The Basilica of St. Lawrence is a basilica which stands tall in the downtown neighborhood of Ashville. Established in 1906 it is said to have one of the greatest domes in North America. The imposing structure of the basilica is inspired by the Spanish Baroque style of architecture. The interiors of the church are equally mesmerizing. Several statues of saints make the interiors enchanting, thereby giving the basilica an ancient feel. The stained glasses on walls and the serene ambiance of the church make the experience worthwhile. Both self-guided and guided tours of the basilica are available for visitors. The Basilica of St. Lawrence is worth visiting for its sheer grandeur.
One of the crown jewels of Asheville, Biltmore Estate seamlessly chronicles the legendary lineage of the Vanderbilts. Nestled in the sprawling Blue Ridge Mountains, the house was built between 1889 and 1895 by architect Richard Morris Hunt as the summer estate of George Washington Vanderbilt II. At its heart is the Biltmore House, a four-story mansion inspired by the Châteauesque architectural style in France and England. With 250 rooms encompassing 8000 acres (3237 hectares), it is one of the biggest private homes in the country. Replete with furniture, artwork, and antiques that exude grandeur, the house shelters an array of opulent spaces like the enormous Banquet Hall and George Vanderbilt's master bedroom. Complete with carved paneling, gilded ornamentation, and intricate ceiling work, this grandiose house is the epitome of elegance. Fronting the house are the marvelous gardens which have been modeled on Victorian landscaping principles, complete with delightful foliage and blooming colorful flowers. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the house also harbors restaurants, shops, an inn, and a gorgeous winery and a rooftop that affords breathtaking views of its surrounding environs.
Fondly known as the heart of Hendersonville, the historic downtown area is a vibrant neighborhood. The major draw here is the picturesque streets boasting heritage buildings representing Victorian-era style, trendy cafes, chic boutiques, and delightful restaurants. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the downtown area also hosts various community activities and events such as art shows, an antique show, and parades. The art galleries in downtown are particularly noteworthy for their unique collections.
This area includes many historical structures from Saluda’s past. Dating between late 19th and early 20th century, these buildings primarily show Late Gothic Revival and Stick style architecture. They house several shops, galleries and cafes in the present day, adding modernity to the old-rustic look of this city. With most of the buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Saluda Main Street Historic District is one of the top attractions in the city.
At Silvermont Mansion and Park, a 33-room mansion forms the centerpiece of a lush green park around it. Once a home to the Silversteens family, the colonial revival style mansion was built in the early 20th-century. Visitors can access the mansion and see some amazing displays from the bygone era when the family stayed here. The 8-acre (3.23-hectare) property also includes multiple gardens and walking trails within its boundaries. Moreover, tennis courts, a basketball court and a playground are among the few other facilities offered here. Visit this scenic place to enjoy sun, grass and play with your loved ones.
Antler Hill Village and Winery sits on the highly-acclaimed property of Biltmore Estate. The Outdoor Adventure Center where visitors who want to see the Biltmore Estate and the Appalachian Mountains from a different perspective can find tours ranging from ride-along Land Rover expeditions to horseback riding tours. A wide-range of outdoor classes are also held here including clay pigeon shooting courses and a fly-fishing school. Whether you're looking for something light or more novel, there are a number of different restaurants located here including Cedric's Tavern for pub fare or the Arbor Grill for a casual meal.
Church of the Transfiguration is a lovely structure built with the Carpenter Gothic style of architecture. It was erected in 1889 and is spread across an area of 1.7 acres (0.69 hectare). The classy white exteriors with the serene interiors look magnificent and are sure to take you back into time. The structure has been preserved exceptionally well. Services and other religious ceremonies are held in the church till date.
The Basilica of St. Lawrence is a basilica which stands tall in the downtown neighborhood of Ashville. Established in 1906 it is said to have one of the greatest domes in North America. The imposing structure of the basilica is inspired by the Spanish Baroque style of architecture. The interiors of the church are equally mesmerizing. Several statues of saints make the interiors enchanting, thereby giving the basilica an ancient feel. The stained glasses on walls and the serene ambiance of the church make the experience worthwhile. Both self-guided and guided tours of the basilica are available for visitors. The Basilica of St. Lawrence is worth visiting for its sheer grandeur.
The Campbell's Covered Bridge is located over the Beaverdam Creek in the picturesque town of Landrum. The 11 meters (38 feet) long and 3.6 meters (12 feet) wide bridge was built more than a century ago and stands today as the one and only wooden covered bridge that is remaining. You can also visit the old grist mill nearby. The vast surrounding area of the bridge is a beautiful and quiet day picnic spot surrounded by natural beauty all around!
The historic North Carolina home is the legacy of Pulitzer Prize winner Carl Sandburg. Sandburg authored his writings in the solitude of these Connemara Farms, while his wife, Lilian raised her dairy goats on the pastures. Today, the Sandburg residence and goat barns are open to visitors.
The St. Mary's Episcopal Church is a historic church located in Asheville, North Carolina. This Anglo-Catholic parish was built in 1914 by architects Chauncey Beadle and Richard S. Smith and features Late Gothic Revival style architecture, with statues adorning the exterior red brick walls. The church building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
Exuding the quintessential charm of a small-town antique gift shop, Charlie’s Southern Rustiques is a quaint one-stop shop. Here a wide collection of collectibles and items of home décor beckon locals and tourists alike. While the array of antique goods lure many, the selection of souvenirs from the Sinclair gas station is the shop’s crowning glory. A visit to Charlie’s Southern Rustiques promises to be a short lesson in the town’s local history. On your next visit to Travelers Rest, do stop by this famed shop.