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When Jeremy and I went to Asheville we decided to take a laid back approach to the trip and plan essentially nothing. We did get out in between naps! These are the things we discovered and found worthwhile and worth doing again in the future.

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Stone Cottage Garden Homestay

I totally recommend picking something on airbnb while staying in Asheville. The town is eclectic and its residents a fun
reflection of where they live. We stayed in a fairly large home in Candler, NC. The host, Kathleen, was very accommodating and the room was comfortable.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/284022

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Craggy Gardens

One of the best things about Asheville is the really outdoorsy atmosphere. The locals are an active people and there are tons of beautiful places to go hiking.  I suggest you start with Craggy Gardens because it’s not a very intense hike and only about a mile from the parking. You can complete the hike in about 2 hours or so, and the view is spectacular from the top.

You can get more information here.

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North Carolina Arboretum

If you want a peaceful walk and beautiful trails and gardening, check out the arboretum.  It was raining the day we went and we still totally enjoyed it. It’s got a ton of foliage you don’t normally see in Georgia, and enough trail miles to keep you occupied for a couple of hours. It’s definitely romantic.

http://www.ncarboretum.org/

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Bascilica of St. Lawrence

Some old world charm lies in this bascilica! It’s got a beautiful oval ceiling capping all the trappings of the catholic church. Stained glass everywhere and tons of religious items, gilded or otherwise. The organ was playing at the time we visited and there weren’t many people. It’s a great stop for an architectural photo op.

http://www.saintlawrencebasilica.org/

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Rejavanation Cafe

We had many breakfasts and lunches and dinners all over Asheville but two places really stood out enough for me to recommend. First is this nicely sized coffee shop with an excellent, unique menu. It has some standard favorites but some adventurous meals too. Try any of these with your morning coffee:

In the Garden Breakfast Panini
Roasted red peppers, baby spinach, tomatoes, goat cheese, and  pesto aioli, topped with an egg on pressed flatbread.

Lox and Bagel
Lemon dill cream cheese, smoked salmon, tomatoes, cucumbers, capers and onions on an everything bagel.

Apricot Banana Breakfast Panini
Cream cheese, sliced banana and apricot preserves, pressed in a croissant.

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French Broad Chocolate Lounge

We tried to come here on Friday night but couldn’t get in because there was a line out the door and down the street. I took that as nothing less than a challenge and the next day we arrived at a non standard hour so we can get in and get some of this in demand chocolate. The menu was extensive and although we each ordered one drink and one dessert each, it was all so rich that neither of us could finish anything. I recommend this place to anyone who loves chocolate! I recommend the following:

Chocolate Truffle Torte
65% cacao bittersweet chocolate, local free range eggs, and organic sweet cream butter. flourless. best served with whipped cream and a tart sauce of local berries.

Oaxaca
A contemporary Mexican hot chocolate with house-ground chocolate, almonds, organic sugar, cinnamon & milk. this is what you\’d get in a chocolate shop on the streets of Oaxaca.

http://frenchbroadchocolates.com/

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Grove Arcade

I was honestly disappointed when I stepped in here and discovered that it was not the type of arcade I was expecting. There were no games, coin dispensers or Mortal Kombat in sight. The grove arcade is an indoor mall! I got over myself and was soon going from store to store buying things for my house that I didn’t need. Since there’s a large artist community that resides in Asheville, the furniture and decor has an artsy, eclectic twist (that I love!).  Definitely meander in here for a while and you’re going to find something you  need  on your shelves at home. :)

If you’ve been to Ashville and have some must-do’s let us know! :)

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