1908. Courtesy of the Pack Library
Old Kentucky Home — The Thomas Wolfe Memorial
Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of American literature’s most famous landmarks.
Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Asheville
Step into the world of Thomas Wolfe with this guided walking tour through downtown Asheville – Wolfe’s hometown and the vivid backdrop for his (in)famous novel Look Homeward, Angel.
The tour begins at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial on the front porch of the Historic Old Kentucky Home Boardinghouse where Wolfe spent his childhood. From there, participants will stroll through downtown exploring sites connected to Wolfe’s life. Throughout the walk, our guide will share excerpts from Wolfe’s writings, anecdotes about his life, and insights into the Asheville of the early 20th century. Roughly 90 minutes, the tour will finish at the historic S&W Cafeteria, where our guide will be happy to chat and answer questions with anyone who wants to learn more!
Two tours this Spring:
Saturdays May 31st and June 7th at 10am.
Admission – $5. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time (or the day of) in the Thomas Wolfe Visitor Center located directly behind the historic house.
Hours of Operation
Tuesday – Saturday:
9:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
Closed State Holidays
Admission
House tours are offered daily
at half past each hour.
Last tour leaves at 4:30 pm.
Group tours by reservation.
Adult – $5.00
Student (ages 7-17) – $2.00
Adult Group (10+) – $2.50 each
Student Group – $2.00 each
6 & under – Free
Tell Us About Your Visit to
the Thomas Wolfe Memorial
From Cradle to Grave:
Walking in Thomas Wolfe’s Shoes
