Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum - an old car is on display in a museum
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Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum

4.8
·438 reviews·Asheville, United States

A charming, donation-based museum showcasing rare vintage cars and local history, including a moonshine still.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal

CrowdLow
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Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum - an old car is on display in a museum

Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, donation-based museum showcasing rare vintage cars and local history, including a moonshine still.

4.8
(438 reviews)

"A charming, easy-to-explore museum perfect for car lovers and history buffs."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Donate Generously

This museum runs on donations, so please contribute to keep this historical gem running!

📍 Location Insight

Find it behind the Omni Grove Park Inn for a delightful surprise.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

1928 Pontiac

1928 Pontiac

Main Display

A beautifully maintained classic with a powerful straight-six engine, a true testament to early automotive engineering.

1959 Edsel Corsair

1959 Edsel Corsair

Main Display

This iconic 1950s car showcases distinctive styling and a piece of automotive history from a bygone era.

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham

Main Display

A rare and luxurious model, this Cadillac represents the pinnacle of 1950s American automotive design.

1922 American LaFrance Fire Truck

1922 American LaFrance Fire Truck

Main Display

Asheville's historic fire truck, a powerful piece of local heritage and a fascinating glimpse into early emergency vehicles.

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Planning Your Visit

Donation-Based Gem

This charming museum operates on donations, so consider giving generously to support this well-maintained collection of automotive history. It's a small but impactful way to ensure this gem stays open for future visitors. Reddit

Location & Hours

Nestled within Grovewood Village, the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum is conveniently located behind the Omni Grove Park Inn. Check their current operating hours before your visit, as they can vary. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Not all of Asheville was destroyed! Many of the most quintensential parts of Asheville are intact and open for business. Please come to Asheville Beginning Nov 2 to see the Biltmore Estate and support our local economy! There are so many small businesses that are open that need your supprt! Welcome to the Antique car museum at Grovewood Village behind the Grove Park Inn!#hurricanehelene #westernno...
@rockbottomsavl
15 likes • 595 views

🚗 Donate Generously

This museum runs on donations, so please contribute to keep this historical gem running! Reddit

📍 Location Insight

Find it behind the Omni Grove Park Inn for a delightful surprise. Instagram+1

Take a look at this beautiful 1928 Pontiac at the Estes-Winn antique car museum in @grovewoodvillage Powered by a big old straight six engine, this thing would absolutely zip around old Asheville!
mountaineermotortours
39 likes • 388 views
The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum at Grovewood Village has reopened to the public!
grovewoodvillage
56 likes • 4.2K views

🧐 Read the Fact Cards

Each car has interesting info; learning the history enhances the visit. Reddit

🗣️ Chat with Staff

Guides are friendly and knowledgeable, sharing great car stories. Reddit

Another gem from Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum, Asheville, NC : 1959 Edsel Corsair. #1959edsel #edselcorsair #1950scars #awesomerides247 #classicsfeature #classiccarspotting #bestamericanclassics #classic_car_garage #kustomkulturemafia #kustomkulture #blacktoprebel #ratrods #oldschool #oldschoolcars #cruisinginstyle #classiccarsculture #carsofinstagram #antiquecar #vintagecars #c...
detroitsunforgottenwheels
3.3K likes • 51.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Donate Generously

This museum runs on donations, so please contribute to keep this historical gem running! Reddit

📍 Location Insight

Find it behind the Omni Grove Park Inn for a delightful surprise. Instagram+1

🧐 Read the Fact Cards

Each car has interesting info; learning the history enhances the visit. Reddit

🗣️ Chat with Staff

Guides are friendly and knowledgeable, sharing great car stories. Reddit

📸 Capture the Classics

Great photo ops for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(438 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum as a charming, well-maintained gem with a personal touch. Its donation-based entry and friendly, knowledgeable staff make it a highly recommended stop for car lovers and history buffs seeking an authentic experience. While small, the collection is impressive and offers a delightful glimpse into automotive heritage.

"Small in size, but has a very good collection of great examples of well maintained history. Had a great conversation with the guide about mine and his history of cars and the gas crisis of the seventies. To anyone in area this is a welcomed site to see and an unexpected gem. Would have given more stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 PS it is run on donations, for those that can donate generously it's worth it!"

kevin matteson

"A charming, easy-to-explore museum perfect for car lovers and history buffs. The setting feels personal and genuine, the collection is impressive and well-maintained, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming—definitely worth a stop on your Asheville visit!"

Srinivas Komma

"Small collection of antique cars that is free for viewing. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. I enjoyed reading the fact cards about each car."

