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While Tyler and I have been considering some potential babymoon plans, Asheville, North Carolina, has come up more than a few times. I have been fortunate enough to visit Asheville on several occasions over the last few years, with my most recent visit being in January of this year. It served as the perfect reminder of all the things I love about the city.
Since my first visit to to Asheville in 2015 to now, whether it’s been a visit with Ty or a girls’ trip, these are my absolute must-dos and must-eats for Asheville, NC:
Must-Do:
- Spend time outside. Whether you go for a hike – I would recommend Looking Glass Rock Trail, Graveyard Fields and Table Rock for the not-so-experienced hikers like myself – or simply take the scenic route driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the nature of Asheville has something for everyone. Even if it’s just a visit to UNC’s botanical gardens, I never miss a chance to opt outside when I’m in Asheville.
- Shop downtown. The culture of Asheville is definitely “buy local,” so you will find a ton of local shops in the downtown area, filled with tempting merchandise. I have popped into dozens of them at this point, and you can’t go wrong – just make sure you snag some chocolate to-go from French Broad Chocolate Lounge and keep your eyes peeled for the “faerie homes” tucked around.
- Visit the Biltmore. Known as “America’s largest home,” there’s a good reason that the tickets can be a little pricey – it’s gorgeous. In the summer, the Gardens are brimming and beautiful, and around the holidays, the estate is decorated to the nines, with Christmas trees in almost every room. Bonus: there’s an on-site winery. Which brings me to my next point…
- Drink local. Asheville is known for its incredible breweries, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. When I’ve visited, I’ve really enjoyed Wicked Weed, Burial Beer and Green Man Brewery, though I think you’d be happy just about anywhere. If you’re not feeling alcohol, you can always get a great coffee with a fun atmosphere at Double D’s Coffee & Desserts!
Must-Eat:
- Biscuit Head. When my friend Chelsea suggested we make the trip to Asheville in January, I told her only if we went to Biscuit Head. Known for their “cathead biscuits,” which are legitimately the size of a cat’s head, you do not want to miss out on one of their three Asheville locations. The biscuit donuts are solid, but my recommendation is to focus on the regular biscuits and sample their amazing jams.
- Nine Mile. I don’t often get to experience Caribbean-inspired cuisine, but this casual, vegetarian-friendly restaurant won me over. They have three locations throughout the city with tons of options to choose from. I have made a point to stop in for a meal almost every time I’ve visited, and I have yet to have something that wasn’t absolutely delicious.
- Vortex Doughnuts. Considering I used to work in a donut shop, I can be a little bit of a snob when it comes to donuts – know that these donuts are the real deal. This funky little shop has an impressive selection of flavors, with options available in cake, yeast and gluten-free. They also make an effort to use local and regional ingredients, so you can feel even better about supporting this Asheville business.
- Early Girl Eatery. If you’re looking for Southern comfort food, this is the spot for you! They have three Asheville locations that offer a farm-to-table experience and serve breakfast all day – a huge plus in my book. The menu is expansive, but don’t forget to check out their specials, especially if you’re feeling something seasonal.