Kerry’s guidebook for those who love to eat and play!
Food scene
We tried this place out recently although we’ve seen it on “top 10” Asheville restaurant lists many times, and it’s quickly jumping up to the top of our own “favorites” list. Cool atmosphere, exceptionally good service, AMAZING cocktails (this is what they’re most famous for!), and a delicious, creative, farm-to-table style menu that changes every few weeks. Casual. Reservations strongly recommended.
203 recommandé par les habitants
Sovereign Remedies
29 N Market StWe tried this place out recently although we’ve seen it on “top 10” Asheville restaurant lists many times, and it’s quickly jumping up to the top of our own “favorites” list. Cool atmosphere, exceptionally good service, AMAZING cocktails (this is what they’re most famous for!), and a delicious, creative, farm-to-table style menu that changes every few weeks. Casual. Reservations strongly recommended.
751 Haywood Rd., Asheville (this one is in West Asheville, & we prefer it slightly over the one in downtown Asheville, though both are great---the one in downtown Asheville is at 233 Montford Ave). Casual, innovative and delicious Caribbean-inspired food with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, & gluten-free options as well as delicious fish, seafood & chicken. Consistently rated one of the top-favored restaurants by locals.
589 recommandé par les habitants
Nine Mile
233 Montford Ave751 Haywood Rd., Asheville (this one is in West Asheville, & we prefer it slightly over the one in downtown Asheville, though both are great---the one in downtown Asheville is at 233 Montford Ave). Casual, innovative and delicious Caribbean-inspired food with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, & gluten-free options as well as delicious fish, seafood & chicken. Consistently rated one of the top-favored restaurants by locals.
Casual. Although Sierra Nevada is actually a brewery (and considered one of the best in the country!), this one also has a full-service restaurant with very good food. Read more in my “breweries” section!
726 recommandé par les habitants
Sierra Nevada Brewery
100 Sierra Nevada WayCasual. Although Sierra Nevada is actually a brewery (and considered one of the best in the country!), this one also has a full-service restaurant with very good food. Read more in my “breweries” section!
A newish casual craft Hispanic kitchen that serves up Latin American-inspired dishes (think arepas, tostones, yuca fries, etc.). Small, sweet, and with outstanding service from the owner and his crew. Both meat eaters and vegans will be highly satisfied here, and both beer and wine are available. Definitely one of our new top faves!
9 recommandé par les habitants
Little Chango
134 Coxe AvenueA newish casual craft Hispanic kitchen that serves up Latin American-inspired dishes (think arepas, tostones, yuca fries, etc.). Small, sweet, and with outstanding service from the owner and his crew. Both meat eaters and vegans will be highly satisfied here, and both beer and wine are available. Definitely one of our new top faves!
This is a newly renovated, ornate, art-deco style building in downtown Asheville, with a food hall featuring five independent local vendors and the Highland Brewing Company. It was named “one of the ten best new food halls in the US” by Fodors and was also recently featured in Southern Living Magazine. You can enjoy Thai street food from Bun Intended, grass-fed, locally raised meats from Farm Dogs, Buxton Chicken Palace, delicious Mexican street corn and other goodies from Peace Love Tacos, and both dairy and vegan ice creams from the Hop Ice Cream.
43 recommandé par les habitants
The S&W
56 Patton AveThis is a newly renovated, ornate, art-deco style building in downtown Asheville, with a food hall featuring five independent local vendors and the Highland Brewing Company. It was named “one of the ten best new food halls in the US” by Fodors and was also recently featured in Southern Living Magazine. You can enjoy Thai street food from Bun Intended, grass-fed, locally raised meats from Farm Dogs, Buxton Chicken Palace, delicious Mexican street corn and other goodies from Peace Love Tacos, and both dairy and vegan ice creams from the Hop Ice Cream.
Casual. Funky, fun, creative and delicious all-vegetarian and vegan globally-inspired menu at this restaurant and bar. Wall Street is also just a fun spot to walk around in Asheville, with lots of shops, cafés, bars, and street musicians.
161 recommandé par les habitants
Laughing Seed Cafe
40 Wall StCasual. Funky, fun, creative and delicious all-vegetarian and vegan globally-inspired menu at this restaurant and bar. Wall Street is also just a fun spot to walk around in Asheville, with lots of shops, cafés, bars, and street musicians.
If you enjoy good tea, we highly recommend this tea house, which is fairly new to the area. The décor is simple and stunning. The owner, Hunter, is so passionate and knowledgeable about premium Chinese teas, and you can enjoy a “flight” of teas if you wish to sample some of their varieties, or simply enjoy a pot of your favorite. They also serve a limited number of small plates, all authentic Chinese fare such as “tea leaf salad”, “Chinese Tea Egg”, and desserts such as “Moss Under the Cherry Tree”. (Menu in our bin)
9 recommandé par les habitants
High Climate Tea Company
12 S Lexington AveIf you enjoy good tea, we highly recommend this tea house, which is fairly new to the area. The décor is simple and stunning. The owner, Hunter, is so passionate and knowledgeable about premium Chinese teas, and you can enjoy a “flight” of teas if you wish to sample some of their varieties, or simply enjoy a pot of your favorite. They also serve a limited number of small plates, all authentic Chinese fare such as “tea leaf salad”, “Chinese Tea Egg”, and desserts such as “Moss Under the Cherry Tree”. (Menu in our bin)
One of Candler’s newer restaurants, and one that we really enjoy. They have a casual and contemporary menu, featuring local ingredients, and have options for both meat eaters and vegetarians. We recommend their cast iron salmon & ricotta gnocchi main dishes and love their kale salad!
