Asheville, N.C.: where standing out means fitting right in

This story is brought to you by our partners at Explore Asheville.

Photo Courtesy of Erin McGrady

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, N.C. is open and ready to welcome OutTravelers to a community where individuality flourishes and diversity feels like home. As Asheville continues to move forward, your visit helps support local businesses and the vibrant spirit that makes this city stand out. Here, you’re free to embrace your truest self, while fitting right in a city that thrives on creativity, connection, and resilience.

As you plan your adventure, explore this curated guide highlighting Asheville's colorful experiences and dynamic culture!

Photo Courtesy of Savannah Bockus

Where to Stay

Asheville’s accommodations reflect the city’s creative and inclusive spirit. Stay at The Radical, an artistic boutique hotel ranked No. 2 on USA Today’s 10 Best New Hotels in the country, or enjoy the elegance of Blind Tiger, an eclectic inn recently honored with a Michelin Key. For a touch of Southern hospitality, consider Zelda Dearest, downtown Asheville’s newest boutique hotel, designed as a thoughtful ode to the classic architecture of the city. Seeking modern sophistication? Hotel Arras blends Asheville’s historic charm with laid-back luxury.

Photo Courtesy of Robert Stephens

Outdoor Adventures

Immerse yourself in Asheville’s natural beauty with a hiking trip through the queer-owned Blue Ridge Hiking Company. This premier service offers excursions for LGBTQ+ hikers, from half-day treks to overnight adventures, all featuring spectacular mountain views. Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, known for its panoramic vistas, or bike through Pisgah National Forest, where cascading waterfalls and serene landscapes await. Asheville’s diverse wonders of nature invite visitors to embrace adventures where adrenaline meets serenity.

Photo Courtesy of James Reynolds

Wellness and Rejuvenation

Wellness in Asheville transcends traditional experiences, providing OutTravelers with various ways to recharge. Unwind at The Omni Grove Park Inn’s world-renowned spa, perfect for romantic getaways or family-friendly retreats. Join yoga and meditation sessions with breathtaking mountain views through Asheville Wellness Tours, led by LGBTQ+ practitioners. This May, the group will host six nights of its renowned “Blue Ghost Firefly Night Tour,” a rare opportunity to witness the mesmerizing blueish-green glow of these elusive and mysterious insects. For more intimate moments, visit the queer-owned Urban Exhale Massage Spa or the tranquil Salt Cave Spa, where halotherapy promotes relaxation and well-being. Asheville’s wellness options cater to all, ensuring every OutTraveler feels seen, respected, and nurtured.

Photo Courtesy of Jared Kay

Foodtopia

Asheville’s food culture, affectionately dubbed “Foodtopia,” is built on the collaboration of artists, chefs, farmers and foragers to create one-of-a-kind dining experiences rooted in Appalachian flavors. LGBTQ+ chefs bring their creative touch on local ingredients, offering a diverse and out-of-the-box culinary landscape.

Begin your food journey at the farmers market, where you can meet The Big Brunch’s queer chef J Chong and pick up some raw handmade Cantonese dumplings — perfect for late-night indulgence! Savor the bold fusion of Filipino cuisine and Southern flavors at Neng Jr’s, or enjoy the playful charm of Bad Manners café, known for its inventive coffee and pastries. For evening delights and late-night bites, visit Haywood Famous, a queer-owned, community-driven nighttime coffee shop serving classic Cuban options like cortaditos and coladas while fostering connections through art, music, and creative events.

Photo Courtesy of Erin McGrady

Arts and Culture

Queer artists play crucial roles in shaping Asheville’s multifaceted culture. Stroll through Downtown Asheville’s lively streets, home to galleries showcasing contemporary paintings, handcrafted jewelry, and bold street art. Experience the city’s famous glassblowing demonstrations at Lexington Glassworks downtown, the North Carolina Glass Center in Black Mountain, or the River Arts District, where you can watch molten glass transform into stunning creations and meet local artists in their studios. Explore LGBTQ+-owned art spaces like Ross Pottery Studio, known for its beautifully crafted ceramics; Torched AVL, featuring unique glass creations; and On the Wing Gallery, which celebrates butterflies through sustainable conservation efforts. Asheville’s queer culture extends beyond the arts, with drag brunches and other events adding to the city’s colorful tapestry.

Photo Courtesy of Explore Asheville

Nightlife

When the night falls, Asheville shows off its inclusive spirits even more. At the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife is O. Henry’s, the state’s oldest gay bar. Since 1976, this historic institution has welcomed locals and visitors alike with karaoke, themed nights, drag performances, and high-energy dance parties. Just a short walk away, the city’s downtown area boasts a variety of queer-friendly spots, including the relaxed dive bar Shakey’s, the energetic rock ‘n’ roll 27 Club, the legendary multi-level Scandals Nightclub. From laid-back drinks to full-on dance parties, Asheville’s downtown has it all.

Still craving for more? Venture just about 10 minutes away by car to West Asheville, a bohemian enclave known as the city’s cultural hub, attracting creatives, musicians, and artists. Here, you’ll find independent shops, craft breweries, coffeehouses, and a plethora of queer-friendly spaces. A standout destination is The Odd, a lively bar that goes beyond the usual nightlife with trivia, drag shows, comedy nights, and live music. Adding to its charm, the LGBTQ+ friendly bar also houses an oddities museum, featuring a distinctive collection of taxidermy, jarred specimens, and other unusual artifacts.

That’s not enough for you? Don’t miss out on Fleetwood’s, Asheville’s only “Vegas-style” wedding chapel. This truly one-of-a-kind venue offers a vintage clothing boutique, a place to tie the knot, and live rock ‘n’ roll entertainment — all in one stop. With DJ nights and live bands, Fleetwood’s is a must-visit for those looking to celebrate in style.

Photo Courtesy of Eli CunninghamWhether you're seeking adventure, creativity, wellness, or a place where your story matters, Asheville offers a space to connect deeply and celebrate freely. Start planning your trip to Asheville today and experience a city that welcomes all — not because it’s trendy, but because it’s simply who Asheville is.