AshevilleReal: the basics

Kaegi Enterprises
Kaegi Enterprises
AshevilleReal: the basics

Sightseeing

All the stuff you just gotta do when you visit Asheville!
At its core, Asheville is art. To Asheville natives and long-timers, the whole "beer city" thing is slightly mystifying. That's because we came here as artists, freaks, misfits and nature lovers. :) The River Arts District keeps that spirit in tact - and is a great way to experience the life-long work of the people who are the bones of Asheville's coolness. You can hop from gallery to gallery on foot, seeing everything from glass to pottery to painting to wood work. [My favorite local pizza place opened up a location in River Arts. It's called Fresh (gluten-free crust is pretty awesome). They also have salads.] Please note: The sidewalks and streets in the River Arts District are a little wonky. If you are older, or have a hard time navigating on foot, just be aware that you might be limited in where you want to go.
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Ривер Артс Дистрикт
3 River Arts Pl
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At its core, Asheville is art. To Asheville natives and long-timers, the whole "beer city" thing is slightly mystifying. That's because we came here as artists, freaks, misfits and nature lovers. :) The River Arts District keeps that spirit in tact - and is a great way to experience the life-long work of the people who are the bones of Asheville's coolness. You can hop from gallery to gallery on foot, seeing everything from glass to pottery to painting to wood work. [My favorite local pizza place opened up a location in River Arts. It's called Fresh (gluten-free crust is pretty awesome). They also have salads.] Please note: The sidewalks and streets in the River Arts District are a little wonky. If you are older, or have a hard time navigating on foot, just be aware that you might be limited in where you want to go.
Every guidebook should include the Biltmore Estate. Plan on a full morning or afternoon to go through the house. But walking on the property itself is worth the visit. We locals all have year passes and like to go when no one else is around. (Biltmore is going to be quite "people-y" in season. Introverts be warned.) If you plan to make a full day of it, my favorite place to dine here is at the Inn at the Biltmore Estate. But the other restaurants on the grounds are fine...though I've never heard anyone "rave" about the food.
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Билтмор
1 Lodge St
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Every guidebook should include the Biltmore Estate. Plan on a full morning or afternoon to go through the house. But walking on the property itself is worth the visit. We locals all have year passes and like to go when no one else is around. (Biltmore is going to be quite "people-y" in season. Introverts be warned.) If you plan to make a full day of it, my favorite place to dine here is at the Inn at the Biltmore Estate. But the other restaurants on the grounds are fine...though I've never heard anyone "rave" about the food.
Just a 5 minute drive from the house, it's a family favorite to discover more about the animals, flora and fauna of the Western North Carolina mountain region.
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WNC Prirodni centar
75 Gashes Creek Rd
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Just a 5 minute drive from the house, it's a family favorite to discover more about the animals, flora and fauna of the Western North Carolina mountain region.
A great place to visit with various workshops and events. Check the calendar on their website for updates!
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Арборетум Северне Каролине
100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way
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A great place to visit with various workshops and events. Check the calendar on their website for updates!
The Grove Park Inn is a beautiful place to visit. The spa is spectacular. The main dining room is a lovely place to have dinner if you can get reservations in advance. If you're visiting in December, be sure to take time to wander through the Gingerbread House competition!
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The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa
290 Macon Ave
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The Grove Park Inn is a beautiful place to visit. The spa is spectacular. The main dining room is a lovely place to have dinner if you can get reservations in advance. If you're visiting in December, be sure to take time to wander through the Gingerbread House competition!
I've heard raves from people who have done this tour.
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Asheville Ghost Tours: Oldest & Original
80 Broadway St
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I've heard raves from people who have done this tour.
A new treasure to Asheville's art scene.
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Asheville Art Museum
2 S Pack Square
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A new treasure to Asheville's art scene.
From the day I moved here, I have loved this house, even as Asheville grows up all around it. It's a view of what this sleepy town was like - and the writer who made it famous.
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Thomas Wolfe Memorial
52 N Market St
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From the day I moved here, I have loved this house, even as Asheville grows up all around it. It's a view of what this sleepy town was like - and the writer who made it famous.
This is my mom's favorite place to visit. (And not just because I come from a family of super-Catholics.) The Basilica of St. Lawrence is an architectural wonder. It was designed in 1905 by the Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino, who came to Asheville to work on Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate. Totally worth a visit, as the interior is filled with art and history.
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Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr
97 Haywood St
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This is my mom's favorite place to visit. (And not just because I come from a family of super-Catholics.) The Basilica of St. Lawrence is an architectural wonder. It was designed in 1905 by the Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino, who came to Asheville to work on Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate. Totally worth a visit, as the interior is filled with art and history.

