841 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804, USA
For those of us living in North Carolina, especially in the vibrant and eclectic city of Asheville, discovering unique local businesses is part of what makes our community so special. Among these treasures is Asheville Raven and Crone, a bookstore that offers far more than just titles on shelves. It's a true "gem," as one delighted customer described it, a sanctuary for seekers, practitioners, and curious minds interested in the metaphysical, spiritual, and occult. This is not your average bookshop; it's a dedicated space for "Old Age" metaphysical supplies, making it a distinctive and invaluable resource right here in our backyard.
Asheville Raven and Crone stands out as a unique establishment in North Carolina. While many bookstores focus on mainstream literature, this particular shop caters to a specific and growing interest in spirituality, witchcraft, and ancient wisdom. It provides a carefully curated selection of books that delve into these fascinating subjects, alongside a wide array of tools and materials to support personal practice and exploration. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or simply beginning your journey into these realms, the store aims to be a welcoming and informative haven.
The atmosphere at Asheville Raven and Crone is consistently praised for being "beyond welcoming." This friendly and inclusive environment is crucial for a store of its nature, encouraging visitors to explore without intimidation. It's a place where you can feel comfortable asking questions, Browse at your leisure, and connecting with a community of like-minded individuals. The focus here is on providing quality products and genuine service, ensuring that every visit is a positive and enriching experience. For North Carolinians, particularly those in the Asheville area, having such a specialized and supportive store accessible locally is a significant advantage, saving trips to larger cities or relying solely on online purchases for these unique items. It truly is a testament to Asheville's reputation as a hub for diverse spiritual and artistic pursuits.
Location and Accessibility
Asheville Raven and Crone is conveniently situated at 640 Merrimon Ave #207, Asheville, NC 28804, USA. This address places it within a easily accessible commercial area in Asheville, making it a prime location for both local residents and visitors exploring our wonderful city. Merrimon Avenue is a well-known thoroughfare, simplifying navigation for anyone looking to find the store.
Being located in a suite within a larger building, it offers a sense of a hidden gem, yet remains readily reachable. The area typically provides ample parking, which is a significant plus for any retail establishment in Asheville, allowing for stress-free visits. Whether you’re coming from downtown Asheville, the surrounding neighborhoods, or even making a special trip from further afield in Western North Carolina, the location's accessibility ensures a convenient and pleasant journey. Its spot is ideal for those integrating a visit into their errands or enjoying a dedicated exploration of local shops, reinforcing its suitability as a local resource.
Services Offered
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Expert Guidance and Advice: Customers consistently highlight the "incredibly friendly" and knowledgeable staff. As one reviewer mentioned, "The staff are incredibly friendly, and they have a great selection of products." This suggests that team members are well-versed in the store's offerings and the broader metaphysical subjects, ready to assist customers with their inquiries and guide them to suitable products, whether they're selecting a new book, a specific herb, or understanding the use of a crystal.
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In-Person Readings: The store hosts various in-person readings, providing opportunities for customers to gain personal insights and guidance. For example, they've advertised "In-person Readings at the Asheville Raven and Crone," which can include tarot, oracle, or other forms of divination, offering a unique service for those seeking clarity or spiritual connection.
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Workshops and Classes: Asheville Raven and Crone frequently offers workshops and classes that delve into various aspects of metaphysical and spiritual practices. Past events have included topics like "Celebrating Beltaine," "Healing With Hekate: A Ritual For Asheville," and sessions on mediumship work. These educational offerings provide a valuable resource for personal growth and community engagement.
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Freshly Brewed Tea Samples: A delightful touch noted by a customer is the provision of "delicious" loose-leaf tea samples that are "always a sample freshly brewed." This not only enhances the welcoming atmosphere but also allows customers to experience some of the consumable products firsthand.
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Community Hub and Events: The store functions as a community hub, organizing and hosting events that bring together individuals with shared interests. This fosters a sense of belonging and provides opportunities for connection and learning within the local metaphysical community.
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Returns Policy: While not explicitly detailed in reviews, a professional retail establishment like Asheville Raven and Crone would likely have a clear return or exchange policy for products, ensuring customer satisfaction. It's advisable to inquire directly with the store for specific details.
Features / Highlights
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Extensive Selection of Metaphysical Products: Asheville Raven and Crone is renowned for its "amazing selection" of products tailored to the metaphysical and spiritual community. This includes a diverse range of books on topics like witchcraft, paganism, spirituality, and self-discovery. Beyond literature, they offer an impressive array of tools and supplies.
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High-Quality Loose Leaf Teas: A particular highlight, praised by customers, is their "delicious" selection of loose leaf teas, often available for sampling. This adds a unique and enjoyable dimension to the shopping experience, providing both a sensory delight and a practical product.
