Axeville Throwing Club, Asheville’s first axe-throwing bar (yes, you read that right), opened last week at 99 New Leicester Hwy. The 3,400-square-foot space has multiple lanes for throwing, plus a beer + wine bar, cozy seating areas (where you can chill out or catch a lumberjack tournament on the big-screen TVs) + a photo booth area. Bonus: They may eventually have live music + will feature local artists on their walls.
It’s been a long time coming – the owners signed the lease last April, but were delayed by renovations + permitting that took longer than expected. Now, they’re fully up and running – and the results are axe-ellent. ⛏️
Axeville is open Thursday-Sunday – from 5-10 p.m. on weekdays + 1-10 p.m. on weekends. We gave it a try and are here with all the #protips you need to know before you go.
- If axe-throwing sounds a little medieval, that’s because it is. Throwing axes were used in the Middle Ages and even earlier as weapons by soldiers + Vikings. A few centuries later, axe-throwing arrived in the Americas with settlers who threw competitively as a leisure activity.
- Now, the sport of axe-throwing is officially regulated by the National Axe Throwing Federation, which hosts an annual championship competition, and it’s frequently part of lumberjack competitions.
- You don’t need any experience to throw – axe-throwing coaches (a.k.a. axperts) will walk you through the process + ensure that you’re throwing safely.
- You throw by lifting the 1.5-pound axe over your head and using one or both hands to hold it until you release. And yes, you’ll feel pretty cool when you’re doing it.
- Lanes for throwing are about 15 feet long and have side fencing + a barrier between throwers. Your coach works with you on how close to stand to the target. Up to 5 people share a target.
- The point system is similar to darts – with the goal being to hit the target, especially the bull’s eye.
- The standard target is 36 inches wide and has four concentric circles – each has a different point value.
- It takes a while to get the hang of throwing if you haven’t done it before, so be patient and let your axpert guide you.
- You’ll need to wear closed-toed shoes.
- Leave the kids at home: Axeville is currently 18+.
Want to go? Grab your ax-quaintances and reserve a spot in advance – they fill up fast and walk-ins are first come, first served.
An hour of throwing costs $21 per person, or if you have 5+ people you can reserve a 2.5 hour slot at $36/person. Best idea for company team-building ever?
And, if you discover this is your new favorite sport, Axeville will offer leagues starting this summer.
