For visitors of all ages, the Asheville Pinball Museum, which is situated in the center of Asheville, North Carolina, provides a unique and enjoyable experience. With its amazing collection of 35 vintage arcade games and 35 pinball machines, this museum is a gaming enthusiast’s dream. Every time we compile a list of things to do in Asheville, North Carolina, the museum comes in first.
Let’s explore their offerings in more detail as well as how to get there.
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ASHEVILLE PINBALL MUSEUM
The pinball museum address:
1 Battle Square, Asheville, NC 28801
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
The Pinball Museum has a higher volume of visitors on rainy days because Asheville is notorious for its erratic weather. Remember this while making travel plans because it can get congested. But the enjoyment you’ll have will make the wait worthwhile. The first-come, first-served policy is followed at the museum. We do not take reservations.
On busy days, be prepared to wait for at least an hour. If there’s a wait, they’ll take your name and number and let you tour the area and kill time. They will get in touch with you when it’s your time.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Mondays | 1–6 p.m.
Tuesdays are closed.
Wednesday – Friday: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday | Noon-9 p.m.
Sunday | 1 p.m.–6 p.m.
COST OF ADMISSION
The museum’s seventy gaming machines provide unlimited play for just $15 per player. Whether you’re a vintage arcade fan or a pinball master, there’s something for everyone. The majority of the games are free to play; just a select handful need payment.
Bonus: You may remain and play for as long as you’d like after paying the entry price, so there’s no need to rush through your visit.
If you are going with someone but are not planning on joining, you don’t have to worry about paying an extra cost. You might just sit back and watch your loved ones or friends play the games.
THE EXPERIENCE
A maximum of 65 players can enter the museum at once, guaranteeing an amazing gaming experience. This implies that there will nearly always be a game ready to play, so you won’t have to wait for your turn.
There are rows of pinball machines from various decades as soon as you walk in. You will be taken back in time to the era of classic arcade games as you go closer to the rear part. You’ll see information about the game’s founding year and a brief history of the signage on the machines while you play.
You’ll be given a wristband, so don’t bother bringing plenty of cash. It’s also possible to leave the museum and return to play later in the day. The bracelet works for the entire day.
WHERE TO PARK
There are additional parking lots close by, even if there isn’t any parking available at the museum. It’s only three blocks from the parking garage, where you’ll have the best chance of finding a spot. It’s a practical substitute that guarantees a smooth beginning to your gaming session.
- Parking Garage In Asheville | 77 W Walnut St, Asheville, NC 28801.
- Wall Street Garage is situated at 45 Wall Street, Asheville, North Carolina.
Parking meters must be paid between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Asheville offers free street parking after certain hours.
DRINKS AND RESTAURANTS NEAR THE ASHEVILLE PINBALL MUSEUM
The museum is filled with excellent options. These are a few locations you can go to.
Huli Sue’s Barbecue & Grill
1 Page Avenue, Suite 150, Asheville, NC 28801
This colorful, Hawaiian-inspired Texas BBQ restaurant is tucked away inside the historic Grove Arcade. Popular dishes at this restaurant include Sue’s Huli Chicken, deliciously crispy ribs, succulent Brisket French Dip, and the must-have Poke Nachos. You must have their famous Banana Cream Pie before leaving.
Downtown Wedge Brewery
1 Page Avenue, Suite 152, Asheville, NC 28801
The first taproom in the renowned Grove Arcade is called Wedge Brewery. Although they have other sites in Asheville, this one is the one that is closest to the museum. They feature a cozy bar, a welcoming, open layout, and excellent brews.
The Proper Asheville
1 Page Avenue, Suite 151, Asheville, NC 28801
The Grove Arcade is home to Asheville Proper, which is reimagining the classic American steakhouse. Wonderful fish, wood-fired meats, and other delicacies are served in a serene, well-lit marble dining area. Their commitment is to sourcing regional foods and providing a farm-to-table dining experience. While dining, take in the captivating live fire in the kitchen.
Bebettes is a coffeehouse in New Orleans.
