A few months back I posted about The Screen Door, which is one of my favorite Asheville haunts for funky finds and vintage valuables. But I’d be remiss not to mention a handful of other great shops, all within minutes of Asheville’s Biltmore area. You could really make a day of it (and I have). Actually, for today’s post I thought it would be fun to craft a sample itinerary: my idea of the perfect antiques shopping day. And since “perfect” means not having to tell your child “don’t touch that!” one thousand times, I’m including some fun alternatives for the kids (and any grown-ups who are just not that into antiquing.) Here’s how the perfect day unfolds:
1) 10 am: Drop the kids/significant other at the WNC Nature Center
The Western North Carolina Nature Center is home to over one hundred species of wild and domestic animals and hundreds of species of plants, all representative of the Southern Appalachian bio-region. It’s a thoughtfully designed and easily walkable zoo, with animals living in naturalistic outdoor settings.
2) 10:15 am: Oddfellows Antiques
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Now the fun begins! The first half of your shopping day is more furniture intensive, so have your measuring tape ready. Located at 124 Swannanoa River Road, Oddfellows is actually sandwiched between two other antiques stores in the same shopping strip. The others are worth a quick look, but Oddfellows is my pick for the best selection of mid-century and European furniture. In the past I’ve sourced two Italian bentwood chairs and an English G-Plan dresser here.
3. 11:00 am: The Antique Tobacco Barn
Just a quarter mile down the road from Oddfellows, this airplane-hangar sized warehouse is filled to the brim with old furniture. You’ll squeeze your way through packed aisles roughly organized by category, past stacks of chairs, bedframes, dining tables, chests and more. This is a great place to start training your eye to spot the gem amidst the general chaos. There are large carts on hand to help you transport your heavier finds to the cashier.
4. 12:30 pm: Lunch at The Corner Kitchen
Time to collect the kids/spouse and head over to The Corner Kitchen for lunch. Located right in Biltmore Village, this restaurant has become one of our favorites for simply delicious regional cuisine. Be aware this place get packed, with lines out the door on weekends and during peak seasons.
5. 2:00 pm: The Fun Depot
The Fun Depot is where the non-antiquers will spend their afternoon. Arcade games, mini-golf, go-carts and bowling will keep them happy and occupied while you shop.
6. 2:15 pm: Sweeten Creek Antiques
Just down the street from The Fun Depot, Sweeten Creek Antiques is your typical sort of multi-stall antique mall. There is some furniture, but the selection is predominantly vintage housewares, decorative items and collectibles. If you’re into vintage Fiestaware, they have one of the best assortments I have seen anywhere.
7. 3:00 The Screen Door
Last stop of the day: The Screen Door is where you’ll find fun and the funky fabulousness. It’s also a multi-stall arrangement, with vendors offering a unique selection of vintage, antique and artfully re-purposed home and garden decor. For more photos and details, read my September post about The Screen Door.
If you don’t have to rush out of town, there’s still plenty of time for window shopping and dinner in downtown Asheville. Whenever possible, I try to squeeze in a stop at The Chocolate Lounge for a cup of the pure dark hot chocolate: it’s sublime. And THAT is a perfect day in my book!