Regardless of how many times you’ve been here, travelers can’t help but return to Asheville, North Carolina, time and time again. Once you’ve been exposed—infected—you are destined to be pulled back … like being drawn by some subconscious magnetic force. The source of that magnetism is simple: this city’s singular energy and charisma. This Western North Carolina burg, with a population of around 80,000, is lodged in the mountains but still has a cosmopolitan heart. For instance, this is one of the few places where you can relax in a salt cave before walking around the block to see a street performance staged outside of a five-star restaurant.
The synapse that connects the vast numbers of well-curated oddities that make up the fabric of this town is music. Whether it be street performers, lively venues, or record shops this place knows how to make sounds … and it revels in the echo of its own creations.
Grace Williamson is a travel intern with Paste and a freelance writer based out of Athens, Georgia.
1 of 6
![]()
Woodrow Instrument Company
For over 30 years now, Dan Williams has played and loved instruments, so much so that he decided to create his own. The Woodrow is the product of his labor of love, mixing the sound of the lap dulcimer with that of a guitar. For three years now, Woodrow Instrument Company has sold and made this instrument for innovative musicians looking for an inspired folk sound, including Lady Antebellum who used the Woodrow in their hit song "Long Stretch of Love." Dan has turned his love for music into a family tradition with the Woodrow, sharing the craft with his eldest son, who helps his father with production. Lessons are freely given in the store (if JT Turner is working, he will be happy to present you with a pick from his "pick pocket" to teach you the proper strumming technique) but, if you are not so musically inclined, do not fear—the music is taught in tablature notation, using a system of numbers, similar to learning the harmonica. You'll be playing "My Little Sunshine" with ease in under an hour.
Photo by Grace Williamson
2 of 6
![]()
Skinny Beats Drum Shop
Billy Zanski knows rhythm (and that is coming from someone who does not know rhythm). Skinny Beats Drum Shop is Zanski's rhythm factory, where he uses the power of drums, gongs, crystal singing bowls, and more to make beautiful noise. If ready and willing, take a lesson on the djembe drums Sunday at 2pm or Wednesday at 6pm. Zanski is also in the business of relaxation and meditation; group sound healing sessions occur every Saturday at 11am and Sunday at 12pm where those in attendance can be bathed in the resonating sounds of crystal singing bowls and chimes.
Photo by Grace Williamson
3 of 6
![]()
Echo Mountain Recording Studio
Echo Mountain has recorded sounds from the likes of Dierks Bentley, The Avett Brothers, Zac Brown Band, and White Denim. What was once a beautiful Methodist church in 1926 has been converted into a beautiful, state of the art recording studio that has managed to use every inch of the space to record music—and I mean every space. The bathrooms have been connected to the sound board via tie lines, so artists can use the acoustics of the shower on their tracks (which is where everyone sounds best). The lounge area is complete with a bar, old game systems (Pac Man, Dig Dug, Pin ball, to name a few), a pool table, and a Juke box containing all the albums Echo has recorded. Recently, the studio began a series of podcasts called Echo Sessions , featuring local artists such as Ben Hovey and more. Echo also serves as an office space for those in the business of music, such as studio manager Jessica Tomasin, who is the co-founder of Asheville Music Professionals . In short, Echo Mountain is a haven for musicians.
Photo by Grace Williamson
4 of 6
![]()
The Orange Peel
The Orange Peel Social Aid and Pleasure Club is one of Asheville's most popular music venues. With spectacular lighting and sound equipment, the Peel has become the spot to hear premier musicians—like Lauryn Hill, Mac DeMarco, Cerub and the Floozies, to name a few. The dance floor extends from the stage to the entryway, spread out below a Big Ass Fan that keeps guests cool while they steady rock into the night. If you are in town for a show here, consider staying a couple doors down at Aloft Asheville Downtown .
Photo by Grace Williamson
5 of 6
![]()
Moog Music
Bob Moog's engineering skills are to thank for the incredible synthesizers, analog pedals, and theremins Moog factory has been producing for 60 years. His vision, with the help of musician Herb Deustch, lead to the creation of a more accessible synthesizer including an attached keyboard. The factory, today, operates with about 90 employees equipped in the dealings of making sound. Twice a day, guests can tour the factory at 10:30am and 3:30pm to see the operation behind the curtain where skilled engineers piece together these exceptional machines.
Photo by Grace Williamson
6 of 6
![]()
Isis Restaurant & Music Hall
Isis Restaurant & Music Hall is a combination of three unique venues wrapped into one: a restaurant, an upstairs lounge, and a music hall. In 1937, Isis was a single screen movie theater, but in 1957 it screened its last film. Today, it has the capability of intimate dinners or concerts with 450 people. What makes this venue so special is its ability to host separate realms of entertainment simultaneously. The dining room, located in the front of the building, overlooks Haywood Road with open windows. The stage and concert area in the back of the building with a separate entrance, giving guests the opportunity to have dinner, a show, or both. The lounge is at the top of a spiral staircase, tucked away for a more quieter show setting. Executive Chef Jones creates dishes that can be enjoyed by all, taking every opportunity to use local produce. Isis has made the concept of dinner and a show their own.
Photo by Grace Williamson