5 Arts Studio is definitely worth the off the beaten path trip to Crosby Tennessee! If you have…read morenever seen their amazing trolls before or if you are a avid collector a visit to their studio is a must do experience. Before you go you will want to give them a call like their website suggests to make sure they are open and available to show you around. When you arrive you are welcomed by a large troll on their front door which makes for a very cute group picture and they even have troll headbands you can use. The studio is made up of four main areas downstairs where the trolls are put together, the workshop where they get their personalities, the display area where you can choose your troll, and the museum. The story of the family who creates these adorable creatures is very interesting and really makes the place come alive. Special Travel Note: Use the address given and it will take you right there but do note once off the main road it will turn to gravel and you might think you have made a wrong turn but then your gps will let you know you are on Troll Mountain Way:)

From the owner: Hand crafted trolls made by the Arensbak family since 1949 from natural materials found in the…read morenearby mountains. This is a very unique, working studio with gift shop and museum that sits on a mountain top overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains.

I took a two-hour walking tour this morning in Asheville with Peter, and it was absolutely…read morefantastic. From the moment he introduced himself, Peter proved to be a wealth of knowledge. He gave us a rich historical background of Asheville before guiding us through the streets, where we stopped at various points of interest. Along the way, he highlighted restaurants, landmarks, and historical sites dating from the 1700s to today. His storytelling made the city come alive, and I learned so much more than I expected. I honestly can't say enough about Peter--he was truly phenomenal. If you're visiting Asheville, this tour is a must! This is a tipped based program. While the walking tour is free, the guides depend on their tips. Please be generous.

If you take this amazing tour use Peter. Besides an interesting tour with rich history including…read moredevelopment of the area and architecture, he is hilarious. I liked it so much I'd do it again. I'd rate it a 10 plus.

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial Angel is located near the Asheville Art Museum and not too far from Pack…read moreSquare. It is for Thomas Wolfe who once lived in Asheville. The memorial is located here as Wolfe's dad, W. O. Wolfe had a monument shop there and had an angel statue in front. The angel is fitting as a tribute to Wolfe as in his book, "Look Homeward Angel" he described the angel. If you are a fan of Thomas Wolfe make sure to check out the monument if in Downtown Asheville.

"Whereon the pillars of this Earth are founded, toward…read morewhich the conscience of the world is tending. A wind is rising, and the rivers flow." -Thomas Wolfe in "You Can't Go Home Again" This bronze angel stands in front of the Asheville Art Museum and was placed in memory of Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938). Wolfe is an Asheville native who wrote "Look Howard, Angel" in 1929. The novel is one of the highest marks in American fiction and was later a successful play. It tells of the experiences of a rather sensitive lad in a mountain town Pulpit Hill (Chapel Hill, NC), a coming-of-age story. Other notable works include "Of Time and the River", "You Can't Go Home Again" and "The Web and the Rock." Wolfe never married. The monument faces to the northwest. The plaque has the above quote and indicates that it was presented by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. [Review 12701 overall, 13 of 2020.]

The streets of Downtown Knoxville come alive for a First Friday, which is held the first Friday of…read moreevery month. Tons of artists and artsy organizations called Knoxville home, while First Friday has been happening for 13 years, it is really getting better and better each year. You can explore galleries, studios, and artist collectives; roam through shops hosting open houses and local artist exhibits; enjoy performance art and live music in the streets and a variety of venues; drop in restaurants along the way and treat yourself to drinks and culinary pleasures. You never know what you are going to find and it's a great way to support our local Arts Community. The galleries have extended hours on First Friday nights so can pop in after work and enjoy what you might miss out on during the week. Check the website to help plan your visit since each gallery and the artists rotate out each month in a lot of these local galleries.

What a wonderful tour with Mountain Mural Tours! We were lucky enough to score a last minute added…read moretour and just loved it! Thanks for all the information! We felt so familiar with the Asheville art scene when we were done! Plus it was very fun and lively! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Super fun and informative tour around The River Arts District and the city of Asheville. We learned…read moreso much about the local mural art and the cultural references surrounding each one. Would 200% recommend!