1 Page Ave, #111, Asheville, NC 28801
Babette offers delicious beignet sandwiches, freshly made-to-order beignets, lattes, and premium coffee in the New Orleans manner.
Pani Chai
22 Battery Park Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Asheville’s culinary highlight is Chai Pani, which won “America’s Most Outstanding Restaurant” at the James Beard Foundation Awards. Because of Chef Meherwan Irani’s Indian ancestry, the menu here draws inspiration from the colorful world of Indian street food. Get ready for a taste explosion!
Okra fries, Vada Pav, Paneer tikka roll, and the irresistible Sloppy Jai are among the cuisine’s favorites. For customers with specific dietary needs, Chai Pani now provides vegan and dairy-free choices!
Vinyl Citizen
14 O’Henry Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
In addition to an analog art and record store, Citizen Vinyl is a communal facility that includes a recording studio, café, bar, and record press. In addition to offering locally made artisan coffee in its café, Citizen Vinyl is also a full bar with an extensive menu featuring aperitivo cocktails—a type of low-alcohol, fizzy beverage. The menu for the event offers classic deli fare with a fresh Asheville twist, all set to timeless recordings as the background music.
Early Girl Restaurant
8 Wall Street, Asheville, NC 28801
Since 2001, Early Girl Eatery has been dedicated to the farm-to-table philosophy. Their preferred options are fresh, local, organic, and in-season foods. They provide breakfast, lunch, and supper every day.
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar is located in Tupelo, Mississippi.
12 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801
This restaurant invites guests for a great breakfast, lunch, and dinner experience and is dedicated to creating authentic Southern food from scratch. Their use of foods that are sourced locally is a prime example of their farm-to-table philosophy. Although its influence has grown throughout the nation, it all started in Asheville’s downtown in 2000.
Sweet potato pancakes, fried green tomatoes, mac-and-cheese waffles, and the delectable Sriracha Honey Chicken and Waffles are among popular menu items.
Tapas & Dimsum with Red Ginger
82 Patton Avenue, Suite 100, Asheville, NC 28801
Red Ginger is a genuine Chinese dim sum and tapas bar located in the center of Asheville’s downtown. Along with a range of high-end wines and cocktails, this chic, modern restaurant serves a modern spin on Chinese small dishes and dim sum.
THINGS TO DO NEAR THE ASHEVILLE PINBALL MUSEUM
Do you wish to know more about the region? Here are some excellent possibilities in the surrounding area.
Grove Arcade is a gaming arcade.
1 Page Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Discover dining and shopping at the Grove Arcade, where you can take in the stunning historical architecture and the greatest retail offers the city has to offer. Treat your taste buds to a delectable lunch at one of the well-known eateries on Restaurant Row once you’ve completed your shopping.
Breakout Games
60 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Take a trip to one of the best escape rooms in the area. You are welcome to complete the challenge with friends or family, and each event lasts for sixty minutes. You may go on island explorations, track out abductors, and return priceless antiques to their proper owners. Every Breakout locale has unique thrills and difficulties.
Science Museum of Asheville
43 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
The best place in Western North Carolina for interactive scientific education is the Museum of Science (AMOS). Its interactive exhibitions spark the interest of tourists of all ages. Among the highlights are the unique skeleton of a teratophoneus dinosaur, intriguing displays about astronomy and climate, and the Colburn Hall of Minerals.
Pay a visit to the Biltmore Estate.
1 Lodge Street, Asheville, NC 28803
One of the best things to do there is visit the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned house in the country. It is surrounded by stunning scenery. It’s a magnificent architectural wonder with intriguing tales to tell. Tickets are available to view the entire house as well as the gardens and grounds.
Conclusion
For anyone seeking reasonably priced, family-friendly entertainment, Pinball Museum is a fantastic choice for both residents and tourists. It’s a location where nostalgia meets contemporary fun with its vast selection of pinball machines and old-school video games.
So bring your loved ones together, grab a seat, and get ready for an amazing gaming day. You’ll travel back in time and come away from the encounter with fresh memories to treasure.
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