Jul 23

Jul 23 Ridley Roams: Asheville, NC to Gatlinburg, TN

This month, I traveled to North Carolina and Tennessee for the first time for a friend’s bachelorette party. We rented a car and drove from the brewery-studded small city of Asheville, NC, to the moonshine swigging resort town of Gatlinburg, TN. Both places were worlds apart in terms of vibes. The former possessed a vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and more breweries per capita than any other city in the United States. In contrast, the other is crowded and a bit touristy, primarily serving as the gateway to the most-visited national park in America, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Even though I was more partial to Asheville, both destinations had plenty of outdoor activities and sweeping mountain views to take in, and there was no shortage of food options in either. Of course, Asheville had much more of a wider variety in cuisine where geography and culinary honors are concerned, but I had some delightful meals in Gatlinburg, too. Out of all the restaurants I visited in both destinations, I’d say that White Duck Taco Shop and The Market Place in Asheville were my favorites, as well as Crockett’s Breakfast Camp and Cherokee Grill in Gatlinburg. Unfortunately, 12 Bones Smokehouse was closed on the days we were free in Asheville, so I didn’t get the chance to taste their God-tier offerings. However, I made up for the lack of North Carolina BBQ with some Tennessee BBQ at Calhoun's in Gatlinburg, which had excellent service and food.

The presentation at The Market Place is on point — The presentation at *The Market Place* is on point

Calhoun’s Trio, plus an order of brisket, creamy country slaw, and mac n’ cheese

We were in Asheville for two and a half days and Gatlinburg for only two, which unfortunately meant that we couldn’t go to all of the bars and restaurants that we wanted to or do some of the activities we had planned. As it turns out, when you’re away at a bachelorette party, and you’re day drinking, some of the things on your to-do list are going to drop by the wayside, especially when you’re the only person in the United States that wasn’t housing alcohol during the pandemic.

I’m a shadow of my former self, a lightweight if you will, and if I have more than three or four drinks, I’m acting like Tobey Macguire in Spider-Man 3. As far as budgeting our time went, I think we did pretty well considering the previously mentioned day drinking. Although we didn’t get to go to all of the places on our list, I’ve included a robust sampling of the best Asheville, NC, and Gatlinburg, TN has to offer at the bottom of this post to help you plan your next Southern adventure.

I will say that the alcoholic beverage situation in Asheville is almost unmatched by any city I’ve visited in the United States, given that there are so many delicious craft cocktails and a seemingly infinite number of microbreweries around every corner. Sovereign Remedies and Capella on 9 are mixed drink standouts in terms of flavor and the atmosphere of each establishment visited. We actually saw a celebrity while we were playing a bachelorette party game at Capella on 9. Pretty cool!

Temporary tattoos courtesy of ShopTattitude on Etsy. At Capella on 9, we swapped horror stories about our exes and played a bachelorette party game where the bride-to-be had to guess the answers her fiance gave to questions about their relationship. If she got the answer correct, we drank, but if she guessed wrong, she drank. It was a lot of fun! — Temporary tattoos courtesy of ShopTattitude on Etsy. At *Capella on 9*, we swapped horror stories about our exes and played a bachelorette party game where the bride-to-be had to guess the answers her fiance gave to questions about their relationship. If she got the answer correct, we drank, but if she guessed wrong, she drank. It was a lot of fun!

Depending on whether or not you’re looking to get relentlessly hit on and/or pregnant, Ben’s Tune-Up is a young and lively spot where men stare at you like they have infrared vision by the time the last call rolls around (insert clicks and gurgles from the Predator here). I only tried the Yu-Tang Sake Spritzer while I was there, and it wasn’t my speed, but the place seemed like a good time if you wanted to flirt with a stranger before making out real quick and giving them a fake number.

