Top Rated Parks to Visit in Mount Mitchell

"The Western North Carolina Nature Center is one of the top 10 Asheville attractions, especially for animal fanatics. The facility covers 42 acres and is dedicated to an educational mission: to teach the public about the habitats, diversity, and variation of the everyday life of mammals in Asheville and beyond. The indoor exhibits of the nature center include small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and the very interesting World Underground exhibit that discusses what exists beneath the ground."

"The Nature Center is like a small zoo - a city park which mainly features exhibits of animals native to Western North Carolina and the southern Appalachian mountains. In addition to the paths leading to the various animal exhibits, the 0.6 mile Trillium Nature Trail loops along the Swannanoa River and the forested slope above. The Nature Center charges a fee for admission (which is lower for Asheville residents)."

"The 42-acre Western North Carolina Nature Center is home to various wildlife, indoor exhibits, and gardens. Popular exhibits include “Appalachian Station” and “Otter Falls,” not confused with this High Country waterfall hike. Back to the WNC Nature Center, though, where there’s plenty more to explore, and you can learn about it here."

"If you’re looking for things to do in downtown Asheville on a Friday night, you can’t go wrong with the awesome Pritchard Park Drum Circle. This group of drummers gathers every week without fail – except in the winter – in Pritchard Park. While there, together, they perform an impressive set of impromptu jams that fill the park and the areas near it with joyful music."

"Another park located in downtown Asheville, Pritchard Park is relatively small, but it’s central location means there is almost always something going on. This triangle-shaped, tree-lined park sits right between Haywood Street, College Street, and Patton Avenue. That’s pretty much the center of all things Asheville."

"Home of Asheville’s famous “Shindig on the Green” summer bluegrass concert series, Pack Square is a great park right in the heart of downtown Asheville. Even when the concerts are taking place (they start “along about sundown” on Saturday nights), there is still plenty of green space for kids to run around and play. One of my family’s favorite summer weekend activities is to walk around downtown, eat dinner, grab some ice cream, then set up our camp chairs and listen to some good bluegrass music at Pack Square."

"Pack Square Park is named for the person who donated the land that it was built upon. It’s got bronze pigs and turkeys, a ceramic-tiled stage setting, and hosts special events throughout the year to keep this place on your list of things to do in Asheville. Asheville’s first food festival, Chow Chow, held many of its events in Pack Square!"

"This interactive water feature delights children with its 21 jets of water that run in 12 combinations. You never know where it’s going to splash you next!"

"Out of all of the Asheville Parks, we love visiting French Broad River Park first thing in the morning. This park also has a dog park and walking trails that connect into Carrier Park. If you are looking for a park that follows the French Broad River and is in West Asheville past the River Arts District, don’t miss the French Broad River Park."

"A multi-use trail system is nearly complete at Richmond Hill Park, on hills overlooking a bend of the French Broad River northwest of town. This has been a great way to show that the city serious about its plans for multi-use trails on city land. The trail system consists of about 5 miles of signed trails on both old road beds and purpose-built paths."

"Asheville's original, premier craft cocktail lounge is equipped with an excellent rooftop bar. Open afternoon / nightly for small bites and bar snacks (or full meals from sister restaurant Strada), the rooftop is mostly famous for its drinks. Crafted and creative house cocktails, a rotating list of 8 drafts from breweries around the region and a nice selection of wines is all available at the Social Lounge Asheville."

"For another great rooftop patio option in Asheville, eat, drink, and be social at The Social Lounge. The casual shaded rooftop offers city views with a touch of greenery for the perfect blend of ambiance. Also, enjoy these outdoor dining options in Black Mountain."

"Unobstructed, west facing views of the Blue Ridge mountains means that the Montford is the perfect place to view the sunset year-round. The outside patio is the ideal spot to take in the views but get there early to secure a spot – this place gets packed (and for good reason). They offer a small plates and shareable larger meals."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. The cloud canopy over the patio looks pretty promising for a beautiful sunset tonight!. We’ll be here from 5:00pm -..."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Montford Rooftop Bar (@themontford) on Jan 20, 2020 at 11:12am PST"

"Looking for a private hot tub spa, but don’t have the time to flit over to Kyoto?. Shoji Spa is the only Japanese-style spa and lodge on the East Coast. They offer four distinct, rustic lodging options, as well as contrast therapies including sauna, double cold showers, private salt hydrotherapy tubs, and massage therapy."

"Here is one of Asheville’s most unique and beautiful escapes, Shoji Japanese inspired Spa & Lodge. All tranquil and everything exhilarating, Shoji radiates love and exuberates romance. For couples, Shoji has put together some incredible spa packageds for you!"

"Japanese spa is always one of the best you would gift your body and mind. North Carolina is also a place for some Japanese-inspired spas. Soji spa is well known for its service especially inspired by the traditional Japanese spa."

"Prepare to be pampered at Wake Foot Sanctuary located in the beautiful, historic Grove Arcade building in downtown Asheville. One of our favorite ways to enjoy Wake Foot Sanctuary is the Date Night package!. Whether it’s a first date or to celebrate an anniversary, this sensual way of connecting through simultaneous foot massages is not only luxurious for the two of you but is an ideal way to connect through the enjoyment of relaxation."

"The Wake Foot Sanctuary & Spa is situated in an Asheville, North Carolina location already discussed: the Grove Shopping Arcade. The fact that it’s one of the best ways to relax as you jump between attractions on your list of what to do in Asheville means it deserves its own number on this list. The Wake Foot Sanctuary & Spa focuses on providing its customers with luxurious and indulgent levels of pampering."

"Wake Foot Sanctuary in Downtown Asheville’s Grove Arcade encourages you to relax on plush chairs while you’re guided through an indulgent foot soak. For a special experience, invest in the Blissed Out spa package, which pairs your soak with a massage in an extended appointment. You won’t believe you’re only steps from the hustle and bustle of downtown!"

"Enjoy one of their skin care or massage therapy services, or opt for a spa package. The Harmony for Him package features a 60-minute deep tissue massage and “Tailored for Him” facial. If you have Cause for Celebration, celebrate with a hot stone massage, 5 Elements custom facial, spa manicure, and spa pedicure—with champagne and chocolate included!"

"Sensibilities Day Spa pushes an eco-conscious approach to self-care and promises that the products it uses are organic and top-of-the-line. One cool offering is its natural nail services that don’t use the overpowering cleaners and liquids found at discount nail salons. Sensibilities Day Spa, 59 Haywood St, Asheville, NC, USA, +1 828 253 3222"

"There are 2 locations for this spa: downtown Asheville, at 59 Haywood St. or in South Asheville, at 43 Town Square Boulevard. The staff uses organic, eco-friendly products. There are many different types of massage, such as deep tissue with heat, stone, couples, and more."