Shopping

Downtown Asheville and other small towns in and around the city, like Biltmore Village, provide a great shopping base, with diverse galleries, shops, and cooperatives, many of which feature handmade items. Downtown Asheville has the requisite antique district, mostly clustered around Lexington and Biltmore Avenues, but other antique shops are sprinkled around inside and outside the city.

From cosmopolitan to kitschy, and souvenir to rare books, Asheville has it all. Remember the opportunity to bring home a one-of-a-kind, handmade gift paralleled by no other. And don’t forget the perennial favorites like shopping malls (two of them) and other shops hidden away. 

Other shopping districts unique unto themselves:

Grove Arcade
Check out the Grove Arcade Public Market, an architecturally stunning building that sits on an entire city block. Built in 1929, the Grove Arcade was one of Asheville’s first “malls” before the building was taken over by the federal government during WWII as part of the war effort.  Now returned to the public sector, the market hums with business at its locally-owned shops, restaurants and fresh food vendors. 

Craft Heritage Trails
This section defies the word district, as artists and crafters are tucked away in hills and vales all across Western North Carolina. But if you’re up for the drive, it’s worth it, and we have just the book to guide you. The Craft Heritage Trails book outlines shops and studios as well as eateries and extras such as hiking trails with details, descriptions and maps.  The book is available in the Chamber Visitor Center gift shop or online.

River District
This emerging area houses a high concentration of artists and crafters. The best time to find artists in-house is at one of many annual studio strolls on weekends throughout the year.  

Western North Carolina Farmer’s Market
One of five large farmer’s markets owned by the state of North Carolina, the market is situated on a 36-acre site with views of the mountains and Biltmore Estate. Open seven days a week all year-round. Many other independent farmer’s markets are open weekends and some weekdays, including several in or near downtown Asheville.

Other towns
Take time to explore the funky shops in West Asheville, the friendly feel of small town Weaverville, the quaint charm and great antique and craft shopping in Black Mountain, and the picturesque shopping on the brick-lined streets of Biltmore Village. 

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For additional tourism information, visit the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau.