Guidebook for Asheville - Just a partial list of great places to check out!
Kat And Benji
Guidebook for Asheville - Just a partial list of great places to check out!
Food Scene
A long-standing Asheville tradition, City Bakery offers coffee, breakfast, and lunch, featuring house-made bread products from their bakery (don't miss their cheddar-scallion biscuits!). A ten minute walk from our house.
112 locals recommend
City Bakery
88 Charlotte StA long-standing Asheville tradition, City Bakery offers coffee, breakfast, and lunch, featuring house-made bread products from their bakery (don't miss their cheddar-scallion biscuits!). A ten minute walk from our house.
Aesthetically pleasing and conveniently located, Liberty House is a great spot for breakfast or lunch without the crowds. Walk there in 15 minutes from our house! Enjoy the outdoor seating in a park-like setting or find a comfy spot inside.
87 locals recommend
Liberty House Coffee and Café
221 S Liberty StAesthetically pleasing and conveniently located, Liberty House is a great spot for breakfast or lunch without the crowds. Walk there in 15 minutes from our house! Enjoy the outdoor seating in a park-like setting or find a comfy spot inside.
One of our favorites for an upscale meal. Spanish/Mediterranean fusion. You will need reservations and will probably still wait for your table, but it's worth it!
279 locals recommend
Limones Restaurant
15 Eagle StOne of our favorites for an upscale meal. Spanish/Mediterranean fusion. You will need reservations and will probably still wait for your table, but it's worth it!
Delicious, gluten-free menu offering everything from brunch to dinner. You won't miss the gluten! Impressive cocktails as well. Located in the heart of downtown on Pack Square.
139 locals recommend
Posana Restaurant
1 Biltmore AveDelicious, gluten-free menu offering everything from brunch to dinner. You won't miss the gluten! Impressive cocktails as well. Located in the heart of downtown on Pack Square.
Off the beaten path, in the River Arts District along the river. Enjoy dining al fresco and the huge "back yard" with riverside views. Bonus - you can say you ate at the country's largest shipping container restaurant!
95 locals recommend
Smoky Park Supper Club
350 Riverside DrOff the beaten path, in the River Arts District along the river. Enjoy dining al fresco and the huge "back yard" with riverside views. Bonus - you can say you ate at the country's largest shipping container restaurant!
A 5 minute walk from our house, Taco Temple features house-made corn tortillas and delicious margaritas. This place was a secret for a while, but the word is getting out, so you may wait in line to order your food. Worth the wait!
82 locals recommend
Taco Temple
132 Charlotte StA 5 minute walk from our house, Taco Temple features house-made corn tortillas and delicious margaritas. This place was a secret for a while, but the word is getting out, so you may wait in line to order your food. Worth the wait!
Unique menu finds and always perfectly prepared, Zambra is a long-standing Asheville favorite. Outstanding wine list as well. Occasionally there will be live music to accompany your meal, ranging from gypsy jazz to lounge music.
201 locals recommend
Zambra
85 W Walnut StUnique menu finds and always perfectly prepared, Zambra is a long-standing Asheville favorite. Outstanding wine list as well. Occasionally there will be live music to accompany your meal, ranging from gypsy jazz to lounge music.
Our favorite Asheville restaurant, Nine Mile never disappoints. There are two locations, we are partial to the original location in historic Montford. You will wait for a table during peak dinner hours but it's worth it. Enjoy the Rasta vibrations, mon!
589 locals recommend
Nine Mile
233 Montford AveOur favorite Asheville restaurant, Nine Mile never disappoints. There are two locations, we are partial to the original location in historic Montford. You will wait for a table during peak dinner hours but it's worth it. Enjoy the Rasta vibrations, mon!
Well-prepared and presented farm-to-table cuisine, The Market Place has been here forever. In Asheville's ever-evolving food scene, it has been a constant, which says a lot. Try the PEI Mussels, the broth is TO DIE FOR.
