Interior shot of Grove Arcade's southern hall
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Grove Arcade

4.3
·761 reviews·Asheville, United States

A historic 1929 architectural gem in downtown Asheville, offering unique shops, cafes, and a taste of old-world charm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Interior shot of Grove Arcade's southern hall

Grove Arcade

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 1929 architectural gem in downtown Asheville, offering unique shops, cafes, and a taste of old-world charm.

4.3
(761 reviews)

"The interior of the building is breathtaking. Definitely worth walking around inside."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Architecture Photo Ops

The building's stunning design is a photographer's dream. Capture the details!

🛍️ Support Local

Many shops feature local artisans and unique goods. Great for souvenirs!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 778 reviews

Type

Business Center

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning Architecture

Stunning Architecture

Throughout the building

Marvel at the 1929 European-inspired design, complete with ornate details, spiral staircases, and a glass roof.

Bebette's Beignets

Bebette's Beignets

First floor

Indulge in delicious beignets, a taste of New Orleans right in Asheville.

Instagram
Battery Park Book Exchange

Battery Park Book Exchange

First floor

A cozy spot for book lovers, offering a unique literary escape with champagne and champagne bar.

Instagram
Local Artisan Shops

Local Artisan Shops

First floor

Discover unique gifts and local crafts from a variety of independent boutiques.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the crowds by visiting on weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends and evenings can get busy, making it harder to explore the shops and admire the architecture.

Parking Pointers

Downtown Asheville parking can be tricky. Consider the Cherry Street lot or other garages, but be aware of potential costs and safety concerns, especially at night. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Rainy days
Why
Perfect indoor escape
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Get in! We're going shopping #asheville #grovearcade
@visitasheville
171.8K likes • 5.5M views

📸 Architecture Photo Ops

The building's stunning design is a photographer's dream. Capture the details! Instagram+1

🛍️ Support Local

Many shops feature local artisans and unique goods. Great for souvenirs! TikTok

Next time you’re in Asheville, North Carolina, make sure you stop by the Grove arcade, which is one of the oldest malls in the United States #architecture #asheville #avl #northcarolina #visitnc #creatorsearchinsights
@thecltea
22.4K likes • 214.4K views
Grove Arcade – Asheville’s Original Mall 🏛️ Built in 1929 by E.W. Grove, Grove Arcade is a historic landmark in downtown Asheville, blending ornate architecture, rich history, and a vibrant mix of shops & restaurants. Whether you’re exploring local artisans, unique boutiques, or dining at top-notch eateries, this iconic spot offers a true Asheville experience. A Hub for Locals & Visitors Histori...
carolinabucketlist
4.2K likes • 307.7K views

☕ Coffee & Treats

Grab a coffee or a sweet treat from one of the charming cafes inside. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore All Floors

While the first floor is retail, don't miss the upper floors for a different perspective. Reddit

😍✨ Have you guys seen this STUNNING vintage mall located in the heart of downtown Asheville? @grovearcade This place is a true hidden gem and it is a must visit for everyone! The inside is absolutely breathtaking with historic architecture, antique mailboxes, beautiful spiral staircases and more!! Plus, here you can shop local goods and there is plenty of amazing restaurants in the area to eat a...
raleighwanderlust
2.8K likes • 69.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Architecture Photo Ops

The building's stunning design is a photographer's dream. Capture the details! Instagram+1

🛍️ Support Local

Many shops feature local artisans and unique goods. Great for souvenirs! TikTok

☕ Coffee & Treats

Grab a coffee or a sweet treat from one of the charming cafes inside. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore All Floors

While the first floor is retail, don't miss the upper floors for a different perspective. Reddit

🚗 Parking Strategy

Downtown parking can be challenging; research options beforehand. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(761 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Grove Arcade's breathtaking architecture and unique atmosphere, calling it a must-see in downtown Asheville. While the selection of shops is noted as small, the quality of artisan goods and dining options like Bebette's Beignets are highly appreciated. Some find the upper floors less engaging, and parking can be a challenge.

