Did you know that Asheville has a champagne used bookstore serving literary cocktails, a queer, feminist co-op bookshop, and a bookseller in a location where they used to auction cows? Clearly, the city is a book lover’s dream that even Rory Gilmore would fan girl over. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I moved here (I’m not kidding).
Below, I’m sharing my favorite bookstores in Asheville, including Malaprop’s and Battery Park Book Exchange. Then, if you don’t mind the day trip, you have to drive to M. Judson Booksellers, As the Page Turns, and Sassafras on Sutton. Let’s fill up your TBR pile!
You might know me from The Uncorked Librarian literary magazine, especially with our popular Uncorked Reading Challenge. After years as a public library professional, I shook up my MLIS degree to become a book blogger and travel writer. Trust me when I say I’m an avid reader.
These are the best Asheville bookstores that I recommend for cool literary gifts, used books, local author events, coffee, new releases, and more. I’ve lived in the heart of Asheville since 2019; all photos are my own. 💙 Christine
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Best Asheville Bookstores
Below are my top 6 bookstores in Asheville. For more books and comics, head to Biblio.com (Online only), Morgan’s Comics, and Comic Envy. The Asheville Mall also has a large Barnes & Noble.
Malaprop’s Bookstore & Cafe
Malaprop’s is my go-to Downtown Asheville bookstore. They host literary and author events and have the best new book release displays. I love their local Asheville, North Carolina, and U.S. South sections, along with shelves for translated literature, which is sometimes harder to find here in the United States (Scotland has my dream bookstores).
Plus, if you are a total sucker for bookish gear like me, shop for astronaut cat notebooks, Shakespeare magnets, and The Little Prince socks. They have an on-site coffee shop, too.
Local Reading Lists & Authors You Might Enjoy
📚 Books Set In Appalachia
📚 Famous NC Authors & Their Books
📚 Books Set In NC To Enhance Your Trip
📚 Local Asheville Authors To Shop For
📚 Armchair Books Set In Asheville & Biltmore Estate
Battery Park Book Exchange
Imagine drinking champagne and literary cocktails in a used bookstore. Sounds heavenly, right? Although a tourist hotspot, do not skip Downtown Asheville’s Battery Park Book Exchange. I promise. This bookstore was part of our short Asheville itinerary that got us to move here.
Located in the beautiful historic Grove Arcade (go to Wake Foot Sanctuary!), sit inside or out. Taste test your way through their impressive wine collection, paired with a delicious charcuterie board. Spend hours perusing the multi-level stacks.
Battery Park Book Exchange hosts live music, readings, and parties. You’ll see small groups meeting for book clubs or celebrations. I highly recommend stopping in on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds.
Firestorm Books
Firestorm Books is one of the most radical and unique bookstores in Asheville. A self-proclaimed queer, feminist collective, this is a worker-owned and self-managed business in the heart of West Asheville. While Firestorm operates like a nonprofit, they are actually a co-op with books and a community space. They host film screenings, workshops, book clubs, and fundraisers. This is a dry and safe space.
Firestorm is not afraid to speak up for the community (and humanity). Their goal is to reflect the needs of marginalized Southern communities. I love their selection of indie books, and I think they do the best job showcasing diverse new book releases.
Downtown Books & News (DBN)
A sister store to Malaprop’s, Downtown Books & News (DBN) is one of the most fun used bookstores in Asheville. They have a bit of everything, including an art gallery, a unique and eclectic book selection, and a newsstand. Inside, spy old movie theater seating, endless bookshelves, and school desks from your childhood. It’s incredibly nostalgic and cozy.
🐮 My favorite fact: this space used to be a shoe store and a jewelry store. Before then, people auctioned off their live cattle here…
Bagatelle Books
One of the smaller Asheville bookstores, Bagatelle Books sits on the lesser-frequented side of Haywood Road in West Asheville. A second-hand bookshop, they buy and sell used and rare books.
While not as plentiful, find a few contemporary books hidden in their collection, but not a ton of new releases. I recommend dropping into Bagatelle Books if you are searching for something special or specific that is harder to find in a mainstream bookstore. It’s neat to walk the stacks and see what you can find.
Orbit DVD
It’s no secret that West Asheville is one of my favorite AVL neighborhoods, and with all of its fantastic quirks, Orbit DVD is a hidden gem. While not solely a bookstore, Murderinos will love Orbit DVD (if you know, you know).
Along with true crime, horror, suspense, supernatural, and thriller titles, find a sizable selection of witchcraft and fantasy books. It’s a niche bookstore, and I am 100% here for it.
Of course, the big draw to Orbit DVD is its massive video game selection, old school and newer. I lost Tom for a bit in here. Also find gaming magazines, consoles, and controllers, along with movies. Orbit DVD sells Funko Pop! and vintage-y momentos. Cozy gaming is my jam.
My Favorite Bookstores Near Asheville Worth The Drive
I could go on and on about where to buy books in Asheville. Not to mention the endless Little Free Libraries in residential areas and library book sales. Not mentioned below but equally worthy, head to Waynesville’s Wall Street Books (used books downtown).
M. Judson Booksellers (Greenville, SC)
I have a confession to make. Since moving to Asheville, my favorite bookstore is actually in Greenville, South Carolina. M. Judson Booksellers is my go-to stop when I’m spending a weekend in Greenville for concerts and off-Broadway shows. Take all of my money.
M. Judson Booksellers hosts blockbuster author talks, has a delicious cafe and wine bar with my favorite fruity vegan treats, and their book selection is incredible. Can we talk about the stunning historic building, friendliest staff, and endless notebooks, gifts, and curated sections for wine lovers, Gilmore Girls fans, and MORE!? M. Judson is worth the hour and twenty-minute drive from Asheville.