For an unofficial, Breaking Bad-like experience where drifters, stoners, drug-addled strangers, and people who don’t know any better converge to buy snacks, smokes, and lotto tickets, look no further than HOT SPOT on Asheland Avenue. This gas station and convenience store is a magical place where you never look anyone in the eye as not to engage the sometimes twitching, most times belligerent zombies and “free spirits” in conversation while you buy your usual late-night Takis. That brief but wildly entertaining snack run produced such overheard gems as “My lady gets what my lady wants,” said in a trembling voice by a humble man as he proceeded to buy his girlfriend one of the cheapest items in the store.

With the seedy underbelly of Asheville’s late-night scene aside (LOL, it was only 11:30 pm), we also visited a few breweries on our trip, including DSSOLVR, The Funkatorium, Bhramari Brewing Company, and Wicked Weed Brewing Pub. We had a great time at all of the breweries, and each had a chill atmosphere and a nice variety of different drinks to sip on. The Funkatorium felt like it could double as a wedding venue because it was so spacious, inside and out, and had extravagant feathered chandeliers hanging from its high ceilings. Bhramari Brewing Company had solid yard space too, and the art on their cans was loud and creative. Additionally, I want to note that DSSOLVR does have a cute but petite outdoor area where you can drink a cold one over wooden barrels, and Wicked Weed Brewing Pub also has sizeable indoor and outdoor areas to chill in too.

This photo was taken moments after we rushed back inside Sovereign Remedies because of an hour-long downpour. Somehow, the surprise rain made the experience more fun. They even dried off the patio furniture for us after (although they did try and get us to leave while it was still raining because the space isn’t meant to be a “standing bar.”) — This photo was taken moments after we rushed back inside *Sovereign Remedies* because of an hour-long downpour. Somehow, the surprise rain made the experience more fun. They even dried off the patio furniture for us after (although they did try and get us to leave while it was still raining because the space isn’t meant to be a “standing bar.”)

In regards to Gatlinburg, the main strip on Parkway is where you’ll be spending the majority of your time when you hang out in the area. This section of town is where most of the action is in terms of entertainment or things to do. A lot of the places I saw were incredibly tourist-centric, and dare I say, tacky, so if you’re looking for a secluded cabin-stay that’s close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, seek shelter elsewhere. If you’re traveling with small children or teenagers, I think there’s some campy fun to be had in the town between all of the many loud distractions dotting the main strip, like Hollywood Star Cars Museum, Mysterious Mansion, and the countless number of Ripley's establishments littering the area.

Truthfully, I was all partied out by the time we got to Gatlinburg, so I didn’t indulge in anything special outside of the yummy libations at Sugarlands Distilling Company. The tasting room is packed, but still a good time, and there are so many interesting moonshines to choose from that I don’t know where to begin. The other competing moonshine distilleries in the area, Ole Smoky Moonshine and Tennessee Shine Company Gatlinburg are also worth visiting if you fancy yourself a good old fashion moonshine crawl.

I wish I had room in my suitcase to get three more flavors. Unfortunately, my bag was overstuffed and liquor stores don’t carry Sugarlands Distilling Company shine in NY to my knowledge — I wish I had room in my suitcase to get three more flavors. Unfortunately, my bag was overstuffed and liquor stores don’t carry *Sugarlands Distilling Company* shine in NY to my knowledge

Even though we only stayed in both places for such a short amount of time, plenty of outdoor activities were to be had, not to mention the many craft cocktails and beers consumed in Asheville and the numerous micro shots of moonshine imbibed in Gatlinburg. Regardless of all the fun bars in Asheville or the hiking in both the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, my favorite activity by far was taking a boozy float down the French Broad River. We grabbed the leftover hard seltzers from the night before, threw them in a backpack, and made our way to French Broad Outfitters to rent our kayaks and take our shuttle to the start of our river trip. We selected the 6 miles River Arts District float, which took us anywhere from two and a half to three hours to complete. Of course, if we rented tubes instead of kayaks, it would have been slower, but we’re all New Yorkers, so you know we like to do things fast!

