Tori & Eric
Things To Do
Eat
I couldn't possibly list all of the amazing places to eat in Asheville, but here's a start. Follow the link for some additional recommendations. 1. Curate 2. Forestry Camp 3. The Admiral 4. Jargon 5. Cultura 6. White Duck Tacos -- the Riverside Location, not the downtown one 7. 12 Bones Smokehouse 8. Biscuit Head 9. Buxton Hall BBQ 10. Rhubarb 11. Hole Donuts 12. Red Ginger 13. Sunny Point Cafe 14. Smokey Park Supper Club 15. Vivian's 16. Cucina 24- We took Mom and Dad here for their 40th anniversary 17. Chai Pani
Biltmore Estate
An Asheville "must-do" if you have never been here before. Tickets are $10 cheaper if you buy them ahead of time online (I strongly recommend doing this because the ticket area can be crazy busy!) There's so much more to see and do than just the home. Make sure to tour the gardens, conservatory and Antler Village. There are great restaurants as well. Also, make sure to check out the free wine tasting at the end!
West Asheville
If you've been to Asheville before and have seen most of the South Slope breweries, we suggest taking a trip to West Asheville for a more "local" scene. We've enjoyed amazing dinners at Jargon and The Admiral. We also suggest breakfast at "Hole" Donuts and lunch at Taco Billys (don't skip on the margaritas!) or Oyster House Brewing Company. We recently went to The Whale (bottle shop and outdoor beer garden) and had great night too. There are also more breweries: Archetype, Cellarest Beer Project, and One World Brewing.
Hike
There are countless hikes of various difficulty within a short drive from Asheville. Check out the link below and the AllTrails app for suggestions.
River Arts District
"The River Arts District consists of a vast array of artists and working studios in 23 former industrial and historical buildings spread out along a one mile stretch of the French Broad River. This eclectic area is an exciting exploration of arts, food and exercise... More than 200 artists work in paint, pencil, pottery, metal, fiber, glass, wax, paper and more. As unique and individual as their art, so too are their schedules. There are no official “Open Hours” for the River Arts District, but at any given time throughout the year, you will find a plethora of open studios and galleries."
Book Shops
I added this tab for my Uncle Tom. Check out Malaprop's, Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar, and the Captain's Bookshelf
Biltmore Village Shopping
Historic area just outside the Biltmore Estate with tons of shops and places to eat (try the Corner Kitchen). Stop by the Estate Jewelry Ltd (it's where we found my antique engagement ring!) for some unique finds -http://www.estatejewelryltd.com
Downtown Asheville Shopping District
Numerous quirky clothing shops, galleries and book stores with a "mountain vibe." Try Haywood St, College Street, Patton Avenue, Biltmore Avenue and Broadway (and the side streets off them)
Burial Beer Co. Taproom
The locals often vote this their favorite brewery in Asheville
Wicked Weed's Funkatorium
Best place in town for sour beers-- Tori's favorite is "Oblivion." If sours aren't your thing, try their main taproom at 91 Biltmore Avenue
Green Man Brewery
They have a beautiful new tasting room, but we recommend that you walk behind the main building and enter the side door to the brewery. Ken Peppler recommends the "Trickster"
Highland Brewing Company
The original, Asheville craft brewery. Interesting fact-- The owner is a Notre Dame Grad.
Whistle Hop Brewery
This is a must-stop if you stay anywhere between Lake Lure and Asheville. **Peppler family favorite**
Sierra Nevada Brewery
Need a beer before or after your plane ride? Sierra Nevada is like an adult Disney Word. No other Asheville brewery compares in size and scope
Tired of Beer? Try a Distillery or craft cocktail
The Antidote Bar in the South Slope has great cocktails from the Chemist distillery (gin and whiskey) next door. If you are staying near Black Mountain, check out Oak and Grist (gin and whiskey). Also in Asheville are Cultivated Cocktails (rum, gin, vodka and whiskey) and Eda Rhyne Distillery ("herbal liquors")
Lazoom Bus Tours
We've never actually done one of these before, but we've been told that the Band and Brew tour is really great if you love live music and beer!