Betsy & Jake
Things To Do
All Day Darling
This gem will fulfill all your breakfast, lunch and even dinner needs- they serve breakfast all day, hence the name. They also have tasty coffee and tea drinks. All Day Darling is located in Montford, close to downtown, and a 10 minute walk from Homewood (our wedding venue). It is one of our favorite Asheville restaurants.
Hole Doughnuts
Stupidly delicious doughnuts that are worth all the hype! Hole is located in West Asheville and is absolutely worth checking out.
OWL Bakery
This cozy spot is located in West Asheville and serves rose almond croissants, cardamom buns, danishes with crystallized herbs and maple mascarpone, just to name a few—the pastries at OWL are truly world-class.
Taco Temple
Our favorite taco place in town- their guacamole, salsa and queso are always fresh and delicious... and their tacos never disappoint! Everything mentioned pairs wonderfully with their fabulous margarita. Taco Temple is very close to downtown in North Asheville.
Buxton Hall Barbecue
The food is award winning and the environment and location are also what make this place. Buxton Hall is located on the South Slope (brewery district on the south edge of downtown) so you could eat here and walk to breweries. You could also eat here for brunch or lunch on the weekends. Check their website for their hours and menu- this place is really fun! They are notorious for their pies, fried chicken, catfish, and of course BBQ. The line can get looong so go early! They do not take reservations.
The Bull and Beggar
Located in the River Arts District, this restaurant is our favorite place to have a fancy night out and feast on seafood, steak and the best burger you'll ever have. Call ahead or book online for reservations.
Cúrate
Spanish tapas restaurant started by the highly acclaimed chef, Katie Button. This is one of the top restaurants in Asheville and has been since it opened in 2011. Everyone can order a small dish and then the table can pass the food around to share. Reservations are required here and actually should be made at least a few weeks in advance. This place is a must for a fancy dinner out on the town!
Jettie Rae's Oyster House
The best oysters and seafood in town, in our opinion! Jettie Rae's is located in North Asheville, close to the Welcome Party on Thursday night. Reservations are highly recommended.
Benne On Eagle
Modern soul food honoring the important history of The Block on Eagle Street, a historically African American neighborhood in downtown Asheville. Located in the Foundry Hotel and absolutely worth a visit. Reservations are highly recommended.
Limones Restaurant
Modern Mexican cooking in a romantic and homey environment. Check out their menu because this place has amazing cocktails, including habanero and pomegranate margaritas. Limones has some of the freshest fish in town! Reservations are highly recommended.
French Broad Chocolate Lounge
These chocolate specialists use carefully sourced beans to create truffles, bars & other delicious and unique sweets. Always a favorite of locals and tourists alike. After dinner usually has a wait but the line tends to move quickly and it's worth it!
Battery Park Book Exchange
One of our favorite places in all of Asheville- a wine bar and bookstore all in one cozy spot.
Noble Cider - The Greenhouse Restaurant
Noble Cider's downtown taproom- we adore this stylish spot. The cider and cocktails are delicious, and the food should not be missed!
Ginger's Revenge
A craft brewery that specializes in alcoholic ginger beer. Do yourself a favor and be sure to get a flight of your own personalized ginger beer selections. So good!
Burial Beer Co.
Local craft brewery in the heart of the South Slope since 2013. Burial is known for its German lagers, Belgian-inspired ales, and bold American style beers. They also have really delicious food!
Green Man Brewery
Local craft brewery that is located in the South Slope and has been an Asheville favorite since 1997. They also have a beautiful rooftop patio, a brewery tour, and a tasting room down the street.
Asheville Art Museum
It's newly renovated and it's finally open! Asheville Art Museum is located right in the heart of downtown.
Biltmore
The largest privately owned home in America. They have various tour options, including a self-guided tour with headset or you can book a group tour with a guide. Also, be sure to check out the gardens and rest of the grounds- the gardens are quite impressive in the warmer months. You will need to purchase your tickets online or by phone ahead of time.
The Omni Grove Park Inn
The Grove Park Inn is a massive historic resort hotel with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can enjoy a drink out on the terrace, sit by the enormous fireplaces in one of the rocking chairs, go to the spa, dine at one of the several restaurants and just walk around the grounds, read about the incredible history of this place, and explore.
Craggy Gardens Visitor Center
This short mile-high hike offers huge rewards, including a panoramic 360-degree view at the top. It's a 1.4-mile round-trip hike to the top of the 5,892-ft. summit (Craggy Pinnacle) and is uphill for most of the way so keep that in mind when deciding this hike. The hike departs from a signed trailhead at the visitor center, located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 364. The trail departs from the southern end of the parking area, climbing and winding through a lush, green, rocky forest filled with gnarly-branched rhododendron. This is about a 45 minute drive from downtown via the Blue Ridge Parkway. Go early and beat the crowds!
Black Balsam Knob
Black Balsam Knob, also known as Black Balsam Bald, is in the Pisgah National Forest southwest of Asheville, near milepost 420 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is the second highest mountain in the Great Balsam Mountains. This is our go-to hike on the parkway and has absolutely amazing panoramic views from the top that are just unbeatable. This hike does entail uphill parts and is slightly over 4 miles total. It is a litter over an hour away from downtown Asheville via the Blue Ridge Parkway. Go early to beat the crowds!
Graveyard Fields Loop Trail
Do not be spooked by the name; it refers to the fact that the main field has weathered some massive fires and windstorms that fell hundreds of the spruce and fir trees on its slopes. Numerous waterfalls, hike options, and spectacular views right off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Lookout Mountain
For all you Chattanooga folks, this is a very different type of Lookout Mountain :) We love this hike for two reasons- it's 25 minutes away from downtown Asheville and it has outstanding views from the top. This hike should be treated as intermediate to advanced, as it does gain 623 feet of elevation over 1.1 miles, and a good majority of that is gained towards the end. You will be scaling some rocks, so come prepared going up and down the trail to Lookout. Once you reach the top, you will be treated with stunning views of Montreat and the Seven Sisters.