On our trip, we paddled past drunk rafters with their tubes attached blasting country music (I swear if I hear that chicken fry song one more time…), as well as incredibly balanced stand-up paddleboarders gracefully moving through the water like sober swans. Additionally, a few random revelers were hanging out on the river banks eating food, drinking beers, and having a great time with their family, friends, and dogs in tow. It was just good vibes all around.

If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t worry. French Broad Outfitters supplies everyone with life vests just in case you’re a bit aquaphobic. Additionally, the water levels are low in the summer, so you’ll be able to stand up in the river if you fall off your float. French Broad Outfitters also shuttles you to the boat launch, which is around 10 or 15 minutes away, at which point you’ll float back down to your start point and get back into your car at the end of your trip.

I reapplied sunscreen twice and still burned like a vampire. Make sure to bring a cover-up or something light with sleeves if you’re prone to sunburns!

If you’re choosing French Broad Outfitters for your rentals, the disembark point is about 15-20 minutes after this bridge — If you’re choosing *French Broad Outfitters* for your rentals, the disembark point is about 15-20 minutes after this bridge

It was raining on and off during the bachelorette party, but fortunately, it didn’t spoil our good time or get in the way of having fun on our hikes. While we were staying in Asheville, we drove around forty minutes outside the city on a winding road to the Craggy Gardens Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The higher we went, the foggier it got, but we were treated to clear views of the Blue Ridge Mountains post-hike when we arrived back at the car and drove a few minutes down to a roadside overlook.

We were exhausted after spending both days hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so by the time the night rolled around, we were only interested in eating, showering, and sleeping. We had planned to play some mini-golf and take a tram ride to watch the sunset, but instead, we took a winding scenic drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in an attempt to spot some animals, but all we saw were bugs, birds, and scenic overlooks. Nevertheless, it was a calm, one-way mountain drive over a narrow stretch of road, great for listening to some music and stopping off at historic log cabins and a mill, a farm, waterfalls, and hikes along the way.

The view from an overlook in the Blue Ridge Mountains

The sun beginning to set on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail — The sun beginning to set on the *Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail*

The Smokies must look amazing in autumn when all the leaves change colors

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has no admission fee, so no park pass will be needed for your trip. HUZZAH! The only complaint I have about this park is that their visitor centers, specifically their stores, don’t have much of a selection compared to many of the other national parks I’ve been to. I’m one of those tourist creatures of habit that needs to buy a pin, a shirt, and a hat in every national park I travel to. With the dope Legacy baseball cap I purchased aside, their pin and shirt selection left much to be desired, which was disappointing.

When we were hanging out 6,643 feet up at the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we were met with a dramatic change in weather from the lower area of the forest. As a result of the thick fog, sweeping views of the Smokies were out on day one. Apparently, the high concentration of volatile organic compounds that the plants in the area release are what gives the mountains their signature name and cloud cover. Still, and luckily, fog is my favorite kind of weather, and it made for an incredibly atmospheric trek as it blanketed the entire area in mist. We hiked Andrews Bald Trail but woefully had to skip the famous Clingmans Dome because the visibility just wasn’t there. No worries, though; I’ll enjoy the view next time I’m in the park, hopefully during the Synchronous Fireflies season!

Later on, we marched through the heavily-trafficked Laurel Falls Trail, which I cannot in good conscious recommend for two reasons. One, the waterfall isn’t even that impressive, and two, you’ll most likely be walking single file behind a snaking group of people almost the entire way to the end. If you’re short on time and want to squeeze in a quick scenic walk, or if you’re traveling with children, I’d say give it a go, but if you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature and have a trail mostly to yourself, Laurel Falls Trail isn’t it. Similar to the parking situation at Clingmans Dome, the lots will be full if you don’t arrive in the early morning, so be prepared for a walk before you even reach the trailhead if you can’t get to these destinations before 8:00 am or 9:00 am.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has some of the tallest peaks on the Appalachian Trail and boasts some of the oldest mountains in the world

