Mary & George
Must See/EAT in Western North Carolina
Explore Historic Burnsville
If you're wanting to explore a little bit closer to the wedding, we highly recommend spending some time in historic downtown Burnsville. With a special place in the hearts of both the Mary and George, Burnsville preserves the atmosphere of a true mountain town free from the bustle of big cities and unchanged by time.
Eat and Drink Around Burnsville
You don't have to go to Asheville to experience some of our favorite restaurants...below are a few crowd favorites! Laura's Pizza and Trattoria-pizza, pastas and salads Snap Dragon- bites, burgers and beers Pig & Grits- Classic diner vibes, great breakfast and BBQ Garden Deli- Sandwiches, Salads, and soups Mountain Chef Bistro- Pizzas, pastas, sandwiches Rio Mexican Cuisine- If you need your Tex-Mex fix... Appalachian Coffee- great coffee and quick breakfast/lunch
Posana (restaurant-Asheville)
all gluten free restaurant, contemporary American in the heart of Asheville at Pack Square (patio available)
Curate (restaurant-Asheville)
Spanish tapas and small plates, also in the heart of Asheville at Pack Square.
Tupelo Honey (restaurant-Asheville)
classic southern restaurant with several locations
The Admiral (restaurant-Asheville)
Hole in the wall type restaurant that serves incredible, upscale food behind a gas station (reservations required) Mary's Favorite!
Cucina 24 (restaurant-Asheville)
traditional Italian with menus based on seasonal, local produce and meats.
Biltmore Estate
The largest privately owned mansion in the USA. Great for a day of strolling the gardens, viewing the house, enjoying a wine tasting at the winery, and eating at one of the many acclaimed restaurants on the property.
Blue Ridge Parkway
With access only about 5 minutes from the heart of downtown Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a perfect way to experience the Blue Ridge mountains by hike, picnic, or leisurely drive.
Visit Little Switzerland
Mary grew up going to Little Switzerland either after a hike or after gem mining. Their French onion soup is legit, and there is a sweet shop/ice cream store, a gorgeous blown glass gallery, and souvenir shop all in the same area.
Go Gem Mining!
We still like to go here as adults! Gem mining is almost as fun as an adult as it was when we were kids. It isn’t a full day activity, so you could lump the hike, Little Switzerland and Gem Mining all in one long day
Visit Glass Blowing Galleries
Asheville and the surrounding areas have so many unique glass blowing business that are all intimate and hand crafted. Check out the galleries we have linked
Penland School of Crafts
The Penland Gallery and Visitors Center is one of the finest showcases for contemporary craft in the Southeast
Hike Crabtree Falls
Hike Crabtree Falls—one of our favorite excursions is loading up the car (and a backpack full of snacks) and hiking the trail at Crabtree Falls. The hike is a 3(ish) mile hike and roughly takes an hour and a half- two hours. Crabtree falls is about 45 miles from Asheville. If you’re looking for a fun lunch spot, head over to Little Switzerland afterwards and shop around after you eat!
Downtown Asheville
The best thing about downtown Asheville is that all you have to do is show up! It doesn't take long exploring this unique downtown to see or experience something that could only be found in this eccentric and vibrant community. And for dinner? Try Zambra, Bouchon, Curate, Posana, The Red Stag Grill, Rhubarb, Vinnie's, or one of the many other restaurants the area has to offer.