Downtown Asheville

Asheville, North Carolina first became known for its location in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains on the western side of the state. Popular as a healthful retreat for its fresh mountain air and mineral springs, Asheville also served as a gateway for Native American tribes passing through the mountains or farmers from the Tennessee Valley area traveling into the Carolinas to sell their cattle. Today, Asheville has grown into a city of more than 90,000, known for its dynamic sports, trendy arts, lively music and historic architecture. Tourists travel to Downtown Asheville to see galleries and museums, then scour the nearby River Arts District for eclectic treasures to take home.

A surprising blend of Art Deco, Beaux Arts and Neoclassical styles make up Downtown Asheville’s beautifully preserved architectural legacy, which gives it an urban feel even though the city is surrounded by miles of natural countryside and pristine mountain views. Those looking to find a destination for an active lifestyle with one-of-a-kind local shops and art galleries, innovative restaurants and bustling live entertainment venues love this unique community.

Downtown Asheville offers many newer condominium buildings for those looking to live in the heart of all the activity in the Paris of the South. There are also historic Art Deco buildings that have been redesigned into trendy loft apartments and condos sitting above street-level galleries, shops and cafes that place residents right in the middle of city life. Residents love the convenience of living in a bustling city just minutes from the mountainous countryside. Prices range from modest to a million, depending on the amenities.

New builders and revisors are becoming more mindful of green architecture, methods and materials. Some are including enclosed parking and landscaped plazas as well as private recreation space for their residents. Taller buildings have commanding views of the mountainous vistas surrounding Asheville and often include balconies or rooftop lounges for their enjoyment.

Detached homes in the neighborhoods immediately surrounding downtown can be found in a swiftly moving market where demand is high. Outlying parks such as Buncomb, Malvern and Carrier and the French River paths and river walks are closer to these areas, along with community schools.

George W. Vanderbilt brought in hundreds of workers from 1890-1895 to complete his 255-room, French Renaissance style chateau. The Biltmore mansion reposes on 125,000 acres and is known as America's largest private residence. Grounds and home open their doors for visitors to tour and enjoy holiday events throughout the year.

Outdoor adventure awaits in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Asheville. Residents and visitors drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, boat and fish the French Broad River and hike and bike miles of trails of all levels on over a million acres of gorgeous wilderness. Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, calls to mountain lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Downtown Asheville celebrates its Appalachian past and culture with annual events such as Shindig on the Green. GRINDFest is a free, four-day festival that celebrates Black freedom, as well as the success of Black entrepreneurs + business owners in Asheville. Holidays and seasonal events are well attended in Downtown Asheville as shops and restaurants celebrate the changing of seasons with changing decorations and offerings for patrons.

Asheville is also a college town. The University of North Carolina hosts educational conferences and classes along with major sports on its campus. A congenial relationship between the university and the town resulted in it being voted 9th on a list of the 50 best small college communities to live and study in this country. Students appreciate the scenic campus, surrounded by the impressive Blue Ridge Mountains and lovely natural environment joined with a lively downtown and stimulating arts community.

Pack Square, Roger McGuire Green, Pritchard and Triangle Park are situated in the center of Downtown Asheville. All of these parks offer green spaces in the middle of the city proper, along with events such as live music and even an interactive drum circle open to all. Park benches, shade trees and outdoor sculpture draw residents away from the bustle of city life to relax and reconnect.

Pack Square Park is a favorite stop just outside the Asheville Art Museum to rest or eat a snack or lunch. It hosts festivals like the VeganFest and Art in the Park and open-air concerts. Visitors enjoy water splash pads, fountains, a concert stage, outdoor sculptures and street art. Visitors can also follow the Urban Trail markers that begin here and tell the history of Asheville.

Triangle Park hosts vibrant murals painted by over 100 volunteers that illustrate the history of The Block, Asheville’s first African American business district.

Pritchard Park’s walkways pass large boulders and charming landscaping on the way to its amphitheater with generous seating that hosts a assorted arts events. The best-known activity may be the weekly drum circle. Visitors and observers find themselves actively drawn in by the music and musicians.

Roger McGuire Green is a large sod lawn in front of the Courthouse and performance stage that hosts many music and arts festivals and events.

Farther outside the downtown area residents find parks along the French Broad River with swimming, hiking paths, fishing and paddle sports. Carrier Park, just a short drive from downtown, has almost any outdoor activity imaginable plus a unique sports field: enthusiasts can play Lawn Bowling there on a regulation field.

Asheville Middle School is the only city school located in Downtown Asheville and serves almost 700 students in grades 6, 7 and 8. Their school reports average achievement on state tests. Their program for Excellence with Equity was enacted to create a level learning environment for all students regardless of ethnicity and city schools are working on making changes that will meet its goals. The school has a gifted and talented program and an innovative media center. They support an active band and music program and have several arts enrichment opportunities. Their athletic program includes a full roster of seasonal sports. They have an affordable after school program to enhance safety and learning as part of Asheville city schools.

Downtown Asheville's Harrah’s Event Center hosts basketball, ballet, the Asheville symphony, conventions, music, New Year’s Eve Celebrations and other entertainment. It offers 7,700 seats for sports and performing arts fans.

The Basilica of St. Lawrence draws the faithful and artists to marvel at one of Downtown Asheville's architectural and spiritual wonders. Completed in 1909 and designed by Rafael Gustavino and Richard Sharpe Smith, famed architects of the Biltmore Mansion, this Catholic church inspires visitors and parishioners with its beautiful artwork and the largest freestanding elliptical dome in the U.S.

Shoppers, foodies, music lovers and art collectors spend time wandering through Downtown Asheville. They delve into art galleries, live music venues, 100 innovative restaurants and 200 locally owned stores and boutiques. Every kind of art treasure can be found downtown with artists creating new items on site, from glass blowing to quilting and wood carving. Grove Arcade next to the Asheville Art Museum is a favorite indoor mall for treasure hunting and dining. There is also a street market for eclectic finds and fresh produce in season.

Downtown Asheville residents live within walking distance to the central business area, so may be able to walk to work. There is also bus transportation to most Asheville city areas. The city includes over 90,000 residents, so some traffic congestion may occur during rush hours, but roads inside the city were well-planned and are maintained. Locals judge Asheville traffic as not as difficult as other major cities in the U.S.

Video By

Jarrod Bock