As the premier entertainment venue in downtown Asheville, we at Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar have front-row seats to what makes this city special. Located at 22 North Market Street on one of Asheville's last brick-paved roads, our historic building (once the Asheville Chamber of Commerce) puts us right in the heart of the action. 

From our perspective at the center of downtown, we've compiled this guide to help you discover unique Asheville experiences—with plenty of time left to enjoy an unforgettable evening at our dueling piano bar!

1. The Arts & Culture Scene: Creative Energy Everywhere

Asheville's identity is inextricably linked to its vibrant arts community. From the River Arts District to downtown's gallery scene, creativity flows through every corner of the city.

The River Arts District (RAD) houses more than 200 artists working in nearly every medium imaginable. What makes this area special isn't just the finished works, but the opportunity to witness art in creation. Unlike typical galleries, the RAD invites visitors into working studios where you can engage directly with artists and sometimes even try your hand at various techniques through workshops and classes.

Downtown Asheville itself functions as an open-air gallery. The city's commitment to public art means you'll encounter everything from large-scale murals to interactive installations just by wandering the urban landscape. After exploring the arts scene during the day, head to Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar for a completely different type of artistic experience—one where musical talent meets audience participation for an unforgettable night of entertainment.

Asheville's performing arts scene deserves special attention for its eclectic offerings:

• Asheville Fringe Arts Festival showcases experimental performance art in unexpected venues.
• The Magnetic Theatre specializes in original works, often premiering pieces by local playwrights.
• Asheville Puppet Festivals celebrate puppetry with contemporary twists for adults and children alike.
• Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar offers interactive musical performances where audience requests create a unique show every night.

After immersing yourself in Asheville's visual and performing arts, you'll understand why our city has become a haven for creative spirits. And when you're ready to participate in the fun rather than just observe it, our dueling piano players at Off The Wagon are ready to play your favorite songs and get you singing along.

2. Outdoor Adventures: Mountain Exploration Made Easy

The Blue Ridge Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures ranging from leisurely to adrenaline-pumping. While popular hiking trails see plenty of traffic, there are countless ways to experience nature away from the crowds.

The Blue Ridge Parkway earns its nickname as "America's Favorite Drive," but most visitors only stop at the most publicized overlooks. For a more intimate experience, seek out lesser-known spots like Craggy Pinnacle Trail, which offers spectacular panoramic views for relatively minimal effort. The gnarled, wind-swept trees create an almost mystical atmosphere, especially when rhododendrons bloom in June or when fall colors peak in October.

For those seeking water adventures, the French Broad River offers more than just standard kayaking. Full-moon paddles guided by local outfitters reveal a completely different side of the river, with opportunities to witness nocturnal wildlife and experience the tranquility of moving water under starlit skies. After a day exploring Asheville's outdoor wonders, there's no better way to relax than with a signature cocktail at Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar, sharing stories of your adventures while our pianists entertain you.

Looking for unique perspectives on the mountains? Consider:

• Gliding experiences that offer silent flight over the mountains with unparalleled views.
• Forest bathing sessions that guide participants through mindful sensory experiences in the woods.
• Mountaintop yoga classes that combine physical practice with breathtaking natural settings.
• A night at Off The Wagon after your outdoor adventure for the perfect balance of nature and nightlife.

What makes these outdoor experiences special is their ability to connect visitors with the natural landscape that has shaped Asheville's character. The mountains aren't just a backdrop here—they're an integral part of the city's identity, influencing everything from its architecture to its entertainment venues like our dueling piano bar.

3. Food & Drink: Culinary Adventures with Local Flavor

Asheville's food scene has earned national recognition, but the most memorable culinary experiences often lie beyond the heavily-publicized restaurants. After sampling the local cuisine, make sure to cap off your evening at Off The Wagon where our bartenders craft delicious cocktails to complement your night of entertainment.

While Asheville's brewery scene has gained national attention, many visitors miss out on the chance to explore beyond beer. The city's meaderies, cideries, and distilleries offer distinctive alternatives that showcase local agricultural products and craftsmanship. Of course, if you're looking for a perfectly poured beer or expertly crafted cocktail, our full bar at Off The Wagon has you covered with all your favorites.

