Things To Do
Biscuit Head
The best biscuits ever, the best jam ever, the best cat theme ever, does it get any better? Oh yeah, THERE'S AN UNLIMITED JAM BAR!!! It's a popular spot that doesn't take reservations though, so we recommend getting in line early. Totally worth it.
The Funkatorium
Jess' favorite place ever!! SOUR BEERS GALORE!!! Seriously, it's the best. And nice outdoor seating as well.
Hole
This is the first of now countless times Kiran demonstrated his effortless knack of knowing the best and most hipster donut places around-- it's one of his greatest superpowers. You can watch them make these delicious donuts as you order and eat.
Chai Pani Asheville
Delicious Indian street food- highly recommend
Asheville Brewing Company
Awesome outdoor brewery with great beers and great pizza. Seasonal list here: https://www.ashevillebrewing.com/brews/
White Labs Kitchen & Tap
Known for their special dough and house-made pastas!
Hi-Wire Brewing
Great selection, one of our more recent explorations.
Burial Beer Co.
Would you like a donut on your beer? Say no more. Lots of stouts and porters and a lovely outdoor drinking area.
Tupelo Honey
Great brunch spot-- excellent fried green tomatoes, hot sauce, and bloody marys. Kiran especially recommends it after running a half marathon.
12 Bones Smokehouse RIVER
Our fave BBQ place in Asheville (and a top BBQ of all time). They don't take reservations, but OMG are they delicious! Especially the ribs! And guess what?! There's a sauce bar!!!! They've recently started brewing as well. Apparently Barack and Michelle Obama ate here when in Asheville and if it's good enough for them it's certainly good enough for us:) Buxton Hall in South Slope Asheville is also delicious
White Duck Taco Shop
THESE TACOS ARE SO GOOOOOD! There are so many nontraditional taco choices and some excellent queso as well. The river arts location has an awesome sprawling outdoor space with plenty of beer options to enjoy!
Hooker Falls
Located in DuPont State Forest is an awesome swimming hole complete with a waterfall you can climb behind! You can kiss behind the waterfall and live out your Pocahontas dreams if you're into that. Hooker Falls are a mere quarter mile from the parking lot, so bring a floaty, a cooler, and stay 'til your waterlogged. Park in the Hooker Falls Parking Area. Port-a-johns available in the parking lot. The forest closes at 10pm.
Craggy Gardens
The first hike we did together-- didn't disappoint! It's completely magical. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 364.4 – 367.6: Craggy Gardens Twisted, jagged, rocky “crags” give Craggy Gardens its name, but these high elevation summits are home to the most spectacular floral display along the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway corridor. The Craggy Gardens Visitor Center is located at Milepost 364.4, with the spur to Craggy Gardens trails and picnic area at 367.6. What to Do: Explore exhibits on the natural history of the region at the visitor center – open seasonally Take a short hike up Craggy Pinnacle trail and witness a stunning 360-view of seemingly endless peaks and forested slopes – see area map Enjoy a picnic amid natural beauty Visit nearby Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi
Blue Ridge Parkway
Take a drive along the blue ridge parkway-- it's stunning!!!
Biltmore Estate
The fanciest place in Asheville (North America?) you can spend hours touring the Biltmore Estates, going on a winery tour/picnic, and other fancy things
Black Balsam Knob Hike
(1-10 miles, moderate) For sweeping 360-degree views, hike across these bald mountaintops. Almost entirely devoid of trees above 6,000 ft., the summit is more reminiscent of New England than North Carolina. Black Balsam Knob is part of the 30-mile Art Loeb Trail, so you can hike as far as you want. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 420.
Mount Mitchell
The highest peak east of the mississippi! Sunsets here are gorgeous Since you can drive almost to the top of highest summit east of the Mississippi, it's just a short walk (but uphill) on a paved trail to the observation deck. Mt. Mitchell State Park (free admission and located off the Parkway) is a must-see for anyone looking for elevation! The Deep Gap Trail starts from the summit parking lot and takes you to Mt. Craig, the second highest peak in the eastern USA.
Lake Lure
Real life, Dirty Dancing was filmed at Lake Lure, to include the iconic lake dancing scenes. When Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey aren't filming you can hang out on the beach or swim there (obviously while singing Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes's I've HadThe Time Of My Life).
Asheville murals
Asheville has lots of awesome murals-- totally worth checking out. Most are in West Asheville, the cool kid part of town. Once we saw a disco party at a gas station there. Enough said.
Weaver House
If you're spending any time in Weaverville, be sure to check out Weaver House. The grounds are gorgeous, the cocktails are superb, and sometimes you can catch some great live music!
Max Patch Trail
This 1.7 mi hike has spectacular views! https://www.romanticasheville.com/max-patch
Shoji Spa & Lodge
Jess and her mom spent a magical morning at this tiny japanese spa tucked away in the mountains. Even though it's the summer, if you get too hot in the hot tub or the sauna, there's cold water as well. If you go, get the tea service!!