Biltmore Village - Asheville, North Carolina - One of the Most Unique Shopping Districts in the South

Biltmore Village was built in the late 1890s as a classic community at the entrance to George Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Today, the historic village is one of the most unique touring and shopping districts in the south. The historic Biltmore Village has an international reputation and because of its history, is home to many uniquely independent and locally owned retailers. The streets of the village are quaint and tree-lined offering brick sidewalks, open air dining, and original historic houses built in the 1900's.

A world-class selection of shops is located in the area. From antiques and collectibles to home accents and jewelry, Biltmore Village has something for everyone. The well-known Chelsea's, a French country and English store with village tearoom is located at 6 Boston Way. Visitors travel from all over North Carolina to experience a proper English afternoon tea at 3:30 p.m. The Baggie Goose is also found in the Village on Swan Street and offers upscale paper lines and gifts from Milano urban totes to the Kate Spade paper collection.

Hotels in the area include Doubletree Biltmore and the Grand Bohemian Hotel. Bed and Breakfast's can also be found and feature some of the most historic homes in the state including the Cedar Crest Victorian Inn - a Queen Anne Mansion on the National Register and built in 1891. The Cedar Crest Inn is just three blocks to Biltmore Estate and Village and offers private baths and all the comforts of home. Cottage and carriage houses are available to rent and accommodations include full breakfasts and evening desserts.

Biltmore Village hosts three festivals throughout the year. The May Day Festival in early May offers bluegrass music and carriage rides, the Village Art & Craft Fair in early August sponsors a long tradition of high-quality crafts and over 125 exhibitors, and the Dickens Festival in early December. The Festival provides three days of merriment, music and memories for everyone who attends. An outdoor stage is located at the corner of Boston Way and Swan Street and throughout the weekend groups of musicians, singers, storytellers, carolers, and other entertainers perform on the stage and the streets of the picturesque village of shops, galleries and restaurants. The Dickens Festival is known throughout the state and buildings in the Village are outlined with more than 250,000 tiny white lights, and replicas of the original streetlights line the avenues. Shops remain open until 7 p.m., with many of the shopkeepers clothed in Victorian-era garb.

The Village offers one-of-a-kind entertainment and venues for everyone to enjoy. There is free parking along the streets of Biltmore Village, as well as public parking located underneath the 10 Brook Street retail shops. The entrance to the parking lot can be found adjacent to Chico's and the Jazzy Giraffe at 6 Brook Street.