AVL’s got some pretty picturesque spots, but when it comes to finding a landmark that is distinctly Asheville – what comes to mind?
We all know the typical spots. City Hall, the Parkway, The N.C. Arboretum, etc. – but what about the places you always take your out-of-towners to see that just say, “This is the real Asheville?”
Good Vibes | Photo by @breannnamarie
We asked you what iconic images evoke the spirit of Asheville ...and then ranked them based on your votes. Click keep reading to see if your favorite AVL landmark made the list. 👇
🔟 The Orange Peel
The Orange Peel | Photo by @kristie_elaine
What was once a rollerdome, home of R&B soul clubs, and a nightclub before becoming Asheville’s most well-known small venue, The Orange Peel holds many memories for residents + tourists alike. The Peel has been featured in USA Today, Travel and Leisure Magazine, Southern Living Magazine, Turner South Cable Network, Rolling Stone Magazine, Self Magazine, Cosmopolitan + GQ, this club is known for hosting up-and-coming talent as well as showcasing some legendary performers. // 📍101 Biltmore Ave
9️⃣ Grove Park Inn
Grove Park Inn | Photo by @lindychris
Iconic stone, red trim + mouth-dropping views for days. This luxury resort was opened in 1913 by Edwin Wiley Grove (hence the name) and Fred Seely (heard of Seely’s Castle?). It’s hosted famous guests such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Michael Jordan, Billy Graham + Barack Obama, and is a total #MustDo in Asheville. Guests can enjoy dinner or a drink on the terrace, admire the architecture + history, or enjoy a cup of hot cocoa during the Christmas season. // 📍290 Macon Ave
8️⃣Spicer Greene Jewelers Clock
121 Patton Ave. | Photo by @tsgasheville
Spicer Greene Jewelers has been a signature jewelry shop in Asheville since the 1920s. What began as a family-friend owned jewelry shop (E.O. Wick + Paul Greene) has stayed that way to this day (Eva-Michelle Greene Spicer + Elliott Spicer). The iconic clock tower adds a nostalgic touch. // 📍 121 Patton Ave.
7️⃣ Mt. Pisgah
Blue Ridge Parkway | Photo by @rocnaworld
Named after the biblical mountain where Moses first saw the promised land, Mt. Pisgah is part of the Pisgah National Forest off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This area of land was once owned by the Vanderbilts and was used as the Vanderbilts mountaintop hunting retreat spot (and, you get a great view of Mt. Pisgah from the Biltmore House balcony). Mt. Pisgah is a 5,721-ft summit that you can spot from almost anywhere in Asheville with its WLOS 13 transmission tower on top. // 📍Blue Ridge Parkway
6️⃣ The Jackson Building
The Jackson Building | Photo by @moriah.bullman
This 13-story, Neo-Gothic skyscraper is one of the most beloved buildings in downtown due to its unique structure. When it was built in 1924 it was the first skyscraper in WNC. DYK: The statues at the top are known as grotesques and not gargoyles? Gargoyles are statue structures that water runs through. // 📍 22 S. Pack Square
5️⃣Hot Spot Gas Station
Hot Spot, Asheland Ave. | Photo by @avltoday
This gas station is located at the corner of Asheland Ave. on the outskirts of downtown. While it is a chain convenience store in the Carolinas (the first Hot Spot opened in Charleston, S.C. in 1987) it is noted for great products at competitive prices...and a gathering spot around DT. // 📍 79 Asheland Ave.
4️⃣ Good Vibes
Good Vibes | Photo by @breannnamarie
It’s nearly impossible to be in Asheville without seeing the Good Vibes mural on a regular basis. Located in the River Arts District, this mural has been the focus of many, many IG shots. // 📍 River Arts District
3️⃣ City Hall
City Hall | Photo by @toddhemingson
This historic Art Deco brick + stone office building sits with a pretty view in downtown. Built by Douglas D. Ellington in 1928, the eight-story building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, and continues to captivate residents and tourists alike. // 📍 70 Court Plaza
2️⃣ The Mountaineer Inn
The Mountaineer Inn | Photo by @dillonstone
While many people may giggle over The Mountaineer’s iconic sign, this inn was built in the 1930s and sits right in the heart of Asheville drawing the attention of everyone who passes by. // 📍155 Tunnel Road
1️⃣ Biltmore Estate
Biltmore Estate | Photo by @biltmoreestate
It’s no wonder that most of you named the Biltmore Estate as Asheville’s most iconic spot (our very own Hollywood sign, if you will). Biltmore has helped shaped the city of Asheville as we know it. This 250-room French Chateau took 6 years to build and opened in 1895, when it took its title as America’s largest home. From fun day trips, winery visits, magical weddings + garden strolls, Biltmore is one of the most cherished spots in Asheville. // 📍 1 Lodge St.
Honorable mentions:
Because Asheville is so exciting to look at – we couldn’t narrow down your suggestions to just 10.
LaZoom Bus
LaZoom Bus | Photo by @Lazoom
It’s the big purple bus coming down the street… We could never forget the LaZoom Comedy bus named Betty. // 📍 76 Biltmore Ave.
Before I die…
Before I die... | Photo by @audrago4th
The Before I die… wall became trend in many cities. Filled with blank spaces for you to write items on your bucket list, it is a total #MustDo when walking around the streets of downtown. // 📍 Biltmore Ave.
The Cut
The Cut | Photo by @overasheville
The Cut – a.k.a. The road split on I-240 between exit 7 and 5B is an N.C. Department of Transportation right of way that splits I-240 near Beaucatcher Mountain. Climbing up to “the cut” is illegal, despite the million-dollar city views it provides. // 📍I-240
The votes are in... the Biltmore Estate is our (un)official Hollywood sign.
While there’s no way to sum up the unique personality of the city we call home, we hope these landmarks come pretty close.
What do you think? Sound off on our posts about the subject on Facebook + Instagram.
