#9- Urban Trail

#9- The Urban Trail

   Ashville is known as an arts destination and the Urban Trail was created as a public art walking tour of downtown. Started by a group of volunteers it highlights the unique architecture, historic events and people of the city.  It began in 1989 when leaders with a vision were in the process of revitalizing our downtown area and it was completed in 2002.

   The Urban Trail is divided up into five eras each of which is identified by a symbol carved into pink granite blocks that are placed in the sidewalk for you to follow. The eras include the history of each period and the important milestones in Asheville history. A horseshoe represents the Frontier period which took place when the state of NC first began selling land grants to what would eventually become Asheville.  A feather represents the Gilded Age which began at a time when families of wealth and influence began moving into the area. Naturally, an angel represents the Times of Thomas Wolfe which details the life of the author and Asheville native whose novel “Look Homeward Angel” closely resembled his hometown. Our fabulous court house signifies the Era of Civic Pride which pays tribute to the great sense of pride we have in our city. Finally, an eagle represents the Era of Diversity which showcases our emphasis on individuality and diversity while emphasizing the contributions the African American community made.

   There are 30 stops on the 1.7 mile Urban Trail and takes about two hours to complete. Each stop is represented by a bronze plaque or a piece of art.  This tour can be self-guided or led by local Ashevillians and is perfect for any history buff or architecture lover, local or tourist, downtown stroller or urban explorer alike. Asheville's history is rich and utilizing a map to navigate the stops that take you all around downtown is a fabulous way to spend a few hours and learn a little something in the process!

   A couple of my favorite stops are Past and Promise which shows a little girl drinking from a horse head fountain and was chosen to represent the future of Asheville. Shopping Daze shows three frenzied shopping ladies and their dog. It depicts a time when Haywood Road, where it is located, was the regions fashionable shopping district and celebrates the return of our vibrant downtown. It is also located outside my favorite bookstore, Malaprop's! Finally, the Flat Iron is a replica of one used by a local laundry and reflects the nearby Flat Iron Building. This statue always draws a crowd of tourists getting their pictures taken or one of our local buskers performing in front of it and drawing a crowd of their own. Once you complete the trail I am sure you will compile your own list of favorites!

“Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson