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June 17, 2008

Category: Vacation Planning Ideas

Searching for an antique-lover’s paradise? Is antiquing an essential part of a relaxing weekend away for you? Look no further than North Carolina’s vibrant, exciting city of Asheville. A haven for those looking for a better quality of life, or folks in need of a weekend respite from the work week, Asheville is becoming an increasingly popular destination. Those who come to Asheville in search of antiques tend not to return empty handed.

South Asheville Ideal Base for Antiquing

Perhaps South Asheville’s biggest strength is the variety the area provides in terms of antique offerings. Whether you are looking for furniture, fine china, or rare books, Asheville has the shop for you. Not only will you find what you are looking for, you will likely not have to wander very far to find it. South Asheville has a concentration of antique shops within walking distance, making for a nice afternoon of shopping.

Near Biltmore Estate is the Best Antiquing in Asheville

Within a stone’s throw from the famous Biltmore Estate you will find several antique stores to start you off on your quest. Fireside Antiques on All Souls Crescent is known as Asheville’s premier importer of antiques from England, Ireland and Scotland. They boast a large selection of Oriental porcelain as well as English, Georgian and Edwardian furniture.

For a more eclectic shopping experience, try the Antique Tobacco Barn on Swannanoa River Road. Over 75 dealers offer a variety of items in all price ranges, including collectibles, furniture, garden items and tableware.

Biltmore Station Antiques, also located on Swannanoa River Road, offers 6,000 square feet of shopping. Here you will find an array of items including fine art, antique jewelry, lighting fixtures and antique American and English furniture and pottery. There are dozens of individual shops around Asheville -- more than enough to fill several days of antique shopping.

Asheville Travel for the Antique-Minded

Asheville is an antique collector’s dream all year round. Every summer, downtown hosts the Asheville Antiques Fair at the Asheville Civic Center. The fair is one of the oldest in the Southeast, having run since 1946. Forty-five antique dealers from all over the East Coast will be represented. Items for sale will include fine art, prints, ceramics, silver and jewelry. A ten dollar ticket per person grants admission to the fair for all three days. If you are planning a summer antiquing trip this fair is a nice opportunity to sample a range of wares from antique dealers from a variety of different states.

Finding Garden Antiques and Antique Books in Asheville

When it comes to antiquing in Asheville, there is something for everyone. If your interest in collecting antiques extends into your garden, you will not want to miss The Gardener’s Cottage. This one-of-a-kind shop, in addition to selling unique plants, showcases interesting containers and can help you give your garden that special something. Another not-to-miss spot for the gardener is Screen Door, specializing in “unique objects old and new” for home and garden. If you are looking to add to your home library, The Captain’s Bookshelf in downtown Asheville specializes in second hand and rare books. At this shop you will find a sizeable collection of signed books, first editions and fine leather bindings.

Off the Beaten Path – Asheville Antiquing

For a departure from the more traditional antiquing afternoon, head over to Not Your Average Antiques for a unique selection of Southern pottery, folk art and furniture, carousel figures, vintage guitars, Native American rugs and more. This store specializes in hard-to-find items and just may have what you are looking for. For a collection of quaint, unusual pieces, take a drive to The Swan’s Nest (appointments are suggested) located ten minutes from Biltmore Estate. Here you will find European and Asian antiques and reproductions, specializing in Pine furniture, lamps and accessories.

Asheville is so many things at once, which is why it is such a popular travel destination. When it comes to shopping for antiques, a trip to Asheville will be well worth your while!

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