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River Arts District
3 River Arts Pl, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
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Su
Review №1

Great area in Asheville. Regeneration of some of the old buildings is great to see.Interesting art and some of the artists are in working during your visit. We were there on a Sunday, so quite a few of the studios were not open. It’s a great place to spend some time outdoors, walking to the studios. There is a great brochure that you can pick up, with the artists listed and a map.

Ad
Review №2

Lots of stuff to set out on adventure in this area. We did find a few places open after 9 mo of covid lock down but the number of people all wanting to get outside made this area very crowded, good for those that are open and we applaud them and tried to support them with purchases but after a1 hour wait for a we decided to try some place else. Give the area a try and support the shops that are open. We think they will figure out how to operate with the crowds and this may be one of the great areas to hangout and relax or kick off your new adventure. Be safe and give us like if are happy this area is open. We know we will be back.

Me
Review №3

We recently went on vacation and visited River Arts District in Asheville and it was amazing! We walked thru the studios and had so much fun looking at all the art. There is one artist Jonas Gerard that really piqued my interest... And his studio is absolutely incredible and a must view if you ever happen to find yourself in the area! He does have two studios.. I viewed his newer one. ️

Si
Review №4

A creative hub with multiple offers in terms of crafts and hospitality, hearthly recommended for friends and families. We tried and loved 12 Bones BBQ and Summit coffee, but there were other solid options available.

Pr
Review №5

The city is doing a bunch of work at on the river arts district. It looks beautiful. Plenty of parking and picnic tables near the river to enjoy. Lacks restrooms and drinking fountains, but Ive always had a pleasant experience.

Ma
Review №6

Visiting for the first time from out of town. Great scene and river walking path!Besides the art studios lots of options to eat and drink in a COVID-19 friendly outdoor manner too.

Ga
Review №7

Pick up the map from one of the stores to understand how to go through the art district. Walk along the river

Is
Review №8

Streets Needs sidewalks, but along the river was nice to walk esp with a stroller.Google needs to update navigation, new road construction, so be careful.

Ch
Review №9

The nicest part of Asheville! Clean and eclectic! The only thing is that it was a little confusing as to what you could go into and what you couldn’t...

Lo
Review №10

More of these wonderful artisan shops will open up when things come back to normal.But dont wait the ones that are open now are absolutely magnificent. And what a wonderful way to spend the day.

An
Review №11

Amazing inspiring district full of artists workshops and galleries, you can grab some food, beer or coffee here in the area as well . Just really cool revitalization of the industrial area into an art destination

An
Review №12

Fun and kitschy area. A lot of the galleries and shops were closed on the day I visited but strolling was nice. The sidewalks are narrow and the path to the Riverwalk is not easy to find, but overall an enjoyable outing.

Je
Review №13

A must visit of Asheville. Theres plenty written about the myriad coffee shops, food, art, creative workspaces already out there but my favorite thing is walking next to the river. Super dog friendly, bike friendly, kid friendly, you name it.

ka
Review №14

Very nice so very nice all the work that theyve done down there, the greenway, the bike path really great

B
Review №15

Still a good bit of development going on in the area. But some very interesting artist areas and food options.

A
Review №16

Pork Belly!!! My wife and I tried 5 different kinds of tacos all were great, but we had to get an addition pork belly taco, because it was so good.

Je
Review №17

Lots of artists studios and shops plus interesting coffee and food spots. Bought some stunning art.

Pa
Review №18

I guess I am a country kinda person... I dont even like driving thru this area. Dont care for the painted walls... To each his own.

De
Review №19

Great Artsy area with lots of Artist Studios. Especially interesting was the one where they teach you how to blow glass. You leave with your own creation. Also, great local brewery with a great selection of different beers. Something for all tastes.Highly recommend visiting this area.

Ju
Review №20

Loved it. Cant wait to come back!!!!

de
Review №21

Absolutely fantastic. With the same industrial building setting as Bushwick NY or Windwood Miami, but with the artists actually working on site to explain their creations and ideas to visitors.

Ro
Review №22

Love this place around there

J
Review №23

Unique talent, great variety...definitely worth the visit. See Leslie Rowland’s and Jonas’ work!

Am
Review №24

Nice historical and Creative Arts views. Limited free parking unless youre lucky enough to get side street parking

To
Review №25

You can go and still take a pleasant stroll (during this Covid malaise) safely and see various markets and artists displaying their wares.

Na
Review №26

I got there super late but enjoyed the artwork I was able to see. Will be back!

De
Review №27

Add to the top of your list of places to visit in Asheville. Amazing art & pottery from local artisans. So much to see.

Ja
Review №28

What a unique collection of shops spread over several streets in the River Arts District! We saw glass being made, sculptures welded, paintings, pottery being made, just about any kind of art you can think of, and some I have never heard of, exist on these couple of streets. Most of the artists are in their shops and willing to talk with you about their technique and their thoughts. They were informative, they were friendly, and even if you didnt buy something! If you enjoy seeing unique works of art of all forms, you will like the River Arts District.

