Julia’s guidebook
Food scene
Nine Mile
233 Montford AveGreat vibe and lots of menu options.
Great food, great margarita's, local beer, non-alcoholic beverages including yummy horchata. It's in a former gas station. Outdoor tables as well, dog friendly.
82 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Taco Temple
132 Charlotte StGreat food, great margarita's, local beer, non-alcoholic beverages including yummy horchata. It's in a former gas station. Outdoor tables as well, dog friendly.
Tea lovers paradise! They have music after hours, too. Located on Lexington but another location in West Asheville; they have different vibes. No coffee on the menu. The one on Lexington was the first one. There is also one in Burlington, VT!
119 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dobra Tea
78 N Lexington AveTea lovers paradise! They have music after hours, too. Located on Lexington but another location in West Asheville; they have different vibes. No coffee on the menu. The one on Lexington was the first one. There is also one in Burlington, VT!
President Obama's favorite barbecue place in Asheville.
330 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
12 Bones Smokehouse RIVER
5 Foundy StPresident Obama's favorite barbecue place in Asheville.
Fun, funky health food store in an old building with creaky wood floors. Go here to buy those items you usually go to WholeFoods for because it's LOCAL. Good selection of local organic veggies, health products, and be SURE to go in the back to check out their bulk herbs of every kind and other bulk items. This is one unique place that if I ever moved away I'd really miss. It's downtown across from The Orange Peel and Wicked Weed.
97 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
French Broad Food Co-Op
90 Biltmore AveFun, funky health food store in an old building with creaky wood floors. Go here to buy those items you usually go to WholeFoods for because it's LOCAL. Good selection of local organic veggies, health products, and be SURE to go in the back to check out their bulk herbs of every kind and other bulk items. This is one unique place that if I ever moved away I'd really miss. It's downtown across from The Orange Peel and Wicked Weed.
Great lunch buffet. Mango lassis are great, too.
191 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mela Indian Restaurant
70 N Lexington AveGreat lunch buffet. Mango lassis are great, too.
Great authentic Thai food in downtown Asheville. Outdoor seating available.
59 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Little Bee Thai
45 S French Broad AveGreat authentic Thai food in downtown Asheville. Outdoor seating available.
I haven't been here yet but it's supposed to be great!
76 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Red Ginger Dimsum & Tapas
82 Patton AveI haven't been here yet but it's supposed to be great!
Breakfast place that has a long line on the weekends. Get there early. In West Asheville.
587 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sunny Point Café
626 Haywood RdBreakfast place that has a long line on the weekends. Get there early. In West Asheville.
Taco Billy
201 Haywood RdMore tacos, great tacos, frozen margaritas.
All Souls Pizza
175 Clingman AveIn RAD, great pizza.
Elements Real Food
233 S Liberty StVegan, great place. Closes at 4pm.
Vegetarian, maybe vegan, haven't been but hear it's great.
176 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plant
165 Merrimon AveVegetarian, maybe vegan, haven't been but hear it's great.
The same sunset vantage point as from Grove Park Inn, but the drinks are a fraction of the price. Valet parking not too much money. Small plates are tasty. Popular sunset place downtown.
109 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Montford Rooftop Bar
199 Haywood StThe same sunset vantage point as from Grove Park Inn, but the drinks are a fraction of the price. Valet parking not too much money. Small plates are tasty. Popular sunset place downtown.
Eastern cuisine with southern hospitality! Restaurant is in West Asheville on Patton Ave; they have a food truck around town as well.
61 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gypsy Queen Market, Deli & Food Truck
807 Patton AveEastern cuisine with southern hospitality! Restaurant is in West Asheville on Patton Ave; they have a food truck around town as well.
Great good, downtown by Wall Street. They're on Uber Eats, too.
311 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Chai Pani Asheville
22 Battery Park AveGreat good, downtown by Wall Street. They're on Uber Eats, too.
Coffee and dessert
Chocolate-lovers paradise. They make a great Cafe Cubano. There is a location closer to our house, on Riverside Dr, but I haven't been there yet.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
French Broad Chocolate Lounge
10 South Pack SquareChocolate-lovers paradise. They make a great Cafe Cubano. There is a location closer to our house, on Riverside Dr, but I haven't been there yet.
Great coffee place in Black Mountain.
103 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Dripolator Coffeehouse
221 W State StGreat coffee place in Black Mountain.
North Asheville's only coffee shop as of now when I'm writing this guidebook. They have multiple locations around town and recently added this one in a small space I think just almost as a placeholder until either they renovate and move into our (North Asheville, that is) big former coffee place across the street that closed last year, or just to grab N. Ashe business until that big one reopens... IDK. N. Asheville (NASH it ought to be called... hmmm why doesn't our town have those fun neighborhood abbreviations, anyway??? I have to look into that!) is growing impatient for our replacement coffee shop. For now, this one is my recommendation if you don't want to drive far for your latte.
