Highland is a delightful small local bookstore that seems to fit this area just about perfectly. It…read morecarries a very good but not huge selection of books in most genres, and it has an especially nice YA section for those interested. We appreciate that they also sell some second-hand titles along with a variety of gifts and products made by local craftspeople, and there are comfy sports to sit down and read a bit. We can always find something we want when we stop in here. The staff is always happy to assist, and their location in the midst of downtown Brevard is convenient for most shoppers.

Perfect. It's clean, organized, and spacious, with half (Ok more like only a quarter) of a second…read morefloor full of YA. There's a ton of books with all kinds of authors, you'll find POC authors, LGBT+ authors, women authors, you name it. It's an incredibly inclusive shop which was such a refreshing find for me on my visit. The clerks are all super friendly. One thing I loved was that they had some medium post-its asking customers different questions. One asked for your favorite book, while the other asked what super power would you like to have. There were more and it was nice to have a fun little thought provoking thing while I waited for my sister to check out. Prices were reasonable and I'd definitely come back here if I'm ever near Brevard again.

Always enjoy browsing bookstores, and seeing another independent bookstore, I had to make a quick…read morevisit. Malaprop's Bookstore and Cafe is at the heart of downtown Asheville and blends well with other local businesses. The bookstore has its charm. The bookstore carries many tending and new releases of books. I'm intrigued that the bookstore hosts weekly events and some quirky magnetic and trinkets.

Malaprop's will forever be one of my favorite indie bookstores. I first fell in love with it back…read morein 2021 when I lived in AVL. I liked the name so much because I was the type of person who used malaprops a good amount. It's extra charming because you're able to order something from their cafe while reading your book. This spot is deceptively huge. The different sections are very intentional and beautifully organized. I had an especially great time looking at the "Beautiful Books" section this visit. I ended up falling in love with a short stories book by Chips Hardy that I took home. I also adored their graphic t-shirts here. I am not a big t-shirt person, but always want more graphic tees, so was so excited to love this one so much. I had a really special experience with one of the booksellers here on my recent visit too. I could not find The Enchanted April in the fiction section and when I asked, one of the booksellers got really excited about the author and that book. She passionately told me how wonderful the book was. We were sad to see it was sold out, but suggested I check a bookstore a block over. I love this bookstore and think everyone should make it a stop on an Asheville trip.

Very kind staff! Super cute and quaint, found my mother in law's birthday present here. Would…read moredefinitely come back next time in Black Mountain.

If I was writing this review after my first visit it would be a 5 all the way. Staff was very nice…read moreand helpful, even if I caught her mid snack she was still willing to walk around to help me find the "just right" book. Great selection of titles and organized beautifully. Upstairs has an expansive kids area with toys, books and Jellycats. I had such a great experience the first time, I went back the next day. This time however, I asked a question and kind worker needed help so she found another employee to ask and THAT employee was dismissive to both the original employee and myself. Maybe she was having a bad day, but if that was my only experience with the shop, I wouldn't return.

I loved the selection of books, stickers, local art, and cards. I bought a little is everything!…read more The space is affirming for queer and trans folks & inclusive of diverse voices and authors. I also appreciated how many people were still masking in the store. We keep us safe!

Almost left due to the lack of parking- don't park directly behind the building because it's not…read moretheir parking lot. They seem to have legit one parallel parking spot directly in front of the store. Really just wanted to turn around at that point and go home. My sister and I wanted to check it out because we were in the area but as soon as we walked in she (part of LGBTQ+ community) felt very out of place among all the activist/anarchist stuff. We wanted fantasy and chill art and maybe nature books and just everything in our faces was about political or social issues/ justices or stories. We ended up politely looking around and leaving soon after empty handed. We found it ironic that for a community who believe in being and I quote from their sign "an anarchist community bookstore" that they immediately wanted to put all people entering in masks. We thought it was a little funny. They did have some cool art but a lot had words that just didn't make me want to buy it. It's dog friendly and not for profit but I wouldn't be back. We felt we were definitely outsiders and just didn't find what we were expecting or wanting.

I love a good record store!! This one did not disappoint! The had a nice selection of genres. It…read morewas very tidy and organized. They also had used cassettes and CDs! Imagine that! Oh and some toys! I loved the artwork on the wall and the cashier was personable! It is a cool record store in the Wedge building in the hip and happening RAD district! Oh BTW! I purchased Prince's Purple Rain album, only to get home and realize I already owned a copy!! Lol!!!

Date of visit: September 18, 2024…read more This record store was just down the block from my hotel and I thought it would be a great place to snag something for my husband as a "souvenir" of Asheville. There is an interesting variety of records here, both new and used, all well-categorized by genre. I know that can be helpful for some but with his wide-ranging tastes, I ended up in almost all of the sections, and separating country into multiple sub-genres was an exercise in frustration as I am not familiar with the differences! I spent at least 25 minutes in the store trying to find something from his Amazon Wish List, but I utterly and completely struck out on my visit here. Even more disappointing was that despite the length of time I was there, the woman at the front paid me no mind from the beginning of my visit until the end.

Located in the River Arts District, you have to stop by and check out the retail space for this non…read moreprofit that support fiber arts and artists in a 100-mile radius of Asheville. They also offer workshops and studio space. The employees were so friendly and welcoming. They were celebrating International Women's Day when I visited and invited customers to each sew a button on a dress. They were also dyeing yarn in the back. It's really great to see such community!!

Walk inside this large space for the fiber arts in the River Arts District and you may walk out a…read moreconvert. Local arts sell their fiber arts good from purses to clothes to other goods. The staff are artists themselves and will gladly share their passion. Even if you aren't into fiver arts, walk into this non-profit.

This is a fun store that sells many things that you don't need but you find yourself purchasing…read morefrom this fun "general store." You will not get bored and it will be a great source for that hard to buy surprise gift.

Here's where art is wonderfully local and diverse. An amazing store with a variety of artworks like…read moreT-shirts, cards, figurines, art prints, woodworks and so much more. For me, this is the Asheville i came to discover and is a mini indoor art faire with so much to choose from. The same people create and run a twice yearly art faire called THE BIG CRAFTY that must be seen to fully appreciate!

Walking around Hendersonville, we stopped into this spot because we enjoy art even though we're…read morerunning out of wall space. They seemed to offer more larger paintings and prints that wouldn't necessarily fit for us, but would make a lovely addition to someone else's home. There are a few studios in the back and sometimes you can chat with the artists. Every town needs a space like this.

A wonderful assortment of items produced largely by local artists and craftsman. I find something…read moreof interest every time I visit the store.