“Pollen is a perfect coffee and flower shop in Asheville. Everyone who works there is always sweet and warm. The quality of the coffee and other drinks is precisely what I’m looking for. It feels special because there is sincerity in the work that they do. The flower selection is always so different and unique. It inspired me to buy flowers regularly. Jake can guide you through your coffee curiosities, and Allyson is a true magician with a floral arrangement and her work on floral sculptures.”

“Heyday is a local music instrument store in Asheville. It’s the spot I go to, knowing I will spend money on something I want and may need. They always have some wild used instruments and effects. It has a warm environment, instruments being repaired, and stacks of amps waiting to find a new owner. Rows of guitar pedals and unique synthesizers and keyboards that rotate through. The thing to do is to try out an instrument you’re curious about. Plug it into an amp and listen.”

“Harvest is one of my favorite record stores in Asheville. It’s got everything you would want from a record store. Everyone who works there is knowledgeable and helpful. The store has an enormous selection of used vinyl and CDs. They have a good selection of cassettes. If you like newer records, they have that too :). I love coming here because it’s where I get to do what I love the most: talk about music, and find music I’ve never heard. Nothing beats going to a store and discovering music.”

“Bagatelle is an excellent bookstore in West Asheville across the street from Harvest. It has a great selection of used and new. The owner knows what’s up when you’re looking for something new or a recommendation. One of my first experiences at the store was to see live music performed by Tashi Dorji and Zoh Amba. I immensely love the store.”

“This is my go-to market for getting snacks, quick food, and things to cook. They have premade sandwiches with lots of vegan and GF options. Good soups and good bulk snack foods. The fresh fruit and veggie selection is always spot on. I’m a big fan of this store. Everyone who works here is always so sweet and accommodating when requesting unique sandwiches or other food inquiries.”

“Drop of Sun is a recording studio, so it’s not a place you can just walk into. You have to request a tour or book some time to record music. This place is a beacon of generous and giving culture in the arts and music world in Asheville. They create an environment for an artist to thrive and feel free to make. My experiences here have consistently been so positive and fulfilling. Everyone who works here is so talented. Come here to record your album!”

“Addissae is an Ethiopian restaurant I love in downtown Asheville. The chefs who work here make delicious food. I get the veggie platter, and it’s one of my favorite Ethiopian restaurants I’ve eaten at. There's only so much more I can say. It’s really good.”

“It is a record store and music venue. It’s the perfect place to experience new music. There is a deep connection to the DIY ethos, artists, and musicians coming into town to play music. I highly recommend it if you want to see something new and unexpected. I saw my friends Jacuzzi Boys and local musicians Thom Nguyen and Adam Lion perform a brilliant, mesmerizing, pulsing vibraphone and drum kit set.”

“Grey Eagle is a staple of Asheville, hosting music from every part of the musical spectrum and more! I’ve seen amazing shows here, like Os Mutantes and Jeff Parker. It feels reliable and dependable :). The food is good too!!!!”

“Eulogy [part of Burial Beer] is a new venue downtown. I’ve seen a few shows here now and, hands down, have enjoyed the overall experience. They got everything right for a music venue. It’s exciting to have a new space to see live music. I recently saw Made of Oak and Grill perform with local DJ Lil Meow Meow.”