58 locals recommend
The Market Place
20 Wall StWell-prepared and presented farm-to-table cuisine, The Market Place has been here forever. In Asheville's ever-evolving food scene, it has been a constant, which says a lot. Try the PEI Mussels, the broth is TO DIE FOR.
Inexpensive, delicious, casual Indian street food. Namaste, y'all!
311 locals recommend
Chai Pani Asheville
22 Battery Park AveInexpensive, delicious, casual Indian street food. Namaste, y'all!
Of President Obama fame, 12 Bones is still the best 'cue in town (in our humble opinion). Obama visits here every time he comes to Asheville. Two locations, check out the one on Foundy for a feast for your eyes as well as your belly. Oh yeah, and the new Wedge brewery is located in same building, so there's that.
330 locals recommend
12 Bones Smokehouse RIVER
5 Foundy StOf President Obama fame, 12 Bones is still the best 'cue in town (in our humble opinion). Obama visits here every time he comes to Asheville. Two locations, check out the one on Foundy for a feast for your eyes as well as your belly. Oh yeah, and the new Wedge brewery is located in same building, so there's that.
Just a quick stroll from our house, this neighborhood spot delivers delicious bites in a welcoming atmosphere. The chef sources meat from the neighboring butchery, The Chop Shop, completing the local circle of support. Offering meat-based creations utilizing everything from the meat to the bone. Salads and veggies available as well. Full bar sporting delicious craft cocktails, nice little wine list too.
21 locals recommend
Bone and Broth
94 Charlotte StJust a quick stroll from our house, this neighborhood spot delivers delicious bites in a welcoming atmosphere. The chef sources meat from the neighboring butchery, The Chop Shop, completing the local circle of support. Offering meat-based creations utilizing everything from the meat to the bone. Salads and veggies available as well. Full bar sporting delicious craft cocktails, nice little wine list too.
Just a short walk down the hill from our house, this seafood extravaganza is the latest on the Charlotte Street restaurant scene. Oysters, shrimp & grits, crab cakes, and Po'Boys are just some of the coastal delicacies offered here. Slightly pricey for what you get, in our humble opinion, but delicious all the same.
57 locals recommend
Jettie Rae's Oyster House
143 Charlotte StJust a short walk down the hill from our house, this seafood extravaganza is the latest on the Charlotte Street restaurant scene. Oysters, shrimp & grits, crab cakes, and Po'Boys are just some of the coastal delicacies offered here. Slightly pricey for what you get, in our humble opinion, but delicious all the same.
Who knew Hawaiian food was so amazing??! Meals here are out of this world, and don't miss the real treat: dessert. Started by a pastry chef, RosaBees has quickly made a name for itself in the worlds of both sweet and savory. Don't miss this place!
41 locals recommend
RosaBees
27 Foundy StWho knew Hawaiian food was so amazing??! Meals here are out of this world, and don't miss the real treat: dessert. Started by a pastry chef, RosaBees has quickly made a name for itself in the worlds of both sweet and savory. Don't miss this place!
Benne celebrates Asheville's black culture and it's influence on our social and culinary history. James Beard award winning Chef John Fleer is head chef and owner, and he chose black mentors, "The Legends" (look for their portraits on the feature wall in the restaurant), to help him shape the recipes and menu that has won Benne acclaim from all over.
34 locals recommend
Benne On Eagle
35 Eagle StBenne celebrates Asheville's black culture and it's influence on our social and culinary history. James Beard award winning Chef John Fleer is head chef and owner, and he chose black mentors, "The Legends" (look for their portraits on the feature wall in the restaurant), to help him shape the recipes and menu that has won Benne acclaim from all over.
Lovely setting and delicious, well-presented dishes. ELDR boasts a lively atmosphere and excellent service for any time of day. Don't miss their coffee/tea menu!
6 locals recommend
ELDR Restaurant
111 Grovewood RoadLovely setting and delicious, well-presented dishes. ELDR boasts a lively atmosphere and excellent service for any time of day. Don't miss their coffee/tea menu!
