January in Asheville? Explore these Indoor Hidden Treasures

As we countdown to the New Year, we look forward to a time of rest and Asheville is the perfect place to get cozy by a fireplace and enjoy Asheville's indoor nooks and crannies.  

January 2024 Scoop:

• Asheville's Indoor Hidden Treasures
• Warm Up - Cozy Fireplaces
• Specials from our Innkeepers to Help You Hibernate
• Asheville's Restaurant Week & Taste of Asheville

January in Asheville? Explore these Indoor Hidden Treasures

Face it. Not all of us are cut out for a winter in the great outdoors. Some of us would prefer to experience the wilds of the great indoors. We like to call these folks “rugged indoorists.” They’re the people who seek out indoor adventures with a twist. They opt for the glass of champagne or mocha latte over the outdoor water purifier. They prefer to bury their nose in a book by the fire as opposed to their head in the snow. Now, don’t get us wrong. We love the outdoors; we just think rugged indoorists deserve their time in the sun too. 

Eclectic Book Stores, Coffee Shops and other Curiosities 

Downtown Books and News: This book lover’s dream spot is open 365 days a year. From the weird to the wonderful – the staff here has a penchant for the metaphysical and occult, hippie how-to, homesteading and self-sufficiency, Eastern medicine, magazines, newspapers, beautifully- illustrated tomes, and Easton and Franklin Press leather-bound editions. Visitors can also peruse a funky collection of crafts from local artists. So, grab a book and then head over to Izzy’s Coffee Den, a cozy, art-filled coffee shop located just across the street, and enjoy a few chapters in one of Asheville’s iconic caffeine booster locales. 

Malaprops Bookstore/Café: From the moment you walk in the door, it’s evident that these folks love their books. And book lovers don’t have to go far for a great pastry or cup of joe as the book shelves share a space with a lovely, little café. You’ll find a great selection of local authors as well as off the beaten path bestsellers. The “Staff Picks” section is always a great place to start your intellectual journey and their “Books Undercover” section may be the most popular part of the store. Staff chooses books they think fly under the radar, and cloak them in mystery. Intrigued? We thought so. 

Mr. K’s Used Books: This East Asheville spot is an independent, family-owned bookstore. They buy, sell and trade. While the atmosphere here is a bit more like a library than a cozy bookstore, book lovers are sure to find something to entertain as they have books in just about every category imaginable from comic books and graphic novels to manga and anime. Afterwards, treat yourself to a brew at Asheville’s original brewery – Highland Brewing – less than a mile away. Their Nutz and Voltz Coconut Coffee Porter is sure to speak to your indoor spirit. 

Comic Envy: Comic book aficionados will revel in the comic book selections at this North Asheville comic book shop. They carry stock single issues and cater to collectors. The staff knows their stuff and loves to chat with shop visitors about what they’re reading and collecting. They’re always happy to help you find a new story or that last missing issue. And one of the best things about this shop is that it’s located next door to one of the few pizza places in town – Del Vecchios – where you can get just one slice. Now, that’s pretty nice. 

Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar: You don’t have to be a book lover to fall in love with this place, but after a glass of wine – or two – you’ll probably be looking for your glasses to find out what lurks down those winding paths of pages. They have a wonderful collection of books about North Carolina, American History, the Civil War and the American South. They serve coffee and pastries and the wine list features more than 80 selections and changes often. Enjoy a cheeseboard or the local trout dip too. And after you’ve had your fill, you may want to head over to Wake Foot Sanctuary for a relaxing foot soak and massage. It’s located in the same building, just a few steps away. 

Firestorm Books: If you’re looking for something a bit more radical, this is the bookstore for you. Worker-owned and collectively operated since 2008, Firestorm books is located in West Asheville, one of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods. It’s mission statement says it all: “Firestorm’s mission is to demonstrate the feasibility and desirability of a workplace based on free cooperation. We seek to sustain and nourish our collective through fulfilling work, personal empowerment and equitable compensation while providing a hub for anarchist thought and culture in WNC.” And, for a unique coffee experience, head over to Forage, it’s a botanical coffee shop located inside Flora – a retail plant shop that will inspire your green thumb – inside or out. 

Winter Time Innkeeper Specials

We have a few winter time specials to help your Asheville hibernation visit. From a fun way to kick off 2024 with a Drag Brunch and dinner performances, to a free night stay on Leap Day, February 29th, to added discounts on already existing specials for March, we've got you.  Check out all the latest winter specials here.

Cozy Fireplaces

Baby it’s cold outside, so sitting by a cozy fire sounds like just the thing. Many of our member bed and breakfasts have wonderful fireplaces in both main areas and in most bedrooms where you can enjoy that newly-purchased or loved book. Here are just a few:   

Abbington Green: This award-winning Inn features working fireplaces in all the rooms so you can enjoy the warm ambiance in the privacy of your own room. 

Bent Creek Lodge: Read your book or play a game of pool while you linger by their crackling fireplace. 

Cedar Crest Inn: This inn is closest to the Biltmore Estate and many of its rooms are equipped with working fireplaces. 

Pinecrest: This property dates back to 1905 and all guest rooms have fireplaces – one gas and the remaining electric. 

Reynolds Mansion: This is one of the few remaining pre Civil War homes in Western North Carolina and when you think of fireplaces... this one has 12!

1899 Wright Inn - In the parlor or in the beautiful bedrooms, you'll find inviting fireplaces in this authentically restored 1899 Queen Anne Victorian Mansion.

And when – and if – you decide to venture outside your comfy Asheville bed and breakfast and you wish to see two VERY LARGE fireplaces (really BIG), the Omni Grove Park Inn is the quintessential spot to relax by the fire. There are two grand fireplaces in its Great Hall – one real wood and the other gas. Rocking chairs are lined up for guests to enjoy and January tends to be a less busy time to visit, so you may be lucky enough to snag a spot. One of the resort’s eateries, Edison Craft Ales + Kitchen, also has a fireplace, so if you make a reservation, ask for a spot nearby. 

Spending time in Historic Biltmore Village, then plan on dinner at the Red Stag Grill. Make sure to arrive a little early or stay a little late, so you can bask in the glow of their rustic, yet elegant fireplace. 

Winter Food Scene

While you explore the many books, nooks and cafe and warm crannies of Asheville, you'll probably work up an appetite.  Explore around our culinary scene with Asheville's Restaurant Week, January 16 - 22 where many local restaurants offer special menus and winter deals.  To learn more and see list of participating restaurants, click here.

And, if you're planning an early February trip, then get your ticket to February 1st Taste of Asheville (which usually sells out), an annual culinary tradition hosted by Asheville Independent Restaurant Association and featuring 60+ participating restaurants and chefs, local breweries, wineries and cheese providers.

So, are you ready for your indoor adventure? We’re waiting for you. 

The Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association is a collection of diverse Bed & Breakfasts located in Asheville, North Carolina and the surrounding area. Check out our Specials (updated monthly) and don't forget your Cookbook, a perfect way to take a little of our hospitality with you.