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December 2023 by Ben O'Connor
Great place for local/regional history. Newly renovated!
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September 2021 by Mary Winchell
Was a very nice example of a North Carolina plantation house of modest means with many descriptive panels.
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September 2021 by Lorie Coupland
Was not open due to 9/11
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September 2021 by Janet Blankenship Hill
Beautiful place to visit.
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August 2021 by Albert Katryan
Very well kept. Persons on site were very knowledgeable and passionate.
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April 2021 by Rebecca M.
The Smith-McDowell House is Asheville's oldest mansion. It is currently available for self guided tours by appointment only through their website. Tickets are currently $10. The house is currently part of the WNC Historical Association. The first and second floors are on tour as well as the basement. A special exhibit called "When All God's Children Get Together: A Celebration of the Lives and Music of African American People in Far Western North Carolina." The special exhibit is well done and thorough. As a transplant to NC, I've been trying to learn the history of the state. A lot of the past has been sugar coated so I appreciate when the uncomfortable parts are addressed. African Americans played a large role in the state's history. The exhibit gives first hand stories and photos of this from churches; military; schooling and athletics. Even though the tour is to be self guided, I was greeted and given a tour of the house. This provided additional details about the house I wouldn't have learned about otherwise. The basement is the winter kitchen as that kept the house warm in the cold weather. The museum addresses that 70 slaves worked at the house and did all the household work. The first floor has the dining room, parlor and sun room. The second floor has bedrooms, an upstairs parlor and the porch. If you are in Asheville, I recommend checking out this piece of history.
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December 2020 by Frances Steele
Shout out to Lisa! We didn't realize that the tours were for pre-purchased tickets only when we showed up at 1140 (because of the pandemic), but they let us book a spot for noon since they had no reservations. They were all so nice! Lisa is so enthusiastic about her job, and we learned so much from her. Thanks to y'all for making this a fun learning experience!- Frankie Raye (from Florida)
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November 2020 by Sarah Doan
Cool little tour, nice staff and lots of information!
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October 2020 by Georgianne Vinicombe
Lots of great history, worth a step.
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September 2020 by Michele Summers
Couldn't hate it... couldn't see it. Called and found out time of operation. Checked website...closed.We took the time out of our vacation to see this and closed. Apparently for a long time by the looks of the upkeep. Sad
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June 2020 by Chris H.
Was a nice little visit with our out of town guest. Historical items on display. I liked some of the old firearms. The ladies liked the tea sets and historically accurate furnishings. They served us tea after the short tour. I have driven past here hundreds of times and liked knowing the historical significance of this place. It sits on a prime piece of property too.
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April 2020 by Kelli Matheny
Nice place for a local history lesson. Lots of artifacts to look at. They did a nice job with the rooms and displays.The docent did a good job telling us the history of the house.
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April 2020 by Ruth Burrus
Nice stop in Asheville. Rooms are set up to represent different decades in the home's history. Interesting approach. Gave me a feel of local history. Go at your own pace was nice too
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April 2020 by Rachel Kayhart
Definitely worth the price of admission! Staff was knowledgeable and friendly. I went during the Afternoon Tea exhibit month so I enjoyed a free cup of tea as well! Interesting and beautiful historic stop worth checking out!
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April 2020 by Thomas M
Fantastic glimpse into the past. Incredible architecture and impressive interior design that’s period-appropriate over several decades around the Turn of the Century.
