Your Guide to Downtown Asheville
Heading off campus and into the Blue Ridge Mountains? We’re jealous. Asheville is easily one of the best in-state getaways for Elon students. It’s unique and there is a number of things to do and see.
Today, we’re focusing strictly on Asheville’s Downtown district, the cool and quirky streets have been said to all have a different vibe. Read on for your guide to the best food, shops and activities in one of the coolest spots in North Carolina.
THINGS TO DO:
Asheville as a whole is certainly not short on things to do, so here are a few ideas to get you started Downtown.
Grove Arcade🡪 One of the coolest things Downtown has to offer is actually an all-in-one combination of restaurants, shops and even a local art market! The historic building was one of America’s first indoor malls and has been open for nearly 100 years. This registered landmark is definitely a must.
Asheville Art Museum 🡪 Asheville is known for its art scene, so all art-lovers put this at the top of your list. The museum features American art of the 20th and 21st centuries with rotating exhibits.
Off the Wagon Dueling Piano Bar 🡪 If you’re looking for a completely unparalleled experience during your time in Asheville, Off the Wagon is definitely it. The dueling pianists know thousands of popular favorites from the last 50 years and don’t have a setlist, which means you get to choose what they play. They also strongly encourage singing along, which is pretty great.
WHERE TO SHOP:
Because there are so many options Downtown, the best way to shop is truly to wander down every street and find the boutiques that call to you. Still, here are just a few suggestions to set you on the right path.
Malaprops Bookstore 🡪 This bookstore and café is a book worms dream and offers a large collection of curated books for all ages as well as a large gift selection, in case you feel like bringing some souvenirs home.
Element Tree Essentials🡪 Candles you can use as lotion after they’ve been heated. Need we say more?
Asheville Emporium 🡪 Yes, this is a gift shop but it’s a cool gift shop. Here you can find unique and unforgettable gifts, art and souvenirs all made locally. The Emporium truly has everything.
B.Nomad 🡪 This boutique boasts funky vintage finds in a super-chill environment. Definitely check this out if you’re looking to add a super-unique clothing or jewelry piece to your wardrobe.
Battery Park Book Exchange and ChampagneBar🡪 Another one for our bibliophiles, this store located in Grove Arcade is a gorgeous wine-bar-meets-library where you’ll feel like you’re actually sitting inside of a book. Head here to peruse over 22,000 secondhand books while you sip on champagne or coffee.
WHERE TO EAT:
And now we get to perhaps the most important part of your Downtown experience… the food. Asheville is known for having great, locally-sourced ingredients. Below are just a few of your incredible options.
Early Girl Eatery 🡪 This is a spot that comes up every single time you Google “Best places to eat in Asheville.” Not only is it a great farm to table experience with ingredients sourced from nearby, but there are also so many menu options. Oh, and breakfast is served all day.
Tupelo Honey Café 🡪 Another famed Asheville restaurant, Tupelo Honey also serves breakfast all day and has quite the lunch and dinner menus as well. This is one of Downtown’s most popular restaurants and an absolute must for some of the best scratch-made southern food you’ll ever taste.
Buxton Hall Barbecue 🡪 So this one is not technically downtown BUT it’s less than a 10 minute walk away. And really, what’s a little walk for some of the best true Carolina barbecue in the area? Their drink menu isn’t too shabby, either.
Farm Burger 🡪 Sometimes you’re just in the mood for a really good burger and fries and if so, this is the place for you. Their upscale burgers and shakes are to die for, and you can even customize your own.
French Broad Chocolate Lounge 🡪 Ready for dessert? Head to the signature blue building Downtown for every single kind of chocolate dessert or drink you can think of. Bonus: all chocolate made in their local factory right up the road.
FOR THE COFFEE LOVERS:
Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about you! Here’s where to get your caffeine fix.
Double D’s Coffee & Desserts 🡪 How cool is this coffee shop inside of an old double decker bus? Not only is it cute (and perfect for an Instagram op) but people rave about their coffee too, making both your drink and your experience unparalleled.
Summit Coffee 🡪 Time and time again, Summit is listed as one of the best coffee shops in Asheville. Their responsibly sourced beans come from small farmer producers in several countries across the world and are roasted in an organic North Carolina facility. The teal-accented Downtown location can be found in Grove Arcade and is super aesthetically pleasing to hang out in.
High Five Coffee 🡪 High Five also comes up as some of the most delicious coffee in all of Asheville. The family-owned small business serves Counter Culture Coffee, a Durham-based coffee roasting company dedicated to environmental sustainability, and is committed to delivering you good coffee and kind service.
And we are sure there is so much more to than this list! Tag us @theedgemag next time you go to Asheville.