Guidebook for Asheville
Shopping
Where to buy groceries, clothes, medicine, gas and other essentials.
A pretty cool outlet mall located very nearby. I usually go to the Dillard's for cheap shirts - long sleeves are cheap in the spring and short sleeves in the fall.
209 locals recommend
Asheville Outlets
800 Brevard RdA pretty cool outlet mall located very nearby. I usually go to the Dillard's for cheap shirts - long sleeves are cheap in the spring and short sleeves in the fall.
The whole stretch of N Lex is full of curio shops, music stores, funky t-shirts, buddha statues, political art, and much more. If you are in town to enjoy the downtown, go here and walk around.
9 locals recommend
North Lexington Avenue
North Lexington AvenueThe whole stretch of N Lex is full of curio shops, music stores, funky t-shirts, buddha statues, political art, and much more. If you are in town to enjoy the downtown, go here and walk around.
The closest supermarket to our house, Ingles also has cheap gas, a deli, and a pharmacy.
95 locals recommend
Ingles Markets
1572 Sand Hill RdThe closest supermarket to our house, Ingles also has cheap gas, a deli, and a pharmacy.
CVS
505 Smokey Park HwyCVS pharmacy, about a mile away.
Great locally-owned bodega-health food store-cafe in the heart of artistic and funky West Asheville. Arugula, Dr. Bonners, Elderberry, Birkenstocks, hairy legs, and every other dog is a support animal. I love this place.
96 locals recommend
West Village Market
771 Haywood RdGreat locally-owned bodega-health food store-cafe in the heart of artistic and funky West Asheville. Arugula, Dr. Bonners, Elderberry, Birkenstocks, hairy legs, and every other dog is a support animal. I love this place.
Drinks & Nightlife
Places we like to eat and drink-- not necessarily best for every person- we trend towards places more well-loved by locals.
Great beer and a great outdoor scene in the heart of the River Arts District. They also have a new place located nearby that is amazing. Its next to 12 Bones restaurant on the west side of the river.
285 locals recommend
Wedge Brewing Company
37 Paynes WayGreat beer and a great outdoor scene in the heart of the River Arts District. They also have a new place located nearby that is amazing. Its next to 12 Bones restaurant on the west side of the river.
Best place to see a good band in town, IMHO. Sort of low-slung funky place with a good patio and taco restaurant inside next to the bar. The restaurant has good food and it is often open during the day.
212 locals recommend
The Grey Eagle
185 Clingman AveBest place to see a good band in town, IMHO. Sort of low-slung funky place with a good patio and taco restaurant inside next to the bar. The restaurant has good food and it is often open during the day.
A casualrestaurant with limited but good seafood menu. Also a great bar scene on Haywood Road in West Asheville. I eat there at least once a month.
105 locals recommend
Oyster House Brewing Company
625 Haywood RdA casualrestaurant with limited but good seafood menu. Also a great bar scene on Haywood Road in West Asheville. I eat there at least once a month.
Excellent little microbrewery in West Asheville with plenty of parking. Live music most nights makes this a popular destination, its also very close to many other bars and restaurants within walking distance.
49 locals recommend
One World Brewing
520 Haywood RdExcellent little microbrewery in West Asheville with plenty of parking. Live music most nights makes this a popular destination, its also very close to many other bars and restaurants within walking distance.
Parks & Nature
Gorgeous place full of easy walking trails. Pet friendly with leashes required. Bonzai exhibit, quilt garden, and special outdoor exhibits make this one of our favorite places in town for an afternoon stroll through nature.
582 locals recommend
The North Carolina Arboretum
100 Frederick Law Olmsted WayGorgeous place full of easy walking trails. Pet friendly with leashes required. Bonzai exhibit, quilt garden, and special outdoor exhibits make this one of our favorite places in town for an afternoon stroll through nature.
WNC Nature Center
75 Gashes Creek RdCarrier Park
220 Amboy RdBotanical Gardens at Asheville
151 W T. Weaver BoulevardLake Powhatan Recreation Area & Campground
75 Wesley Branch RdArts & Culture
River Arts District
3 River Arts PlArt, music, stuff to see, near two great breweries to boot.
Asheville Art Museum
2 S Pack SquareThomas Wolfe Auditorium
87 Haywood StThe Grey Eagle
185 Clingman AveFood scene
Here are some of our favorite restaurants, mostly located on the west side of town for easy access.
Fantastic Jamaican-inspired cuisine right in the heart of hip and eclectic West Asheville.
590 locals recommend
Nine Mile
233 Montford AveFantastic Jamaican-inspired cuisine right in the heart of hip and eclectic West Asheville.
The best spicy fried chicken in town. Don't order the "Rocky's Hot" heat level unless you are a real masochist. Normal hot will blow your face off, medium is very hot. Of course you can order plain or sweet, but really, why? Great sides include collards, mac-n-cheese poppers and more.
137 locals recommend
Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack
1455 Patton AvenueThe best spicy fried chicken in town. Don't order the "Rocky's Hot" heat level unless you are a real masochist. Normal hot will blow your face off, medium is very hot. Of course you can order plain or sweet, but really, why? Great sides include collards, mac-n-cheese poppers and more.
I think this is the best Asian food in town. The spicy ramen is lovely. Small plates made with care and quality. Really good food all around.
49 locals recommend
Itto Ramen Bar & Tapas
630 Haywood RdI think this is the best Asian food in town. The spicy ramen is lovely. Small plates made with care and quality. Really good food all around.
Rated as one of the best restaurants in America, James Beard award winner Katie Button is also considered one of the best chefs in the world. Not to miss if you can get a reservation and are willing to spend a bit more.
518 locals recommend
Cúrate
13 Biltmore AveRated as one of the best restaurants in America, James Beard award winner Katie Button is also considered one of the best chefs in the world. Not to miss if you can get a reservation and are willing to spend a bit more.
Don't let the fact that this place is located in a convenience store scare you away-- Sand Hill Kitchen is managed by culinary school graduates who make some of the best affordable food in town. I especially love their breakfasts, available Mon-Sat. You can call in an order and pick up at the drive through window on the side of the restaurant. Located less than 3 minutes from the cottage, this is a great place to pick up food to take back to eat at "home."
21 locals recommend
Sand Hill Kitchen
491 Sardis RdDon't let the fact that this place is located in a convenience store scare you away-- Sand Hill Kitchen is managed by culinary school graduates who make some of the best affordable food in town. I especially love their breakfasts, available Mon-Sat. You can call in an order and pick up at the drive through window on the side of the restaurant. Located less than 3 minutes from the cottage, this is a great place to pick up food to take back to eat at "home."
Sunny Point Café
626 Haywood Rd