Guidebook for Asheville
Food Scene
Straightaway Cafe: A cafe, pub, and music venue set in the twisted pastoral farmland of highway 9. A local's joint. Free range children run and play joyfully in the field, on the sand of the volley ball court, or around the outside dining porch, with toys that are scattered about. Adults kick back and enjoy the views, the live music and the outdoor, old school, fire pit. Check ahead to be sure they are open! It's a beautiful drive out there but a bummer if they are closed and you are hungry. They are normally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but hours change with the seasons. https://www.thestraightaway.com/
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Straightaway Outpost
1722 NC-9Straightaway Cafe: A cafe, pub, and music venue set in the twisted pastoral farmland of highway 9. A local's joint. Free range children run and play joyfully in the field, on the sand of the volley ball court, or around the outside dining porch, with toys that are scattered about. Adults kick back and enjoy the views, the live music and the outdoor, old school, fire pit. Check ahead to be sure they are open! It's a beautiful drive out there but a bummer if they are closed and you are hungry. They are normally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but hours change with the seasons. https://www.thestraightaway.com/
I don't know why as a tourist you would want to go here.. unless you want the BEST lavender latte and lavender Scone you have ever tasted in your life! (Get there between 8:30 and 9:30 if you want a fresh scone.) Or perhaps you want a really low key coffee lounge that is never too busy so you can sit and work or spread out with the kids or friends and play some card games. Do not come here if you are in a hurry for your beverage as they are really just the front for a wedding catering company and if there is more than one person in line it can take a bit. Annie, the caterer, makes amazing local fresh, drinks, pastries, salads and sandwiches.
http://www.momentscoffeebarandcatering.com/
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Moments Coffee Bar & Eatery
2304 US-70I don't know why as a tourist you would want to go here.. unless you want the BEST lavender latte and lavender Scone you have ever tasted in your life! (Get there between 8:30 and 9:30 if you want a fresh scone.) Or perhaps you want a really low key coffee lounge that is never too busy so you can sit and work or spread out with the kids or friends and play some card games. Do not come here if you are in a hurry for your beverage as they are really just the front for a wedding catering company and if there is more than one person in line it can take a bit. Annie, the caterer, makes amazing local fresh, drinks, pastries, salads and sandwiches.
http://www.momentscoffeebarandcatering.com/
Filo is just down the road from the cottage and is a lovely coffee shop with "eat in" or "to go" breakfast & lunch sandwiches and pastries.
At night Filo transforms into Post 70 indulgence bar. Cozy, intimate setting for drinks and a meal of Tapas. Due to the old stone building and high ceilings the building can be a bit drafty in the winter. So dress in layers if you plan on spending time relaxing there.
87 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Filo Pastries & Post 70 Indulgence Bar
1155 Tunnel RdFilo is just down the road from the cottage and is a lovely coffee shop with "eat in" or "to go" breakfast & lunch sandwiches and pastries.
At night Filo transforms into Post 70 indulgence bar. Cozy, intimate setting for drinks and a meal of Tapas. Due to the old stone building and high ceilings the building can be a bit drafty in the winter. So dress in layers if you plan on spending time relaxing there.
Great budget and family friendly food. I'm posting the West location here that is right next to Carrier park. They have another location on Merrimon Ave. just north of downtown.
http://slowfoodrightquick.com/
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
HomeGrown (West)
219 Amboy RdGreat budget and family friendly food. I'm posting the West location here that is right next to Carrier park. They have another location on Merrimon Ave. just north of downtown.
http://slowfoodrightquick.com/
This place is a splendid option if you want to eat some relatively inexpensive and TASTY food. It's also just a hop, skip and a jump from the cottage. Call ahead for reservations during peak dining times as this cozy, relatively new place has been discovered and fills up quick!
87 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Copper Crown
1011 Tunnel RdThis place is a splendid option if you want to eat some relatively inexpensive and TASTY food. It's also just a hop, skip and a jump from the cottage. Call ahead for reservations during peak dining times as this cozy, relatively new place has been discovered and fills up quick!
One of our favorite unassuming places. Great food! They were voted best burger many years in a row. Right in the center of downtown hidden away in an alley. Sit inside or on the street and order via the walk up window. Small bites for kids too!
70 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge
7 Rankin AveOne of our favorite unassuming places. Great food! They were voted best burger many years in a row. Right in the center of downtown hidden away in an alley. Sit inside or on the street and order via the walk up window. Small bites for kids too!
Go for a hike and then dine at the top of the mountain. They have an amazing variety of dishes and prices considering they are the only restaurant available at the top of the mountain!
