The Riverside Cemetery in Asheville, North Carolina, includes 87 acres of historic and artistic memorials and monuments to famous writers, politicians, and Civil War generals. Visitors are invited to stroll through the 9,000 grave markers and 12 family mausoleums. The cemetery also serves as a public park with ancient oak trees and flower gardens, which overlook the French Broad River.
Parking and public transportation at the Riverside Cemetery
Visitors are welcome to park along the street throughout the cemetery at no cost.
Best and worst time to go to the Riverside Cemetery
The best time of year to visit Riverside Cemetery is during the spring and fall when flowers are in bloom or the fall colors are at their peak. Visitors who wish to experience more privacy can visit during the week are less prevalent.
Admission to the Riverside Cemetery
The cemetery is free and open to the public every day from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m., April through October and 7 a.m. until 6 p.m, November through March. The office can be reached at 828-350-2066.
Must see/do at the Riverside Cemetery
Riverside Cemetery is the burial site for authors, Thomas Wolfe and William Sidney Porter (O. Henry), former N.C. governor Locke Craig, Major League baseball player George Howard "Buck" Redfern, and dozens of congressmen and Civil War officers. Self-guided CD walking tours are available at the cemetery office.
Other places to visit near the Riverside Cemetery
The Riverside Cemetery is located within the Montford Historic District of Asheville, which features more than 600 historic structures built between 1890 and 1920 and features a variety of music and arts events throughout the year. Shopping and dining in downtown Asheville is just a short drive or walk from the cemetery.
Insider tip for visitors to the Riverside Cemetery
Many visitors often leave $1.87 in change on O. Henry's gravestone in honor of his most famous story, Gift of the Magi. The money is then donated to a local library in Asheville in honor of O. Henry.
Author's bio: Carolyn B. Fraiser is a freelance journalist, photographer, and publications specialist in Asheville, North Carolina. Follow her on Twitter @carolynbfraiser.