The Juneteenth in the Reems Creek Valley installation names the 27 men, women, and children enslaved by the Vances from 1795-1865.
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Vance Birthplace

4.7
·198 reviews·Weaverville, United States

Step back in time at the Vance Birthplace, exploring 18th-century life and NC history. Discover historic buildings and Governor Vance's legacy.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, 9 AM - 5 PM

Fewer crowds, more personal tours

CrowdLow
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The Juneteenth in the Reems Creek Valley installation names the 27 men, women, and children enslaved by the Vances from 1795-1865.

Vance Birthplace

Best Time

Weekdays, 9 AM - 5 PM

Fewer crowds, more personal tours

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at the Vance Birthplace, exploring 18th-century life and NC history. Discover historic buildings and Governor Vance's legacy.

4.7
(198 reviews)

"A great place of history and peace and quiet. The grounds were well kept and the buildings were in amazing shape!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Guided Tours are Worth It

For just $2, tours offer incredible insights into NC history and Vance's life. Highly recommended!

Beautiful Scenic Drive

The drive through Reems Creek Valley to get here is incredibly scenic. Enjoy the views!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Reconstructed Homestead

Reconstructed Homestead

Main House

Step back in time in the meticulously reconstructed home of Governor Zebulon B. Vance. Experience 18th-century living.

Historic Outbuildings

Historic Outbuildings

Grounds

Explore original and reconstructed structures like the loom house, tool shed, and spring house. See how daily life was managed.

Spring House Demonstration

Spring House Demonstration

Spring House

Learn about ingenious 18th-century refrigeration methods and the vital role of spring houses in preserving food and water.

Cat's Paw Print Brick

Cat's Paw Print Brick

Museum

Discover a unique artifact: a handmade brick bearing the distinct paw print of a cat from centuries ago.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Visit in Advance

While not a theme park, some experiences like guided tours may require advance booking. Check the official website for tour availability and to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons. This ensures you don't miss out on in-depth historical insights.

Embrace the History

The Vance Birthplace offers a deep dive into North Carolina history, focusing on Governor Zebulon B. Vance. Come prepared to learn about 18th-century life, including the role of spring houses and the complexities of the era. A guided tour enhances the experience.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, 9 AM - 5 PM
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Crowd
Low
When
Spring and Fall
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Also it’s $22 a person and you need to book SOOO far in advance. Like a month! #vancecreekrailriders #fyp #pnw #Hiking
@caroline0k
93.8K likes • 338.4K views

Guided Tours are Worth It

For just $2, tours offer incredible insights into NC history and Vance's life. Highly recommended! Reddit

Beautiful Scenic Drive

The drive through Reems Creek Valley to get here is incredibly scenic. Enjoy the views! Instagram

🌿 Did you know there’s a hidden gem of NC history tucked away in Weaverville? The Vance Birthplace is a fascinating stop just outside Asheville — with a reconstructed homestead, historic outbuildings, and a small museum. It’s the perfect mix of history, mountain views, and a quiet escape. 🌿 Have you visited yet? #AshevilleNC #WeavervilleNC #BlueRidgeMountains #NorthCarolinaLife #AshevilleLiving ...
life.in.wnc
11 likes • 363 views
📌Vance Birthplace State Historic Site (@vancebirthplace) Before modern refrigeration, in the 1700s, many people used a spring house to refrigerate their food, which also served as their primary water source. At Vance Birthplace, home to one of North Carolina’s most famous and controversial governors, the spring house was used daily, primarily by the enslaved individuals on the property. The nar...
ncculture
67 likes • 2.4K views

Rainy Day Gem

Even in the rain, the site is beautiful and offers a great learning experience. Reddit

Well-Maintained Grounds

The grounds are kept beautifully, making it a peaceful place to explore and learn. Reddit

