What to do in Asheville Part I
Last week Scott and I took a trip to Asheville, NC, for 5 days to celebrate our six year wedding anniversary. Since it was our third time there, I feel like I have a good grasp on what to do in Asheville. Hint—hike and eat and drink champagne and beer. Best city ever.
Since I have a million photos, I’m going to break this up into two posts. Ready?
Accommodations:
We are super lucky to have fab relatives who own a cabin just outside of Asheville, so we got to stay there. Isn’t it super cute? We were SO grateful! Try Airbnb for a similar vibe.
The City:
Let me just start by saying that Asheville is probably my favorite city in the US that I’ve ever been to (besides Dallas, of course :P). It is a super cool, laid-back city with a strong hippie vibe that I totally dig. If you like Austin, you’ll love Asheville. 🙂
There are so many gorgeous statues, fountains and street art that can be viewed all over. There’s also vegetables and flowers growing in any green space, some of the gutters, etc. Super eco-friendly! There’s a huge local makers movement there, which is one of my favorite things about the city. Plus, there are mountains everywhere. So cool.
Shopping, food and drinks:
I had asked on Twitter for any fun places to hit up and got a great suggestion from @askasheville to go to the Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar, so that was basically our first stop once we got settled.
Ya’ll. WHY do we not have a bookstore that sells champagne? SO brilliant. I was dying over the vintage decor, the books…and, of course, the champagne.
Another place in the city we visited during our trip that was really good was Salsa’s. It’s a local Mexican-Caribbean fusion restaurant that has some really interesting flavor combinations. My favorite is the salsa sampler—they always have really interesting options like peanut salsa! I also really enjoyed their mojito.
Another reason I love Asheville is their giant antique mecca, the Tobacco Barn. It’s HUGE and stuffed with all kinds of incredible flea market-y type things. Surprisingly, I didn’t get anything this trip. I know, what? I still spent 3 hours rummaging through and admiring all the pretty things though!
My favorite, favorite, favorite place to eat in the city? Hands down, the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. Oh my. Although a diet consisting of chocolate, coffee, wine and pastries is probably not the healthiest…I would eat there every day if I could. My FAVORITE thing there is the melted truffle. It’s literally a melted truffle with cream and some sort of crack that is poured into a tiny espresso cup that you eat with a tiny spoon. I always get the one that is flavored with pistachio, rose and cardamon. My second favorite thing there? The chocolate creme brulee. SO good.
I think I’ll end on that sweet note (get it, get it). Make sure you come back tomorrow to read part 2 of our trip—I’ve got some really cool things to share with you guys. 🙂 Until then, I’ll be dreaming of liquid chocolate and bubbly champagne…sigh.
Tania Griffis is an accomplished writer, blogger, and interior designer with a Journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma. She started her popular blog, Run to Radiance, in 2011, demonstrating her design expertise through the personal remodeling of six houses to millions of readers across the globe.
Tania also owns The Creative Wheelhouse, a respected ghostwriting agency for bloggers, further showcasing her talent for creating engaging and informative content.
Ooooooohhhhh I love it! Pinning for later!! 🙂 XO -Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Saving this for later!! I’m hoping to go to Asheville sometime this fall! I hope tomorrow you talk about cool hikes in the area 😉
The chips with salsa and guac – yes please. And that shop with books/wine/champagne/coffee? What an awesome combo!
oooh i want to go to Asheville! I am trying to plan a weekend away in a few months and it was one of the top contenders. I want to go to that bookstore! what a brilliant idea.
So so so fun! The chocolate lounge sounds awesome!!!! Happy anniversary!
Ohhh my gosh, that chocolate place!! YES.
I love your reviews of Asheville! So many fun places to visit there (and so much yummy food to eat!) 🙂
Books and champagne! I’m booking a trip right now!
Asheville is a great place to vacation! I always enjoy going to the Biltmore House, especially during the holidays when the décor is unbelievable! Thanks for sharing your experience! Blessings, Janet
I’ve only spent a few hours in Asheville, but now after your post, I missed a lot of what it has to offer! That mojito looks perfect 🙂
http://www.cupcakendreams.com/3-reasons-visit-tamarindo-costa-rica/
Liquid Chocolate and Champagne??? Why do I not get more vacation days….
🙂 gwingal
Such a fun city! We hang out there every summer!
I had heard that Asheville was one must see city in NC and it’s not that far from me. I definitely want to go now that I have seen your pics and read your post!
Asheville looks like such a fun city to visit with lots to see and do. Thanks for linking up with us a the #HomeMattersParty this week!
Happy Anniversary! I have family that live in Asheville but have never visited. It looks like a lovely area.
I love Asheville. Love Battery Park and we have been so wanting to go to the Tobacco Barn. Next time we head to Asheville it is on our list of things to do.
Now I want to go back to Ashville! It is such a great city!