Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, the Asheville area attracts newcomers for its astounding quality of life, low crime rate and welcoming entrepreneurial environment. Known for its culinary delights, history, architecture, natural settings and as a Mecca for adventure lovers, Asheville has something for everyone. 
Whether your ideal Asheville visit takes you gallery hopping on Broadway, antique shopping in Biltmore Village, trekking along the Appalachian Trail, or to a downtown show at a rock club named one of the top five in the country by Rolling Stone Magazine, the Asheville area has something guaranteed to delight every visitor. Don’t just take our word for it…experience it for yourself. 
Ask almost any Chamber member why they are a member and they’ll tell you—in Asheville, it’s the most important way to meet people and grow your business. As North Carolina’s third largest Chamber, the Asheville Chamber includes more than 2,000 businesses, organizations and coalitions. Members know the value a membership provides. Find out how members find value with the Asheville Chamber. 
Look at snapshots from Chamber events and view videos of Chamber programming and events. 
Meet and connect with the leadership team that sets goals and leads the activities of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. 
Young Professionals of Asheville (YPA) is a non-profit organization focused on connecting young professionals through community and social events. Get involved and learn more about opportunities for business networking, professional development, service through volunteering, leadership training and social events. 
Do you have questions about the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce? Are you wondering where we are located, what we do, or how to find photos of the Asheville area? We’ve listed answers to our most frequently asked questions here. 
The Asheville region has expertise in several dynamic talent driven industries. Local businesses, educational programs, and community leaders are working in collaboration to nurture and grow these targeted sectors. 
Many businesses are thriving in Asheville and yours could be next. Here are a few of the local businesses making headlines recently. 
Consider the Economic Development staff your one-stop resource for connecting to the Asheville community. Find a complete list of staff available to help you plan the next phase of your business. 
Asheville’s economy and industry is constantly evolving. Keep up to date on the latest industry announcements and plans here. Contact the EDC staff if your company has exciting news to share with the community. 
Shop
Shopping
From cosmopolitan to kitschy, Asheville has all the shopping one could ask for. And, shopping isn’t a chore in the Asheville region, as so much shopping in the Asheville area is available through locally owned merchants and vendors. The Asheville area offers diverse galleries, boutiques and cooperatives, many of which feature handmade items. You’ll find a requisite antique district along Lexington and Biltmore Avenues, and many other antique shopping opportunities dot the region.
The Asheville Visitor Center also houses a fully stocked gift shop, perfect for finding souvenirs and gifts for friends and relatives. Stop in The Asheville Shop at 36 Montford Avenue. Here are a few shopping destinations that are attractions in and of themselves:
Grove Arcade
Check out the Grove Arcade Public Market, an architecturally stunning building that sits on an entire city block. Built in 1929, the Grove Arcade was one of Asheville’s first “malls” before the building was taken over by the federal government during WWII as part of the war effort. Now returned to the public sector, the market hums with business at its locally-owned boutiques, craft galleries, jewelry stores, restaurants and fresh food vendors.
Craft Heritage Trails
This section defies the word district, as artists and crafters are tucked away in hills and vales all across Western North Carolina. But if you’re up for the drive, it’s worth it, and we have just the book to guide you. The Craft Heritage Trails book outlines shops and studios as well as eateries and extras such as hiking trails with details, descriptions and maps. The book is available at The Asheville Shop in the Chamber’s Visitor Center.
River Arts District
The River Arts District is an enclave of creativity in an old industrial area lining the French Broad River. You’ll see warehouses turned art studios, where visitors can watch artists and crafters at work. Not to be missed are the district’s studio strolls on weekends twice a year.
Farmers’ Markets
If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Western North Carolina, look no further than one of the many farmers’ markets that make this region so yummy to live and visit. One of five large farmer’s markets owned by the state of North Carolina, the WNC Farmer’s Market is situated on a 36-acre site with views of the mountains and Biltmore. It’s open seven days a week, all year-round. Many other independent farmers’ markets can be found, including the Asheville City Market, the North Asheville Tailgate Market (Asheville’s oldest farmer’s market) and the Black Mountain Farmer’s Market, just to name a few. The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project keeps a list of farmer’s and tailgate market openings and locations.
Biltmore Park Town Square
A stroll down this planned community connects you with exciting shopping, lively restaurants, cafes, spas and health clubs. National retailers like REI and Barnes & Noble can be found in this chic part of town.
Small Town Shopping
Take time to explore the funky shops in West Asheville, the friendly-feel of small town Weaverville, the quaint charm and great antique and craft shopping in Black Mountain, as well as picturesque shopping on the tree-lined cobblestone streets of Biltmore Village. Hendersonville offers nostalgic ice cream parlors and Dancing Bear Toys….every kid’s dream toy store.