Life and Relationship Coaching near Asheville, NC

Sandwiched between North Carolina's Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, Asheville may be known for its outdoor landscapes and thriving food scene, but for antiquers, it's a bucket list destination. What makes Asheville's antique scene special is not only the sheer number of vendors and stores, but also the overall variety. From flea market-like warehouses to pristine collections praised by designers and antiquarians, the best antique shops in Asheville are worth the drive.

Asheville's antique shops can be found near Biltmore Village and along the Swannanoa River, as well as around Lexington Street in Downtown Asheville. Unfortunately, many of Asheville's most beloved antique shops (and their one-of-a-kind collections) experienced extensive damage during Hurricane Helene's flooding in 2024. While shops like Regeneration Station shuttered their doors, others have rebounded.

Raised in auction houses and the backrooms of my family's antique and oddities shop, I've heard great things about Asheville's antique scene. However, my visits to Asheville within the past two years have revolved around hiking and family, so I relied on the advice of other shoppers to find the best antique experiences. These recommendations prioritize genuine antique warehouses or shops that sell at least some items of historic importance from 100 years ago or more. However, we also recognize that the term "antique" is evolving. For this reason, we've highlighted several of the businesses that sell vintage goods (pieces at least 20 years old) with the same level of curation and craftsmanship usually associated with heirloom antiques.

Antique Tobacco Barn

If you only have time to visit one antique shop in Asheville, it should be Antique Tobacco Barn. Spread over 77,000 square feet, Tobacco Barn bills itself as "Asheville's longest running destination for antiques." The inventory includes finds from over 75 vendors, making it a great introduction for first-time antiquers or shoppers without a specific item in mind.

Tobacco Barn doesn't specialize in a specific era or kind of product, like furniture or fine art. Instead, shoppers say it's like walking through a museum. "Has it all from trinkets/collectibles, furniture, doors/windows, outdoor items, clothes, books, and even some oddballs like a soda shop bar and a King Kong movie prop. Well worth a visit!" per a visitor on Tripadvisor. The entire place smells like an earthy blend of old books and wood varnished long ago —a far cry from the damp, musty odor of some shops.

To fully experience the barn, you'll need at least two or three hours. Visitors who come right before closing often leave feeling disappointed. A few vendors sell goods from the modern era. However, it doesn't detract from the shopping experience, unless you have difficulty telling contemporary and antique goods apart. Unlike Asheville's premium antique warehouses, Tobacco Barn isn't perfectly organized. "While each vendor's space and goods are clearly delineated, some vendors don't attend to their wares' arrangement much," shared an antique enthusiast on smokymountains.com. "If you go sorting through what's available, though, you might be rewarded with a hidden gem."

Sweeten Creek Antiques

At over 31,000 square feet, Sweeten Creek Antiques describes itself as an antique and vintage destination offering "something for every person, every home, and every budget." However, the owner, Veronica Kattermann, stresses that Sweeten isn't just about connecting buyers and objects. "Opening this shop was never just about selling antiques—it was about creating a space where history breathes, where stories live on and where people of all generations can reconnect with the beauty of craftsmanship and memory," Kattermann told The Laurel of Asheville.

A community institution for over 20 years, Sweeten Creek Antiques boasts 125 vendors in a warehouse decorated with a colorful rooster mural. Good news for pups, it's also a dog-friendly shopping center. "This is a great store for the antique hunters," noted a shopper on Google Reviews. "They had everything you can think of from music albums, sports cards, comics, furniture, clothing, knickknacks, and everything else in between."

Visitors report a more flea market-like experience here than at other businesses on the list. While some shoppers consider the stalls overpriced, other return visitors have discovered find after find. Sweeten Creek Antiques is located just down the street from Biltmore Village and the historic Biltmore Estate's lush gardens and conservatories.

Atomic Furnishing & Design

While antique purists might not consider Atomic Furnishing & Design's pieces old enough, the level of curation and selection of Mid-century modern furniture is unparalleled across Asheville. Re-opened in the former Moog Music building, Atomic's industrial facade hides treasures you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Behind the white metal walls, visitors encounter expertly staged showrooms filled with sculpted hardwood furniture, all stained to perfection, with nary a scratch in sight.

