I liken Asheville to an onion; the deeper you dig, the more you discover. Asheville attracts many visitors, so asking how to experience the city like a resident might be tricky. You'll be immersed in the local music scene. I recommend that people leave their automobiles parked and explore the city on foot. More extraordinary efforts are being made to make the city more accessible on foot and by bike. Being in the mountains means that the summers here are much more bearable than in other surrounding Southern towns. April is a beautiful month to visit since it is early spring. The temperature is pleasant, and it is not yet humid. However, autumn tends to be the busiest season. For the first two or three weeks of October, "leaders" camp out in anticipation of the best foliage. Asheville is a hidden jewel of North Carolina because the Blue Ridge Parkway, a national treasure that stretches from Virginia to Cherokee, North Carolina, passes through the city. A drive through the autumn foliage is a must.
Other Musts Of His
Hotel
The best hotel in town is the Omni Grove Park Inn (290 Macon Ave.; 828-252-2711), a frequent lodging choice for the Obamas. This stunning hotel, designed in the Arts and Crafts style, has an underground spa and even an 18-hole golf course. When you come in, you'll notice the two most enormous fireplaces you've ever seen and the rustic, great-hall/lodge vibe created by the abundance of stone. The Edison's outside sitting area, which overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains, makes it an ideal spot to take in a sunset. Have a drink at Edison and take in the scenery, even if you don't stay.
The hotel is decorated with Christmas trees and elaborate gingerbread homes for the annual National Gingerbread Competition, held each winter. Staying at the AC Hotel by Marriott (10 Broadway St.; 828-258-2522) in the heart of downtown will give you a taste of the city's energy. It fits the bill for the term "contemporary" since it is brand new. It lacks the storied past [of the Omni] but makes up for it by being hip and friendly. Capella on 9 is a rooftop bar with breathtaking views of the city.
Local Restaurant
Chef Brian Canipelli, nominated for a James Beard Award, owns and operates Cucina 24 (24 Wall St.; 828-254-6170) on a charming street lined with cobblestones. The restaurant is an Italian one that uses only produce from North Carolina farmers for its dishes. Their classic Bolognese and house-made portions of pasta are my favorites, even though the menu is constantly changing. Katie Button, nominated for a James Beard Award, also runs the excellent Crate (13 Biltmore Ave.; 828-239-2946). It's a tapas bar in Spain, serving only Spanish wines. Warm octopus prepared Galician-style, and paella de verduras made with fresh vegetables are two of my favorite dishes. Those are two of the best spots in all of Asheville.
Barbeque
Funny story: after doing a secret gig at the Orange Peel, musician and ardent barbecuer Dave Grohl showed up to Buxton Hall (32 Banks Ave.; 828-232-7216) to roast pig and drink whiskey till like 4 in the morning. The South Slope neighborhood is just a ten-minute stroll from the heart of the action, where you'll find a barbecue restaurant with an Eastern Carolina flair. The Whole Hog BBQ & Hash Combo includes pulled pork, BBQ hash, potatoes, slaw, cornbread, pickles, and your choice of two sides. (Order the waffle fries and the green beans that have been barbecued beneath a pig.)
As a starter, I highly recommend the "Mussels Cooked Under the Pig." A word of advice, though: get the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich. It's supremely excellent, like biting into the juiciest, tastiest piece of beef in history. A selection of American cheese, jalapeno cheese, pickles, and Alabama sauce (similar to a white, sour cream barbecue sauce) are included. It's so delicious that I'd be sad to see anybody else have it. There are exposed brick walls and a kitchen in this room. There is a great open bar, and the drinks are very Southern. Get the bourbon-infused Cheerwine slushie. Fantastic.
Breweries
To the south of downtown lies the South Slope, where you should go. Within a mile, you may reach a dozen different pubs serving beer. Hi-Wire (at 197 Hilliard Avenue; 828-738-2448), Burial (at 40 Collier Avenue; 828-475-2739), and Green Man are all places you should see (27 Buxton Ave.; 828-252-5502). Asheville's cool factor is the wide variety of beer types available. Big, luscious double IPAs are my favorite at Burial. Archetype has excellent seasonal beers, which I like (265 Haywood Rd.; 828-505-4177). They also produce a wide variety of quality lagers and porters. Zillicoah is another bar that I like to visit when I want a refreshing beer (870 Riverside Dr.; 828-424-7929).
I got my sour beer fix in New Belgium's tasting room at 21 Craven Street (828-333-6900). Because they are Asheville's first craft brewery and have a fantastic taproom, it's essential to highlight Highland Brewing Company (12 Old Charlotte Hwy; 828-299-3370). However, keep in mind that it is illegal to purchase more than one alcoholic beverage at a time in Asheville.
Conclusion
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina lies the city of Asheville, a hub of culture and diversity. It is well-known for its stunning scenery, illustrious heritage, and vibrant art and food communities.