Chill out

For those who love the deep still quiet where they can get it.
As your host, I confess I've never gone to the Salt Cave. But as someone who hosts and leads events for hundreds of clients who come to Asheville from around the world... I can say unequivocally that The Salt Cave is a favorite destination for chilling out, meditating and just an overall cool mystical vibe. It's not a spa - as in "you spend the day getting facials." It's simply an opportunity to sit quietly and experience relaxation and healing. Reservations are required.
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The Salt Spa of Asheville and Himalayan Salt Cave Sanctuary
473 Hendersonville Rd
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As your host, I confess I've never gone to the Salt Cave. But as someone who hosts and leads events for hundreds of clients who come to Asheville from around the world... I can say unequivocally that The Salt Cave is a favorite destination for chilling out, meditating and just an overall cool mystical vibe. It's not a spa - as in "you spend the day getting facials." It's simply an opportunity to sit quietly and experience relaxation and healing. Reservations are required.
If you love flotation, this is your spot! (And minutes away from the house.) They offer 60 or 90-minute time slots. I haven't visited their new location, nor have I floated since covid started, but they seem to be up and running again!
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Still Point Wellness
946 Central Ave
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If you love flotation, this is your spot! (And minutes away from the house.) They offer 60 or 90-minute time slots. I haven't visited their new location, nor have I floated since covid started, but they seem to be up and running again!
I'm including The Light Center in my guidebook because it's one of the very first things I learned about when I moved to Asheville in the early 90's. It's just a beautiful meditation spot and an alternative activity to the usual sight-seeing or hiking.
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Light Center
2190 NC-9
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I'm including The Light Center in my guidebook because it's one of the very first things I learned about when I moved to Asheville in the early 90's. It's just a beautiful meditation spot and an alternative activity to the usual sight-seeing or hiking.
Get a reservation in advance. This place is popular! Sauna followed by an ice-cold dip will have you energized all day - plus provide the best night's sleep you ever had!
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Sauna House
230 Short Coxe Ave
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Get a reservation in advance. This place is popular! Sauna followed by an ice-cold dip will have you energized all day - plus provide the best night's sleep you ever had!

Dinner faves

Great places to have a fabulous sit-down dinner. Check websites to see about dine-in parameters (because covid) and get reservations in advance!
Posana is perhaps my top choice go-to restaurant in Asheville. The food is sourced locally - and the entire menu is gluten-free. (But they don't publicize this fact, because the chef didn't want to be pegged as "gluten-free." No one notices any difference. But those who are gluten-free love it here.) Be sure to order the kale salad. It's amazing. My clients who come to town visit this place just to get the kale salad. Even if you think you hate kale, my suspicion is that you've never had it like this. :)
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Posana Restaurant
1 Biltmore Ave
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Posana is perhaps my top choice go-to restaurant in Asheville. The food is sourced locally - and the entire menu is gluten-free. (But they don't publicize this fact, because the chef didn't want to be pegged as "gluten-free." No one notices any difference. But those who are gluten-free love it here.) Be sure to order the kale salad. It's amazing. My clients who come to town visit this place just to get the kale salad. Even if you think you hate kale, my suspicion is that you've never had it like this. :)
Asheville isn't necessarily known as a place to get Italian food, but Cucina24 is a favorite. The food is locally sourced and artfully prepared. Their homemade pasta is crazy good.
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Cucina24
24 Wall St
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Asheville isn't necessarily known as a place to get Italian food, but Cucina24 is a favorite. The food is locally sourced and artfully prepared. Their homemade pasta is crazy good.
Nine Mile got so popular here at its original location - that it now has three locations around Asheville. Their menu changes up - but they often create something delicious with scallops, if you love scallops!
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Nine Mile
233 Montford Ave
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Nine Mile got so popular here at its original location - that it now has three locations around Asheville. Their menu changes up - but they often create something delicious with scallops, if you love scallops!
A riot of tastes and tapas and an all-around wild dining experience in a beautiful atmosphere. (Okay, I've been known to joke that the word "Curate" really means "tiny food on huge plates." Still, it's an awesome restaurant.)
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Cúrate
13 Biltmore Ave
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A riot of tastes and tapas and an all-around wild dining experience in a beautiful atmosphere. (Okay, I've been known to joke that the word "Curate" really means "tiny food on huge plates." Still, it's an awesome restaurant.)
My friends love this place and they tell me that it offers the best eggplant parmezan they've ever had. You be the judge!
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Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian
641 Merrimon Ave
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My friends love this place and they tell me that it offers the best eggplant parmezan they've ever had. You be the judge!
You know a new restaurant is good if you keep hearing your friends tell you about it. Andaaz is one of the newest offerings in Asheville, and the raves have been huge. Indian food with five-star flavors and selections. Get a reservation! (And the palak paneer is, in my friend David's words, "to die for.")
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Andaaz
28 Hendersonville Road
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You know a new restaurant is good if you keep hearing your friends tell you about it. Andaaz is one of the newest offerings in Asheville, and the raves have been huge. Indian food with five-star flavors and selections. Get a reservation! (And the palak paneer is, in my friend David's words, "to die for.")

