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Downtown Asheville has a great deal of variety to offer vacationers and visitors to the area. There are many excellent choices when it comes to places to visit, shop and be entertained. Like most cosmopolitan cities, Asheville celebrates the seasons with different festivals. Nicknamed Ashevillage, Asheville is a town of about 70,000 inhabitants (with much more of the Western North Carolina population just outside of the city). Because Asheville is so small, it is possible to walk and see most of downtown. Just bring some walking shoes if you intend to see all of downtown when you visit. And be prepared to walk uphill frequently.

Following are Concierge Leah Franks’ picks for the top five entertainment choices in Downtown Asheville. Any of The Residences at Biltmore concierges will be happy to assist guests with a map of downtown Asheville and some recommendations for parking while visiting the downtown district. Parking is available in the public garages provided by the City of Asheville.

On the Edge of Downtown Asheville and South Asheville: The Orange Peel
Leah recommends the Orange Peel to visitors. The Orange Peel is ‘a Social Aid and Pleasure Club’, that was reopened several years ago, after being defunct since the 70s. The focus is on music and entertainment. Leah says, “They do a nice variety of different types of shows. The Orange Peel has performances by big name artists, soloists and local musicians. There’s something for everyone at the Orange Peel. There’s no smoking inside, which is a big plus for a lot of our guests.” The Residences at Biltmore is conveniently located less than one mile from The Orange Peel.

Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues
Pass by Tressa’s on a pleasant evening stroll through downtown Asheville, and you’ll find the doorway and windows open. The sounds of live jazz and blues, conversation, laughter, and the tinkling of glasses is what you’ll hear. Leah says, “I like the atmosphere at Tressa’s. So many places in downtown Asheville feel casual. Tressa’s is a place where you can get dolled up and go out. You can dance, sip martinis, and socialize. This makes Tressa’s stand out from many of the places to go in downtown Asheville.”

Woolworth Walk – Art Gallery and Crafts Emporium
Like the name implies, Woolworth Walk used to be the downtown Asheville Woolworth’s department store. When the building became available, local artisans came together to create Woolworth Walk. “This is an art gallery for everybody,” said Leah. “I call it a flea market for art. You can purchase just about anything here: photography, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, knitting, handmade crafts, collectibles, and more. My favorite part of Woolworth Walk is the old-fashioned soda counter. Milk shakes, sodas, and sandwiches are available at the soda counter.” Woolworth Walk is a great place to find gifts, souvenirs, etc. and most are handmade locally.

Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria
Barley’s is a longstanding local favorite. Barley’s bartenders pour 55 different types of beer from the wall of taps opposite the bar. Local microbrews and high gravity beer (up to 9% alcohol) are well represented at Barley’s. Leah says “Next to the pizza and beer, the games are the best part of Barley’s. They have nine-foot regulation size pool tables, darts and fooz ball. Pool tables are for rent by the hour, as opposed to by the game. Pizza is available in all varieties, and there’s live music downstairs during dinner hour. It’s usually blue grass music or local musicians.” Barley’s is conveniently located less than a mile from The Residences at Biltmore.

A Smattering of Blue Grass in Downtown Asheville: Shindig on the Green
Mark your calendars for Saturday nights from June 28th – August 30th, (except August 2nd). Bring friends and family to one of the finest blue grass/folk music festivals Asheville has to offer: Shindig on the Green. The Shindig is performed on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, sitting behind City County Plaza. The Shindig’s always start long ‘bout sundown (7 p.m.) and are free and open to the public. Informal jam sessions offstage are common. Bring a chair, but no pets or alcohol are permitted. The Shindig on the Green is a great way to experience local Blue Ridge Mountain folk culture.

In the month of June, two notable conferences will be in downtown Asheville:
“Time for Our Power: Women Bringing Change to our World” with national speakers such as Starhawk, from June 20-23rd, and the Ashevillage Building Conference from June 19-22 which will explore natural and green building techniques -- widely practiced in the Asheville area.

Take part in an array of entertainment choices while visiting Asheville. Remember to call The Residences at Biltmore Concierge if you have questions. And, most of all, have fun in Ashevillage!