When we got married, I made Jared promise me at least one vacation a year. So for year three we decided to head to Asheville, NC just a short drive away from our hometown of Atlanta.
This city is so unique and the food is amazing!
We stayed downtown so we could easily walk to most things and explore.
Day 1:
Since it is such a short drive from Atlanta we arrived Friday early afternoon and went straight to Sierra Nevada Brewing.
We grabbed lunch and everything was delicious! The food is consider tapas style, but I would say it is more than your average tapas. Post lunch we went on the 'self-guided' tour which was impressive to get a peek at their operations.
Post lunch we checked into the hotel and relaxed for a minute before exploring downtown. Jared's one request was to go to the Pinball Museum. We walked in and discovered it is more of an active arcade with historic and restored pinball machines.
If you love arcade games or just like nostalgia, it is worth the visit! It was about $30 for both of us to play and they have a bar!
It was so fun to just to try them all out! Your entry fee gives you unlimited play on the games.
Once we had our fill we headed over to The Montford Rooftop to grab a drink before dinner. This small bar serves up craft cocktails and amazing views. There are several rooftop bars in Asheville, but this is a hidden gem!
We capped off the evening with dinner at Buxton Hall BBQ.
A fun take on barbeque, everything was absolutely delicious. The fried chicken sandwich and banana pudding pie are must try items!
It is connected to Catawaba Brewing, so if there is a wait and the bar is full we suggest just heading next door!
Live music is all over Asheville, especially at the Funkatorium. If you are a fan of Wicked Weed head to this smaller pub owned by them serving up the same sour beers with a great patio and live music!
Day 2:
Full of local coffee shops you really can't go wrong. We tried out a few! Post coffee we walked around explored shops until we were ready for lunch.
Izzy's Coffee Shop on N. Lexington
Double D's, a cool coffee shop in a double decker bus!
The Hole, actually a donut shop, but the nitro brew coffee is delicious!
For lunch we headed out to the River Arts district to Taco Billy (p.s. right down the street from HOLE). This taco shop was SO GOOD. The front of the shop feels small, but there is a porch in the back in the front is packed. You can either build your own or pick from their specialty tacos (chicken, pork, veggie, etc)
Breweries:
Archetype: a fun award winning brewery in the river arts district. Perfect place to go after Taco Billy. Try the Liminal Being if you like pale ales!
New Belgium: I think this was my favorite one! Amazing views along the river and a fun atmosphere. We also just happened to be there for the launch of their Mural beer. Also, super pup friendly and still a little bit outside of town.
Green Man Brewing: This brewery feels like you are inside of a mountain. Definitely smaller, but great atmosphere and the deck has amazing views too.
Burial: Great beer and open environment.
High wire: Tasty brews and you can't miss this colorful building!
After a while we were a little beer'd out. So we went and grabbed a cocktail at Antidote. You have to be a member to get access, but don't worry membership is only 8 cents. I got the punch du jour and it was so yum. The rooftop is complete with a fire place and comfy seating.
Asheville Brewing Company on Cox Avenue is a pizza lovers dream. The name is deceiving, but definitely go there for pizza. The tater tots are also amazing. The brews are just a bonus!
Of course post pizza, if you are still wanting to check out the music and bar scene below are some of the places we went/were recommended to us.
Bars:
Jack of the Wood
The Grey Eagle
Ben's Tune Up
Social Lounge
Day 3:
We finished our time up in Asheville at Biscuit Head! Super yummy biscuits. They have every type of biscuit you could think of plus a jam bar!
We LOVED Asheville and hope you do too!