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pisgah Inn Observation Deck
Go for a hike and then dine at the top of the mountain. They have an amazing variety of dishes and prices considering they are the only restaurant available at the top of the mountain!
The only chocolate lounge with a bouncer at the front door on the weekends. Not due to the rowdy crowd but simply to ensure they are not overwhelmed with too many customers.
Come here for an after dinner sweet treat, adult beverage or both!
363 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
French Broad Chocolate Lounge
10 S Pack SquareThe only chocolate lounge with a bouncer at the front door on the weekends. Not due to the rowdy crowd but simply to ensure they are not overwhelmed with too many customers.
Come here for an after dinner sweet treat, adult beverage or both!
Another favorite dining location hidden away in an alley. Right in downtown, in the basement of a building - It's cave like atmosphere is romantic and sweet. The dining area can be loud and lighting dim so maybe not a favorite for some... thinking of my senior relations. The tapas are delightful however. Come hungry, take your time and sample lots!
201 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zambra
85 W Walnut StAnother favorite dining location hidden away in an alley. Right in downtown, in the basement of a building - It's cave like atmosphere is romantic and sweet. The dining area can be loud and lighting dim so maybe not a favorite for some... thinking of my senior relations. The tapas are delightful however. Come hungry, take your time and sample lots!
Dine on the most amazing and creative tacos while sitting next to the French broad river. Niiiiice!
440 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
White Duck Taco Shop
388 Riverside DrDine on the most amazing and creative tacos while sitting next to the French broad river. Niiiiice!
Because who doesn't like fresh doughnuts? In West Asheville, diagonally across the street from Taco Billy another must visit eatery!
231 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hole Doughnuts
168 Haywood RdBecause who doesn't like fresh doughnuts? In West Asheville, diagonally across the street from Taco Billy another must visit eatery!
Yum Yum Yum!
In West Asheville, diagonally across the street from Hole Doughnuts another must visit eatery!
183 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Taco Billy
201 Haywood RdYum Yum Yum!
In West Asheville, diagonally across the street from Hole Doughnuts another must visit eatery!
Very sweet little shop/cafe. They will prepare a togo picnic basket for you upon request! Really yummy healthy food. Also a nice place to sit, indulge and visit.
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Rhu
10 S Lexington AveVery sweet little shop/cafe. They will prepare a togo picnic basket for you upon request! Really yummy healthy food. Also a nice place to sit, indulge and visit.
Hidden away in the Haw Creek neighborhood. This fantastic French restaurant has lovely outdoor dining. Indoor is very nice as well. It resides in a reclaimed church building.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rendezvous
184 New Haw Creek RdHidden away in the Haw Creek neighborhood. This fantastic French restaurant has lovely outdoor dining. Indoor is very nice as well. It resides in a reclaimed church building.
Tucked away in the Haw Creek neighborhood. A local tavern with lovely outdoor seating by the creek and with a playground for the children.
45 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Creekside Taphouse
8 Beverly RdTucked away in the Haw Creek neighborhood. A local tavern with lovely outdoor seating by the creek and with a playground for the children.
Excellent food! Mexican and Californian cuisine. Make sure you make a reservation well in advance if you want to eat on the weekend or a holiday!
279 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Limones Restaurant
15 Eagle StExcellent food! Mexican and Californian cuisine. Make sure you make a reservation well in advance if you want to eat on the weekend or a holiday!
Drinks & Nightlife
Seems strange to have a Secret Spot be Touristy but the SkyBAR can only hold a certain number of people and maxes out quickly. The elevator operator acts as the bouncer allowing only a certain number of people up. It's normally crowded, but is also great fun and of course has awesome views of some of downtown and mountains to the west! Lots of pubs and bars in Asheville are kid friendly. This one is not.
SkyBAR http://www.worldcoffeecafe.com/skybar-best-bar-with-a-view/
57 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
World Coffee Café & SkyBar
18 Battery Park AveSeems strange to have a Secret Spot be Touristy but the SkyBAR can only hold a certain number of people and maxes out quickly. The elevator operator acts as the bouncer allowing only a certain number of people up. It's normally crowded, but is also great fun and of course has awesome views of some of downtown and mountains to the west! Lots of pubs and bars in Asheville are kid friendly. This one is not.
