Grove Arcade
4.4(844)google
4.0(101)yelp
Historic BuildingDate SpotIndoorPhoto SpotCity LandmarkLocal LifeFree
Overview
The Grove Arcade, also known as the Arcade Building, is a historic commercial and residential building in Asheville, North Carolina, in its downtown historic district. It was built from 1926 to 1929, and is a Tudor Revival and Late Gothic Revival style building consisting of two stacked blocks. The lower block is a rectangular slab with rounded corners; it is capped by the second block, a two-tier set-back story.
Practical Info
Mon9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeA magnificent all-weather historic indoor arcade. Visit between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM on a Friday or Saturday; late afternoon sun rays pierce the expansive overhead glass skylights, casting beautiful reflections along the 1920s architecture and boutique artisan shopfronts.
Getting ThereLocated in the heart of downtown Asheville at 1 Page Ave. Drive via Patton Ave to O'Henry Ave to find the historic building; utilized the nearby Wall Street parking garage for hassle-free berthing. Local ART Bus Routes W1 and W2 stop within a 1-minute walk of the entrance.
Travel Tips
- The historic interior corridors are tight and lack dedicated free parking; the closest reliable option is the Wall Street Garage (first hour free). Do not double-park along Page Ave under any circumstances.
- Artisan stalls and subterranean galleries close between 18:00 and 19:00, while perimeter restaurants operate late; schedule shopping between 15:00 and 17:00 for full vendor access.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Strict historical preservation codes ban pets inside (except service animals); commercial DSLR photography of shop facades or interior infrastructure requires written clearance from the property office.
Reviews
Positive
- This 1920s vintage building itself is an exquisite piece of art, featuring elegant spiral staircases, ornate stone carvings, and a glass atrium that delivers a highly impressive visual impact.
- The interior is maintained exceptionally clean and tidy; the restroom facilities are upscale and sanitary, the central climate control is comfortable, signage is clear, and accessible elevators serve each floor.
- The staff at the independent boutiques, local artisan stalls, and specialty cafes are gentle and welcoming, completely free of aggressive sales tactics, reflecting very decent management.
- The arcade does not charge any admission fee, making it an excellent, high-value spot to escape the rain or heat, admire historic architecture, and soak in Asheville's refined, slow-paced local culture.
Heads up
- The overall volume of the arcade is relatively small, with a limited number of shops and dining options inside; it usually takes only 30 minutes to an hour to see everything, lacking depth of interest.
- The surrounding roads are one-way streets located in a bustling area, with almost no dedicated parking; finding paid street spots is very time-consuming, making it inconvenient for drivers.
- Due to its positioning as a refined historic district, the prices for goods, antiques, and dining inside are noticeably high, lacking affordable options suitable for the general public's daily spending.
- On weekend afternoons, the narrow indoor corridor sees a high tourist density, which, combined with echoes from some restaurants, makes the overall environment somewhat noisy, losing the peaceful atmosphere of weekdays.