Western NC Museums and Historic Sites

The exterior of the Basilica of St. Lawrence in downtown Asheville, NC.

What Is the Basilica of St. Lawrence?

Spanish architect, Rafael Guastavino, originally came to the Asheville area to work on the Biltmore Estate Mansion. He quickly fell in love with the beauty of Western North Carolina, and shortly after, the construction of the Basilica of St. Lawrence began. With its unique position in downtown Asheville and as the largest basilica in North America, this […]

What Is the Basilica of St. Lawrence? Read More »

Antique-Typewriter-

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial: 3 Reasons You Need to Visit

The area surrounding the Esmeralda Inn offers visitors more than enough to keep them busy, from scenic Appalachian bliss to Asheville city life. Among the local attractions is the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, where the late American author spent his childhood. Literature buffs and novices alike will benefit from paying a visit to the author’s former abode.

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial: 3 Reasons You Need to Visit Read More »

The gardens at Biltmore, one of our favorite things to do in the nearby city of Asheville!

Why You Need to Experience the Biltmore Estate Gardens

For most people, visiting the Biltmore Estate in spring is on their North Carolina must-do list. This historic property in Asheville, NC is surrounded by 125,000 acres of spectacular gardens and grounds! The Biltmore Estate Gardens were designed by America’s foremost landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted. From the beauty of the Italian Garden to the trees in

Why You Need to Experience the Biltmore Estate Gardens Read More »