12 recommandé par les habitants
Griff's Kitchen & Bar
1390 Sand Hill RoadOne of Candler’s newer restaurants, and one that we really enjoy. They have a casual and contemporary menu, featuring local ingredients, and have options for both meat eaters and vegetarians. We recommend their cast iron salmon & ricotta gnocchi main dishes and love their kale salad!
Offers creative & delicious farm-to-table cuisine in a lovely upscale-casual setting. We had the most divine dessert there---an apple tart with “lemon goat cheese ice cream”---may sound a little weird but SO delicious. It’s a bit pricier than our usual haunts, but well worth an occasional splurge!
58 recommandé par les habitants
The Market Place
20 Wall StOffers creative & delicious farm-to-table cuisine in a lovely upscale-casual setting. We had the most divine dessert there---an apple tart with “lemon goat cheese ice cream”---may sound a little weird but SO delicious. It’s a bit pricier than our usual haunts, but well worth an occasional splurge!
Considered one of the best seafood restaurants in Asheville, featuring a raw bar, as well as cooked oysters, mussels, clams, fish and chips, etc., with a creative cocktail menu featuring twists on the classics. A bit pricey but delicious!
57 recommandé par les habitants
Jettie Rae's Oyster House
143 Charlotte StConsidered one of the best seafood restaurants in Asheville, featuring a raw bar, as well as cooked oysters, mussels, clams, fish and chips, etc., with a creative cocktail menu featuring twists on the classics. A bit pricey but delicious!
This is a newish Indian restaurant in the lovely Biltmore village area, and it is our new top-favorite local restaurant, hands down! Offering a lunch buffet on weekdays, a brunch buffet (complete with mimosas) on the weekends, and dinner from the menu every night, the food is amazingly delicious and the service is top-notch. Check out the menu in the basket FMI.
20 recommandé par les habitants
Andaaz
28 Hendersonville RoadThis is a newish Indian restaurant in the lovely Biltmore village area, and it is our new top-favorite local restaurant, hands down! Offering a lunch buffet on weekdays, a brunch buffet (complete with mimosas) on the weekends, and dinner from the menu every night, the food is amazingly delicious and the service is top-notch. Check out the menu in the basket FMI.
Delicious Indian food, offering a really nice lunch buffet most days and dinner from the menu every evening. Plenty of vegetarian options as well as chicken & fish/seafood dishes, tandoori, etc.
191 recommandé par les habitants
Mela Indian Restaurant
70 N Lexington AveDelicious Indian food, offering a really nice lunch buffet most days and dinner from the menu every evening. Plenty of vegetarian options as well as chicken & fish/seafood dishes, tandoori, etc.
Famous for its Indian street snacks. Made the 2021 NY Times list of top fifty “most vibrant and delicious” restaurants across the US.
311 recommandé par les habitants
Chai Pani Asheville
22 Battery Park AveFamous for its Indian street snacks. Made the 2021 NY Times list of top fifty “most vibrant and delicious” restaurants across the US.
Cozy and casual place with abundant outside seating, this place has the YUMMIEST tacos either of us have ever had! Their service is super friendly, and the whole vibe of this place is just laid back and fun. Guacamole and margaritas are also superb, in our opinions, and the prices are very reasonable. (OH, and they offer scrumptious breakfast tacos and excellent coffee, too!). Check out their menu online, as well as the amazing reviews.
183 recommandé par les habitants
Taco Billy
201 Haywood RdCozy and casual place with abundant outside seating, this place has the YUMMIEST tacos either of us have ever had! Their service is super friendly, and the whole vibe of this place is just laid back and fun. Guacamole and margaritas are also superb, in our opinions, and the prices are very reasonable. (OH, and they offer scrumptious breakfast tacos and excellent coffee, too!). Check out their menu online, as well as the amazing reviews.
VERY authentic, supremely delicious Mexican food, another one of our favorite Mexican restaurants here. Casual, hole-in-the-wall kind of place frequented by locals. Tamales, tacos, quesadillas, etc. Scrumptious guacamole! Counter service and they do have tables both inside and outside where you can enjoy your meal. Their food is spicy, so specify if you need them to turn down the heat!
34 recommandé par les habitants
Taqueria Muñoz
1438 Patton AveVERY authentic, supremely delicious Mexican food, another one of our favorite Mexican restaurants here. Casual, hole-in-the-wall kind of place frequented by locals. Tamales, tacos, quesadillas, etc. Scrumptious guacamole! Counter service and they do have tables both inside and outside where you can enjoy your meal. Their food is spicy, so specify if you need them to turn down the heat!
Casual. Delicious Mexican & Caribbean fare, with several vegetarian & vegan options. The food is fantastic but be prepared to be nearly elbow-to-elbow with neighboring tables, and avoid their margaritas, which taste like they are made with a too-sweet sour mix. Still, they make our personal favorites list because the food is SO yummy!
170 recommandé par les habitants
Salsa's
6 Patton AveCasual. Delicious Mexican & Caribbean fare, with several vegetarian & vegan options. The food is fantastic but be prepared to be nearly elbow-to-elbow with neighboring tables, and avoid their margaritas, which taste like they are made with a too-sweet sour mix. Still, they make our personal favorites list because the food is SO yummy!
