Are you a beach person or a mountain person? That’s often the big question that people have to consider when planning a trip in North Carolina! And it’s a good problem to have, but if you’re inclinations lean toward leafy foliage, crisp fresh air, hiking, and waterfalls, you might want to check out the western side of the state and Asheville!
Long known as a vacation destination for the wealthy and rich in the early 20th century, Asheville attracted socialites and celebrities like F. Scott Fitzgerald (writer), Henry Ford (businessman), Thomas Edison (scientist) along with a host of others. And even today, Asheville remains a great vacation spot for everyone, offering great outdoor activities, wonderful restaurants, and amazing scenery in the Smokey Mountains. Here are some suggestions for your weekend visit in the AVL!
1. Biscuit Head – 417 Biltmore Ave #4F, Asheville, NC 28801
This long-time Asheville dining favorite serves up fantastic biscuits, eggs, and breakfast. Biscuit Head has a couple of locations, this spot is counter-service and the small dining room means that there will be a wait during peak periods. But enjoy plump, perfectly browned biscuits, hearty eggs, and their jam-jelly station with your brekkie before you get your day going.
2. Biltmore – 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
If you enjoy ornate architecture and a view into the lifestyles of the rich, the Biltmore (vacation home for the Vanderbilt family) should be on your must-see list! From the stunning mountain views to the luxurious furnishings, lush garden, and antique furniture, the Biltmore is like taking a step back in time. Scenes from the movie, Last of the Mohicans, were filmed in and around the Biltmore!
3. 12 Bones Smokehouse – 5 Foundy St #10, Asheville, NC 28801
If you love smoked meats like I do, you don’t want to miss 12 Bones Smokehouse! This sprawling restaurant by the French Broad River serves up wonderfully slathered pork ribs and southern sides to complement the main. Grab a beer and dive into a wonderful plate of comforting and hearty Southern food here.
4. Sierra Nevada Brewing – 100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River, NC 28732
Sierra Nevada Brewing is one of the foremost important breweries in the country given its impact on the industry and its popular IPA offerings. The Asheville brewery location is stunning in size and details offering a large taproom and restaurant to quaff some beers in.
5. Red Ginger Dim Sum & Tapas – 82 Patton Ave Suite 100, Asheville, NC 28801
If you enjoy Chinese food and particularly, Cantonese food, you’ll love Red Ginger! A stylish and hip take on pretty authentic Chinese eats, sitting at the bar you can watch the talented chefs cook your food to order! Don’t miss the stir-fried string beans or shu-mai, it’s a nice bonus to have dim-sum on their large menu.
6. Hole Doughnuts – 168 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Even if you’re not a huge donut lover, you don’t want to miss Hole if you’re visiting Asheville! This little shop puts out amazingly chewy, lumpy donuts that will make your mouth so happy. Choose from a handful of artisanal flavors and grab a coffee and seat at the bar while they are freshly fried. And yes, order more than you think you want, these doughnuts will go down too easily!
7. Navitat Canopy Adventures – 242 Poverty Branch Rd, Barnardsville, NC 28709
While you’re in Asheville consuming all those delicious calories, how about an activity to burn some off? That’s where Navitat comes into play, this zip-lining company runs tours that will have you flying over the treetops! And with a 5-star rating and over 2,900 reviews on Google, you know they must be good. A must-do if you’ve got an adventurous spirit and need some adrenaline!
8. S&W Market – 56 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
While the S&W Market is not the biggest food hall, it’s one of the best ones I’ve seen given its space in the old S&W cafeteria. Two floors with high ceilings, gold-gilded architectural details, and a wrap-around balcony means you can watch all the action below. Nom on fried chicken, hot dogs, Peruvian cuisine, and more in this busy little spot. Perfect for a casual lunch or dinner when you’re not exactly sure of what you want to eat.
9. Asheville Pinball Museum – 1 Battle Square Ste 1b, Asheville, NC 28801
While most museums can be staid and boring, the Asheville Pinball Museum gives you a chance to play on well-maintained, vintage pinball tables! $15 gives you access to 35 pinball machines and 35 retro cabinet video games, arcade-style. It’s a fun place to drop into for an hour, whether you’re a gamer or just enjoy kitschy 80s culture and paraphernalia.
10. Huli Sues BBQ and Grill – 1 Page Ave Suite 150, Asheville, NC 28801
A fun little joint right in the center of downtown Asheville that is serving up great eats and aloha spirit. Stop in for poke nachos, Hawaiian rice plates, and fancy cocktails, Huli Sues serves up some deliciousness. The light and bright interior will keep you smiling along with their fun and tasty food.
11. French Broad Chocolate Lounge – 10 S Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801
The French Broad Chocolate Lounge does chocolate right! This dessertery offers up gourmet chocolates by the piece but I really love their pastries and cakes. The salted caramel slice of cake is stunning, pulling together creamy butter frosting with dark chocolate cake. There’s plenty of space to hang out at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge, don’t be fooled by their smallish storefront!
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