Best Hobbies to Try in Asheville

Asheville is one of the great pottery cities in the US. The River Arts District is packed with working studios — watching potters throw and buying from them is part of Asheville culture.

Asheville is surrounded by some of the best hiking in the Eastern US — Chimney Rock, Black Balsam Knob, Looking Glass Rock, and the Blue Ridge Parkway are all nearby.

Asheville has more breweries per capita than almost any US city. The homebrew culture matches it — local shops and clubs abound.

Asheville has a legendary fiber arts tradition rooted in Appalachian craft. John C. Campbell Folk School (a day trip) and local studios keep the tradition alive.

The Southern Appalachians are a biodiversity hotspot — one of the best wild food regions in North America. Mushrooms, ramps, berries, and wild herbs are all abundant.

The French Broad River runs through Asheville and is perfect for tubing and flatwater kayaking. A quintessential Asheville summer activity.

Mountain vistas, fall color, the River Arts District, Biltmore Estate, and Blue Ridge Parkway sunsets make Asheville one of the most photogenic cities in the South.

Asheville's craft tradition extends to woodworking. The Asheville Area Arts Council and local makerspaces support wood craft.

Asheville has a thriving old-time music scene — banjo and fiddle are local traditions. Jam sessions and classes are plentiful.

The Blue Ridge and Pisgah National Forest offer world-class outdoor climbing. Vertical Adventures in Asheville offers indoor facilities and guided outdoor excursions.