Guidebook for Asheville
Food Scene
Asheville is a foodie's paradise. There are so many different types of cuisines and you will be hard pressed to find a bad meal in this town! There are so many great spots - too many to list them all, but here is our list of favorites, some of which are right down the street from the house!
Family friendly spot with good, simple bbq and local beer in Biltmore Town Square.
21 locals recommend
Luella's Bar-B-Que - South Asheville
33 Town Square BlvdFamily friendly spot with good, simple bbq and local beer in Biltmore Town Square.
Good, fresh burgers, great sides and the best root beer float you’ve ever had! Great for kids too!
21 locals recommend
Farm Burger South Asheville
1831 Hendersonville RdGood, fresh burgers, great sides and the best root beer float you’ve ever had! Great for kids too!
Fahrenheit Pizza & Brewhouse
17 Lee St SGreat family friendly spot with delicious pizza.
This place has delicious pho but there is so much...mo'
Seriously everything we've had here is great, its the only one of its kind and its rich down the street from the house!
Insider tip: this place tends to get busy especially on chilly nights so try to get there early! Also they are closed on Tuesdays.
26 locals recommend
Wild Ginger Noodle Bar
1950 Hendersonville RdThis place has delicious pho but there is so much...mo'
Seriously everything we've had here is great, its the only one of its kind and its rich down the street from the house!
Insider tip: this place tends to get busy especially on chilly nights so try to get there early! Also they are closed on Tuesdays.
A local pie shop that has fresh pies made daily – try to get there earlier in the day before they run out of the good stuff!
27 locals recommend
Baked Pie Company
4 Long Shoals RdA local pie shop that has fresh pies made daily – try to get there earlier in the day before they run out of the good stuff!
Cool family friendly spot with what some say are the city's best chicken wings - hope you like 'em hot! If not they have a bunch of other stuff such as Mac and cheese and pretty good salads too!
69 locals recommend
Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack South
3749 Sweeten Creek RdCool family friendly spot with what some say are the city's best chicken wings - hope you like 'em hot! If not they have a bunch of other stuff such as Mac and cheese and pretty good salads too!
They may be a chain, but they definitely do a solid breakfast and have a friendly and casual atmosphere. Located minutes from the house in Biltmore Town Square.
23 locals recommend
Another Broken Egg Cafe
27 Schenck PkwyThey may be a chain, but they definitely do a solid breakfast and have a friendly and casual atmosphere. Located minutes from the house in Biltmore Town Square.
Great, fun and fresh indian food downtown. They also have really good cocktails :)
191 locals recommend
Mela Indian Restaurant
70 N Lexington AveGreat, fun and fresh indian food downtown. They also have really good cocktails :)
Famous for their ice cream, hot chocolate and great farm fresh desserts.
363 locals recommend
French Broad Chocolate Lounge
10 S Pack SquareFamous for their ice cream, hot chocolate and great farm fresh desserts.
Awesome little French place downtown. They also have a cocktail lounge upstairs.
145 locals recommend
Bouchon
62 N Lexington AveAwesome little French place downtown. They also have a cocktail lounge upstairs.
Smallcakes
33 Town Square BlvdGreat little cupcake shop in Town Square :)
Quintessential Asheville pizza spot. Fun and kitschy decor and great for kids and families. They also have a nice outdoor patio where you can people watch while you wait for your food :)
81 locals recommend
Mellow Mushroom
50 Broadway StQuintessential Asheville pizza spot. Fun and kitschy decor and great for kids and families. They also have a nice outdoor patio where you can people watch while you wait for your food :)
Biscuithead is an awesome local breakfast spot that boasts 3 Asheville locations and the newest one is right down the street from the house! Definitely put this spot on your must eat lists - but be careful of weekends because they tend to draw big crowds for their yummy food!
472 locals recommend
Biscuit Head
733 Haywood RdBiscuithead is an awesome local breakfast spot that boasts 3 Asheville locations and the newest one is right down the street from the house! Definitely put this spot on your must eat lists - but be careful of weekends because they tend to draw big crowds for their yummy food!