Located on the quieter east side of Asheville, this unassuming little Mexican restaurant located in a strip mall was a place that we just stopped into to fill our bellies while helping our son move one day. We had no expectations but ended up being REALLY pleasantly surprised with the very good quality food, excellent service, and equally excellent prices (honestly, the least expensive place we’ve eaten in a long time). My husband just tried their salmon azado and it was SO delicious, as were my vegetarian fajitas. There are several Ay Carambas in this area, but we’ve only tried this particular locale, so cannot vouch for the others.
8 recommandé par les habitants
Ay Caramba Mexican Grill & Bar
801 Fairview RoadLocated on the quieter east side of Asheville, this unassuming little Mexican restaurant located in a strip mall was a place that we just stopped into to fill our bellies while helping our son move one day. We had no expectations but ended up being REALLY pleasantly surprised with the very good quality food, excellent service, and equally excellent prices (honestly, the least expensive place we’ve eaten in a long time). My husband just tried their salmon azado and it was SO delicious, as were my vegetarian fajitas. There are several Ay Carambas in this area, but we’ve only tried this particular locale, so cannot vouch for the others.
Casual. Consistently rated the top breakfast spot in Asheville, with good reason! Also has won “Best Bloody Mary” in the annual “Best of Asheville” guide. Absolutely scrumptious, with both traditional and creative options, and plenty of vegetarian/vegan friendly options. Opens at 8:00 and if you arrive after 8:45, be prepared for a wait outside on the patio---but even the wait there is fun: with live music (at least on weekends), a self-serve coffee station, and an amazing garden to wander through, the time will pass quickly. (That said, if you don’t want to wait, it’s a short walk or drive to Biscuit Head, Early Girl and Taco Billy!) Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
587 recommandé par les habitants
Sunny Point Café
626 Haywood RdCasual. Consistently rated the top breakfast spot in Asheville, with good reason! Also has won “Best Bloody Mary” in the annual “Best of Asheville” guide. Absolutely scrumptious, with both traditional and creative options, and plenty of vegetarian/vegan friendly options. Opens at 8:00 and if you arrive after 8:45, be prepared for a wait outside on the patio---but even the wait there is fun: with live music (at least on weekends), a self-serve coffee station, and an amazing garden to wander through, the time will pass quickly. (That said, if you don’t want to wait, it’s a short walk or drive to Biscuit Head, Early Girl and Taco Billy!) Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Casual. Also rated among the top breakfast spots for locals, with both traditional Southern and vegetarian-friendly fare.
223 recommandé par les habitants
Early Girl Eatery
8 Wall StCasual. Also rated among the top breakfast spots for locals, with both traditional Southern and vegetarian-friendly fare.
Casual breakfast and lunch serving (surprise) enormous, super-scrumptious biscuits with a wide variety of toppings and pairings. Many healthy (and not so healthy) options. There is always a line of locals extending out the door at the West Asheville location, but don’t be deterred by that---it moves quickly and is worth the wait. If you are a chai fan, make sure to order theirs---they serve “Appalachai”, which is made by a local and is the best chai we’ve ever had.
472 recommandé par les habitants
Biscuit Head
733 Haywood RdCasual breakfast and lunch serving (surprise) enormous, super-scrumptious biscuits with a wide variety of toppings and pairings. Many healthy (and not so healthy) options. There is always a line of locals extending out the door at the West Asheville location, but don’t be deterred by that---it moves quickly and is worth the wait. If you are a chai fan, make sure to order theirs---they serve “Appalachai”, which is made by a local and is the best chai we’ve ever had.
Casual. Fun microbrewery serving beers, pizzas, and pub food, with an in-house movie theater & game room. Serves some of the best pizza we’ve had in Asheville (or anywhere else in the south, for that matter). In addition to traditional crusts & toppings, they’ve got a wide variety of creative concoctions for the more adventurous pizza afficionado. We can’t recommend their “Magic Dragon” highly enough: this has a coconut crust, pesto base, tomatoes, curried chicken (they substituted tofu for me), and a sweet chili sauce drizzle.
243 recommandé par les habitants
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co
675 Merrimon AveCasual. Fun microbrewery serving beers, pizzas, and pub food, with an in-house movie theater & game room. Serves some of the best pizza we’ve had in Asheville (or anywhere else in the south, for that matter). In addition to traditional crusts & toppings, they’ve got a wide variety of creative concoctions for the more adventurous pizza afficionado. We can’t recommend their “Magic Dragon” highly enough: this has a coconut crust, pesto base, tomatoes, curried chicken (they substituted tofu for me), and a sweet chili sauce drizzle.
Our son just turned us onto the pizza from this place recently, and I’m afraid its edged out our former favorite for OUR personal favorite pizza in the area, because it reminds us of NY style pizza, with it’s soft, yummy thin crust, and just-right ratios of sauce, cheese and toppings. We haven’t eaten in there, nor tried anything on their menu but the pizza so far, but based on how amazing the pizza is, I suspect the rest will be great as well.
13 recommandé par les habitants
Del Vecchios
333 Merrimon AveOur son just turned us onto the pizza from this place recently, and I’m afraid its edged out our former favorite for OUR personal favorite pizza in the area, because it reminds us of NY style pizza, with it’s soft, yummy thin crust, and just-right ratios of sauce, cheese and toppings. We haven’t eaten in there, nor tried anything on their menu but the pizza so far, but based on how amazing the pizza is, I suspect the rest will be great as well.
