I put together a list for our wedding guests a while back.
Hope it helps, let me know if you have questions, I grew up there.
In terms of big draws to Asheville:
· Biltmore House – If you do one thing in Asheville, this is probably it.
· Grove Park Inn – Also fun and worth seeing for the views if you get the time.
· Restaurant suggestions for an Anniversary dinner –
o Curate http://www.curatetapasbar.com/ or
o The Admiral http://theadmiralnc.com/
o For either of these I would suggest reservations at least 4-6 weeks in advance. Full list of restaurants below. Also make sure to hit 12 Bones for some amazing BBQ, and for downtown bars: Wicked Weed, Thirsty Monk, and Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar are all a blast.
· Downtown – Fun to explore with all the bars & restaurants. See restaurant suggestions below. In terms of wandering around downtown, Pritchard Park & Vance monument, and the Grove Arcade are all central points, but it’s mainly wandering around and checking out the different shops/bars/restaurants.
· Chimney Rock State Park – Great day trip - http://www.chimneyrockpark.com/
· Highlands & Cashiers Area – Along US 64 there are countless waterfalls - Waterfalls near Highlands and Cashiers, NC . A fun small town to explore with a collection of great restaurants – Ristorante Paoletti, Wolfgang’s, Madison’s, etc.
· Roan Mountain – An hour and a half drive from Asheville, but the rhododendrons are gorgeous.
There are endless places to go hiking in Asheville. I pulled some of my favorites off of the Explore Asheville website. The main two mountains to actually hike would be Mitchell (to the north) and Pisgah (to the south). Mitchell is a very easy hike, and is more built up in terms of having an observation tower with quite a view. Pisgah is more like a 2 hour hike to get to the top, but gorgeous as well. Remember to you can group some of these together based on geographic location. IE, Pisgah/Dupont State Forest/Graveyard Fields are all in the same general area. That could be a day trip.
· MOUNT MITCHELL - HIKE THE HIGHEST PEAK IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES - At 6,684, Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. At its summit you’ll find a 360° panoramic view of the surrounding Appalachian landscape, filled with mountains and valleys. Experience the gradual change in plant life as you ascend this epic mountain. Mount Mitchell State Park offers several different hiking options, a short loop (less than a mile), a ridgeline hike with endless spectacular views and, for the most rugged adventurer, there is a trail that goes all the way to Black Mountain Campground. A trail map is available on the park’s website. Mt. Mitchell
· MOUNT PISGAH - On a clear day, Mount Pisgah’s 5,721-foot summit can easily be seen from downtown Asheville. Likewise, after a steep climb through hardwood forest, Asheville is clearly visible 16 miles away. Mount Pisgah Trail in Pisgah National Forest | Hiking near Asheville, N.C.
· Craggy Gardens – We used to go blueberry picking here - Find the vivid colors of wildflowers, exposed rock balds and spectacular views of distant peaks at Craggy Gardens, recognized by the state of North Carolina as a National Heritage Area. It is home to a multitude of rare plants and wildlife and easily accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway.- Craggy Pinnacle Trail | Hiking near Asheville & Blue Ridge Parkway
· DEVIL’S COURTHOUSE - Within this sinisterly jagged mountain is a cave where the devil holds court, according to folklore. An ominous tale, but it really is quite beautiful. The steep cliffs provide not just panoramic vistas but also ideal hunting grounds for the world’s fastest animal, the peregrine falcon. It’s a steep but short hike to the peak, making it an easy stop on your cruise along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Asheville Hiking Trails | Guides & Recommendations | Asheville, NC's Official Travel Site
· DUPONT STATE FOREST – Waterfalls out this way are amazing - Located near Hendersonville & Brevard, Dupont State Forest is 7,600 acres of forested land and has over ninety miles of trails for hiking, biking and even horseback riding on designated trails, which range from very easy to very challenging. Their trails combine a wonderful blend of incredible scenery, varied hiking levels and unbelievable waterfalls. DuPont State Forest | National State Parks in Asheville, N.C. | Asheville, NC's Official Travel Site
· GRAVEYARD FIELDS TRAIL – This is actually the spot I proposed to Kristen at, the waterfall is the main draw. - Located at mile post 418.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this 3.2-mile trail is a popular family hike thanks to its beauty and ease. The trail will lead hikers to Lower Falls (a moderate descent) as well as through open, grassy areas and past nice pools for wading on a hot summer day. Graveyard Fields Loop Trail | Hiking near Asheville, N.C.
