Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina, but for some reason it is often underrated among destinations in the Southeastern USA. To be honest, I never really considered Asheville as a vacation spot myself and I only knew of the Biltmore Estate being in Asheville. However, there are so many other awesome unique things to do in Asheville NC and during my recent visit I got to experience some of them. Here are three of the most unique things to do in Asheville NC:
Unique Things to Do in Asheville NC
Meditate in Asheville’s Therapeutic Salt Cave
If you are looking for a little rest and relaxation, look no further than Asheville’s very own salt cave. It is the only all natural salt cave in the United States. Salt rock crystals cover the floor, walls and ceiling and you can experience the power of salt therapy for just $25 for a 45 minute session. The session starts out with a short guided meditation in the salt cave and then you are free to rest. There are pillows and blankets available as well in case you’d like to take a nap (this is what I did). It’s so relaxing though, that you might not want to wake back up after 45 minutes. Salt therapy has been known to help with asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, acne, allergies, snoring, and more.
The Salt Cave is wheelchair accessible.
Get tipsy while you read at the Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar
What’s better than books and booze? Answer: NOTHING! Located in the famous Grove Arcade, Asheville residents joke that this is the only place where you can trade in your old books for a wine credit. Haha! There are tons of awesome used books that you can buy or just browse them as you drink fine wine, sparkling wine, champagne, or there’s always coffee. I opted for the champagne and felt super smart and classy while drinking it since I was surrounded by books. Another thing that makes this place spectacular is that dogs are allowed. Your four legged friend will feel spoiled with the free water and many treats as well. This is hands-down the coolest book store ever!
The lower floor is wheelchair accessible, but the top floor is not. There is a bar, books, and tables on the lower floor though so no need to worry.
Play unlimited pinball at the Asheville Pinball Museum
As a kid I always loved playing pinball in arcades and the Asheville Pinball Museum allowed me to experience this childhood pastime again. For just $10 you can have unlimited play on a few dozen different machines. These pinball machines range from the 1940’s to the early 2000’s, so there is literally something for everyone. Every machine is for sale as well, but they can be quite costly. The Asheville Pinball Museum is located less than a 3 minute walk from the Battery Park Book Exchange so go ahead and play some pinball after you’ve enjoyed your champagne. Tipsy pinball could be a lot of fun!
The museum is wheelchair accessible.
Sounds fun, right? If you are ready to start planning your trip to see all of the unique things to do in Asheville NC (and I know you are!), check out TripAdvisor for the best hotel deals!
*Thank you to Visit Asheville for making this article on unique things to do in Asheville NC possible by partnering with Curb Free with Cory Lee! All opinions expressed are my own.
*A Note from Curb Free with Cory Lee: This post includes affiliate links. When you click on a link, I may receive a small compensation, which will help this blog grow into a better resource for disabled travelers.
Now that sounds like my kind of bookstore! I wish we had one like that nearby … or any bookstore left honestly. I’m also intrigued by the salt cave. We saw a Himalayan salt lamp at the spa and when my daughter asked what it was suppose to do I couldn’t answer so I’m glad to learn about its healing properties.
Tamara recently posted…A Mother-Daughter Getaway to the Beach Plum Spa
I am planning a road trip next year which will include Ashville so am always excited to read what is going on in the places on the itinerary.
Tim recently posted…Cattle Rustlers Haven
A salt cave? No way! That looks awesome!
That pinball museum looks awesome – some real classics there
Megsy recently posted…10 Foodie Photos To Inspire You To Visit Emilia Romagna, Italy
What an awesome city! I love quirky (I am from New Zealand after all and we are known for our quirkiness) and once I make it to that part of the States I will be sure to visit 🙂
Katie @ The World on my Necklace recently posted…So… I’m a Penguin Warden
Love this post, Cory! I live in Charleston, SC (only about a 3 hour drive from Asheville), so we head up there a lot. I haven’t done any of these three though. I guess it’s time to start planning the next trip!
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Pinball museum looks super fun.
Charles McCool recently posted…5 Minutes With Monica Stott
Interesting, so here we have three more reasons to visit Asheville! I might really give the city a try on my next trip to North Carolina..!
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We loved visiting the Grove Park Hotel. I was a big F. Scott Fitzgerald fan and read Zelda. I love historic hotels.
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