Cool little taco shop that has a great outdoor seating area. Great for kids and dogs!
440 locals recommend
White Duck Taco Shop
388 Riverside DrCool little taco shop that has a great outdoor seating area. Great for kids and dogs!
If you're looking for classic Italian food with that "just stepped into Brooklyn" feeling then Vinnie's is your place. Located in North Asheville, its a little bit of a drive from the house but it is worth it. Great food, great drinks, great atmosphere. Fugghedaboutit.
91 locals recommend
Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian
641 Merrimon AveIf you're looking for classic Italian food with that "just stepped into Brooklyn" feeling then Vinnie's is your place. Located in North Asheville, its a little bit of a drive from the house but it is worth it. Great food, great drinks, great atmosphere. Fugghedaboutit.
Solid steak house in Biltmore Town Square right next to the movie theater. We especially love the grilled artichokes and smoked salmon appetizer. Great place to just grab a drink as well :)
43 locals recommend
131 MAIN Restaurant
308 Thetford StSolid steak house in Biltmore Town Square right next to the movie theater. We especially love the grilled artichokes and smoked salmon appetizer. Great place to just grab a drink as well :)
Popular Asheville spot with 3 locations including this one in Biltmore Park Town Square just 5 minutes away.
590 locals recommend
Nine Mile
233 Montford AvePopular Asheville spot with 3 locations including this one in Biltmore Park Town Square just 5 minutes away.
A must try in Asheville! Not only do they gave delicious ice cream sammies, but their ice cream is some of the best I've ever had! Their shop is located downtown, but they often park their ice cream truck around the corner on Hendersonville Rd (check their instagram for times!)
35 locals recommend
Sunshine Sammies
99 S Lexington AveA must try in Asheville! Not only do they gave delicious ice cream sammies, but their ice cream is some of the best I've ever had! Their shop is located downtown, but they often park their ice cream truck around the corner on Hendersonville Rd (check their instagram for times!)
In our opinion, the best seafood in Asheville. Their lobster rolls rival (and even beat) the ones I've had in Maine. Everything they have is fresh and delicious including their cocktails! Make sure to get a reservation ahead of time for indoor dining or you can sit outside under their tents on a nice day!
57 locals recommend
Jettie Rae's Oyster House
143 Charlotte StIn our opinion, the best seafood in Asheville. Their lobster rolls rival (and even beat) the ones I've had in Maine. Everything they have is fresh and delicious including their cocktails! Make sure to get a reservation ahead of time for indoor dining or you can sit outside under their tents on a nice day!
Drinks & Nightlife
If you like beer, you've come to the right town. There are a ton of breweries in Asheville and these are our faves :)
Wicked Weed Brewing Pub
91 Biltmore AveFun downtown spot, great beer and really good food too.
They have a restaurant inside or you can grab lighter food outside. Great beer and really cool place with a beautiful outside garden. Kid and dog friendly. Check out their calendar for summer concerts :)
728 locals recommend
Sierra Nevada Brewery
100 Sierra Nevada WayThey have a restaurant inside or you can grab lighter food outside. Great beer and really cool place with a beautiful outside garden. Kid and dog friendly. Check out their calendar for summer concerts :)
Love me some Hi-Wire. I don't even like IPA's and there's is just delicious.
259 locals recommend
Hi-Wire Brewing - South Slope
197 Hilliard AvenueLove me some Hi-Wire. I don't even like IPA's and there's is just delicious.
Cool local brewery that also has summer concerts, food trucks and a whiskey distillery next door ;)
350 locals recommend
Highland Brewing Company
12 Old Charlotte HwyCool local brewery that also has summer concerts, food trucks and a whiskey distillery next door ;)
Shopping
A few minutes away from the house you will find Biltmore Town Square which has a movie theatre, a bunch of restaurants, an adorable pet store, a local toy shop, an awesome cupcake & ice cream shop and also a Barnes & Noble. They also have a great little farmers market every Wednesday that has fresh flowers, fruits & veggies, local cheeses and seafood along with some of the best quiche and tarts I have ever had in my life and amazing bath products at the Bonny Bath table!. So go check it out!
