Thomas Wolfe Memorial
Asheville, NC
Thomas Wolfe, one of the Southern United State’s most famous novelists, was born in Asheville. Now known as the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, his childhood home still stands today and is open for tours. The Victorian home showcases Wolfe’s life in Asheville at the turn of the 20th century when both the city and the man were still in the making.
The basics
Wolfe’s mother, Julia, ran this massive Victorian structure as a boardinghouse and Thomas was the only Wolfe child to live there full-time, growing up amongst a sea of transient souls. The home—and his unique living situation—inspired his work, particularly Look Homeward, Angel, the author’s first novel. Walking tours sometimes stop outside the home to give you a brief take on Wolfe’s time in Asheville. But to get the real juice, take a guided tour.
Things to know before you go
- Tours are available for US$5 and take a little over an hour—many say it’s the best US$5 you’ll ever spend in the city.
- A small and free museum is onsite for those not interested in a tour.
- Groups, students, and kids under age 6 are eligible for discounted visits.
How to get there
The Thomas Wolfe Memorial has a fabulous location, just a block from downtown Asheville. It’s also just two blocks from the Asheville Art Museum. The memorial has a very small free parking lot; otherwise, look for street parking, or nab a rideshare or taxi.
When to get there
The Thomas Wolfe Memorial is typically open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9am to 5pm. Tours are offered every day at half past the hour, every hour; aim to walk in a few minutes before they start. Note: Crowds will be larger on rainy days.
A slice of the past
For being a small-ish town, Asheville has a weird amount of fame and history. Learn all about it on an Asheville history tour, which details everything from the city’s role in the Civil War and its art deco architecture and basilica to famous residents such as Thomas Wolfe, O. Henry, and the Vanderbilts. No wonder they call it the “Paris of the South”.
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