The Minor Basilica of Saint Lawrence the Deacon and Martyr is a Roman Catholic church that was completed in 1905. The church was designed by Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino in a Catalan architectural style.

Guastavino worked together with architect R.S. Smith and local residents of Asheville to create a catholic church that was in keeping with the city's preferred style. The exterior of the church has a visible display of many ornate stained glass windows.

The interior of the church is as ornate as the exterior. It includes an Italian marble relief of the nativity of the Christ, a Marian altar with carvings of a number of female saints, wood carvings and terra cotta panels.

Visitors are welcome to tour the church, which was named a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II. They can attend services or enjoy the beauty of the church grounds. The Basilica of Saint Lawrence includes a Catholic library and a gift shop, both of which are open after church services on weekends.

Why You Should Visit:
Basilica of Saint Lawrence is a rare example of Catalan architecture in North Carolina and you get to appreciate the beauty of many religious artifacts in the church.

Tips:
Daily masses are available. Confessions are offered in the church vestibule on a daily basis. The library and gift shop are only open on weekends.

Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café is a long-standing independent bookstore, founded in 1982 by Emoke B’Racz. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong support for free expression, the store offers a wide selection of books for adults and children, as well as cards, gifts, and locally made treats from its in-house café.

Over the years, Malaprop’s has become a staple in the community, often recognized for its role in supporting authors, hosting events, and encouraging thoughtful conversation around literature. Customers can expect helpful service, curated book recommendations, and a cozy environment for browsing or enjoying a cup of coffee.

L.O.F.T. of Asheville is a two-story shop filled with wind chimes, candles, books, quirky gifts, and offbeat souvenirs. You might come in for a birthday gift or something to remember your trip, and end up spending far more time than planned just exploring.

The shop got its start back in 1996 when two neighbors, Katie and Vann, bonded over a shared love of fixing up old furniture and finding cool stuff at yard sales. After a few porch drinks and a spur-of-the-moment idea, they bought a building in downtown Asheville and opened the store. Vann’s wife came up with the name-Lost Objects, Found Treasures-and it stuck.

The Thomas Wolfe House is located in the Downtown Asheville Historic District among many other notable buildings and interesting places. This house is a state historic site and museum that was once the home of author Thomas Wolfe.

Also known as the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, the Thomas Wolfe House was built in 1883 in the Queen Anne architectural style. The Wolfe family were not the original owners. The first use of the home was a boarding house called "Old Kentucky Home." Thomas Wolfe's mother, Julia, bought the house in 1903. She continued operating it as a boarding house but eventually moved in with her son.

The Thomas Wolfe House is the setting for the Wolfe novel "Look Homeward, Angel." It was designated a National Historic Monument in 1976, more than 20 years after first being used as a museum. In 1998, an arsonist set fire to the building causing damage to the structure and about 200 artifacts. A costly and lengthy restoration project was completed in 2003.

Visitors are welcome to tour the grounds and the interior of the Thomas Wolfe House. Guided tours are open Tuesday through Saturday for a nominal fee. Most tourists can arrive without a reservation. Large groups should call in advance.

Pack Square Park is part of the Downtown Asheville Historic District. Its location makes it a good starting point for visitors to the city who are embarking on a self-guided walking tour. The park offers excellent views of historic buildings and has its own features that should not be missed.

The history of Pack Square dates to 1797 when it was simply the convergence of trading paths. It wasn't until 1896 that the 6.5 acres of land was donated by George Pack. The area was renamed in his honor in 1903. However, it wasn't until the 21st century that the park was designed into the current public green space that is enjoyed today.

Pack Square Park includes a large green space that is open to the public for relaxing, exercise and some events. The park includes a spray ground for children that is open during the summer months. Other features include a stage for performances, public exhibitions of art and seating areas.

The Veterans Memorial pays homage to local veterans. It includes a series of engraved monuments, a memorial archway, a statue and seating.

Festivals are common at Pack square Park. Most are held in the spring and summer months when weather is at its most cooperative.

From Pack Square Park, visitors can go in one of many directions to see the sites of Asheville. There is plenty to see and do thanks to its location in the Downtown Asheville Historic District. The Asheville City Hall is nearby, as is the Young Men's Institute Building, the Thomas Wolfe House and many others.

Why You Should Visit:
Pack Square Park is the heart of the Downtown Asheville Historic District and should be on every visitor's itinerary. It is also a great place for people watching, especially during the warmer months of spring and summer. As an added bonus, you get to enjoy a large expanse of green space right in the center of the city.

Tips:
It is okay to make a rough plan for a visit to Pack Square Park. Its location is so convenient that you might find yourself returning repeatedly while exploring the Asheville downtown.

Indo Apparel & Gifts is a lively, color-splashed haven for free spirits and curious shoppers alike. With roots tracing back to a VW van and over two decades of retail, festival, and wholesale experience, Indo stays true to its indie soul. Inside, you'll find a vibrant blend of tie-dye fashion, bohemian clothing, incense, wall art, and musical instruments that echo the energy of a 1960s Indian bazaar. The shop’s layout is an inviting labyrinth of textures and colors, with displays brimming with thoughtfully priced jewelry, hand-carved trinkets, and eclectic home decor.

Beyond the visual feast, Indo is also a sensory experience-fragrant with incense, buzzing with festival vibes, and lined with racks of finger puppets, scarves, and embroidered bags.

Woolworth Walk is an art gallery and crafts space in downtown Asheville. It is a privately owned gallery that is held in the Woolworth Building. Lovers of art should visit Woolworth Walk to see pieces from local artists, purchase souvenirs to take home or visit the Woolworth Soda Fountain.

Glass, jewelry, photography, painting, metal, pottery, digital media and mixed media are all on display at Woolworth Walk. The bulk of the art is available for purchase, though it can also be simply admired.

The Soda Fountain is a prime example of history come to life. Visitors love stepping back into the past where they can recreate the experience of dining in a 1950s era Woolworth luncheonette. It is open seven days per week serving full meals, beverages and ice cream.

Woolworth is open Monday through Thursday from 11am to 6pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 7pm and Sundays between 11am and 5pm.

The Grove Arcade goes by many names. Some refer to it as the Arcade Building or the Asheville Federal Building. Regardless of what it is called, the building is a beautiful and historic piece of architecture that is a worthwhile visit on your tour of the city. The building was designed by architect Charles N. Parker who adapted a Tudor Revival and Late Gothic style.

Construction on the Grove Arcade lasted from 1926 to 1929. It was created with the intent to serve as a base for a skyscraper that was never completed. Over time it served a variety of purposes. It was at one time one of the world's first indoor shopping malls. It was also home to the National Climatic Data Center.

Today, the Grove Arcade has a combination of dining, retail and residential space. Visitors are welcome to tour the portion of the building that is open to the public.