a-quick-trip-to-asheville-north-carolinaThis spring I took a trip to Asheville, North Carolina with some fabulous ladies. My husband’s aunts and mother organized the weekend trip and found a gorgeous home in Black Mountain for us to rent.  It was so nice to catch up with everyone, and our house was so inviting that we very well could have stayed there the whole time just talking and taking in the views. We did venture out though and explored the area a little bit. Many of the ladies took a trip to the Biltmore, but I skipped that field trip this time around.

Most of my adventures in Asheville involved walking around town with family. I did a little shopping, tasted craft brews at some of the awesome breweries, listened to street musicians and tried just a few of the restaurants. Asheville is like heaven for those who love all things nature, art, music, food and beer. There’s simply too much to see and do. Here’s just a glimpse of what I did while visiting Asheville…

A Weekend in Asheville

Lookout Brewing Company:

As soon as we arrived in Black Mountain we made a pit stop at the first craft brewery we found. Lookout Brewing Company had great small batch craft beer, served mountain style…in a mason jar.

lookout-brewing

The view from our house in Black Mountain:

black-mountain-view

Stores Galore:

We visited so many different cool shops in Asheville. My favorites were those involving crafty goodness.

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asheville-sit-and-knit

Lexington Avenue Brewery (Lab):

When we asked some locals about where we should go for lunch and craft beer the buzz word seemed to be “Lab”. The Lexington Avenue Brewery had delicious food and one of my favorite beers that I found on our trip, Eleanor’s Rye.

lexington-avenue-brewery

Vortex Doughnuts:

Oh my. Just OH MY. Best. Doughnuts. Ever.

vortex-doughnuts

Green Man Brewery:

My favorite things about Green Man Brewery were the decor (check out that cool stained glass window), the casual outdoor patio that made you feel like you were drinking beer in your own back yard, and their porter. The patio had a collection of mis-matched furniture and groups of people mingling together. We met quite a few new folks and it was fun hearing their stories and what brought them to Asheville.

green-man-brewery

Street Musicians:

Every day offers up a wide variety of free concerts on the sidewalks of Asheville. Be sure to have a little extra cash on hand to throw to the buskers, because their music really makes the whole Asheville experience more interesting.

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asheville-music-1

Brunch at Carmel’s Kitchen and Bar:

A few of us ventured in to town for Brunch on the morning that the rest of the group went to the Biltmore. We ended up at Carmel’s Kitchen and Bar for a scrumptious meal that sustained us for the rest of the day of shopping.

carmels-kitchen-bar

Go for a Bike Ride:

I just loved this cute trike and had to snap a picture….

asheville-crochet-bike

Wicked Weed Brewing Company:

My only regret about my visit to Wicked Weed Brewing Company‘s Pub was that I had already eaten. Their menu looks fantastic…so next time I’m in town I’m going to be sure I’m hungry when we visit Wicked Weed! I did love their beer, and I picked up several six packs to take home to Michael as a souvenir. And if sours are your thing then stroll down the street to Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium.

wicked-weed

I had so much fun in such a short amount of time that I am already dreaming of making a trip happen again with Michael and the kids. I want to do some hiking and visit the Biltmore next time around. Do you have any other ideas for things to do and see in Asheville? Comment below, I would love to add your suggestions to my list of things to do in Asheville when we make it back there.