Guidebook for Asheville
Food Scene
Biscuits the size of a cat's head filled with deliciousness, and a jam and butter bar that is delicious. The line moves quickly, but there always is one. Definitely try the "Berry Bomb" jam if they have it on the bar!
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Biscuit Head
733 Haywood RdBiscuits the size of a cat's head filled with deliciousness, and a jam and butter bar that is delicious. The line moves quickly, but there always is one. Definitely try the "Berry Bomb" jam if they have it on the bar!
Slow cooked food that is just delicious. A little something for everyone, and seems to still be a bit of a secret . . .aka, you can get in for a reservation same day.
Golden Fleece
111 Grovewood RdSlow cooked food that is just delicious. A little something for everyone, and seems to still be a bit of a secret . . .aka, you can get in for a reservation same day.
This is a tea house and I have always loved it. You can go to the back to sit on cushions, and peruse and try an extravagant menu of tea's, caffeinated and decaffeinated, including bubble tea, chai, and specially formulated blends by an herbologist. They also have substitute milks like coconut milk, almond and the like. Most of their teas also come with local honey. There is no sign, but make sure you ring a bell for service! They also have a vegetarian menu if you want a snack. The kale salad is delicious, and the peanut sauce is always nice. I also love the coconut soup.
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Dobra Tea West
707 Haywood RdThis is a tea house and I have always loved it. You can go to the back to sit on cushions, and peruse and try an extravagant menu of tea's, caffeinated and decaffeinated, including bubble tea, chai, and specially formulated blends by an herbologist. They also have substitute milks like coconut milk, almond and the like. Most of their teas also come with local honey. There is no sign, but make sure you ring a bell for service! They also have a vegetarian menu if you want a snack. The kale salad is delicious, and the peanut sauce is always nice. I also love the coconut soup.
I find it dangerous to be walking distance to an ice cream shop that serves vegan ice cream and gluten free cones and coconut whip, in addition to all the regular stuff. I have been going to The Hop since I was a little girl, though this location is new. Any of their ice creams are fairly delicious and ALWAYS changing. I loved the coconut ice cream when it was available, the avocado ice cream is super smooth and the peptic milk peach blossom is delicious. They do a local hard cider sorbet which is also great if you are really trying to savor all the local flavors.
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The Hop Ice Creamery
167 Haywood RdI find it dangerous to be walking distance to an ice cream shop that serves vegan ice cream and gluten free cones and coconut whip, in addition to all the regular stuff. I have been going to The Hop since I was a little girl, though this location is new. Any of their ice creams are fairly delicious and ALWAYS changing. I loved the coconut ice cream when it was available, the avocado ice cream is super smooth and the peptic milk peach blossom is delicious. They do a local hard cider sorbet which is also great if you are really trying to savor all the local flavors.
Been around for over a decade, and some of the best Indian food around no matter where I have traveled. Never had anything but a stellar meal there (like roll me out in a wheel barrow), and the cocktails laced with mango lassi, like the Sassi Lassi or the Birdie Num Num, are to die for! I have lived and traveled to many US cities, and this still remains my favorite Indian restaurant in the US.
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Mela Indian Restaurant
70 N Lexington AveBeen around for over a decade, and some of the best Indian food around no matter where I have traveled. Never had anything but a stellar meal there (like roll me out in a wheel barrow), and the cocktails laced with mango lassi, like the Sassi Lassi or the Birdie Num Num, are to die for! I have lived and traveled to many US cities, and this still remains my favorite Indian restaurant in the US.
Good basic Mexican food with a healthier twist. The salsa bar is a nice addition as I love copious amounts of pico de gallo, and their creamy, pumpkin seed salsa is buy caliente, but yummy! I always go for the vegetarian enchiladas, but my older nephew loves the burritos (they are huge) and the youngest loves the Mexi-burger or tacos. They do table side guacamole if you like, but this ain't fancy, just good food and good prices. Go for lunch as it is a reduced price of their dinner menu!
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El Que Pasa
891 Patton AveGood basic Mexican food with a healthier twist. The salsa bar is a nice addition as I love copious amounts of pico de gallo, and their creamy, pumpkin seed salsa is buy caliente, but yummy! I always go for the vegetarian enchiladas, but my older nephew loves the burritos (they are huge) and the youngest loves the Mexi-burger or tacos. They do table side guacamole if you like, but this ain't fancy, just good food and good prices. Go for lunch as it is a reduced price of their dinner menu!
This place has been open since 1994 and was always my go to before I moved back here. Hector Diaz is a creative genius and this restaurant was his first in the area. It is a mix between latin and Caribbean, and even when his creations sound odd (pumpkin, hijiki seaweed and tofu paquetez) it still lands deliciously on the palette. There are basics like nachos, but elevated to a whole other realm. There is often a line, so go early or put your name in and plan to walk around town a bit, or go down the gallery a block down. You want flavor . . . this is an experience!