As The Page Turns (Travelers Rest, SC)
One of the best used bookstores near Asheville (1 hour+ drive), Hendersonville, and Greenville, I’m pretty in love with As The Page Turns (slightly new location for fall 2025). I trade in most of my books for store credit, which you can use 50% of for each used book purchase.
As The Page Turns also has a smaller new book section with the hottest releases, and I always vibe with their staff picks. I never leave empty-handed, and their staff is the sweetest. If you live nearby, attend a book club or one of their numerous events, including book fairs. I get the most bang for my buck here.
Sassafras On Sutton (Black Mountain, NC)
Black Mountain is one of my favorite nearby mountain towns. About 25 minutes from Asheville, head to Sassafras On Sutton for board games, toys, stuffed animals, and a large children’s book section. I love their downstairs floor for adults, filled with new book releases, LEGOs, the best hobby selection, and fun bookish gear.
You’ll also find a small tea and coffee cafe situated in the middle of endless black book stacks. Outside the second entry/exit toward the back, peruse Sassafras on Sutton’s Little Free Library. I could spend hours here. They have locations in South Carolina and Waynesville, too.
Before You Go, What To Read Next
🌄 Find more indoor things to do
🛍️ See where else I love to shop
Don’t forget French Broad Exchange in beautiful Marshall! Lots of gently used books and vintage clothing in a comfy building on Main Street in Marshall. Take a day and browse the French Broad Exchange and other shops on Main Street, visit Capitola Mill Spa, and sample one of Marshall’s restaurants. Totally worth the 30 minute drive along the river.
Hey Ellen, Yes! We greatly enjoy the French Broad Exchange as well as the comic book store across the street (we run two pieces on Marshall with both of them in it as well as their terrific restaurants). We honestly love Marshall. The newly converted jail and Sadie’s is wonderful, and we hike the Laurel River Trail out that way too. We can never skip Madison Natural Foods (so many good finds!), and the brewery has great outdoor seating. I haven’t tried the spa yet. Thanks so much for the suggestions.
Love this list!
Adventure Bound Books in downtown Morganton is amazing. The owner is passionate about creating an inclusive environment and does a number of things for the community. Be sure to sign up for ABB’s newsletter. Wonderful selection of new and used books. Short walk to parking, food, and coffee. One hour east of Asheville—totally worth it! Visit nearby Lake James and Fonta Flora Trail.
Thanks so much for sharing, Tracey. We love that area.
As a retired Librarian, I enjoyed the article on area bookstores. I’d like mention another one, Books for Good, located in Fletcher, NC. Here’s their website,
http://www.booksforgoodinc.com/
And a quote from the website
“Western North Carolina’s most unique book store.
Located off I-26 in Fletcher between Asheville and Hendersonville,
we sell items (mostly used books) to benefit donor-specified charities.”
If you donate books, you choose which charity will benefit from the proceeds. The volunteers are great, the selection is extensive and the prices are good!
Thanks!
Hey Barbara,
Thanks so much for the extra bookstore recommendation and more information about it. We – and our readers – appreciate it.
Much missed is the late great Accent on Books in north Asheville on Merrimon Ave (in the lower end of the shopping center across from Ingles.)
It was locally owned and runned independent book store that was in the same location for 30 years before the owners retired.
Not as smug and self satisfied as Malaprop’s (and which a much friendlier staff) it was a go to place for fiction, non fiction, regional books, etc. including a superb children’s section and a top notch theology section. My book shopping has never been the same since it closed in 2014. Somebody bring it back!
Awww; we were not here for Accent on Books, but that’s a total bummer. It sounds amazing. I know the plaza you mean. Dang it!
So glad to get your newsletter. My husband, our Portuguese water dog , and I are moving permanently to Asheville the end of July, and we have lots to learn about all the offerings. We were there for 5 weeks in March just as things were closing down. Thanks for all the local info. Kate
Hey Kate, Thanks so much! I am so glad to be back at it. Congrats on the move to Asheville, too. I hope you love it as much as we do. Never hesitate to reach out or email if you have questions. Asheville is changing up a bit these days with the pandemic, but there is still plenty to see and do outside. You’ll be right in time for a gorgeous fall. Welcome!
I love love love exploring & discovering new bookshops, so this post was such a fun read for me!! There’s something so magical & wonderful about bookstores. The Captain’s Bookshelf sounds lovely & I think it’s just my kind of bookstore!
I love bookstores so much, too! Thank you. The Captain’s Bookshelf is fun to wander around in.
These bookstores look and sound amazing. Whenever I travel, I always make sure to look for any bookstore to hit in all of the towns and cities I will be in or near. I love discovering locally owned stores that often have significantly different stock than the big box stores, plus it’s nice to support smaller local businesses. I would totally visit all of these stores if I ever made it to Ashville.
Me too! I love hunting for bookstores and just wandering upon them while traveling. You right: it feels great to support local businesses while traveling, too. You’d love the Asheville bookstores. They are all so different.
Book stores! Ah, so nice to see a city with so many book stores and even one that serves actual drinks.
Sadly, most of our book stores have closed down. There are a couple of popular ones in Downtown Los Angeles that people go just to take photos in. I do have a Vromans by me that is also quite popular in the neighborhood.
I can’t wait to visit Ashville to visit a couple of these on the list. I definitely need to make it to Battery Park Book Exchange. Sounds like a blast.
I know! I love that for one of the smaller US cities, we have so many great bookstores within downtown Asheville and the surrounding areas.
I’m hoping that since these big ones have been around for a while, that they will remain open once the pandemic dies down. We’ve seen so many great stores close recently. It’s devastating.
Yesssss, I’ve seen the pictures from some of the more famous bookstores there. It’s kind of funny that people go just for pictures…IG!!! lol
You’ll love Asheville!