Asheville residents and visitors are invited to the Governor's Western Residence Holiday Open House on December 7-8. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days, allowing guests to view the holiday decorations in the historic house, according to the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Due to damage from Hurricane Helene, attendees will need to take a shuttle bus from 143 Executive Park, as parking and access at the residence are currently unavailable. Shuttles will run continuously throughout the day between the pickup location and the home, and this service, as well as the open house, is free. No reservations are required to tour the property. Visitors will also have the opportunity to contribute to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund by scanning a QR code at the venue, as reported by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The Western Residence, built in 1939 and donated to the state by the Asheville Chamber of Commerce in 1964, offers stunning views of Mt. Pisgah and downtown Asheville. It is one of the few official second residences in the U.S. and has hosted 11 administrations. Journalists interested in learning more about the history of the residence can schedule a tour through Drew Christy, as stated by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