Old-school, authentic NY style Italian restaurant. Casual, fun, upbeat atmosphere. Rated #2 of over 550 restaurants in Asheville on Trip Advisor and consistently wins “Best Italian Restaurant” in WNC (Western NC) year after year, voted on by locals. Make reservations or be prepared for a long (but well worth it) wait, as they are consistently busy. Fantastic eggplant parmigiana---vegetarians can get a good meal here, too. Definitely worth the carbs!!!!
91 recommandé par les habitants
Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian
641 Merrimon AveOld-school, authentic NY style Italian restaurant. Casual, fun, upbeat atmosphere. Rated #2 of over 550 restaurants in Asheville on Trip Advisor and consistently wins “Best Italian Restaurant” in WNC (Western NC) year after year, voted on by locals. Make reservations or be prepared for a long (but well worth it) wait, as they are consistently busy. Fantastic eggplant parmigiana---vegetarians can get a good meal here, too. Definitely worth the carbs!!!!
All Souls Pizza
175 Clingman Ave. Locally-famous pizza with special seasonal pies.
It’s a bit of a haul from our place (on the other side of Asheville), but the sizzling stone bowls here are worth it! Rated #1 local Korean restaurant, and we concur. Along with the delicious food, we find the service here top-notch. Don’t let the strip mall exterior turn you off.
15 recommandé par les habitants
Stone Bowl Korean Restaurant
1987 Hendersonville RdIt’s a bit of a haul from our place (on the other side of Asheville), but the sizzling stone bowls here are worth it! Rated #1 local Korean restaurant, and we concur. Along with the delicious food, we find the service here top-notch. Don’t let the strip mall exterior turn you off.
This newish restaurant is very close to us, in west-West Asheville, and is our favorite sushi bar in the area so far. They also have very creative burgers, and an extensive list of delicious appetizers. Try their “Madness Fries”, which are fries topped with spicy crab, sriracha aioli, masago & scallions. Addicting!
9 recommandé par les habitants
The Madness
275 Smokey Park HighwayThis newish restaurant is very close to us, in west-West Asheville, and is our favorite sushi bar in the area so far. They also have very creative burgers, and an extensive list of delicious appetizers. Try their “Madness Fries”, which are fries topped with spicy crab, sriracha aioli, masago & scallions. Addicting!
This place is famous throughout the Southeast, offering whole hog barbeque, pit smoked chicken, fried NC catfish, and all the fixings. Vegetarians can also get a decent meal here between their yummy salads and sides.
144 recommandé par les habitants
Buxton Hall Barbecue
32 Banks AveThis place is famous throughout the Southeast, offering whole hog barbeque, pit smoked chicken, fried NC catfish, and all the fixings. Vegetarians can also get a decent meal here between their yummy salads and sides.
A small, family owned southern barbeque place right here in Candler. Vegetarians and vegans can also get a good meal here, with their barbequed tempeh and sides.
15 recommandé par les habitants
Doc Brown's BBQ
1320 Smokey Park HwyA small, family owned southern barbeque place right here in Candler. Vegetarians and vegans can also get a good meal here, with their barbequed tempeh and sides.
Old-world style bakery & coffee shop, serving truly SCRUMPTIOUS desserts, baked goods and macarons and pouring locally roasted coffee. The longest running café in Asheville for a reason!
102 recommandé par les habitants
Old Europe Pastries
18 Broadway StOld-world style bakery & coffee shop, serving truly SCRUMPTIOUS desserts, baked goods and macarons and pouring locally roasted coffee. The longest running café in Asheville for a reason!
Chocolate specialists who use “carefully-sourced” beans and offer a wide variety of scrumptious dessert options, including several vegan ones. A great spot for people watching and enjoying some coffee and dessert.
363 recommandé par les habitants
French Broad Chocolate Lounge
10 S Pack SquareChocolate specialists who use “carefully-sourced” beans and offer a wide variety of scrumptious dessert options, including several vegan ones. A great spot for people watching and enjoying some coffee and dessert.
Award winning charcuterie, spanish tapas and wine in a former 1927 bus depot. Anthony Bourdain ate here.
518 recommandé par les habitants
Cúrate
13 Biltmore AveAward winning charcuterie, spanish tapas and wine in a former 1927 bus depot. Anthony Bourdain ate here.
Fancy American cuisine with a Southern twist in West Asheville.
92 recommandé par les habitants
Jargon
715 Haywood RdFancy American cuisine with a Southern twist in West Asheville.
Award winning restaurant and head chef; located in The Foundry, a restaurant showcasing African-American roots of Appalachian cooking.
34 recommandé par les habitants
Benne On Eagle
35 Eagle StAward winning restaurant and head chef; located in The Foundry, a restaurant showcasing African-American roots of Appalachian cooking.
Consistently rated the best vegan restaurant and one of the best overall restaurants in Asheville, with a special mention for their “vegan cheese plate"!
176 recommandé par les habitants
Plant
165 Merrimon AveConsistently rated the best vegan restaurant and one of the best overall restaurants in Asheville, with a special mention for their “vegan cheese plate"!
French cuisine in a cozy, fine-dining atmosphere (they also have a BEAUTIFUL patio for outside dining.
145 recommandé par les habitants
Bouchon
62 N Lexington AveFrench cuisine in a cozy, fine-dining atmosphere (they also have a BEAUTIFUL patio for outside dining.
Highly rated by both food critics (including Fodors) & locals, Rhubarb offers fine dining in a beautiful setting, with innovative, locally sourced cuisine.