Here is everything I have on Restaurants from our wedding website:
Restaurants
Asheville is an amazing foodie town with so many great restaurants and bars to visit that we recommend you come early and stay late to enjoy the food! Below, find a list of our favorite restaurants and bars in Asheville at every price point!
Pricing Key:
$$$$ Fine dining
$$$ Higher priced
$$ Moderately priced
$ Cheap eats
Cúrate (Spanish, $$)
Location: Downtown
11 Biltmore Ave
Asheville, NC 28801 (click for map)
(828) 239-2946
An award-winning authentic Spanish tapas bar in downtown Asheville, this is our absolute favorite restaurant in Asheville, if not in the country. If you eat at one place in Asheville, this is the place to go. The head chef Katie Button studied under José Andrés and Ferran Adrià of elBulli fame (Michelin 3-star rated). Seating is limited and reservations go fast so call well in advance (at least two weeks if not more) to get a table. In the words of Andrew Dodd, it is “to die for.” Reservations required.
View Wine List (click here)
12 Bones (BBQ, $)
Two Locations: 5 minutes from downtown & South Asheville
5 Riverside Drive
Asheville, NC 28801 (click for map)
(828) 253-4499
Best barbeque in Asheville. President Obama claims he comes to Asheville because the people are great and to eat at 12 Bones. Great ribs, pulled pork, and jalapeno cheese grits! They’re famous for their Blueberry Chipotle ribs, as featured on “Good Morning America." No reservations needed.
The Admiral (Modern American, $$$)
Location: 5 minutes from downtown (West Asheville)
400 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806 (click for map)
(828) 252-2541
Some of the best food in Asheville, but the venue itself it somewhat interesting (read:shady looking). Fear not! Located in what was clearly a former dive bar, it has a rustic feeling. The menu is diverse, some of Andrew’s favorites being the steak au poivre, buttermilk fried quail, house-made bratwurst, and spinach fritters. Note the menu changes seasonally/daily. The restaurant has VERY limited seating so book reservations well in advance (1-2 weeks). Reservations required.
Limones (Mexican, $$$)
Location: Downtown
13 Eagle Street
Asheville, NC 28801 (click for map)
(828) 252-2327
Mexican and Californian cuisine, one of our other favorites due to their Blood Orange margaritas and delicious churros. The duck taquitos are worth the trip. Again, seating is limited, so call in advance for reservations unless eating at 10pm is your thing. Reservations required.
http://limonesrestaurant.com/
Rezaz (Mediterranean, $$$)
Location: 5 minutes from downtown (Biltmore Village)
28 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803 (click for map)
(828) 277-1510
Mediterranean cuisine and Wine Bar located in Biltmore Village, roughly ten minutes outside of downtown Asheville. Upscale food with a casual elegance. Reservations required.
http://www.rezaz.com/
Doc Chey’s (Asian, $)
Location: Downtown
37 Biltmore Ave
Asheville, NC 28801 (click for map)
(828) 252-8220
Asian noodle house. Another favorite that we often go to for lunch. No reservations are taken but turnover is fast if you are willing to wait fifteen minutes.
http://www.doccheys.com/
The Cantina (formally Neo Cantina/La Paz, Mexican, $$)
Location: 5 minutes from downtown (Biltmore Village)
10 Biltmore Plaza
Asheville, NC 28803 (click for map)
(828) 505-7682
Despite the many name changes over the years La Paz/Neo Cantina/The Cantina is a staple for Mexican food in Asheville. Considerably more casual than Limones, the quesadillas are one of the best things on the menu. It’s also the only Tequila bar in Asheville! Patio seating is nice for summer afternoons. Reservations recommended, but not required.
