With 60+ premier brands and counting, the Asheville Outlets offer an impressive range of inventory. Editor Laura (that's me) spent the afternoon catching up on the latest and greatest Asheville Outlets offerings, which included shopping for gifts, admiring holiday decorations, and sampling truffles at Lindt Chocolate Shop.

My favorite part? The discounts (up to 70%) at brand-name stores like West Elm Outlet, Crate & Barrel, J. Crew Factory, and Coach Outlet —plus the instant gratification of securing holiday gifts for loved ones.

There's a great mix of shops, from Sportman's Warehouse and Nike Factory Store to Pandora Jewelry and Carter's Babies and Kids, which makes it easy to find a little something for everyone.

I also really appreciated the on-site gift-wrapping options, so I could knock out all my holiday shopping in one fell swoop — and Auntie Anne's was a tasty place to refuel at in between stores.

Another highlight: I saw a ton of cute canines (the complex is dog-friendly).

What not to miss:

This year, Asheville Outlets has added seven new shops, including Merrell, Polo Ralph Lauren, Lee | Wrangler, Journeys, and Aeropostale. And if you're a foodie, Le Creuset's colorful cookware and Lindt Chocolate Shop's brilliant display of truffles are a must-see.

What we’re still talking about:

The peaceful shopping experience. Since the center is an outdoor campus, shopping here is literally a breath of fresh air, with cheerful holiday decorations around every corner.

How you can experience this:

Head over to the Asheville Outlets now through the end of the year for holiday sales — plus special programs like free Santa photos and gift-wrapping fundraisers.

Things to know if you go:

Experience: Shopping at the Asheville Outlets
Website: https://www.shopashevilleoutlets.com/
Address: 800 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
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