Asheville Attractions

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is the largest home in the United States. This amazing home is situated on 8,000 acres and is a sight to behold. The Biltmore Estate features an Inn, wonderful gardens, a winery, a farm village, shopping opportunities and exceptional restaurants. The 19th Century home on the property contains 250 rooms, priceless art, sculptures, a 10,000-volume library and a banquet room with 23m / 70ft high ceilings.

If you are looking for a place to unwind and reflect on all the wonderful things you've seen in North Carolina, the Botanical Gardens at Asheville is just the place. Here visitors will find immaculately tended gardens bursting with color and scent. The Botanical Gardens at Asheville focus on local flowering plants and trees, many of which are unique to North Carolina. The gift shop is a good place to stop for garden related gifts.

The Homespun Shops shopping center is a fun place to visit, with craft shops and studios by local artists. The buildings is a former weaving and woodworking complex that has been fully restored. One of the attractions at Homespun Shops is the Grovewood Gallery with hand crafted furniture and woven goods.

Mount Mitchell State Park centers around the 6,684 feet high Mount Mitchell in the Black Mountains. Visitors come to Mount Mitchell State Park to enjoy the hiking trails, camp, horseback ride, picnic, or learn more about the geology, history and weather patterns of the area at the Exhibit Hall. This park was the first state park in North Carolina and is named for Dr. Mitchell who was the first person to calculate the height of the peak and who died on the mountain in his attempt to duplicate his calculations.

The Smith-McDowell House Museum is the oldest structure in Asheville. This beautiful antebellum mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and today functions as a history museum. The home has been restored and displays period furniture from the 19th century as well as other displays of decorative arts and changing themes throughout the year.

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site in Ashville is the childhood home of this author. It was this property that he wrote of in Homeward, Angel, Wolfe's autobiographical novel.

On display in this old Victorian home are some of the family's personal possessions.

The WNC Nature Center, located in Asheville, is a great place to visit if you are interested in the natural environment that surrounds you. An active part of the local community, the WNC Nature Center works hard to raise awareness of the importance of the environment. The center has an active education program including a Jr. Ranger program and an Adopt an Animal program.

Zebulon B Vance Birthplace State Historic Site in Asheville is the birthplace of this former North Carolina governor. Displays at the homestead showcase his career as Confederate Army officer, senator, and governor. This reconstructed log house is furnished to represent the late 18th and early 19th Century. There are also several outbuildings, all of which are set amidst the rolling hills in some fabulous scenery.