116 recommandé par les habitants
Rhubarb
7 N Pack SquareHighly rated by both food critics (including Fodors) & locals, Rhubarb offers fine dining in a beautiful setting, with innovative, locally sourced cuisine.
Sightseeing
This is a “must do” at sunset---having a beverage and/or meal on the terrace at Grove Park Inn, looking out at the beautiful mountains---absolutely breathtaking! The restaurant is a splurge (& I would not say the food is worth it but am still highly recommending going for a sunset beverage and/or snack), so we usually just have a glass of wine, watch the sunset, and then make the quick drive to downtown for dinner elsewhere!
573 recommandé par les habitants
The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa
290 Macon AveThis is a “must do” at sunset---having a beverage and/or meal on the terrace at Grove Park Inn, looking out at the beautiful mountains---absolutely breathtaking! The restaurant is a splurge (& I would not say the food is worth it but am still highly recommending going for a sunset beverage and/or snack), so we usually just have a glass of wine, watch the sunset, and then make the quick drive to downtown for dinner elsewhere!
This is one of our FAVORITE places to visit---we go 3-5 times per week! Beautiful botanical gardens (including a bonsai collection), walking trails, special exhibits, classes of all kinds, and Thursday evening “Arbor Evenings” (May-Oct, most Thursdays & Fridays 6-9 p.m.) where you can enjoy live music, beer, wine, and occasional food truck yumminess while walking through the spectacular gardens. November-December brings their annual “Winter Nights” light display, which is stunning (this was a drive thru experience in 2020 due to COVID). The gardens and trails are open daily (weather permitting), 8 AM – 7 PM (closing at 5 pm during “Winter Nights”. They have a lovely gift shop and some indoor exhibits, as well as a nice café that is open Tues-Sat for lunch and beverages. Admission is free, but there is a $16 parking fee per personal auto, or $8 for the first Tues/month. It’s a quick, 15-18 minute ride from our place. Siri/GPS will NOT get you there—instead, put “Apollo Flame Restaurant/Brevard Road” into your Siri/GPS, and then turn right when you get there---go about 1.5 miles and turn right where you see the sign for the Blue Ridge Parkway and the NC Arboretum. We can suggest great walking/hiking trails within the Arboretum, if you’d like.
582 recommandé par les habitants
The North Carolina Arboretum
100 Frederick Law Olmsted WayThis is one of our FAVORITE places to visit---we go 3-5 times per week! Beautiful botanical gardens (including a bonsai collection), walking trails, special exhibits, classes of all kinds, and Thursday evening “Arbor Evenings” (May-Oct, most Thursdays & Fridays 6-9 p.m.) where you can enjoy live music, beer, wine, and occasional food truck yumminess while walking through the spectacular gardens. November-December brings their annual “Winter Nights” light display, which is stunning (this was a drive thru experience in 2020 due to COVID). The gardens and trails are open daily (weather permitting), 8 AM – 7 PM (closing at 5 pm during “Winter Nights”. They have a lovely gift shop and some indoor exhibits, as well as a nice café that is open Tues-Sat for lunch and beverages. Admission is free, but there is a $16 parking fee per personal auto, or $8 for the first Tues/month. It’s a quick, 15-18 minute ride from our place. Siri/GPS will NOT get you there—instead, put “Apollo Flame Restaurant/Brevard Road” into your Siri/GPS, and then turn right when you get there---go about 1.5 miles and turn right where you see the sign for the Blue Ridge Parkway and the NC Arboretum. We can suggest great walking/hiking trails within the Arboretum, if you’d like.
The Walking Trail around Lake Junaluska: Along with the NC Arboretum, this is my favorite place to take a nice walk. Situated just to the west of us (25 minute drive), this 200-acre lake is surrounded by the blue ridge mountains and has a paved walking trail around it (you can opt to walk 2.4 or 3.5 miles, as there is a pedestrian bridge across it partway). Because loud motorized boats are not allowed on the lake, it is incredibly serene and at most times, just filled with birdsong. In the spring and summer, there are SO many varieties of flowers, including a gorgeous “rose walk”, and we’ve seen bald eagles, baby bunnies, a family of swans, gaggles of geese, and turtles sunning themselves on the shore. There’s also a beautiful chapel with a labyrinth, and lots of benches to rest, meditate, bird watch, etc.
138 recommandé par les habitants
Lake Junaluska
759 N Lakeshore DrThe Walking Trail around Lake Junaluska: Along with the NC Arboretum, this is my favorite place to take a nice walk. Situated just to the west of us (25 minute drive), this 200-acre lake is surrounded by the blue ridge mountains and has a paved walking trail around it (you can opt to walk 2.4 or 3.5 miles, as there is a pedestrian bridge across it partway). Because loud motorized boats are not allowed on the lake, it is incredibly serene and at most times, just filled with birdsong. In the spring and summer, there are SO many varieties of flowers, including a gorgeous “rose walk”, and we’ve seen bald eagles, baby bunnies, a family of swans, gaggles of geese, and turtles sunning themselves on the shore. There’s also a beautiful chapel with a labyrinth, and lots of benches to rest, meditate, bird watch, etc.
