TRAVEL TIPS: Asheville, NC
MEET
With all the beautiful things to see and do in Asheville, it may be hard to focus on learning – but we know you will work hard before you play hard in this gorgeous city!
EAT
One of Sarah’s & Ann’s favorite things to do when they travel to a podiatry meeting is finding new and interesting places to eat! Sarah is always on the lookout for oysters and the rarest steak she can find…. while Ann’s taste buds are constantly seeking out the best Mexican restaurant in the area. Here’s our list of “must-try” restaurants while you’re in Asheville.
Sarah’s Pick(s)
Ann actually stole my pick! LOL
Seriously the White Duck Taco Shop is so insanely good, you have to make it a point to stop there!
Located in Downtown Asheville, Chestnut has one of the best menus in town. Some of my favorite items include the decorative charcuterie board, chestnut empanadas, petite filet (steak of course is my go-to); but my #1 pick on the menu (as it is often when I’m eating in the south) is the shrimp and grits.
The menu is so versatile, there’s sure to be something that will catch your eye and your tastebuds!
I am a sucker for gourmet tacos. This place is sort of a chain but it’s worth checking out if there is ever one nearby. I always get my tacos made with corn tortillas and my favorites here are the Jerk Chicken and anything with Steak. Add chips and salsa and a Margarita and you’re good to go!
Tupelo Honey is another one with a few locations across the South. I would call it “modern Southern cooking”. Definitely get the fried green tomatoes. Get some biscuits if you can spare the carbs. Then, you must try the Mac-N-Cheese Waffles with Asheville Hot Fried Chicken. Weird – yes, but out of this world delicious. You’re welcome.
PLAY
Asheville offers beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures as well as hip places to hang and cool places to eat. There is definitely something for everyone here!
The Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore is an Asheville icon. This estate truly does require an entire day to fully experience so don’t try to squeeze it into an afternoon one day after lectures. I could spend hours roaming the gardens and the little village alone. The tour of the estate house is just one small part of everything the Biltmore offers. Definitely buy your tickets online ahead of time and check out their current schedule of events and shop/dining hours to be sure you don’t miss out on anything. And – wear comfortable shoes! It’s cobblestone roads, dirt pathways, and grassy hills so be prepared. Get all the details on their website at www.biltmore.com
For the Outdoorsy Person
There is so much to explore around Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you’re up for it, make time for a short hike to check out some of the waterfalls. Here’s a couple of easy, short hikes to check out the waterfalls:
Douglas Falls Hike – tucked away in Pisgah National Forest, about 30 minutes outside of Asheville. You can actually walk behind this waterfall!
Moore Cove Falls Trail – about 45 minutes from Ashville. Hike over wooden bridges, explore a babbling creek and chill out in the shady forest.
Brewery, Winery, & Disterilly Tours
Plus just a few miles up the road is one of the Sierra Nevada Tap Rooms!
