Visiting Local Thrift Stores, Part Two
Trinity Larsen | October 28, 2025
Students can find not only great thrift stores in downtown Black Mountain and the surrounding Asheville area, but also vintage stores. Vintage stores are often specifically curated, boasting themed objects and clothes which tend to be pricier. Below are a few beautiful, local vintage stores I visited where students might have the joy of finding a hidden treasure during their browsing.
Black Mountain Vintage
Located on a side street in downtown Black Mountain, this funky vintage oasis is roughly 15 minutes from Warren Wilson College (WWC). This was my second time visiting and I was happy to see they had rotated their selection of clothing from my first visit.
The clothes and jewelry are outsourced from other local vintage companies with the exception of their handmade candles, scents and mugs.
At the entrance, I fell prey to the gorgeously made earrings and bracelets and, of course, the 70’s vinyl section. Moving into the store, I noticed a curated theme with the jackets and sweaters being “warm and cuddly”. Most pieces sold for $20-$40, which is expensive, but for a good quality vintage piece seems worth the price. On this visit, I delightfully noticed the shirts and tank tops which had cool centipedes and bug graphics displayed in a room off to the side, adding to the store’s aesthetic. There was a good-sized jean selection, with a variety of colors and styles to choose from. Two neatly kept changing rooms are located towards the back.
Be warned, there is a room past the dressing rooms with sheepskin for sale.
I would recommend Black Mountain Vintage to anyone who gets cold easily and has a little bit more to spend on a piece that will last. I would also come again just to browse their new rotations.
My one tip for shoppers is if you see an item that you find cool and are considering purchasing it, do it because it most likely won’t be there for much longer.
The Curiosity Shoppe
This creatively funky store can also be found in downtown Black Mountain, tucked behind two restaurants, “The Trailhead Restaurant" and “Hell or High Water”. Inside, shoppers will find unique vintage nick knacks, jewelry and a few items of clothing. Some jewelry and antique pieces are priced as low as $15 while others, like some of the rings, are $120. I purchased a blue floral scarf and I’m confident it will be just enough flare to add to any bohemian outfit.
One thing that I enjoyed was hearing indie music from their speakers as I was looking around and shopping, as it added to my experience immensely.
I would recommend this quaint store to shoppers who may be collecting vintage items or who want to add a bit of whimsy to their outfits or dorm space.
Tip for shoppers is to spend time exploring all of the nooks and crannies in the store, despite it seeming like a small cramped space, there are goodies hiding.
The Enchanted Forest
On the outskirts of downtown Asheville, students will find this small but magical women’s consignment store. It’s about a 15 minute drive from WWC and I experienced a bit of difficulty getting there so I advise students who plan on visiting to be patient with an unfamiliar GPS route.
The Enchanted Forest feels like walking into a fairytale forest, with sections categorized by vibrant colors and handmade jewelry displayed around every corner. All of the store’s vintage clothing is outsourced. Prices for their clothes range from $25 to $70, which is slightly expensive but like other local vintage stores, the price reflects the quality. The store’s clearance rack in the back showcases the same quality items, but some are priced as low as $5. The store does provide two dressing rooms. Their style of clothing is unique with their being mostly jackets and sweaters decorated with gems and fantasy-inspired designs stitched onto the clothes.
I would recommend this vintage consignment shop to students who are looking to add one or two bedazzled pieces of clothing to their wardrobe. My one tip for shoppers visiting The Enchanted Forest is not to be afraid to walk through the store multiple times. There's a lot packed into such a tight space, it’s easy to overlook certain items such as the belts and shoes that are scattered around.
Happy shopping! Comment if you would visit one of these vintage stores!