Asheville is known for its vibrant art scene, and the River Arts District is a fantastic place to visit, featuring the working studios and galleries of hundreds of artists in 23 former industrial and historical buildings spread out along a one mile stretch of the French Broad River. Simply type “River Arts District” into Siri/GPS and you will find your way there---alternately, you can type in “5 Foundy Street, Asheville” and that will lead you to one of our favorite constellation of studios, plus an amazing display of street art and “12 Bones Smokehouse”, if you want to get your barbeque on!
700 recommandé par les habitants
River Arts District
3 River Arts PlAsheville is known for its vibrant art scene, and the River Arts District is a fantastic place to visit, featuring the working studios and galleries of hundreds of artists in 23 former industrial and historical buildings spread out along a one mile stretch of the French Broad River. Simply type “River Arts District” into Siri/GPS and you will find your way there---alternately, you can type in “5 Foundy Street, Asheville” and that will lead you to one of our favorite constellation of studios, plus an amazing display of street art and “12 Bones Smokehouse”, if you want to get your barbeque on!
Almost every morning, and especially on weekends, you will be able to see between one-five hot air balloons flying behind and over our house (sightings usually take place between 7:15-8:15 a.m.). Asheville Hot Air Balloons (www.ashevillehotairballoons.com), which is the highest rated local hot air balloon company, offers one-hour sunrise flights that launch from the valley below our house. Several of our guests have done this and absolutely raved about it, but we have not yet personally experienced it, though it’s definitely on our “bucket list”! They do offer a discount for our guests who book using the promocode ZENAPARTMENT.
21 recommandé par les habitants
Asheville Hot Air Balloons
20 Sand Hill RdAlmost every morning, and especially on weekends, you will be able to see between one-five hot air balloons flying behind and over our house (sightings usually take place between 7:15-8:15 a.m.). Asheville Hot Air Balloons (www.ashevillehotairballoons.com), which is the highest rated local hot air balloon company, offers one-hour sunrise flights that launch from the valley below our house. Several of our guests have done this and absolutely raved about it, but we have not yet personally experienced it, though it’s definitely on our “bucket list”! They do offer a discount for our guests who book using the promocode ZENAPARTMENT.
Really, need I say more? The Blue Ridge Parkway is considered one of the most scenic drives in the entire country, and we are so blessed that it goes right through our city! With dozens of pullouts, trail heads, picnic spots, etc., and miles of jaw-dropping beauty to behold, this is a do not miss for Asheville visitors!
757 recommandé par les habitants
Blue Ridge Parkway
3884 Blue Ridge ParkwayReally, need I say more? The Blue Ridge Parkway is considered one of the most scenic drives in the entire country, and we are so blessed that it goes right through our city! With dozens of pullouts, trail heads, picnic spots, etc., and miles of jaw-dropping beauty to behold, this is a do not miss for Asheville visitors!
Featuring “America’s Largest Home” (essentially a castle with 250 rooms, where you can take a guided tour) and extensive grounds, with gorgeous gardens, walking/hiking and biking trails, a winery, a village, and various special events and concerts happening all year long (to put it in context, Maroon Five played there). They also offer special exhibitions, such as the Downton Abbey exhibit, Immersive Van Gogh, etc.
1485 recommandé par les habitants
Biltmore
1 Lodge StFeaturing “America’s Largest Home” (essentially a castle with 250 rooms, where you can take a guided tour) and extensive grounds, with gorgeous gardens, walking/hiking and biking trails, a winery, a village, and various special events and concerts happening all year long (to put it in context, Maroon Five played there). They also offer special exhibitions, such as the Downton Abbey exhibit, Immersive Van Gogh, etc.
We also really like Flat Rock, where you can visit the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site (the grounds are beautiful, and there are some lovely hiking trails there), enjoy a walk or picnic at the Flat Rock Park, stroll through the small village, which has a WONDERFUL bakery (Flat Rock Village Bakery) along with several other restaurants and sweet little boutique shops.
46 recommandé par les habitants
Flat Rock
We also really like Flat Rock, where you can visit the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site (the grounds are beautiful, and there are some lovely hiking trails there), enjoy a walk or picnic at the Flat Rock Park, stroll through the small village, which has a WONDERFUL bakery (Flat Rock Village Bakery) along with several other restaurants and sweet little boutique shops.
Waterfalls & hikes
There are SO many trails for hiking at all levels around here---and truthfully, we’ve got A LOT more exploring to do…. But this is one of the most highly-recommended trails & waterfalls that we’ve visited. Check these out in www.romanticasheville.com for more information and directions, and please note that some sections of the Blue Ridge parkway close during winter months due to icy or snowy conditions---if you are wanting to hike a trail that is off the BRP, it is wise to check this website first to see if that section of the parkway is open first: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm.
128 recommandé par les habitants
Triple Falls Trail
There are SO many trails for hiking at all levels around here---and truthfully, we’ve got A LOT more exploring to do…. But this is one of the most highly-recommended trails & waterfalls that we’ve visited. Check these out in www.romanticasheville.com for more information and directions, and please note that some sections of the Blue Ridge parkway close during winter months due to icy or snowy conditions---if you are wanting to hike a trail that is off the BRP, it is wise to check this website first to see if that section of the parkway is open first: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm.
Closed for safety updates through Spring 2024. There are SO many trails for hiking at all levels around here---and truthfully, we’ve got A LOT more exploring to do…. But this is one of the most highly-recommended trails & waterfalls that we’ve visited.
