The Asheville Pinball Museum, located in the heart of Asheville, NC, offers a unique and fun experience for visitors of all ages. This museum is a gaming enthusiast’s dream, with a wonderful collection of 35 pinball machines and 35 classic arcade games. The museum routinely ranks at the top of our list of things to do in Asheville, North Carolina.
Let’s go further into what they have to offer and how to get there.
ASHEVILLE PINBALL MUSEUM
The pinball museum address:
1 Battle Square, Asheville, NC 28801
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
Rainy days draw more people to the Pinball Museum because Asheville is known for its unpredictable weather. Keep this in mind while planning your visit, since it may become crowded. However, the fun you’ll experience will make the wait worthwhile. The museum runs on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted.
Prepare to wait for an hour or more on peak days. If there is a wait, they will take your name and number and let you wander around and explore while you wait. When it is your turn, they will contact you.
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
For only $15 per person, visitors may enjoy unlimited gameplay on the museum’s 70 gaming machines. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a pinball expert or a classic arcade enthusiast. There are just a few games that need money, but the bulk are included with admission.
Bonus: There’s no need to rush through your visit; after you’ve paid the admission fee, you may stay and play for as long as you like.
There is no need to worry about paying an additional fee if you are accompanying someone but do not intend to participate. You might simply watch your friends or family members play the games.
THE EXPERIENCE
The museum allows a maximum of 65 players inside at any given time, ensuring an exceptional gaming experience. This means you won’t have to wait for your turn because there is almost always a game available to play.
As you enter, you’ll see rows of pinball machines from different decades. As you approach the back section, you’ll be transported to the world of vintage arcade games. As you play, you’ll notice signs on the machines that give you a brief history of the game and the year it was founded.
Don’t bother bringing a bunch of coins; you’ll be handed a bracelet. You can also leave the museum and come back later in the day to play. The bracelet is functional throughout the day.
WHERE TO PARK
While the museum does not offer on-site parking, there are other parking options nearby. For the best chances of obtaining a space, go to the parking garage, which is only three streets away. It’s a convenient alternative that will ensure a seamless start to your gaming experience.
- 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 Monday through Saturday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Outside of these hours, street parking in Asheville is free.
DRINKS AND RESTAURANTS NEAR THE ASHEVILLE PINBALL MUSEUM
There are several fantastic choices around the museum. Here are some places to visit.
Huli Sue’s Barbecue & Grill
1 Page Avenue, Suite 150, Asheville, NC 28801
Nestled within the historic Grove Arcade is a Texas BBQ restaurant with a Hawaiian flair that combines colorful flavors. Sue’s Huli Chicken, delectably crispy ribs, luscious Brisket French Dip, and must-have Poke Nachos are all popular items in this establishment. Of course, you can’t leave without sampling their signature Banana Cream Pie.
Downtown Wedge Brewery
1 Page Avenue, Suite 152, Asheville, NC 28801
The Wedge Brewery is the first taproom in the well-known Grove Arcade. They have several locations across Asheville, but this one is the closest to the museum. They have great beers, an inviting, open layout, and a cozy bar.
The Proper Asheville
1 Page Avenue, Suite 151, Asheville, NC 28801
Asheville Proper, also located in the Grove Arcade, reinvents the traditional American steakhouse. Its warmly lit marble dining room creates a calm setting for savouring exceptional seafood, wood-fired meats, and more. They are devoted to obtaining local ingredients and offering a farm-to-table experience. Enjoy the mesmerizing live kitchen fire while dining.
Bebettes is a coffeehouse in New Orleans.
1 Page Ave, #111, Asheville, NC 28801
Babette serves New Orleans-style premium coffee, lattes, freshly made-to-order beignets, and scrumptious beignet sandwiches.
Pani Chai
22 Battery Park Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Chai Pani, which was crowned “America’s Most Outstanding Restaurant” by the James Beard Foundation Awards, is a gastronomic highlight in Asheville. The menu here is inspired by the vibrant world of Indian street food, which was influenced by Chef Meherwan Irani’s Indian roots. Prepare for a flavor explosion!
Popular delicacies include Okra Fries, Vada Pav, Paneer Tikka Roll, and the tantalizing Sloppy Jai. Chai Pani now offers dairy-free and vegan options for those with dietary requirements!
Vinyl Citizen
14 O’Henry Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Citizen Vinyl is a community space that houses a record press, a café, a bar, a recording studio, and an analog art and record store. Citizen Vinyl has a café that serves local artisan coffee as well as a complete bar that specializes in aperitivo cocktails (carbonated, bitter, and low-alcohol beverages). The session’s menu invites guests to try traditional deli favorites with an Asheville creative twist, all set against a soundtrack of timeless recordings.
Early Girl Restaurant
8 Wall Street, Asheville, NC 28801
Early Girl Eatery has been committed to the farm-to-table concept since 2001. Local, organic, seasonal, and fresh ingredients are their top choices. Every day, they provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar is located in Tupelo, Mississippi.
12 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801
This restaurant is committed to making classic Southern cuisine from scratch and welcomes customers for a delightful breakfast, lunch, and supper experience. Their utilization of locally sourced ingredients exemplifies their farm-to-table concept. While its reach has expanded around the country, it all began in downtown Asheville in 2000.
Popular menu items include mac-and-cheese waffles, fried green tomatoes, sweet potato pancakes, and the exquisite Sriracha Honey Chicken and Waffles.
Tapas & Dimsum with Red Ginger
82 Patton Avenue, Suite 100, Asheville, NC 28801
Red Ginger is an authentic Chinese dim sum and tapas bar in the heart of downtown Asheville. This trendy, modern restaurant offers a contemporary take on dim sum and Chinese small plates, as well as a selection of premium wines and drinks.
THINGS TO DO NEAR THE ASHEVILLE PINBALL MUSEUM
Would you want to learn more about the area? Here are a few fantastic options in the neighborhood.
Grove Arcade is a gaming arcade.
1 Page Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Explore shopping and dining at the Grove Arcade, where you can immerse yourself in the city’s best retail deals while also taking in the rich historical architecture. After you’ve finished shopping, treat your taste buds to a delicious lunch at one of the famous restaurants on Restaurant Row.
Breakout Games
60 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Set off on an adventure in one of its top escape rooms. Each event lasts 60 minutes, and you may finish the challenge with friends or family. You may embark on island adventures, locate kidnappers, and return ancient artifacts to their rightful owners. Each Breakout location offers distinct challenges and thrills.
Science Museum of Asheville
43 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
The Museum of Science (AMOS) is Western North Carolina’s premier location for interactive scientific learning. It piques the curiosity of visitors of all ages with interactive exhibits. The Colburn Hall of Minerals, fascinating astronomy and climate exhibitions, and a rare teratophoneus dinosaur skeleton are among the attractions.
Pay a visit to the Biltmore Estate.
1 Lodge Street, Asheville, NC 28803
The Biltmore Estate, the biggest privately owned home in the United States, is one of the greatest things to do in their. It is located amid a beautiful landscape. It’s a wonderful architectural marvel with fascinating stories to tell. You may buy tickets to see the complete home or just the gardens and grounds.
Conclusion
Pinball Museum is a great option for both locals and visitors looking for affordable, family-friendly entertainment. With its extensive collection of pinball machines and vintage video games, it’s a place where nostalgia meets modern enjoyment.
So gather your friends and family, get over, and prepare for an incredible day of gaming. It’s an experience that will take you back in time while also leaving you with new memories to appreciate.
