Henry’s, often called the oldest gay bar in the state. Downtown Asheville is home to an array of LGBTQ-friendly bars. Souvenirs from this local boutique will wow your friends when you return home.Īfter shopping and gallery hopping, the fun and fruity cocktails of this unexpected destination will call your name. These only-in-Asheville products are sure to add a sweet burst of flavor to your home cooking. The shop sells a wide selection of gay magazines and books.Īsheville Bee Charmer sells raw honey and a variety of products made with local honey. Looking for a newer bookshop worth checking out? Firestorm Books & Coffee offers visitors a vegan coffee shop and popular LGBTQ gathering spot. The most beloved bookstore in town is Malaprop’s, an independent bookstore and café that opened in 1982. This unexpected destination will encourage you to shop until your suitcase zippers threaten to burst open. The tree-shaded streets are lined with vintage clothing stores, craft shops, and charming bookstores. Asheville has it all, from independent shops to major brands. Thankfully for shoppers, many of these iconic facades house boutiques that are perfect for retail therapy. Also noteworthy is the Flatiron Building, a miniature version of the NYC landmark by the same name. North Carolina’s tallest skyscraper, the Jackson Building is a must-see. Start off by checking out the brilliantly pink City Building. The tour leads guests past the city’s most beautiful buildings. Make time to take a self-guided walking tour of Asheville’s architecture. The Art Deco architecture downtown makes the city look like a 1920s time capsule. While the Biltmore is the crown jewel, you’ll discover architectural gems throughout the city. The estate hosts the Biltmore Festival of Flowers each summer, when the gardens are at their most spectacular. The grounds are as stunning as the building itself. It’s based on the Châteauesque style popularized in France’s Loire Valley between the 15th and 17th centuries. The Biltmore Estate, the most famous building in the area, was built in 1895 by the Vanderbilt family. You could fill an entire Instagram story with unexpected destinations and architecture. Many of Asheville’s buildings are works of art themselves. Appropriately, the museum will showcase North Carolina artists. The museum will showcase a permanent collection of 20th- and 21st-century American art as well as special exhibitions. Guests are welcome to admire ceramics, paintings, jewelry, photographs, and more.Īfter years of anticipation, the Asheville Art Museum will open in the summer of 2019. Today, the district houses more than 200 studios, and many are open to visitors. The site dates back to the 1980s, when artists began opening studios in the industrial buildings along the river. Don’t miss Blue Spiral 1, Asheville Gallery of Art, and Lexington Glassworks, home to beautiful blown glass (and a beer bar!).Įxplore even more galleries in Asheville’s River Arts District, south of downtown. From April to November you can meet local gallery owners while getting to know Asheville’s eclectic downtown scene. With beautiful architecture and dozens of galleries, Asheville is often called the “Paris of the South.” Within half a mile of Pack Square-the city’s central park-there are more than 30 fine art studios and galleries.ĭowntown Asheville Art District hosts a walking gallery tour on the first weekend of each month. They’ve turned the city into a playground for art-lovers. They opened studios, galleries, and shops to showcase their creativity. Many of these artists loved this unexpected destination so much they decided to stay.
Asheville is a destination worthy of your dream destination list.Īsheville’s mountain scenery has drawn artists to the area for decades. Don’t miss the opportunity to dance in North Carolina’s biggest gay club. You’ll love discovering microbreweries, farm-to-table dining, and a kick-ass bar scene. Plus, you’ll get to support queer-owned bed and breakfasts, galleries, and restaurants. Beyond art and architecture, discover shopping, dining, and fun experiences year-round. Looking for an unexpected destination for your next vacay? Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has cemented itself as one of the coolest LGBTQ-friendly cities in North Carolina.
Check out art, architecture, and more in North Carolina’s coolest small city