Outdoors-y Sights

About a 40 minute drive from Asheville (depending on traffic), Chimney Rock is a tourist favorite.
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Државни парк Чимни Рок
431 Main St
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About a 40 minute drive from Asheville (depending on traffic), Chimney Rock is a tourist favorite.
A 7-minute drive from the house, and a great walk if you brought your doggie - or if you would prefer a flat walk for a run, or just a leisurely beautiful walk. Local Hint: If you drive to the very end of the parking lot (where there are covered picnic areas) and then walk from there away from the ball parks as if you are going around the lake from the back, you will find the entrance of a trail that will take you onto the Warren Wilson property - which is a 4 mile walk along the Swannanoa river. (Which is the same river that Riverbend Drive is on)
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Charles D Owen Park
875 Warren Wilson Rd
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A 7-minute drive from the house, and a great walk if you brought your doggie - or if you would prefer a flat walk for a run, or just a leisurely beautiful walk. Local Hint: If you drive to the very end of the parking lot (where there are covered picnic areas) and then walk from there away from the ball parks as if you are going around the lake from the back, you will find the entrance of a trail that will take you onto the Warren Wilson property - which is a 4 mile walk along the Swannanoa river. (Which is the same river that Riverbend Drive is on)
They call this "The Pretty Place." And someone took me here in one of my first years living in Asheville. I've never forgotten it. Worth putting in a guidebook if you want to take a drive and see it for yourself!
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Fred W. Symmes Chapel
100 Ymca Camp Road
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They call this "The Pretty Place." And someone took me here in one of my first years living in Asheville. I've never forgotten it. Worth putting in a guidebook if you want to take a drive and see it for yourself!
One of my favorite waterfalls in the area. No hiking required. (But if you drive all the way here - you should spend some time hiking in Pisgah Forest. Drive to the fish hatchery - and get on the Cat Gap Trail, or hike up to John Rock!)
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Водопад Лукинг Глас
U.S. 276
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One of my favorite waterfalls in the area. No hiking required. (But if you drive all the way here - you should spend some time hiking in Pisgah Forest. Drive to the fish hatchery - and get on the Cat Gap Trail, or hike up to John Rock!)

