This is such an adorable bookstore! As an indie bookseller, I'm trying to hit up every indie I come across as I travel and Malaprop's is one I've heard nothing but great things about - and it deserves every single nice comment! I walked in, immediately thought it was cute, wandered a little bit, and then turned a corner and it just keeps going?? It's twice as big inside as it looks when you first walk in. The shelves are well-stocked, lots of face-outs, adorable knick knacks and there are things to look at in every corner. I was most looking forward to their blind date with a book display and it did not disappoint! I got two that I'm super excited about and the descriptions on each one were so compelling that I wanted all of them. It was popping for a Tuesday morning and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. The café is delightful, the specialty drink names made me chuckle, and my coffee was delicious (I got the Fire Distinguisher). They do require masks inside (👍) but I saw a few patrons with them under their chins (👎) so be aware of that if you're someone who gets uncomfortable around unmasked people. There were only two or three and they seemed like they were people who got coffee, pulled their mask down to take a drink, and never pulled it back up. Absolutely not the store's fault since there are signs clearly stating that the café is for to go only. It's not their fault that people can't follow directions and I only saw five staff members with as busy as it was, so some people got away with it. As a small business operating during a pandemic, they're doing a great job. As an independent bookstore in general, they're excellent and I strongly recommend going when you're in Asheville!

Also, I did have to call and ask because I couldn't find it online but they do allow dogs! I brought my very excited baby and they even gave her a treat!