Surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina, artists, writers and various countercultures have flocked to the beauty and solitude that Asheville promises. The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway passes the eastern side of town and traverses 469 miles of scenic vistas, which are highly popular with local and visiting artists. Packed with art galleries, restaurants and unique shops, downtown's historical Art Deco buildings serve as a fascinating architectural backdrop to a district saturated in local flavor. However, by far the most famous attraction in Asheville is the Biltmore Estate, owned by the Vanderbilt family and a stunning example of the opulence and magnificence of the Gilded Age.