Western North Carolina has served as a tourism destination since the late 19th century, when wealthy industrialists were first drawn to the area as a natural refuge from urban life. Asheville, NC, in particular, grew in significance with the completion of George Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate. As the surrounding area was developed and populated, the Arts and Crafts style was favored for its relationship to nature, its emphasis on skilled craftsmanship, and its adaptability to popular revivalist styles. This brief discusses the history of the Arts and Crafts movement, examines the widespread adoption of the architectural style for late 19th century vacation homes of the ultra-wealthy, and offers a case study of the movement and the style as seen in Asheville, NC. Key concepts discussed in this brief include the Arts and Crafts movement, skilled trades, Western North Carolina tourism, the impact of industrialization on American culture and society, architecture as a symbol of wealth and status, American revivalist architectural styles, Richard Sharp Smith, Asheville NC, and Biltmore Village.