Almost every section of the park is forested. It’s also just about a 50/50 split in land between Tennessee and North Carolina

Asheville, NC

Things to Do

Asheville Retrocade - An arcade and bar with beers on tap offering a range of vintage and modern video and arcade games.
Asheville Salt Cave - A wellness salon that offers massages, steam room sessions, and access to its Himalayan pink salt cave, where guests relax inside its mineral-rich microclimate.
Biltmore - This 8,000-acre estate, dubbed by some as the “Versailles of America” houses forested trails, expansive gardens, and one of the country’s most complete collections of azaleas. The estate is home to the nation’s most-visited winery, which has won several awards and it also boasts the title of being America’s largest privately-owned home. This historic, Gilded Age mansion was built by George Vanderbilt II, an art collector and notable member of the Vanderbilt family, and gives its visitors the chance to see some original works of the artists Pierre-Auguste Renoir and John Singer Sargent. Additionally, the Biltmore possesses 16th-century tapestries, a library containing George’s personal collection of 22,000 volumes, an extravagant banquet hall with a 70-foot ceiling, an indoor pool, a bowling alley, and a whopping 65 fireplace on site.
The estate hosts summer concerts and rotating exhibitions, Christmas at Biltmore and Candlelight Christmas Evenings where thousands of lights, displays, and ornaments are showcased, as well as other seasonal events like leaf-peeping during their The Splendor of Autumn fall festivities or watching their vast collection of flowers bloom during spring. Some activities include shopping, dining, a spa, afternoon tea, hiking, bike riding, farmyard visits, guided horseback rides on trails, carriage rides, falconry lessons, kayaking and rafting trips, clay shooting and a shotgun sports clinic, fly fishing, craft demonstrations, and Land Rover driving lessons where you can learn the fundamentals of expedition-style driving. You can opt to stay overnight at Biltmore at the Village Hotel, The Inn, and the Cottages, or just hang out for a day visit.
Brewery Crawl - A tour of the best breweries the city has to offer, sampling flights of everything from ales and ciders to sours and beyond.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort - A casino boasting 100+ table games, golfing, and views of the Great Smoky Mountains about an hour outside of Asheville. They also have both an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa, shopping, restaurants. The resort also has an entertainment center that houses a 24-lane bowling alley, an arcade, and an E-Sports zone for console and PC gaming.

Hike - Trails that feature sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, waterfalls, swimming holes, and natural water slides.
Kayaking/Tubing - A laid-back kayaking adventure on calm waters along the French Broad River, the third oldest river in the world.
River Arts District aka "RAD” - An eclectic area near the French Broad River and railroad tracks housing 23 former industrial buildings that are painted with street art and full of restaurants, cafes, and artist’s studios to explore. Every second Saturday of the month an “Artist Stroll” is hosted, featuring demonstrations, workshops, live music, wine tastings, delicious food, and more.
White Water Rafting - Enjoy rafting trips varying distances from the city on the Chattooga, French Broad, Nantahala, and Pigeon Rivers, ranging from calm, class I adventures, to more intense and challenging class IV ones.

Hikes

Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail ~1hr10min drive / Estimated time to complete ~1hr — **Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail** ~1hr10min drive / Estimated time to complete ~1hr

Catawba Falls Trail ~30min drive / Estimated time to complete ~1hr-90min — **Catawba Falls Trail** ~30min drive / Estimated time to complete ~1hr-90min

Craggy Gardens Trail ~35min drive / Estimated time to complete ~1hr-90min — **Craggy Gardens Trail** ~35min drive / Estimated time to complete ~1hr-90min

Craggy Pinnacle Trail ~40 minute drive / Estimated time to complete ~25min-45min — **Craggy Pinnacle Trail** ~40 minute drive / Estimated time to complete ~25min-45min

