Grace & Ambrose
Things To Do
Asheville: Biltmore Estate
It's a hefty price for a ticket (around $90!), but if you're interested in American history and seeing some of the most stunning craftsmanship and design in American history, it's WELL worth it!
Asheville: Grove Park Inn
Even if you're not staying here, the hotel is very welcoming of guests who want to sit and enjoy a cocktail. Grab a rocking chair in front of one of the 7' tall fireplaces or make a reservation for a meal on the porch overlooking Asheville. It's a beautiful example of Arts and Crafts architecture and design.
Asheville: The North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum's 434-acre campus is nestled along the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 393 in south Asheville and offers 65 acres of cultivated gardens including the Bonsai Exhibition Garden, 10 miles of forested hiking and biking trails, garden tours, nature activities for families, changing science, art and cultural history exhibits, a cafe and gift shop.
Blue Ridge Parkway: Craggy Gardens
A short hike up the Craggy Pinnacle Trail (about 3/4 of a mile) will get you some incredible views. Bring extra layers - it's chillier at that elevation!
Blue Ridge Parkway: Graveyard Fields
Take the loop trail or simply go out-and-back down to view stunning waterfalls and wildflowers.
Blue Ridge Parkway: Black Balsam Knob
This is one of Ambrose and mine's favorite hikes - park and head out-and-back as long as you'd like. The trail (Art Loeb) takes you through pine forest for about .15 and then you're walking up and down bare balds for the rest of the time. It's stunning.
Blue Ridge Parkway cycling
Do a little research to find the best spots for making a full loop - the parkway is a cyclist's dream. You will be joined by cars, but this time of year, the traffic won't be bad at all.
Blue Ridge Parkway: Mt. Pisgah
A steep, quick climb up to the top of prominent Mt. Pisgah, along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Hendersonville: Dupont State Forest
There are a number of short hikes here to AMAZING waterfalls, or, you can combine the walks to create a 7 mile loop and see them all! The picture shows High Falls, one of our favorites, but Triple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are also very impressive. There are mountain bike opportunities here - just Google it!
Flat Rock: Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
For literary fans - Carl Sandburg's home is beautifully preserved for public viewing. You can also forgo the house tour and walk around the grounds Sandburg and his wife called home. The working goat barn is a fun place to hang out.
Cúrate
Critically-acclaimed hip tapas restaurant downtown.
Chestnut
Upscale American farm-to-table restaurant in the heart of downtown
Posana Restaurant
American seasonal, sustainable cuisine
Chai Pani Asheville
We haven't been, but I've heard great things about this hip Indian restaurant.
Gan Shan Station
Hip spot for Asian fusion, comfort-food style.
Blue Dream Curry House
Scrumptious curries
Nine Mile
Lily's personal favorite - Jamaican food with an Italian twist. Casual, full-service, vegetarian-friendly restaurant.
All Souls Pizza
Wood-fired pizza made with local, seasonal ingredients
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co
Pub fare like chicken wings, nachos, and pizza accompanied by ABC's extensive beer menu
Farm Burger Asheville
Burgers made from local grass-fed beef. Yummy sides. Right downtown.
West Asheville Lounge and Kitchen
Casual, hip gastropub with bar fare, craft beer and cocktails
Roman's Deli & Catering
Classic deli sandwiches! Downtown A'ville
Green Sage Cafe Merrimon
Fresh, vegan and vegetarian breakfast and lunch food. Order at the counter and sit in the cafe or take it to go! Smoothies, bowls, wraps... there's also a location downtown.
Sunny Point Café
Delicious breakfast/brunch spot in West Asheville.
Biscuit Head
Sickeningly good biscuit (with lots of loaded options) place in West Asheville.
Izzy's Coffee Den
A solid coffee option downtown.
High Five Coffee
Tried and true coffee/baked goods spot. This location is near Whole Foods (off Merrimon) but there's also one downtown.
Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe
The sweetest independent book shop. Cafe with coffee drinks and baked goods inside.
French Broad Chocolate Lounge
Amazing drinking chocolates, chocolate cake, chocolate gelato, chocolate truffles - the list goes on.
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
Delicious homemade ice cream with vegan options, too!
Whit's Frozen Custard
The best frozen custard
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
A nice place to stop for a tasting or have a bite to eat.
Wicked Weed Brewing Pub
Hip brewery with a tasting room & a restaurant serving high-end, locally sourced New American fare.
The Crow & Quill
Dimly lit bar featuring over 700 spirits, beer & cocktails. Live music & antique furnishings.
Lazy Diamond
Dive bar
Urban Orchard Cider Co. - West
All their cider is aged a minimum of 8 months and uses apples from Hendersonville, N.C. Try the tasting!
Noble Taproom & Cidery
Asheville's *first* cidery - taproom located out near the venue!