Location: Asheville
Top Things to do in Asheville
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Things to do in Asheville, North Carolina (NC): The Best History Museums
If you’re into eating locally and supporting sustainable agriculture, go to Asheville—and eat, eat, eat. This town of less than 100,000 people has 17 farmers’ markets, and the local restaurant scene is all about taking advantage of the seasonal produce sold there. And don’t miss the area’s microbreweries.
Restaurants in Asheville
1. Biltmore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26,629 reviews
George Vanderbilt's historic country estate in Asheville, NC; Biltmore includes Biltmore House--America's largest home--plus gardens, winery, Antler Hill Village, historic farm, 4-star Inn on Biltmore Estate, shops, restaurants, branded products, and outdoor adventures. This National Historic Landmark is an amazing destination offering a wide range of activities for all ages.
Reviewed By travelerfromsj - San Jose, United States
We did the self-guided audio tour of the house early in the morning, with tickets bought on-line a month earlier. While the house itself was fascinating, I have to say the audio part of it was a little corny and overacted at times- all about guests going to a party, and not much about the history or architecture of the house; but I liked seeing the period clothing. The tour ended appropriately with a tour of the servants quarters, at the bottom of the house. After that we walked around the gardens, to the Bass pond and back. The highlight was definitely the Conservatory, which was stunning; make sure to stop in there to see the orchids. After a quick lunch we took the Legacy of the Land tour, which is a shuttle tour that makes a few stops for guests to get out and look around. I think our tour guide was Jim, and it was absolutely fascinating. I was expecting a tour of the Farm, but it was more about Vanderbilt’s decision to build the Biltmore, how he acquired the land, Olmsted’s design of the grounds, the beginnings of the US forestry service… It was definitely a nice counterpoint to the house tour, and I highly recommend it. We ate at Antler Hill Village twice while here, and sampled wine at the winery. I have to say this place is HUGE; it’s about 5 miles between the Biltmore House and Antler Hill Village, so you’ll definitely want a plan and a car. Plan on spending at least a day. The only negative we ran into is that parking for the Biltmore House tours was confusing and not well signed, especially if you’re looking for the park and walk lot. Pretty much every car that came in ended up driving all the way up to the lawn in front of the house, where a guard told them to do a U-turn and go back. More signs or a couple of folks directing traffic in the morning would be really helpful.
2. Grovewood Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 565 reviews
Grovewood Village is a hidden gem rich with art and history. Located adjacent to the Omni Grove Park Inn, this site once housed the weaving and woodworking operations of Biltmore Industries, a force in American craft and textiles that was originally backed by Edith Vanderbilt. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 11-acre property is now home to Grovewood Gallery, working artist studios, the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum, and the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum. PLEASE NOTE: Our 2 museums are closed during the winter months of January - March. Grovewood Gallery is open year-round. Grovewood Village has no admission fees, and free parking is available on-site.
Reviewed By MargieP562 - Goldsboro, United States
There is so much to see here and truly great shopping. There’s a speciality hand crafted master furniture store with top quality work on the second floor. The first floor sells beautiful work created for jewelry, kitchen ware, clocks, unique gifts and so much more. The free antique car museum is a real treat. All beautiful cars with a lot of history explained. There’s also an old boot legging still in there and an Asheville fire truck beautifully maintained. Outside the shops are lawn ornaments and wind ornaments all for sale. Excellent work on every piece for sale.
3. Smith-McDowell House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
4. Asheville Radio Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Please note that the museum will be closed until further notice following A-B Tech’s updated COVID policy to protect students and outside guests. The museum will announce when this situation changes. Thank you for your understanding. The area's largest teaching museum about what radio is, how it was discovered and developed and how it makes our lives better today. Huge exhibit of home and amateur radio equipment from the early 1900's onward. Fascinating to young and old alike! See early spark transmitters, a Morse Code recorder, a Nazi radio, an antique cylinder phonograph and much more! Stem students welcome!
Reviewed By geraldj905
We stopped by the Asheville Radio Museum this past weekend during a trip to Asheville. A fantastic place to visit for any radio or electronics enthusiast, it is packed floor to ceiling the many old tube radios - some you will not likely see anywhere else. Plus a few newer models also. Great for kids, as the curator Stuart explains the basics of radio waves, resonance, and can demonstrate how lightning affects radio signals, how Morse code works, and much more.
5. Moogseum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Welcome music, science and history lovers! The Moogseum is the museum that brings Bob Moog's pioneering legacy to life with multi-sensory, interactive exhibits, an immersive dome to experience how electricity becomes sound, historical exploration of synthesizers, and the opportunity for guests to play both Theremins and Moog synthesizers. Moogseum shop offers an array of items for sale to celebrate your visit as well as gifts for discerning friends.
Reviewed By travelingwteens - Roswell, United States
Music lovers will enjoy this quaint museum. Hands on experience with their interactive stations setup throughout. Reasonably priced. Expect to spend an hour.
6. Office of Archives and History
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
