Grovewood Village — Attraction in Asheville

Due to a rainy day in Asheville we ended driving to the car museum, located next door to the Homespun Museum (shown in photo). Both are free to enter and have parking. We didn't realize there was a small complex of museums/ shops here but we were delighted to visit them nonetheless. This whole complex is located on the property of the Omni Grove Inn. They have apparently just opened after COVID.

Some things to note:

There is a certain demographic and message these two museums are trying to target and if you are not an older white person, you do not fall within that target.

Myself and my husband were the only ones onsite under the age of 60. While this normally would not bother me- the result of my age difference ended with me being asked if I was there as the new "volunteer." If I had been, I was most assuredly going to be quickly given a talk regarding my appearance.

My husband and I spent a few long and awkward minutes being blocked from entering the museum while waiting the docent and another couple to finish their drawn out conversation about flute music (and who studied under who in NYC, etc. etc.). When we finally entered the museum, the docent insisted on following us around and telling us all about the wonderful Vanderbilts. She was keen to remark on the women's history aspects of this museum- which is a dedicated to the history of woodworking and weaving legacy of the Vanderbilt women who started the shops of craftsmanship for young men.

As a Ph.d researcher in gender studies and industrial exploitation, the presentation of the Vanderbilts did not sit well with me, and I would encourage anyone who visits this museum to critically examine the messaging of the Homespun Museum. If you were the worker, I highly doubt you would be so...

A beautiful complex made up of several buildings that house wonderful art and masterful crafts, furniture, jewelry and other gift items. There is also a museum that explains the story of the property, former staff and businesses that once existed. It includes some of the original artifacts like looms that were used to weave fabric for the Vanderbilt's. There are pieces from the Roycroft Craftsman too. In the back is a long fantastic building where the fabric of years ago was washed and dyed. The original equipment is still present and left as was. The last building holds a nice little antique car collection. The gentleman working explained many details of the vehicles and building. The collection of buildings are fronted by a sculpture garden with foot paths. On the opposite end is a restaurant. There are only 2 small parking lots - one behind the restaurant for its guests and one in front of the other building adjacent to the sculpture gardens. Visiting this "village" was one of the most enjoyable relaxing spots we visited in Asheville. We highly recommend...

Next to the exclusive Omni Grove Park Inn, this place is a find for anyone looking to acquire unique, quality art pieces from Carolina hand crafters or anyone who just loves looking at art. The Grovewood Art Gallery even let me bring my two dogs inside!! I bought about $300 worth of ceramic pieces and they were all high quality, well made, original pieces of art that anyone would be proud to display in their home or office. Prices are reasonable and the staff are friendly and helpful. The grounds are also the historic home of the old Biltmore Industries so it’s fun to poke around. I visited even though I wasn’t staying at the hotel. Parking is free and plentiful and the grounds...