SkyBAR http://www.worldcoffeecafe.com/skybar-best-bar-with-a-view/
Great local beer and cider, indoor and outdoor live music. Asheville's original craft brewery is just minutes from the cottage! Their outdoor meadow and trees are a great place to let the kids run around and play while adults kick back and enjoy some local brew. Be sure they have a band scheduled on the green and that there is no rain in the forecast. Local food trucks are normally available. Children are also allowed indoors, however they are not allowed on the rooftop bar.
https://www.highlandbrewing.com/
349 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Highland Brewing Company
12 Old Charlotte HwyGreat local beer and cider, indoor and outdoor live music. Asheville's original craft brewery is just minutes from the cottage! Their outdoor meadow and trees are a great place to let the kids run around and play while adults kick back and enjoy some local brew. Be sure they have a band scheduled on the green and that there is no rain in the forecast. Local food trucks are normally available. Children are also allowed indoors, however they are not allowed on the rooftop bar.
https://www.highlandbrewing.com/
Uniquely Asheville.... have a treat and a drink morning or evening amongst towering bookshelves of books of all kinds. Music sometimes on the weekend. Very cozy!
191 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar
1 Page AveUniquely Asheville.... have a treat and a drink morning or evening amongst towering bookshelves of books of all kinds. Music sometimes on the weekend. Very cozy!
Right in the center of the river arts district and next to the rail road tracks and river..... Ware house brewing doesn't get any better than this!
285 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wedge Brewing Company
37 Paynes WayRight in the center of the river arts district and next to the rail road tracks and river..... Ware house brewing doesn't get any better than this!
Right next to the river, big field...kids running wild for the afternoon early evening crowd, normally a food truck and great beer.
113 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zillicoah Beer Co.
870 Riverside DrRight next to the river, big field...kids running wild for the afternoon early evening crowd, normally a food truck and great beer.
Downtown...great beer - Yum
259 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hi-Wire Brewing - South Slope
197 Hilliard AvenueDowntown...great beer - Yum
Uniquely Asheville with a European flair. I just love their outside area. It's tucked away downtown and is such an organically grown outdoor space.
87 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ben's Tune Up
195 Hilliard AveUniquely Asheville with a European flair. I just love their outside area. It's tucked away downtown and is such an organically grown outdoor space.
Good Beer - My favorite porter! I can hardly drink any other.
182 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Green Man Brewery
27 Buxton AveGood Beer - My favorite porter! I can hardly drink any other.
One of my favorite roof top bars. Might be the highest one...at least for now.
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
AC Hotel by Marriott Asheville Downtown
10 Broadway StOne of my favorite roof top bars. Might be the highest one...at least for now.
Essentials
Whole Foods 3.4 miles away from the cottage. : .)
340 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whole Foods Market
70 Merrimon AveWhole Foods 3.4 miles away from the cottage. : .)
Ingles Market and Pharmacy - Just one mile down the road from the Cottage. Has a pretty good selection of organic and natural essentials as well as your regular fare. Also has a great local beer section and the wine isn't so bad either.
251 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ingles Market
29 Tunnel RdIngles Market and Pharmacy - Just one mile down the road from the Cottage. Has a pretty good selection of organic and natural essentials as well as your regular fare. Also has a great local beer section and the wine isn't so bad either.
Closest laundromat mat. If you want a quick bite or a coffee or tea while your waiting for your laundry check out Moments coffee shop (also in guide book).
Shell
1930 US-70Closest laundromat mat. If you want a quick bite or a coffee or tea while your waiting for your laundry check out Moments coffee shop (also in guide book).
The closest farmers market to the cottage. Here is a link to all the other markets in the area:
https://www.asheville.com/news/2021/03/farmers-tailgate-markets-to-open-for-spring/
East Asheville Tailgate Market
954 Tunnel RdThe closest farmers market to the cottage. Here is a link to all the other markets in the area:
https://www.asheville.com/news/2021/03/farmers-tailgate-markets-to-open-for-spring/
Arts & Culture
Local artwork - about 100 booths that are independently run by local artists. Fun to stroll thru and look at, with reasonable prices for take home treasures. Don't forget to go downstairs! A quick bite can be had at the old school soda fountain. This fun shop is located in the center of downtown Asheville.
103 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Paseo Woolworth
25 Haywood StLocal artwork - about 100 booths that are independently run by local artists. Fun to stroll thru and look at, with reasonable prices for take home treasures. Don't forget to go downstairs! A quick bite can be had at the old school soda fountain. This fun shop is located in the center of downtown Asheville.
So amazing all that can be created! A must visit for a day. Soak up the creativity, have a bite and yes a beer!
700 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
River Arts District
3 River Arts PlSo amazing all that can be created! A must visit for a day. Soak up the creativity, have a bite and yes a beer!
Just a hop skip and a jump from the Seven Oaks Cottage
255 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Folk Art Center (Southern Highland Craft Guild)
382 Blue Ridge PkwyJust a hop skip and a jump from the Seven Oaks Cottage
In the heart of downtown. Not the largest craft store but one of my favorites.