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
PennyCup Coffee
857 Merrimon AveNorth Asheville's only coffee shop as of now when I'm writing this guidebook. They have multiple locations around town and recently added this one in a small space I think just almost as a placeholder until either they renovate and move into our (North Asheville, that is) big former coffee place across the street that closed last year, or just to grab N. Ashe business until that big one reopens... IDK. N. Asheville (NASH it ought to be called... hmmm why doesn't our town have those fun neighborhood abbreviations, anyway??? I have to look into that!) is growing impatient for our replacement coffee shop. For now, this one is my recommendation if you don't want to drive far for your latte.
I've never been to this one and I really want to go! There's always a big crowd hanging out front. Looks fun. In West Asheville.
109 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
BattleCat Coffee Bar
373 Haywood RdI've never been to this one and I really want to go! There's always a big crowd hanging out front. Looks fun. In West Asheville.
Sightseeing
There is so much to do at Biltmore other than tour the Big House. Horseback riding, bike rentals, restaurants (including one in a former stable), farm animals, children's activities, picnics. Great place to take your dog on a long walk. If you live relatively close or plan to visit Asheville a few times a year it might be worth it to buy an annual pass; with the pass you can bring others in with you after 5pm and they get in for free.
1485 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Biltmore
1 Lodge StThere is so much to do at Biltmore other than tour the Big House. Horseback riding, bike rentals, restaurants (including one in a former stable), farm animals, children's activities, picnics. Great place to take your dog on a long walk. If you live relatively close or plan to visit Asheville a few times a year it might be worth it to buy an annual pass; with the pass you can bring others in with you after 5pm and they get in for free.
Best sunset in town. Must see place! It is very expensive but if you want to seriously splurge go there for a sunset cocktail (or 2 if you have lots of room on your credit card!) and people watch and of course see the sun setting over the mountains. You don't have to purchase anything to go, just go inside and see the huge fireplaces, sit in the fun chairs, read the captions on the stones. Gingerbread house competition in December is fun. Although I've never been, the spa is supposed to be fabulous. Indoor swimming pool is in a cave. I'm not sure but I think they used to let you park in the parking lot for an hour for free which is enough time to pop in and look around.
573 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa
290 Macon AveBest sunset in town. Must see place! It is very expensive but if you want to seriously splurge go there for a sunset cocktail (or 2 if you have lots of room on your credit card!) and people watch and of course see the sun setting over the mountains. You don't have to purchase anything to go, just go inside and see the huge fireplaces, sit in the fun chairs, read the captions on the stones. Gingerbread house competition in December is fun. Although I've never been, the spa is supposed to be fabulous. Indoor swimming pool is in a cave. I'm not sure but I think they used to let you park in the parking lot for an hour for free which is enough time to pop in and look around.
Rent kayaks here. You can rent them and take them to any of the rivers/lakes around WNC, or ride their shuttle bus to one of two put-ins: the longer route takes you past Biltmore (the French Broad River flows past there), the shorter route is the "urban" route and goes through the city. They both either start or end at a cool little location with some food (and of course beer on tap) for when you're done (or before you start) with hammocks and other places to sit and eat. Hang out in a hammock and people watch.
83 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
French Broad Outfitters
704 Riverside DrRent kayaks here. You can rent them and take them to any of the rivers/lakes around WNC, or ride their shuttle bus to one of two put-ins: the longer route takes you past Biltmore (the French Broad River flows past there), the shorter route is the "urban" route and goes through the city. They both either start or end at a cool little location with some food (and of course beer on tap) for when you're done (or before you start) with hammocks and other places to sit and eat. Hang out in a hammock and people watch.
Friday late afternoon drum circle is a popular tourist activity -- people watch, bring your drum and join the locals in a huge drumming love fest, Asheville-style!
73 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pritchard Park
67 Patton AveFriday late afternoon drum circle is a popular tourist activity -- people watch, bring your drum and join the locals in a huge drumming love fest, Asheville-style!
Beer and Wine and other
5.00 annual membership. Great local beer selection and fun cocktails. Board games on the big screen porch. Giant firepit outside in winter. This place is a locals place for sure. If you visit more than a few times then you might want to spend the 5.00. It's by the river of course and there are plenty of places to sit. BYO food or grab something from their menu (limited menu). Dog friendly.