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Crystals and Gemstones: As a metaphysical store, a core feature would undoubtedly be a collection of crystals and gemstones, used for healing, energy work, and decoration. Customers can expect a variety of sizes, types, and properties to explore.
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Herbs and Botanicals: Given its focus, the store likely offers a selection of dried herbs, essential oils, and other botanicals used in various spiritual practices, spell work, or for crafting personal remedies and blends.
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Tarot and Oracle Decks: For those interested in divination, Asheville Raven and Crone would feature a diverse array of tarot and oracle card decks, catering to different styles and preferences, along with accompanying guidebooks.
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Locally Made and Hand-Crafted Items: Being an Asheville local business, it's highly probable they feature "locally handmade supplies and items," supporting local artisans and offering unique products not found elsewhere. This aligns with Asheville's strong artisan community.
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Welcoming and Knowledgeable Staff: Consistently mentioned in reviews, the "incredibly friendly" and attentive staff are a major highlight. Their willingness to assist, share knowledge, and make customers feel "beyond welcoming" creates a positive and supportive shopping environment.
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Unique Atmosphere: The overall ambiance of the store is a key feature, designed to be inviting and conducive to exploration in the realm of spiritual and magical practices. It offers a sense of discovery and a departure from conventional retail spaces.
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Witch-Owned and Operated: This detail, found in public descriptions, signifies a deep authenticity and expertise within the store's offerings, assuring customers that the selection and advice come from an informed perspective within the community it serves.
Promotions or Special Offers
While specific, rotating promotions might be best confirmed directly with the store or through their social media, we can infer some common types of offers and events based on available information:
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Discounts on Hand-Crafted Products: One source indicates a "10% Off 1 Asheville Raven & Crone Hand-Crafted Product!" This suggests a focus on promoting their unique, in-house or locally sourced items, providing an incentive for customers to explore these distinctive offerings.
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Event-Specific Promotions: Many of their events, such as workshops or rituals, might come with an admission fee or a suggested donation, occasionally with proceeds going to a cause (as seen with "Healing With Hekate" where "All proceeds will support hurricane recovery"). This can be seen as a promotional aspect, offering an enriching experience while supporting a good cause.
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Regular Workshops and Classes: While some classes might have a fee, the consistent scheduling of these events promotes ongoing engagement and provides valuable learning opportunities for customers, effectively drawing them back to the store. The availability of these classes in itself is a significant offering.
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New Product Announcements: Through their online presence, customers can expect to be informed about new arrivals, seasonal items, or special limited-edition products, which act as a promotional draw for those seeking the latest in metaphysical supplies.
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Loyalty Programs (Potential): While not explicitly stated, many local businesses implement loyalty programs or punch cards to reward returning customers. It's worth inquiring about such programs during your visit.
Contact Information
For those in North Carolina looking to connect with Asheville Raven and Crone, here is their contact information:
Address: 640 Merrimon Ave #207, Asheville, NC 28804, USA
Phone: (828) 424-7868
Mobile Phone: +1 828-424-7868
Their general operating hours are typically Monday-Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. However, it's always recommended to call ahead or check their online presence for the most current hours, especially around holidays or for specific event schedules. Their phone numbers provide a direct line to their helpful staff for any inquiries you may have.
Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals
For residents of North Carolina, particularly in and around Asheville, Asheville Raven and Crone is more than just a bookstore; it’s an indispensable local resource and a cherished community hub. Its suitability for locals stems from several key aspects that make it uniquely valuable in our region.
Firstly, it fills a niche. As "Asheville North Carolina's Only 'Old Age' Metaphysical Supply Store," it provides direct access to specialized books, tools, and supplies that might otherwise require online ordering or travel to larger, more distant cities. This local accessibility is a huge convenience for anyone pursuing spiritual, magical, or holistic interests.
Secondly, the consistently praised customer service creates an inviting and supportive environment. Reviews highlight the "incredibly friendly" staff who are "beyond welcoming" and provide "wonderful attention." This personal touch fosters a sense of community and ensures that visitors, whether experienced practitioners or newcomers, feel comfortable exploring and asking questions. This is particularly important in a field that can sometimes feel intimidating to outsiders. The staff's knowledge, as well as their commitment to providing a freshly brewed tea sample, exemplifies their dedication to a truly pleasant and engaging customer experience.
Finally, the store actively contributes to the local community through its various services. By hosting in-person readings, workshops, and classes, Asheville Raven and Crone acts as a gathering place for like-minded individuals. These events provide opportunities for learning, growth, and connection, enriching the cultural and spiritual fabric of Asheville. The presence of locally made products further strengthens its ties to the community, supporting local artisans. In essence, Asheville Raven and Crone offers a distinctive blend of specialized products, exceptional service, and active community engagement, making it a highly suitable and deeply valued destination for locals seeking connection, knowledge, and unique spiritual supplies in North Carolina.