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.