72 locals recommend
Biltmore Park Town Square
One Town Square BlvdA few minutes away from the house you will find Biltmore Town Square which has a movie theatre, a bunch of restaurants, an adorable pet store, a local toy shop, an awesome cupcake & ice cream shop and also a Barnes & Noble. They also have a great little farmers market every Wednesday that has fresh flowers, fruits & veggies, local cheeses and seafood along with some of the best quiche and tarts I have ever had in my life and amazing bath products at the Bonny Bath table!. So go check it out!
They may be in every town, but sometimes its nice to just stroll through the bookstore and grab a Starbucks while you're there (so corporate, I know). Especially good on rainy days and even better if you have kids to entertain!
Barnes & Noble
33 Town Square BlvdThey may be in every town, but sometimes its nice to just stroll through the bookstore and grab a Starbucks while you're there (so corporate, I know). Especially good on rainy days and even better if you have kids to entertain!
O.P. Taylor's Asheville
2 Town Square BlvdSuper cute toy store with a friendly vibe.
Brand new Whole Foods a few minutes from the house! You can also get grocery delivery through the amazon app :)
340 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
70 Merrimon AveBrand new Whole Foods a few minutes from the house! You can also get grocery delivery through the amazon app :)
Publix, where shopping is a pleasure :) Get groceries delivered to the house via Instacart!
28 locals recommend
Publix Super Market at Pinnacle Point
1830 Hendersonville RdPublix, where shopping is a pleasure :) Get groceries delivered to the house via Instacart!
Asheville based grocery store with all of the essentials and some good local products too!
42 locals recommend
Ingles Market
1865 Hendersonville RdAsheville based grocery store with all of the essentials and some good local products too!
Parks & Nature
Down the road from the house is a park with a brand new playground, picnic tables, and a lake to fish in, rent a boat or simply feed the ducks! During the holidays they also do something called "Festival of Lights"
28 locals recommend
Lake Julian Park
37 LAKE JULIAN RDDown the road from the house is a park with a brand new playground, picnic tables, and a lake to fish in, rent a boat or simply feed the ducks! During the holidays they also do something called "Festival of Lights"
Jake Rusher Park
132 Peachtree StGreat park with a big playground!
This place is one of our favorites! In the summer they have berry picking and an awesome Barn Dance with BBQ & live music every Friday night. In the fall they have a pumpkin patch, hayrides, apples and a corn maze. They also have a cafe, cute little creek, slides for the kids and animals to visit!
74 locals recommend
Hickory Nut Gap Farm
57 Sugar Hollow RdThis place is one of our favorites! In the summer they have berry picking and an awesome Barn Dance with BBQ & live music every Friday night. In the fall they have a pumpkin patch, hayrides, apples and a corn maze. They also have a cafe, cute little creek, slides for the kids and animals to visit!
Beautiful fall foliage and they do a really pretty display around the holidays called “Winter Lights”
582 locals recommend
The North Carolina Arboretum
100 Frederick Law Olmsted WayBeautiful fall foliage and they do a really pretty display around the holidays called “Winter Lights”
Beautiful park in Montreat that has a creek running through it and a giant playground. The drive from Asheville is about 30 min.
19 locals recommend
Robert Lake Park
317 Texas RdBeautiful park in Montreat that has a creek running through it and a giant playground. The drive from Asheville is about 30 min.
About 45 minutes from Asheville is Lake Lure. The beach is open for the summer only but you can also take a boat tour to check out the beautiful scenery during the fall. You can also rent a private pontoon to enjoy with family and friends!
102 locals recommend
Lake Lure Beach and Water Park
2724 Memorial HwyAbout 45 minutes from Asheville is Lake Lure. The beach is open for the summer only but you can also take a boat tour to check out the beautiful scenery during the fall. You can also rent a private pontoon to enjoy with family and friends!
Chimney Rock State Park is a popular spot for hiking and taking in some amazing views. There is also a beautiful waterfall. Chimney Rock also has a small downtown area with shops and places to eat. Check out the fudge shop for some of the best mountain fudge you've ever had!
