More Things to do in Downtown Asheville—A Local’s Perspective
Many come to Asheville intending to spend most of their time hiking the Blue Ridge, drinking up that invigorating mountain air like landbound trout. And I’m all for some hiking, kayaking, bivouacking, even, but no visit to Asheville is complete without a tour of our thriving downtown.
Chock-full of awesome restaurants, stylin’ cafes, and Cultural Enrichment with a capital “C,” there’s always a lot going down, downtown. But somehow it still retains that sleepy small-town feel. I’ve written on this subject before, but if, like me, you’re always hungry for new things to do in downtown Asheville, then read on. Perhaps you may just see why they call it the “Paris of the South.”
Hosted on Saturdays from nine-am to noon (ten to one over winter), downtown Asheville’s own local farmer’s market is one of the best ways to start off a day on the town.
It's a natural blend of all the things that make downtown what it is. Local produce, fresh-baked bread, handmade soaps, knife-sharpeners, and folk-singers. These are the things that I’ll always remember about my hometown.
Located on North Market Street, you’ll find plentiful free parking just a couple blocks east, across the street from the YMCA. I say you should start your visit downtown with a stroll through the market, maybe grab some ingredients for dinner. From there, you’re perfectly situated to start exploring the rest of downtown Asheville.
Whenever I’ve got to land a gift of great import, you’ll find me downtown. I have my regular haunts. The Ten Thousand Villages off College Street, for handmade crafts from across the globe. Malaprop’s Bookstore, if I’m shopping for someone of literary temperament. And of course, Citizen Vinyl, for the music-lovers among us.
Of course, some people shop for fun, rather than necessity. If you want a general primer, there’s no better place for it than the Grove Arcade. From fine furniture to spice-mixes packaged by the great minds at Spicewalla, you can find just about everything you could want here in downtown’s premier indoor shopping plaza.
But once you’re ready to head back to the street, I recommend a stroll down North Lexington Avenue, where you’ll find vintage consignment, gems vended by Cornerstone Minerals, and Ashevillean memorabilia at Gaea Gifts.
Importantly, North Lexington’s far end is site to none other than Dobra Tea, my favorite local tearoom.
For a city of its size, Asheville has a downright explosive music-scene, hosting national acts all throughout the year, as well as a healthy spread of local musicians. Whether you’re looking for a high-culture concerto, something to dance to at a downtown bar, or a night at one of Asheville’s oldest and most well-respected music halls, then there’s a venue for you. Let’s break it down.
The Diana Wortham theater hosts traveling performances from all over the country, with even some international acts thrown in. Their forte is in soloists and cultural education, but you never know when a comedy act or magic show might shake things up.
If you’re looking for more up-close-and-personal experience, I recommend a visit to the South Slope brewing district. Many of these bars host live music on the weekends, sure to liven up your night on the town.
And finally, for a balance between the two, I recommend you check out the schedule of shows at the Orange Peel, Asheville’s first-and-foremost concert hall, with a long history as a soul and R&B venue. In its latest incarnation, the Orange Peel hosts every genre known to man.
If you truly want to see everything there is to see in downtown Asheville, then a rooftop bar’s the place for you. I mean that literally. You will be seeing all of downtown, laid out below you like a map full of ants.
For the best views, I recommend Hemingway’s Cuba, atop the Cambria Hotel, just east of the Grove Arcade. It can be hard to find a seat up here, with space reserved for hotel guests, but if you hit it right, say on a quiet night early in the week, then you’ll be treated to tropical cocktails, and great views of the city.
A close second for me is the rooftop seating at the Thirsty Monk on Patton Avenue. It's not as grandiose as Hemingway’s Cuba, sitting only atop the second story, and with only a few tables. But I for one like to enjoy my drinks with a little fresh air, under the open sky. It's a quieter venue, perfect for catching up with friends, and sampling some local craft beer.
Maybe I’m biased. I do have an art degree, technically. But no-matter where I’m visiting, I always make art museums and galleries a priority. You never know what you may find.
In downtown Asheville, this of course means the Asheville Art Museum, three stories of exhibition space, with a little café on the roof. It makes an excellent addition to any itinerary of downtown activities, especially if you’re looking for some indoor amusement, come rain or snow.
For a more hands-on experience, I’m always recommending Horse + Hero. It's exactly the kind of small-town art-space you’d come to expect from Asheville. It's hip, it's funky. It's got stickers, prints, and postcards, all fairly priced.
As my final recommendation, I’ll direct you to Blue Spiral 1, just down the street from the Asheville Art Museum. I’m proud of this one; it's some real local lore. You wouldn’t guess it from the unassuming store front, but within Blue Spiral you’ll find three stories of extraordinary showrooms, displaying the works of some truly inventive sculptors and painters. All for sale, of course, making Blue Spiral the perfect place to find a memento of your visit to downtown Asheville that will stand the test of time.
Businesses Mentioned
Ten Thousand Villages
(828)-254-8374
10 College St, Asheville, NC 28801
Malaprop's Bookstore
(828)-254-6734
55 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801
Citizen Vinyl
(828)-515-3090
14 O'Henry Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Cornerstone Minerals
(828)-225-3888
52 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Gaea Gifts
(828)-255-5553
61 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
The Orange Peel
(828)-398-1837
101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
