T R AV E L + L E I S U R E
C ITY GU ID E:
Asheville—from mountains to music LUKE ROB ERT
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Georgia ’20
SEATED AMID THE Great Smoky Mountains along the French Broad River, Asheville, North Carolina, is a music-loving, outdoor adventuring, beer geek’s paradise. Asheville is Lonely Planet's No. 1 best destination in the United States to visit in 2017. It won the name “Beer City, USA” four times since the poll began in 2009 by the Brewers Association. I visit Asheville often,
city can be daunting, so here is a
well-known acts, such as Bob Dylan, the Black Keys, Megadeth and Skrillex, for close to two decades. After the show, head to the center of downtown to explore some of the nightlife. J A C K O F T H E W O O D , T H I R S T Y M O N K and T H E G R E Y E A G L E are all great pubs to grab another drink or two. S I E R R A
guide to get you started on your
C O . , C ATAW B A B R E W I N G C O . , H I - W I R E
as I love the city and hope to settle there someday. I enjoy camping, hiking and visiting the restaurants and the breweries. Visiting a new
perfect weekend in Asheville.
N E VA D A , G R E E N M A N , B U R I A L B E E R
and H I G H L A N D B R E W I N G are also some great brewery options to check out. BREWING
C O M PA N Y
Friday If you’re rolling into Asheville Friday evening, head over to W I C K E D W E E D B R E W I N G to enjoy some of their excellent sours. Next door to Wicked Weed is T H E O R A N G E P E E L . Opening up in 2002, this great music venue has been hosting
Saturday Get to B I S C U I T H E A D for an excellent plate of breakfast. With an incredible selection of delicious jellies, jams, butter, gravy and biscuits, this hot spot has been serving up happy bellies 2
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1. The tree stump littered landscape of Graveyard Fields, a result of early 1900s logging. 2. The grand corridor of the Sierra Nevada Brewery. Providing delicious Chico, California beers and incredible food since 2014. 3. The breathtaking Biltmore Estate. Offering tours, wine, food, and a taste of fancy living. 4. No matter the mile marker, views like this are around every corner. Photos 2 and 4 by L U K E R O B E R T, Georgia ’20.
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since 2013. You may also find what you are craving at T U P E L O H O N E Y, a downtown restaurant boasting a menu of southern comfort foods, brunch and beverages. After your meal, explore the great shopping and arts scene downtown to find yourself a souvenir. The R I V E R A R T S D I S T R I C T contains old factory buildings, now converted to galleries for local artists. There are museums and even more galleries in the downtown A R T D I S T R I C T.
For a more romantic outing Saturday evening, make your way out to the B I LT M O R E E S TAT E . Built in 1895 by George Washington Vanderbilt II, this 178,926 square foot, 8,000-acre estate is the largest privately owned house in the United States. Containing 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces, the Biltmore is sure to give you an awe-inspiring experience. When it comes to food, the B I LT M O R E V I L L A G E offers a wide array of delicious cuisine. B I LT M O R E E S TAT E is home to a winery, offering delicious bottles of your favorite reds and whites.
Sunday Leave the city limits and drive the beautiful B L U E R I D G E PA R KWAY. This 469-mile stretch of winding mountain roads runs
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through Virginia and North Carolina, and offers breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Late September is a great time to see the leaves change. Just be sure to pack your camera. About 35 miles down the Parkway lay M T. M I T C H E L L and its trails. Mt. Mitchell holds the crown for highest point east of the Mississippi along with some of the best viewpoints. Pack your hiking boots to traverse the mountain and its rugged terrain. Another option to consider is G R AV E YA R D F I E L D S . Its
name originates from the tree stumps littering the landscape, giving the resemblance of headstones. This is a beautiful hike, with a nice contrast to most of the surrounding area, as well as two waterfalls to satisfy the need for that perfect photo-op. No matter what your goal is for the weekend, whether it's beer, food, music, wine, shopping or the great outdoors, Asheville is sure to have what you seek. !
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