Asheville Attractions
Among the most famous sites in the Asheville area is the Biltmore Estate (House and Gardens). It was constructed in 1895 by George Vanderbilt and is the largest private residence in the country. For many this is THE reason to visit our area.
The Folk Art Center and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway extends for many miles through Western North Carolina (starting near Cherokee) up into Virginia. The Folk Art Center is a unique and worthwhile stop on your itinerary. You can learn and see first hand the craftsmanship that has it’s roots in the Southern Appalachians. Our heritage is impressively on display here.
The Thomas Wolfe house in Asheville is a great destination not only for those that are fans of this great American writer, but also for those interested in a look back into the life of late 19th century, early 20th century southern small town life. This served as the model for the Boarding House that played a central role in Look Homeward Angel. For some time, Thomas Wolfe was not favorably looked on for his writings around here. Telling stories out of school I suppose…. but in recent times the legacy has been embraced.
Vance Birthplace in the Reems Creek area of Weaverville is a great site to visit and get a glimpse of an early settlement of the southern Appalachians. It’s been reconstructed and was the birthplace of Civil War Governer Zebulon B. Vance.
Black Mountain is a good area to visit as is Weaverville downtown for their small town charm, but also for some of the great small shops that they host. Weaverville perhaps has a smaller selection of shops in downtown, but they’re well worth the time to visit. Black Mountain hosts a larger number of shops. Many nice antique stores are there as well.
Downtown Asheville doesn’t really have the small town feel as Weaverville or Black Mountain, but it’s not as urbanized as many cities you might be familiar with. There are a great number of downtown restaurants and sites of interest that are well worth an afternoon (or mornings visit.) The heart of downtown near Pack Square (Vance Monument…. yes THAT same Vance.) Is really the epicenter of vibrancy that has really been established in the last 10-20 years. There are many unique shops and you can find a amazing variety of cuisines available within just a few blocks space.
There is also a growing and thriving Arts Community along the French Broad River in the RIver Arts District.