Asheville
Asheville, now known as the “heart” of North Carolina, is situated in the North-West, closest to the Tennessee border. While not technically the capital of this beloved state, it is now home to over 90,000 residents with roughly 10 millions visitors from around the world each year. If that’s not impressive enough to convince you to visit, you might want to reconsider once you learn that Asheville is also known as “Land of the Sky” or “San Francisco of the East.” This up and coming city has plenty to offer for all types of tourists and visitors of all ages with an abundance of activities for the whole family.
Things to Do:
Biltmore Estate – Probably the most attractive tourist destination in downtown Asheville, this historic site offers an inside look of the Vanderbilt family’s home while by traveling back in time to America in the 1800’s. The architecture and structure of the Estate, as well as the surrounding gardens, often speak for themselves. Certainly a once in a lifetime experience, but be mindful that tickets range from $50-$100 depending on the time of the year. Ticket prices include entrance to the Estate itself, the gardens and the surrounding winery and shopping village; the newest addition to this gorgeous property. The self-guided tour through the whole 2.5 mile property, with the option for an audio-guide, easily lasts between 3-4 hours. Pack plenty of water and remember to wear your walking shoes!
New Belgium Brewing – Beer snobs, listen up! I thought I knew all there was to know about New Belgium Brewing based on their products in store. Boy was I wrong! This company is 100% employee-owned. FREE 90-minute tours of the Asheville Brewery are offered all-day, everyday. This tour also offers four FREE samples – what else is there to say! The brewery itself offers a view of the French Broad River (the only river that flows backwards) with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Hungry? Pack a snack/picnic OR there are food trucks located on site! While this brewery is often neglected compared to it’s sister-brewery also located in downtown Asheville, Sierra Nevada, it is an absolute must!!
Chimney Rock State Park – If you’re looking for an escape from the busy hustle of downtown Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park is an easy go-to option for the whole family! The park is located 45-minutes South-East of downtown, with most of that time dedicated to winding roads. There is an entrance fee of $17 per person (adults), $8 for youth (ages 5-15), and free for children five and under, but the views of Lake Lure and the surrounding area is well worth the price. Hours of operation may vary depending on the time of year. Arrive early if you’re looking for quiet and solitude. The park offers a variety of hikes ranging from easy to moderate to strenuous depending on how intense of a hike you’re looking for. Each trail is marked by mileage as well as offers an estimated time for completion. Note: please be sure to read these signs thoroughly as some trails/hikes are not made for young children. The Chimney (pictured below) is located 315 feet up and offers a 75 feet panoramic view of the area. For those faint of heart, there is an elevator conveniently located at the bottom of the stairs that takes you only 44-steps shy of this breath-taking view. OR, there is the option to climb all 250+ steps to the very top with overlooks and pitstops along the way to help you catch your breath. Feel free to bring your own food to eliminate waste or enjoy the Cafe located at the very top.
While I have yet the pleasure to explore the entirety of Asheville, I keep an on-going list of top-rated places to visit for future travels:
River Arts District – Offers an inside look to the world of local artists. Free to walk around and watch artists in action. Dining and shopping options available too.
Asheville Botanical Gardens – Free parking and entrance!
Frying Pan Overlook – Located closer to Canton (about 20 miles outside of Asheville)
Asheville Retrocade – Over 5,000 video games, Pinball, Billards, Skeeball, Foosball, music, and booze. Need I say more? Open to all ages until 9 PM, 21+ 9 PM – close.
Grove Arcade – Shopping for local, hand-made items unique to Asheville. Dining options.
Waynesville
There’s no argument that Asheville has become the heart and soul of tourism in North Carolina in recent years. However, this doesn’t mean that the rest of the state, and their lovable town-folk, should be neglected. Especially when Waynesville is only 35-45 minutes outside of Asheville and offers a more in-depth look into the local culture.
Accommodations:
Brookside Mountain Mist Inn & Cottages – This charming Bed and Breakfast offers a cheaper stay with a better view of the Great Smokey Mountains. Better yet, this B&B is rated #1 in the area for over 5+ years! Rooms range in price from $150 (on the cheap end) to $250 (during peak season) a night. Trust me when I tell you this is a much cheaper option than staying directly in Asheville – you’ll save upwards of $100+ a night! But wait, there’s more! Each night stay is paired with a three-course breakfast that is simply beyond words. Or, for those early-morning adventurers, they also offer a bagged to-go breakfast with piping hot coffee to boot. If you’re looking for a cheaper, more long-term option, the owners recently opened two cottages on their property to the tune of $99 per night. Unfortunately, this option doesn’t come with breakfast, but with downtown Waynesville less than a mile down the road, you’re still in perfectly good hands. Note: Brookside Staff do not accommodate children younger than 16 years of age.
