Asheville Places to Visit

 

Biltmore Estate The largest privately owned home in the United States, Biltmore Estate, was George Vanderbilt's private escape from everyday liffe. The 8,000 acre estate boasts a priceless collection of arts and antiques original to the estate, winery, Equestrian Center, Biltmore House and Gardens, and the newly opened Antler Hill Village. In addition to guided tours, there are also many other things to do such as outdoor activities, shopping and several restaurants to choose from.  For tickets and pricing, click here.       Thomas Wolfe Memorial Considered to be North Carolina's most famous writer, and one of the giants of 20th Centruy American Literature, Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe's colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, and the Old Kentucky Home boarding house earned the historic Victorian home a place as one of American Literature's most famous landmarks. The Thomas Wolfe Memorial Home also offers student writing workshops for students in grades 4th thru 8th. For more information on visiting the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, click here.      The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad has53 miles of track, 2 tunnels and 25 bridges, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a variety of excursions that explore the amazing landscape of Western North Carolina. With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on-board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will enjoy scenic train journeys across fertile valleys and through river gorges in a spectacular region near The Great Smoky Mountains. For more info, click here.     Chimney Rock Lake Lure has many activities to offer the kids and family. Enjoy a day at the lake with sand and some cool water slides. Located next to Lake Lure  is Chimney Rock,  known recently for the filming of The Last of the Mohicans. They even have a little strip of novelty shops at Lake Lure. You can park and walk. See the sights and buy some sweet homemade fudge and little souvenirs.     Historic Home of Carl Sandburg Tour the home and property of Pulitzer Prize winning author Carl Sandburg.  Take a guided tour of the historic home with over 65,000 artifacts on display is an insightful glimpse into the lives of the Sandburg family.  In addition to tours of the Sandburg Home, visitors can enjoy over five miles of trails, stroll through gardens and greet the descendents of Mrs. Sandburg's dairy goat herd.  You can also visit the Virtual Museum Exhibit at the Carl Sandburg Home.     Grandfather Mountain  Marvel at 360-degree views of mountain ridge after mountain ridge cascading to the horizon and let the knowledgeable staff help you find your own perfect mountain adventure whether it is the Mile High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats, or nature walks and hiking trails.  For directions and more info, click here.     The historic Grove Park Inn and Resort was built from granite boulders hewn from Sunset Mountain, The historic inn opened in 1913. At its opening dinner, William Jennings Bryan declared that it had been “built for the ages.” In the decades since it has become one of the South’s most famous and venerable resorts. The Grove Park is a definite must see whether it is to tour the resort, play a round of golf, have dinner, or enjoy one of the many indulgent spa services. For more information, click here.     Grove Arcade Arts & Heritage Gallery The Grove Arcade was the grand dream of E.W. Grove, a self-made millionaire who moved to Asheville in 1910. By 1915, he had completed the Grove Park Inn and become involved in other civic projects. Grove understood that a successful city needed a vibrant downtown. In the early 1920's, he began plans to build an elegant new building to enliven the downtown of the city he had come to love. He conceived of the Arcade as "the most elegant building in America"—and as a new kind of retail center. The Grove Arcade now includes shops, restaurants, offices and 42 luxury apartments. For more info, click here.   The Arboretum offers activities for all ages, including a 434 acre natural treasure with 65 acres of cultivated gardens and 10 miles of hiking and biking trails with experience levels from easy to difficult. The Arboretum also offers outdoor and indoor exhibits throughout the year, hosts green weddings, and education focused on environmental sustainability awareness. While enjoying the beauty of the Arboretum, don't forget to visit the gift shops and The Savory Thyme Cafe.  To plan a visit, click here.