Best Shopping Malls, Outlet and Places in Blue Ridge Mountains Area

"Grove Arcade has everything boiled into one spot, with local artists and galleries mixed in. This historic building was one of America’s first indoor shopping malls and has stuck around for nearly 100 years, like many places in Asheville. Whether you shop inside or grab a bite out on the street, stopping by the Arcade is definitely one of the best things to do in Asheville."

"Another architectural jewel, the unique Grove Arcade combines Art Deco, Italian Renaissance, and Gothic elements. Instead of leveling the foundation, Grove Arcade’s designers decided to follow the natural topography instead, a very noticeable feature when walking the shopping center’s sloping marble hallways. Grove Arcade, 1 Page Avenue, Asheville, NC, USA, +1 828 252 7799"

"One of those old historic buildings that survived is the Grove Arcade. It dates back to 1929, and today is home to unique restaurants and shops, most of which sell things made in North Carolina."

"In Asheville, look for local indigenous plants like Yaupon holly, burdock, black walnuts (an acquired taste; good for baking), peaches, strawberries, wildflowers, and native Appalachian apples. Also be sure to try some local honey, grits, or Carolina rice– three other culinary staples of the region. Many Asheville farmers markets also have artisan craft items, from wood carvings and hand-dyed merino yarn to all-natural soap and textiles."

"In operation since 1977, the WNC Farmers Market is one of the biggest in the area and is what all the other tailgate markets are centered around. Open year-round, seven days a week, visitors can find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to mountain crafts and a garden center. There are even retail and wholesale buildings for all your shopping needs."

"The Western NC Farmers Market is open daily throughout the year, and you can spend a ton of time here. Peruse the retail area and open-air buildings for local fruits and veggies, preserves, and other farm-fresh items. There’s a nursery center on-site that’s very nice to walk through, especially for a glance at the 40-foot waterfall."

"You will find over 100 stores at the Asheville Mall, including like H&M, Vans, Yankee Candle Company, and Champs Sports. If you work up an appetite during your shopping spree, there are several fast dining restaurants located in the mall. Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Chic-fil-A, Planet Smoothie, and Starbucks are just a few places to grab a quick bite!"

"This mall offers many of your favorite retail stores and an ample food court. Sears, Belk, JCPenney, and Dillard's anchor the shopping center, and there's also an Old Navy, Gap, Eddie Bauer, American Eagle, Champs Sports, and Bath & Body Works. For a quick fix, stop by Cinnabon, Starbucks or Planet Smoothie."

"Whether you are searching for home decor, kitchenware, or a wardrobe update, you’ll find it all at the Asheville Outlets. Their factory outlet stores include G.H. Bass & Co., GNC, Nike, J. Crew, and more."

"Located near the famous Biltmore Estate, Biltmore Village offers a wide selection of shops, including antiques, art galleries, home furnishings, and more. Notable stores include The Olde World Christmas Shoppe, Lululemon, and Village Antiques. You can even attend cooking classes at Williams Sonoma!"

"This hidden gem is tucked away near the shops/museums near the Grove Park Inn. The ambience is a more quiet and intimate dining scene as opposed to the downtown vibe. They have an amazing outside garden area for dining during the warmer months."

"One of the newer Thai food restaurants in Asheville on our bucket list, we cannot wait to try Thai Pearl. Located in West Asheville — along with curries, rice, soups, and salads — they also serve fresh oysters. Notably, Chef May trained and cooked at The Royal Palace in Bangkok, Thailand."

"This Japanese-inspired spa getaway is tucked into the mountains of Asheville up a winding road that leads to the best hot tubs in Asheville. These outdoor tubs sit under open shelters so guests can enjoy the views while they soak away their cares in the huge tubs with powerful jets. Shoji’s cold plunge and sauna add to the outdoor experience, while inside, massages from deep tissue to a four hands massage can be combined with foot scrubs and other unique add-ons."

"Looking for a private hot tub spa, but don’t have the time to flit over to Kyoto?. Shoji Spa is the only Japanese-style spa and lodge on the East Coast. They offer four distinct, rustic lodging options, as well as contrast therapies including sauna, double cold showers, private salt hydrotherapy tubs, and massage therapy."

"Here is one of Asheville’s most unique and beautiful escapes, Shoji Japanese inspired Spa & Lodge. All tranquil and everything exhilarating, Shoji radiates love and exuberates romance. For couples, Shoji has put together some incredible spa packageds for you!"

"Located at the Crown Plaza Resort, this hotel has a golf course, tennis courts and a fitness center that lead many people to take advantage of the on-site spa. The full-service salon operates Tuesday through Saturday with Monday services available upon request. Adelaide Spa and Salon, 27 Resort Dr, Asheville, NC, USA, +1 828 576 2196"

"Adelaida Spa and Salon is a great way to explore the tennis court, golf course, and an astounding fitness center for fitness freaks. Adelaida spa packages will be immense. You should check with them, and also their steam room service would be relaxing."

"Find your inner stillness at Asheville’s premier EsalenⓇ Massage and saltwater flotation spa. Still Point Wellness has been featured on media ranging from USA Today to “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “Jeopardy.” Enjoy a couples EsalenⓇ massage tutorial session, drift away in a sensory deprivation tank, or unlock the wisdom of your body through somatic psychology. 81 B Central Avenue, Asheville | (828) 348-5372 | stillpointwell.com"

"Still Point Wellness is best known for its incredible float experience and is the one and only float spa in Asheville. Salt Water Floating is the type of relaxation that allows you to completely let go of gravity, allowing your muscles and bones to absolutely melt into a world of sensory deprivation. What does this mean for you?"

"Mainly there are three concepts followed or offered at this spa. These are Esalen trademark massages, Somatic psychology sessions, and salt flotation. This spa is another great option among all other spas in Asheville, NC, for different therapies."

"HOURS: Sun-Thu 11am to 8pm; Fri-Sat 11am to 9pm; Delivery available until 9:30pm. In the interest of full disclosure, I worked my way through college at a Mellow Mushroom offshoot in Atlanta, and later managed one of the oldest Mellow Mushroom locations (across from ATL’s Piedmont Park). So you’ll forgive me for having a bit of personal bias towards this iconic pizza place now, nearly 30 years later."

"Choose from sharable vegan plates, sandwiches, soups, salads, and entrees. Don’t forget to order local mead, ciders, and Buchi Kombucha at the lower-level Buchi Bar."

"Vegetarian eatery draws diners with delightfully intriguing fare and an inviting dining room and patio. Read more about Rosetta's Kitchen →"

"The food is delicious, the dining area is open air and aesthetically delightful. The values Rosetta’s upholds could make the worl..."

"HOURS: Sun, Tue, Wed & Thu 5pm to 9pm; Fri-Sat 5pm to 10pm; Closed Mondays. Born and raised in a carniverous North Georgia family, I would have never imagined loving vegan food. Opened in 2011 by Leslie Armstrong, Alan Berger, and chef Jason Sellers, Plant was the restaurant that changed my mind, emerging as one of our favorite places to eat in Asheville."

"Our absolute favorite dedicated vegan restaurant in Asheville, Plant serves up entrees, tapas, appetizers, desserts, and delicious cocktails. Plant marks their menu for where you can make gluten-free substitutions. Reservations are recommended via phone."

"I didn’t like this place much when I was like 10, but having grown up a little more, I ..."