Things to Do:
My favorite part about visiting downtown Waynesville is how friendly and genuine the locals treat tourists. Waynesville is the very definition of quaint. The locals make it a point to leave feeling welcomed and like part of the family.
For a relaxing, easy-going day, I would highly recommend walking around downtown amongst the shops and dining options. A local favorite is the Mast General Store that offers three floors of houseware, clothing, trinkets, galore! Keep in mind that small-towns come with higher prices. Remember though, you’re buying locally made products and keeping the economy and town afloat. Also, small-town businesses equal odd and/or limited hours. You’ll notice that certain stores will close random days of the week and almost every store closes early on Sunday.
Blue Ridge Parkway – Over 400 miles in length, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a scenic view and tour through the southern and central Appalachians. Along the way, the parkway provides an abundance of lookout posts to stop and enjoy the panoramic views of the Great Smokey Mountains. If you pay careful attention, and you know where to look, there are trail markers available for short, medium, or long adventurous hikes. Below you will find a list of my personal favorites!
Graveyard Fields Loop – This not-so-hidden gem is located just down the road from Skinny Dip Falls at Mile Marker 417.7! You can’t miss the entrance as this particular trail provides an outhouse at the beginning with a water fountain too. What more could you ask for? There is a steep set of stairs starting out, but the trail itself is easy-to-moderate and suitable for families with young children too. Make sure you plan at least 2-3 hours to hike both the top and bottom trails and pack a lunch to truly embrace the surrounding scenery.
Skinny Dip Falls – Don’t let the name fool you! This easy, short hike (roughly two miles roundtrip) takes you through the woods to a small waterfall and watering hole. Consider it the size of the shallow end of a swimming pool! The water is cold, but natural and clean enough to drink. There are no changing rooms so be sure to wear your bathing suit. To reach this hidden gem, you’ll want to look out for Mile Marker 418. Parking is available across the street at the “Looking Glass” outpost with the trailhead located across the street to the North East.
Dragon Tree – If you were successful in finding the trailhead at Mile Marker 418 to Skinny Dip Falls, you’re well on your way to finding the Dragon Tree. Located roughly 100 yards into the trail, this interesting tree will stop you in your tracks!
Barber’s Orchard – Even though “the local Wal-Mart” is right down the road, I would highly recommend by-passing the familiar and take a chance on visiting Barber Orchards Fruit Stand. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find not only fresh produce grown by the locals, but homemade pastries and desserts too! All bakery products are made daily and include all things apple-based. I’m talking apple turnovers, freshly squeezed apple cider, apple fritters, apple bbq sauce, apple jam, etc.. Apples galore! Note: they don’t offer/provide tours of the orchard itself.
Places to Eat:
Smoky Mountain Sub Shop – Located in downtown Waynesville, off Main Street, this underrated sandwich shop offers more than its name suggests. The menu presents a wide, extensive array of options both sub-related and not. They even provide vegetarian options too! Most importantly, this place has one of the best cheeseburgers I’ve ever had. So much so, my husband makes us visit several times during our stay! $$
Haywood Smokehouse – Rated the #1 restaurant in Waynesville, North Carolina! You’ll want to take advantage of their limited-exposure as they’ve just opened their third location in the state. They’re expanding – and fast too! Their Texas-style smokey BBQ flavor is guaranteed to leave your taste buds drooling for more. Another favorite of the locals, they offer a variety of house-made sauces brought straight to your table; with seasonal options too! $$
Boojum Brewing – Top-rated brewpub and restaurant in downtown Waynesville. The brewery part offers 16 different (rotating) Boojum Beers. While the restaurant-side offers what many would consider “traditional” bar food, they excel in adding their own, unique, Southern-style twist. My favorite aspect of this one-of-a-kind brewery is the peculiar, yet gripping, story behind their name. Trust me, you’ll want to discover this tale on your own!
The owners recently opened the Gem Bar (bottom-story) beneath the brewpub as a late-night hangout spot. Growlers OR six-packs available for purchase both on-site and in local grocery stores. Note: downtown Waynesville brewpub and restaurant closed on Mondays. $$
Jack the Dipper – Home of the famous warm waffle cone! And made to order too! Located just past downtown Waynesville, this local favorite is locally-owned and operated too. Plenty of flavors to choose from and one of the only spots in town open late. Definitely worth a visit or two….or three or four! Note: military, student, and teacher discounts available. $
Mad Anthony’s – The newest hangout in downtown Waynesville where the locals go to relax and take the edge off after a long day. Over 20+ beers on tap with a creative-twist on traditional bar food. Board games, darts, and cornhole available if you’re looking for a way to spark some friendly competition. $
Beyond Borders 