Brunk Auction House is no average mom-and-pop swap meet, at least not anymore.
What once sold average household items is now a worldwide sensation. If you’re unfamiliar with the name, allow us to change that for you.
Join us as we explore this unique destination and the unusual goods they auction off.
Let’s start bidding!
About Brunk Auction House
In 1983, Robert Brunk opened a modest auction house. In the following years, it exploded into an international phenomenon. It’s now one of the largest in the world.
Brunk’s background in anthropology and woodworking helped him to excel in curating the finest collections of hand-crafted furniture and antiques. Today, his son assists him in running the 26,000-square-foot gallery.
You can find original paintings, pottery, jewelry, furniture, and even classic cars at the auctions that occur every six to eight weeks.
Where Is Brunk Auction House?
Brunk Auction House is in the hills of beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. This artsy city is a haven for creators of all types, as proven by the wide range of galleries throughout town. Architecture, technology, and entertainment are other staples of this unique destination.
Asheville is an outdoor lover’s paradise located between Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When you visit, you’ll have easy access to each of these enchanting locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
You’ll also experience all four seasons here. In summer, temperatures rarely go above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Wintertime brings a modest amount of snow. Spring and fall show off with dazzling colors. No matter when you visit, you’ll enjoy the best of the seasons.
Pro Tip: Visit the Brunk Auction House’s website to find upcoming auctions and pre-register to participate.
How Do You Bid on Items at Brunk Auction House?
Brunk Auction House’s website offers multiple ways to bid on items. You can fill out their Bid Form to leave an absentee bid. They accept these by snail mail, email, fax, and in person. Be sure to include your maximum bid amount. If your limit exceeds the next top offer, you’ll only pay a little more than the other buyer instead of your highest bid.
You can also choose to participate by phone. In this case, a representative will call you a few minutes before your desired item goes up. However, plan to act quickly. They tend to auction off between 70 and 90 lots every hour, so you won’t have much time to think it over.
To bid online, you’ll need to make an account on one of their affiliate websites. These include Brunk Live, Bidsquare, LiveAuctioneers, and Invaluable.
While these options make buying one-of-a-kind items from a distance easy, nothing beats a road trip to Brunk Auction House to bid in person. After all, seeing these treasures up close gives you a better idea of their craftsmanship and true value.
Know before you go: How To Buy And Sell At Auction – A Beginner’s Guide.
Fun Places to Explore Near Brunk Auction House
Of course, the Asheville area has countless attractions to choose from. After you snag some swag at Brunk Auction House, check out these other experiences.
Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center
We’ve mentioned that Asheville is an artist mecca. And the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center might celebrate crafters more than anyone else in the area. Gallery-style displays tell the story of Appalachian artisans.
The Folk Art Center also includes the Allanstand Craft Shop, considered the oldest in America. Here, you can purchase everything from hand-blown glass and jewelry to tapestries and pottery.
Traditional woven baskets, quilts, clothing, and furniture are also available. If you enjoy unusual, high-quality goods, you won’t want to miss the Folk Art Center. It’s just east of town on the Blue Ridge Parkway, so it’s easy to find.
River Arts District
Instead of simply buying locally-made works, why not watch artists make them before your eyes? You can do that very thing in the River Arts District.
Over 200 artists work in this neighborhood and open their studio doors to visitors. Within about a two-mile radius, you’ll have a chance to visit 23 buildings showcasing local artwork. There’s even a free trolley to get you from one place to another.
Along the way, restaurants, breweries, and other shops cater to almost every need. You’ll want at least a whole day to explore this area, if not an entire weekend.
Here’s an inexpensive way to buy yourself a new car: Where to Find State & Federal Vehicles at Auction.
Woolworth Walk
Inside the fully restored FW Woolworth building in downtown Asheville is a privately owned gallery featuring 170 local artists.
Known as Woolworth Walk, this collective is the brainchild of Scott Sirkin. He painstakingly renovated the department store, returning it to its 1950s glory. In fact, if it weren’t for his hard work, the location would now be a common dollar store.
Instead, it’s 20,000 square feet of unusual art. And when we say they have everything, we’re not exaggerating. Crafts such as paintings, woodwork, photography, jewelry, and fiber arts grace the halls of this Asheville institution. They also have a classic soda fountain to wet your whistle.
Best Places to Stay Near Brunk Auction House
One day isn’t enough to take in Brunk Auction House, let alone Asheville’s other destinations. Here are three great choices to catch some shut-eye between adventures.
Campfire Lodgings
If you’re traveling in an RV, you’ll enjoy the peacefulness at Campfire Lodgings. This five-star campground offers full hookups as well as boondocking sites. It’s big-rig friendly and has restrooms, laundry facilities, and trash service.
You’ll have access to recreational trails and a fishing hole if you want to catch your own dinner. Plus, pets are welcome, so bring your furry friends along.
Sweet Biscuit Inn
Charming and cozy, Sweet Biscuit Inn is the perfect place to relax in the middle of everything. It’s between downtown and Biltmore Village, meaning you won’t have to travel far to experience the best of Asheville.
The 1915 Colonial Revival home has seven spacious rooms with private bathrooms. If you need more space to spread out, book the Carriage House, which has two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a full kitchen.
And with a name like Sweet Biscuit Inn, you can rest easy knowing you’ll enjoy a decadent three-course breakfast each morning.
The Windsor Boutique Hotel
For classy accommodations in the heart of downtown, look no further than the Windsor Boutique Hotel. Each of the 14 luxury suites has a private bathroom, full kitchen, and washer and dryer.
The artwork and decor feature local artists as well as curated pieces from Parisian galleries. You can pamper yourself with a massage or facial at the on-site spa. Afterward, head to the Benjamin Walls Art Gallery and Wine Bar to sample truffles and vino.
Do you know Where to Find an RV Auction?
Is a Brunk Auction House Road Trip Worth It?
A trip to Asheville is always an adventure, and Brunk Auction House is the cherry on top. Once you’ve bid on artwork and antiques, you’ll still have plenty to explore around town.
Whether you want to watch artists in action, breathe in the fresh mountain air, or get your blood pumping out in nature, Asheville is the ultimate destination!
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