 | wnc business & community directory |
|
Two months following devastating flooding from back-to-back hurricanes, the shops and galleries of Asheville’s historic Biltmore Village are back in business and making plans for their annual holiday celebration, scheduled this year for December 3-5.The Dickens in the Village celebration transforms the tree-lined streets into 19th century England on the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of December every year. “You might run into a puppeteer, a group of poets, a choral group, or a mime on the streets,” said Stan Collins, president of the Biltmore Village Association and owner of Once Upon a Time, a children’s book and toyshop. Merchants, often dressed in 19th century costumes, serve up refreshments and special offerings in their shops, while carriage rides, caroling, and an old world charm create a special magic amid the twinkling lights of the village built by George Vanderbilt a century ago just outside the gates to his fabulous Biltmore Estate.
In September, the Village was inundated with floodwaters in the wake of Hurricanes Frances and Ivan. “The fact that we are, in face of overwhelming obstacles, back in business and preparing for the Dickens event is testament to the resiliency and commitment of the merchants to this historic area,” Collins added. Many shops and galleries were back in business in time to greet visitors during the busy fall foliage season. By Thanksgiving, nearly 100 percent of Biltmore Village will be re-opened and welcoming visitors.
|
Built in the late 1890s as a classic planned community at the entrance to the Estate, the Tudor-style original houses that once housed Vanderbilt's workers are truly among the Carolinas’ most unique touring and shopping environments. Because of its history, range of retailers, and fine restaurants, historic Biltmore Village has an international reputation.
For more information about Biltmore Village and the Dickens in the Village festival, please visit their web site, www.biltmorevillage.com. 