Appalachian Natural Soaps
21 Wall StIn the heart of downtown. Not the largest craft store but one of my favorites.
Always quality performances and the venue does not have a bad seat anywhere.
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Asheville Community Theatre
35 E Walnut StAlways quality performances and the venue does not have a bad seat anywhere.
Professional acting in a small intimate setting
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
North Carolina Stage Company
15 Stage LaneProfessional acting in a small intimate setting
You could spend a whole day browsing in this place. Leave a trail of bread crumbs or you may get lost! The artwork and antiques range from $ - to $$$$ so it's fun for all!
133 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Antique Tobacco Barn
75 Swannanoa River RdYou could spend a whole day browsing in this place. Leave a trail of bread crumbs or you may get lost! The artwork and antiques range from $ - to $$$$ so it's fun for all!
Fantastic browsing for local art and also antiques! Located just outside of the Biltmore village area.
71 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Screen Door Asheville
115 Fairview RdFantastic browsing for local art and also antiques! Located just outside of the Biltmore village area.
Parks & Nature
Great playground and river greenway walk. Fun place for the family or if you just want a break from bustling down town this sweet greenway walk along the river is not too far away.
Don't forget to stop by Homegrown West restaurant for some delicious homemade lunch or dinner before or after your walk.
159 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Carrier Park
220 Amboy RdGreat playground and river greenway walk. Fun place for the family or if you just want a break from bustling down town this sweet greenway walk along the river is not too far away.
Don't forget to stop by Homegrown West restaurant for some delicious homemade lunch or dinner before or after your walk.
Shopes Creek Trail head: Hiking and Mountain Biking just 7 minutes up the road from the Cottage. There is a wonderful variety of trails to choose from ranging from easy hiking for children to some that climb steeply up to great heights and ridgelines. A few tranquil waterfalls cab also be found.
Leave the Cottage and turn Left onto Riceville Road. Follow Riceville Road for aprox 2.5 miles and turn left onto Bull Creek Road. Bear right almost immediately onto Shope Creek Road. Go 2.3 miles to the end of Shope Creek Road; the road will cross Shope Creek on a concrete low-water bridge and turn to gravel. Sometimes this road requires a high clearance vehicle. The parking area, which is signed, is about 0.1 mi. ahead on the left
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Shopes Trail Head
Shopes Creek Trail head: Hiking and Mountain Biking just 7 minutes up the road from the Cottage. There is a wonderful variety of trails to choose from ranging from easy hiking for children to some that climb steeply up to great heights and ridgelines. A few tranquil waterfalls cab also be found.
Leave the Cottage and turn Left onto Riceville Road. Follow Riceville Road for aprox 2.5 miles and turn left onto Bull Creek Road. Bear right almost immediately onto Shope Creek Road. Go 2.3 miles to the end of Shope Creek Road; the road will cross Shope Creek on a concrete low-water bridge and turn to gravel. Sometimes this road requires a high clearance vehicle. The parking area, which is signed, is about 0.1 mi. ahead on the left
Fairly strenuous 10ish mile out and back. View of the town of black mountain from the first overlook and uninterrupted mountains from the second. Well blazed trail. Not for the timid.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Graybeard Trail
Fairly strenuous 10ish mile out and back. View of the town of black mountain from the first overlook and uninterrupted mountains from the second. Well blazed trail. Not for the timid.
Nice waterfall located right beside the road. You can get a view from the road level (overlook) or walk down some stairs to view from the bottom of the falls. It isn't the tallest waterfall in the area but it is very crowded at times. Parking is limited but don't pass it up.
320 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Looking Glass Falls
U.S. 276Nice waterfall located right beside the road. You can get a view from the road level (overlook) or walk down some stairs to view from the bottom of the falls. It isn't the tallest waterfall in the area but it is very crowded at times. Parking is limited but don't pass it up.
Graveyard Fields Lower falls is perhaps my most favorite and must see places to go off the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC. The water is unbelievably cold, to the point your glasses will fog if you go under with them. The swimming area under the lower falls is a blast for the whole family. If you time the season just right, you can have a tasty snack picking and eating the wild raspberries and blackberries.
176 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Graveyard Fields Loop Trail
Blue Ridge ParkwayGraveyard Fields Lower falls is perhaps my most favorite and must see places to go off the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC. The water is unbelievably cold, to the point your glasses will fog if you go under with them. The swimming area under the lower falls is a blast for the whole family. If you time the season just right, you can have a tasty snack picking and eating the wild raspberries and blackberries.