Graveyard Fields Trail ~1hr drive / Estimated time to complete ~2hrs-2hrs30mins — **Graveyard Fields Trail** ~1hr drive / Estimated time to complete ~2hrs-2hrs30mins

Looking Glass Rock Trail ~1hr15min drive / Estimated time to complete ~4hr-5hrs — **Looking Glass Rock Trail** ~1hr15min drive / Estimated time to complete ~4hr-5hrs

Mountain to Sea Trail: Folk Art Center to Haw Creek Overlook ~35 min drive / Estimated time to complete - 2hrs-2hrs30mins — **Mountain to Sea Trail: Folk Art Center to Haw Creek Overlook** ~35 min drive / Estimated time to complete - 2hrs-2hrs30mins

Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls Trail ~1hr30min drive / Estimated time to complete ~2hrs-3hrs30mins — **Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls Trail** ~1hr30min drive / Estimated time to complete ~2hrs-3hrs30mins

Rattlesnake Lodge Trail ~25min drive / Estimated time to complete ~90min-3hrs — **Rattlesnake Lodge Trail** ~25min drive / Estimated time to complete ~90min-3hrs

Skinny Dip Falls ~1hr drive / Estimated time to complete ~ 25min — **Skinny Dip Falls** ~1hr drive / Estimated time to complete ~ 25min

Sliding Rock ~1hr drive / Estimated time to complete ~10min — **Sliding Rock** ~1hr drive / Estimated time to complete ~10min

Upper Creek Falls Loop ~90min drive / Estimated time to complete ~1hr-2hrs — **Upper Creek Falls Loop** ~90min drive / Estimated time to complete ~1hr-2hrs

Scenic Drive

Restaurants, Bars, & Breweries

Coffee:

BattleCat Coffee Bar - Drip coffee, specialty drinks & light fare in a funky converted house with a bohemian vibe. (373 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806) Menu
Double D’s Coffee & Desserts - A double-decker bus with a patio selling coffee, smoothies, and sweets. (41 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
High Five Coffee Bar - A small, family-owned business exclusively serving Counter Culture Coffee. (13 Rankin Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Izzy’s Coffee Den - Cozy, art-filled cafe serving coffee & a variety of specialty drinks, plus baked goods & snacks. (74 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe - An independent bookstore and cafe serving espresso drinks, smoothies, baked goods from West End Bakery, and coffee roasted by Counter Culture Coffee. (55 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Odd’s Cafe - A cozy coffee bar specializing in high-quality, all-natural products like loose-leaf teas, locally roasted coffee by Cooperative Coffee, NY bagels, and baked goods made locally. (800 Haywood Rd Suite A-110, Asheville, NC 28806) Menu
OWL Bakery - A bakeshop selling pastries, naturally leavened bread, European pastries, and other small bites in a warm space. (295 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806) Menu
PennyCup Coffee - (362 Depot St, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Summit Coffee Co. - Coffees and espresso, as well as a small and simple food menu. (4, Foundy St suite 20, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Trade and Lore - Chill cafe & community event space serving locally roasted coffee & light bites from area purveyors. (37 Wall St, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu

Breakfast/Brunch:

Biscuit Head - Casual breakfast & lunch hub serving massive biscuits with a variety of toppings & pairings. (417 Biltmore Ave #4f, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
City Bakery - Cafe and bakery serving artisan bread, pastries, biscuits, and breakfast sandwiches. (60 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Corner Kitchen - Set in a Victorian cottage with a patio, this upscale venue serves New American fare & craft drinks. (3 Boston Way, Asheville, NC 28803) Menu
Early Girl Eatery - Cheerful spot for Southern fare with all-day breakfast, meat & two plates, local brews & wine. (63 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Green Sage Cafe - Local, organic breakfast fare & sandwiches, with vegan & gluten-free options, in eco-friendly digs. (5 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Mayfel's - Eclectic bar/cafe providing its diners with Louisiana-inspired fare, plus a daily brunch & dog-friendly dining areas. (22 College St, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Moose Cafe - All-day farm-to-table Southern country cooking in a down-home locale near the WNC Farmers Market. (570 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806) Menu
Sunny Point Cafe - Family-owned stop for American comfort food from AM to PM, with a covered patio. (626 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806) Menu
The Rhu - Homemade breads & pastries plus coffee & tea in stylish surrounds with distressed decor. (10 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Tupelo Honey - An all-day menu of Southern comfort food with a creative twist. (12 College St, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu

