Asheville: A Must-See Destination for Art Lovers

My husband and I are settling well into South Carolina and because Asheville is a mere 1.5 hours away, we finally decided to take a look and it turns out we didn't know what we were missing. One of my favorite things to do is post art I see on Facebook and it turns out, I had plenty to share.

Asheville leans into its quirkiness, like here with this coffee bus and below with this giant iron.

A Celebrated Mountain Destination

Before Asheville became one of the South's most celebrated mountain destinations, it was a busy railroad town, a haven for artists, and a shady refuge for people drawn to the Blue Ridge Mountains as a way to escape the summer heat.

Today, visitors can still discover pieces of that rich history tucked between trendy hotels, colorful galleries, and eclectic eateries. During a recent two-night getaway, I found myself exploring both Asheville's past and present.

Our trip began at The Moxy, one of the newer hotels located in the heart of the action.

What better way to check into a hotel than with a drink?

While decidedly modern, the hotel places guests within easy reach of downtown's restaurants, breweries, and attractions. The lively atmosphere, contemporary design, and walkable location make it an appealing choice for travelers who want to experience Asheville's energetic side while using the hotel as a comfortable home base.

A Repurposed Woolworth

One of my favorite discoveries was the historic Woolworth building in downtown Asheville. Originally opened in 1938 as a branch of the famous five-and-dime chain, the building now houses the Woolworth Walk. The former lunch counter and retail space have been transformed into a gallery showcasing the work of dozens of regional artists. 

The building retains much of its vintage charm while serving as a reminder of Asheville's long-standing commitment to the arts and we were glad we visited. I ended up with the bluebird photo and the cat perched among the books shown here.

Grovewood Village

Another stop that offered a fascinating glimpse into Asheville's history was Grovewood Village. Located adjacent to the famed Grove Park Inn, the village occupies buildings that once housed the weaving and woodworking operations of the Biltmore Industries. 

Today it is home to artifacts, art and even classic cars.

A Spectacular Stone Hotel

The Grove Park Inn from the front.

Not far from Grovewood Village is a spectacular stone hotel now owned by Omni. The historic Grove Park Inn has been welcoming guests since 1913. Built from massive granite boulders gathered from the surrounding mountainside, the Arts-and-Crafts-style resort, known for its humongous stone fireplaces and sweeping views, has become one of the south's most iconic destinations and has hosted celebrities, authors and presidents over the years.

When I visited the Grand Bohemian Hotel owned by Marriott in Greenville, I thought I had seen the largest stone fireplace featured in a hotel, but it turns out I had not. The Grove Park Inn fireplace, albeit more rustic, trumps that of the Grand Bohemian.  

A Cozy Speakeasy

A view from the bar.

When I read about the Crow and Quill speakeasy, of course I had to weave that into our plans, so my husband and I walked from our hotel to the cozy space tucked away behind an unassuming doorway on Lexington Avenue.

The Crow & Quill feels like a step back into another era. Opened in 2014, the speakeasy-style cocktail bar has become one of Asheville's most beloved nightlife destinations, drawing visitors with its dim lighting, antique furnishings, live music, and an extraordinary collection of more than 1,000 spirits, including hundreds of whiskeys. 

The entrance is intentionally discreet and adds to the sense of discovery that has made the venue a favorite among locals and travelers alike.

Laughs with LaZoom

She kept us laughing while regaling us with Asheville information.

Of course, no Asheville visit would be complete without a little fun. That's where the wildly popular LaZoom tour comes in. Equal parts sightseeing excursion and rolling comedy show, LaZoom delivers local history with a generous dose of humor. The guides have a knack for sharing Asheville's quirks, legends, and colorful characters while keeping passengers entertained from start to finish.

What makes Asheville so appealing is its ability to embrace both the new and the old. Historic buildings become art galleries, former craft workshops evolve into creative destinations, and nearly every street seems to tell a story. Whether you're interested in architecture, local art, history, food, or simply enjoying the mountain atmosphere, Asheville offers a blend of experiences that keeps visitors coming back.

After just two nights, I left with a camera full of photos, a deeper appreciation for the city's heritage, and a growing list of places I'd like to explore on my next visit. In Asheville, history and art aren't confined to museums—they're woven into the fabric of everyday life.

 

A Sunny Day in Ram Cat Alley

Just minutes from Clemson University, downtown Seneca is the kind of place that reveals itself slowly. There’s no grand entrance or marquee attraction—just a handful of walkable blocks that feel easy, approachable and quietly intentional.

At the center of it all is Ram Cat Alley.