Keep Asheville Weird

Friday Night Drum Circle at Pritchard Park has been happening since the early 90's, and has made national news. It's worth experiencing - even if you just walk around the edges of it and immerse yourself in the sound and the "Keep Asheville Weird" culture. This is not a formal organized event. So there's no guarantee it'll be happening. But the circle typically takes place Friday evenings March - November from 6-10pm.
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Pritchard Park
67 Patton Ave
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Friday Night Drum Circle at Pritchard Park has been happening since the early 90's, and has made national news. It's worth experiencing - even if you just walk around the edges of it and immerse yourself in the sound and the "Keep Asheville Weird" culture. This is not a formal organized event. So there's no guarantee it'll be happening. But the circle typically takes place Friday evenings March - November from 6-10pm.
Magical Fairy Houses along Woodfin Street by Carolina Lane. Not exactly a sight-seeing item - but if you're out and about, these are an example of the many ways Asheville will surprise you with its art and magic. And yes, they are known as "Fairy Houses."
Woodfin Street
Woodfin Street
Magical Fairy Houses along Woodfin Street by Carolina Lane. Not exactly a sight-seeing item - but if you're out and about, these are an example of the many ways Asheville will surprise you with its art and magic. And yes, they are known as "Fairy Houses."
True Asheville style vibe.
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Burger Bar
1 Craven St
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True Asheville style vibe.
Helen’s Bridge was famously included in a passage in Thomas Wolfe's book, Look Homeward, Angel. But the true lure of the bridge is all the stories that are told about it among Ashevillians. Built in 1909 from quarried stone, the arched bridge provided access to Zealandia Mansion. As the stories go, a woman named Helen lived near the mansion with her beloved daughter. After Helen’s daughter died in a fire, the distraught mother hung herself from the bridge. Some report that Helen's ghost appears by the bridge when her name is called, and that cars won't start after her spirit has been summoned.
Helen's Bridge
Helen’s Bridge was famously included in a passage in Thomas Wolfe's book, Look Homeward, Angel. But the true lure of the bridge is all the stories that are told about it among Ashevillians. Built in 1909 from quarried stone, the arched bridge provided access to Zealandia Mansion. As the stories go, a woman named Helen lived near the mansion with her beloved daughter. After Helen’s daughter died in a fire, the distraught mother hung herself from the bridge. Some report that Helen's ghost appears by the bridge when her name is called, and that cars won't start after her spirit has been summoned.

Coffee & Tea

Asheville has its fair share of coffee houses, but since you're staying with me, I have to share my favorite spot with you. And that would be High Five. There is a location tucked back on Rankin Street where I've spent many a Saturday morning writing my first book. [Post-COVID note: this may not be the best location if you want to stay safely distanced.] If you're up for a special treat... grab a "cubano." Holy moly, it's good. (Hint: I order it with half the sugar they normally use - and I've given this hint to my friends, who always thank me).
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High Five Coffee
190 Broadway St
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Asheville has its fair share of coffee houses, but since you're staying with me, I have to share my favorite spot with you. And that would be High Five. There is a location tucked back on Rankin Street where I've spent many a Saturday morning writing my first book. [Post-COVID note: this may not be the best location if you want to stay safely distanced.] If you're up for a special treat... grab a "cubano." Holy moly, it's good. (Hint: I order it with half the sugar they normally use - and I've given this hint to my friends, who always thank me).
The Dripolator in Black Mountain is a great spot to sit and write in your journal - and also, a nice after-dinner spot if you dine in Black Mountain. (Not sure when folks will be able to sit in the space post-covid, but hopefully soon!)
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The Dripolator Coffeehouse
221 W State St
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The Dripolator in Black Mountain is a great spot to sit and write in your journal - and also, a nice after-dinner spot if you dine in Black Mountain. (Not sure when folks will be able to sit in the space post-covid, but hopefully soon!)
A must for the tea connoisseur, or for anyone who might enjoy the experience of tea outside of the usual Celestial Seasonings tea bag. Created and designed by true tea sommeliers, Dobra is worth visiting for the menu and atmosphere alone. However, don't go if you're in a rush. The vibe and wait staff are all about the experience, not the transaction.
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Dobra Tea
78 N Lexington Ave
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A must for the tea connoisseur, or for anyone who might enjoy the experience of tea outside of the usual Celestial Seasonings tea bag. Created and designed by true tea sommeliers, Dobra is worth visiting for the menu and atmosphere alone. However, don't go if you're in a rush. The vibe and wait staff are all about the experience, not the transaction.
A neighborhood cottage turned coffeehouse, cafe and garden spot, Liberty House is a go-to cafe (post-COVID especially). Outdoor seating is plentiful and there's usually easy street parking, too. I go here because I love the setting and atmosphere.
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Liberty House Coffee and Café
221 S Liberty St
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A neighborhood cottage turned coffeehouse, cafe and garden spot, Liberty House is a go-to cafe (post-COVID especially). Outdoor seating is plentiful and there's usually easy street parking, too. I go here because I love the setting and atmosphere.

