The Swan puts down roots in Black Mountain
Unique Gathering space Brings breath of fresh air to local business community
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
August 5, 2026
Kristen Oxtoby serves a glass wine in The Swan, a new plant store, gathering spot and bar in Black Mountain. Photo by Fred McCormick
Since opening, July 13, it has not been uncommon for first-time visitors of The Swan, tucked away in a quiet corner at 400 East State Street, to offer similar feedback on the plant store and gathering space, established by Kristen Oxtoby.
“I get a lot of, ‘wow, the air feels fresher in here,’ the Swannanoa resident said, motioning to the dozens of tropical plants arranged on the floors, along the walls and hanging from the ceilings of the shop. “I really think people just feel better around plants.”
A little sunshine, some spritzes and relaxing energy can’t hurt either.
The concept of The Swan has existed in Oxtoby’s mind for years, when she envisioned one day opening a bar inside of a greenhouse. An artist, designer and veteran of the service industry, her goal to was to combine the skills she honed over many years with her love for plants.
“The more I thought about it, I just realized the greenhouse part might be a little too complicated,” said Oxtoby, who left her previous position as the head of art and design for Burial Beer Co. in 2025. “I didn’t really have a plan when I left my job, which isn’t really like me, at all. I wanted to do something different, and I knew it was my chance to bring this idea I had for so long to life.”
She began her search for a venue in Swannanoa, which inspired the name of the business, but Black Mountain was on her radar.
A gift shop in The Swan, which sells plants and beverages in Black Mountain, features locally made earrings, accessories, apparel and more. Photo by Fred McCormick
“It was going to be in the Swannanoa Valley no matter what, but when I came to see this spot, the timing was perfect,” Oxtoby said. “It fit perfectly with what I had been envisioning for years.”
The setting in The Swan is intimate, with a small bar nestled into a corner of the largest room, filled with tables and chairs. Tropical plants hang from the ceiling, while sunlight fills the room through glass doors and windows facing an outdoor sitting area. A small gift shop greets customers, while the decorative elements, like vintage 1980s home phones, frosted glass dividers etched with swans and a black and white checkered floor inspire a sense of nostalgia.
“It’s almost like sitting in a 1980s home in Miami, which is kind of the vision for the decor,” Oxtoby said. “I’ve always felt like houseplants were so warm and welcoming, and most of the plants are for sale. I love the idea of someone sitting under a plant, falling in love with it, and they’re able to take it home and hang it somewhere.”
The selection of greenery, like everything in The Swan, is “easy and approachable,” she added. Most plants are tropical and simple to care for. The drink menu, which features spritzes, non-alcoholic cocktails, seltzers and a vast assortment of wines, including white, pink and orange, red and sparkling, is carefully curated.
“People have been stoked about the spritzes,” Oxtoby said. “It was the idea to have a spritz bar with drinks that are wine-based, vermouth-based or amaro-based, which is great for an afternoon or evening drink with your friends.”
The offerings are ideal for a “transitional” space, she added.
“Whether you want a beer, wine, cider or non-alcoholic drink, we want to give you an experience. Our non-alcoholic drinks are served in cocktail glasses, because we want everyone to feel included,” the owner said. “We have wine we think is cool by makers who we think are cool. You can come here, jump on the WiFi, finish your work for the day and move into your early evening, after-work golden moment.”
The Swan, which opened, July 13, in Black Mountain, offers tropical houseplants and carefully curated drinks in a relaxed gathering space. Photo by Fred McCormick
While the location is just outside of the central business district, the location is convenient for local residents and visitors who are finished shopping and looking for a refreshing beverage.
“Our covered area outside has seating, curtains and a view of the Seven Sisters (mountain range),” Oxtoby said. “Honestly, what’s better than sitting outside with a glass of wine while the sun sets?”
A small shop at the entrance carries earrings and accessories from These Hollow Hills, which features items handmade by Oxtoby.
“I also highlight makers that I really love,” she said. “Right now I have Everyday Oil, a woman-owned skincare company based in Black Mountain. We have incense from The Brass Hand, which is owned by another from Columbus, Ohio.”
Bags, shirts, hats and other items featuring The Swan logo are displayed throughout the space, where the owner is excited to turn her longtime vision into reality.
“The people have been so welcoming already, and we’ve had a lot of folks from the neighborhood stop by,” Oxtoby said. “We want to be that local spot that has regulars whose names and drinks we know, and we also know their dogs. To me, the best part of a bar is the relationships you make with people, and we have a really cool opportunity to do that here.”