Ro
Review №29

I remember visiti g Ashevilles River Arts District several years ago. Todays RAD is .uch .ire commercial than before. I understand that artists must make a living but a big box vibe seems to be taking over.

Ca
Review №30

Will definitely be back hope we can pick up some art before we head out,or our next trip up

La
Review №31

Cute place, so many shops with so many talented artists. Cant miss if youre into that kind of thing!

Er
Review №32

Cool art, coffee, food, we ride bikes there off new paved path

Th
Review №33

Love this neighborhood. Great walking spot.

La
Review №34

It was beautiful. Will return again

Ja
Review №35

I like what they are doing to the RAD area. Much more user friendly. The bridge we had a Picnic under used to be drug invested.

gr
Review №36

Great art galleries and exhibits. River views!

Be
Review №37

Post-industrial turned arts district. Come for the art. Stay for the food.

Ho
Review №38

Helping pick up trash along the riverIf anybody wants to help we will be back cleaning the river banks daily 5pm to 7pm.. also if anybody know what we can do with all the bags of trash let us know

Di
Review №39

This area is small and has a lot of personality! All of the studios here seem to be working studios, which means you can buy handicrafts but should also be respectful of the artists time and space. If I wasnt traveling from out of town I would have loved to meet them, but since it is a working space theyre not open very late into the evening. Its a nice place to roam around before heading to some breweries or getting coffee. Id love to see this area expand more and continue to be a community hub!

Lo
Review №40

Adorable shops! Fantastic artists!

Je
Review №41

Great area to walk around and pop into all the different galleries. Lots of artists featured in each gallery as well, make sure to walk around and check out all of them.

Jo
Review №42

Very Cool industrial art and good beer at Wedge.

To
Review №43

Kitschy, quirky and wonderful. We absolutely loved this part of Asheville, NC. Try White Duck Taco, French Broad Chocolates and the many art galleries in the neighborhood.

Sa
Review №44

CHAOTIC! People speed through there, super crowded and unorganized.

Da
Review №45

This is a cool part of Asheville with many galleries and studios

Ja
Review №46

Very cool place. Right near the river

Av
Review №47

Not impressed, for all the hype it gets in every guide it was very run down and to spread out to walk and enjoy. Its mostly over priced shops

jo
Review №48

Not exactly the best art I have seenEdit. Please dont take it personally. I am more interested in renaissance related art like the paintings that can be seen at the met. I understand the comparison can not be made, but that is the art I personally prefer. This is more of a unique to each artist art style.

su
Review №49

I love this place. Plenty of amazing artwork to explore and great places to eat and grab a drink. Always an adventure and a great place to take pictures!

SD
Review №50

Very cool tourist area. Everywhere you look are displays of various forms of art done by some very talented people.

De
Review №51

Really nice visit. Arts, bars, and Riverside boating areas.

Ab
Review №52

Diferent.....cozy.

Bo
Review №53

The River Arts District in Asheville North Carolina is a place youre going to want to spend two or three days going through. There is no way you are going to go through every shop in the matter of one or two days. Inshort, it is a destination. If you can imagine an art or a craft, someone in that area is probably doing it. There is great food every place you go. There are campgrounds to accommodate most everybody. And a lot of the graffiti you cant really call graffiti theres actually some great artwork on these buildings. That alone is worth going to see. We spent three days there and wondered had we missed anything? Probably, the worth another trip back.

Da
Review №54

Peaceful place. I love being around the art and all of the vibrant colors. Absolutely visually stimulating to say the least

Si
Review №55

Cool synthesis of different arts and artists in Asheville!

Cy
Review №56

Really cool place to go for a stroll and visit a multitude of artists.

Sc
Review №57

Nothing like the river Arts District for fun or for business a lot of opportunities going on in this area for people in the construction remodeling industry great food at 12 Bones good beer at the wedge and coming soon to pleb Winery just several places to entertain kill time at the antique shops take a look at the French Broad River just right around the corner from the historic Biltmore Estates property matter fact you can put a canoe in there and Coast right by the Biltmore House you got to try this place out

St
Review №58

Easy walking from shop to shop with plenty of places to stop and rest and get a bite to eat.

Je
Review №59

So many studios to tour and enjoy!

Jo
Review №60

OMG!!!!! Excellent art and ultrabar coffee house is fantastic

Cy
Review №61

Spent a beautiful day walking through many nice art galleries and shops. Highly recommend it!

He
Review №62

This is the best way, I think, to see a lot of local artists all at once and really get a sense of Ashevilles art scene.

Mi
Review №63

So much inspiration and innovation

Fr
Review №64

Colorful and unrefined. Many, many shops and galleries to visit. Arts and crafts of all sorts. Artists and artisans available to talk to about their art. Friendly, laid back atmosphere. A number of restaurants to enjoy throughout the district. Come prepared to walk and explore.

Li
Review №65

I love being able to meet and talk to the artists. Any day of the week there will be someone interesting there doing something creative.

Ja
Review №66

Overrated art district in the south. Not much competition I guess.

Ja
Review №67

Lots of nice art, but also lots of constuction always happening.

