Just like in North Georgia, a road trip through Western Carolina requires a full dose of caffeine. But this region has some fantastic coffee shops and really emphasizes local roasters. Best of all, you’ll find them in both the well-known spots, like Asheville, and the smaller towns that surround it.
The Dripolator, Black Mountain
A cozy Black Mountain coffeehouse, The Dripolator, now has additional locations in Candler and three around Asheville. The menu includes coffee classics, like freshly pulled espresso, and creative coffee concoctions. The pastry case is also well-stocked, and there is abundant seating.
Farewell Coffee, Asheville
Asheville has several excellent coffee shops, including Bad Manners, a quirky shop in West Asheville, and Double D’s, set in a converted double-decker bus downtown. But Farewell Coffee is our current fixation in South Slope, which also has tea and wine, with a cheese shop next door.
Visit Asheville has even more recommendations for great coffee shops.
Fox and the Fig, Spruce Pine
Set in charming Spruce Pine, Fox and the Fig is a family-run coffee shop serving Fearless Coffee from Johnson City, Tennessee, with a full menu for breakfast and lunch. Open since 2015, you can enjoy items like a scrambled egg bowl and bagels.
Hatchet Coffee, Boone
The college town roaster has grown from a single-room operation to an airy coffee shop and cafe. Hatchet has house-roasted beans from around the globe incorporated into playful drinks like the cinnamon and honey espresso “Warm Hug,” pictured above, and s’mores latte, plus fresh pastries.
Orchard Coffee, Waynesville
Just a block off Main Street, Orchard Coffee is the perfect treat if you’re passing through Waynesville or staying a while. Grab a fresh-baked pastry while you wait for your drink, including the well-made chai latte. The merch section is also great!
White Moon, Sylva
White Moon is a charming plant-filled cafe in downtown Sylva that operates as a coffee shop by day and, by night, turns into Dark Moon, a trendy cocktail bar with live music. Owned by Jonathan and Jillyn Rutt, you can expect to find fresh-baked pastries, smoothies, and creative drinks like a London Fog and all the coffee favorites.
Looking for more recommendations? Our friends at NC Tripping have you covered!
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