A Design Lover’s Guide to the Perfect Day in Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city of Asheville, North Carolina, has long drawn outdoor enthusiasts, beer geeks, and lovers of craft and design. To guide us through the ultimate day in this architecturally diverse, creative mecca, we asked locals Karie Reinertson and Rob Maddox of design studio Shelter Collective, designer and sculptor (and Dwell 24 honoree) Casey Johnson, and Gillie Roberts of the zero-waste shop Ware for their can’t-miss recommendations.

For a morning boost of java and serotonin, head to cafe-cum-floral design studio Pollen for an excellent oat milk latte and decadent arrangements of handpicked, ethically sourced stems. From there, meander through the River Arts District, whose former warehouses now hold a funky, vibrant community of studios and galleries for artists working in paint, ceramics, glass, metal, wood, and more. Be sure to visit Sew Co., a textile manufacturer that’s injecting fresh energy into an age-old tradition, and its clothing storefront, Rite of Passage. You’ll also want to see the rugged, nature-inspired works at Akira Satake Ceramics.

Refuel at Simple Cafe & Juice Bar, serving veggie-forward dishes in a low-key setting, before stopping at Garden Party, an elevated cannabis shop bound to charm with its plant-filled-loft vibes. Head back across the river to soak in the exhibitions at The Center for Craft, a nonprofit celebrating the artisan community. If you’re hunting for home goods, stop by and see our friends at Ware for a gorgeous array of eco-friendly products before diving into the vintage furniture paradises that are Atomic Furnishing & Design and The Regeneration Station.

No visit to Asheville is complete without a craft brew. Burial Beer’s Forestry Camp taproom and kitchen offer refined American fare in a rustic hall. When it’s time to wind down, grab a nightcap at Antidote, whose specialty cocktails will transport you to a turn-of-the-century apothecary. If sweating it out is more your speed, reminisce about the day at Sauna House, a modern bathhouse that’s calming and chic.

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