Jeanette

What People Like

Well-maintained collection
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Donation-based entry

What People Dislike

Small size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located at 111 Grovewood Rd., Asheville, NC, behind the Omni Grove Park Inn. It's easily accessible by car and offers a unique stop during your Asheville visit. Instagram+1

While specific parking details aren't widely publicized, the museum is part of Grovewood Village, which typically has parking available for visitors. It's best to check with Grovewood Village directly for the most current parking information. Instagram

Walking from downtown Asheville to the museum is a significant distance and not recommended. It's best to drive or use a ride-sharing service to reach the museum's location behind the Omni Grove Park Inn. Instagram

The museum is described as small and easy to explore, suggesting it is generally accessible. However, for specific accessibility needs, it's advisable to contact the museum directly to confirm. Reddit

The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum is located just behind the Omni Grove Park Inn, making it a very convenient destination for guests staying there. A short walk will lead you to this automotive treasure. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum is free to visit, operating on a donation basis. Visitors are encouraged to donate generously to support the upkeep of this historical collection. Reddit+1

Operating hours can vary, and it's recommended to check the official Grovewood Village website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Instagram

As the museum is donation-based and doesn't typically require advance ticket booking, you can usually visit spontaneously. Just check their hours beforehand. Instagram

The museum occasionally participates in local events, such as Vintage Car Day, where unique cars are displayed. Following their social media can keep you informed about such happenings. Instagram

While the museum has reopened to the public, it's always a good idea to confirm its year-round operating status and any seasonal closures directly with the venue. Instagram

🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience

The museum features a curated collection of rare, vintage, and antique automobiles, including a 1928 Pontiac, a 1959 Edsel Corsair, a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, and Asheville's 1922 American LaFrance fire truck. Instagram+2

Given its size, a visit to the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum is typically brief, often taking around 30 minutes to an hour, allowing ample time to appreciate the collection. Reddit

Grovewood Village is home to several attractions, including the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum, making it a great place to spend a few hours exploring local history and crafts. Instagram

While formal guided tours might not be standard, the staff is known for being friendly and knowledgeable, often engaging visitors in conversations about the cars and the museum's history. Reddit+1

The museum also features a moonshine still, adding a unique and historical element related to Appalachian culture and history, alongside the antique cars. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted inside the museum, allowing visitors to capture the beauty of the vintage vehicles. It's always good practice to be respectful of other visitors and the exhibits. Instagram

While specific restrictions aren't usually highlighted, it's best to avoid flash photography that could potentially damage delicate exhibits over time. Focus on capturing the unique details of each car. Instagram

The 1928 Pontiac, 1959 Edsel Corsair, 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, and the 1922 American LaFrance fire truck are all visually striking and make for excellent photographic subjects. Instagram+2

The museum's lighting is generally adequate for photography, but the natural light from any windows can also enhance the ambiance of the vintage vehicles. Instagram

Occasionally, unique vehicles are displayed in front of the museum for special events. These are also great opportunities for photos, often with the museum's facade as a backdrop. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum offers a fun and educational outing for families. Kids are often fascinated by the large, colorful vehicles, and the museum's manageable size means little ones won't get overwhelmed. The presence of a historic fire truck and a moonshine still can spark curiosity and conversation. TikTokInstagram

Since the museum is donation-based, it's a budget-friendly option for families looking for engaging activities in Asheville. The friendly staff are often happy to share interesting facts, making the visit more interactive for younger visitors. It's a great way to introduce children to automotive history in an accessible and enjoyable setting. Reddit

🚗 Car Enthusiasts & History Buffs

For those with a passion for automobiles and history, the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum is a must-visit. The collection features well-maintained, rare vintage vehicles, including iconic models like the 1959 Edsel Corsair and the luxurious 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. The chance to see Asheville's 1922 American LaFrance fire truck is a particular draw. Instagram+2

The museum's intimate setting and the knowledgeable staff provide an opportunity for in-depth discussions about automotive history, the gas crisis of the seventies, and the stories behind each car. Reading the fact cards about each vehicle further enriches the experience, offering detailed insights into their engineering and provenance. Reddit+1

💰 Budget Travelers

The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers, as admission is by donation. This allows visitors to experience a unique piece of Asheville's history without a significant financial commitment. Reddit+1

Combined with its location within Grovewood Village, which also houses the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum, it offers a rich cultural experience that costs very little. It's a perfect addition to an itinerary that balances free or low-cost attractions with paid activities. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Legacy of Automotive Passion

The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum is a testament to the passion of local legend Harry D. Blomberg. For over half a century, Blomberg was Asheville's Cadillac-Pontiac dealer and the founder of modern-day Harry's On The Hill. His personal collection of antique and vintage automobiles forms the core of the museum's impressive display. Instagram

Established in 1966, the museum has been a cherished part of Asheville's heritage. It's not just a collection of cars; it's a curated journey through automotive history, showcasing vehicles that were once the pinnacle of design and engineering. The dedication to maintaining these cars in running condition speaks volumes about the care and respect for these historical artifacts. InstagramReddit

Visitors often highlight the personal and genuine feel of the museum, a stark contrast to larger, more commercial institutions. This intimate setting allows for a deeper appreciation of each vehicle and the stories they hold. The friendly staff further enhances this experience, often sharing fascinating anecdotes and historical context. Reddit+1

Exploring Grovewood Village

The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum is situated within the historic Grovewood Village, a unique destination that offers more than just vintage automobiles. Adjacent to the museum is the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum, which showcases the region's rich textile heritage. This proximity makes it easy to combine a visit to both attractions for a more comprehensive historical experience. Instagram

Grovewood Village itself is a charming area that invites exploration. The setting behind the iconic Omni Grove Park Inn adds to its allure, providing a scenic backdrop for the museum and its surroundings. It's a place where history, craftsmanship, and automotive passion converge, offering visitors a delightful step back in time. Instagram+1

Occasionally, Grovewood Village hosts special events, such as Vintage Car Day, which brings together a variety of unique vehicles and enthusiasts. These events can offer an even more dynamic experience, with a wider array of classic cars on display and a lively atmosphere. Instagram

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