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Salsa's
6 Patton AveThis place has been open since 1994 and was always my go to before I moved back here. Hector Diaz is a creative genius and this restaurant was his first in the area. It is a mix between latin and Caribbean, and even when his creations sound odd (pumpkin, hijiki seaweed and tofu paquetez) it still lands deliciously on the palette. There are basics like nachos, but elevated to a whole other realm. There is often a line, so go early or put your name in and plan to walk around town a bit, or go down the gallery a block down. You want flavor . . . this is an experience!
Historically, my favorite breakfast spot in Asheville, but the dining room is small, and the wait can be annoying, and given that this is a brunch town, I can't say you can't find something just as lovely walking distance to Sunny Point Cafe off Haywood (there will be a line there too), but if you are in downtown early, I do love their hues rancheros and bowls.
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Over Easy Cafe
32 Broadway StHistorically, my favorite breakfast spot in Asheville, but the dining room is small, and the wait can be annoying, and given that this is a brunch town, I can't say you can't find something just as lovely walking distance to Sunny Point Cafe off Haywood (there will be a line there too), but if you are in downtown early, I do love their hues rancheros and bowls.
Drinks & Nightlife
Go for a great concert - it is an eclectic venue space and the outdoors are gorgeous when the weather is warm. It sits on the French Broad River out the back, and a tributary on the side. You will never see a Pabst Blue Ribbon can so big ;)
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Salvage Station
468 Riverside DrGo for a great concert - it is an eclectic venue space and the outdoors are gorgeous when the weather is warm. It sits on the French Broad River out the back, and a tributary on the side. You will never see a Pabst Blue Ribbon can so big ;)
No matter who you like, this gay nightclub has the best drag in town and has always been a good time. I find it especially fun with a group of people. If there is a pageant, you must go! It is a blast, people from all walks of life come to this venue and the Queens hone their craft!
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Scandals Nightclub
11 Grove StNo matter who you like, this gay nightclub has the best drag in town and has always been a good time. I find it especially fun with a group of people. If there is a pageant, you must go! It is a blast, people from all walks of life come to this venue and the Queens hone their craft!
The Orange Peel
101 Biltmore AveCheck out their events calendar, they get some great acts!
If it is views you want, this is a great locale to grab a drink and take in Downtown Asheville from 8 floors up.
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World Coffee Café & SkyBar
18 Battery Park AveIf it is views you want, this is a great locale to grab a drink and take in Downtown Asheville from 8 floors up.
Isis Music Hall
743 Haywood RdJust a quick walk away, check out who is playing!
If you are a cocktail connoisseur, you must try the ice breaker! Great to take a first date where you are not sure if you want to do dinner (which you can stay for there), or for a night cap.
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Jargon
715 Haywood RdIf you are a cocktail connoisseur, you must try the ice breaker! Great to take a first date where you are not sure if you want to do dinner (which you can stay for there), or for a night cap.
Sightseeing
Kind of a big deal here, and a reason many come to the local area. The grounds are gorgeous, and I have to say that this tour is SO MUCH BETTER than all of the castle tours I took when I lived in France because it is set as if it were in period. The winery is also not bad, I really enjoy the Pinot Grigio . . . or is it the Sauvignon Blanc . . . or both? You can spend an entire day here, and if you want to pop out for lunch, I recommend the Corner Kitchen in Biltmore. The Ploughman's lunch is delicious and filling.
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Biltmore House
78 Starnes AveKind of a big deal here, and a reason many come to the local area. The grounds are gorgeous, and I have to say that this tour is SO MUCH BETTER than all of the castle tours I took when I lived in France because it is set as if it were in period. The winery is also not bad, I really enjoy the Pinot Grigio . . . or is it the Sauvignon Blanc . . . or both? You can spend an entire day here, and if you want to pop out for lunch, I recommend the Corner Kitchen in Biltmore. The Ploughman's lunch is delicious and filling.
Beautiful gardens, hiking trails, bonsai garden and beyond. A nice little adventure if you are into flora and fauna
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INorth Carolina Arboretum
100 Frederick Law Olmsted WayBeautiful gardens, hiking trails, bonsai garden and beyond. A nice little adventure if you are into flora and fauna
Parks & Nature
Great for hiking or mountain biking and only about a 10-15 minute drive away.
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Bent Creek Experimental Forest
Great for hiking or mountain biking and only about a 10-15 minute drive away.
Milepost 417 at Looking Glass, this little hidden gem is a local bathing hole for many years. There is a bathtub like rock in the falls where you can just get pummeled :) Overall, this is a good stop for a little hike in on a hot day. Waters COLD in these here mountains, so beware!
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Skinny Dip Falls
Blue Ridge ParkwayMilepost 417 at Looking Glass, this little hidden gem is a local bathing hole for many years. There is a bathtub like rock in the falls where you can just get pummeled :) Overall, this is a good stop for a little hike in on a hot day. Waters COLD in these here mountains, so beware!
