1 to 2 hours (approx.)
Daily Tour
15 people
English
Uncover a blend of history, art, and stories as you walk Asheville’s streets. Observe the mastery of structures like the Basilica of St. Lawrence. Learn about the city’s post-Revolutionary War origins and how the raging Civil War impacted Asheville and its slaves. Then see an array of unique sculptures as you continue, such as the Marketplace Sculpture. You’ll also get to meet figures such as famed author Thomas Wolfe and see the eclectic River Arts District. After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route. New, extra validity ‘ now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips! This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Pause here. To our left is the impressive Basilica of St. Lawrence. This basilica owes its existence to Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino. In the early 1890s, Guastavino was commissioned to work on a vaulted ceiling for the Biltmore house in Asheville. But while here, he decided he loved the place too much to leave! He bought property and set down roots.
Note:- This tour is 1.8 miles long and covers all its essentials in 2-3 hours.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
See that statue depicting three well-dressed women with a dog in tow? That’s Shopping Daze! This sculpture commemorated Haywood Street’s history as a desirable and unique shopping destination. I think it can also represent Asheville’s ability to bounce back after its lively shopping district was hindered by debt and mall culture.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The ‘Legacy of Design’ sculpture stands up here, depicting a young boy on stilts. This piece was made to honor the inventive architect Richard Sharp Smith. I’ll dive deeper into Smith’s life in a moment, but first, you should know a thing or two about the sculptor of this piece, Dennis Smith.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The bell up here is a replica of the one that used to stand at the east end of Pack square, which rang out during important moments in Asheville’s early history. What kinds of events? Well, how about when the colonies declared their independence from Great Britain!
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
In 1924 architect Ronald Greene was commissioned to create the Jackson Building. It’s the one directly to our right! This was the tallest skyscraper in North Carolina at the time of its construction, and boasts some very unique features.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Do you see that bronze lock of hair, combs, and pocket watch set into the concrete around this plaque? If you’re a classic literature buff, you might recall what these all have in common. They’re from the famous O. Henry short story “Gift of the Magi”!
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
To our left stands the amazingly intricate Drhumor Building! Humorously given the nickname of the ‘Dr. Humor building,’ this structure owes its beauty to sculptor Frederick Miles. What many people don’t know is that these carvings might actually be based on real Asheville residents!
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Coming up on our left is the Grove Arcade. Built by Edwin Grove, this bustling center of commerce stretches over a block and offers just about anything your heart desires.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
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