Zebulon B. Vance birthplace 🇺🇸 He was a lawyer, Congressman, a three term Governor of North Carolina, a Senator and a confederate officer during the American Civil War. There are several wooden structures: a loom house, tool shed, spring house, smoke house, corn crib and the reconstructed house. The drive through Reems Creek Valley is very scenic during the Fall. There’s an Information Cent...
valeriefernando16
15 likes • 120 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Guided Tours are Worth It

For just $2, tours offer incredible insights into NC history and Vance's life. Highly recommended! Reddit

Beautiful Scenic Drive

The drive through Reems Creek Valley to get here is incredibly scenic. Enjoy the views! Instagram

Rainy Day Gem

Even in the rain, the site is beautiful and offers a great learning experience. Reddit

Well-Maintained Grounds

The grounds are kept beautifully, making it a peaceful place to explore and learn. Reddit

Discover Local History

A perfect spot to learn about Western NC history and the life of Governor Vance. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(198 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Vance Birthplace for its well-maintained grounds, informative museum, and engaging historical buildings. The affordable guided tours are a standout feature, offering deep insights into North Carolina history. It's described as a peaceful, beautiful, and educational experience, making it a highly recommended stop for those in the area.

"Amazing amazing amazing Love How The Museum Was Set Up And All The Stories, Information And Artifacts They Had There. A great place of history and peace and quiet The Grounds Were Well Kept And The Buildings Were In Amazing Shape. I Definitely Recommend Checking This Out If In The Area!!!"

Dr Collazo

"We came upon this place by accident today and it was a wonderful experience! We visited the museum then we did the tour with Will, and the tour was wonderful! The tour is only $2 per person and lasts 30-40 minutes. The visit is worth the learning experience about NC history in western NC. I was amazed at all of the places named after Vance!"

Kimberly Henry

"I Love How The Museum Was Set Up And All The Stories, Information And Artifacts They Had There. The Grounds Were Well Kept And The Buildings Were In Amazing Shape. I Definitely Recommend Checking This Out If In The Area!!!"

Jason B

What People Like

Well-kept grounds and buildings
Informative museum exhibits
Affordable guided tours

What People Dislike

Limited dining options nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Vance Birthplace is located in Weaverville, NC, just outside Asheville. The drive through Reems Creek Valley is noted as particularly scenic. Instagram Check your GPS for the most direct route from your starting point.

Yes, ample parking is typically available at the Vance Birthplace, allowing for easy access to the museum and grounds.

Absolutely! The Vance Birthplace is a perfect day trip from Asheville, offering a historical excursion that takes only a few hours to explore.

Driving is the most convenient way to reach the Vance Birthplace and explore the surrounding Reems Creek Valley. Public transportation options are limited.

Yes, the Vance Birthplace is close to Asheville, offering access to the Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, and downtown Asheville's vibrant arts and food scene.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Vance Birthplace is generally open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current hours. Instagram

Admission to the grounds and museum is often free. However, guided tours are available for a nominal fee, typically around $2 per person, making them a great value. Reddit

While general admission might not require advance booking, it's highly recommended to book guided tours in advance, especially if you're visiting during peak times or with a group. TikTok

The museum at the Vance Birthplace often has free admission, allowing visitors to explore the exhibits and learn about North Carolina history without an additional charge.

A visit can range from an hour to half a day, depending on your interest. A guided tour typically lasts 30-40 minutes, with additional time for exploring the grounds and museum. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore a reconstructed homestead, a loom house, a tool shed, a spring house, a smoke house, and a corn crib, offering a comprehensive look at 18th-century rural life. Instagram

Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended. They provide in-depth historical context and stories about Governor Vance and the era. Reddit

The spring house was crucial for food preservation before modern refrigeration, serving as a cool, natural pantry and water source. Instagram

A particularly unique artifact is a handmade brick with a cat's paw print, a charming detail from the past. Instagram

While the historic buildings and grounds may present some challenges, the museum is generally accessible. It's advisable to contact the site directly for specific accessibility information.

