Hendersonville/Laurel Park – Laurel Park has a hit on its hands with Appalachian Coffee Company (https://www.appalachiancoffeecompany.com/)! It’s in an unassuming roadside building that’s been renovated into a wonderful space you’re going to love!
After completing carefully thought out renovations to the building at 1628 5th Ave. West, including an awesome deck out back, they celebrated their Grand Opening about 2 1/2 weeks ago, on March 17th and 18th.
The location is especially nice for a couple reasons: they have plenty of free parking in their lot, and they’re next door to Laurel Green Park.
The parking lot is self-explanatory, but let me tell you about the sweet park. It’s at the intersection of 5th Ave W and White Pine Drive. The park has paved walking trails perfect for toddlers on foot or wheels, Little Laurel Green Playground – including a playhouse, a gazebo, shaded park benches, a creek and pond with ducks. The park is open sunrise to sunset and is pet-friendly, as long as they’re leashed.
There are no bathrooms in the park, but you’re welcome to use Town Hall facilities across White Pine Dr. Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. If a police officer is in the office after hours or on weekends, the restrooms may also be available.
So what’s the big deal about Appalachian Coffee Company being next to a park? Moms and dads that hang out at parks with their kids know. Go-cups keep you sharp at the park.
Later, when the kids get a little hangry (“bad-tempered or irritable as a result of hunger”), you pop back over to Appalachian for a sandwich, salad, juice, or maybe a smoothie. They also have sweet treats like cookies for the deserving.
The coffee’s great. No question. They passed my latte test with flying colors.
Interior decor and finishes are awesome! There are plenty of tables for small and large parties. To the right just inside the front door is lux leather sofa/chair seating. The place is just so inviting, you’ll want to hang out every chance you get.
I’ve talked to a few people who’ve tried different sandwiches here and loved them. But Avocado Toast ($5.65) is one of my faves, so had to check it out. It’s described on the menu as “rustic sourdough toast, avocado, hard boiled egg, sprinkle of salt, pepper, and paprika.”
This was the strangest take on Avocado Toast I’ve had to date. It made for a beautiful presentation, but the egg mixture had a fluffy, “fuzzy” mouthfeel and was pretty tasteless, even though it was mixed with shredded cheese. Perhaps it needs more than a sprinkle of salt?
After speculating with my table-mate on how in the world they got that texture, I asked. Shredding the hard boiled eggs was the answer. The bread/toast was great. The avocado was fine. Try it if you think it’ll work for you.
Besides great coffee and sandwiches, a few things set them apart from many other coffee shops. They have a “extensive and exceptionally curated beer and wine retail market”, a good-sized event space in back (still being finished up), and great outdoor seating on their deck.
Epicurean Notes:
- Free Wi-Fi is available
- Appalachian currently has three locations:
- Laurel Park
- Hendersonville – Includes a drive through at 1314 Asheville Highway
- Brevard – on the Brevard College campus in the old Brevard College boiler house, which was rechristened as “Bill’s Boiler House” in 2014.
Appalachian Coffee Company (https://www.appalachiancoffeecompany.com/)
1628 5th Ave West
Hendersonville, NC 28739
