This picturesque campus tucked away behind the legendary The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa is a hidden jewel with much to see. This must stop for art and history lovers is just 2.5 miles from downtown Asheville. Biltmore Industries began here in 1917 and became the largest producer of handwoven wool in the world by 1930. Today, the 11-acre property is home to Grovewood Gallery, working artist studios, a sculpture garden, Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum, and the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum.
You'll find plenty of fascinating things to do as you stroll through the village:
Grovewood Gallery: One of the region's premiere art and craft galleries features amazing works from 400+ artists and craftspeople from across the country - in all price ranges.
Don't miss the fabulous second floor with their American-made studio furniture and lighting collection. The outdoor sculpture garden is a great spot for a picnic. Grovewood Gallery is open year-round Monday-Sunday 10 AM-5 PM. For current exhibits and events, go to Grovewood Gallery website.
Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum: Located in the heart of Grovewood Village, this intimate one-room museum brings to life the fascinating story of Biltmore Industries. Learn how this influential Arts and Crafts enterprise, cofounded by Edith Vanderbilt, grew from a humble craft education program into one of the nation’s foremost producers of handwoven wool. Admission is free. Open April-December, Monday-Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM.
Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum: See 19 classic beauties and some horse-drawn vehicles. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Open April-December, Monday-Sunday, 10 AM-5PM. Read more.
Garden: Unique works of outdoor art complement the beautiful natural setting that surrounds Grovewood Village. Wander along meandering, ivy-bordered pathways, enjoy a picnic in the sculpture garden, and take in panoramic views stretching across the valley to the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.
Artist Studios: Grovewood Village is home to eight working artist studios housed in a historic building originally constructed for the weaving operations of Biltmore Industries. Today, resident artists create jewelry, pottery, sculpture, and more in the very workshops where the celebrated Biltmore Handwoven Homespun was once woven, continuing the site's long tradition of craftsmanship.
Paid History Tours: For those who want a deeper look into the history of Grovewood Village, group tours are available by appointment from April through December. The tour includes a visit to the historic Dye House, which is not open to the general public, where you'll see the original dye vats, carding machines, spinning mule, and washing equipment used to create the renowned Biltmore Handwoven Homespun.
Location: 111 Grovewood Road, Asheville
More Info: Go to the Grovewood Village Website.
