Asheville is filled with specialty shops, unique stores, art galleries, and indoor arts and crafts shows, not to mention the multiple shopping malls. There is an abundance of one-of-a-kind jewelry, hand blown glass, clothing, and art available, produced by local artists and craftsmen. Finding the perfect souvenir for a friend, or the perfect gift for yourself, is a piece of cake.
Biltmore Village
The Biltmore Village is adjacent to the Biltmore Estate and was designed by the same architect and landscape architect in order to compliment the estate. Another purpose of the village was to house the All Saints Cathedral, which the Vanderbilts attended.
Today, Biltmore Village is home to numerous galleries, restaurants and specialty shops. Here you are offered opportunity to find one-of-a-kind items in its many stores. In addition to the several antique stores the gardening store, and the nature store, the village also hosts All that Glitters, a great place to find glass treasures hand blown by local artists, Porter and Prince, Ltd. for fine linens and furniture, and The Thomas Kinkade Gallery. There are also several jewelry stores, boutiques, and a children’s book and toy store.
The Grove Arcade
(828)252-7799
1 Page Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
Built in 1922 by the man behind the Grove Park Inn, the Grove Arcade has recently been beautifully restored and houses over 35 locally owned shops that feature arts and crafts, restaurants, prepared foods, and other specialties.
Some of our favorite shops include Bath Junkie, which custom blends bath and body products, the Jazzy Giraffe, which offers designer shoes and bags and individually designed women’s clothing, The Big Cheese has a huge cheese selection along with other yummy snacks, and the Asheville North Carolina Home Crafts store which sells homemade hats, quilts, and handspun yarn from local sheep. They even offer free sit and knit sessions on Fridays at 5:30.
The Grove Arcade is also the home of Jazz after 5, a city sponsored jazz concert that takes place one Friday a month from January through April. Cocktails and appetizers are available.
The Grove Arcade is open Monday thru Saturday 10am-6pm with optional Sunday hours decided on by each store. The first hour of parking is free at the Wall Street, Rankin, and Civic Center parking garages.
Saturday parking is $1.00 all day at the Rankin Parking Garage, $2.00 all day at Wall Street, and $1.00 all day at the Civic Center Parking Garage (unless a Civic Center event occurs).
Woolworth Walk
(828) 254-9234
25 Haywood Street
Asheville, NC 28806
Woolworth Walk, located in the original Woolworth building from 1938, boasts almost 20,000 square feet of space dedicated to showcasing locally produced jewelry, fine art, clothing, decorative art, furnishings, crafts, and photography.
There are a number of classes offered targeted towards beginning and intermediate artists. Topics include drawing and painting, silversmithing, wax casting, reticulation, stone mounting, and more.
In keeping with the historically appropriate renovation, The Soda Fountain was re-built in its original spot and resembles the original luncheonette. The menu offers a range of ice creams, coffees, and sandwiches, plus some original-menu items like egg creams.
Open Mondays 11AM to 6 PM, Wednesday through Saturday 11AM to 6PM and Sundays from 11AM to 5PM. The Soda Fountain closes one hour earlier.
Kress Emporium
(828) 281-2252
19 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
Similar to the Woolworth Walk, the Kress Emporium features a wide collection of art produced by regional craftsmen and artists. In this beautiful 1928 building you can find beautifully stained glass, exquisite sculptures, and stunning paintings.
The Kress Emporium is open Monday through Thursday, 11AM to 6PM, Friday and Saturday, 11AM to 7PM and Sunday (in season) 12PM to 5PM.
Looking to retire to Asheville? Want to learn more about the area as it relates to the Baby Boomers? Don't miss our insider's look at activities, communities, and everything else that makes Asheville the perfect retirement destination!
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