Tucked just off Main Street, the narrow corridor has been reimagined as a pedestrian-friendly stretch lined with restaurants, small shops and colorful touches that give it a sense of place. Murals break up the brick, string lights soften the edges and a scattering of tables and seating areas signal that this is somewhere to stay awhile, not simply pass through.

The name reaches back to Seneca’s railroad days, when the town functioned as a busy stop along the line and nicknames like “Ram Cat” became part of the local vernacular. While the trains are no longer the focal point, the name remains—a subtle link between the town’s past and its present.

That sense of continuity carries through the space itself. What was once essentially a back alley—functional, overlooked and easy to miss—has been transformed into something altogether different. Today, it feels purposeful without being overdone, a place designed to draw people in rather than funnel them through.

Spend a little time here and the rhythm becomes clear. People drift from storefront to storefront, pause to talk, settle in at a table. It has the feel of a shared space, something closer to a neighborhood gathering spot than a typical downtown strip.

I stopped in many of the shops that sold everything from food to wine, antiques, unique gifts, coffee and apparel.

In a town positioned near both the energy of a college campus and the natural pull of Lake Keowee, that kind of space matters. 

This might be good for mixing drinks at Sturgis? 

Ram Cat Alley gives Seneca a focal point—somewhere that reflects both where it’s been and where it’s headed. 

It’s not large, and it doesn’t try to be. But in a downtown built on small details and steady pacing, it’s exactly the right size.

Celebrate America's 250th in Philadelphia Where History Comes Alive

As the country gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday, there’s really no better place to take it all in than Philadelphia—a city that doesn’t just tell the American story, it lives it. Spend time at the Museum of the American Revolution, visit the Liberty Bell Center, explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art (founded in 1876) and step inside a humble 18th century home that is closely tied to the American flag.

Philadelphia is the kind of place where the past feels present, making it an ideal backdrop for a visit that ties directly into the nation’s semiquincentennial.

The Museum of The American Revolution

The Museum of the American Revolution opened in 2017 in Philadelphia’s historic district and spans roughly 118,000 square feet. Its focus extends beyond the Founding Fathers to include the experiences of women, soldiers, enslaved people and Native Americans.

Inside visitors will see George Washington’s war tent, along with revolutionary era weapons, diaries and personal items that bring the period into sharper focus.

A special exhibition tied to the 250th, The Declaration’s Journey, explores the global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today, connecting the nation’s founding ideals to movements of the modern era.

Visit the Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell
Credit: Daniel Knoll for Visit Philadelphia

Inside the Liberty Bell Center on Independence Mall is an iconic bell that exists as a symbol of our nation’s dedication to freedom.

A short exhibit explains the bell’s origins and evolving meaning and how it developed its famous crack over time. Admission is free of charge and visitors are able to get an up-close, unobstructed view the bell—ideal for posting on social media. Those who arrive in the early morning or late afternoon will have the shortest wait.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art 

Founded in 1876, the Philadelphia Museum of Art opened its current building in 1928 and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.  Moviegoers may recognize the grand steps from Rocky, which have become an attraction in their own right.

They used to call it "The operating theater" because spectators and students also used to observe what was going on during operations. 

As a person who has been to many art museums, I can safely say that the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the most impressive. Taking in everything will take hours since there are about 240,000 objects in the museum so I suggest doing a morning or afternoon one day and then returning the next.

In recognition of the nation’s 250th, the museum is presenting A Nation of Artists, an exhibition created in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Running through 2027, it features 1,000 works spanning three centuries of American art and traces how national identity evolved through art—from colonial portraiture to modern abstraction.

The result is a sweeping look at the nation’s story—told not through documents, but through the eyes of the artists who have interpreted it for generations.

The Betsy Ross House

The courtyard of the Betsy Ross House. 
Credit: R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

I took this one for the cats alone. This is also in the courtyard.

At the Betsy Ross House, the 250th comes to life through living history. Visitors will see costumed interpreters, hear storytelling and observe hands-on demonstrations that shift the focus from well-known figures to everyday people—especially women—who lived the Revolution.

The house, located at 239 Arch Street, is a colonial-era building that dates to 1740 and has long-stood at the location. Although it’s not the original Betsy Ross abode, (that one was purported to be next door and was demolished), it gives guests a clear view of what it was like to live in a simpler time.

Visitors can explore at their own pace, or opt for an audio tour.

Whether viewed through artifacts, symbols, art, or everyday lives, Philadelphia offers a sweeping look at our nation’s past that is particularly relevant as we approach our 250th. It’s a history that isn’t confined to textbooks, but rather unfolds in galleries, street corners and inside buildings as the stories continue to be told.