216 recommandé par les habitants
Catawba Falls
530 Warren Mountain DrClosed for safety updates through Spring 2024. There are SO many trails for hiking at all levels around here---and truthfully, we’ve got A LOT more exploring to do…. But this is one of the most highly-recommended trails & waterfalls that we’ve visited.
There are SO many trails for hiking at all levels around here---and truthfully, we’ve got A LOT more exploring to do…. But here is one of the most highly-recommended waterfalls that we’ve visited. Check these out in www.romanticasheville.com for more information and directions, and please note that some sections of the Blue Ridge parkway close during winter months due to icy or snowy conditions---if you are wanting to hike a trail that is off the BRP, it is wise to check this website first to see if that section of the parkway is open first: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm.
320 recommandé par les habitants
Looking Glass Falls
U.S. 276There are SO many trails for hiking at all levels around here---and truthfully, we’ve got A LOT more exploring to do…. But here is one of the most highly-recommended waterfalls that we’ve visited. Check these out in www.romanticasheville.com for more information and directions, and please note that some sections of the Blue Ridge parkway close during winter months due to icy or snowy conditions---if you are wanting to hike a trail that is off the BRP, it is wise to check this website first to see if that section of the parkway is open first: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm.
There are SO many trails for hiking at all levels around here---and truthfully, we’ve got A LOT more exploring to do…. But the hiking and waterfall here is gorgeous (Waterfall has been featured in movies!)
333 recommandé par les habitants
Chimney Rock State Park
431 Main StThere are SO many trails for hiking at all levels around here---and truthfully, we’ve got A LOT more exploring to do…. But the hiking and waterfall here is gorgeous (Waterfall has been featured in movies!)
There are SO many trails for hiking at all levels around here---and truthfully, we’ve got A LOT more exploring to do…. But Max Patch is one of the most highly-recommended trails that we’ve visited. Check it out in www.romanticasheville.com for more information and directions.
227 recommandé par les habitants
Max Patch
Max Patch RoadThere are SO many trails for hiking at all levels around here---and truthfully, we’ve got A LOT more exploring to do…. But Max Patch is one of the most highly-recommended trails that we’ve visited. Check it out in www.romanticasheville.com for more information and directions.
There are SO many trails for hiking at all levels around here---and truthfully, we’ve got A LOT more exploring to do…. But Pearson's Falls is one of the prettiest walks & waterfall areas that we’ve visited. Check it out in www.romanticasheville.com for more information and directions.
112 recommandé par les habitants
Pearson's Falls
There are SO many trails for hiking at all levels around here---and truthfully, we’ve got A LOT more exploring to do…. But Pearson's Falls is one of the prettiest walks & waterfall areas that we’ve visited. Check it out in www.romanticasheville.com for more information and directions.
There are SO many trails for hiking at all levels around here---and truthfully, we’ve got A LOT more exploring to do…. But this is one our favorite moderate hikes in the area, with stunningly gorgeous views! Check it out in www.romanticasheville.com for more information and directions, and please note that some sections of the Blue Ridge parkway close during winter months due to icy or snowy conditions---if you are wanting to hike a trail that is off the BRP, it is wise to check this website first to see if that section of the parkway is open first: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm.
87 recommandé par les habitants
Waterrock Knob
There are SO many trails for hiking at all levels around here---and truthfully, we’ve got A LOT more exploring to do…. But this is one our favorite moderate hikes in the area, with stunningly gorgeous views! Check it out in www.romanticasheville.com for more information and directions, and please note that some sections of the Blue Ridge parkway close during winter months due to icy or snowy conditions---if you are wanting to hike a trail that is off the BRP, it is wise to check this website first to see if that section of the parkway is open first: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm.
Tubing
For those who are a bit more adventurous, drive to Saluda to tube down the Green River, which has some fun rapids and spots where you can swim, enjoy a rope swing, etc. We recommend renting tubes through Wilderness Cove. Saluda is a REALLY beautiful mountain town & well worth a visit---you can also go ziplining at the Gorge (see below) while there.
wilderness cove tubing
For those who are a bit more adventurous, drive to Saluda to tube down the Green River, which has some fun rapids and spots where you can swim, enjoy a rope swing, etc. We recommend renting tubes through Wilderness Cove. Saluda is a REALLY beautiful mountain town & well worth a visit---you can also go ziplining at the Gorge (see below) while there.
Tubing down the French Broad River, anytime from late May through September, is an Asheville tradition. It’s relaxing, slow and FUN.
103 recommandé par les habitants
Zen Tubing
1648 Brevard RdTubing down the French Broad River, anytime from late May through September, is an Asheville tradition. It’s relaxing, slow and FUN.
Ziplining
There are numerous ziplining companies around, but Navitat is rated the #1 Ziplining Adventure in the country by Outdoor magazine. We tried it out & absolutely LOVED it!!!
279 recommandé par les habitants
Navitat Canopy Adventures
242 Poverty Branch RdThere are numerous ziplining companies around, but Navitat is rated the #1 Ziplining Adventure in the country by Outdoor magazine. We tried it out & absolutely LOVED it!!!
In nearby Saluda---amazing, award-winning ziplining experience!
170 recommandé par les habitants
The Gorge - A Zipline Canopy Tour
166 Honey Bee DrIn nearby Saluda---amazing, award-winning ziplining experience!
Music
Asheville has a VERY lively music scene with multiple venues---The Orange Peel is a definite favorite among locals. Spring-Fall is festival season, and there are festivals with tons of music, food, art & entertainment, many for free. The LEAF festival (held every spring & fall in Black Mountain and in the summer in downtown Asheville) is not-to-be-missed if you happen to be visiting at that time!
