What an awesome time to get out and explore the beautiful city of Asheville! The weather is cooler, the fall colors are fantastic, and we’ve got so many things to do here! If you’re of an historic turn of mind, you will find so many sites of interest in our city. Here are the top 5 historic sites in Asheville, NC. What’s more, you can enjoy these attractions right now, even during this time of many closures!
- Montford Area Historic District – This neighborhood with gorgeous homes, mostly constructed between 1890-1920, is a lovely place to walk and take in the grandeur of a former age. The Riverside Cemetery is also a must-stop for history buffs. The graves of such personages as Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry can be found, along with many other interesting gravesites.
The Montford Area Historic District is located off Montford Ave, roughly bounded by I-240, I-26 and Broadway Ave. The houses of the district are private residences and not open to the public. The commercial buildings that house stores are open during normal business hours. - Speaking of Thomas Wolfe, you may visit the boarding house where the author grew up. The Thomas Wolfe Memorial is a museum with items from Wolfe’s childhood, including a letter to Santa! Fans will recognize the house as “Dixieland” from his most famous work, Look Homeward, Angel.
Open Tuesday – Saturday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
52 North Market Street, Asheville, NC 28801 - Although not a specific site, the 75-minute Haunted History & Murder Mystery Tour by Grayline goes over some of the most exciting (and haunted?) historical sites in Asheville. Knowledgeable guides take you on the Grayline Trolley to many scary spots throughout the city. One such spot is the site of the Highland Hospital fire that claimed the lives of nine women, including Zelda Fitzgerald. Reservations are encouraged.
Departure Point: Pack’s Tavern, 20 South Spruce Street, Asheville, NC 28801
April thru Mid-November – Monday – Saturday, Departure Time: 7:00pm - A wonderful free outdoor activity is Asheville’s Urban Trail – a self-guided 1.7-mile walking tour of art and history right in the city. Download your map, then start at Pack Square Park and make your way through the landmarks and amazing art installations throughout the trail. Plan this excursion during the daylight hours so you get the best views of everything!
Start in front of Pack Place on Asheville’s Pack Square
80 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801 - The Smith-McDowell House Museum has just reopened for self-guided tours. Asheville’s first mansion and oldest surviving structure is now a museum with accurately-restored rooms and special exhibits. Just a few miles from the Biltmore, you can see even earlier Asheville history! You must pre-book your tickets for a self-guided tour, as no walk-ins will be allowed. Includes a guidebook.
283 Victoria Road, Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 253-9231
Tours are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis Wednesday – Saturday at 10:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm, and 3:00pm.
These 5 historic sites in Asheville are available and open as of this post. But we do encourage everyone to check the latest guidelines and updates before heading out. And be careful to social distance and wear masks where required. Of course, you will always have a soft place to land when staying with us at Wildberry Lodge. Check our availability calendar to help plan your trip!
