Travel to Asheville, NC
First let me start by saying there is so much to do in Asheville, NC! I cannot wait for us to go back soon and get to do the things we didn't have time for on this trip, but for now here are the amazing things we did fit into our long weekend trip to Asheville.
Day 1 of our Anniversary Trip
The first place we stopped in Asheville was Asheville Brewing Company, the downtown location. We ate some super fresh pizza, we had the buffy chicken. When I say fresh pizza the ingredients were very fresh and it was obvious. We did a flight of their seasonal beers while we were there also.
Second stop was One World Brewing, the downtown location as well. This place was pretty interesting, it was an old speakeasy and was down an alley you would not have thought to really walk down. The atmosphere was very chill and calm for a bar. We also had a flight here and they have a menu that you choose from to create a flight. I honestly could not tell you what we drank, but it was really good whatever it was. Logan usually picks out the beers, because I still have a LOT to learn about different types.
After One World we walked down to Green Man and did a tour. The tour was very interesting, I actually learned a ton on this trip. You get to go inside their facilities and you can taste the hops, as well as getting to sample beer both at the beginning and end. It does cost money to go on the tour, but the beer tasting alone is worth it and they give you a goodie bag with a growler and a stick at the end.
We were super ambitious this first day and went straight from Green Man and went to Highland Brewing. We did a tour at Highland also, it was free and you get to see inside of their facility as well. And it is really interesting to go on a bunch of different tours, because all the breweries are different sizes and it was just really cool to see the different scale of operations. We did not stay and drink at Highland because by this time we were starving and ya girl was about sick from so much beer, BUT they were having live music when we left and had food trucks outside. Next time we go to Asheville we are definitely going back to check it out.
Y'all this is so TMI but take our word for it and do not stop at McDonald's on the way to Asheville. We both got food poisoning after we ordered our dinner, it was so bad. BUT that did not stop me from chowing down on some Mexican after I was feeling better. For dinner on our first day we went to Zia Taqueria. I got the Carne Asada Traditional Plate and oh my gosh, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. It was the most flavorful meat I have ever had in my entire life. The atmosphere of the restaurant was chill as well, and there were so many locals in there. And when you see that many locals you know it's the place to be. I want to go back, when we aren't sick, to drink some margaritas.
Day 2
Our second day in Asheville we went to brunch and then to The Biltmore Estate.
For brunch we went to Corner Kitchen, which is in Biltmore Village across from the estate entrance. I had avocado toast, which was their small plate of the day. It was so yummy and who does not love avocado toast. Logan had the southern breakfast bowl and after one bite I wish I would have gotten that. It was delicious! You can checkout their brunch menu here.
Biltmore Estate
After brunch we went to the Biltmore Estate. I grew up getting to go often with my grandmother, but this was Logan's first time. If you have never been I suggest going. The estate itself is 8,000 acres. Just think about that for a second, in the middle of this city is an EIGHT THOUSAND acre estate. The entire grounds are beautiful, it is a whole other world in Asheville for sure. When we were there it was still decorated for Christmas and I am pretty sure the house had a Christmas tree in almost every room. If you have been to The Biltmore Estate I suggest going again at Christmas time. They decorate it so beautifully. While we were there the outside gardens obviously did not have anything growing because of winter, but we went in the conservatory and wow. I love plants and it was so beautiful and they have so many different flowers, cacti, and just greenery.
Sunday night we had dinner at Ben's Tune-up and sake bar. For eats we had the Pupu Platter and Shrimp and Pork Udon. We love anything Asian or oriental type food and this was the place to get it! Honestly, I don't think there was anything that we did not like.
We also did a flight of sake because, DUH, we were at a sake bar and brewery. Their sake changes out regularly, but they had a warm apple cider sake while we were there and it was life changing. This was only my second time having sake, but I am definitely a fan now. The atmosphere of this restaurant is a little loud and hectic, because it is a brewery and bar also, but it did not stop us from having a grand ole time.
For more drinks Sunday night we went to The Funkatorium, which is for all things sour beer. Sours are my favorite beers and they have so many to choose from. They also have a store in the back where you can buy sour beers to take home from the local breweries as well. We did two flights at the Funkatorium, and again I could not tell you what they were, but they were great. If you like a good sour beer, you have to check out The Funkatorium.
After leaving the Funkatorium we went to a speakeasy in downtown that is behind an unmarked door. A little interesting fact about a law in Asheville, to have a bar that does not serve food they are required that you have to have a membership to enter. So, Logan is now a member of The Crow & Quill. But don't worry memberships are only $1. They have games to play if you're there with a large group and the drinks were phenomenal. Logan got a drink where they actually lit a cinnamon stick on fire, it was very fun to watch.
Day 3
Our third day was actually our anniversary so we did a little less, but spent a little more.
For brunch we went to Sunny Point Cafe in West Asheville. I have eaten a lot of brunch in my life thus far and let me tell you, this was the BEST brunch I have ever had. I ordered the Huevos Rancheros and a Better Than Bellini to drink. The Huevos Rancheros were delicious (mouth waters, again) I got mine with eggs over easy.
Logan had the brunch burger with an egg over easy as well and he had a spicy bloody mary to drink. He would tell you that the bloody mary was out of this world good.
The wait was long at Sunny Point Cafe when we were there, but it was worth the wait. There are plenty of little coffee shops you can checkout while you wait as well. The service was superb, every staff member had a smiling face and were great with suggestions on food and drinks as well.
After brunch we walked around downtown to just go look in all the little shops. While downtown we also went to French Broad Chocolate Lounge and got a slice of cake. I honestly can not remember what the cake was called and we did not get a picture, but it was wonderful. I would have loved to take a tour of their factory if we would have had time as well.
Grove Park Inn
For dinner we went to The Blue Ridge Dining Room in The Grove Park Inn. If you have never seen this hotel, you must. It is gorgeous and the Grand Hall is mouth dropping, I mean just the fireplaces are massive and it truly is grand. The Blue Ridge is a buffet - it is absolutely fabulous. We were there for New Year's Eve and they had crab legs, caviar, roasted duck, prime rib, so many salads, and a huge display of desserts with a banana fosters station.
Day 4
We brunched at Biscuit Head and headed home. We went to the Biltmore Ave location, just due to better parking. I had the Mimosa Fried Chicken Biscuit with moon fries (photo on right), it was delicious. The chicken was fried perfectly and it just went so well together.
Logan had their special that day (photo on left.) And I have no clue what all was on it, but here is a picture. It was also very delicious.
