Chocolate Croissant and Coffee at Fletcher Village Bakery in Fletcher, North Carolina

Western North Carolina is the most beautiful region in the state of North Carolina. With easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, plus hundreds of miles of hiking trails and 200+ jaw dropping waterfalls, it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise. A number of attractive small towns populate the region. Most of these towns are home to a quaint Main Street which is lined with unique restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops. Some of the best coffeeshops I have discovered in my travels over the years have not been in big city, but rather Main Street. No reason to hit a major chain when there are so many local businesses to support. Check out a few of my favorite local coffeeshops throughout the WNC region.

1. High Five

Location: Asheville

Everything Bagel with veggie cream cheese at High Five Coffee in Asheville, North Carolina

This wonderful Asheville favorite is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious bagel and drink before checking out the shops and galleries downtown. In addition to a popular downtown location, there is another scenic location on the riverfront in the small town of Woodfin, as well as a cafe in the quiet Five Montford neighborhood. High Five brews Counter Culture coffee, an award-winning roaster based out of Durham. The highlight of the menu is the delicious bagels and homemade cream cheese. Bagels are seeded on both sides which adds an extra bit of crunch and flavor. Visit the flagship Broadway Street cafe which features a beautiful brick patio and tranquil setting.

2. Quotations Coffee Cafe

Location: Brevard

Bagel with veggie cream cheese and an Americano at Quotations Coffee Cafe in Brevard, North Carolina

This local gem is located along Main Street in charming downtown Brevard. Inside, the seating is spacious with big windows overlooking the downtown. The breezy patio is ideal for people watching during the warmer months. The laid-back vibe makes this the perfect cafe to relax with a great drink and a light snack prior to exploring the beautiful “Land of Waterfalls.” Hundreds of gorgeous waterfalls are located within an easy drive of the city. Start your morning off right with a delicious cup of coffee (this cafe also features premier Counter Culture). Food selections include bagels, sandwiches, and pastries.

  • What to try: Americano, Blueberry Muffin, Bagel with veggie cream cheese
  • What to do nearby: Hike to beautiful Courthouse Falls, a secluded gem. Or, opt to enjoy the roadside beauty, Looking Glass (no hike required).
  • Address: 147 E Main St, Brevard, NC 28712

3. Fletcher Village Bakery

Location: Fletcher

Strawberry Danish at Fletcher Bakery Cafe in WNC

This off-the-radar gem is a quick drive from Asheville but feels a world’s away. Here, you can enjoy great coffee (Counter Culture once again) minus the insane tourist crowds of Asheville. The original location (Flat Rock Village Bakery) receives more traffic, making the Fletcher location ideal for anyone seeking a quieter experience. The seating area is spacious and never overcrowded. The coffee is delicious (and includes one free refill!) and the pastries are so amazing.. So many goodies here daily – I love the seasonal danishes! Also serving a full breakfast/lunch menu. Fresh baked breads available daily. Bonus – they work with many local healthy companies! Be on the lookout for half price day old pastries and bread. As a resident of nearby Arden, I enjoyed many morning trips here followed by a walk at beautiful Fletcher Park.

  • What to try: Chocolate Croissant, Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish, Cinnamon Roll
  • What to do nearby: Take a stroll around Fletcher Park
  • Address: 235 St John Rd Suite 70, Fletcher, NC 28732

4. All Day Darling

Location: Asheville

Shashuka and Americano at All Day Darling in Asheville, North Carolina

This hidden gem in Asheville’s quaint Montford neighborhood stays pretty quiet due to its’ secluded location outside the downtown core. Featuring a beautiful patio, delicious coffee from Counter Culture, a variety of specialty drinks (try the Hemp Latte) and a diverse food menu, All Day is definitely one of the top independent coffee shops in a city known for its’ many great options. Many delicious pastries (muffins and croissants) and a full breakfast menu can be enjoyed. The Shakshuka, a Middle Eastern dish consisting of poached eggs in a savory tomato based sauce, is the winner here. Take a seat on the shaded patio and enjoy a full breakfast before hitting the Parkway.

  • What to try: Shashuka, Blueberry Muffin, Bagel sandwich
  • What to do nearby: Check out the bonsai garden at the NC Arboretum and then enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Blue Ridge Parkway (entrance adjacent to the arboretum). Lots of fantastic overlooks near Asheville.
  • Address: 102 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

5. The Dripolator

Location: Black Mountain

Pumpkin Bread and coffee at The Dripolator in Black Mountain, North Carolina

Located along the small Main street of Black Mountain lies a popular local coffee shop known as The Dripolator. The prime setting amongst many local businesses and shops in the historic district makes it an ideal breakfast stop. The vibe here is very cozy and comfortable – a great place for meeting up with friends or relaxing on a weekend morning. Beans are roasted on-site for the freshest product. Note that their coffee is pretty strong, but also quite tasty. Food options include bagels and an assortment of homemade pastries. Lots of interesting drinks on the menu including a Stress Away Latte (Latte plus a shot of CBD oil) and Mayan Mocha (local chocolate, cayenne, and cinnamon).

  • What to try: Americano, Pumpkin Bread
  • What to do nearby: Check out Europa, a European gift specialty shop. Take a stroll around Lake Tomahawk.
  • Address: 221 W State St, Black Mountain, NC 28711