A tiny, tucked-away little Italian secret. Specializing in pizza and wine. You are unlikely to wait for a table during the al fresco dining season, thanks to their patio seating. VERY limited indoor seating so cool weather might create wait times. WORTH IT.
Contrada
A tiny, tucked-away little Italian secret. Specializing in pizza and wine. You are unlikely to wait for a table during the al fresco dining season, thanks to their patio seating. VERY limited indoor seating so cool weather might create wait times. WORTH IT.
Amazing upscale Indian in a bustling atmosphere located in Biltmore Village. Don't miss their sister restaurant, Leila, located downtown, newly opened in November 2023.
Andaaz
Amazing upscale Indian in a bustling atmosphere located in Biltmore Village. Don't miss their sister restaurant, Leila, located downtown, newly opened in November 2023.
Drinks & Nightlife
This place defies categorization...it's a music venue, restaurant, bar, and recreation facility. Located alongside the French Broad River, this is a popular take-out spot for river floaters in the summer. Kid friendly due to vast outdoor space including corn hole, fire pits, and multiple hangout spaces.
175 locals recommend
Salvage Station
468 Riverside DrThis place defies categorization...it's a music venue, restaurant, bar, and recreation facility. Located alongside the French Broad River, this is a popular take-out spot for river floaters in the summer. Kid friendly due to vast outdoor space including corn hole, fire pits, and multiple hangout spaces.
We don't usually send our guests to hotels, but the views and vibes from the rooftop of the AC Hotel are amazing.
38 locals recommend
Capella on 9
10 Broadway StWe don't usually send our guests to hotels, but the views and vibes from the rooftop of the AC Hotel are amazing.
Prohibition-style craft cocktail lounge with a roof top patio - you can't beat this place! They aren't known for their speedy cocktail crafting, but that's because each beverage is made with attention to detail and with hand-crafted mixers/bitters/garnishes. Each beverage comes with a key to an old post office box with a special edible treat inside!
43 locals recommend
Top of the Monk
92 Patton AveProhibition-style craft cocktail lounge with a roof top patio - you can't beat this place! They aren't known for their speedy cocktail crafting, but that's because each beverage is made with attention to detail and with hand-crafted mixers/bitters/garnishes. Each beverage comes with a key to an old post office box with a special edible treat inside!
One of the original craft breweries, and one of the last holdouts for bottling/canning/selling off-site (they don't). This is our favorite brewery in town. Like all of the other breweries, they don't sell food, but there is always a food truck parked there should you want more than the complimentary bowls of peanuts. Located in a secret spot well away from the bustling, touristy "South Slope" brewery district, this place is a locals' secret. Shhhhh!
285 locals recommend
Wedge Brewing Company
37 Paynes WayOne of the original craft breweries, and one of the last holdouts for bottling/canning/selling off-site (they don't). This is our favorite brewery in town. Like all of the other breweries, they don't sell food, but there is always a food truck parked there should you want more than the complimentary bowls of peanuts. Located in a secret spot well away from the bustling, touristy "South Slope" brewery district, this place is a locals' secret. Shhhhh!
This is a 2-3 block area of downtown that contains multiple breweries - 9 at last count (Brahmari, HiWire, Catawba, Burial, Green Man, Twin Leaf, Funkatorium, Wicked Weed, & Asheville Brewing Co) - plus an ever-evolving selection of bites and food trucks. It's on the south side, so it's more of a walk from the Boho Haven than the center of downtown - allow about 30 minutes if on foot. A ride-share will get you there in just a few minutes. Please enjoy the South Slope responsibly - a $6 ride share home is way cheaper than a DUI!
75 locals recommend
South Slope Brewing District
This is a 2-3 block area of downtown that contains multiple breweries - 9 at last count (Brahmari, HiWire, Catawba, Burial, Green Man, Twin Leaf, Funkatorium, Wicked Weed, & Asheville Brewing Co) - plus an ever-evolving selection of bites and food trucks. It's on the south side, so it's more of a walk from the Boho Haven than the center of downtown - allow about 30 minutes if on foot. A ride-share will get you there in just a few minutes. Please enjoy the South Slope responsibly - a $6 ride share home is way cheaper than a DUI!
