Real Estate News, North Carolina

Treasure Hunting and Shopping in Asheville

Asheville Shopping
Published on March 7, 2015

BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN NORTH CAROLINA

One of the biggest thriving arts cultures in the southeast can be found in the Land in the Sky. Asheville North Carolina's local and regional talent producing inspiring art and crafts in hundreds of studios and galleries. Art Walks are popular here, and are just one of the inexpensive or free things to do in Asheville. At the Downtown Asheville Art District surrounding historic downtown and Pack Square you’ll find an array of interesting antiques, artists and museums within walking distance of some of the best neighborhoods in Asheville, NC.

From April through December, Downtown Asheville Art District First Friday Art Walks are a fun way to see all the new exhibits and incredible art within walking distance of fabulous restaurants and eateries. Not far away, the River Arts District nestled along the French Broad River is home to an impressive array of artists and designers ranging from traditional to contemporary. Here, in revitalized warehouses and historic buildings, artisans share their creative processes by offering classes, demonstrations and year-round events including Second Saturday art walks from May through December. And, there are dozens more artists’ galleries located along all around Asheville or along the easily accessible Blue Ridge Parkway, convenient to senior community homes and condos.

Some of the exquisite Asheville galleries and studios you may want to visit include:

Alexander & Lehnert – Michele Alexander and Bill Lehnert craft fine jewelry at the historic Grove Arcade in downtown. Her contemporary mixed metal work and his gem work in 18K gold are drool worthy.

Constance Williams – this studio in the River Arts District features unique contemporary paintings created using a wax-based paint, which gives a sculptural aspect to Williams’ colorful work.

Curve Studios – featuring artists and artisans in all different mediums including pottery, textiles, sculpture, jewelry and more located in three buildings and gardens in the River Arts District.

Doe Ridge Pottery – 17 local potters showcase their fine collections of stoneware and pottery, some of them working right there onsite.

Michael Hoffman – this local potter creates family treasures from heirloom lace and porcelain.

Roberto Coin Boutique – the world-renowned jeweler also has a shop in the Grove Arcade.

Southern Highland Craft Gallery – master artisans of the Southern Highland Craft Guild fill their inviting Biltmore Village studio with pottery, furniture, jewelry, and wearable art.

Susan Marie Designs – the award-winning goldsmith crafts one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry using diamonds and gemstones from around the world.

Van Dyke – this gallery in downtown Asheville shows off the jewelry, paintings, woodwork, pottery and crafts of local artists – uncover hidden treasures here.

When you’ve left the responsibilities of a daily 9-5 for the rewards of retirement, staying involved in stimulating activities such as art classes and cultural events is important to a satisfying lifestyle. Boomers and seniors choosing condos in an urban setting know that living in the best neighborhoods in Asheville NC also includes being able to walk to everything, such as shopping, dining and cultural venues. Many downtown Asheville condo and loft buildings offer spacious homes, amenities, and security found in North Carolina gated communities, while offering the added desirable perk of a lock-it-and-leave-it urban lifestyle. There is an array of new or revitalized residential buildings in or near the downtown area close to many free things to do in Asheville, like treasure hunting on a glorious summer day.

Stroll to your favorite restaurant after popping into a new gallery exhibit. Enjoy cocktails and the sunset from a green rooftop terrace. Whether your tastes run to contemporary, loft, traditional, pet-friendly, or positively posh there is a downtown Asheville condo for you at all price points starting from the $200s and going well up over the million dollar mark. Expect to pay an average of $400-500 in monthly maintenance fees. Here are a few great places to start looking for your perfect downtown Asheville condo:

12 SOUTH LEXINGTON AVENUE – Sleek, modern Scandinavian design with open floor plans characterize this newer building overlooking Pack Square. A variety of sunlit floorplans range from 700 to 2,500 square feet in this mixed-use development in the heart of downtown Asheville. Green features include engineered bamboo flooring, a roof terrace, and a smoke-free environment. Fido is most welcome.

21 BATTERY PARK – Also a newer mixed-use development, the luxurious Battery Park offers high-end finishes and stunning mountain views from its rooftop terrace. Located across from Grove Arcade, these 45 units range from 1,300 to 2,600 square feet. The building is modern, yet warmly traditional with hard wood floors and fireplaces. Garage parking is another nice feature.

60 NORTH MARKET – Floor-to-10'-ceiling windows make the most of Asheville skyline views at this 2009 building located by the historic Thomas Wolfe home. The units are contemporary in design, ranging from 800 to 2,000+ square feet. All units have a terrace or balcony to further enjoy the views. A roof-top clubroom is the perfect place for Blue Ridge sundown gazing and residents have access to a 24/7 fitness center.

BILTMORE VILLAGE CONDOS – Walk to Biltmore Village with its enticing restaurants, galleries and shops, as well as the old world Grand Bohemian Hotel, from this historic enclave. There are only eight villa-style condos in two buildings in this truly special development next door to the magnificent Biltmore Estate. The Village is decidedly European in design and accents, with lovely gardens. Residents can lease out their units annually or seasonally, so you may like to take a trial run at Biltmore Village.

KRESS BUILDING – This historic downtown Asheville building located near Pack Square was erected in 1928 and completely redone in 2002, allowing its lucky unit owners reduced real estate taxes as a result of historic preservation credit. The neoclassical building has 21 condos ranging from 600 to 1,400 square feet above the ground-level Kress Emporium, where dozens of artists and craftsmen showcase their work.

LEXINGTON STATION – Another newer, mixed-use development, this property is somewhat larger and includes 66 contemporary condo units ranging from 800 to 2,000 square feet as well as offices, retail shops and restaurants. Located next to the Orange Peel live entertainment venue, the development is upbeat and vibrant with green spaces and a pet-friendly vibe. Secure garage parking is available.

LONGCHAMPS – Walk to Grove Park Resort Inn and Spa from this unique building dating to the 1920s. Units in the Tudor-style building near the Blue Ridge Parkway run the gamut as far as interior finishes, with many retaining their original 1920s decoration while others have been completely updated. The two and three bedroom mountainside homes don’t often come up for sale, so you’ll have to be vigilant to nab one of these desirable units.

PIONEER BUILDING – This is the place for active, health-conscious adults. Walk to the organic Greenlife Grocery store from this newer north side complex located next to the Reed Creek Greenway, which will include walking and biking paths connecting to the University of North Carolina Asheville, the French Broad River, the Botanical Gardens and historic Montford when completed. Units in the Arts & Crafts styled building range from 700 to 1,300 square feet and include modern finishes such as hardwood floors, granite and stainless steel.

THE FITZGERALD – located next to the Grove Park Resort Inn and Spa about 10 minutes north of downtown Asheville, these 24 luxury condo units with square footages ranging up to almost 3,000 square feet offer the ultimate in carefree golf course community living. Enjoy breathtaking mountain and golf course vistas as well as the lights of the city. Residents can choose membership at the amenity-rich Grove Park Resort as well. The Fitzgerald is pricey, but if mountain and city views with only the best in features and amenities is important, then it’s for you.

Spring is upon us and there is no better time to schedule a visit to beautiful Asheville, NC. Our trusted colleague in Asheville can provide you with access to these and other fine homes, so please don’t hesitate to ask us to introduce you. 

When you travel to North Carolina to look at downtown Asheville condos, North Carolina gated communities, or senior community homes for sale, let us know if you'd like to know receive free Asheville North Carolina Relocation Information to learn more about the area.