Beyond the T-Shirt: Thoughtful Asheville Souvenirs with Heart
When you visit Asheville this summer, there’s no shortage of gift shops selling t-shirts and magnets—but if you’re seeking something truly special to remember your trip (or share with a loved one), explore these locally rooted, meaningful souvenirs that go beyond the ordinary. Many of these finds do more than just delight; they give back to our community or offer an immersive experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Spice Things Up (and Give Back)
Food lovers can bring home the flavor of Asheville with the Spicewalla x Asheville Chefs Collection, featuring ten custom spice blends created by local chefs, including Meherwan Irani and Katie Button. Even better? Proceeds support ongoing hurricane relief efforts in Western North Carolina. Pair the spices with the companion cookbook filled with stories and recipes, making this a souvenir that gives twice—once to your taste buds, and again to your community. $15 of every purchase will be donated to Blue Ridge Public Radio, Manna Foodbank, and Homeward Bound as they continue to support the western North Carolina community post Hurricane-Helene.
Glass with Purpose
Step into Lexington Glassworks, just south of Pack Square, where local artisans hand-blow seasonal glass tumblers right before your eyes. Their summer limited edition tumbler isn’t just beautiful—it’s also charitable. Proceeds from sales benefit MountainTrue, a nonprofit protecting the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge region. Choose one as a vibrant, functional keepsake that holds a memory—and maybe your evening cocktail, too.
Innkeeper Dan says “Everything tastes better in a Lexington Glass tumbler in the garden at Pinecrest!”
Design Your Own Greenery
At The Green Room, creativity and plants go hand-in-hand. Join one of their DIY terrarium workshops where you’ll design your own living work of art with mosses, succulents, and handpicked décor. It’s an engaging way to spend a couple of hours, and your finished terrarium is a long-lasting souvenir to brighten your space at home.
Beyond terrariums, the Green Room also has a selection of local art, house plants, air plants, moss balls, and cut flowers plus just about anything you need to care for plants This little shop is a tucked around the corner on Rankin Avenue.
Sip and Savor
For a sophisticated souvenir, book a wine and chocolate pairing at Marked Tree Vineyards’ Asheville Tasting Room, a hidden gem tucked off Biltmore Avenue. Enjoy thoughtfully curated local chocolate alongside their signature wines, then take home your favorite bottle to relive the moment—or gift it to someone who couldn’t make the trip.
Our personal favorite from the wine tasting was 2023 Vidal Blanc but the star of the show was the Pistachio Basil Truffle from Chocolate Fetish: white chocolate ganache infused with garden fresh basil blended with finely chopped pistachios then hand dipped in dark chocolate.
Soul Food and Storytelling
Plan a lunch at Good Hot Fish, a downtown eatery redefining Southern seafood. Chef Ashleigh Shanti, a James Beard Award winner, draws from her African American Appalachian heritage in both the kitchen and her newly released cookbook, My South. Recently recognized for excellence in foodways writing, the book is a perfect way to carry the culture and stories of Asheville home with you.
More to Discover Downtown
Looking for more treasures? Browse Horse + Hero for handmade art and prints by Appalachian makers, or stop into East Fork to take home pottery that’s both modern and deeply regional. For a sweet and purposeful find, visit Asheville Bee Charmer to sample local honey at their downtown tasting bar and pick up unique gifts that support Appalachian bees and beekeepers.
Why Stay at Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast
At the end of your shopping and sightseeing, retreat to Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast, your serene home base in the Montford Historic District. Just a short walk or drive from all of downtown’s best offerings, our charming inn offers homemade breakfasts, inviting gardens, and personalized hospitality. After a day filled with meaningful discoveries, we’re here to make sure your Asheville experience ends with a warm welcome—and maybe a few ideas for what to take home next time.
Want help booking a workshop or vineyard tasting in advance? Let Dan & Diane know—we’re happy to help you make the most of your summer stay when you Book Now at Pinecrest.