Entertainment & Activities
Float the French Broad River on tubes, SUPs, or kayaks. The in-town section is flat and easy to navigate, with several restaurants and breweries where you can stop and take out along the way.
83 locals recommend
French Broad Outfitters
704 Riverside DrFloat the French Broad River on tubes, SUPs, or kayaks. The in-town section is flat and easy to navigate, with several restaurants and breweries where you can stop and take out along the way.
An art gallery, artist workshop, and bar all in one! Serving rotating local brews alongside glass-blowing demos and occasional live music.
30 locals recommend
Lexington Glassworks
81 S Lexington AveAn art gallery, artist workshop, and bar all in one! Serving rotating local brews alongside glass-blowing demos and occasional live music.
Also known as the Adventure Center of Asheville, this place sports a bike park, zipline, ropes course, and access to more off-site adventures in the area.
65 locals recommend
Adventure Center of Asheville
85 Expo DrAlso known as the Adventure Center of Asheville, this place sports a bike park, zipline, ropes course, and access to more off-site adventures in the area.
One of two local (45 min drive) ski resorts, Cataloochee offers varying terrain, a lodge with food and beverage, and is a well-run operation. Small but always fun to slide down a snowy hill!
231 locals recommend
Cataloochee Ski Area
1080 Ski Lodge RdOne of two local (45 min drive) ski resorts, Cataloochee offers varying terrain, a lodge with food and beverage, and is a well-run operation. Small but always fun to slide down a snowy hill!
Soak in a hot tub at a Japanese-style spa. Enjoy a massage afterward if you're so inclined. A short 15 minutes from downtown Asheville. Relax!!
71 locals recommend
Shoji Spa & Lodge
96 Avondale Heights RdSoak in a hot tub at a Japanese-style spa. Enjoy a massage afterward if you're so inclined. A short 15 minutes from downtown Asheville. Relax!!
Sightseeing
Learn about Asheville's many different breweries and how it all started.
12 locals recommend
Asheville Brews Cruise
6 Lennox CourtLearn about Asheville's many different breweries and how it all started.
The GPI is just something to see. Go have a beverage on the Sunset Terrace for happy hour and enjoy the stunning, epic views to the west. In the winter, go sit by the giant fireplaces in the lobby with a hot toddy or hot chocolate. There's often a band setting up/playing in the lobby. It's just cool.
573 locals recommend
The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa
290 Macon AveThe GPI is just something to see. Go have a beverage on the Sunset Terrace for happy hour and enjoy the stunning, epic views to the west. In the winter, go sit by the giant fireplaces in the lobby with a hot toddy or hot chocolate. There's often a band setting up/playing in the lobby. It's just cool.
Giant house. Amazing grounds. Meticulous gardens. Bike trails, 4x4 tours, farm animals, a winery, etc etc. You can easily spend a full day here and not get to it all. But yes, it's touristy. This isn't the "off the beaten path" recommendation. Still worth seeing - especially May-October 2018 for the Chihuly Exhibit. Google it.
240 locals recommend
Biltmore House
78 Starnes AveGiant house. Amazing grounds. Meticulous gardens. Bike trails, 4x4 tours, farm animals, a winery, etc etc. You can easily spend a full day here and not get to it all. But yes, it's touristy. This isn't the "off the beaten path" recommendation. Still worth seeing - especially May-October 2018 for the Chihuly Exhibit. Google it.
Essentials
Approximately one mile from our house. It will be slammed on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, or any weekday after 3:30ish.
248 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
120 Merrimon AveApproximately one mile from our house. It will be slammed on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, or any weekday after 3:30ish.
Approximately one mile from here. Organic health food to-go, as well as groceries.
340 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
70 Merrimon AveApproximately one mile from here. Organic health food to-go, as well as groceries.
Approximately one mile from here, Harris Teeter is your closest local conventional grocery store. Organic selection available as well.
