2008 Asheville Visitor Guide - Any Way You Like It - (Page 55) a treasure trove Antique shops are so prevalent in the area that there’s a whole district dedicated to them. In the Biltmore Antiques District, located in and around Biltmore Village, a dozen dealers market thousands of collectibles, from 17th-century French furnishings to the fab fads of the 1950s. Antiquing aficionados will be exuberant as they rummage through the 77,000-squarefoot Antique Tobacco Barn, just outside Biltmore Village along Swannanoa River Road, which has received nods from Southern Living, Lucky and the Discovery Channel, thanks to its vast selection of furniture, architectural antiquities and vintage bargains. Though the district boasts the most concentrated collection of dealers, treasure hunters can delve into other shops across the city, from Lexington Avenue to Cherry Street in Black Mountain. galleries galore Follow the French Broad River to the River Arts District, where you can step into the studios of the more than 60 artists who contribute to the cosmic “cool factor” of the vicinity. A sort of meet-and-greet for art-lovers, these talented and friendly folks generously open their workspaces to the public. Visitors can watch artists produce a full spectrum of arts and crafts, from funky earrings, colorful pottery and poignant paintings to the more extraordinary – for instance, square-hole, handmade flutes. Downtown Asheville is brimming with art galleries, too, selling everything from contemporary folk art to snazzy jewelry. it takes a village If you plan to tour Biltmore, be sure to stop by Historic Biltmore Village, a picturesque neighborhood of shops, galleries and cafés adjacent to the entrance of the famous estate. The tree-lined brick sidewalks and oldfashioned street lamps contribute to the area’s charm, and many of the stores make their homes in century-old cottages, selling everything from toys and books to home accents and jewelry. Spending August in Asheville? The Village Art & Craft Fair, celebrating its 36th year in 2008, features the work of more than 100 artists from across the country – and it’s held rain or shine, free of charge. exploreasheville.com 55 http://www.exploreasheville.com/what-to-do/shopping/antiques/index.aspx http://www.exploreasheville.com/what-to-do/shopping/galleries/index.aspx http://www.exploreasheville.com/what-to-do/activity-details/index.aspx?guid=68e37d6f-dd50-4bbf-87b2-c277a93a847b http://exploreasheville.com
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