Sliding Rock is a rite of passage for many campers and locals in the area. It used to be a blast when it was unsupervised, but now there are lifeguards on hand who make you wait for your turn (rightfully needed). Think of this as Mother Nature's water slide. Be careful, you may get some scratches or bumps depending on how or where you go down, so I suggest wearing shorts and a shirt, but I have seen people as young as 3 and as old as 70 go down. Lines can get long during the summer, so go early, and then plan to tube down the Pink Beds or swim at the Falls just below. Or, take a hike at Courthouse Falls and take a plunge off the 45 feet drop . . . I don't recommend this!
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Sliding Rock
Sliding Rock is a rite of passage for many campers and locals in the area. It used to be a blast when it was unsupervised, but now there are lifeguards on hand who make you wait for your turn (rightfully needed). Think of this as Mother Nature's water slide. Be careful, you may get some scratches or bumps depending on how or where you go down, so I suggest wearing shorts and a shirt, but I have seen people as young as 3 and as old as 70 go down. Lines can get long during the summer, so go early, and then plan to tube down the Pink Beds or swim at the Falls just below. Or, take a hike at Courthouse Falls and take a plunge off the 45 feet drop . . . I don't recommend this!
I am not sure if it is pulling up the right locale, but my favorite hike off the Blue ridge Parkway is Sam's Knob on the edge of the Shining Rock Wilderness. I love a hike there you reach a peak or a Summit and Sam's Knob is past Graveyard Field, which most turn off at and in August the wild blueberries can be delicious, though you may have to fight the bears for them. Sam's Knob is steep hike, but once you get to the top, the endorphins must be flowing, because the energy feels so light and there is nothing I love more than feeling the wind on my face. Pack in a lunch for the top, or for when you start or come back down in the meadow just below.
Sam Knob Trail
Sam Knob TrailI am not sure if it is pulling up the right locale, but my favorite hike off the Blue ridge Parkway is Sam's Knob on the edge of the Shining Rock Wilderness. I love a hike there you reach a peak or a Summit and Sam's Knob is past Graveyard Field, which most turn off at and in August the wild blueberries can be delicious, though you may have to fight the bears for them. Sam's Knob is steep hike, but once you get to the top, the endorphins must be flowing, because the energy feels so light and there is nothing I love more than feeling the wind on my face. Pack in a lunch for the top, or for when you start or come back down in the meadow just below.
Arts & Culture
If you are into Appalachia art or interested in the folk art medium, this is a great museum just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in East Asheville that is intriguing.
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The Folk Art Center (Southern Highland Craft Guild)
382 Blue Ridge PkwyIf you are into Appalachia art or interested in the folk art medium, this is a great museum just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in East Asheville that is intriguing.
In the market for art or just love seeing a little taste of the local art scene? Absorb it all at once, with no pressure in this downtown jaunt, and then step up to the old Woolworth's counter for The Soda Fountain to sample an egg cream.
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Woolworth Walk
25 Haywood StIn the market for art or just love seeing a little taste of the local art scene? Absorb it all at once, with no pressure in this downtown jaunt, and then step up to the old Woolworth's counter for The Soda Fountain to sample an egg cream.
A great jaunt with many galleries and crafts as well as breweries and restaurants. Plan an afternoon stroll and scope out the local blossoming scene. This neighborhood is where you see the "Good Vibes Only" water tank.
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Isifunda saseRiver Arts
3 River Arts PlA great jaunt with many galleries and crafts as well as breweries and restaurants. Plan an afternoon stroll and scope out the local blossoming scene. This neighborhood is where you see the "Good Vibes Only" water tank.
Shopping
An eclectic little "hippie" store that has been an Asheville staple for many years. This West outlet is walking distance and is a great little place to find gifts, incense, great knitwear when in season and funny t-shirts or the like.
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Instant Karma Asheville
36 N Lexington AveAn eclectic little "hippie" store that has been an Asheville staple for many years. This West outlet is walking distance and is a great little place to find gifts, incense, great knitwear when in season and funny t-shirts or the like.
Essentials
Solid big box retailer that is walking distance and have a display on the front left side of local products if looking for an easy and quick edible gift for someone back home.
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Ingles Market
29 Tunnel RdSolid big box retailer that is walking distance and have a display on the front left side of local products if looking for an easy and quick edible gift for someone back home.
Small little health food store for some basics or a little snack. Has a juice bar in the back and alcohol for sale. If you are looking for a bigger haul, then I suggest Earth Fare in the West Gate Shopping Plaza (think Whole Foods in size and offering, but a regional provider.)
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West Village Market
771 Haywood RdSmall little health food store for some basics or a little snack. Has a juice bar in the back and alcohol for sale. If you are looking for a bigger haul, then I suggest Earth Fare in the West Gate Shopping Plaza (think Whole Foods in size and offering, but a regional provider.)