Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Lynne and Steve are our 2nd insiders from the North
Carolina city of Asheville. Which made us think "isn't
having 2 insiders a little confusing?".
E: andy@vacationinsiders.com
W: www.vacationinsiders.com
Keeping up with the constantly changing face of downtown Asheville is a challenge these days, but it's
one that Steve and I do our best with, dining at the new restaurants, having cocktails at the new bars, and
checking out new venues (which also have opened in W. Asheville).
When we moved here, around 2000, there was nowhere near the selection of restaurants to choose from,
and the streets were empty late at night and during the winter. Not anymore! You'll find all kinds of street
performers year round now, playing bluegrass music, holding statuesque poses for extraordinarily long
periods of time, and throwing flames and batons.
Walk by 5 Walnut Wine Bar most nights and see the people standing on the sidewalk outside listening
to the music flowing out of the big windows, or walk by Pritchard Park to see the huge crowd of people
listening and playing in the weekly drum circle and you'll get a real sense of the energy that has taken over
downtown Asheville. See how the creativity plays out in the restaurants of renowned chefs such as John
Fleer at Rhubarb, Katie Button of Curate and Nightbell, or Duane Fernandes of Isa's Bistro.
Did you know Asheville has been a regular winner of the "Beer City USA"
award? Come and see what we're now famous for by touring the many
breweries (at least 17 at this count) and sampling locally brewed beer. A
great way is the self guided walking tour of Asheville's South Slope (the
Brewery District). You can navigate around with your phone. But take
care, the beer is very good - too much and no amount of technology can
help you! Is this option of getting the locals to drive you more sensible?!
Craggy Pinnacle is an all time favorite that we take almost every visitor
on. Breathtakingly gorgeous with many beautiful spots along the 1.4m
round trip hike. So beautiful that Lynne has scheduled numerous photo
shoots up here! And it's just 40 mins from downtown. Get picnic supplies
at Dough or Greenlife, and head up to the top to watch the sunrise - you
won't be sorry. Even on the warmest summer days it can be cool and
sometimes foggy so take a jacket and check the weather before leaving.
Yes, you must see America's largest home! Many of us locals have annual
passes and the consistent attraction for us is the grounds, with acres to
explore - we love walking through the gardens, by the river, and biking
the paths, sometimes capping it off with a picnic or dining at Cedrics.
I (Lynne) have shot commercial photos for the Estate so have spent a
lot of time there. Still, I return time and time again because it's THAT
beautiful. If you're visiting during an evening concert on the patio, go!
Start at the Grove Park Inn with cocktails on the sunset patio, or at
Skybar, atop Asheville's Flat Iron Building. Try Limones downtown for a
dinner in a fun atmosphere (it's where Steve and I had our first date!).
Then head to the French Broad Chocolate Lounge for dessert. Still want
more? Try the Nightbell for an after dinner drink (New York comes to
Asheville), then walk it all off by going up the hill to Pack Square Park.
Staying at the Urban Nest or at Drover's Way? It's a short walk home!
margarita you will ever have, hit up Limones (which is also great for dinner). For people watching and a classy
glass of wine go to 5 Walnut. If you are a beer aficionado and potentially want to meet some bros, walk down to
the Wicked Weed. Lastly, if you want to be hip and a "real Ashevillian" check out Ben's Tune Up (also great if it's
nice outside).
For a good dinner on a budget, I would suggest White Duck Taco or Doc Chey's (worth the wait). If you're willing
to ball out for ambiance and great food, I love Limones, Zambras, or Curate, all of which are walking distance
downtown. If you don't mind driving to West Asheville, the Admiral for dinner is amazing, despite the fact that
it looks like a hole in the wall on the inside and out. Also they clear the tables after dinner and it turns into a big
dance party if you're into that kind of thing.
Although the lines can be ridiculous, no night downtown is complete without a trip to the Chocolate Lounge (in
my humble opinion) so wherever you are, skip dessert. Post-chocolate lounge, I would suggest any of the bars I
mentioned for happy hour, with the addition of maybe the Southern on Lexington or SkyBar if you want a view/
roof experience. Enjoy!
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Lynne's other great love is producing stop motion videos. She says "I think that you can create such great
energy with this medium...". We've selected 2 of Lynne's videos to give you a different kind of insight into
Asheville. Enjoy (and see if you can spot Steve and their dog, Charley)!