neighborhood
In the heart of the River Arts District
As a bustling artist enclave draped along the French Broad River, Asheville’s River Arts District (known locally as the “RAD”) pulses with an artistic energy born of diverse media, lively interchange and countless handmade projects in motion on any given day. Asheville’s former industrial and warehouse section just southwest of downtown is the up-and-coming art-and-crafts center of the region, with many studios and galleries, plus cafés, breweries, and nightclubs. As industrial companies moved out, artists moved in, seeking cheaper rents for studios and loft apartments.
Today the district is home to some 200 working artists—mainly pottery and ceramics artists, painters, fabric artists, and sculptors—and this doesn’t include students taking courses. On the 2nd Saturday of each month, studios offer refreshments and demonstrations for visitors. Twice a year, on weekends in early May and early November, the District holds a Studio Stroll, when nearly all the studios and galleries are open to the public. Increasingly, restaurants, bars, and coffeehouses are opening here as well, and a large national craft brewing company, New Belgium, opened its East Coast brewery and distribution center here in 2016.
Restaurants
Whether you prefer fine dining or riverside tacos, the River Arts District has a it all. Stroll down to Ultra Coffee Bar for a coffee and a full breakfast, or grab a quick lunch of flavorful tacos at White Duck Taco Shop. If BBQ is your thing, head to 12 Bones Smokehouse for some tender butts and sweet racks with all the fixin’s. Boat, bike, walk or drive down alongside the French Broad River to the Smoky Park Supper Club, the largest shipping container restaurant in the United States. In the mood for decadent sweets? French Broad Chocolate Factory and cafe offers the finest hand-crafted chocolate around in a unique and authentic setting.
artists & galleries
You could spend all day trekking the River Arts District and never run out of fascinating creations to see. From the Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts to the Pink Dog Creative studios, there’s never a dull moment. Visit Phil Mechanic Studios with several floors of studios and galleries and sign up for membership to make use of their old-fashioned dark room. Wedge Studios is just across the street with dozens of professional working artist studios and galleries. Check out the artists at Curve Studios and Pattiy Torno’s hand-made clothing and modern quilts. Visit Robert Street’s Asheville Glass Center and take in a free glass blowing demonstration.
Breweries
Asheville is known for its rich beer culture and plethora of locally owned craft breweries. If a beer crawl is what your heart desires then the RAD is the perfect place to start. Begin right across the street from Radview, enjoying an Iron Rail IPA at the Wedge Brewing Company. Once finished, hop across the river to tour and enjoy New Belgium's $140 million dollar, state of the art facility. After that, slide over to Asheville's South Slope, where you can visit Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium, Twin Leaf, Catawba Brewing, Green Man Brewing, Burial Beer and many others all within a few blocks.
greenways
“The River to Ridge Greenway and Trail Network will be a connection of continuous greenways that encircle the downtown area with the River Arts District and French Broad River greenways, the South Slope Greenway Connector, Beaucatcher Greenway and the Urban Trail. This greenway network will provide a unique experience for any local or tourist that will allow access to two of Asheville’s most special natural assets: the French Broad River and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Once completed, the network with have 10.25 miles of connected greenways and trails.”
