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Arts, Crafts & Shopping

The Asheville area has a thriving arts scene and is home to hundreds of artists, sculptors, crafters and more. There are many notable galleries and a variety of featured art events throughout the year – both in town and in dedicated arts’ districts in Asheville and other surrounding villages.

Arts, Crafts and Antiques

  • The River Arts District: Visit the working studios and galleries of hundreds of artists. Many studios are located in converted factory warehouses where you can chat with the artist firsthand. Then, stop into shop at Marquee, Asheville’s largest market for “the old, the bold, the creative and the unexpected.” It’s akin to an indoor European street market – Asheville style!

  • The Folk Art Center is home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild. It’s been serving artists in this area since 1930 and represents close to 1,000 craftspeople in 293 counties from nine states. It showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Appalachians and is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a few miles from downtown.

  • Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands: A tradition since 1948, for four days during July and October, this event is hosted at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville. Hundreds of craftspeople come together to sell works of fiber, clay, leather, mixed media, metal, natural materials, glass, paper, wood and jewelry. 

  • Downtown Asheville: There are so many shopping venues to explore in downtown Asheville. Every street downtown leads to an eclectic mix of businesses and local merchants. Among them are the Woolworth Walk in the Historic F.W. Woolworth building, featuring more than 160 local artists. The building also houses an old-fashioned Soda Fountain. The block-long Grove Arcade is a shopping and dining destination in the heart of downtown. The Kress Emporium showcases the work of more than 80 regional artists and craftspeople. And don’t forget to stop into the Asheville Art Museum which features American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. 

  • Biltmore Village: Visit this area which is filled with turn-of-the-century homes that once belonged to George Vanderbilt. This area is also home to the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home and Asheville’s most-visited attraction. You’ll find a mix of restaurants, small boutiques, specialty stores and galleries. 

  • The Biltmore Antiques District: Spend the day exploring antiques from nearly 80 independent dealers in 10 convenient locations. You’re sure to find some hidden treasure here from the Tobacco Barn to the Regeneration Station.

Historic Biltmore Village sidewalk
Historic Biltmore Village art shop exterior view

Art Studio Strolls

These free studio strolls are self-guided tours where you can visit the artist’s home or studio. They are also a fun way to explore different neighborhoods and see some historic houses. 

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