Food scene

A list of hipster places to enjoy unique tastes and cuisines.
The Chocolate Lounge has become a bit tourist-y. But if you visit the lounge, you'll understand why. (I like to go early on weekdays when it's not so crowded.) Their truffles are so good.
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French Broad Chocolate Lounge
10 S Pack Square
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The Chocolate Lounge has become a bit tourist-y. But if you visit the lounge, you'll understand why. (I like to go early on weekdays when it's not so crowded.) Their truffles are so good.
When I was a musician, this was the spot we all went after our shows, back in the days when Tupelo Honey was open all night. These days, Tupelo Honey has turned into a tourist favorite, and locals only go during off-season or at off-hours. Great Southern-style breakfast food. Biscuits to die for. And yes, worth the buzz. But go early and don't make yourself wait in line!
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Tupelo Honey
12 College St
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When I was a musician, this was the spot we all went after our shows, back in the days when Tupelo Honey was open all night. These days, Tupelo Honey has turned into a tourist favorite, and locals only go during off-season or at off-hours. Great Southern-style breakfast food. Biscuits to die for. And yes, worth the buzz. But go early and don't make yourself wait in line!
Indian Street Food is the way most people describe Chai Pani. It's a local and tourist favorite - great for lunch and casual dinner.
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Chai Pani Asheville
22 Battery Park Ave
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Indian Street Food is the way most people describe Chai Pani. It's a local and tourist favorite - great for lunch and casual dinner.
Whenever my friends have birthdays, this is where we get the cake. (My favorite is strawberry. ) Short Street's founder Jodi Rhoden is worth knowing about, as she is an Asheville treasure. She sold the business a few years back to her friend and employee Olga Perez. Short Street's cakes are all made from scratch (many are said to be original recipes from Jodi's grandma's own private collection). And Jodi's book, Cake Ladies, is definitely worth picking up when you visit Malaprops Bookstore!
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Short Street Cakes
225 Haywood Rd
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Whenever my friends have birthdays, this is where we get the cake. (My favorite is strawberry. ) Short Street's founder Jodi Rhoden is worth knowing about, as she is an Asheville treasure. She sold the business a few years back to her friend and employee Olga Perez. Short Street's cakes are all made from scratch (many are said to be original recipes from Jodi's grandma's own private collection). And Jodi's book, Cake Ladies, is definitely worth picking up when you visit Malaprops Bookstore!
I surveyed my friends for favorite taco places - and this was the hands-down winner. Most recommended is the Bangkok shrimp taco. Close runner up is the Thai chicken.
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White Duck Taco Shop
388 Riverside Dr
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I surveyed my friends for favorite taco places - and this was the hands-down winner. Most recommended is the Bangkok shrimp taco. Close runner up is the Thai chicken.
Great Indian food downtown. The lunch buffet is fast and yummy. (And if you bring your own containers, they will weigh them for you and you can carry it out and pay by weight!)
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Mela Indian Restaurant
70 N Lexington Ave
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Great Indian food downtown. The lunch buffet is fast and yummy. (And if you bring your own containers, they will weigh them for you and you can carry it out and pay by weight!)
Outdoor seating in the middle of the action. If you like pimento cheese, try it here!
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Carmel's Kitchen & Bar
1 Page Ave
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Outdoor seating in the middle of the action. If you like pimento cheese, try it here!
It's crucial that you get a homemade doughnut (or ten) while you're here. Guests rave. Seriously. They rave.
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Hole Doughnuts
168 Haywood Rd
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It's crucial that you get a homemade doughnut (or ten) while you're here. Guests rave. Seriously. They rave.
If you're into plant-based, super-food, gluten-free, veggie-packed locally-raised fare, this is your new favorite hang out.
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BimBeriBon
697 Haywood Rd
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If you're into plant-based, super-food, gluten-free, veggie-packed locally-raised fare, this is your new favorite hang out.