159 locals recommend
Harris Teeter
136 Chestnut StApproximately one mile from here, Harris Teeter is your closest local conventional grocery store. Organic selection available as well.
Shopping
Mast General has a little bit of everything, but it's most well-known for it's outdoor gear and candy barrel section. A long-standing mountain favorite, this is a sister store to the original located in Valle Crucis, NC. Guaranteed to have quality street performers (buskers) out front most any day, especially weekends.
72 locals recommend
Mast General Store
15 Biltmore AveMast General has a little bit of everything, but it's most well-known for it's outdoor gear and candy barrel section. A long-standing mountain favorite, this is a sister store to the original located in Valle Crucis, NC. Guaranteed to have quality street performers (buskers) out front most any day, especially weekends.
With an ever-expanding array of local artist studios, the RAD is fast becoming a tourist favorite. You will find artists of all mediums, alongside breweries (don't miss the Wedge Brewing, our favorite beer!), restaurants, and riverside activities.
700 locals recommend
River Arts District
3 River Arts PlWith an ever-expanding array of local artist studios, the RAD is fast becoming a tourist favorite. You will find artists of all mediums, alongside breweries (don't miss the Wedge Brewing, our favorite beer!), restaurants, and riverside activities.
A seeker's paradise. Shop custom-made mid-century furniture and booths hosted by local makers showcasing everything from jewelry to ceramics. Reasonably priced wares and entirely locally run and operated. Shop local!
10 locals recommend
Atomic Furnishings
124 Swannanoa River RdA seeker's paradise. Shop custom-made mid-century furniture and booths hosted by local makers showcasing everything from jewelry to ceramics. Reasonably priced wares and entirely locally run and operated. Shop local!
An amazing warehouse full of individual booths featuring up-cycled furniture and decor.
71 locals recommend
Screen Door Asheville
115 Fairview RdAn amazing warehouse full of individual booths featuring up-cycled furniture and decor.
Locally-owned, long-standing downtown bookstore. Has a great regional author section, as well as "staff picks", best sellers, reference books, journals, cards, calendars, etc. Also sports a sweet little cafe serving coffees and pastries. Don't miss the "Banned Books" shelves. Shop local!
133 locals recommend
Malaprop's Bookstore / Cafe
55 Haywood StLocally-owned, long-standing downtown bookstore. Has a great regional author section, as well as "staff picks", best sellers, reference books, journals, cards, calendars, etc. Also sports a sweet little cafe serving coffees and pastries. Don't miss the "Banned Books" shelves. Shop local!
Locally owned ladies clothing store always on the cutting edge of style. Prices range from really reasonable to pretty pricey, but you're sure to find something there if you are remotely interested in today's styles. Shop local!
44 locals recommend
Minx Boutique
64 N Lexington AveLocally owned ladies clothing store always on the cutting edge of style. Prices range from really reasonable to pretty pricey, but you're sure to find something there if you are remotely interested in today's styles. Shop local!
Amazing locally produced artistic jewelry, on the higher end and worth every penny. Custom pieces available as well.
Fox and Beaux Boutique & Custom Jewelry Design Studio
56 Haywood StAmazing locally produced artistic jewelry, on the higher end and worth every penny. Custom pieces available as well.
Jewelry store + a little more - supporting local artists and high-end mass produced goods (Hobo bags + wallets) alike.
7 locals recommend
Embellish Asheville
59 Broadway StJewelry store + a little more - supporting local artists and high-end mass produced goods (Hobo bags + wallets) alike.
In business since 2009, Reciprocity is Asheville's favorite curated consignment store. Owner Toni sources high end brands like Free People, Frye, and designer denim - as well as locally-made jewelry, handbags, and coffee. A stop here always delights! Toni herself is just the kindest - tell her Kat sent you!
