Shopping

from Field Guide to Asheville (2020)

Beer, Cider, Distilled Beverages

Prepare To Be Amazed!

Even if you think you’ve seen it all, Asheville may awaken your sense of wonder. You’ll find makers, crafters and artists, importers, designers and passionate devotees here — where “shop local” is the mantra and independent entrepreneurship is a way of life.

You’ll also find nationally known outlets. But take note: Even our malls are peppered with local, independent shops.

When considering how best to channel your inner shopper, consider these approaches:

• By neighborhood or area: Check out downtown Asheville, West Asheville (especially Haywood Road), Biltmore Village, River Arts District, Biltmore Park Town Square — or explore neighboring towns like Black Mountain and Weaverville.

• By special interest: Consider your personal passions and do an online search to see what Asheville has to offer. Whether you’re a musician or crafter, outdoor enthusiast, clotheshorse, gardener or vegan, Asheville has one or more specialty shops to draw you in. If you’re looking for the right record or comic book or the latest shoe style, hard-to-find book or the perfect gift for an eccentric friend, chances are good you’ll discover it here.

• By thrift, vintage, antique and upcycled: You’ll find treasures, steals and great deals. Intrepid bargain hunters can find unique treasures, sometimes going for a song.

• By locally owned: Shop like a local. Pick up a Go Local Directory and check out its more than 500 listings of locally owned businesses. The 2020 red-white-and-black directory is available in selected stores and many downtown Mountain Xpress newspaper boxes. Or ask your hotel or B&B host where you can find one. When you shop local, you help preserve the town’s unique culture. Consider buying a Go Local card, which entitles you to special discounts. You’ll be shopping like a local while you save a lot of money. Check out ashevillegrown.com.

• By emporium stores with mini-galleries and booths, such as Regeneration Station, Woolworth Walk, Zapow!, Screen Door, Kress Emporium and Antique Tobacco Barn.

• By special event: Check area calendars for local events, such as The Big Crafty, Southern Highland Craft Guild fairs, studio strolls, farmers markets and the annual Outdoor Gear Festival.

• By locally made goods: Asheville’s cottage industries and farms produce a wide range of goods. These “crafted production centers” are part of a new movement that’s bypassing overseas sweatshops to offer quality over quantity in the following areas: • clothing, including fashion lines, T-shirts, regionally produced yarn and cloth • food, including meats, cheeses, jams and condiments, drinks and sodas • jewelry • furniture, glassware, pottery and home décor items • herbal tinctures, CBD products, perfumes and cosmetics • camping gear, hammocks, kayaks, hiking packs • bicycles • musical instruments, including banjos, dulcimers and drums • vinyl records and CDs • crafts, including knives and tools • leather goods, including shoes • pet supplies • kids stuff, including clothing

Happy shopping! Asheville is a place of discovery.