We took a week-day trip over to Asheville, North Carolina on Thursday. It's only about an hour's drive from home and what a beautiful city! The visitors center recommended a walking tour of downtown, so off we went... "The Appalachian Stage" - A bronze statue of dancers and musicians celebrate the significance of Appalachian culture in the community.
"The Basilica of St. Lawrence (San Lorenzo)" - is a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church located in downtown Asheville. The basilica was designed and built in 1905. The basilica's dome has a span of 58 by 82 feet (18 by 25 m) and is reputed to be the largest freestanding elliptical dome in North America.
The Basilica is on the National Register of Historic Places and was elevated in status to a Minor Basilica in 1993 by Pope John Paul II.
And has lots of beautiful roses out front!
"The Cat Walk" - The brick wall is actually a retaining wall that was responsible for holding up a hill more than 70 feet high. When Edwin Wiley Grove (one of Asheville's developers) decided to develop downtown Asheville, he had the hill removed!
Cute little kitty's here and there...
"Flat Iron" - A giant flat iron is a replica of the one used by a local laundry and reflects the nearby Flat Iron Building.
"Elizabeth Blackwell M.D. Bench" - This bench honors Asheville resident Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell. She contributed to the advancement of care for women and children by establishing the New York Infirmary for Women and Children in 1857, a bold move for that time. Dr. Blackwell also founded the world's first four-year medical college for women.
"Thomas Wolfe Memorial" - Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th Century American Literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe's colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, and the Old Kentucky Home boarding house earned the historic Victorian home a place as one of American Literature's most famous landmarks.
Tis the season... Beautiful flowers everywhere!
"Civic Pride" - This historic bell is similar to the one that hung in the 1892 City Hall. The granite circles at the base of the bell represent bollards and are in the shape of the octagonal City Hall's belfry.
A nice fountain in Pack Square that we were very tempted to sit under! It was really hot!
A monument to Buncombe County native and Civil War governor Zebulon Baird Vance was erected in 1896.
This is a replica of the angel sold by Thomas Wolfe's father, W. O. Wolfe, and made famous in "Look Homeward, Angel".
What a great day! Much more to see and do... we'll be back!
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