For those seeking hands-on experiences, several venues offer cooking classes focused on Appalachian cuisine. These culinary workshops provide insight into the region's food heritage while showcasing the innovation that characterizes contemporary Asheville. After expanding your culinary horizons during the day, join us at Off The Wagon where our "Sing loud, laugh often, fall hard!" motto perfectly captures the spirit of an evening spent enjoying music and drinks in downtown Asheville.

What makes Asheville's culinary scene special is the balance between reverence for tradition and openness to new influences—a combination that creates truly distinctive dining and drinking experiences throughout the city, including at our dueling piano bar where classic favorites meet contemporary hits.

4. Quirky & Unusual Attractions: Asheville's Eccentric Side

Asheville embraces the unusual, making it a perfect destination for those seeking experiences beyond conventional tourist activities. The city's eccentricity manifests in attractions that showcase its unique character and history.

For architecture enthusiasts, Asheville offers far more than the Biltmore Estate. The city's compact downtown contains one of the nation's best collections of Art Deco buildings, preserved thanks to economic conditions during the Great Depression that prevented their demolition. Off The Wagon is proud to be housed in one of downtown's historic buildings, giving visitors a chance to experience Asheville's architectural heritage while enjoying our nightly entertainment.

Unusual museums and collections throughout the city cater to specialized interests:

• The Moogseum celebrates the life and work of Robert Moog, inventor of the Moog synthesizer.
• The Center for Craft showcases contemporary craft in all its forms.
• The Asheville Mystery Museum houses collections related to local legends and paranormal history.
• Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar isn't just entertainment—we're part of Asheville's quirky landscape with our own ghost, Frank, who's become so famous he was featured on the TV show "Fright Club" with Jack Osbourne!

Speaking of haunted Asheville, Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar has our own supernatural resident—a friendly ghost we've named Frank. Our building, originally constructed in the 1920s as the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, has witnessed nearly a century of the city's history, and apparently, some former occupants have decided to stick around. 

We've even created a special drink called the "Fearsome Frank" in honor of our spectral companion. Where else can you enjoy amazing live music while potentially meeting a friendly ghost?

5. Music & Entertainment: Where the Magic Happens

Asheville's music scene reflects its position at the crossroads of traditional Appalachian culture and contemporary influences. The resulting mix creates performance experiences you won't find elsewhere, with Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar leading the way in interactive entertainment.

At Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar, we offer a unique entertainment experience that embodies Asheville's fun-loving spirit. Our all-request format means every night is different, shaped by the audience rather than a predetermined setlist. Located in a historic building on North Market Street—Asheville's last brick-paved road—our venue combines architectural character with interactive entertainment. Our dueling piano players can perform thousands of songs spanning the last fifty years, creating a rock-and-roll, sing-along party atmosphere where audience participation is essential to the experience.

What makes our show special? Unlike traditional concerts where you passively listen, at Off The Wagon, you help create the show! Write down your favorite song requests, bring them to the stage with a tip, and our talented pianists will transform your musical memories into an interactive party. From classic rock to current hits, our performers know it all—and they'll have you singing along at the top of your lungs before you know it.

Your Asheville Adventure Starts Here

The experiences described here represent just a fraction of what makes Asheville unique. While guide books and travel websites point visitors toward well-established attractions, the most memorable Asheville experiences often emerge from spontaneous explorations and conversations with locals.

As you plan your visit, leave room in your itinerary for unexpected discoveries. Chat with bartenders, shop owners, and artists about their favorite local spots. And make sure to include an evening at Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar in your plans! Our all-request format means every show is unique, shaped by the audience that gathers each night. Like Asheville itself, we offer an experience that balances tradition with innovation, welcoming visitors into a celebration that feels both special and authentic.

Remember our motto: "Sing loud, laugh often, fall hard!" This perfectly captures not just the spirit of Off The Wagon but the essence of an Asheville experience. Our doors open at 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 7pm Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Shows begin at 7pm Friday and Saturday and 8pm the other nights.

Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar is ready to be the highlight of your Asheville adventure. Located at 22 North Market Street in downtown Asheville, we're easy to find and hard to forget! We look forward to seeing you soon for a night of music, laughter, and memories that will last long after your Asheville trip ends.