Foodie’s Weekend in Asheville, North Carolina
Living on the East Coast, we don’t get the luxury of conveniently experiencing many of the whimsical mountain towns like Aspen, Jackson Hole, or Lake Tahoe. But what we do have is funky and wonderful in its own way. And that’s Asheville. Situated in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has made quite a name for itself as an artistic haven for those looking to escape to someplace a little more eclectic while simultaneously experiencing all the outdoors that the mountains have to offer. With an exceptional food and cocktail scene, it’s a great place for a fabulous weekend getaway. I’ve broken out a quick itinerary on how to make the most of your time in this city:
Thursday
Arrive in the mountains just in time for dinner. Luckily, Asheville has its own airport with quite several direct flights from many of the major U.S. cities (e.g., New York, D.C., Chicago, Atlanta). It’s also about a 2-hour drive from Charlotte.
Downtown Asheville itself is pretty walkable. However, this is a place where you will likely want a car if you want to easily get out to the hiking trails. If you don’t plan on venturing very far into the mountains, then you can get around just using your feet and Uber.
Pre-dinner cocktails: Stop by Antidote at Chemist Spirits for a suave cocktail bar. If you like gin, this is the place to be. They have their own distillery and actually sell bottles.
Next, head on over to Sovereign Remedies for some pre-dinner drinks where they specialize in creative cocktail concoctions. Sip on your favorite drink and soak up the vibes.
After you’re a little boozed up, Uber on over to The Admiral for some food. It’s a little out of the way but the drive is worth the innovative food you’ll encounter. Also, they are very encouraging of walk-ins in case you forget to make a reservation. Some highlights for us included the beef tartare, radicchio salad, trout, and oyster mushrooms. I’d consider it American Fare with an Appalachian twist.
Friday
Time for a hike. After all, you are in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But first, breakfast to fuel up. Stop by The Rhu for a breakfast sandwich you won’t forget. This is from the same people as Asheville’s famous dining establishment, Rhubarb. Can’t go wrong with any of their biscuit sandwiches.
Now that you’re fueled up, it’s time to check out some hiking spots:
Mount Mitchell Loop: 6-mile trail. It’s the highest peak east of the Mississippi. This trail was definitely on the more challenging side but the views are worth it.
Distance to Asheville: 1 hour
Devil’s Courthouse Trail: Short but steep. This out-and-back trail is only 0.8 miles. Go if you want a hike that will take around 30 minutes and some killer views.
Distance to Asheville: 1 hour 10 minutes
Looking Glass Rock: 6-mile out-and-back trail that’s considered moderate. Another great view.
Distance to Asheville: 45 minutes
If you don’t want to venture far for some nature, you can head over to the Biltmore Estate. In all my times in Asheville, I still haven’t made it there. Mostly because of the steep cost of around $100. The ticket does include a wine tasting at the on-property vineyard. We’ve heard from many people that it is well worth the price as you get to explore the estate, winery, and the gardens/grounds. There are also a variety of hiking trails for those wanting to take a stroll in nature.
After the adventure of your choosing, stop over at Forestry Camp for a late lunch and beer. The venue almost feels like you are in a summer camp mess hall but with a great selection of beer.
Dinner tonight is at a Spanish tapas establishment known as Cúrate. Grab yourself a couple of small plates and enjoy, This restaurant is pretty highly acclaimed and therefore, reservations are recommended,
Once you’re done with dinner, head on over to the Golden Pineapple. This tiki-esq bar serves up some stand-out cocktails with a no-frills vibe. My favorite is the Go Banana!, which contains mezcal, banana, and curry (amongst other things). And don’t forget to get one of their tasty shooters for $6.
If you are looking for another cocktail bar to check out and are into live music, Little Jumbo is the place to be. It’s a neighborhood spot in the Five Points area and the Deluxe Havanna Service is not to be missed if you’re into daiquiris.
Saturday
Breakfast: We’ve heard a lot of buzz about OWL bakery but haven’t had a chance to go yet. All of their pastries look absolutely amazing (especially the cardamom bun). There’s a location in both west and north Asheville.
In my opinion, one of the most underrated experiences in Asheville is Sauna House and I make it a point to go there every time I visit. It’s a chic but not pretentious bathhouse experience equipped with saunas and cold plunges. A typical routine for me is to sauna for 15 minutes, cold plunge as long as I can, sit in the lounge with heated chairs then do that 2-3 more times. At the end, I reward myself by sitting in the lounge and ordering myself a sparkling tea (specifically, Dram). Relaxation at its finest. At only $40 for a 2-hour visit, it’s a great deal. I would recommend making a reservation ahead of time to ensure you get a spot.
Lunch is at Little Chango, a small Latin-inspired kitchen with a variety of arepas. The food and the price point will not disappoint with the arepas around $10-12.
Asheville is known for its insane amount of breweries, so it’s time for a brewery hop. While I’m no self-proclaimed beer expert, here are a few spots that we enjoy:
Funkatorium: The standout for me here is the variety of sour beers. And the best thing is, you can get a beer flight to try a variety.
Sierra Nevada: This brewery is a little further out, near the airport. The taproom is large and aesthetically pleasing.
Hi-Wire Brewing: This is more of a divey place but don’t let that deter you as they have a great selection of beer on tap.
Green Man Brewery: Considered one of North Carolina’s original breweries, they have a multi-story location. If you are an IPA lover, this is the place for you.
New Belgium: You’ve likely heard of this label. They have a large location in Asheville with great outdoor space to sit back, relax and enjoy a beer.
Ben’s Tune Up: This is a fun beer & sake garden that offers a variety of sake and sake spritzers. So if you need a beer break, check this place out.
Tonight’s dinner is definitely more casual. Check out Chai Pani, a restaurant focusing on Indian street food. It’s a great place to get a few different dishes to try and expand your horizons on lesser-known Indian dishes. They do not take reservations so be prepared to wait if you go at prime dinner hours.
Sunday
Before you head out, coffee is a must. PennyCup (https://www.pennycupcoffeeco.com/) is a cute spot for a good cup of coffee and a quick bite to eat. They offer a variety of bagels and some house-made granola for those who want something on the lighter side.
If you’re in the mood for sweets for breakfast instead, Hole Doughnuts (https://www.hole-doughnuts.com/) in West Asheville will absolutely hit the spot. Hole’s single-yeasted dough recipe gives them a unique flavor that you’ll love. Try their toasted almond sesame cinnamon doughnut for a sweet and nutty start to your day.
Finally, depending on what time you’re headed out of town, you might have time for lunch. If you have ANY room left in your stomach, stop at Baby Bull (https://www.babybullavl.com/) for a can’t-miss burger. Think double-smash patties with the perfect amount of cheese, pickles, and onions. Not in the mood for a burger? No problem. They also serve up lobster rolls, a killer fried fish, and a classic roast pork that will make you think you’re in Philly. Their big sister restaurant, Bull & The Beggar (https://www.thebullandbeggar.com/), is no slouch in its own right for a great French dinner either.
That’s a wrap on an epic weekend in Asheville. The downside is there are way too many great restaurants and bars to tackle in one visit. But this just means you’ll have to come back soon.
