Photographic Tour of Historic Downtown Asheville, NC
Asheville, North Carolina is a picturesque mountain town, located off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Due it’s proximity to the mountains there are a wide variety of things to do here. Of course 2020, left many of us with no options for travel. With this in mind, I thought you might enjoy a photographic tour of historic downtown Asheville. Not only can you enjoy the beauty of Asheville from home, but you will have inspiration for when you can travel again.
Heads up! We’re working hard to be accurate – but these are unusual times. Due to COVID- 19 please always check hours of operations before heading out.
Our posts do include Affiliate Links and you can learn more on our Disclosures page.
When you feel safe to visit Asheville, North Carolina check out these wonderful options from the Marriott’s Homes & Villas program.
Downtown Asheville
One of the coolest things about downtown Asheville is that it has quite a few Art Deco buildings from the 1920’s. As a matter of fact they have been kept in pristine condition over the years. If you decide to visit Asheville in the near future, I highly recommend the Asheville Architecture Trail which highlights the exquisite buildings of the 1920’s. Access the printable map here. You can utilize the map and this photographic tour for a fun interactive experience as well.
Henceforth, let’s proceed with our photographic tour of historic downtown Asheville, North Carolina. We will begin with government buildings.
Government Buildings
First we have the Asheville City Building (1926-28). which is an Art Deco masterpiece.
Then we have the Legal Building (1909), designed by Richard Sharp Smith, the supervising architect of Biltmore House.
The Pack Memorial Library (1926) is a Neo-classical gem. It a part of the Asheville Art Museum as well.
Commercial Buildings
Equally important to Downton Asheville’s charm are the historic commercial buildings of a bygone era.
Next, the Jackson Building on the left was North Carolina’s tallest sky scrapper at it’s completion in 1924. The Westall building next door was designed for prominent builder William H. Westall.
Another of my favorites is Pack’s Tavern. Notably, one of Asheville’s oldest buildings. being built in 1907. It’s also the meting place for Gray Line’s Ghost & Mystery tour.
I just love the Wachovia Bank & Trust Building (1937), therefore I must include our photographic tour of Asheville.
Of course the Flat Iron Building (1927) is one of the best known. It also still features operator-run elevator.
Retail Stores
Obviously every generation loves shopping. As they do now and in the past, Asheville hosts some beautiful shopping areas.
Before the era of outlandish shopping malls in America, there was the Grove Arcade (1926). Thankfully the Grove Arcade is still one of Asheville’s most beautiful buildings.
The Kress Building (1928) is tried and true beauty as well. Even though Kress Stores are no more, this wonderful place is now a showcase to more than 80 artists.
Of course I must include North Carolina’s oldest pawn shop, Finkelstein’s (1903). Plus they are located on this lovely row of historic buildings.
Churches
Finally on our photographic tour of historic downtown Asheville are churches. Not all the churches of course, but a few charming ones who stand the test of time.
The Basilica was built in the early 1900’s and shares the same architects as the Biltmore House. Another unique feature is that it has the largest freestanding elliptical dome in the U.S.
First Presbyterian Church has a long and rich history in Western North Carolina. Beginning in 1794, FPCA is now entering its 4ᵗʰ century of service to the community.
Central United Methodist Church has been a member of the Asheville community for more than 180 years.
Asheville, North Carolina is not only one of the state’s prettiest cities, but it is unique, vibrant and rich in interesting history.
In conclusion, I do hope you found this photographic tour of Asheville, North Carolina post enjoyable. Additionally, if you’re ready to plan that road trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway, check out these great deals here.
Furthermore, if you liked this post you might also like a few other posts on North Carolina. Such as Asheville, NC -Best Sights and Bites and Blue Ridge Photo Inspo from Wilkesboro to Linville Falls.
By the way, we are always working to make the blog better. We want to make sure the content we provide is informative and fun! For that reason please leave a comment or reach out to us on our Contact page.