12 locals recommend
Reciprocity resale boutique
732 Haywood RdIn business since 2009, Reciprocity is Asheville's favorite curated consignment store. Owner Toni sources high end brands like Free People, Frye, and designer denim - as well as locally-made jewelry, handbags, and coffee. A stop here always delights! Toni herself is just the kindest - tell her Kat sent you!
Parks & Nature
Hike to waterfalls and swimming holes for a respite from the summer heat. Pack a raincoat, though, it's not a mountain summer day without a quick thunderstorm.
176 locals recommend
Graveyard Fields Loop Trail
Blue Ridge ParkwayHike to waterfalls and swimming holes for a respite from the summer heat. Pack a raincoat, though, it's not a mountain summer day without a quick thunderstorm.
A moderately strenuous climb to an epic summit view, Mt. Pisgah is easily accessible off the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 407. Pack a raincoat, though, it's not a mountain summer day without a quick thunderstorm.
Mount Pisgah Trail
Mount Pisgah TrailA moderately strenuous climb to an epic summit view, Mt. Pisgah is easily accessible off the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 407. Pack a raincoat, though, it's not a mountain summer day without a quick thunderstorm.
Traverse grassy balds with epic views on this moderate hike. Trailhead located at mile marker 420 on Blue Ridge Parkway. In July and August, bring a bucket for blueberry picking. Pack a raincoat, though, it's not a mountain summer day without a quick thunderstorm.
Art Loeb Trail Trailhead/Parking
Black Balsam Knob RoadTraverse grassy balds with epic views on this moderate hike. Trailhead located at mile marker 420 on Blue Ridge Parkway. In July and August, bring a bucket for blueberry picking. Pack a raincoat, though, it's not a mountain summer day without a quick thunderstorm.
As river rats, we would be remiss not to mention a trip down our favorite river. Less than an hour drive from Asheville, the Nolichucky River is one of the most beautiful in the area. Choose from the exciting upper gorge section or the equally beautiful but calmer lower section. Tell Matt Moses or George that Kat and Benji sent you. :)
47 locals recommend
USA Raft Adventure Resort
2 Jones Branch RdAs river rats, we would be remiss not to mention a trip down our favorite river. Less than an hour drive from Asheville, the Nolichucky River is one of the most beautiful in the area. Choose from the exciting upper gorge section or the equally beautiful but calmer lower section. Tell Matt Moses or George that Kat and Benji sent you. :)
A moderately steep/strenuous ascent with epic, sweeping views as your reward at the summit. Trailhead is at the fish hatchery off of Hwy 276 in Brevard. About a 40 min drive from Asheville.
48 locals recommend
John Rock
National Forest RoadA moderately steep/strenuous ascent with epic, sweeping views as your reward at the summit. Trailhead is at the fish hatchery off of Hwy 276 in Brevard. About a 40 min drive from Asheville.
A steep climb, not for the faint of heart, but amazing views at the top. Just outside of Brevard off Hwy 276, about a 40 min drive from Asheville. Brevard is a cute little town worth checking out, too.
37 locals recommend
Looking Glass Rock Trailhead
A steep climb, not for the faint of heart, but amazing views at the top. Just outside of Brevard off Hwy 276, about a 40 min drive from Asheville. Brevard is a cute little town worth checking out, too.
Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 420, proceed to the Black Balsam parking area and find the Sam Knob trailhead (marked). This is a great hike that takes you to wonderful views at the summit. Be sure to take extra layers, including a raincoat, as temps and weather can vary greatly from Asheville.
Sam Knob Trail
Sam Knob TrailLocated off the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 420, proceed to the Black Balsam parking area and find the Sam Knob trailhead (marked). This is a great hike that takes you to wonderful views at the summit. Be sure to take extra layers, including a raincoat, as temps and weather can vary greatly from Asheville.
A short hike to beautiful views, about a 30 min drive from our house. Maybe 1 mile round trip?
143 locals recommend
Craggy Pinnacle Hike
3641 Blue Ridge PkwyA short hike to beautiful views, about a 30 min drive from our house. Maybe 1 mile round trip?