Lunch/Dinner:

12 Bones Smokehouse - Lunch-only smokehouse serving sandwiches, platters, & BBQ by the pound in a casual setting where Barack and Michelle Obama famously dined in. (5 Foundy St Ste 10, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Benne on Eagle - A restaurant serving modern soul food with an Appalachian influence using local ingredients. (35 Eagle St, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Bull and Beggar - High-end New American fare & wine offered in a bi-level venue with rustic, yet stylish, decor. (37 Paynes Way #007, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Chai Pani - Indian chaat (street snacks) plus homestyle platters (thalis) in a funky, laid-back space. (22 Battery Park Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Cucina 24 -Refined Italian fare & wine list, plus specialty cocktails, in a polished, contemporary setting. (24 Wall St, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Curate - Hip eatery in a former 1927 bus depot offering elevated small plates, cured meats, sherries & wine. (13 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Gàn Shãn Station - Asian flavors meet Appalachian ingredients at this relaxed haunt with outdoor seating. (285 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806) Menu
Isa’s French Bistro - Airy, contemporary bistro offering elevated seasonal American cuisine plus outdoor seating. (1 Battery Park Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Limones Restaurant - Modern Californian & Mexican cooking plus creative cocktails served in a quaint, homey setting. (15 Eagle St, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Posana Restaurant - Contemporary American cuisine featuring local ingredients served in a chic space with a patio. (1 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Red Ginger Dim Sum and Tapas - Trendy, contemporary spot offering modern dim sum & Chinese small plates, plus wine & cocktails. (24 Wall St, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
The Admiral - An innovative, daily changing global menu & cocktails served in a modest cinder-block building. (400 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806) Menu
The Market Place - Farm-to-table American cuisine, craft cocktails, & a robust wine list in an upscale casual setting. (20 Wall St, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Vivian -The European-influenced menu changes with the seasons at this airy, light-filled eatery. (348 Depot St Ste 190, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
White Duck Taco Shop - Colorful outpost of a taqueria mini-chain known for its eclectic, ever-changing combinations. (12 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28803) Menu

Dessert

10th Muse Comfort Food - A coffee, doughnut, and ice cream shop offering specialty coffee drinks and milkshakes, soda floats, and a wide variety of pastries and desserts (1475 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28806) Menu
Baked Pie Company -A rotating menu of homemade pies is served by the slice (and in flights) in a quaint setting. (4 Long Shoals Rd Suite A, Arden, NC 28704) Menu
French Broad Chocolate Lounge - Chocolate specialist using carefully sourced beans to create truffles, bars & other sweets. (10 S Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Hole Doughnuts - Buzzy locale for fried-to-order donuts made with local ingredients, plus coffee & orange juice. (168 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806) Menu
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe - Colorful, family-friendly cafe serving dairy & non-dairy ice cream & treats in creative flavors. (640 Merrimon Ave #103, Asheville, NC 28804) Menu
Old Europe Pastries - Old-world coffee shop offering locally roasted brews along with various European-style pastries. (13 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Stay Glazed… Donuts - A menu of classic & creative donuts & breakfast fare in a no-frills space with table seating & a TV. (22 S Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Sunshine Sammies - Creative ice cream desserts, cookies & soda floats, with vegan & gluten-free options. (99 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Ultimate Ice Cream Company - Handcrafted, locally churned ice cream from local, high-quality dairy. (195 Charlotte St, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Vortex Doughnuts - Stylish, funky shop offering donuts in unique flavors, including vegan options, plus gourmet coffee. (32 Banks Ave #106, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu

