Room invites guests to drop into stillness through sound, led by global kirtan musicians and meditation guides.

For mindful shoppers, YEWO Collective —a new downtown boutique — features ethically made jewelry from Malawi.

Festivals and performances | Music lovers can dust off their cowboy boots because Asheville’s summer calendar is packed with outdoor music and events. Annual favorites include Shindig on the Green (July 5 – Aug. 23) and Downtown After Five (June 20 and Aug. 15).

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Association celebrates Juneteenth with a week full of activities and events for the whole family, including performances, film screenings and walking tours (June 12-19).

Concert-goers can delve deeper into the local scene at venues like The Grey Eagle in the RAD, Eda’s Hide Away in Weaverville, and White Horse Black Mountain in Black Mountain. For the night owls, Fitz & the Wolfe is a new, three-story cocktail bar and music venue downtown, offering a distinct atmosphere on each floor. Regular theme nights include jazz sets and honky tonk.

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