KatherineBookAsheville, North Carolina is one of my favorite cities. It is located close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America’s most scenic drives. Most people know about the Biltmore, but there is so much more to Asheville: the mountains, the food, the beer, the art….
Here are some of my recommendations when visiting “The Land of the Sky.”
Number One: The Food
I’m a vegetarian, but even meat eaters are guaranteed to find something they enjoy at any of these restaurants!
Plant: 165 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC website: https://www.plantisfood.com/
You should make reservations here-it’s that popular. This is the first place that served a vegan cheese plate that I enjoyed. Everything on the menu is amazing-you can not go wrong!
Laughing Seed: 40 Wall Street, Asheville, NC website: https://laughingseed.com/
International Vegetarian restaurant located in the heart of downtown with a nice outdoor seating area. *Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday*
Rosetta’s Kitchen & The Buchi Bar-116 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC website: https://www.rosettaskitchen.com/
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00PM-9:00PM
Pulp & Sprout Vegan Cafe: 233 S. Liberty St. website: https://pulpandsprout.com/
Smoothies, juices, soups, salads, sandwiches
Green Sage: 633 Merrimon Ave
Try the Golden Buddha Bowl!!
Gallivant Coffee: 126 Elkwood Ave Suite 102 website: https://www.gallivant.coffee/
Plant based coffee shop-for the planet. Good quality ingredients and great flavors!
Chai Pani-22 Battery Park Avenue, Downtown Asheville website: https://www.chaipani.com/asheville
There is always a line to get in this restaurant. You’ve got to try the Okra Fries. Seriously. They’re addictive!
Number Two: The Breweries
Asheville is known for their many breweries-the most per capita in the United States, currently around 30. I haven’t been to them all, but have loved every one I have been to. I loved New Belgium (pictured below) for the atmosphere, with a giant lawn to hang out and people watch while enjoying their selection. Other great choices I have currently visited: Burial, Catawba, DSSOLVR, Highland Brewing Company (now has a taproom located within the S & W Market on Patton Ave), Sierra Nevada (actually located in Mills River, not Asheville, but it’s definitely worth the side trip!) and Twin Leafs (try the seasonal Milk Chocolate Pumpkin Stout)
Number Three: Unique Museums
The Asheville Pinball Museum: 1 Battle Square Ste 1b, Asheville, NC 28801
This place is fun for kids and adults! Approximately 80 pinball machines, 35 of which you can play. They also have a room of classic video games. Price: 15$ per person. Bonus: they serve beer for the adults! https://ashevillepinball.com/
The Moogseum: 56 Broadway Street
For music lovers, check out the Moog Museum, featuring Robert Moog, the inventor of the synthesizer. This is an interactive exhibit and you can learn about the theramin and how to play one (see who plays it the best!) as well as try out creating music on their hands-on synthesizers. This museum is small but it is a fun stop while in Asheville. Cost: $8.50, free for children 7 and under. https://moogseum.org/
Number Four: Books And Champagne
The Battery Park Book Exchange Champagne Bar: 1 Page Ave, # 101
This may be the coolest book store I’ve ever been in. It is a used bookstore located in the Grove Park Arcade with an amazing atmosphere, tons of little nooks at every turn, and you can sit with a drink and listen to live music. This is a must do while in Asheville. https://batteryparkbookexchange.com/
Number Five: Off The Beaten Path
UNC-Asheville’s Botanical Gardens: This is a small gem I just discovered that highlights the importance of native plants. This botanical garden is free to visit. Location: 151 W T. Weaver Boulevard. It is peaceful and features a well maintained 1/2 mile walking trail. Native plants are well marked and this garden is a site of a Monarch Waystation (monarch butterflies are currently at risk for extinction: for more information visit www.Monarchwatch.org). Quote on a sign in the park: “There are so few environmental issues these days where an individual can make a direct positive impact. Planting native is a grassroots approach to conservation. By planting natives, you can make a real difference.”-Dr. Doug Tallamy.
Link to Asheville Botanical Gardens: https://ashevillebotanicalgardens.org/
Number Six: Take A Scenic Drive
The Blueridge Parkway
Close to Asheville is the famous Blueridge Parkway which runs from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park to the Skyline Drive in Virginia. Enjoy beautiful mountain scenery along the entire parkway with many overlooks or stops for hiking or to watch a sunset. Popular stops include Craggy Gardens hike-a 1/3 mile popular for viewing the rhododendrons (20 miles from Asheville), Mount Mitchell State Park (the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains, approximately 1 hour from Asheville), and Chimney Rock State Park (approximately 40 minutes from Asheville)
