Asheville is the setting for this round, where the map is the real city and the ball rolls across its actual streets. The holes are built from real attractions, including the Basilica of Saint Lawrence. This is a full 18-hole round with a par of 55, covering a walk of 7 mi. Skip is a local guide who knows the place, even the best spots to find a stray crumb.
Saint Lukes Church is a Carpenter Gothic–style Episcopal church building located at 219 Chunns Cove Road, in the Chunn's Cove neighborhood of Asheville, North Carolina. Construction on the building started in 1894, and the first service was held on September 17, 1894. The church was designed by E. J. Armstrong and was built at a cost of $728. Since its completion, the site has been listed as a National Register of Historic Places listed place, marking its significance within the local community and the broader history of the region.
You might expect another standard sanctuary, but Saint Marys Episcopal Church is an Anglo-Catholic Episcopal parish. This church building is located in Asheville, North Carolina, and is a National Register of Historic Places listed place. It belongs to the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. When you visit, you can observe the specific traditions of the Anglo-Catholic faith that define this parish. It is one of the many historic sites in the region that are recognized on the National Register of Historic Places for their architectural and cultural contributions to the city.
This isn't a bustling shopping district or a mountain peak. Instead, Weaver Park is a park. It is a place to stop and find some open space while you are visiting the city. I find it's a good spot to stretch your wings.
Let me show you the Asheville Botanical Garden. This independent non-profit botanical garden is dedicated to the study and promotion of the native plants and habitats of the Southern Appalachians. You can visit the grounds daily, as admission is free for all. Because the garden relies on donations and membership for its operating and maintenance funds, it is a community-supported space. I have found that the local greenery here is a great place to stretch your wings and get a better view of the surrounding city scenery.
Let me show you Montford Park. It is a park located in the heart of the city, providing a green space for residents and visitors to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a place to relax or just passing through on your way to other sights, this park is a steady fixture of the neighborhood. I've noticed it's a great spot for a quick breather.
You might expect another local park or a business plaza, but this spot is actually Ironland. It is a micronation located within Asheville. While it may look like a regular part of the city to a passing visitor, it operates as its own independent entity. I've seen a few confused tourists stop here, but it's all part of the charm of the neighborhood.
The inception of the Basilica of Saint Lawrence was in 1905. Located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, this parish church is part of the Diocese of Charlotte. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designed by architect Rafael Guastavino. You can notice the scale of the building's dome, which has a span of 58 by 82 feet. Since its inception, the church has seen significant recognition; in 1993, Pope John Paul II elevated the status of the church to minor basilica.
Let me show you the Asheville Art Museum. It is located at 2 South Pack Square at Pack Place, right on the center square of downtown Asheville. As a nonprofit visual art organization in Western North Carolina, it provides a dedicated space for the community to engage with art. You can pick out the official seal of the American Alliance of Museums, as this art museum is accredited by them. It has been a part of the city since it was founded in 1948. I find the downtown location makes it a very convenient stop for any visitor.
First Baptist Church is a Protestant church building located in Asheville, North Carolina, United States. This Baptist church is designed in the Art Deco architecture style, a choice that makes the structure stand out among other buildings in the area. Because of its design and history, First Baptist Church is a National Register of Historic Places listed place. Visitors can see the specific geometric lines and stylistic elements of the Art Deco movement reflected in the exterior of this house of worship.
You might expect a citrus shop given the name, but this is actually a music venue. Located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, it is a key spot for live performances in the city. The building has a capacity of 1,050 people, making it large enough for major acts but intimate enough to feel the energy of the crowd. I've seen plenty of folks milling about the entrance waiting for the doors to open, and it is always a lively scene when a show is about to start. It is a great place to experience the local music culture of the region.