Dated from before the 1950s up to the 1960s, the selection includes reupholstered love seats and sofas, dining room tables, and armoires that would make a statement in any living room. Run by husband and wife team Megan and Todd, the entire place looks like it jumped off the pages of a design magazine. "When I do my antique store rounds, I always make sure to stop by Atomic," shared a vintage enthusiast on Google Reviews. "It's all so nice and pristine, so know that it's not cheap but priced to what the value is for the condition, brand, and rarity." Serious furniture hunters should check Atomic's online collection ahead of time for specialty pieces organized by furniture type.

Besides Mid-century modern furniture, shoppers also praise the selection of colorful vintage garments, vinyl records, local art, and decor items sold by over 35 local vendors. Each vendor displays their wares in white-walled cubicles that look like the halls of an art gallery. The shop is situated just outside Downtown Asheville, across I-240.

Lexington Park Antiques

For many antique appreciators, the story behind an item holds immense value, breathing life into what would ordinarily be just an old thing. At Lexington Park Antiques, the owners not only source interesting (and sometimes odd) pieces, but they pay special attention to the item's unique history.

"The people who run this are true locals," praised a shopper on Google Reviews. "They are highly knowledgeable about their merchandise, and they will let you know exactly about the history and rarity of the items that you find." Established in 1990, the place is laid out like a classic antique mall with little nooks and crannies packed with all sorts of treasures. Over 140 booths sell goods ranging from dishware and armoires to a smattering of museum-authenticated finds, leaving shoppers feeling like they've embarked on a quest.

It's a good place to hunt for oddities and collectibles. As one of the only antique shops in downtown Asheville, Lexington Park Antiques is a perennial favorite among Redditors thanks to its convenient location. Situated steps from Downtown Asheville's historic Grove Arcade, the shop makes an easy stop for anyone short on time who wants to add a little antique hunting to an already packed Asheville itinerary. At over 26,000 square feet, there's plenty to see, but it's also more approachable than Tobacco Barn. Shoppers still recommend allocating an hour for a surface-level browse and multiple hours for a deep dive.

Village Antiques and Interiors

Village Antiques at Biltmore (sometimes called Village Antiques and Interiors) gets mixed reviews from shoppers. Some visitors noted the high prices or didn't feel welcome in the shop. However, it deserves a spot among the best antique shops in Asheville due to the high-quality offerings and selection of antiques spanning six centuries, even if it isn't a picker's paradise, and the prices match that high quality. From Italian Renaissance Revival tables to textbook Neo-classical Empire chairs, visitors often describe the furniture as works of art.

Although the basement flooded during Hurricane Helene, Village Antiques has rebounded, appealing to collectors, interior designers, and high-end shoppers. "Unlike many stores that advertise themselves as antique shops but resemble thrift stores, with only a handful of worn antiques among a multitude of miscellaneous items, Village Antiques and Interiors stands apart," praised an interior designer on Google Reviews. "Their inventory is carefully curated, making it the ideal destination for anyone searching for a distinctive piece, whether art, accessory, or furniture."

Spanning 25,000 square feet, the shopping area features a respectable collection of continental imports from France, as well as antiques from over 40 countries. The purveyors provide detailed information about each item's provenance – you can think of it as the antique's life history. In addition, shoppers can also discover regional specialties, such as Pisgah Forest Pottery. Produced in the first half of the 20th century in Western North Carolina, these pots and vases depict scenes of pioneer life, glazed in Art Deco turquoises and pinks.

Methodology

Our selections for the best antique shops in Asheville were chosen using shopper feedback on Google Reviews, Yelp, Tripadvisor, Reddit, and Instagram. I also relied on my experience working at my family's antique store and bidding on antique lots at auction houses to evaluate the overall quality of the goods at each shop or warehouse.

I prioritized businesses with genuine antiques, not simply old goods, but also included places like Atomic Furnishing that embody the careful curation and attention to provenance associated with antique dealerships. Because many antique warehouses deal in vintage or retro goods, I also included businesses with a mix of true antiques and vintage pieces. Finally, to narrow down our search, these recommendations highlight antique stores that are clean, offer a wide selection of items, and have knowledgeable staff.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Shamrock Irons Irish Pub in downtown Asheville is gearing up for its first St. Patrick’s Day in the city.

While the pub opened last October, Owner Stefan DuSchaine said this is their official downtown introduction.

