An Asheville Itinerary for Culture & Craft Connoisseurs

Grind AVL, River Arts District

Fuel up at Grind AVL Coffee in the River Arts District and wander toward the North Carolina Glass Center to observe the craft or take a class. Next, visit the Asheville Art Museum to engage with fine 20th- and 21st-century American art. Don’t miss the museum’s rooftop Perspective Café and the sculpture garden for a panoramic city view. Round out the evening at Black Mountain Ciderworks and Meadery with a hand-crafted dry cider or session mead.  

VISUALS Rooftop Bar

Indulge in a finely layered almond croissant and espresso that await you at Old Europe Pastries. Then stroll through the historic halls of the Grove Arcade, an architectural gem with several shops, cafes, and galleries. Mosey over to the Asheville Bee Charmer and sample a variety of honey from their free honey tasting bar. Toast to a wonderful day at VISUALS rooftop wine and cocktail bar set above Eulogy Music Hall and offering grand vistas of the South Slope neighborhood. 

Pollen

Start your day with coffee and flowers at Pollen, a shop that doubles as both caffeinator and floral studio. Then browse the thoughtfully curated items at Clad, whose aim is to bring whimsical slow fashion to your wardrobe. Next head to Grovewood Village where you can find artwork from hundreds of American artists and makers as well as two museums, the Estes-Winn Car Antique Car Museum and the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum. 

Insider Tip

“For an art-filled day, check out the Black Mountain Museum and then the ever-inspired exhibitions at the Center for Craft. Have lunch at the place that brings everyone together, Silverball Subs—it’s off the beaten path but worth the trip, with fantastic sandwiches, pinball, and kindness. Then head to Bagatelle Books to find the perfect read for any mood, and Harvest Records to dig through the stacks and see the revolving local art exhibit.” -Andrew Hayes, sculptor

Noir Collective AVL

Welcome the day at Bad Manners Coffee with a first-rate latte. Partake in one of Hood Huggers’ guided tours (they’ve got both walking and driving tours) to learn about Black history in Asheville. Follow it up with a visit to Noir Collective AVL, a Black-owned boutique on The Block that features local art and crafts from Black artists. And while you’re there, pay a visit to LEAF Global Arts, for an African drumming workshop or performance led by master djembe musician Adama Dembele. Then, take a self-guided tour by linking up the kiosks along the Black Cultural Heritage Trail. 

Spend the day hunting for treasures from yesteryear. Downtown’s enormous Lexington Park Antiques is filled with fine collectibles and home accessories. Atomic Furnishings specializes in mid-century modern pieces, and Ragtime is a go-to for stylish vintage fashion and housewares.