"The interior of the building is breathtaking. Definitely worth walking around inside. There are several cute boutiques and unique stores. The upper floor is full of offices. This is a great place for good photos, getting a unique gift, or just to get in the AC while exploring downtown Asheville."

Avery Waters

"It’s a beautiful building, but you can’t access any of the upper floors. And the bottom floor doesn’t have much of anything at all. A few boutiques but that’s it. Don’t let your kids be fooled, the building may be called “arcade” but there is nothing similar to an arcade for kids to play games. The only part interesting about this building is the architecture, not worth stopping off of the Trolley Tour either so don’t waste your time unless you just want to look at the architecture for 2 minutes and walk up and down the street at all of the shops."

Brittany LaPrade

"Beautiful shopping mall with beautiful architecture. The shopping mall is very small with few shops, but the place looks beautiful. Not much to do in the mall, there are no major flagship stores, but the mall looks wonderful. There are cafes and some specialty stores around the mall, but that’s it. The area around the mall is enjoyable for walking.

Parking around the mall isn’t free, and the space is quite difficult to find, even in weekdays."

Daniel Judah

What People Like

Stunning architecture
Unique artisan shops
Delicious beignets

What People Dislike

Limited shop selection
Difficult parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Grove Arcade is located in the heart of downtown Asheville, making it easily accessible by foot if you're staying nearby. If driving, there are several parking garages and street parking options in the vicinity, though they can be competitive. Reddit

Yes, the Grove Arcade is a common stop on Asheville's trolley tours and is accessible via local bus routes that serve the downtown area. Reddit

Parking can be challenging. The Cherry Street lot is an option, but many visitors recommend exploring other downtown garages or street parking, especially if arriving during peak times. Be mindful of parking hours and rates. Reddit

Absolutely! If your hotel is in downtown Asheville, the Grove Arcade is likely within easy walking distance, allowing you to soak in the city's atmosphere. TikTok

The main retail floor is generally accessible. Elevators are available to access other levels, though some older architectural elements might present minor challenges. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Grove Arcade itself is free. You only pay for purchases made at the shops or restaurants within. TikTok

The building's common areas are typically open daily, but individual shop and restaurant hours can vary. It's best to check the Grove Arcade's official website or individual business hours before your visit. TikTok

There is no admission fee to enter and explore the Grove Arcade. It's a public space designed for shopping and sightseeing. TikTok

The Grove Arcade also houses apartments, but these are private residences and not accessible to the public for tours. Reddit

The Grove Arcade occasionally hosts events, especially around holidays. Check their local listings or social media for any upcoming happenings. TikTok

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

You'll find a curated selection of local artisan shops, boutiques, specialty stores, and cafes. It's known for unique gifts and local crafts rather than large chain stores. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the Grove Arcade features several dining options, including cafes and restaurants. Bebette's Beignets and Carmels are popular choices. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The arcade is a fantastic place to find unique gifts, from handmade jewelry and art to specialty food items and books. TikTokInstagram

Many visitors rave about the beignets from Bebette's. Coffee shops and bakeries also offer delightful treats. Instagram

Yes, it's an excellent spot for souvenir shopping, offering locally made items that reflect Asheville's unique culture. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The entire interior is a photo opportunity! Focus on the ornate staircases, wrought-iron railings, antique mailboxes, and the light filtering through the glass roof. Instagram+1

Generally, casual photography is welcome. For professional shoots, it's advisable to contact the Grove Arcade management beforehand to inquire about any policies or permits. Reddit

The unique architecture and natural light make it a beautiful backdrop for portraits, especially during quieter times. Instagram

Morning light can be beautiful, especially if you can capture the sunbeams through the glass roof. Weekday mornings offer fewer distractions. Instagram

While casual photography is usually fine, be respectful of shoppers and businesses. Avoid blocking pathways or using flash extensively in small shops. Reddit

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