Here are some suggestions for venues near Ardenwoods where you can spend a few hours and maybe even learn something new!
The North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum offers acres of cultivated gardens and groomed trails featuring some of the most beautiful, botanically-diverse plants in the region. And, the Arboretum is less than 5 miles from Ardenwoods. Read about Ardenwoods gardens on our blog.
Thomas Wolfe Memorial
Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe’s colorfully portrayed his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse. The Victorian period house is one of American literature’s most famous landmarks.
Grovewood Village
Known today as Grovewood Village, this historic site once housed the weaving and woodworking operations of Biltmore Industries. Edith Vanderbilt and inspired teachers, Eleanor Vance and Charlotte Yale, founded the historic craft and textiles operation.
The 11-acre property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is home to Grovewood Gallery, working artist studios, a sculpture garden, Golden Fleece restaurant, the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum, and Asheville’s only antique car museum.
Carl Sandburg Home
Carl Sandburg and his family lived in this house from 1945 until Mr. Sandburg’s death in 1967. They lived a simple life and surrounded themselves with things with which they were comfortable. Experience how the Sandburgs lived as a National Park Service Ranger or park volunteer guides you through the house.
Carl Sandburg provided a popular voice for the American people of the twentieth century. His words, activism, music and the beauty and serenity of Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site speak to us today.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the park.
The Folk Art Center
The Folk Art Center is home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The center showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Appalachians. In addition to an Eastern National bookstore and Blue Ridge Parkway information desk, the center houses three galleries, a library, and the Guild’s oldest craft shop. Beginning in March each year, visitors can see live craft demonstrations daily in the Folk Art Center lobby. The Folk Art Center is located in east Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a five-minute drive from downtown.