Friday happy hour at Battery Park Book Exchange hits different when there's live music. Grab a glass and post up in the stacks around 5:30 for a solid way to kick off the weekend.

The patio opens up when weather allows and they keep blankets on hand for when downtown Asheville evenings turn cool. Inside the Grove Arcade you've got two floors of couches and leather chairs if you want to post up with a glass of champagne, first come basis since they don't take reservations.

Battery Park Book Exchange is a downtown Asheville used bookstore and champagne bar in the historic Grove Arcade on Battery Park Avenue. Hosts live jazz shows weekly in the back room.

Locals dig Battery Park for its cozy, creative ambiance and the unique pairing of books and bubbles. It’s a celebrated destination for book clubs, romantic dates, memorable afternoons with friends, and even dog-friendly patio people-watching. Both the knowledgeable staff and wide-ranging decor make every visit feel special, from savoring a glass of sparkling wine to discovering a rare first edition.

Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar

Looking for shopping in Asheville? These local stores, galleries and boutiques are worth the trip, downtown and across town. Instant Karma sells hippie gifts at two shops, one on Lexington Avenue downtown and one on Haywood Road in West Asheville. Downtown, Static Age Records sells records and hosts shows on Lexington, Blue Spiral 1 fills three floors with contemporary art on Biltmore Avenue, and VaVaVooom is a woman-owned lingerie boutique on Broadway. In Biltmore Village, New Morning Gallery shows more than 500 American craft artists. North Asheville's Merrimon Avenue has Jus' Running, Asheville Raven & Crone and Asheville Pet Supply. Orbit DVD is an independent movie and game store in West Asheville. Out east, the Antique Tobacco Barn packs more than 75 vendors into 77,000 square feet, and the Southern Highland Craft Guild sells Appalachian handcraft at its Blue Ridge Parkway shop. South of town, Boutique Royale carries lingerie and gifts on Sweeten Creek Road, and Signs for Hope Marketplace in Fairview gives every dollar to a local nonprofit. Black Mountain's 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

Experience the rich flavors of Asheville, NC’s wine and spirits scene, featuring local wineries, craft distilleries, and stylish wine bars. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, cocktail aficionado, or simply looking to savor small-batch spirits, Asheville offers a diverse range of tasting experiences and expertly crafted beverages. Explore vineyard tours, distillery tastings, and cozy bars offering innovative cocktails made with local ingredients. Find the perfect spot to unwind, celebrate, or discover new favorite drinks in this dynamic southern city known for its vibrant beverage culture and craftsmanship.

Wine and Spirits in Asheville, NC: Distilleries and Wine Bars

Unlock the best of Asheville, NC through unforgettable tours and experiences that showcase the city’s natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, and local culture. Whether you want guided outdoor adventures, historic city tours, art crawls, or foodie explorations, Asheville offers a diverse array of activities for all interests. Find curated excursions that highlight waterfalls, mountain trails, local farms, breweries, and cultural landmarks. Perfect for visitors and locals alike, these experiences create lasting memories and deepen your connection to Asheville’s unique charm and character. Explore the latest tour options, event packages, and insider tips to make your visit extraordinary.

Tours in Asheville, NC: Food, Trolley, Walking and Pub Tours

Asheville is a dog friendly town, and these breweries, restaurant patios, bars, shops and pet services welcome you and your dog. Many breweries allow leashed dogs, including Highland Brewing and its meadow in East Asheville, Wedge Brewing, RAD Brewing, New Belgium and Ginger's Revenge in the River Arts District, and Archetype, One World West and Westville Pub on Haywood Road in West Asheville. Downtown, Wicked Weed's brewpub has two pet friendly patios, the Funkatorium is on the South Slope, and Twisted Laurel and Posana have dog friendly patios near Pack Square. Woodfin has Zillicoah, Riverside Rhapsody and Salt Face Mule along the French Broad River. South of town, try Sweeten Creek Brewing, 12 Bones Smokehouse in Arden, Turgua in Fairview, and Sierra Nevada and Mills River Brewing in Mills River. Black Mountain has Pisgah Brewing and Lookout Brewing. For pet supplies and care, visit Asheville Pet Supply on Merrimon Avenue and All Pets Animal Hospital on Patton Avenue. Every listing below has hours, photos and directions.

Hank and Vollie

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