Whether you’re a kid or an adult, we all know Asheville is a great place to call home. But today, in honor of our abundant senior population (and the multiple asks we’ve received from readers), we’re shining the spotlight on the raddest recreation available for the elders in our community. We asked our readers for the scoop on the best ways for seniors to have fun and + new friends, and here’s what y’all recommended.
- Asheville Community Yoga — This donation-based center offers yoga classes specifically designed for seniors.
- Asheville Hiking Club — Join this inclusive hiking club for the opportunity to explore WNC and mix + mingle with folks of all ages and abilities.
- Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours — These tours meld history + sightseeing with stops at several rooftop bars and restaurants. Tours include drinks (with or without alcohol) and food is also available.
- Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary — Enjoy peaceful birding at this 10-acre wildlife oasis. The adjacent Beaver Lake is also an excellent spot to stroll or have a picnic.
- Carolina Mountain Club — Join this club — the oldest hiking and trail-maintainence org in WNC — for regular group hikes. ProTip: You told us a lot of y’all participate on regular service Saturdays.
- Flat Rock Park — Several of you mentioned enjoying light, non-strenuous hiking at this nearly 66-acre flat, open space.
- Lake Julian Park — Located along the banks of Lake Julian, a 300-acre public lake, the park offers opportunities for easy hiking, fishing, disc golf, outdoor games + more.
- Pickleball — This unique blend of tennis, table tennis + badminton (as well as other paddleball sports) is not only a superb low-impact exercise, it’s a great way to socialize as well. ProTip: Play at Montford Park, Murphey-Oakley Park, and Malvern Hills Park. Asheville Racquet Club, Black Mountain’s Creekside Racquet Club, and Brevard’s Brevard Racquet Club.
- Guitar League — Whether you’ve always wanted to learn to play guitar or you’re looking for some musical inspiration + encouragement, head to this community of guitarists of all skill levels who meet monthly. Although the group has no age criteria, y’all told us that most members are 55+.
Want additional resources? Check out Buncombe County’s age-friendly blog + event calendar, AARP NC Mountain Region, Area Agency on Aging at the Land of Sky Regional Council, the Council on Aging of Buncombe County — including volunteer opps — and our comprehensive guide to older Asheville.
