Escaping to the Blue Ridge: A Late Summer Journey to Asheville
In less than a week's time, one can see and experience a quintessential Southern mountain adventure. As summer draws to a close, I find it's the perfect time to escape the final push of intense (and unbearable) Charleston heat and head slightly north to "the other Carolina." From Lowlands to Highlands, every time I venture into the North Carolina mountains, new experiences await and fresh memories are made.
Biltmore Estate: America's Castle
Asheville sits nestled in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, a city renowned for its natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, and abundant outdoor activities. Among its many treasures stands one of the United States' most magnificent historic landmarks: the Biltmore House and its sprawling grounds.
This Châteauesque-style mansion, built for George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895, holds the distinction of being the largest privately owned house in the United States—boasting 178,926 square feet of floor space and 135,280 square feet of living area. Still owned by George Vanderbilt's descendants, it remains one of the most prominent examples of Gilded Age grandeur.
The story begins in the 1880s, when George Washington Vanderbilt II began making regular visits to the Asheville area with his mother, Maria Louisa Kissam Vanderbilt. So enchanted was he by the scenery and climate that he decided to build what he modestly called his "little mountain escape"—though the resulting mansion was anything but little.
Due to the estate's massive scale, incredible collection, and steady crowds, touring the mansion can easily consume several hours. But it's an experience you won't regret. For me, seeing such historic masterpieces in their original setting was absolutely mind-blowing. The Vanderbilts lived surrounded by works from Monet, Renoir, and Whistler, displayed throughout libraries, the grand dining hall, bedrooms, and sitting rooms as if they were simply part of the family's daily life.
The Biltmore Estate houses a collection of over 92,000 pieces of art, including some of the world's most treasured Impressionist works. Vanderbilt was both a seasoned collector and an early, passionate supporter of the Impressionist movement, cultivating friendships with museum directors and curators worldwide. During World War II, the estate even served as a safe haven for some of the National Gallery of Art's most precious treasures—including works by Botticelli, Rembrandt, and Gilbert Stuart—as officials feared potential bombings on American soil.
Continuing Vanderbilt's legacy of arts patronage, the estate displays both period pieces and contemporary works, including stunning glass installations by renowned artist Dale Chihuly (see below).
Downtown Asheville: "Hippy Chic" at Its Finest
If someone twisted my arm and forced me to relocate from Charleston, Asheville—what I affectionately call "hippy chic"—would top my list. This walkable city brims with boutiques, galleries, and coffee shops waiting to be discovered.
The Edge Boutique specializes in clean-lined, contemporary women's clothing while also curating unique tapestry bags, leather belts, and jewelry crafted by local artisans. Nearby, Mora Jewelry offers "curated, individual, contemporary jewelry handmade by master jewelers using traditional metalworking techniques as well as modern technologies." Many of these jewelry designers call the Asheville area home, seamlessly blending time-honored techniques with cutting-edge, reimagined designs. At the center of town - and Asheville’s cultural beat - is the Asheville Museum of Art, a perfect venue to immerse yourself in a dynamic collection of American art from the 20th and 21st centuries and also view contemporary exhibitions from well know artists across the Southeast.
When you need to recharge, head to Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar, an absolute must-visit in downtown Asheville. Located in the historic Grove Arcade, Battery Park serves delectable bites and desserts within a two-story bookstore adorned with art and antiques. This literary haven is perfect any day, but especially magical on a rainy afternoon.
For dinner, treat yourself to elegant farm-to-table tapas at Curate, where fresh local produce takes center stage. This restaurant delivers a buzzing atmosphere, exceptional service, and perfectly portioned shareable plates ideal for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. Green Sage Café is the pefect spot to grab lunch and/or juice. They are committed to making healthy food using pure, organic, local, non-gmo and humanely-raised ingredients. They offer a wide assortment of assortment of organic farm-to-cup coffee and espresso drinks (with dairy free options), whole-leaf teas and raw, house-made cold pressed juices.
