If the weather is good for it when you visit the Biltmore Estate, you may enjoy renting bikes in Antler Hill Village and riding the paths along the river or up into the hills on the Estate. Lots of fun with kids and such a pretty area. They also offer segway tours, kayaking, horseback trail rides, four-wheeling... much more pricey than the bikes! In Biltmore Village, which is just outside the entrance to the Biltmore Estate, there are art galleries, unique upscale shops and restaurants.
Downtown Asheville, in the area of the "flat iron building" and the Grove Arcade historic district, as well as down Broadway and Lexington Avenues, there's foodie paradise. Plenty of eclectic shops. This is a very adult oriented area though, not much for kids. Exit 50 off I-40 is your exit for the Biltmore Estate. Off exit 51, there's a Fun Depot kid & teen friendly arcade with go carts, mini-golf, climbing wall, laser tag.
Also in Asheville, exit 33 off I-26 has several things to do. In one direction, the WNC Farmers Market offers locally produced foods, crafts and tourist memorabilia at great prices. In the other direction, Asheville Outlets is anchored by a Field & Stream store and a southeast division Dillard's Outlet. 2 miles past the Outlets on Rt. 191, the North Carolina Arboretum is on your right, with walking trails (there is a fee to enter). On your left is the French Broad River and a Zen Tubing rental site.
Also next to the Arboretum, there's an entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Go north and visit the BRP Visitors' Center or the Folk Art Center with mountain crafts (pottery, quilts, woodworking, glassworks). Go south and drive to Mount Pisgah (nice hike with views, also a restaurant with awesome views from a wall of windows). Note that further south of Mount Pisgah, there's another entrance/exit of the BRP in Brevard, when you can pick up Rt. 64 to get back to Cashiers. Further south on the BRP, there's a wonderful hike to Black Balsam Knob wilderness area, again with amazing views. All of this could easily fill much more than a day, so not really doable on the same full day as a Biltmore Estate visit.
Closer to Cashiers, the town of Brevard has some nice restaurants. Depending on when you visit, Brevard College (known for strong Fine Arts programs) may have musical or drama productions, with college pricing. Another option for live entertainment is Flat Rock Playhouse, closer to Hendersonville, with theater pricing.
Sapphire Valley is a very pretty area. Winding roads, so take it slow and watch for deer and other wildlife in the road. The front desk ought to be able to recommend various waterfall hikes - lots of them within 20 minutes' drive. For something different, drive out on I-40 to exit 20 and follow the signs for Cataloochie, more winding roads (some gravel roadway along sleep embankments, not for the faint-hearted). At the end of the road in, you'll come to a protected valley that's been repopulated with elk. No services except port-o-johns and a handful of park rangers so bring a picnic and beverages. But it's a pleasant visit. Have a great time!
