With a three-day weekend on the horizon, we set off through West Virginia’s wild and wonderful parkway towards Asheville, North Carolina. The sun lit up the mountainous forests on either side of the rustic blue 2005 Hyundai Tucson, the greenery glittering before us. Losing track of time, we sped through the Blue Ridge Parkway with mountain music echoing from the stereo. As the smoke started to steam off the treetops, we knew we were home.
Where to Stay
As we pulled up the narrow drive to the organic farm, we took in the Vintage Camper Airbnb and all of its glory. The two owners, Zac and Bea, created this artistic masterpiece coupled with a cozy cottage, tiny-house, magic school bus, and our very own camping paradise to set up shop for the weekend. The lot came equipped with spectacular mountain views from the newly and artfully renovated vintage Avion trailer.
The trailer sits at the rear of the homestead property with sweeping meadow and mountain vistas. It was the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine with a panoramic view of the sunset over the mountains from our very own deck. But our favorite part of all was an unexpected surprise: the a private outdoor shower.
After a naked sprint to the shower and a couple laughs later, you felt the warm water pierce every part of you while the steam rushed through the cool mountain air. It felt like the scene out of a freaking movie! After getting cleaned up, we set out to find the best food and brews Asheville has to offer.
A Foodie’s Guide to Asheville
Our Airbnb was just one of many small organic farms where Asheville gets its farm fresh ingredients. We could absolutely count on the ingredients heading straight from the farm to our plates! With so many fun restaurants in downtown Asheville to choose from, here are a few of our favorites.
Breakfast
Biscuit Head is hands down one of the best spots in town for breakfast and brunch. Massive biscuits come drenched in mouth-watering gravy of all different savory flavors. Come prepared to wait in line, but trust me – it’s well worth the wait.
Speaking of the wait, the most epic brunch spot, Topelo Honey, was on a two and a half hour wait when we arrived. It is one of Asheville’s most popular restaurants for a reason. Who doesn’t love the idea of breakfast being served at all hours of the day!?
Other honorable mentions include Early Girl Eatery for its friendly staff and Green Sage for coffee and avocado toast. I will NEVER eat my avocado toast without red pepper flakes ever again. But don’t take my word for it. Try it for yourself!
Lunch
12 Bones Smokehouse was our first stop in town, welcoming us to sit down an enjoy a good old southern barbecue with a firm handshake and open arms. A word to the wise: no matter what age you are – I would highly recommend a bib. Yes, the ones babies wear. Because this grown adult spilled barbecue sauce all over her new white blouse: classic. Worth it? Absolutely.
The location in the Riverview Arts District is surrounded by graffiti murals as far as the eye can see. After chowing down on your choice of barbecue ribs or pulled pork with all the fixings like corn pudding, slaw, and collard greens, head over to the Wedge Brewery out back for a crisp, refreshing cold one as you take in the art in the distance.
Dinner
Plant is hands down the best vegan restaurant I’ve ever been to. *Commence meat-eater eye-roll* No, seriously. Even my perfectly normal omnivore boyfriend enjoyed it. For an appetizer, we couldn’t decide between the Brussels Sprouts or Cauliflower. The Brussels Sprouts instantly won us over. I would have never thought to put orange or peanuts anywhere near brussels sprouts but it was an irresistible combination.
For mains, he got the Bok Choy Ramen which had just the right amount of pickled vegetables and smoked chili crunch. I landed on the Applewood Smoked Mushroom which I swear to you tasted better than any steak I’ve had smothered in its delicious rub and black currant streak sauce over cauliflower ‘risotto.’ To top it all off for dessert, we had the blackout pie: elegant on the outside, exploding with a rich chocolate peanut buttery flavor on the inside.
A Beer-Lover’s Paradise
It is no secret that Asheville is every beer-lovers paradise. Here is a breakdown of all of the can’t miss stops on your next brewery tour.
The Wedge Brewery has two locations, but our favorite is the Wedge at Foundation in the River Arts District. Artful graffiti decorates the exteriors of this relaxed brewery serving a range of house beers. Out back, there’s picnic tables, ping pong, games, and dogs. What’s not to love!?
The Wicked Weed Funkatorium was our next stop on the brewery tour! If you like sour beers as much as I do, I would highly recommend paying a visit to the East Coast’s first taproom dedicated to sour and funky beer located in Asheville’s South Slope. Ask for a table outside in the new biergarten and you will not be disappointed!
Green Man Brewery was our next stop shop, recommended to us by the locals! As one of North Carolina’s original breweries, you could taste Green Man’s beautiful craft with every sip. The Green Man Cider was everything I wanted it to be and more: dry, apple, pear, and refreshing.
Twin Leaf Brewery was our last stop under the Friday night lights where we enjoyed a smooth IPA with our first live concert series since pre-COVID times. Can you believe it’s been almost two years since we’ve been able to sing off-key in unison under the stars with a bunch of beautiful strangers!? I don’t know about you but it still feels too good to be true!
Burial Beer Co. was our very last stop for brews in Asheville before hitting the road. We definitely saved the best for last! Walking around the brewery, we experienced burial’s mission first-hand in connecting people through immersive and introspective experiences that inspire the celebration of life. We celebrated this crazy fleeting life by sipping on our beers from the top story of the brewery. We cheers’d to all of the wonderful people celebrating life’s tiny victories in vintage car booths under a southern sunset.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
After two days of eating and drinking our way through Asheville, we were finally ready to walk it off the next morning. We awoke to a crackling thunder and pouring rain pattering on the trailer. Although we planned on visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, due to high winds, we would have to postpone to tomorrow.
It was not the most ideal day for hiking so I decided to take a solo-trip to the River’s Arts District Art Walk while my boyfriend rested his hangover. The art walk stretched for miles. My favorite shops featured pottery with a kitten with his middle finger up, a squirrel smoking a hash pipe, a raccoon playing the electric guitar, and a pastel PBR painting. Artists like these made me chuckle, and others offered me a warm invitation to believe in a better future for America. Poetry written of freedom, liberation, and the war on drugs glittered the hallways. I bought a pandemic passion-fueled bookmark of pressed flowers as a souvenir and headed home.
After the rain cleared, we strapped on our hiking shoes and hit the open road towards the trails! The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best highways in the United States for a scenic drive. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs for miles through Virginia and North Carolina. Just 40 minutes outside of Asheville, North Carolina, Route 276 Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway through Mount Pisgah National Forest made for a divine drive. Once there, the main road meanders through the forrest with many overlooks to wondrous waterfalls and short hiking trails.
Chasing Waterfalls
There are hundreds of waterfalls to visit right outside of Asheville. The first waterfall we passed was none other than one of the most popular and beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina, Looking Glass Falls. This 60-foot fall is accessible from the road, or by a short walk for a closer view of the stunning waterfall glistening in the distant sun.
Behind these glorious falls, are several walking trails that can be accessed from the same road. Our last stop in the National Forrest was Moore Cove Falls Trail, which is the perfect trail even for beginners! This trail leads to Moore Cove Falls, which stands at 50 feet and is definitely worth the quick trek.
Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains
In a little over an hour, you can drive to the most visited national park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Take in the 360 degree views from the Newfound Gap or Clingman’s Dome. Don’t be afraid to get lost looking for the best waterfall or hiking trail. We hiked Mingo Falls, one of the tallest and most spectacular falls in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Before turning the corner to see this mystical falls, one of the tourists said, “Wait right there – I want to see your face when you see it!” We couldn’t believe our eyes!
So what are you waiting for!? Book your weekend trip to Asheville and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park now! In the mean time, check back for a deeper dive on the Great Smoky Mountain National Park coming to the blog soon!
