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Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains offer an ideal setting for a family reunion getaway. With access to mountain perks like hiking trails, rivers, lakes, ski resorts, national parks, swimming holes, waterfalls, and unique places to stay, planning your family reunion in and around Asheville gives you plenty of options. (Photo above: The Horse Shoe Farm

Also, find plenty of large group vacation rentals that are designed to host the whole family, making it easier for you to begin planning your next family reunion to Asheville. These rentals have all the perks for a fun time like game rooms, fire pits, hot tubs, volleyball courts, mountain views, and more. You'll find large group rentals all over Western NC in a variety of settings including lakes, snowy mountaintops, woodland cabins, riverside retreats, and even downtown rentals. 

Downtown Asheville offers its own variety of things to do from local breweries, one of a kind dining for delicious family meals, Biltmore Estate, and more. Don't forget the Blue Ridge Parkway (which runs through Asheville) with instant access to scenic winding roads with Appalachian highlights like Pisgah Forest, waterfalls, overlooks, and plenty of hiking. See our top Blue Ridge Parkway hikes for ideas! Looking for ways to explore the outdoors with less of a "hike?" Find our guides for Accessible Hiking Trails and Easy-to-See & Roadside Waterfalls for those in your family that aren't interested in an all-day hike. 

Start planning with featured lodging and group activity ideas below.

Featured Lodging

Yonder Luxury Vacation Rentals, Asheville

Upscale rentals throughout the region feature designer furnishings, modern amenities, and stunning mountain locations. Book memorable getaways perfect for families, groups, celebrations, and special occasions at premium homes.

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Greybeard Vacation Rentals

Choose from over 200 vacation rentals and cabins throughout Asheville, Black Mountain, and Western NC. Greybeard Vacation Rentals makes your stay effortless, from secluded mountain getaways and romantic hot-tub cottages to large, family-friendly homes. Founded in 1999, their pet-friendly cabins are fully equipped with all the amenities you need for a fantastic retreat in nature.

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Reunions and Private Events at Deerwoode Reserve

Gather your group at Deerwoode Reserve, a 175-acre nature preserve in Brevard with 11 cabins for up to 76 guests, expansive event spaces, and endless outdoor recreation—perfect for family reunions, celebrations, retreats, and memorable “stay & play” experiences.

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Family Reunions at Engadine Inn and Cabins

Host your Western North Carolina family reunion at Engadine Inn and Cabins near Asheville. With spacious private cabins, cozy inn rooms, outdoor gathering spaces, and nearby attractions, it’s perfect for reconnecting with loved ones.

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The Horse Shoe Farm, Hendersonville

Luxury 85-acre riverfront estate near Asheville features elegant accommodations, farm-to-table dining at The Silo Cookhouse, and The Stable Spa. Enjoy pool facilities with cold plunge, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi amid stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views.

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Asheville River Cabins

Comfortable riverfront lodging on the French Broad River features tranquil waterside settings and outdoor activities. Explore Asheville craft breweries, local restaurants, hiking trails, and scenic mountain adventures nearby.

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Group Activities and Event Planning Resources

Waterfalls Top 60

Of hundreds of waterfalls near Asheville, we picked the most spectacular falls that are easy to find. Some can be enjoyed with a short walk or even roadside. Others require a scenic hike. See full…

Best 75 Mountain Hikes

There are thousands of miles of hiking trails near Asheville, many of which are in pristine national forests or parks. We picked our favorites and created extensive guides for each with photos and…

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Top 30 in NC

Explore the most visited national park in the country! See our top places and things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains on the North Carolina side near Asheville. Four entrances to the…

18 Scenic Drives

See gorgeous countryside, mountain views and charming communities on a windshield tour via national and state scenic byways near Asheville. Lots of opportunities for stops along the way.…

300 Things to Do

See our master list of places to see and things to do in the Western North Carolina mountains, including Asheville and our many small towns. 

Top Guided Tours & Experiences

Take a guided tour for sightseeing, art, wildlife, history, food, beer, waterfalls, wellness and more in Asheville and western North Carolina. See our list of favorites.

Biltmore

Touring America’s Largest Home is easily the number one indoor attraction in Western North Carolina. Experience the beauty of Biltmore House and its century-old gardens where the Vanderbilt family…

Lake Lure

Lake Lure will be reopening to the public Memorial Day 2026! This is after two years of restoration. The sandy beach has gorgeous mountain views, changing rooms, bathrooms, and nearby restaurants…

Top Restaurants In & Near Asheville

From casual to sophisticated, including MICHELIN Guide recommended restaurants, there are options to suit all tastes, with flavors from around the world. Plus, find many more award-winning chefs…

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Take a scenic train ride on excursions along the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, over the mountains, across valleys and through tunnels. Choose from a variety of train adventures departing…

Hendersonville Wine Country

Visit six award-winning wineries on a 10-mile scenic drive just east of Hendersonville in apple country. Each has both indoor and outdoor spaces with beautiful views, live music, and more.…

LaZoom Tours

Take the most fun city tour ever in a bright purple bus full of laughter! Through captivating stories, comedy skits, and an enthralling musical soundscape, experience Asheville's history, current…

Flat Rock Playhouse

See a fabulous professional show at the State Theatre of North Carolina, about 30 miles south of Asheville, with an eight-month season of plays including Broadway musicals, comedy and drama…

Private Event Venues

Discover a plethora of private-event venues in Asheville and Western North Carolina—offering stylish meeting rooms, rooftop bars, mountain lodges, and outdoor retreats perfect for business events, social gatherings, and milestone celebrations.

Adventure Center of Asheville: Outdoor Family Fun!

Open all year and just five minutes from downtown and 10 minutes from Biltmore, The Adventure Center of Asheville offers two zipline tours. The Asheville Zipline tour is an urban tour that offers…

Nantahala Outdoor Center

NOC has been offering whitewater rafting for over 50 years! Enjoy family-friendly paddles on both the French Broad River outside of Asheville and on the Nantahala River campus outside of Bryson… More Information

6 Mountain Beaches near Asheville

Hit the beach on pristine, cool mountain lakes in the NC mountains near Asheville, complete with sandy shores, lifeguards and plenty of summer fun in the water.

Top 8 Zip Line Canopy Tours

Fly above the trees and experience the mountains' natural beauty from a bird's perspective. See our favorite zip line canopy courses to enjoy in the Asheville area of the North Carolina Blue…