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!
About Us
We are Bud and Debbie Lilly, two travel lovers from Texas. Spending an enormous amount of time researching each location to find the best places to eat, sites to see and things to do is actually something I love to do. Not for everyone, I know. But, we are blogging our experiences to let you know what you can expect in each location and so you don’t have to redo the research. Let us know if you go on any of the same trips and if you find places that impress you. We would love to hear from you!
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16 thoughts on “A Look at Asheville NC”
We enjoyed our visit to Asheville in the spring. The city has some wonderful architecture, beautiful mountain views, and awesome places to eat.
Ashville is amazing sounding, we currently have family visiting there and the Biltmore. Thank you for all of the suggestions! The city is on our bucket list!
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We enjoyed our visit to Asheville in the spring. The city has some wonderful architecture, beautiful mountain views, and awesome places to eat.
I agree, Sabrina!
Asheville looks fun to explore! Very pretty buildings and I love the sculptures.
The sculptures were fun, Cindy!
Ashville is amazing sounding, we currently have family visiting there and the Biltmore. Thank you for all of the suggestions! The city is on our bucket list!
That’s awesome! I bet they are having a great time in Asheville and fabulous Biltmore!
It’s been a long time since I’ve visited Asheville and it’s back on my radar. Such a great place with lots to do!
That was our 1st time there. Yes, too much to do for one trip! Haha
I’ve always wanted to visit Asheville for the Biltmore. But now I need to go to the chocolate lounge too!
Haha right?! Can’t forget the chocolate!
I’d love to explore this area
I hope you get to visit Asheville and Biltmore soon, Chantelle!
I would love to I visit Ashville NC. It looks so beautiful!
Asheville is definitely worth checking out along with Biltmore!
What a beautiful place to visit! The history and landscapes are amazing! I need to spend more time in Asheville!
I could spend some more time in Asheville as well!