#53 of 109 Asheville Things To Do

Asheville Visitor Center

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Asheville Visitor Center: The Perfect Introduction to Asheville
Written by: Vicky Reddish
Staff Score:
4.5 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Begin your Asheville adventures at the city's visitor center, which offers a treasure trove of information for tourists and locals alike. Whether you desire directions, reservations, brochures, or souvenirs, you'll find a wonderful introduction to your new favorite city at this spacious facility.

- The SmokyMountains.com Local Expert Team

The ultimate Asheville experience begins at the Asheville Visitor Center, where you can learn what makes this beautiful city tick. Here, you’ll find information on every aspect of your Asheville visit, including directions, transportation, accommodations, dining, and more. Sidle up to the front desk to ask your most pressing questions, or simply glance through the brochures at your leisure. As you browse the visitor center, you can take advantage of clean restrooms, free WiFi, and a variety of other amenities designed to keep you comfortable during the first few moments of your Asheville visit.

As soon as you enter the Asheville Visitor Center, you will be impressed by the sheer amount of space available in this expansive facility. The organized layout is also appealing, especially if you’re determined to make your visit as efficient as possible. The center is divided into several sections that make it easy to navigate based on your areas of interest or concern.

Even more impressive than the layout of the center is the sheer knowledge on display at the welcome desk. The visitor center’s staff members definitely know what they’re talking about, as you’ll quickly discover when they launch into detailed explanations of the area’s offerings. No matter how random or obscure you think your Asheville questions may be, they’re definitely worth asking; you’ll be surprised by the extent to which the visitor center’s helpful employees can come up with solutions to your concerns. They’re also happy to suggest a variety of lesser-known activities to amp up your itinerary.

The Asheville Visitor Center is more than a welcome desk and a collection of brochures. The center is also home to a charming gift shop, where you’ll find a variety of items in keeping with the city’s friendly atmosphere. This is your opportunity to get souvenir shopping out of the way. We’re not talking run-of-the-mill souvenirs either; the items here are truly one-of-a-kind — most are produced by local artisans. The prices are reasonable, especially given the exceptional quality of these artistic works. If you’d like to continue exploring the arts and crafts of Asheville, don’t hesitate to ask the visitor center’s staff members for suggestions.

There is plenty to love about the Asheville Visitor Center, which proves that an information center can set any excursion off on the right foot. Take a moment to learn from Asheville’s most knowledgeable residents; a little insight could completely transform how you explore the city.

Insider Tips:
– If there’s one downside to the Asheville Visitor Center, it’s that parking can prove frustrating on busy days. Do yourself a favor and head right for the back of the building, where several spaces are often available. Keep in mind that, depending on when you visit, a significant walk may be required between your vehicle’s location and the visitor center. On the upside, however, you’re welcome to ask the visitor center’s employees for tips on parking in other busy Asheville areas, where spaces are even more difficult to come by.
– The Asheville Visitor Center is the starting point for the city’s beloved trolley tours. Whether you’re new to the city or have spent extensive time exploring its offerings, this tour is worth taking — you’ll enjoy a beautiful ride while discovering hidden secrets that manage to surprise even long-term locals.