Rachael & Nicholas
Things To Do
Blue Ridge Parkway
There are multiple ways to access the Parkway while in Asheville. It's beautiful to just take an afternoon drive or find several hikes along the way. We recommend checking relevant park websites since there still may be areas closed with cleanup efforts after Hurricane Helene.
DuPont State Recreational Forest
If you have time, highly recommend Dupont State Recreational Forest in Brevard. There are hiking trails and you can see stunning waterfalls as well as mountain biking trails.
The Omni Grove Park Inn
This is a beautiful hotel and spa that also has a great view of downtown Asheville. You can visit to even have a drink on the terrace and watch the sunset. Rachael grew up going to see the gingerbread houses every year as a school field trip in their annual competition.
Biltmore
Most people have heard of the Biltmore Estate! The house itself is beautiful but the grounds and surrounding areas are just as lovely. You can buy tickets to tour the house + gardens. They also have their own winery.
River Arts District
**If you are looking to visit this area and specific restaurants/shops/breweries, I would search their own pages to see if they are open as this area was essentially washed out by Hurricane Helene. This area has some of the original "Asheville vibes" along with amazing restaurants and many studios of many local artists. You can shop around as well as admire their work. This area runs along the French Broad River and there is also a nice paved walking trail and bike lanes in this area. White Duck Taco shop is one our favorite places to eat in this area.
French Broad Chocolate Lounge
If you like chocolate or dessert in general, do yourself a favor and stop here. Rachael has been stopping here for sipping chocolate since its early days as a smaller cafe tucked away downtown.
Laughing Seed Cafe
If you are vegetarian or vegan, this is one of Rachael's favorite veg-friendly spots downtown! Charli and Rachael would meet up here when Charli was in school at UNC-Asheville. The harmony bowl seems simple, but is so, so good.
Zambra
One of my mom's and her boyfriend's favorite tapas places - we went to celebrate Rachael's 30th birthday and it did not disappoint!
Chai Pani Asheville
Amazing Indian street food - they're expanding to a larger area this year in South Slope!
Sunny Point Cafe
This was a top post-swim practice breakfast spot for Rachael when she was swimming year round in Asheville in high school.
Biscuit Head
Just look at the photos on their website and you'll understand why we added them here. Their motto is "put some south in your mouth" for a reason.
Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar
Great book store where you can drink while you shop and read! There are some great alcoves to relax and even hang out with a few friends.
Highland Brewing Downtown Taproom
This is the brewery that kickstarted Rachael's love of craft beer.
Wicked Weed Brewing's Brewpub
Great brewery that started small in Asheville - they are quite well-known and have some wonderful sours and IPAs.
Burial Beer Co. South Slope Taproom
Really funky and tasty beer here at a small batch brewery. Some of the most unique beer names you'll come across.