On Tuesday, March 17th, the pub will open at 11 a.m. and stay open for an all-day celebration through midnight.

DuSchaine moved to the mountains from Los Angeles, originally to retire. Instead, he decided to buy a business.

With the building located right in the heart of downtown, DuSchaine and his partner felt like it could be something.

Their goal has always been to create a pub that felt rooted in Irish tradition while reflecting the creative energy of downtown Asheville.

The design of the pub walks a careful line between classic Irish pub and Asheville energy.

He said the experience of going from LA to Asheville has been quite the culture shock in the best way.

“It’s got a very romantic feel, like when you watch a Hallmark movie, it’s got that small town romantic feel that’s exactly what you feel when you walk around here,” DuSchaine said.

However, the winter months have slowed foot traffic, but he’s hopeful Tuesday will be the turning point.

DuSchaine said they’ve always heard how big St. Patrick’s Day is downtown and they are prepared for it.

Multiple local bands performing live music all day, 26 local draft beers, along with food and drink specials, DuSchaine said it’s going to be huge.

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“We’ve done everything we can to let Asheville and surrounding area know we are here,” he said.

Despite the less-than-ideal spring temperatures expected for Tuesday, DuSchaine said they are hoping for the best.

“Because of the weather, I wouldn’t expect anyone to come out, but because it’s St. Paddy’s Day, I think that people actually will,” he said.

While Tuesday may be some people’s first experience, DuSchaine is hopeful it will be the first of many.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — State wildlife officials say residents may see smoke on North Carolina game lands through the summer as prescribed burning continues to manage habitat and reduce wildfire risk.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission advises the public to check its online Prescribed Burns Dashboard to determine whether smoke is from a planned burn.

Most prescribed burns on game lands take place between January and March, when cooler, more humid conditions and lighter winds allow for low-intensity fires, said Casey Phillips, the agency’s forestry program leader. However, burns may continue into spring and summer when conditions support specific habitat goals.

The agency conducts about 200 to 300 prescribed burns annually across 20,000 to 30,000 acres of the state’s roughly 2 million acres of game lands. Officials say prescribed fire is one of the most effective and cost-efficient methods for maintaining and restoring wildlife habitat.

Prescribed burns help reduce hazardous fuels such as leaf litter and pine straw, lowering the risk of more severe wildfires. They also improve biodiversity and promote the growth of native grasses and plants that provide food and cover for wildlife.

Some species in North Carolina, including the red-cockaded woodpecker and Venus flytrap, depend on fire-maintained habitats. Wildlife officials say regular burning helps sustain those ecosystems and benefits species such as quail, deer, wild turkeys and grassland birds.

The agency said it occasionally receives concerns about wildlife during burns, particularly during spring hunting seasons. Officials say animals are adapted to fire and that crews use techniques designed to allow them to escape safely. Vegetation typically begins to regrow within weeks, drawing wildlife back to burned areas.

Officials urge anyone unsure whether a fire is controlled to call 911.

In Western North Carolina, prescribed burns are also used on state forest lands such as DuPont State Recreational Forest, where forest managers say fire plays a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Mike Santucci, assistant forest supervisor at DuPont, said prescribed burning supports forest health by increasing plant and animal diversity and helping fire-adapted species thrive. He said many forests in the southern Appalachian region evolved with fire and can become less resilient when it is excluded.

Santucci said planning for a prescribed burn can take months and includes evaluating fuel loads, identifying hazards and developing a detailed burn plan. Crews monitor weather conditions closely and conduct burns only when conditions meet specific safety and ecological criteria.

He said trained crews use specialized equipment and follow strict procedures to control fires, minimize smoke impacts and protect nearby communities and popular recreation areas.

Officials say prescribed fire differs from wildfire in that it is carefully planned, conducted under controlled conditions and designed to meet specific land management objectives.

“The objectives are to keep firefighters and people safe, save their homes and so forth versus resource objectives,” Santucci said.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Costco is back in discussions about the proposed West Asheville project, a development that would bring significant job opportunities to the region.

Mayor Esther Manheimer said Thursday she spoke directly with a Costco representative who confirmed the company has re-engaged in the proposed West Asheville project after a positive meeting with the property sellers earlier this week.

“What they shared with me is that they had a meeting with the sellers of the property in West Asheville on Tuesday,” Manheimer said. “They are officially re-engaged in the project. They are optimistic.”