64 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bywater
796 Riverside Dr5.00 annual membership. Great local beer selection and fun cocktails. Board games on the big screen porch. Giant firepit outside in winter. This place is a locals place for sure. If you visit more than a few times then you might want to spend the 5.00. It's by the river of course and there are plenty of places to sit. BYO food or grab something from their menu (limited menu). Dog friendly.
Love this brewery, one of my favorites and go-to. Always a good food truck there. Funky places to sit. Free peanuts you-shell-em. People watch. Near art galleries, in the RAD (River Arts District -- aha, a neighborhood abbreviation does exist). Iron Rail IPA is my favorite there.
285 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wedge Brewing Company
37 Paynes WayLove this brewery, one of my favorites and go-to. Always a good food truck there. Funky places to sit. Free peanuts you-shell-em. People watch. Near art galleries, in the RAD (River Arts District -- aha, a neighborhood abbreviation does exist). Iron Rail IPA is my favorite there.
Go here and if you need outdoor gear hit up REI; it's relatively close.
726 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sierra Nevada Brewery
100 Sierra Nevada WayGo here and if you need outdoor gear hit up REI; it's relatively close.
Metro Wines
169 Charlotte StClosest wine shop. Nice selection.
Music Venue
Must-see awesome music venue. Before you plan your trip to Asheville, check their calendar to see if there's a show you'd like. It's such a fun place to hear music. They also use it to show movies. They regularly screen The Big Lebowski and everyone brings lounge chairs and wears robes! (If you're a Lebowski groupie you'd get it). Downstairs is their private club where they serve mixed drinks (upstairs only beer and kombucha, maybe wine) -- pay one dollar or something silly for an annual membership to be able to go down there.
408 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Orange Peel
101 Biltmore AveMust-see awesome music venue. Before you plan your trip to Asheville, check their calendar to see if there's a show you'd like. It's such a fun place to hear music. They also use it to show movies. They regularly screen The Big Lebowski and everyone brings lounge chairs and wears robes! (If you're a Lebowski groupie you'd get it). Downstairs is their private club where they serve mixed drinks (upstairs only beer and kombucha, maybe wine) -- pay one dollar or something silly for an annual membership to be able to go down there.
The Grey Eagle
185 Clingman AveIntimate music venue in RAD.
In Black Mountain, this is an amazingly fun music venue. They have all kinds of talent there. Check out their calendar and see if there's anything of interest, get your tickets online, and head over. Beer and wine available. Visiting Black Mountain is a treat if you've never been, day or night. It's a special place.
63 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
White Horse Black Mountain
105 Montreat RdIn Black Mountain, this is an amazingly fun music venue. They have all kinds of talent there. Check out their calendar and see if there's anything of interest, get your tickets online, and head over. Beer and wine available. Visiting Black Mountain is a treat if you've never been, day or night. It's a special place.
Neighborhoods
The photo AirBB is autodisplaying here is INCORRECT! Montford is such a great old neighborhood to walk around in. Full of huge old houses. Nile Mile restaurant is there. Take a walk along the Reed Creek Greenway bike/walk path while you're there. Riverside Cemetery is in this neighborhood.
84 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Montford Area Historic District
The photo AirBB is autodisplaying here is INCORRECT! Montford is such a great old neighborhood to walk around in. Full of huge old houses. Nile Mile restaurant is there. Take a walk along the Reed Creek Greenway bike/walk path while you're there. Riverside Cemetery is in this neighborhood.
Funky West Asheville is the hipster 'hood. Lots of great restaurants and watering holes and shops. There's a kava bar there if you're into that. Battlecat Coffee is there.
214 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
West Asheville
Funky West Asheville is the hipster 'hood. Lots of great restaurants and watering holes and shops. There's a kava bar there if you're into that. Battlecat Coffee is there.
Outdoor Adventures
Hikers must go here. It's one of the AT highlights. Allow a full day if possible. One of my favorite places to hike. Very windy usually. Bring a kite! It's a huge "bald". Gorgeous.
227 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Max Patch
Max Patch RoadHikers must go here. It's one of the AT highlights. Allow a full day if possible. One of my favorite places to hike. Very windy usually. Bring a kite! It's a huge "bald". Gorgeous.
Look above in this guidebook for my info on this place. Duplicate entry.
83 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
French Broad Outfitters
704 Riverside DrLook above in this guidebook for my info on this place. Duplicate entry.
One of my favorite places to hike. Weather is super variable; bring an assortment of clothes so you're prepared. Higher elevation and it is much cooler than down in the city.
168 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Black Balsam Knob
Art Loeb TrailOne of my favorite places to hike. Weather is super variable; bring an assortment of clothes so you're prepared. Higher elevation and it is much cooler than down in the city.