A Totally "Tube"-ular Time in Asheville

One of Asheville’s most popular summertime activities is tubing on the French Broad River. It’s the perfect pastime for relaxing on vacation and is especially fun for families and groups of friends.

Your whole family will have a "splashing" good time when you stay at The Residences at Biltmore. Our 2- and 3-bedroom suites have room for as many as 8 to sleep comfortably. Before you book your room, read on to learn about our favorite tubing companies.

Totally Tube-ular

Zen Tubing

Tube the French Broad River starting in South Asheville. The location offers free parking, with a shuttle that takes you 4 miles to the tubing start point.

The lazy river float is 2 - 3 hours long, and along the way you’ll find islands, swimming areas, a picnic spot, and more. Shoes are required, and they recommend loading up on sunscreen, drinks, sunglasses, and a change of clothes to leave in the car for after the float. Children are welcome, as long as they’re at least 4 years old. Reservations are necessary, and can be made on the website.

Beer City Tubing

A refreshing weekend spot is Beer City Tubing. They rent cooler floats separately, but their floats do have a mesh bottom large enough to bring your cooler with you. They prohibit glass or styrofoam, if you bring drinks and food. Although they don’t have lockers or a changing area, they do sell dry bags to keep all the stuff you don’t want to get wet. Expect a 2-3 hour trip, and bring friends, since they do offer carabiners to hook up groups. Reservations are required, and can be made on the Beer City Tubing website.

Asheville Adventure Co.

Asheville Adventure Co. is another French Broad River tubing company, and offers trips on weekends. They provide tubes with cup holders, cooler tubes for an additional fee, and personal flotation devices. You'll float around Carrier Park and the River Arts District for a good 2-3 hours, and a shuttle will take you to your car afterward. Make a reservation at the website.

A great resource to check before you go is the U.S. Geological Survey website. The USGS provides updated information about the quality of the water in the French Broad. For an easier-to-read and quick look at the specific location of your float, check out the Swim Guide website.

More July Fun

Fish For Free

The July 4th holiday marks Free Fishing Day in North Carolina. That means anybody can fish in any public body of water in the entire state without a license. Plus, the daily fishing fee in many locations is waived for the day. With so many choices around the mountains, it’s a good idea to pinpoint your new favorite fishing hole by searching the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Fishing Access Guide. Search either by “Mountains” or refine it to Buncombe (the county Asheville is in), Henderson (the county just to the south), or Jackson (a county to the north of us with abundant fishing areas) counties.

Fourth of July Fireworks

A fun July 4th celebration will take place in Asheville's South Slope, between Coxe and Buxton avenues. Live music, food and beverage vendors (including food trucks) will be on-site for the Ingles Independence Day Block Party, starting at 5 p.m. The 100th Army Band will perform at Asheville Yards outdoor concert venue, The Ultimate Airdogs will perform, and there will be games and activities for the whole family. Fireworks will begin at 9:30, and can be seen throughout the city.

Fireworks are not limited to Asheville, though. There are many displays in surrounding cities and locations this year. A helpful list can be found here.