For those that like hiking, DuPont forest is right next to the venue, and has several beautiful waterfalls and dozens of hikes, ranging from short walks on wide flat trails, to longer uphill hikes for those looking for a full day outdoor excursion. Also, late summer in WNC is great for edible mushroom foraging, and Ben and I would be happy to share trail recommendations to experienced foragers.
For a more upscale dinner, we really love Limones - so much so, that it's where we had dinner after I proposed! You'll definitely want to call ahead and reserve a table, as seating is pretty limited in this small restaurant - but we think the ceviche sampler is worth it! For dessert, take a short walk to the Chocolate Lounge.
There's lots of great pizza and beer in Asheville, but APBC brews and bakes some of the best in town! Also, there's an arcade-style game room in the back, AND there's a theatre that shows new and old movies. One of coolest places to grab a bite in Asheville, and not yet a tourist trap, since it's outside of downtown. Great place for adults and kids alike.
There are SO many good breweries in Asheville (message one of us if you're looking for a taste or vibe in particular), but Wicked Weed is popular with locals and tourists alike -- but because of that, it can be a little crowded. Good food, too.
Dobra is a nice place in the heart of downtown to sit and relax with a pot of tea and some snacks for an hour or two, and it's where Ben and I spent a lot of our early dates in high school. Plus, there's lots of fun shops for vintage and modern clothes, beads, crafts, and other souvenirs on the same street.
For dessert, it's hard to beat the Chocolate Lounge. Lines to get in are often out the door during peak hours (ugh, Asheville...), but it's well-worth the wait if you love chocolate. If you just want truffles to go, though, there's a separate shop in the back where you can skip the line!
If you're traveling with kids (or if you're a cool adult), check out the Pinball Museum. It's a flat fee to get in, and then all games are free to play for as long as you want to stay. Sometimes there's a wait to prevent it from being too crowded inside, but there's plenty to do nearby while you wait to go in. The front room has dozens of pinball machines, and the back rooms are filled with retro arcade games, like PacMan, Joust, and Dragon's Lair. There's also a bar!