A short guide to the shopping in Asheville NC .
Have you ever been on a treasure hunt? The excitement of going from location to location with the anticipation of a prize at the end? Oh wait, isn’t that called shopping?!
If you love the thrill of the hunt, you are in for a real treat, for the shopping in Asheville NC and its surrounding areas, have some fantastic gems. Asheville’s historic and charming downtown, with its array of one-of-a-kind shops, is just the beginning of the area’s surprises. You don’t have to look far for more shops showcasing a diversity of wares and local talent.
The 77,000 square feet Antique Tobacco Barn, which incidentally was voted “Best Antique Shopping in Asheville NC,” leads the lineup of antique stores located near Asheville’s downtown.
Just a short jaunt down the street from the Barn is more Asheville shopping including Oddfellows, which boasts European imports and a selection of mid-century modern pieces. But while you’re checking out “Antique Row,” there is a store just minutes (even seconds!) from these shops. Just south, down an unassuming industrial street, is The Regeneration Station (TRS). Giving new meaning to the term “up-cycled,” TRS is a must do for the avid hunter while shopping in Asheville NC. Their vendors have everything from rare furniture pieces to truly creative home décor, antique china to cute vintage bread boxes, old military lockers to metal signs (with just enough dings in them to make them charming.) It’s fun, it’s an interesting part of your Asheville shopping and it’s off the beaten path.
The shops in Biltmore Village is a popular shopping destination with boutiques and a variety of shops. But not to be missed, after checking out Biltmore Village’s Olde World Christmas Shoppe and MtnMerch which sells souvenirs and “Everything Asheville,” is a little tucked away gem called Bon Vivant Co. Across the railroad tracks, nestled behind office buildings and old warehouses, its modest outside appearance doesn’t do justice to what’s inside. It won’t take you long to walk through, but you’ll find interesting artwork, soaps and candles, big and small décor pieces, and many other items for the eclectic palette. With dealer names like “Appalachia Upcycle,” “Curiosity Closet,” and “Vintageville,” how can you go wrong?
Just 30 minutes south of the shopping in downtown Asheville is the quaint downtown Hendersonville. But we’re not going to hunt there just yet, because on your way there you must stop in Fletcher at The Garage on 25. No, it doesn’t carry car parts, but it does indeed have over 80 artisan vendors. You’ll find remarkable items around every corner and in every booth. It boasts antiques, crafts handmade by local artists, and vintage décor; this store also has a coffee shop for that extra caffeine boost all treasure hunters need.
So that brings us to Hendersonville, only a short drive from the shopping in Asheville. Just slightly north of downtown Hendersonville is a whimsical and totally adorable shop called Honeysuckle Hollow. If you are into anything romantic and Victorian, this place is for you. Lovely jewelry, decorative birds, vintage post cards, scarves, gloves, fairies, and clothing are some of the highlights. The ladies who work there will even weave “fairy hair” into your, or your daughter’s hair! Girls of all ages will be tickled pink!
Before heading to downtown Hendersonville’s Main Street to explore its varied selection of boutiques and shops, head east, and look for the very large warehouse know as Needful Things. Yes. You NEED all the things in there. This is the perfect place to roam on a cold day. Or a rainy day. (Or a cold, rainy day!) With over 200 dealers, you will find antiques to please any taste. There is a large book area. There are wooden statues as high as ceilings. There are retro pieces with a mid century flair. There is farm décor. You could practically find anything, and with a wide range of prices, it fits all budgets. Needful Things is over 55,000 square feet. Eat your Wheaties.
Asheville and its surrounding cities are a delight for the avid shopper and window shopper, alike. The choices are endless. Each store truly showcases the fine talents and creativity our locals possess.
You won’t have to dig long to find your perfect treasure. Happy Hunting!
ANTIQUE TOBACCO BARN
75 Swannanoa River Road
Asheville, 28805
828-252-7291
atbarn.com
ODDFELLOWS
124 Swannanoa River Road
Asheville, 28805
828-350-7800
oddfellowsasheville.com
THE REGENERATION STATION
26B Glendale Avenue
Asheville, 28803
828-505-1108
junkrecyclers.net
OLDE WORLD CHRISTMAS SHOP
5 Boston Way
Asheville, 28803
828-274-4819
MTN MERCH
22 Lodge Street
Asheville, 28803
828-708-7802
mtnmerch.com
BON VIVANT CO.
9 Reed Street, Unit D
Asheville, 28803
828-785-1527
bonvivantavl.com
THE GARAGE ON 25
3461 Hendersonville Road
Fletcher, 28732
828-376-0198
garageon25.com
HONEYSUCKLE HOLLOW
1536 Haywood Road
Hendersonville, 28791
828-697-2197
honeysucklehollow.com
NEEDFUL THINGS
10 Francis Road
Hendersonville, 28792
828-696-8745
