A Look at Asheville NC

We stopped in Asheville, NC for a look, on a recent road trip. We were here to experience Biltmore, and then heading through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the way to Nashville. If you follow us, you know that we try to seek out fabulous places wherever we go-big or small towns, common or less common sites. We enjoy them all. 

Asheville North Carolina was no exception! As mentioned, we spent most of our time at Biltmore while we were here, but we did take time to explore Asheville and found some good food, historic buildings, art and more. 

Grove Arcade

We started at the Grove Arcade, which is a wonderful multipurpose building. The bottom main floor is a mall of shops and restaurants and the two upper floors are office spaces and luxury apartments.

Well-Bred

We decided on well Brad for lunch. It is a cute little sandwich bakery counter in Grove Arcade. I had a chicken salad sandwich which was really good. We ate out in the main corridor underneath a pretty stairwell.

Community Garden

As we were walking around after lunch we stumbled upon a community garden. I just love this idea.  This vibrant colored garden appeared to receive lots of attention. There were definitely a variety of plants and planters, possibly from lots of different contributors. 

Basilica St Lawrence

Near the community garden in downtown, was a beautiful old church building. It was the Basilica St Lawrence Catholic Church, dating back to 1905 when construction began. Very striking with the symmetrical dome topped towers on each corner. 

Pack Square Park

One place that stood out as a lovely place to relax and hang out was Pack Square Park. There is large grassy lawn, the Roger McGuire Green, and even an amphitheater here. The Buncombe County Courthouse and a Daughters of the American Revolution constructed building are impressive backdrops to the park. On one adjacent corner is Packs Tavern, a popular place, judging by the outdoor patio space that we passed. Their old antique truck, parked out front, with the huge beer barrel in its bed, is a fun attention getter.

Downtown Sites

Strolling around Downtown, we happened up on French Broad Chocolate Lounge which is next to the Asheville Art Museum. After going through the art museum, you can grab an ice cream treat next door. 

We noticed the old S & W Cafeteria and Wachovia Bank And Trust Company buildings, while walking around downtown too. Old ornate architecture always jumps out. 

Street Sculptures 

The Ode to Buskers and Asheville Music Sculpture was displayed on one street corner. It reminded me of the Manneken Pis Statue in Brussels, just because of the way it was set on this corner. 

Loved the Shopping Daze art sculpture on Haywood Street. Very fun. 

Isa’s French Bistro

I wish I could say I ate dinner here, but that wasn’t the case. It does have a very inviting entrance tho and the crosswalks just lead straight to the door. Maybe next time!

French Broad River Park

This was a busy park for, I feel like, locals and tourists alike. Runners, walkers and bicycle riders enjoy the paths. There is also a dog park with separation for big and small dogs. The park runs adjacent to the river too, so you can watch any rafters that float by. 

Large City

Asheville is a large city and for the most part we thought clean and nice. We did encounter some homeless at Pritchard Park downtown, but  we weren’t approached for money or anything. We stayed at Hilton Garden Inn South and drove to downtown, Biltmore Village and then to Biltmore Estate (which was amazing!) We were able to get around easily and enjoy our visit. I feel we will be back!