Torched AVL is a jewelry studio, metalsmithing school and gallery at 1056 Haywood Road in West Asheville. It teaches jewelry and art classes for all ages and skill levels, from intro silver ring workshops to advanced classes with visiting artists, plus private lessons. The retail gallery sells handmade jewelry and art, and the studio hosts free monthly community events. It is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Regulars say the owners and instructors are patient, knowledgeable and never intimidating. Folks book ring making classes for anniversaries and bachelorette trips.

Torched AVL

Looking for shopping in Asheville? These local stores, galleries and boutiques are worth the trip, downtown and across town. [Instant Karma](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1501-instant-karma-asheville) sells hippie gifts at two shops, one on Lexington Avenue downtown and one on Haywood Road in West Asheville. Downtown, [Static Age Records](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/4065-static-age-records) sells records and hosts shows on Lexington, [Blue Spiral 1](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1479-blue-spiral-1) fills three floors with contemporary art on Biltmore Avenue, and [VaVaVooom](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/974-vavavooom) is a woman-owned lingerie boutique on Broadway. In Biltmore Village, [New Morning Gallery](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1480-new-morning-gallery) shows more than 500 American craft artists. North Asheville's Merrimon Avenue has [Jus' Running](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1014-jus-running), [Asheville Raven & Crone](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1253-asheville-raven-crone) and [Asheville Pet Supply](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1016-asheville-pet-supply). [Orbit DVD](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/969-orbit-dvd) is an independent movie and game store in West Asheville. Out east, the [Antique Tobacco Barn](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1391-antique-tobacco-barn) packs more than 75 vendors into 77,000 square feet, and the [Southern Highland Craft Guild](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/656-southern-highland-craft-guild) sells Appalachian handcraft at its Blue Ridge Parkway shop. South of town, [Boutique Royale](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/2644-boutique-royale-lingerie-gifts) carries lingerie and gifts on Sweeten Creek Road, and [Signs for Hope Marketplace](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/2487-signs-for-hope-marketplace) in Fairview gives every dollar to a local nonprofit. Black Mountain's [Old Town District](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/4063-old-town-district) is a walkable afternoon of shops and galleries. Every shop below has hours, photos and directions.

Shopping in Asheville, NC: Local Shops, Boutiques and Gifts

LGBTQ+ owned spots in Asheville, including [Neng Jr's](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/3568-neng-jrs), [Sovereign Remedies](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1346-sovereign-remedies), [Asheville Bee Charmer](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1377-asheville-bee-charmer) and [Firestorm Books](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1854-firestorm-books-coffee). Every spot below has hours, photos and directions.

LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses in Asheville, NC

Asheville has a long list of women-owned businesses, and this guide rounds them up. Downtown, one stretch of Broadway has [Old Europe Pastries](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1716-old-europe-pastries) for Hungarian cakes, the honey tasting bar at [Asheville Bee Charmer](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1377-asheville-bee-charmer) and [VaVaVooom](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/974-vavavooom)'s lingerie boutique. On Patton Avenue, [Hazel Twenty](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/676-hazel-twenty-boutique) and its menswear sister [Lex Twenty](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/2262-lex-twenty-menswear) carry Free People, Filson and Barbour. [Instant Karma](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1501-instant-karma-asheville) sells crystals on Lexington Avenue and Haywood Road, and [Good Hot Fish](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/3667-good-hot-fish) fries Carolina seafood on Buxton Avenue. In the River Arts District, [ButterPunk](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/4129-butterpunk) bakes biscuits on Depot Street. West Asheville has [The Odd](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1413-the-odd-eclectic-dive-bar-music-venue-oddities-museum) on Haywood Road for drag and punk nights, plus the fried chicken sandwich at [Sand Hill Kitchen](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1307-sand-hill-kitchen) on Sardis Road. [Asheville Raven & Crone](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1253-asheville-raven-crone) stocks tarot decks and candles on Merrimon Avenue, and [Hemp 4 Victory](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/2074-hemp-4-victory) is in Woodfin. Head south for [Retro Coffee](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/2305-retro-coffee) on Sweeten Creek Road, the Pie Flight at [Baked Pie Company](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1362-baked-pie-company) in Arden and the antique dealers at [Altamont Vintage](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/2578-altamont-vintage-collectibles-antiques) near Biltmore Village. [Asheville Charcuterie Co](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/3304-asheville-charcuterie-co). builds boards and grazing tables, and [SweetPeas Photo Camper](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/3106-sweetpeas-photo-camper) brings a photo booth to parties. For branding and illustration, there's [Flori Pate Designs](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/51-flori-pate-designs). Every business below has hours, photos and directions.

Woman Owned Businesses in Asheville, NC: Shops, Food and Services

Asheville's art scene runs from Pack Square museums to River Arts District studios. Downtown, the [Asheville Art Museum](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/2071-asheville-art-museum) focuses on American art with deep Western North Carolina roots, [Blue Spiral 1](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1479-blue-spiral-1) fills three floors on Biltmore Avenue with work from more than 100 artists, and [Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/5185-black-mountain-college-museum-arts-center) on College Street is free. In the River Arts District, [Pink Dog Creative](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1054-pink-dog-creative) has about 35 artist studios in a former textile building on Depot Street. The [Southern Highland Craft Guild](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/656-southern-highland-craft-guild) has shown Appalachian handcraft since 1930, at its Tunnel Road shop and the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. To make something yourself, [Claying Around](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1106-claying-around) in South Asheville has drop-in pottery painting for all ages. For the stage, [Asheville Community Theatre](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/997-asheville-community-theatre) has put on shows since 1946, [North Carolina Stage Company](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/780-north-carolina-stage-company) does professional theatre on Stage Lane, and the [Wortham Center](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1402-wortham-center-for-performing-arts) hosts dance, theatre and music. The [Blue Ridge Orchestra](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/603-blue-ridge-orchestra) is the city's all-volunteer community orchestra, [AyurPrana Listening Room](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/4533-ayurprana-listening-room) books acoustic and world music in a West Asheville church, and [IamAVL](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/924-independent-arts-and-music-of-asheville-iamavl) records and streams local bands. Every spot below has hours, photos and directions.

Asheville Art Scene: Galleries, Museums, Theater and Craft

Experience Asheville, NC, your gateway to the best live music, vibrant nightlife, premier shopping, and unforgettable things to do. Stroll through bustling markets and unique boutiques for one-of-a-kind finds, or browse Asheville’s eclectic shops for local art, fashion, wellness, and gifts. Savor Asheville’s dynamic food scene, from award-winning restaurants and cozy cafés to innovative food trucks and local favorites. 

Dive into the city’s thriving hemp, CBD, and THCA community with welcoming dispensaries and specialty wellness stores. Whether you’re looking for top bars, relaxing cocktail lounges, a memorable bite, or hidden gems off the beaten path, Asheville offers fresh adventures and experiences every season. Stay updated on the latest events, hotspots, and must-visit places, Asheville is your home for discovery.

Torched AVL

What you need to know

Local's Tip

What the locals say

What you need to know

What the locals say