Discover Asheville, NC: Top Local Businesses & Community Favorites

Discover Asheville, NC: Top Local Businesses & Community Favorites

Welcome to Asheville, North Carolina — a city where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet creativity, craft, and community. Whether you’re a new visitor or a longtime local, Asheville has a heartbeat that’s powered by its small businesses, artists, farmers, and dreamers.

At MyLocalStart, we believe life is better when you go local. That’s why we’ve pulled together the best of Asheville: top businesses, local stories, community resources, and insider tips to help you explore this unique mountain town.

Asheville at a glance

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Population

~95,000

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Claim to fame

More breweries per capita than almost anywhere in the U.S.

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Culture

Arts, live music, farm-to-table food, outdoor adventure

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Outdoor access

Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains

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Fun fact

George Vanderbilt’s 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate is America’s largest privately owned home.

Top 10 local businesses in Asheville
(our community picks)

  1. French Broad Chocolate Lounge – A sweet Asheville tradition, famous for small-batch chocolate made with local and sustainable ingredients.
  2. Mast General Store – A step back in time with Appalachian goods, outdoor gear, and the classic candy barrel.
  3. Highland Brewing Company – Asheville’s first craft brewery, still family-owned and a pioneer of the city’s beer scene.
  4. Tupelo Honey Café – Modern Southern comfort food that helped put Asheville on the foodie map.
  5. The Orange Peel – Legendary live music venue that’s hosted acts from The Smashing Pumpkins to Bob Dylan.
  6. Malaprop’s Bookstore & Café – Beloved indie bookstore, coffee hub, and gathering place for writers and readers.
  7. River Arts District (RAD) – A community of 200+ artists working in open studios and galleries along the French Broad River.
  8. Sunny Point Café – A West Asheville favorite known for all-day breakfast and a backyard garden supplying the kitchen.
  9. Diamond Brand Outdoors – Local outdoor outfitter since 1964, equipping Asheville adventurers with hiking, camping, and paddling gear.
  10. Asheville Bee Charmer – Quirky boutique celebrating bees, honey, and local agriculture with tastings and gifts.

Community stories & local flavor

How Asheville Became the Craft Beer Capital of the South

5 Side Hustles Born in Asheville That Took Off

Asheville Farmers Markets: Meet the Growers Feeding the City

Local business resources

  • Asheville Chamber of Commerce:
    www.ashevillechamber.org
  • Buncombe County Business Resources:
    www.buncombecounty.org
  • NC Secretary of State – Start a Business:
    www.sosnc.gov/divisions/business_registration

Pro tip:

MyLocalStart offers Forever Free Google Business Profile optimization for Asheville businesses.

Visitor’s corner: Quick guide to Asheville

Must-see attractions

Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, Downtown murals

Where to eat

Cúrate, Chai Pani, Early Girl Eatery

Where to shop

Asheville City Market, Grove Arcade, West Asheville boutiques

Local events

LEAF Festival, Downtown After 5, Asheville Holiday Parade

Asheville FAQ

What is Asheville best known for?

Asheville is famous for its craft beer, vibrant arts scene, farm-to-table dining, and mountain scenery.


What are the best local restaurants in Asheville?

Locals love Sunny Point Café, Cúrate, Tupelo Honey, and Early Girl Eatery.


How do I support local businesses in Asheville?

Shop small, leave positive reviews, and start your own side hustle with MyLocalStart!

Life is better with a side hustle. Life is better when you go local.

Explore Asheville’s top businesses, share your favorites, and join us in building stronger communities across North Carolina.