Location: Asheville
Top Things to do in Asheville
Countries
What to do and see in Asheville, North Carolina (NC): The Best 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. Philip DeAngelo Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
We'd love to welcome you to the professional working studio and gallery of local artist, Philip DeAngelo. Enjoy colorful, minimalist landscapes on a variety of interesting textures. We are located in the historic River Arts District of Asheville featuring over 200 artist studios.
Reviewed By Dlstjohn1 - Lynchburg, United States
Great artwork and love the shop. Great experience. Phil has content that will attract anyone that has spent time outside or has a farm. We have 5 pieces in our house and will be adding to our collection in the future. I like that he does new material each day and his use of social media during this pandemic has been outstanding.
2. River Oaks Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
This is the working basketry studio and gallery of internationally acclaimed sculptural basketry artist, Matt Tommey located in the heart of Asheville's River Arts District - home to over 200 working artists and 25 studio buildings in renovated warehouses dating from the early 1900's. Matt works primarily in vines, branches and bark that he harvests from the mountains of Western North Carolina to create one of a kind sculptural art baskets. Enjoy a tour of the studio and a lively conversation with Matt about his latest creation.
Reviewed By Paradise727258 - Troy, United States
Loved visiting Matt Tomey’s basket making studio. His work is interesting but forward thinking in that he works different shapes into baskets, using interesting materials that often augment his baskets and does interesting combinations to create big sculptural ‘pieces’ that look fabulous on huge fireplaces. Great photo book with great examples of his work. Just so happened that this was a open studio day in the area where there were other studios. I was most interested in Matt’s work- he wasn’t there but his studio assistant was very friendly and very conversant with the individual pieces , how were they made and where the ideas came from. Truly a great visit!
3. Asheville Gallery of Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By dwyerdcw - Etowah, United States
We live about 40 minutes from Asheville and stop by Asheville Gallery of Art whenever we are in downtown Asheville. There is a wide range of art from local artists available at very reasonable prices. So far, we have bought three watercolor works by local artist Sandra Moore. There are also other galleries, shopping, and numerous restaurants within easy walking distance. Stop by Asheville Gallery of Art when visiting Asheville and you won't be disappointed.
4. American Folk Art & Framing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
American Folk Art is a small gallery, tucked on the edge of downtown Asheville representing 60 artists and 20 potters. Because contemporary folk art is so expressive, colorful and full of emotion it is important to select artists whose work is acclaimed as well as sneakin' in some choice new talent. We love narrative in paintings, and that feeling of being welcomed in...to a community, a home, an artist's life. The self-taught artist is brave...with no training to fall back upon, their heart, resourcefulness and natural born talent shines through. Represented are artists from across the South and Deep South...folks who truly have something to share, and whose paintings will bring a special vibe to your home and life. American Folk Art & Framing also offers custom framing. We work hard to make sure that experience is positive, educational and fun. The frame selection may be the first thing that impresses people at American Folk Art & Framing, and although first impressions are important, we have worked hard to make sure every client is impressed by their entire custom framing experience.
Reviewed By pollyv630 - Columbus, United States
This powerful, little shop is a “must do” on visits to Asheville. I not only enjoy browsing, but have acquired many pieces, both by in-person shopping and virtually attending their specialty shows online. The staff (and owner, Julie) are very clever in their selection of works. When items are shipped, the pieces arrive expertly packed. Let’s just say I “treat myself” at the Amerifolk Gallery more than I should ????!
5. St.Claire Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
St.Claire Art is the gallery and working studio of Asheville artist Stephen St.Claire. His paintings are unique in that he begins each one by sculpting the composition onto the canvas with layers of modeling compound and gesso, then covering the entire surface with Italian aluminum leaf. Oil paint is then applied to the metal, and then each piece is finished with several layers of solar-protectant resin. "I have called my technique Dialuminism ("light passing through") because light reflects off the metal background layer, passes through the layers of paint and then is refracted by the layers of resin (which acts as a clear lens, fused to the surface of the painting). The result is a painting that is basically back-lit, which creates very intense color. Light plays off some areas and casts shadows beneath others, creating a dimensional painting that changes in appearance depending upon where the viewer is standing in relation to the light source." Visitors are always welcome not only to view the artwork, but to pull up a chair and chat with the artist.
Reviewed By JulialovesMocha - Durham, United States
While visiting Asheville, we actually were just walking studio to studio a few years ago and found Stephen St. Clair. My husband and I liked his style and what we saw hanging in the studio. We mentioned we like two different things (the most) and wondered if he could take the subject matter of that one but the colors of the other one to create something to hang over our mantle. Stephen said he could do that and then asked us for our wall space/dimensions. Once we were able to give him that, he created a lovely commissioned piece featuring trees and light similar to a winter sunset. Since then we have stopped by his studio a few times to see his ongoing artistry over the last 7 or so years (and purchased one additional piece because it is so inspiring).
6. Momentum Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Momentum Gallery, located in downtown Asheville, features exceptional paintings, original prints, innovative sculpture, and studio furniture. Occupying approximately 15,000 square feet in an easily accessible, street-level space, the gallery's mission is to provide compelling, museum-quality art to our clients. Curated exhibitions refresh regularly in the main spaces and smaller adjoining galleries.
7. Downton Abbey: Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By CraftBeers - Plano, United States
Well how cool is this. You have to be a Downton Abbey fan (which I am) to enjoy it. If you don't know what that is or you are not a fan, don't go. There is a fee to see the exhibit. You can buy the tickets at the entrance. If you buy an entrance fee to tour the Biltmore, then entrance to this exhibit is free. Ask the shuttle drivers which shuttle you need to take to get to the exhibit. Don't throw away your house tickets. They need to see the ticket to let you in for free. Otherwise, you have to buy a new one to see the exhibit. If you bought an audio tour at the house, it DOES NOT apply here. You have to buy a separate audio tour here. I chose not to do it, my wife did buy the tour. I gave this five stars because I love Downton Abbey the show. It will take you about 1 1/2 hours to read all the exhibits. The first room is all billboards and displays to read. There is very little to see besides a token letter, necklace or prop. I do think there is a negative to the format they use. It makes it look and sound like it really happened. If you didn't know this was a TV show, you'd think you are walking through real history. One of the cooler parts of the tour include watching a video on persnickety, sharp-tongued, and funny Dowager Countess of Grantham. The prop rooms are awesome. You get to walk through the kitchen where Mrs. Patmore and Daisy rule. The iconic ringing bells you see in every opening seen are there. So is the family formal dining room. Great visit if you like the show.
8. LEAF Global Arts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
You're invited to explore the world through immersive music + art experiences & cultural connections, fostering global citizenship & pathways of understanding...for all ages. Experiences in this historic place: Interactive World Map • Art Bar • Virtual Reality CAVE • Del Cardo Local History & Music Trail • Artist Market • Recording Studio • Instrument Petting Zoo • Cultural Immersion Exhibits + more
Reviewed By Culture654102
My daughter and her friend absolutely LOVED coming here and learning about cultures from all over the world. What a fantastic idea and the artistry and creativity that went into the building and exhibits was stunning. They especially loved the instrument "petting zoo" and could have played there for hours. Thank you LEAF for being a beacon of light and hope, for celebrating and honoring cultural diversity and education!
9. 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.
10. 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.
TAGS
