Downtown Asheville

Downtown Asheville, just a mile drive from Cedar Crest Inn, is a rare place. Artists and street musicians converge with tourists and locals for a vibrancy rarely found in a city of this size. There is always something happening downtown. People sip cups of Joe at one of several locally-owned coffee shops, listen to live music at a local club. They go on art walks, winding their way through downtown's 30-plus galleries. Shoppers inspect unique boutique finds, or people simply enjoy fine cuisine and people-watching. See our Downtown Asheville Condo Rental. Downtown Asheville shops and galleries feature a unique mix of locally-owned establishments. Art galleries offer specialized items such as custom jewelry, quilts, furniture and one-of-a-kind gifts. The city is pedestrian friendly, with wrought-iron benches throughout downtown, and many eateries have open-air dining sections that allow visitor to enjoy the city’s mild weather. In downtown Asheville, it is a pleasure - not a stress - to go shopping. Be sure to visit the Grove Arcade, a beautifully restored "mall". Whether you're looking for good food, engaging conversation, interesting atmosphere or unique entertainment, you will find it in downtown Asheville's eclectic mix of restaurants and cafés. There are more than 50 choices! Many of the restaurants offer sidewalk dining. There are museums and attractions for everyone, whether you seek art museums and historic churches or literary attractions and a children's museum. Downtown Asheville festivals are among the most popular in the U.S., including the largest free street festival in the Southeast, one of the nation's best craft fairs, an outdoor sports festival and numerous music festivals. Asheville skipped the urban renewal process that stripped the character from many downtowns. Today, its rich architectural legacy with its mix of Art Deco, Beaux Arts and Neoclassical styles is the perfect backdrop to the city’s edgy energy. Tours of Asheville are suited to almost any interest. Downtown features more Art Deco architecture than any other southeastern city outside of Miami Beach. Tours of Asheville include haunted tours, old-fashioned trolley tours and downtown walking tours. You can even go on self-guided bicycle tours or tour by rickshaw. Read more about Downtown Asheville.