408 recommandé par les habitants
The Orange Peel
101 Biltmore AveAsheville has a VERY lively music scene with multiple venues---The Orange Peel is a definite favorite among locals. Spring-Fall is festival season, and there are festivals with tons of music, food, art & entertainment, many for free. The LEAF festival (held every spring & fall in Black Mountain and in the summer in downtown Asheville) is not-to-be-missed if you happen to be visiting at that time!
Asheville has a VERY lively music scene with multiple venues---Salvage Station is a definite favorite among locals. Spring-Fall is festival season, and there are festivals with tons of music, food, art & entertainment, many for free. The LEAF festival (held every spring & fall in Black Mountain and in the summer in downtown Asheville) is not-to-be-missed if you happen to be visiting at that time!
175 recommandé par les habitants
Salvage Station
468 Riverside DrAsheville has a VERY lively music scene with multiple venues---Salvage Station is a definite favorite among locals. Spring-Fall is festival season, and there are festivals with tons of music, food, art & entertainment, many for free. The LEAF festival (held every spring & fall in Black Mountain and in the summer in downtown Asheville) is not-to-be-missed if you happen to be visiting at that time!
Breweries
rated one of the top breweries in the country and the top local brewery, Sierra Nevada has been called “Disneyworld for adults, featuring beer”! With its commitment to ecology, Sierra Nevada has created a highly eco-friendly building and experience for visitors. There are extensive grounds with walking paths, incredible gardens, an outdoor amphitheater where they regularly hold concerts (many for free), tons of outdoor seating and playing areas, with bocci ball and cornhole, etc., and great Fletcher/Mill River, not in Asheville proper, but its well worth the 11 mile/25 minute drive from here.
726 recommandé par les habitants
Sierra Nevada Brewery
100 Sierra Nevada Wayrated one of the top breweries in the country and the top local brewery, Sierra Nevada has been called “Disneyworld for adults, featuring beer”! With its commitment to ecology, Sierra Nevada has created a highly eco-friendly building and experience for visitors. There are extensive grounds with walking paths, incredible gardens, an outdoor amphitheater where they regularly hold concerts (many for free), tons of outdoor seating and playing areas, with bocci ball and cornhole, etc., and great Fletcher/Mill River, not in Asheville proper, but its well worth the 11 mile/25 minute drive from here.
(about a 5-6 minute drive away)! We are so excited that Candler now has it’s own fabulous brewery, specializing in excellent IPAs, ambers, sours and goses. The place has a fun atmosphere, with both inside and outside seating, often with live music on the weekends. They also have their own food truck, serving American-style pub food.
11 recommandé par les habitants
Wicked Weed West
145 Jacob Holm Way(about a 5-6 minute drive away)! We are so excited that Candler now has it’s own fabulous brewery, specializing in excellent IPAs, ambers, sours and goses. The place has a fun atmosphere, with both inside and outside seating, often with live music on the weekends. They also have their own food truck, serving American-style pub food.
Fun environment with excellent gose/sour beers as well as IPAs, Belgians, etc. They do serve some yummy food, and have both indoor and outdoor seating. Lively, fun pub with consistently friendly service.
478 recommandé par les habitants
Wicked Weed Brewing Pub
91 Biltmore AveFun environment with excellent gose/sour beers as well as IPAs, Belgians, etc. They do serve some yummy food, and have both indoor and outdoor seating. Lively, fun pub with consistently friendly service.
Fun environment with excellent gose/sour beers as well as IPAs, Belgians, etc. They do serve food, and we’ve had a few of their appetizers (calamari, etc.), which were also good. Lively, artistic environment---a converted garage---with consistently friendly service.
169 recommandé par les habitants
The Funkatorium
147 Coxe AveFun environment with excellent gose/sour beers as well as IPAs, Belgians, etc. They do serve food, and we’ve had a few of their appetizers (calamari, etc.), which were also good. Lively, artistic environment---a converted garage---with consistently friendly service.
situated along the French Broad River, with lovely grounds, featuring many concerts & events (many for free), and offering guided brewery tours. Excellent variety of beers! They typically have food trucks available for snacks & meals.
450 recommandé par les habitants
New Belgium Brewing Company
21 Craven Stsituated along the French Broad River, with lovely grounds, featuring many concerts & events (many for free), and offering guided brewery tours. Excellent variety of beers! They typically have food trucks available for snacks & meals.
Fabulous cider tasting house, with a great food menu to boot. You can enjoy flights to sample their many different delicious ciders! (Not really a brewery, but it seemed to fit best in this category!)
38 recommandé par les habitants
L.O.F.T. of Asheville
53 Broadway StFabulous cider tasting house, with a great food menu to boot. You can enjoy flights to sample their many different delicious ciders! (Not really a brewery, but it seemed to fit best in this category!)
Fun, quirky, multi-level brewery (including a nice outdoor patio upstairs) that offers a variety of lagers, porters, stouts and goses. The LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour (see above) makes a mid-tour stop here!
182 recommandé par les habitants
Green Man Brewery
27 Buxton AveFun, quirky, multi-level brewery (including a nice outdoor patio upstairs) that offers a variety of lagers, porters, stouts and goses. The LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour (see above) makes a mid-tour stop here!