Many vacationers visit the Biltmore Estate to see the largest home in
America and are unfamiliar with what is otherwise in and around
Asheville. The landmark attraction appears to be alone on an island
surrounded by lush green forests. Look beyond the Biltmore’s gates and
discover Asheville with a world of opportunities.
Pisgah National Forest
Hikers have a huge selection of trails at their feet including those in
the Pisgah National Forest where visitors can also learn how George
Vanderbilt established the first forestry school at what today is The
Cradle of Forestry. Those looking for an easier way to observe the
great outdoors, may consider taking a 10-mile Segway® nature tour on
woodland paths at the North Carolina Arboretum.
Asheville's Urban Trail
One of the most interesting attractions is Asheville’s Urban Trail. The
1.7-mile loop begins downtown at the Pack Center. Along the
route, placards detail architectural features, prominent residents,
noteworthy tidbits and area history. Artwork is scattered along the way
too. To keep visitors on course, the trail is comprised of five
distinct themes, each highlighted by a pink-colored granite marker
embedded in the sidewalk. For instance, the Gilded Age time period, the
1800s to 1930s, highlights art deco architecture, railroads, the Grove
Arcade and Appalachian culture and is denoted with a feather, while The
Times of Thomas Wolfe, encompassing 1900 to 1938, are commemorated with
angel markers symbolic of his father’s occupation and the title of his
book. Feel free to join the trail at any point. Guided tours are
scheduled from spring to fall on weekends.
The Pack Center is the home of the Asheville Art Museum, the only
museum of its kind in western North Carolina; the Colburn Earth Science
Museum with its gems and minerals; and The Health Adventure, where a
skeleton (just one of the many exhibits) rides a bicycle and introduces
the fun of science.
Throughout the loop are shops like Malaprop's Bookstore, and
restaurants, like Café on the Square, just across from the Pack Center,
and Tupelo Honey Café at Battery Park. Many of the dining
establishments offer outside seating during the warmer months. The
sizable downtown is alive with people and activities. It’s obvious that
outdoor lovers are here; evident by the number of cars toting kayaks
and bicycles.
Grove Arcade
One of the rewards along the footpath is the Gothic-style Grove Arcade.
Built in 1929 as a public market, this architectural jewel re-opened in
late 2002, having been owned by the government from World War II to
1995. Now fully restored, it is filled with shops and
restaurants, plus an open-air market.
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