It would not do you justice if I didn't at least mention this one!
307 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Chimney Rock
It would not do you justice if I didn't at least mention this one!
Weed Patch Mountain Trail - a strenuous AND award winning trail near Lake Lure.
https://conservingcarolina.org/weedpatch/
2191 Buffalo Creek Rd
2191 Buffalo Creek RoadWeed Patch Mountain Trail - a strenuous AND award winning trail near Lake Lure.
https://conservingcarolina.org/weedpatch/
Spectacular waterfall. Several trails that take you to different vantage points. The trail to bottom of the gorge is more difficult than the trail to the top. Can get busy on the weekends if you don't enjoy viewing nature in a crowd pick a weekday!
436 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Linville Falls
Spectacular waterfall. Several trails that take you to different vantage points. The trail to bottom of the gorge is more difficult than the trail to the top. Can get busy on the weekends if you don't enjoy viewing nature in a crowd pick a weekday!
5 minutes up the road from the cottage.
This trail runs alongside the parkway and is an easy trail to hike.
The real treat is a path off to the left maybe a mile or so in that leads to a rock overlook of the valley.
If you view google maps they show you how to access it via the blue ridge parkway. However there is also an access point just a short way up Bull Mountain Road. Bull Mountain Road is the first right after you go under the Blue Ridge Parkway stone bridge. The bridge I'm referencing is the stone archway above Riceville road.
381 trailhead
Blue Ridge Parkway5 minutes up the road from the cottage.
This trail runs alongside the parkway and is an easy trail to hike.
The real treat is a path off to the left maybe a mile or so in that leads to a rock overlook of the valley.
If you view google maps they show you how to access it via the blue ridge parkway. However there is also an access point just a short way up Bull Mountain Road. Bull Mountain Road is the first right after you go under the Blue Ridge Parkway stone bridge. The bridge I'm referencing is the stone archway above Riceville road.
Adventure
Horseback riding in a beautiful location!!
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Saddle Up Trail Rides
Turkey Pen RoadHorseback riding in a beautiful location!!
Asheville Hot Air Balloons
20 Sand Hill RdAnd Why Not?
A short trip from Asheville but worth it. Saluda is a sweet sleepy town....sleepy when not on the river that is!
93 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Green River Adventures
150 E Main StA short trip from Asheville but worth it. Saluda is a sweet sleepy town....sleepy when not on the river that is!
Super friendly people and very family friendly. The most wonderful horses!
90 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sandy Bottom Trail Rides
1459 Caney Fork RdSuper friendly people and very family friendly. The most wonderful horses!
Downtown or at Amboy Park. Indoor or outdoor .... Well why not?!
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Climbmax Climbing Downtown
43 Wall StDowntown or at Amboy Park. Indoor or outdoor .... Well why not?!
Because Barnardsville, NC is the sleepy town in that movie. And Ziplining is AMAZING!
279 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Navitat Canopy Adventures
242 Poverty Branch RdBecause Barnardsville, NC is the sleepy town in that movie. And Ziplining is AMAZING!
Because Everyone has to go Tubing at least once!!
164 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zen Tubing
608 Riverside DrBecause Everyone has to go Tubing at least once!!
Breakout Games - Asheville
60 Patton AveBoard game gone live
Mountain Biking at Bent Creek: https://www.mtbikewnc.com/trailheads/bent-creek/
Hiking is beautiful there too. An easy 20 minute drive, from the cottage, along the Blue Ridge Parkway to get there.
119 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bent Creek
Mountain Biking at Bent Creek: https://www.mtbikewnc.com/trailheads/bent-creek/
Hiking is beautiful there too. An easy 20 minute drive, from the cottage, along the Blue Ridge Parkway to get there.
Spas and Rejuvenation
A local favorite for relaxation. Located close to Biltmore village entrance. The perfect place to visit after all that walking and dining!
56 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Asheville Salt Cave | Massage & Salt Spa Therapy
16 North Liberty StreetA local favorite for relaxation. Located close to Biltmore village entrance. The perfect place to visit after all that walking and dining!
There is nothing like soaking in the great outdoors! Especially after a long day of hiking!
71 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Shoji Spa & Lodge
96 Avondale Heights RdThere is nothing like soaking in the great outdoors! Especially after a long day of hiking!
Because you have to visit this building - for dining or for the spa. Sunset terrace is a delightful place to dine and the saltwater pool in it's natural cave like setting is something special!
573 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa
290 Macon AveBecause you have to visit this building - for dining or for the spa. Sunset terrace is a delightful place to dine and the saltwater pool in it's natural cave like setting is something special!