Neo Burrito (Mexican, $) –
Location: 20 minutes from downtown (South Asheville)
1341 Parkwood Road
Asheville, NC 28806 (click for map)
(828) 225-4101
Casual Mexican food, the highlights being the Burritos and Quesadillas. They focus on sourcing local ingredients and minimal enviromental impact. Hippiness aside, they make a killer burrito. No reservations needed.
Tupelo Honey Cafe (Southern/Soul, $$$)
Two Locations: Downtown & South Asheville
12 College Street
Asheville, NC 28801 (click for map)
(828) 255-4863
Asheville landmark, one location in downtown and one about 15 minutes outside of downtown near the Dodd house. Great place for breakfast or brunch. The french toast is the best Andrew has ever had, but it’s not always on the menu (considering the minimal ingredients required, this baffles him). Reservations suggested.
Cucina24 (Italian, $$$)
Location: Downtown
24 Wall Street
Asheville, NC 28801 (click for map)
(828) 254-6170
Great Italian food in downtown Asheville. The Osso Buco is one of the best things on the menu. Reservations recommended.
View Wine List (click here)
Apollo Flame Bistro (Greek & Italian, $)
Location : 10 minutes from downtown
485 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803 (click for map)
(828) 274-3582
Cheap cheap Greek/Italian. Good for lunch. Fast and friendly service. You’ve never seen a restaurant turn tables so fast. The lasagna and Philly Cheese steak are the two items Andrew misses more than anything. No reservations needed.
http://www.apolloflamebistro.net/
131 Main (American, $$$)
Location: 20 minutes from downtown (South Asheville)
308 Thetford Street
Asheville, NC 28803 (click for map)
(828) 651-0131
American cusine, but re-invented and more refined. A great place to eat if located in South Asheville. Reservations suggested, but not required.
Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar (Italian, $$$)
Location: 20 minutes from downtown (South Asheville)
264 Thetford Street
Asheville, NC 28803 (click for map)
(828) 684-8060
Solid Italian food, upscale cuisine, and a good wine list. Across the street from 131 Main, so a good place to check out if in South Asheville. Reservations suggested, but not required.
Bars & Nightlife
Asheville Wine Market
Location: Downtown
65 Biltmore Ave
Asheville, NC 28801 (click for map)
(828) 253-0060
Not a bar, and not open late, but for all your beer and wine needs while in Asheville make sure to visit Eberhard Heide for the best selection in town. The staff is beyond helpful, and tend to make good recommendations. Don’t miss the Enomatic machine which usually has 12 different wines at the bar.
Table Wine
Josh runs a great shop with a good selection, focuses on value, but great gems at every price level.
Address: 1550 Hendersonville Rd #102, Asheville, NC 28803
Phone: (828) 505-8588
Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria
Location: Downtown
42 Biltmore Ave
Asheville, NC 28801 (click for map)
(828) 255-0504
Great pizza and 24 beers on tap. Upstairs is 21+ later at night with pool tables and darts. A classic.
http://www.barleystaproom.com/asheville/
The Thirsty Monk
Location: Downtown
92 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801 (click for map)
(828) 254-5470
Hands down Andrew’s favorite bar in Asheville. The original portion is downstairs, and exclusively serves Belgian beer. The newer expansion upstairs serves American beers.
http://www.monkpub.com/
Wicked Weed Brewing (I haven’t been there since they sold out to Budweiser)
Location: Downtown
91 Biltmore Ave
Asheville, NC 28801 (click for map)
(828) 575-9599
The newest bar in town with large selection of beer and bar food. They also have many of their own in-house brews. Great atmosphere, with both an upstairs restaurant, downstairs cellar, and two patios. Best beer in town.
Jack of the Wood
Location: Downtown
95 Patton Ave,
Asheville, NC 28801 (click for map)
(828) 252-5445
Across from the Thisty Monk, another great bar in Asheville. Make sure to try some of the Green Man beers, which they make themselves. Their ESB is a staple.