The Vilevacs
Things To Do
Dessert: Potential New Boyfriend
I have loved Disco's ice cream since his first pop up events as "Gospel". I even went to one at Pleb Winery (which was destroyed during Hurricane Helene) with Kat and Emma during their Asheville visit in 2022. His listening lounge / dessert shop / wine bar is now open and a must do if you're a music lover like us. N/A options are available here. If you meet Disco, tell him Rechelle sent you over!
Hiking: Max Patch
360 bald view of mountains with a gradual climb of a 1.5 mile loop. This is a top hike for Matt and I. The first time we did this hike in 2022 with Kat and Emma, an airplane flew across the skyline and was technically eye level with us because we were so high up. Please leave no trace! Also, don't forget to layer when you're hiking in the Blue Ridge Parkway. It can be 20 degrees cooler up in the mountains.
Food: Haywood Common
Before her full time job with the Town of Black Mountain, Rechelle worked here for 2 years. It's comfort food made with local ingredients and there's a lot of variety in the menu. It's a vegan and gluten friendly counter-service restaurant that also has great cocktails and local beer. Hangout on their pet-friendly patio and grab a funky beer at The Whale. This spot is a locals fave. The brunch menu is top tier!
Brewery: DSSOLVR
This brewery screams Asheville to us, it's filled with absolutely funky beers. If you only have time to go to one brewery during your trip, this is the one to go to. It's located downtown on Lexington, which features a ton of local shops and is very walkable.
Shopping: Harvest Records
This is a top tier record store and a staple for us both in Asheville. Music is so important to us and we always go here first for vinyl we want to add to our collection. If they don't have what we are looking for, they order it for us. If you're not one who likes to browse at record stores, they have their inventory on their website and also post their new to shop used vinyl on their Instagram.
Food: Chai Pani Asheville
Delicious Indian street food. Meherwan Irani, chef and co-founder, has won countless awards for this restaurant. They've also done a lot for the community post Hurricane Helene. Their new expanded location is beautiful, which is great for you all because before this location opened it was extremely difficult to dine here. If you're needing a quick bite to eat, they also own Botiwalla downtown and in West Asheville which we recommend.
Upscale Food: Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse
A perfect date night spot, this Japanese smokehouse has flair like no other. We had an anniversary dinner here one year and it blew us away. The beech mushroom tempura is a must order.
Rooftop Bar: The Observatory
Farmers Market: North Asheville Tailgate
Want to taste snacks from local vendors and buy local goods? Many of our faves can be found here! We recommend stopping by JChong, Dare Vegan Cheese, Black Trumpet Farm, Hominy Farm, Bridge & Tunnel coffee truck, French Broad Pantry, Meadowsweet Creamery, and Shanti Elixirs.
Coffee Shop: Bad Manners
This pink lil' shop has something for everyone, even if coffee isn't your favorite! If you see bagels from Honey Badger Bakes, go ahead and grab one of those too. BONUS: This coffee shop is located in a plaza with Smokin' Onion, Botiwalla and Revolve which are all other restaurants and vintage shops we recommend.