Arts & Crafts in Asheville -- Beyond the Grove Park Inn

I have long believed that there are three reasons why the Arts & Crafts Conference has not just lasted, but has grown these past 25 years: your hunger for information about that which you collect, the unique nature of the Grove Park Inn, and the charm and sincerity of Asheville.

For many of you, your trip to the 25th National Arts & Crafts Conference will also give you the opportunity to explore Asheville, either before events start taking place on Friday or after their conclusion on Sunday afternoon. Having been named to numerous Top Ten Lists, including Best Places To Live and Best Places To Retire, plus top Food & Wine Destinations, Arts Destinations, Travel Destinations and, my favorite, the Happiest City in the Country, it is no wonder Asheville is everyone's favorite Arts & Crafts destination, too.

Here, then, are a few of my personal tips on Things To Do in Asheville:

The Biltmore Estate - In 1895 George Vanderbilt escaped the confines of Manhattan society, using his inheritance to build a 250-room French chateau on 125,000 acres of land outside Asheville. Restored, enlarged and managed by his descendents, the house, grounds, gardens, restaurants, hotel, shops and winery attract a million visitors a year. While the flowers aren't blooming in February, the off-season ticket prices often drop beneath $30. It is worth every cent, provided you allow enough time: a minimum of three hours inside the house, an hour to either shop or have lunch, and an hour in and around the winery. Details at http://www.Biltmore.com.

Biltmore Village - Outside the gates to his estate Vanderbilt constructed a village for his employees. Today Biltmore Village is a popular historic district with art galleries, restaurants, boutiques and specialty shops lining its brick sidewalks and narrow streets. It remains a public area, so there is no admission charge. Details at whttp://www.BiltmoreVillage.com.

Biltmore Industries - Founded in Biltmore Village as a small Arts & Crafts woodworking and weaving enterprise, Biltmore Industries was moved to five workshops next to the Grove Park Inn in 1917. Today the buildings have been restored and converted into Grovewood Gallery, the Grovewood Café, a small history museum with Roycroft furniture and a working loom, an automobile collection beneath Roycroft chandeliers, and several active workshops. Free walking tours are included in the Arts & Crafts Conference agenda. Information at http://www.Grovewood.com.

Craftsman Farms Banquet - One way to experience Biltmore Industries is to attend the Craftsman Farms banquet on Thursday evening before the start of the Arts & Crafts Conference. You can stroll amid the buildings, soak in the history, reconnect with friends, and make new ones without missing any of the conference. For details, go to http://www.StickleyMuseum.org and click on "Programs."

Blue Ridge Parkway - Conceived as one of President Roosevelt's W.P.A. projects in 1935, it is called "America's Favorite Drive." The parkway winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains for 469 miles from western North Carolina into Virginia, with 168 bridges, 26 tunnels and numerous scenic overlooks. There are three easy-to-find entry points around Asheville, and a short drive north of Asheville takes you to the Folk Art Center. For maps and information, go to http://www.BlueRidgeParkway.org.

Downtown - Spared the ravages of the misguided 'urban renewal' programs, downtown retains the charm and character of turn-of-the-century Asheville. Small business owners have restored and transformed classic three-story brick buildings into shops, restaurants, apartments, galleries and lofts. The 1920s Grove Arcade (pictured) was among the country's first indoor shopping centers and, after a careful restoration, is home to unique shops, galleries and restaurants.

Arts & Crafts Neighborhoods - Asheville's building boom coincided with the Arts & Crafts movement, so it is no wonder you can find modest bungalows and large Arts & Crafts homes on nearly every street. Historic districts such as Montford, Grove Park, Albemarle Park, and Kennilworth are ideal for either driving or walking, as owners have adopted the Arts & Crafts style as their own as they have restored their individual pieces of Asheville history.

And, of course, there is the Grove Park Inn, the country's most well-known Arts & Crafts hotel and resort. At last check a few of its 510 rooms remained available for the 25th National Arts & Crafts Conference, as well as at the nearby Renaissance Hotel, with a free shuttle bus between the two. For information and rates, go to http://www.Arts-CraftsConference.com and click on "Lodging."

- Bruce Johnson