Downtown Asheville is a place awash with cool bars. Rooftop bars, underground bars, piano bars, bars on wheels. But we can almost promise that you’ve never been to a bar like this before. We’re heading to a terrarium bar.

That’s right, a terrarium bar. What’s a terrarium you ask? Good question. A terrarium, deriving from the Latin, terra (meaning earth) and arium meaning “a place for”, is a glass enclosed miniature garden. Literally translated, a place for earth. So, what’s a terrarium bar? Well, it’s not a bar inside a terrarium.

Nope, it’s a bar inside The Green Room Plant Shop – and specifically, it’s a fun hands-on experience where you get to create your own beautiful “place for earth”. How does it work? Glad you asked.

The expert staff here guide you as you pick your container (or bring your own)… pick your plants… and pick your toppings. Then you start creating your own tiny garden under glass.

And it’s also a treat just to explore The Green Room Plant Shop. This place is the vision of owner and founder Dara Belohlavek, and it’s a magical store to behold. In addition to the terrarium bar there is a whole world of plants to explore to grow your indoor garden. And a crop of local artists sell their wares here as well, providing a veritable conservatory of creations.

Wandering around inside The Green Room Plant Shop is a peaceful and joy-bringing experience. You feel a sense of calm when you’re here. But you’re invigorated at the same time as you’re surrounded by all this verdant life.

Whether this place represents your first few steps into the world of gardening, or you’re a seasoned pro, there is plenty to enjoy here as you stretch your artistic side and reconnect with nature inside this cozy corner of Asheville.