This is a great hike off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's about 3 miles roundtrip (out and back) but it's steep with a great overlook at the top. It is considered strenuous. Allow about 3 hours from downtown Asheville. 25 minutes driving and 2 hours of hiking.
A great hike enjoyed by locals. The parking area is limited, so you may have to park on the side of the road. There aren't grand views, but it's a moderate hike up to ruins from an old summer home. About 2.5 miles round trip.
There are two locations. One downtown on the South Slope and a larger location just outside of Biltmore Village. The Big Top location has great outdoor seating and a permanent food truck with great burgers.
Low key brewery on the river! A great local spot with authentic Mexican food truck. This is where Ellie and Michael had their first date!
The seating is mostly outdoor, so it's a good weather only kind of place. They always have a great food truck! There is a second location about 1 mile away from this one that has more indoor seating.
A great downtown wine bar. Perfect for an afternoon drink!
Counter-service tacos great for breakfast or lunch!
Bakery/Cafe in downtown Asheville. Otherwise known as Ellie's firstborn child.
Not your average pizza joint. A great place to grab dinner on Friday night! However, they don't take reservations.
Beautiful gardens, a bonsai exhibit, and easy hiking trails. You have to pay to park, $11/car, but there's no additional entrance fee. It's a nice walk, especially if you have kids.
Ellie's former employer. Great place for dinner or brunch.
Great spot for Friday night dinner!
Perfect for breakfast or lunch! There's also a West Asheville location.
Downtown spot great for brunch or dinner!
One of the best restaurants in town in an unsuspecting cinderblock building in West Asheville.
Downtown brewery with good food. They also serve brunch.
Great open-air wine bar with a fire pit and outdoor picnic tables.