Bars:

Antidote - A classic cocktail bar set in the early 1900s featuring craft cocktails, beer, and wine in the vibrant South Slope area. (151 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Battery Park Book Exchange - Wine and champagne by the glass and books by the thousands accompanied by live music in a bookstore with a patio. (1 Page Ave #101, Asheville, NC 2880) Menu
Capella on 9 - Stylish hangout at the AC Hotel serving a locavore menu of small plates, craft beer & cocktails. (10 Broadway St f9, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Hemmingway’s Cuba - Casual rooftop eatery and bar at the Cambria Hotel offering Cuban cuisine, daiquiris, and patio seating. (15 Page Ave 4th Floor, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Pillar Rooftop Bar - Comfy lounge with craft cocktails, a modern interior & a heated roof deck with city views. (309 College St 6th Floor, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
plēb urban winery - Old world method, craft wines using locally sourced grapes from Western North Carolina. (289 Lyman St, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Salvage Station - This sprawling outdoor venue with a rustic vibe features live music, a bar, and Southern-style eats. (468 Riverside Dr, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Scandals Nightclub - Long-standing, gay-friendly dance club with drag shows that is part of an entertainment complex. (11 Grove St, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Sovereign Remedies - Hip, multilevel bar with a vintage vibe serving craft cocktails & locally sourced New American fare. (29 N Market St #105, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
The Double Crown - Funky, speakeasy-style bar in a tiny house offering live music & karaoke. (375 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806) Menu

Breweries:

Ben’s Tune-Up - Trendy brewery & beer garden offering house sakes, craft beers & Japanese-American fusion eats. (195 Hilliard Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Bhramari Brewing Company - Culinary inspired, locally and globally infused and experimental at heart brewery. (101 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Burial Beer Co. - A much-loved brewery with a barrelhouse and taproom containing an outdoor beer garden and bar, including a full-service kitchen. (40 Collier Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
DSSOLVR - A beverage company with a focus on the process of fermentation, serving surreal beers in a cool atmosphere. (63 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
High-Wire Brewing - Cozy space with award-winning sour and wild ales and one-off small-batch beers. (197 Hilliard Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Noble Cider & Mead - A downtown taproom with indoor and outdoor seating offering award-winning ciders, meads, and craft beers. (49 Rankin Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. - Enjoy 23 beers on tap and award-winning beers and ales with a farm-to-table menu made up of local and seasonal ingredients, as well as self-guided and guided brewery tours in a massive space with a large yard, live music, and its own nature trail. (100 Sierra Nevada Way, Fletcher, NC 28732) Menu
The Funkatorium - Over a dozen Wicked Weed sour beers on draft with a creative menu in a rustic style pub space with a barrel room and a patio. (147 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Wedge at Foundation - Artful graffiti decorates this relaxed brewery serving house beers and bites. (5 Foundy St, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu
Wicked Weed - Hip brewery with a tasting room & a restaurant serving high-end, locally sourced New American fare. (91 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) Menu

*Restaurant/bar information and descriptions are pulled from Google

Notes

Bars close early, some as soon as 11:00 pm and others by 2:00 am, no later.
The neighborhoods in Asheville are walkable, but certain segments of the city aren’t always connected well, so sometimes cabs will be required to get from point A to point B.
Finding parking can be difficult.
Downtown is busy. West Asheville is the “funky” section of the city. South Slope has amazing restaurants & breweries. River Arts District is packed with art studios. Montford is a historic area. Haw Creek is laid back and homey.
The Drum Circle is an outdoor event hosted at Pritchard Park on Fridays from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Hundreds of people come to watch this weekly ritual of local drummers jamming out with dancers in tow.
Asheville Bee Charmer is a local shop selling a bunch of different small-batch honey flavors and bee-themed gifts, with a honey-tasting bar in the back where you can sample their creative offerings. If you’re looking for a TSA-friendly souvenir or a thank you gift for your friends at a bachelorette party, this place has homemade soaps, chapstick, and other cute items to bring back home.

