Leisure Activities

Shopping

When it comes to shopping, Asheville offers everything from locally owned stores to the corporate, like those found at the Asheville Mall. But whatever your taste, you might want to bring an extra suitcase. 16 Patton, Beads and Beyond, Bellagio, Chevron Trading Post & Bead Co., Diamond Brand Outdoors, Jewels That Dance, Old North State Clothing Company, Overstrom Studio, The Swan’s Nest, Ten Thousand Villages, and Tops for Shoes are just a few of the local stores you can choose from. For a twist on “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” you might want to visit L.O.F.T., which stands for Lost Objects, Found Treasures. Or, you can also visit the Historic Biltmore Village for more stores, or just walk around downtown until you see something you like!

Spas

Nothing will soothe your aching feet like a massage at the spa! And Appalachian Spa Ventures Retreat caters to that exact need with a Happy Feet Happy Trails foot treatment that includes a Peppermint-tea tree lavender foot soak and foot scrub for 30 minutes, followed by a reflexology foot massage with peppermint lotion and a warm clay masque foot wrap treatment. But for others who want pampering for other parts beside their feet, you can visit Blissful Rituals, Relax & Rejuvenate of Asheville, Inc., Sensibilities Natural Body Care & Day Spa or The Spa at the Grove Park Inn. At Grove Park, the offerings include an interesting seasonal body treatments (including facials, massages, wraps, manicures and pedicures), that, depending on the season, envelops you in the smells and delights of Asheville. January through March offers chocolate and roses; April to June is mountain mint and rosemary; July to September is a summer citrus delight, and October to December is gingerbread indulgence, to honor the gingerbread house competitions of the holiday season.

-Jessica Castle