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Asheville Attractions: Top 10 List
If you’re looking for excitement in Asheville, there’s a wide range of activities to enjoy, from museums and area tours to eclectic shopping and historic sites. If you had to narrow it down to just ten excursions, what would they be? Here’s the top 10 list. 1. Biltmore Estate. You’ve heard of it, you’ve read about it, and there’s no doubt about it. The best adventure in Asheville is a visit to George Vanderbilt’s historic “summer cottage” which he named Biltmore. Constructed between 1888 and 1895 at the height of the Gilded Age, Biltmore was the playground of only well-heeled private guests until it was opened to the public in 1930 by Vanderbilt’s daughter, Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil. The estate features tours of the historic European style chateau as well as gardens, winery, elegant dining at onsite restaurants, shops and horse-drawn carriage tours. 2. Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy incredible mountain vistas along this 469-mile ribbon of beauty. You can access the Parkway at three different points in Asheville. And did you know the official headquarters of the Blue Ridge Parkway is also located in Asheville? The headquarters is open year round and offers intriguing displays and useful visitor information. 3. North Carolina Arboretum. This 434-acre site is home to an incredible array of native flora and fauna. Take advantage of the nature trails, café and gift shop, extraordinary gardens and special events. The newest way to enjoy the arboretum is the Segway Tour. 4. Grove Arcade. For a delightful shopping venue in downtown Asheville, take a trip to the Grove Arcade. This historic building, constructed in the 1920s by Edwin W. Grove, was once home to the National Climatic Data Center. It now offers a variety of restaurants and quaint shops. 5. Biltmore Village. This quaint European village lies at the entrance to the Biltmore Estate. Constructed in the late 1800s by George Vanderbilt to house his workmen and artisans, Biltmore Village now boasts an array of shops, restaurants and historic sites. Be sure to wander by the Vanderbilt’s historic church, All Soul’s Cathedral. 6. Grove Park Inn. You don’t have to stay at the Grove Park Inn to experience the legendary ambiance of this historic inn perched on the hillside overlooking downtown Asheville. Experience lunch on the Sunset Terrace or enjoy a glass of wine near the magnificent stone fireplace in the grand hall. 7. Thomas Wolfe Memorial. Asheville’s infamous author, Thomas Wolfe, grew up here in his mother’s boarding house. The celebrated home represents a trip back in time to Asheville of the early 1900s when summer boarders stayed months at a time to luxuriate in the mountain air. Take a tour of the house and experience Wolfe’s early years, including furnishings, photos and mementos. 8. Asheville Urban Trail. The trail is a 1.7-mile guided journey through Asheville’s past. Learn about Asheville’s history and architecture on this delightful walking tour through the downtown area. The trail begins on Pack Square and can be modified to meet your interests and time constraints. 9. Western North Carolina Nature Center. It’s a living museum featuring plants, animals and all things natural and native to the western North Carolina mountains. If you like snakes and snails and things that go bump in the natural environment, you’ll enjoy this wonderful little museum. 10. Asheville Botanical Gardens. Located at the campus of the University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNCA), the Asheville Botanical Gardens offer a quiet respite for visitors. Enjoy native plants, wildflowers and trees along a half mile walking trail, as well as a quaint gazebo and authentic log cabin.
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Contributor's Note
This list is based on my personal experience and preferences. There's plenty more things to do in Asheville. Your mileage may vary.
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Biltmore Estate
| Blue Ridge Parkway
| North Carolina Arboretum
| Grove Arcade
| Biltmore Village
| Grove Park Inn
| Thomas Wolfe Memorial
| Asheville Urban Trail
| Western North Carolina Nature Center
| Asheville Botanical Gardens
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