Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site, Asheville

About Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site preserves the boardinghouse where the acclaimed 20th-century novelist grew up in Asheville. Visitors explore the historic home on guided tours lasting about 45 minutes, walking through rooms furnished with artifacts that Thomas Wolfe knew during his adolescence, including the family parlor, bedrooms, and dining areas. The boardinghouse and its inhabitants inspired characters in his debut novel, Look Homeward, Angel, so guests often feel they are stepping through the pages of the book itself. The visitor center houses a 22-minute film about Wolfe's life and career shown in an auditorium, along with a self-guided exhibit hall covering Asheville's growth, the Wolfe family history, and how Wolfe's experiences shaped his writing. Guided tours are offered daily at set intervals, with the last tour departing in late afternoon. The site charges admission for house tours; groups of ten or more may reserve in advance.