Andrew and I took a little adventurous weekend getaway to Asheville, North Carolina, over Veteran's Day weekend last year (November 9-12, 2017). It was a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of college life, and we loved every second of a weekend to ourselves in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
I had been to Asheville before on a family vacation but wanted to plan some fun, cool things to do, especially since Andrew had never been to North Carolina or seen a real fall season before. NC is my favorite state, and fall is my favorite season, so I geeked out on this trip and was SO excited for Andrew to experience two things I love!
I wanted to write a blog post documenting our trip (better late than never) and giving advice on all things Asheville, so here it is...
Finding a place to stay
The first step in planning any trip is finding your home base. My recommendation for anyone looking to run away to the mountains for a weekend: find a cheap Airbnb!
Andrew and I are two broke college kids, and we found a GREAT Airbnb for $149 for 3
nights! It was a finished basement (really the first level) with a private entrance and deck of a couple's home. The house was in a neighborhood, close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Biltmore Estate, restaurants and grocery stories and wasn't too far from downtown Asheville. It was cozy and had everything we needed for a quick trip. Here's a link to where we stayed.
Places to eat
One of the first things I researched and asked around about were places to eat. Andrew and I both love to eat and have a great appreciation for good food, so this was an important topic to research beforehand.
Pack's Tavern
On our first night in town, we dined at Pack's Tavern in downtown Asheville. This is the kind of restaurant I wish was in my hometown because, if it was, I would frequent there. I had been to this restaurant during my family vacation two summers before. It was where I tried my first bison burger, which was to die for. I also knew I would love this place when I saw pretzels on the menu (my FAVORITE app). Automatic 10/10 right there. Andrew and I both ordered calzones, and we both loved every bite. Love, love, love Pack's.
Barley's Taproom and Pizzeria
Our second downtown Asheville restaurant was Barley's Taproom and Pizzeria, where we ate on our second night. Andrew and I got there a little bit early and were seated right away.
Then, BAM, the line was out the door. (Get there early.) This was a more laid back choice but one where Andrew and I devoured every bite. We aren't the type of couple to share meals very often, but at Barley's we split a white pizza and blackened chicken pasta- best idea ever. Both were amazing dishes.
French Broad Chocolate Lounge
We ended our second night in Asheville with dessert at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. This yummy place was speaking my love language (even if there prices were absurd). Spend the extra couple bucks- you won't regret it.
Tupelo Honey
If you're looking for a cute, yummy spot for breakfast, look no further! Tupelo Honey was scrumptious, and they're biscuits with honey- oh. my. goodness. I'm not a very big breakfast eater, so I got a grilled chicken and avocado sandwich. SO yummy! (There are multiple locations; we went to the one closest to our Airbnb in south Asheville.)
Green Sage Cafe
While we didn't actually eat here, Green Sage Cafe made me a perfect hot caramel latte. On the way up to Asheville, I got my first ever case of laryngitis, and it was bad. Of course the one weekend we take a trip I could barely talk the entire time!
I'm very picky about my coffee, but this latte was just right and felt great on my sore throat! And I loved the laid back ambiance of the coffee shop. I believe there are multiple locations; we went to the one right in the middle of downtown Asheville.
Things to do
Asheville is filled with SO MANY fun things to do. Unfortunately, we only got to do a few things on our list. Here are some activities we did, and some I want to do in the future:
Hikes
When you're in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you have to take advantage of the beautiful hiking trails! We went on two:
1. Craggy Pinnacle: If you're looking for a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this is the place! I mean LOOK AT THOSE VIEWS!
The hike is short and easy. When you get to the top, there is a sort of a 360-degree observation deck that allows to to see completely uninterrupted views of the mountains. It's honestly one of the most serene places I've ever been to (besides not being able to feel my ears in the below freezing wind chill). Go, go, go on this hike!
2. Black Balsam Knob: So I think I took us to the really long version of this hike. I thought it was going to be short, as the website says it's only a half mile until the first "balds," but we walked FOREVER.
The views were still pretty, but it wasn't my favorite hike. It was extremely wet and rocky and seemed to be never-ending. Wet parts of the trail were even frozen over, which was pretty cool for two Floridians to see.
Downtown Asheville
I was so caught up in the moment that I never even took pictures of Asheville's cute downtown! Downtown Asheville has so much to offer: cool restaurants, cute shops/boutiques, quaint coffee shops, a "Before I Die" wall, a double decker bus that serves dessert and coffee, etc. You cannot leave Asheville without spending some time in downtown.
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its scenic beauty, and you won't question why once you're on it. Andrew and I made sure to take turns driving every time we were on the
parkway, so we could both enjoy the views. If you're not used to driving in the mountains, the drive can be a little scary, but it is totally worth the mini heart attacks! The views are unmatched.
Andrew and I went to an overlook at sunset before dinner one night, and, while I wish we found one with a better view, it was still spectacular. Pictures can't do these views any justice. Seeing them in person is a whole different, awe-inspiring experience.
Biltmore Estate
Being two college kids, it wasn't in our budget to visit the Biltmore this time around (sigh), but I simply could not do a post about Asheville without including this in here.
When I came to Asheville the first time with my family in the summer of 2015, we visited the Biltmore, and I just absolutely fell in love (DREAM wedding location). Everything about it is so grand and gorgeous, from the drive up to the house to the house itself to the gardens.
Next trip (when we are 21 and can take part in the wine tasting), this is a must for us!
Apple picking
I wanted to do this SO BAD, but we literally JUST missed apple picking season when we got to Asheville. Growing up in Florida, I've never been to an apple orchard and thought it would be such a fun and cute fall date! Definitely also on my to-do list for the next trip to NC.
Asheville is such a dream- somewhere to unwind, fall in love and get inspired. If you ever find yourself itching for a weekend getaway, you can't go wrong with Asheville! I would recommend this cute, cozy mountain escape to anyone.
If you've been to Asheville before, let me know you're favorite things about it!
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