Asheville Retirement Places of Interest
Asheville Places of Interest
Through out the pages of this website are more complete lists of many activities including, but not limited to, mountain biking, swimming, hiking, just to name a few.
However we thought it was important to highlight a couple of items and show where they are located. Please click on any of the markers on the map below or titles in the menu below the map for more information. Hint: if you would like to see the satellite image simply click on the button that reads satellite.
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Woolworth Walk
Woolworth walk, located in the heart of downtown, is a must see for locals and visitors alike. The building itself, built in 1938, and restored in 2001, is worth the trip. The real magic though, is what’s inside. The Woolworth Walk is a gallery of art, jewelry, pottery, and crafts all made by local artists. Not only is this a gallery, but everything is also for sale, and includes descriptions of each artist and their styles and specialties. Also inside is a 1950’s style “soda fountain” that is a restaurant with a 1950’s flare serving sandwiches and drinks to visitors. Make sure to give yourself a lot of time for this stop, as one can wander around in the Woolworth Walk for hours.
Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is Asheville’s most popular attraction and certainly its grandest. Built in the late 1800s, by George Vanderbilt, the estate was and still is our country’s largest home.
Today as guest tour the house they can view the 250 rooms filled with original furnishing and art. In addition, the house boasts and indoor pool and a bowling alley. The basement levels are also open allowing a glimpse at the huge kitchens and pantries and servants quarters.
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NC Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum is 434 acres of public gardens located in Bent Creek Experimental Forest. There are numerous trails throughout the Arboretum for hikers and cyclists. The botanically diverse bonsai collection boasts over 100 quality specimens. There are also several gardens and collections such as the Blue Ridge Quilt Garden, the Holly Garden, the Stream Garden, and the Plants of Promise Garden which showcases new plants derived from native flora. The Arboretum offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages including educational programs, tours, garden demonstrations and workshops.
Located at 100 Fredrick Law Olmsted Way, the Arboretum is open 8AM – 9PM, April through October, 8AM – 7PM, November through March. There is a 6.00 dollar parking fee per vehicle. Call ahead at (828) 665-2492 for guided walking or Segway tours. There is a café, gift shop, and educational center.
Botanical Gardens
Asheville’s Botanical Gardens feature an impressive variety of wildflowers, flowering trees, and shrubs plus herbs, grasses and mosses, over 700 species in all, which are native to the Southern Appalachians.
Located at 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd. Asheville, adjacent to UNC Asheville, the Botanical Gardens are open year round from sunrise to sunset. Group tours are available for the ½ mile loop. Admission is free with donations gratefully accepted. There is a library and gift shop.
Grove Arcade
Built in 1922 by the man behind the Grove Park Inn, the Grove Arcade has recently been beautifully restored and houses over 35 locally owned shops that feature arts and crafts, restaurants, prepared foods, and other specialties.
Some of our favorite shops include Bath Junkie, which custom blends bath and body products, the Jazzy Giraffe, which offers designer shoes and bags and individually designed women’s clothing, The Big Cheese has a huge cheese selection along with other yummy snacks, and the Asheville North Carolina Home Crafts store which sells homemade hats, quilts, and handspun yarn from local sheep. They even offer free sit and knit sessions on Fridays at 5:30.
The Grove Arcade is also the home of Jazz after 5, a city sponsored jazz concert that takes place one Friday a month from January through April. Cocktails and appetizers are available.
The Grove Arcade is open Monday thru Saturday 10am-6pm with optional Sunday hours decided on by each store. The first hour of parking is free at the Wall Street, Rankin, and Civic Center parking garages.
Saturday parking is $1.00 all day at the Rankin Parking Garage, $2.00 all day at Wall Street, and $1.00 all day at the Civic Center Parking Garage (unless a Civic Center event occurs).
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Asheville Visitor's Guide
Visiting Asheville to look for a home? Want to learn more about the area? Don't miss our insider's look at dining, outdoor activities, lodging, and everything else that makes Asheville the perfect destination! Includes a special section on schools in the Asheville area.
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