Although many people enjoy outdoor adventures in the winter, there are also many who would prefer to stay cozy and warm. It’s for this group that we’ve created a list of the 7 best indoor activities near Asheville, NC.

As we grow older, it’s easy to get lost in the world of responsibilities and careers. However, we agree with George Bernard Shaw when he stated that “we don’t stop playing because we are old…we grow old because we stop playing.” Here are some ways you can plan a winter getaway and play a little while engaging in some indoor activities.

Play Games and Solve Puzzles

The Asheville Retrocade is the place to go if you like video games, pinball machines, billiards, and more. With over 5,000 varieties and a $10 fee for unlimited, all-day play, it is definitely a gamer’s dream. Craft beer, wine, or Coke products will keep you hydrated as you play your stress away.

If you love solving puzzles, then A-Escape Room would be a great choice. They’ll lock you in a room with various elements you’ll use to solve a series of puzzles and escape the room. We promise, they won’t throw away the key but you will need to escape within a one-hour time limit. This is certain to draw out your inner Sherlock Holmes!

Shop ’til You Drop

Seriously! The shopping in Asheville is a shopaholic’s dream. Although we do have the standard malls, we also have antique shops, bookstores, specialty shops, outfitters for the adventurous, farmer’s market, and more. Asheville’s shopping scene has something for everyone. It’s a great option if you’re planning a girlfriend’s getaway? No matter the personality or style, you and your girls will be amazed at the variety available here — not to mention the workout you’ll get carrying all those shopping bags.

Visit the Arts District

Another wonderful indoor activity is to visit Asheville’s River Art District. We have some incredibly creative and gifted artists. One must-see is the North Carolina Glass Center. And who doesn’t love throwing clay? Pottery classes are a great option at the Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts. Creativity abounds through basketry, painting, photography, bookbinding, jewelry making, etc. Whether you’re participating in a class or simply gazing at all the inspiring works of art, its beauty and originality will renew your soul.

Stroll through Museums

Asheville is also a city rich in culture and our museums capture that in various ways. For music lovers, we have the Moogseum with interactive exhibits that are historic, musical, and science-based. Or you can explore radio-wave wizardry at the Radio Museum (yes, it’s a real thing!). From there you can visit the Pinball Museum filled with vintage pinball machines and classic video games — you could spend all day playing there! These are just a few of the museums here in Asheville.

Tour Historic Homes

The Biltmore transforms into a magical place during the holidays. Yet, this estate is amazing no matter what time of year you visit. Some things to do include touring the home, dining at one of their seven restaurants, and visiting the winery.

Novelist Thomas Wolfe’s most renowned work, Look Homeward, Angel, was an autobiography of his childhood in this historic Asheville home. This old Victorian, Old Kentucky Home, has become one of the most famous landmarks in American literature. Life at his mother’s boardinghouse and with the citizens of Asheville was so vividly described that his book was banned in the local library.

Indulge in Wine and Chocolate

An incredible pairing! Asheville has a number of great wineries that are worth visiting. It’s also a chocolate lover’s dream come true. This takes indoor activities to the next level of indulgence. The hardest part is choosing your very best option. We could make it simple by suggesting the Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting at the Biltmore. It’s education and delectable!

Stay at the Wildberry Lodge

A stay at the Wildberry Lodge includes not only a warm, welcoming smile but also gorgeous views, luxurious rooms, cozy fireplaces, soothing jetted tubs—to name just a few. It’s a chance to get away, relax, and renew. For even more stress relief, schedule an in-room massage where gentle hands will coax your muscles to loosen and relax.  Enjoy the most rejuvenating of our 7 best indoor activities near Asheville, NC. Book your stay today.