Worth the detour.
We never go to North Carolina without sneaking away to Asheville for a day. Between the mountains, the town, and the memories we’ve made here (including our first “I love you”) it holds a special place in our hearts – we are so happy to share it with you.
Outdoorsy
Chimney Rock State Park
Great hiking trail with beautiful views. There is an elevator option to get to the top!
Map | Instagram
Mount Mitchell
The highest peak of the Appalachians and is on our bucket list to hike!
Map | Instagram
North Carolina Arboretum
Just South of Asheville, the Arboretum has many botanically-diverse gardens and miles hiking trails.
Map | Instagram
Blue Ridge Parkway
Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway where there are plenty of lookout points, smaller trails, and waterfalls. Some recommended stops along the parkway:
North of Asheville
— Craggy Pinnacle: Milepost 364.1
— Crabtree Falls: Milepost 339.5
— Linnville Falls: Milepost 316
South of Asheville
— Mt Pisgah
— Frying Pan Mountain and Lookout Tower
— Looking Glass Falls
Map | Instagram
Foodie
Breakfast
Lunch / Dinner
The Bull and the Beggar
French and very tasty we wished we would have gotten the flank steak.
Map | Instagram
Chai Pani
Indian small plates and street food with a great, colorful atmosphere. You’ll probably take a photo or two.
Map | Instagram
More to consider:
Red Ginger
Real good dimsum and tapas.
Map | Instagram
Ukiah
Japanese smokehouse and tapas.
Map | Instagram
Coffee and Sweets
Double D’s Coffee Shop
Great coffee at this repurposed double decker bus
Map | Instagram
Rowan Coffee
Cute, bright and airy space with great drinks and brunch eats.
Map | Instagram
Potential New Boyfriend
Desserts, wine and vinyl – a dream combination.
Map | Instagram
Old Europe Pastries
Amazing variety, amazing pastries.
Map | Instagram
Bars & Breweries
Asheville
Antidote Cocktail Lounge at Chemist
Chic, turn-of-the-century-inspired spot offering specialty cocktails, a rooftop terrace & a patio.
Map | Instagram
Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar
Casual haunt featuring piano duels & specialty cocktails in a 1920s space with a convivial vibe.
Map | Website
Wicked Weed Brewing's Brewpub
Your go-to destination for sour beers.
Map | Instagram
Hi-Wire Brewing
Typical brewery but with a surprise tiki bar located in the back.
Map | Instagram
Ben’s Tune Up
Part bar, part restaurant, part beer garden, part dance party.
Map | Instagram
More to consider:
Sovereign Remedies Map | Instagram
Burial Beer Co. Map | Instagram
The Whale Map | Instagram
Lake Lure
Appalachia
Stunning views of the lake from one of it’s many decks. Also has a great menu that we still daydream about.
Map | Instagram
Moose and Goose Lounge
Inside the Lake Lure Inn and Spa, fun to walk around and grab a drink.
Map | Instagram
Canoe Kitchen
Tasty drinks and cool-girl vibes.
Map | Instagram
Lake House
Typical bar and grill with a large menu and familiar options.
Map | Website
Fae Nectar
Medieval mead tavern, ren faire vibes, something different!
Map | Instagram
Lexington Glass Works
Kaila gets something from here every year, there’s always something new and shiny.
Map | Instagram
Battery Park Book Exchange
Ronnie loves to check out local, second-hand bookshops everywhere we go.
Map | Instagram
Downtown Books and News
Another local, second-hand bookshop!
Map | Website
Madam Clutterbucket’s Neurodiverse Universe
Such a unique place full of little curiosities and fun vintage things.
Map | Website
Nest Organics
Kaila wants to touch and buy everything in here. Great for elevated home goods, textiles, and baby items.
Map | Instagram
YEWO Collective
Asheville’s version of Ursa. IYKYK, if you don’t you should check it out.
Map | Instagram
Kress Emporium
Local makers and booth-style shopping, great for unique souvenirs.
Map | Instagram
Shopping
Vintage
Only in the South
Craving a quick bite? Try these Southern-only favorites.
Waffle House
Don’t knock it until you try it! Open late.
Website
Cookout
Ronnie gets the BBQ tray with a quesadilla, chicken wrap and a blueberry shake.
Kaila goes for a burger tray “Cookout Style” with a quesadilla and hush puppies.
Also open late!
Website
Bojangles
Ronnie’s usual is a Cajun Filet Biscuit while Kaila’s sweet breakfast craving is a Boberry Biscuit.
Website
Zaxby’s
Looking for something green? Kaila loves a good Zalad!
Website
Traditional Tourist
Biltmore Estate
Beautiful gardens, a stunning solarium, hundreds of rooms, a basement pool, and don’t forget the greenhouse. Be sure to check out the free wine tasting in Biltmore Village.
Map | Instagram
Omni Grove Park Inn
Explore the sprawling property without having to book a room. Sip a cocktail on the outdoor patio with a stunning view of the mountains, fill your plate at the impressive buffet, then sit back in the basement piano bar or beside the huge, roaring fireplaces.
Map | Instagram
Lake Lure
Lake Lure beach is beautiful and newly reconstructed. With mountain backdrops and clear blue water explore boat rentals, kayaking and paddleboarding.
Fun Fact: Lake Lure is also where Dirty Dancing was filmed. Explore some set locations like Lake Lure Inn and Spa and Rumbling Bald Resort Golf Course.
Map | Website
Pan for Gold
We always see signs for The Lucky Strike when driving in the area and have always wanted to check it out! Thermal City Gold and Gem Mine is another…gem.
Cars and Coffee
Every third Saturday of the month people gather to show off and see cars of all varieties. If you go early, you could catch it before wedding festivities begin.
8:00 - 11:00am
Prescott Auto Reserve
Map | Instagram
Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum Asheville’s only antique car museum. A personal collection of a local car dealer tucked in a nice neighborhood of the city. Features 20 cars spanning from 1913-1959.
Map | Instagram
Wheels Through Time Motorcycle and Car Museum
About a 40-minute drive West to see over 300 rare classic cars and motorcycles.
Map | Instagram
Gear Heads
Choose your own adventure.
Take a day trip into Asheville and see what you find — a hidden gem? Share it with us!
Downtown
— Lexington Ave
(Start by Honeypot Vintage)
— The Grove Arcade
— Biltmore Avenue
(Start by The Orange Peel)
West Asheville
We’ve just started to explore over in this neighborhood, but some first favorites:
— Bad Manners Coffee
— Character Study cocktail bar
— Squirrel House vintage