333 locals recommend
Chimney Rock State Park
431 Main StChimney Rock State Park is a popular spot for hiking and taking in some amazing views. There is also a beautiful waterfall. Chimney Rock also has a small downtown area with shops and places to eat. Check out the fudge shop for some of the best mountain fudge you've ever had!
Entertainment & Activities
Five minutes from the house in Biltmore Town Square.
47 locals recommend
Regal Cinemas Biltmore Grande Stadium 15 & RPX
292 Thetford StFive minutes from the house in Biltmore Town Square.
Indoor playground for younger kids. Very close to the house. Great for a rainy day.
25 locals recommend
Mountain Play Lodge
3389 Sweeten Creek RdIndoor playground for younger kids. Very close to the house. Great for a rainy day.
Carolina Cinemas
1640 Hendersonville RdCool theatre with local craft beers and small bites.
There's nothing like a cold beer and hot dog at a baseball game on a warm spring/summer evening. The Asheville Tourists are a minor league team but the fun is MAJOR (sorry, I had to). The seats are cheap, the drinks are cold and you're sure to have a great time!
74 locals recommend
Asheville Detours
85 W Walnut StThere's nothing like a cold beer and hot dog at a baseball game on a warm spring/summer evening. The Asheville Tourists are a minor league team but the fun is MAJOR (sorry, I had to). The seats are cheap, the drinks are cold and you're sure to have a great time!
Arts & Culture
Biltmore
1 Lodge StFamous house which started the town of Asheville.
Sightseeing
Our favorite spot to go apple picking in the fall. They also have a pumpkin patche, hay rides, petting zoo & apple cider donuts…must I go on?
62 locals recommend
Grandad's Apples
2951 Chimney Rock RdOur favorite spot to go apple picking in the fall. They also have a pumpkin patche, hay rides, petting zoo & apple cider donuts…must I go on?
Black Mountain is less than a 30 minute drive from Asheville and has a really cute downtown with shops, cafes and a great cupcake shop! Check out a favorite lunch spot of ours called Veranda Cafe :)
268 locals recommend
Black Mountain
Black Mountain is less than a 30 minute drive from Asheville and has a really cute downtown with shops, cafes and a great cupcake shop! Check out a favorite lunch spot of ours called Veranda Cafe :)
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit the Grove Park Inn. This hotel is like none other. The exterior boasts some amazing architecture, the lobby has two giant fireplaces with rocking chairs and a bar that makes an outstanding Old Fashioned or any other cocktail for that matter. The view on the back deck is incredible especially during sunset. You can make a reservation for dinner in the main restaurant or have some light bites and drinks at one of the patio tables out back. if you're looking for something more casual there is another restaurant thats easier to grab a table at. If that's not enough they also have one of the best spa's in the country!
36 locals recommend
Omni Grove Park Inn - Country Club
290 Macon AveAutumn is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit the Grove Park Inn. This hotel is like none other. The exterior boasts some amazing architecture, the lobby has two giant fireplaces with rocking chairs and a bar that makes an outstanding Old Fashioned or any other cocktail for that matter. The view on the back deck is incredible especially during sunset. You can make a reservation for dinner in the main restaurant or have some light bites and drinks at one of the patio tables out back. if you're looking for something more casual there is another restaurant thats easier to grab a table at. If that's not enough they also have one of the best spa's in the country!
Who knew that Western NC could make delicious wines? If you're a wine drinker then you have to check out this beautiful vineyard located just 20 minutes from the house in Hendersonville. It has a tasting room and a beautiful patio/garden to enjoy a glass or bottle with small bites available. You will feel like you've been transported to Napa Valley...sort of ;)
123 locals recommend
Burntshirt Vineyards
2695 Sugarloaf RdWho knew that Western NC could make delicious wines? If you're a wine drinker then you have to check out this beautiful vineyard located just 20 minutes from the house in Hendersonville. It has a tasting room and a beautiful patio/garden to enjoy a glass or bottle with small bites available. You will feel like you've been transported to Napa Valley...sort of ;)