The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site in Asheville is a National Landmark operated by North Carolina State Historic Site to commemorate renowned author Thomas Clayton Wolfe. The "Old Kentucky Home" boarding house where Wolfe lived as a child, was the inspiration for his 1929 autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel and has been preserved for students and visitors to experience his life and literary work.
Parking at The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
The memorial provides limited free parking adjacent to visitor's center. If full, visitors may park at the Rankin Street Garage, where parking is free for the first hour.
Best and worst time to go to The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
The memorial receives the most visitors on Saturdays and during the month of July. Tours are limited to 15, but staff makes an effort to work in extra tours during peak seasons. January and February tend to be their slowest season.
Admission to The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site is open to the public from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. House tours begin at the bottom of each hour and cost $5 for adults and $2 for students. Group tours are available by reservation. Call 828-253-8304 for more information.
Must see/do at The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
Visitors and students at The Thomas Wolfe Memorial Home have the opportunity to view a film about Wolfe's life, see the home through a guided tour, and participate in hands-on activities to demonstrate the daily household chores from the time period.
Other places to visit near The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
Visitors can also visit the Black Mountain College Museum and Art Center on Broadway Street or have lunch at the nearby Mellow Mushroom or Over Easy Café. Downtown Asheville also is a great place to shop or visit a variety of museums on Pack Square.
Insider tip for visitors to The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
After his death in 1938, Thomas Wolfe was buried in Asheville's Riverside Cemetery. His grave can be viewed at 53 Birch Street off Pearson Drive near the Asheville Visitors Center.
Author's bio: Carolyn B. Fraiser is a freelance journalist, photographer, and publications specialist in Asheville, North Carolina. Follow her on Twitter @carolynbfraiser.
