Carissa & Shane
Things To Do
Biscuit Head
This was the first place we ate at during our first trip visiting Asheville! They have big fluffy biscuits, fun toppings, and a jam bar including all the flavored jams you could ever imagine. The line can be long but moves fast and seating is first come first serve. This was one of the businesses ravaged by Hurricane Helene and hours for their few locations are limited 8am-2pm daily.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
This place is beautiful! It has a HUGE outdoor area, great food, solid beer (including non alcoholic options). They usually have live music playing at the outside amphitheater. One of the largest breweries we’ve ever been to, you can book a professional guided tour ($) or have free range to walk the entire facility yourself on a self-guided tour (for free)! Highly highly highly recommend this!
Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack Arden
Locally owned, recipes made from scratch. What you’d expect from a “hole-in-the-wall” informal restaurant style experience! They offer “Nashville style” hot chicken and southern soul food, allowing you to choose the spice level you prefer. This is one of the places we bring everyone that visits us to.
New Belgium Brewing Company
Overlooks the French Broad River, super relaxed, a nice place to sit outside and people-watch. They usually have a variety of food trucks outside and some lawn games. Please note that you’ll see some funky parts of the River Arts District nearby, still recovering from the destruction of Hurricane Helene.
Well Played Board Game Cafe
Great rainy-day or fun evening spot downtown. They have SO many games, like 700+, plus snacks and drinks (alcoholic & regular drinks/coffees). You pay 1 price for a Game Pass and get unlimited game time to try out any and all games your heart desires. We frequent this place for Sunday Trivia Brunch!
The North Carolina Arboretum
Lovely walking trails and gardens, not too strenuous. Parking does cost a little per car, but it’s a peaceful and easy spot to wander that we highly recommend.
Biltmore
We’ll preface that we haven’t been here yet (it’s pricey and we had a wedding to save for!) but regularly hear how incredibly it is. It’s on the list since we do recommend you consider checking out the grounds and estate if you don’t plan coming back soon. House & Ground admission is also free for anyone 16 & under until September 1st! ALSO! They have a King Tut exhibit right now with super detailed “exact” replicas and a cool audio tour that goes along with it. We’ve had family visit it and highly recommends it! Again, it’s pricey and admission to the exhibit is in addition to the general grounds ticket.
Biltmore Lake
This is a 62 acre lake that’s technically private property to members of the Biltmore Lake residences, but that hasn’t stopped us before! It’s features a picturesque view of the lake reflecting the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, with trails totaling 4 miles that weave through the community neighborhood. There’s also a basketball court, playground, and pier, great for picnics.