You’ve got a big presentation due… and a big pile of laundry taunting you. We get it — working from home can be a mixed blessing. There are days when a change of scenery is a must if you’re going to get anything done. The good news? Research shows that tackling your tasks al fresco actually helps boost productivity.
Finding places to work outside in the Land of the Sky was at the top of our to-do list, so can we just say? Check.
Coffee and tea shops
Caffeine reigns supreme if you have a latte work to finish. Put on your favorite playlist and get to it.
Dobra Tea West, 707 Haywood Rd.
Operating hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Take your pick from the shop’s extensive selection of teas, then mosey out to the patio for a calming ambiance.
Farewell, 11 Southside Ave.
Operating hours: Daily, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: No
Sit at a barstool by the front window or a table on the patio to sip your coffee as you work — or a glass of wine once you finish up.
Ultra Coffeebar, 242 Clingman Ave.
Operating hours: Daily, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Covered: Partially
Grab a coffee and set up your workstation at one of the outdoor tables — then pop back inside when you need to refuel with a sandwich or wrap.
Summit Coffee, 4 Foundy St., Ste. 20 and 1 Page Ave., Ste. 148
Operating hours: Monday-Wednesday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at RAD; daily, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. at Grove Arcade
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Opt for the Foundy Street location to surround yourself with murals and boost your creativity, or perch at the Grove Arcade location to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of downtown.
Grind AVL, 346 Depot St.
Operating hours: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Part coffee shop and part coworking space, Grind is great for working sunny days on the patio or getting fresh air when the door is open.
Restaurants and bars
At these fine establishments, the patio is the way to go — especially when Asheville’s weather is at its best. Order some food and drinks to fuel your focus.
All Day Darling, 102 Montford Ave.
Operating hours: Daily, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Wifi: No
Covered: No
Enjoy fresh baked goods, coffee + smoothies, and breakfast and lunch fare while spending your day in the sun.
Burial Beer Co. South Slope Taproom, 40 Collier Ave.
Operating Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 12 p.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 12 p.m.-12 a.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Anyone up for a coworking sesh inside the old truck? Plug away on your laptop and finish with a well-deserved beer.
Sweeten Creek Brewing, 1127 Sweeten Creek Rd.
Operating hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 12-9 p.m.; Friday, 12-10 p.m.; Saturday, 12-9 p.m.; Sunday, 12-7:30 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Yes
Make yourself at home on the patio with a beer and food from Bear’s Barbecue. Plus, you can bring Fido and explore the 8,000-sqft dog park.
Session Cafe, 14 O. Henry Ave.
Operating hours: Wednesday-Monday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: No
After a delicious working lunch in the “streetery,” head inside Citizen Vinyl to reward your hard work with a couple of records.
The Times Bar & Coffee Shop, 56 Patton Ave.
Operating hours: Monday-Tuesday, 5-11 p.m.; Wednesday-Thursday, Sunday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 a.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: No
Take your work from day to night — the coffee shop transitions to a cocktail bar at 4 p.m. each day, so trade your cappuccino for a cosmo as the sun goes down.
Parks and public spaces
It’s hard to beat fresh air when you want to think clearly. Set up a picnic blanket or head to your favorite picnic table — just don’t forget to charge your devices and bring your own hotspot.
Asheville Botanical Gardens, 151 WT Weaver Blvd.
Operating hours: Daily, 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Restrooms: Yes
Covered: Some shaded areas
Knock out your to-do list surrounded by more than 500 species of native plants — if that doesn’t sound idyllic, we don’t know what does.
Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd.
Operating hours: Daily, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Restrooms: Yes
Covered: Partially
Take a mid-day break, lace up your skates, and hit the Mellowdrome.
Fairview Public Library, 1 Taylor Rd., Fairview
Operating hours: Tuesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Restrooms: Yes
Covered: Yes
In addition to outdoor seating, you’ll have easy access to computers, printing + copying, and all the other resources the library has to offer.
Practical amenities
These coworking spaces offer much more than a dose of Vitamin D.
Focal Point Coworking, 125 S. Lexington Ave., Ste. 101
Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Get a day pass or purchase a membership to work in the space’s cozy patio.
Haw Creek Commons, 315 Old Haw Creek Rd.
Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Yes
Want the outdoors to stay a little...indoors? Grab a seat next to the open garage door on a sunny day, then venture out on one of the nearby walking trails when you need a break — inquire about daily rates.
WestBase Coworking, 257 Haywood Rd., Unit 201
Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; members get 24/7 access
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
A day pass or membership to this West Asheville coworking spot offers a patio connected to the workspace and a covered picnic bench.
