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Imagination Central: Asheville Arts and Crafts

Be warned: if you love one-of-a-kind art objects and handmade furniture, best drive into Asheville, not fly. You'll never get back on the plane with all the goodies you'll accumulate during your trip.

Asheville has a thriving visual arts community that reflects the creativity and independence for which the city is well-known. Fairs, shows and festivals roll into town all year long. For example, in April and November, you can go on the Weaverville Art Safari, a guided tour of local artists' native habitats—er, studios. July's Crafts Fair of the Southern Highlands celebrates traditional regional folk art. And the Center City Art Walk offers tours of 29 art galleries in downtown Asheville four times a year (you heard right—29 downtown galleries in a city of 69,000).

But there's no need to wait for a show to ease your art craving. Intriguing boutique items can be found in shops sprinkled throughout Asheville. Two chic spots in Biltmore Village you won't want to miss: Bellagio, which specializes in unique handmade clothing items it calls "art to wear," and New Morning Gallery, stacked to the rafters with vividly colored folk art objects, sculpture, dinnerware, and furniture with a decidedly modern feel. The items are pricy, but even if you're not in a buying mood, the sensual feast for the eyes makes a stroll through both shops worthwhile.

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