Gatlinburg, TN

Things to Do:

Anakeesta - A large outdoor adventure center with shopping and restaurants that includes an observation tower, dueling zip lines, gondola rides, a single-rail mountain coaster, a treetop skywalk, gem mining, a play area for children, a challenge course, and the world’s only fixed-grip Chondola with sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains.
Dollywood - Located a 20-minute drive away in Pigeon Forge, TN, Dollywood is a theme park and water park boasting more than 50 rides that hosts shows, festivals, and other events, as well as offers resort packages and cabin lodging.
Gatlin’s Mini Golf - Mini golf and blacklight golf, bumper cars, escape games, laser maze, laser tag, and a 3D theater.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park - Take a scenic chairlift ride to the top of an 1,800-ft. overlook with magnificent views of the Smoky Mountains.
Hike - Many trails with varying skill levels to choose from that include waterfalls, creeks, wildlife, and sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains.
Canoeing/Kayaking/Tubing - A smooth float with breathtaking scenery in a serene section of the Pigeon River.
Moonshine Crawl - A tour of the top moonshine distilleries in the area, sampling multiple flavors of the best shine Tennessee has to offer.
Ober Gatlinburg - A mountainside amusement park that features skiing, ice skating, an alpine slide, a scenic chairlift, summer tubing, a rock climbing wall, mini-golf, wildlife encounters, a mall, and several other fun activities for the whole family.
White Water Rafting - A fun and exciting trip along Pigeon River where adventure seekers of varying skill levels can experience the thrill of class-I-IV rapids.

Hikes

Andrews Bald Trail ~40min drive / ~3hrs to complete — **Andrews Bald Trail** ~40min drive / ~3hrs to complete

Cades Cove Loop Road ~90min drive / ~2hrs-4hrs to complete — **Cades Cove Loop Road** ~90min drive / ~2hrs-4hrs to complete

Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail ~30min drive / ~3hrs-4hrs to complete — **Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail** ~30min drive / ~3hrs-4hrs to complete

Chimney Tops Trail ~25min drive / ~2hrs-3hrs to complete — **Chimney Tops Trail** ~25min drive / ~2hrs-3hrs to complete

Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail ~50min drive / ~45min-1hr to complete — **Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail** ~50min drive / ~45min-1hr to complete

Laurel Falls ~20min drive / ~90min to complete — **Laurel Falls** ~20min drive / ~90min to complete

Mt. Cammerer via Low Gap Trail ~35min drive / ~7hrs-8hrs to complete — **Mt. Cammerer via Low Gap Trail** ~35min drive / ~7hrs-8hrs to complete

Newfound Gap to Indian Gap ~40min drive / ~2hrs-3hrs to complete — **Newfound Gap to Indian Gap** ~40min drive / ~2hrs-3hrs to complete

Peregrine Peak via Alum Cave Bluff ~30min drive / ~3hrs-4hrs to complete — **Peregrine Peak via Alum Cave Bluff** ~30min drive / ~3hrs-4hrs to complete

Rainbow Falls Trail ~20min drive / ~4hrs-5hrs to complete — **Rainbow Falls Trail** ~20min drive / ~4hrs-5hrs to complete

Rocky Top from Lead Cove Trail ~60min drive / ~7hrs-8hrs to complete — **Rocky Top from Lead Cove Trail** ~60min drive / ~7hrs-8hrs to complete

Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls Trail ~25min drive./ 4hrs-5hrs- to complete — **Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls Trail** ~25min drive./ 4hrs-5hrs- to complete

Scenic Drive