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally permitted on the grounds and in most public areas of the museum. Capturing the historic buildings and scenic views is encouraged. Instagram

The reconstructed homestead, the rustic outbuildings, and the surrounding mountain scenery offer excellent photographic opportunities. The spring house also makes for a picturesque shot. Instagram

While general photography is allowed, flash photography might be restricted inside certain exhibits to protect artifacts. Always be mindful of signage and staff instructions.

Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites to protect the integrity of the property and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the site's specific drone policy before flying.

A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is ideal for capturing both architectural details and wider scenic shots. A smartphone camera will also suffice for most visitors. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Vance Birthplace is a fantastic educational outing for families. Kids can explore the various historic buildings, imagining life without modern conveniences. The cat's paw print brick is a fun, quirky detail that often captures children's imaginations. Instagram The open grounds provide space for them to move around, and the guided tours, while informative, are usually engaging enough to hold their attention for the 30-40 minute duration. Reddit

Consider making it a picnic stop if the weather is nice, as the grounds are beautiful and peaceful. It’s a great way to introduce children to local history in a hands-on, accessible way. The $2 tour fee is also very budget-friendly for families looking for enriching activities. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Vance Birthplace is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. General admission to the grounds and museum is often free, offering a rich historical experience without a hefty price tag. Reddit The guided tours are incredibly affordable at just $2 per person, providing immense value for the historical insights gained. Reddit

Combine your visit with a scenic drive through the Reems Creek Valley and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds. This makes for a fulfilling and memorable day trip that won't strain your wallet. It's a perfect example of how to experience local culture and history affordably. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Historic Buildings

The Vance Birthplace State Historic Site is a treasure trove of preserved and reconstructed 18th-century structures. Visitors can step inside the reconstructed homestead, which offers a glimpse into the daily life of Governor Zebulon B. Vance's family. Beyond the main house, a collection of historic outbuildings provides further context. These include a loom house, essential for textile production, a tool shed showcasing implements of the time, and a smoke house for preserving meat. Each structure tells a story of self-sufficiency and the ingenuity required to thrive in the Appalachian region. Instagram

A particularly fascinating building is the spring house. In an era before modern refrigeration, spring houses were vital for keeping food and water cool. They utilized natural spring water to maintain a consistent, low temperature, acting as a primitive refrigerator. Learning about its function highlights the resourcefulness of early settlers. Instagram The site also features a corn crib, used for storing harvested corn, and a tool shed, demonstrating the agricultural focus of the time. Exploring these buildings offers a tangible connection to the past and a deeper appreciation for the challenges and innovations of 18th-century living. Reddit

These structures are not just historical relics; they are educational tools that bring history to life. The meticulous reconstruction and preservation efforts allow visitors to experience the past in a way that reading a book cannot replicate. The Vance Birthplace provides an immersive journey into the foundational elements of North Carolina's history, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Instagram

The Significance of Zebulon B. Vance

Zebulon B. Vance was a prominent figure in North Carolina's history, serving as a lawyer, Congressman, a three-term Governor, and a Senator. He is also remembered for his role as a Confederate officer during the American Civil War. His birthplace provides a tangible link to his early life and the environment that shaped him. Instagram The site aims to educate visitors about his complex legacy and the historical context in which he lived and operated. Reddit

Understanding Vance's role requires acknowledging the multifaceted nature of his career and the era. He was a key political leader during a tumultuous period, and his decisions and actions had significant impacts on North Carolina. The museum and guided tours at the Vance Birthplace delve into these aspects, offering a nuanced perspective on his life and contributions. Instagram Visitors can learn about the challenges faced by North Carolinians during the Civil War and Reconstruction, and Vance's position within these events. Reddit

The Vance Birthplace offers an opportunity to connect with a pivotal figure in state history. By exploring the place where he was born and learning about his life's work, visitors gain a deeper understanding of North Carolina's past and the individuals who shaped its trajectory. It’s a chance to reflect on historical narratives and their enduring relevance. Instagram

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