Pa
Review №68

Funky food, art by the river

Bi
Review №69

This is a wonderful area in Asheville! Support AMAZING local artists! We did!

Ma
Review №70

Love, love the art and French Broad River

Wi
Review №71

Pretty cool arts district with a wide array of interesting things.

Da
Review №72

Not easy to get around, and big lines at the handful of restaurants, but good galleries and a fun vibe.

Jo
Review №73

A must visit when in Asheville-NC

St
Review №74

Great place to stroll through art galleries, get some coffee, talk with local artists, bring home some novel gifts!!

Do
Review №75

One of my favorite spots I visited in Asheville! I loved wandering the different artists spaces, and I really appreciated that all of the studios I was interested allowed dogs. Its a really cool neighborhood to walk around too.

Fr
Review №76

Not sure where to start, very impressed with all the wonderful shops and such awesome art work on all the areas buildings. Definitely a must see in Ashville

ni
Review №77

Loads of fun galleries. Made a otherwise rainy and dreary day in Asheville a good time.

Li
Review №78

Not a lot open on July 21 due to Covid-19.

Ji
Review №79

Fantastic arts scene. So much to see and choose from! Only wish our kids werent there so we could have spent more time (and money!). The local artists were friendly and engaging. Im glad this was part of our trip to Asheville.

El
Review №80

So many fabulous artists all in one area. A real gem for the city. So fun to explore.

An
Review №81

The River Arts District is an amazing collection of diverse artists and artisans. You get to meet the artist.

Ro
Review №82

This area has great potential. Right now it is underdeveloped. It really needs someone with an outside of the box business mind that can work with artists. And there needs to be more convenient parking.

Ch
Review №83

A great area to explore if you are local or on holiday in Asheville. Hundreds of working artist with studios in dozens of restored buildings. Brewerys, coffee, food, treats. Wear your walking shoes. Watch your step!

Rh
Review №84

Fantastic artists! I found my favorite Jonas Gerard here

Kh
Review №85

This district kinda remind me of Austin/ Deep Ellum/ Bishop Arts in Dallas. The amount/quality of art murals here are just amazing ! I was blown away by the creativity of the artists. There are good coffee shop and bar to check out as well. Highly recommended !

gi
Review №86

Incredible gem of Asheville. I feel like you can only get this experience on the East Coast in Asheville. Love it.

Jo
Review №87

Artsy Crafty studios and a few places to eat and drink. Hard to get to. Downtown Asheville is a better bet.

Ja
Review №88

Lots of fun things to look at, and friendly folks

BJ
Review №89

Unless I missed something, we saw ONE pottery shop and a small lunch cafe. Very disappointed

Ho
Review №90

Theres so much to say, but Ill say this. Its a wonderful place to meet positive people as well as Great Artists.H ️

Ly
Review №91

Very spread out District. Lot of walking and old stairwells; then driving/parking to the next complex. Loved the day we spent, but were exhausted at the end. Hoping all the road construction will improve the overall aesthetic.

Ch
Review №92

Fantastic place to spend the day! Walked around to each of the art studios and spoke with the artists, checked out the galleries -- S t. Claire Art is a standout studio and a must-see!! That part of Asheville is really transforming! Highly recommended!!

Ma
Review №93

The River Arts District is one of my favorite places to explore when visiting Asheville; the variety of art being created there is inspiring. The revitalization of this area is so good to see too.

Ap
Review №94

A growing place of amazing artists! Few places to grab food or a drink too! This place along the French broad river continues to expand in vibrancy and color! There is a farmers market too. Come take a tour!

Ki
Review №95

A fabulous array of open studios hosted by the artists themselves. Professional, beautiful work of all kinds including craft and fine art.

Cl
Review №96

So much to see so little time!! Take a day or two or three and visit amazing artists doing their work, chat with them and support them.

Ca
Review №97

Fun spot for art

Tr
Review №98

Most likely, you could travel the entire east coast and not find a more diverse selection of art within a few blocks. Artists expressing their craft in many different ways are located all throughout the district. Plan to spend some time and visit many shops and you will definitely be able to find some artists at work perfecting their craft. When you talk to the artist the art often comes alive as you realize the facts behind the layers, materials, or months of work needed to complete a piece of art. Great place to spend your afternoon in Ashville.

Sh
Review №99

Love it! You can use most of the new trail now too!

Al
Review №100

Really cool part of Asheville. Definitely away from the super commercial tourist stuff. Great place to chill and take pictures and just walk around. There are coffee shops and restaurants in the area as well.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.4 Rating
  • Address:3 River Arts Pl, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
  • Site:http://riverartsdistrict.com/
  • Phone:+1 828-388-3526
Categories
  • Arts organization
  • Tourist attraction
Working hours
  • Monday:10am–6pm
  • Tuesday:10am–6pm
  • Wednesday:10am–6pm
  • Thursday:10am–6pm
  • Friday:10am–6pm
  • Saturday:10am–6pm
  • Sunday:10am–6pm
Highlights
  • Women-led:Yes
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