The Ultimate Guide To Asheville and the Western North Carolina Mountains

The Online Version of the Best-selling Regional Guidebook
 

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Western North Carolina Cities & Towns
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Asheville Arts & Crafts      Asheville Performing Arts      Asheville Nightlife      Asheville Movie Theaters
 

Asheville has a vibrant downtown, and the combination of great historic architecture, fine restaurants, coffeehouse, specialty stores, art galleries and nightclubs, pubs and cafes all add to the mix that has made the city an exciting nighttime destination.  Downtown Asheville is especially interesting and eclectic after dark, with street musicians and the popular long-running Drum Circle.

Listed below is a selection of the more established venues and places to check out. The author highly suggests that you also pick up a copy of the Mountain Xpress, Asheville’s weekly free newspaper that is the absolute best source for current happenings in town—everything from concerts to movies to music. Sidewalk boxes that dispense the Mountain Xpress are everywhere. If you can’t locate one, just call their office at 828-251-1333.

Resources:

Mountain Xpress: A free weekly independent news, arts, and events newspaper for Western North Carolina. Excellent entertainment coverage, local commentary. P.O. Box 144, Asheville, NC 28802; 828-251-1333.
Take Five: A weekly tabloid insert in the Asheville Citizen-Times on Fridays. It features a current performers and events,  articles and reviews. 14 O’Henry Ave., Asheville, NC 28801; 828-252-5611, (800) 800-4204.

Clubs and Bars for Live Music:

Asheville Pizza & Brewing: One screen, second-run Hollywood and independent films at discount prices. Pizza and micro-brews available in theater or adjoining restaurant. Live entertainment and tons of dance floor. 675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville NC 28804, 828-254-1281.

Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria: One of Asheville’s most popular watering holes. Great selection of beer, including micro-brews, and wonderful pizzas. Entertainment Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday with a blend of jazz, blue-grass and more. Billiard tables and dart boards available upstairs. 42 Biltmore Ave., Asheville NC 28801, 828-255-0504.

Bier Garden: American fusion cuisine and an extensive collection of beers from around the world. 46 Haywood Street, Asheville NC 28801, 828-285-0002, 11 a.m.-2.00 a.m. 7 days a week.

Jack of the Wood: In addition to making their own unique beers and ales, Jack of the Wood offers a distinctively British-style pub atmosphere. They also feature fresh-baked breads and desserts to go along with the local performers. 95 Patton Ave., Asheville NC 28801, 828-252-5445.

Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café: Wonderful cafe located downtown in the best private bookstore in Western North Carolina. Offers a wide variety of coffees, juice drinks, as well as beer and wine, soups, sandwiches and light lunches. If you love books and coffeehouses, this is the place for you. Live music (no cover charge) most Friday and Saturdays. 55 Haywood Street, Asheville NC 28801, 828-254-6734.

Stella Blue: Live music that ranges from blues and jazz to reggae, techno and hip-hop. 31 Patton Avenue, Asheville NC 28801, 828-236-2424.

Tressa's Downtown Jazz and Blues: Live jazz and blues every night in a unique setting. Old New Orleans elegance, great service and world-class jazz and blues performers. 28 Broadway, Asheville NC 28801, 828-254-7072.

The Garage at Biltmore: Live music venue sharing the same building with French Broad Brewery and MonteVecchia Music and Arts Studio. 101 Fairfield Road, Suite B, Asheville NC 28803,  828-505-2663.

The Grey Eagle: The Grey Eagle has become one of Asheville’s premier music halls. Situated in Asheville’s vibrant French Broad River district, the Grey Eagle is known for presenting local and nationally known artists, making it a cornerstone of the Asheville music scene. 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville NC 28801, 828-232-5800.

The Orange Peel Social Aid & Pleasure Club: One of Asheville’s premier nightclub and entertainment venues. An amazing lineup of big-name talent, huge concert hall and room enough for almost 1,000. Most shows start early, are standing only and non-smoking. Beer and wine. 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville NC 28801, 828-225-5851.

The Rocket Club: Open seven days a week, The Rocket Club offers live music and a vast array of drinks in a small, intimate setting. 401 Haywood Street, Asheville NC 28806, 828-505-2494

Westville Pub: Something happening seven evenings a week, including open mike nights. Non-smoking pub serving a light menu. 777 Haywood Rd., Asheville NC 28806, 821-225‑9782.