East Asheville / Eagle Street
Historic Black Asheville business district — once called 'The Block', home to jazz clubs and Black commerce
Best time
April-October (mountain summers are beautiful), October for fall foliage
Currency
USD
Language
English
Mid-range / day
USD 200
Safety for Black Travelers
Asheville is generally safe and progressive for a Southern city. Downtown and the River Arts District are very welcoming. The city has actively worked on racial equity initiatives.
Neighborhoods to Know
West Asheville
Haywood Road — diverse restaurants, arts venues, craft breweries
River Arts District
Converted factory studios and galleries along the French Broad River
Downtown Asheville
Pack Square, live music, arts galleries, diverse food scene
Must-Visit Places
YMI Cultural Center
Young Men's Institute — built by George Vanderbilt's Black workers in 1892, now a Black cultural center
Asheville, North Carolina
Biltmore Estate
Massive Vanderbilt estate — built with Black and immigrant labor, now a tourist attraction
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville Art Museum
Downtown museum with diverse collections including African American art
Asheville, North Carolina
Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks
Stunning mountain views minutes from downtown
Asheville, North Carolina
Black-owned restaurants on The Block Black-Owned
Asheville is developing a Black restaurant scene — Eagle Street corridor is reviving
Asheville, North Carolina
Hot Springs area
Natural hot springs an hour from Asheville — relaxation in the mountains
Asheville, North Carolina
Visa
No visa required for US citizens
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