Asheville has two ‘picking’ and antique shopping areas. Both are close to Applewood Manor. The first is the Biltmore Antiques District near the entrance to the Biltmore Estate, and the second is Downtown Asheville. The number one choice, hands down, for antique shopping is the Antique Tobacco Barn in the Biltmore Antiques District. The Barn, located at 75 Swannanoa River Road, has been voted best place to buy antiques in Western North Carolina with over 77,000 square feet filled with “something for everyone, whether you have a lot to spend or not.” Originally, the building was used for tobacco auctions. You have probably heard the expression “stuff expands to fill all available space” That explains a lot about the Tobacco Barn—its sheer size and good prices make it the standout it is. The Barn is not for the ten-minute shopper. You will need to plan on investing an hour or more. One word of warning. The Barn is not air-conditioned and has only minimal heating. So, dress accordingly, bring a bottle of water and wear comfortable shoes.
In addition to the Tobacco Barn, there are nine other outlets in the Biltmore Antique District:
- Biltmore Lamp & Shade Gallery: In addition to lamps and shades, the store located in the heart of Biltmore Village, has elegant antiques, accessories, and seasonal decorations.
- Village Antiques: Located at 755 Biltmore Avenue, the store carries unique period French furniture and art.
- ScreenDoor: The mall, at 115 Fairview Rd., has over 50 dealers with a mix of antique, vintage, and new items.
- Bryant Antiques: Located at 120 Swannanoa River Rd. This mall hosts over 70 dealers with merchandise ranging from funky to fancy—estate jewelry, vintage clothing, sterling, objects d’art, ephemera, kitchenalia, flow blue, fine china, textiles, quilts, chandeliers, and furniture from primitive to Victorian.
- Oddfellows Antique Warehouse: Oddfellows carries a wide selection of hand-picked European imports to high quality mid-century pieces. It is located at 124 Swannanoa River Rd.
- Sweeten Creek Antiques: It is a 31,000 square foot browser’s paradise located at 115 Sweeten Creek Rd. and offers designer décor, vintage clothing, collectibles, kitchen memories, big toy collection, pottery, and art glass.
- Estate Jewelry Ltd: The 18 Brook Street store carries private owner and estate diamonds and fine jewelry.
- The Regeneration Station: This mega thrift store at 26 Glendale Avenue just off Swannanoa River Rd has early, primitive, and midcentury modern antiques and upcycled art.
There are three Downtown Asheville locations that deserve to be on your antique shopping list:
- Captain’s Bookshelf: Located at 31 Page Avenue, the bookstore has been buying and selling secondhand and rare books since 1976. Their stock includes numerous signed books, first editions and fine leather bindings as well as a generous collection of quality secondhand material.
- Lexington Park Antiques: You will find this favorite mall with over 70 dealers at 65 W. Walnut St.
- Battery Park Book Exchange: Sip a fine wine or Champagne while perusing thousands of books in dozens of categories. The Exchange is located at 1 Page Avenue, Grove Arcade.