Location: Asheville
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What to do and see in Asheville, North Carolina (NC): The Best Historic Sites
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. Thomas Wolfe Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 511 reviews
Thomas Wolfe's childhood home, immortalized in his 1929 novel, "Look Homeward Angel," is preserved intact as a lasting monument to one of the 20th century's most prominent writers. The house, originally operated as a boardinghouse by his mother, retains most of its original furnishings and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. Tours of the 29 room house are offered hourly. The adjacent visitor center and museum highlight Wolfe's life and major literary accomplishments.
Reviewed By carolynn762 - Avon, United States
This is the boarding house that was the childhood home of Thomas Wolfe and his family. It is maintained as part of a memorial to the local author and is next to a modern structure erected by the city to showcase his life.
3. 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.
4. Historic Cotton Mill Studios
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By jennypar - Miami, United States
Really great place. Art of all types! Guitar bar is amazing with great music. Love to explore the different studios throughout.
5. Biltmore Village
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,124 reviews
Historic Biltmore Village is a quaint collection of shops, lodging, and dining both fine and casual.
Reviewed By Litewallettraveler
Beautiful walkable area with quaint shops, a charming Christmas store and a wonderful bistro, Corner Kitchen. Looks like a fairytale gingerbread house village. Lovely
6. Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum
Visit Asheville's only antique car museum! Housed in the former weaving shop of Biltmore Industries, this historic attraction features vintage vehicles owned by local legend Harry D. Blomberg. Admission to the museum is free, but donations are greatly appreciated and allow us to maintain the collection. Free parking is available on-site. PLEASE NOTE: The museum is closed from January - March. This site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places."
7. Western North Carolina Veterans Memorial
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