This announcement comes after Manheimer posted on social media, asking Costco to reconsider after it withdrew its application for development citing infrastructure requirements that increased the project's scope, timeline and costs.

Manheimer said she recently convened a meeting with the property sellers, representatives from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and Asheville planning staff to address the issues Costco identified when it stepped away from the project.

“We went through the list of issues that Costco provided as to what were their barriers to this project and what ultimately caused them to step back,” Manheimer said.

After reviewing those concerns, each party provided written responses outlining possible solutions.

The property sellers then organized a follow-up meeting with Costco earlier this week.

“That meeting helped determine whether there was a path forward to re-engage,” Manheimer said. “What I’m hearing directly from them today is that that’s happening.”

Much of the discussion has focused on infrastructure improvements along the Smokey Park Highway corridor.

The mayor said she has worked with transportation officials and state legislators to explore funding options for road improvements tied to the Interstate 40 Exit 44 interchange.

Those upgrades would support not only a Costco development but additional growth already planned along the corridor.

The city has also applied for state funding to help extend sewer infrastructure to the area.

Manheimer said Asheville submitted an application this week seeking grant funding for sewer line connections that could help support the project.

“That’s a significant piece of it,” she said.

Manheimer said the Costco proposal has faced an unusual challenge because retail projects typically do not qualify for state economic development incentives.

While manufacturing or industrial projects often trigger tax subsidies or incentive packages, she said retail developments typically do not.

“That’s a little bit of the challenge for this project because it falls in that gray zone,” Manheimer said.

City leaders are instead working to assemble infrastructure funding and other support typically associated with economic development projects.

“We’re sort of creating that process to make this project possible,” she said.

Manheimer said Costco representatives also told her the company has noticed strong community support in Asheville.

“They are hearing a lot of positive feedback from the community, a lot of encouragement, and that’s really important to them,” she said.

Costco officials told the mayor they are currently reviewing the project again while also managing other developments across the Southeast.

“They’re going to take some time, crunch some numbers, and move forward,” she said.

Despite the renewed discussions, the mayor cautioned that the project still has hurdles to clear.

“I look at major challenges as one step at a time,” Manheimer said. “You can see the mountain out in the horizon, but you’ve got to climb every hill to get there.”

City leaders say they remain hopeful the project could still move forward, but discussions are ongoing.

Manheimer shared that while they are working on the project, it make take some time.

"They have shared that they do have a number of projects going on in the Southeast, so to be a little bit patient, but they're really appreciative of the reception they're receiving in Asheville. The community welcoming them in is noted by the company," Manheimer said.

Asheville has once again earned national recognition for its food scene after being named one of the in the U.S. by Tripadvisor.

The North Carolina mountain city ranked among the top food destinations in the site’s annual Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best awards, which highlight places with consistently strong reviews from travelers. Tripadvisor praised Asheville’s focus on locally sourced ingredients and its strong connection to regional agriculture.

“If you’re into eating locally and supporting sustainable agriculture, go to Asheville — and eat, eat, eat,” the site said, noting that the city of fewer than 100,000 residents has 17 farmers’ markets and a restaurant scene built around seasonal produce.”

More Asheville accolades

This recognition is the latest in a series of accolades for Asheville.

Last year, Asheville landed at No. 6 on a list of from Wander, a luxury vacation home rental company, .

Additionally, the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile scenic route that weaves through the mountains of much of western North Carolina, including Asheville, was rated among the by Travel + Leisure.

Other top NC travel destinations

Southern Living recently recognized Sunset Beach for its white sand and crystal clear waters, along with Boone as the one place in North Carolina everyone should visit, highlighting it for its outdoor adventures, rich history, walkable downtown, nearby High Country attractions, upgraded lodging and diverse dining scene.’

The magazine also highlighted Calabash this month, a town in the Outer Banks known as the “seafood capital of the world.”

Last year, Oak Island, Hatteras Island, Topsail Beach, Ocracoke, Duck, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Nags Head and Wrightsville Beach were on Southern Living’s list of 50 best beach towns in the South, .

North Carolina swept up several Southern Living’s 2025 South’s Best Awards, including:

You can find the full list of the best beach towns in the South online at southernliving.com.

Portions of this story were previously published in The Charlotte Observer.

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