I will say it once and I will stay it a million times.. mountains make my heart happy. And a mountain town that has some of the best food in the country, great beers, and is pretty hip; well, life is great when you are in Asheville
Where we stayed:
I feel like every time we go to Asheville we stay in different places. One of our best family friends has a condo that we are fortunate to stay in, we have rented VRBO houses in Asheville and Black Mountain, and then also stayed in a hotel. It really depends on what you are looking for. If you want a view and coffee mornings then rent a house. If you want brews and food then get a hotel
Where we ate:
Curate-Spanish, tapas, unreal food experience that is a MUST. Make sure you make a reservation because this place is on all of the foodie's radar. The squid ink paella is a game changer and their tomato bread with anchovies will only make you a better person. And to be quite honest the few times we have been there and gotten so many different dishes.. they are all damn good. Like really good
Tupelo Honey- You have heard about it, you have been told to go there. It does not wrong. The food is outstanding and it is just an Asheville staple
Oyster House Brewing Company- If you love no fuss oysters then this is your place. The beer is good (brewed on site) and the dishes are fantastic. Dont expect fine dining but do expect taste on taste on taste
Rezaz-Did someone say authentic Lebaneses food? Being half Lebanese myself I have pretty high standards when it comes to killer food and this is killer. Located near the Biltmore and near the Grand Bohemian Hotel (which as the greatest fire place in the country)
The Admiral-I wish I could say I have been here but really there is never enough time or room in my stomach to try everything. The reviews from friends have been outstanding and it is HIGH in our list for our next trip up there
Laughing Seed Cafe-vegan on vegan on vegan with outstanding options
Early Girl Cafe- breakfast at its finest but do expect a wait (which is always a good sign) if you dont have a reservation
Cucina 24-Italian food that is pretty authentic, I wouldn't say that it was my favorite meal but it is great if you have time in schedule and need a dinner reservation
The Market Place- owned by a USC alum it is farm to table at its best. Their cheese board and homemade pickles will get the party started and their small bites are all amazing. We were so full we didn't get a chance to order entrees but they looked out of this world. All ingredients here are within 100 miles of Asheville so you know it is going to be a great experience. Plus there is Gamecock love in the food, really what more could you ask for
White Duck Taco Shop-Really am made that this is at the bottom of my list, just slipped my mind. But it a spot we visit every time we go to Asheville. Dont be intimated by the line out front, just get in line and enjoy tacos at their finest. And order three, just do it, they are all so different and will really make you smile
Sierra Nevada Brewery-if you build it they will come and that is exactly what Asheville has done with the beer scene. Make a reservation and expect to be wowed by a beer that you probably look over when you order. The tour is very cool and what they are doing at Sierra Nevada will blow your mind. They told us that in February 2015 they will have a pub and music venue opening so stay tuned for when we check that out
Wicked Weed Brewery/Restaurant-you want out door drinking with great beer in the middle of Asheville, look no more. Wicked Weed might be one of my top 10 favorite places in the country. Locals and cool tourist hang here for great brews and from what I hear great food
Biltmore House-Yes, it is on all of the top 10 most romantical things to do in your life so do it
Grove Park-see above, great food, good fire, killer views, you're welcome
Asheville Botanical Gardens-Looking for a nonalocholic time slot in your day? This is the thing to do, get some exercise and see what is blooming
Green Man Brewery-Serving good beer in downtown Asheville
The Wedge Brewery-If you want beer, great warehouse scene with no fuss then this is for you. But dont come dress fancy, this is a local hang out and meant for the layed back person who likes games and picnic tables
Battery Park Book Exchange- No question one of my favorite "bars" in the country. You walk in and think coffee shop/bookstore but then you see seats and bottles of champs and you realize that heaven exists on this earth. You can bring your dogs and sip champs, really dont sure that you need anything else in life
Looking back:
There is no question that Asheville is one of our favorite minimoon (what I like to call weekend getaways with Jaggs) destinations! I know that I have forgotten some spots and there will be lots added in the months and years to come since we go quite often. I would suggest to run, dont walk, to Asheville... right now.
