Travel Guide: Asheville

Travel Guide: Asheville

My parents and I had such a wonderful time in Asheville, NC this past weekend. I want to quickly share a Travel Guide: Asheville. Where we stayed, what we ate, and best of all, where we shopped! I have been to Asheville a couple times and always manage to find something new in this little city in the mountains. Whether you’re a beer lover, mountain lover, shopping lover, whatever! There is something in Asheville for everyone.

Where We Stayed

The first night we stayed in a small AirBnB. It was a cute little apartment more suitable for 2 people instead of 3. I invited myself last minute after everything was booked so I can’t complain too much about sleeping in a closet! There are so many adorable AirBnBs for cheap in the area, some even walkable to downtown.

The rest of the time we stayed in this house. Although it was a little outside of town, it was beautiful. The photos of the grounds on their page don’t do it justice. It’s up the mountain and has great views of the surrounding areas. I could lay in the hammock next to the creek for hours. It was so cute inside as well! This home is near the little town of Black Mountain. I had never explored there but it’s an adorable little town with great restaurants and antique shops. I really recommend this home if you don’t mind being a little ways from downtown Asheville.

Where We Ate

Some of the best things Asheville has to offer is the food and beer. There are not many chains in the city, but plenty of room for locally owned restaurants, which is exactly what I love. Below are some of my favorite spots and must eats if you ever go!

Wicked Weed Brewery – You can always count on the beer selection being interesting and the food is really wonderful here too. I always get the fried chicken sandwich with kimchi and it is one of my favorites!

White Duck Taco – Kyle and I discovered this place a few years ago. They recently added another location downtown but we have always gone to the River Arts District spot. River Arts District or “RAD” is a really neat off the beaten path area of Asheville that is another must see. White Duck usually has a line going out the door and around the building but I promise you it’s worth it!

Curate – This is probably one of my favorite restaurants of all time. It’s a little nicer and on the pricier side but so great for a romantic date night. This is a spot you definitely want to make a reservation at! Some of the best octopus I have ever had!

Sunny Point Cafe – Wow. I tried this spot for the first time last weekend. We were exhausted from shopping the outlets and starving. Boy did this place not disappoint. I tried to be healthy and order the avocado toast. As you can see it was anything but healthy, but my goodness it was good!

La Guinguette – This spot is another new spot for me. It’s in Black Mountain which is where we stayed the second half of the trip. Not only is the food yummy but the atmosphere is simply adorable. The perfect mix of mountain chic and romantic vibes.

Where We Drank:

Although there are so many breweries in Asheville the following are my favorite breweries to hit when I want a great beer. What started out as a little town with a few breweries has turned into a national brewing capital. Sierra Nevada Brewing recently opened up an Asheville location as well. I have not been there but heard it’s a fun spot!

The Funkatorium – This place is a gem. Owned by Wicked Weed, this taproom is dedicated to sours and funky beers. If you’re a sour and gose lover like I am, The Funkatorium is for you!

Burial Beer Co. – The spot for simply good beer. We buy a lot of their beer here in Raleigh. So we always have to get it straight from the source whenever we’re in town. Their outside seating is really nice, especially if you’re with a large group.

One World Brewing – They are located in the heart of downtown Asheville. It’s a tiny little underground spot. My parents and I couldn’t even get in this past weekend because they have such a small capacity. It’s a really neat place with good beer and an awesome spot to end the night.

Where We Shopped

The most important part! I come from a long line of shoppers so my parents and I shopped the shit out of Asheville this past weekend. You might not think of it as a shopping town, but Asheville has some great discount stores to hit up!

West Elm Outlet Asheville – As you might have seen on my Instagram, I did a fun Instagram take over of the West Elm Asheville account last weekend. I was honestly overwhelmed by all the good deals this outlet has to offer. It is a gigantic store with basically everything you need to decorate a home, at insanely low prices. I will not be returning to this store without a Uhaul!

Dillards Clearance Center –  At the same Asheville Outlets location as the West Elm Outlet, there is a Dillard’s Clarence Center. My dad has been telling me about this place for months. There are multiple locations all over the country too! I haven’t shopped at a regular Dillard’s in a while so I wasn’t going to get my hopes up too high, but man did my dad’s spot come through. I bought multiple pairs of boots, all name brand, for $30 each. They have kids clothes, men’s clothes, even a small home section. I had to do a little digging to find the gold, but it was completely worth it.

J Crew Distribution Center – This is a place that is seldom discussed with others. It’s very existence is on the down low and only people who have been are allowed on their email list. I am sharing this confidential information with you today because I am the self proclaimed Clearance Queen and it would be unfair not to! Although we didn’t hit this sale this time, my parents, Kyle, and I have stood in line in freezing temperatures for many hours in the past here.  A little way outside of Asheville in Arden, NC there is a J Crew Distribution Center. It’s a huge warehouse filled with J Crew and Madewell. There is very small sale store on the property that is always open. They have decent deals, but nothing you can’t find on the sale rack at a regular J Crew.

Then every couple months, the distribution center holds a warehouse sale. You are handed a price sheet and a large black trash bag as you walk in. People are literally undressing around you as you sift through unmarked boxes of J Crew and (some) Madewell clothes. Back when I was teaching I spent $250 at a warehouse sale and had an entire wardrobe for the year. They have men’s, women’s, kids, bridesmaid dresses, wedding dresses, shoes, jewelry, everything your little J Crew lovin’ heart could desire! I’m not sure when these sales are held anymore, I think their Facebook page would be a good start if you’re interested. If you like J Crew and are close enough to get there, the warehouse sale is a bucket list experience.

I Heart Asheville

I always have a blast visiting Asheville. I’ve had romantic weekends, bachelorette parties, and family trips all turn out marvelous there. The locals are always so friendly and willing to help you have a great time. I hope you enjoyed this Travel Guide: Asheville! If you haven’t been, I can’t recommend a trip to Asheville enough!

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