Another road adventure that I knew was going to be a “Delightful Destination” – Asheville, North Carolina. It started out and ended as business travel but developed into a fun and enjoyable getaway too. We had been to the famous Biltmore Estates about ten years ago. Well, ten years later it’s just as beautiful as it was then and I think I even appreciated it more this time! In addition to spending almost two days exploring the Biltmore Estates, gardens and winery and other property, Asheville is a very interesting town to visit. Instead of a long story, I thought I would list all the things we did while visiting, touring and eating our way through Asheville. Enjoy!
Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria – We hadn’t eaten anything since we started our adventure at 5 a.m. (except for a protein bar). So we really picked a winner with Barley’s. Located right on Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville, it originally was a 1920’s appliance store and has 8,000 square feet of space. 
They even have a stage for live music. The lunch crowd was a little quieter, but we loved our server, who shared a lot of stories about this historic building. We decided not to over indulge and ruin dinner, and decided to share one of their Cheese steak subs, which comes with a side salad. The sub roll was so fresh and yummy and the server told us it was specially grilled for us. Every bite just melted in my mouth! Check them out on http://www.barleystaproom.com.
The Residences at Biltmore was where we chose to stay. They are located less than half a mile from the Biltmore Estate, which was very convenient. Our 1-bedroom suite was reasonably priced. Unless you’d like to splurge on a fancier accommodation like the Biltmore Hotel, it was more than sufficient for our needs. We also had a separate living room, king bed, kitchen and a nice gas fireplace (which we did enjoy). www.residencedsatbiltmore.com.
The Corner Kitchen – A great recommendation from the friendly staff at The Residences – The Corner Kitchen, which is in the Biltmore Village, a short distance from our hotel. It opened for business in 2004, but the house was built around 1895 as part of Biltmore Village. George Washington Vanderbilt came to Asheville in the late 1880s and was so taken with the beauty of the area, he purchased a vast amount of land including the 72 acres around the town of Best, which became Biltmore Village. (just a little history). We loved the creativity and deliciousness of their menu (www.thecornerkitchen.com). Our waitress (or do I have to call them servers now?) was so friendly, which made our breakfast experience even better.
Biltmore ticket purchase – Another great recommendation from our hotel was to purchase discount tickets from them. The price was approximately the same but included a two-day admission instead of one day. We didn’t think we needed two days, but it did give us flexibility to be able to do more things in the area. It was a great decision!
Biltmore Estate – If you haven’t been before, this property that once belonged to the Vanderbilt’s (and is still owned by descendants of the family) is incredible. It’s rich, it’s decadent and it’s worth the admission price.
The stories of what life was like, as you tour the main house, draws you into a very different time. We were also treated to an exhibit, “Glamour on Board”, which portrayed throughout the Biltmore rooms the original costumes from the filming of the Titanic, starring Leonardo de Caprio.
Note: The famous Chihuly exhibition will be starting after this with internationally-acclaimed contemporary glass artist Dale Chihuly. Check out www.biltmore.com for more information.
Biltmore Gardens – The day was perfect for a stroll through the Biltmore Gardens and greenhouse. We even caught a mini flute concert in the Conservatory. We couldn’t stop taking pictures – the views, architecture and total beauty were breathtaking; however, this place needs to be experienced first-hand.
It was fun watching workers plant new gardens and pulling up plants that had finished blooming. We were told that all the plants are composted and worked back into the soils. There are also beautiful pathways, streams and quaint bridges – very peaceful!
After some nice little exercise (walking), we voted that lunch should be a yummy serving of ice cream in the courtyard area. We needed to sit and relax a bit and enjoy the sun. Make sure you bring your most comfortable walking shoes!!
The Lobster Trap – This restaurant is in downtown Asheville. This fresh seafood and oyster bar focused eatery is fabulous. They do not take reservations and are open for dinner only, starting at 5 p.m. Parking is a little challenging in Asheville, but there is a parking lot right across the street. 
Our selections for dinner you ask…. A “Steam Bowl of Mussels, Lobster Bisque, Caesar Salad, and Cioppino, which is a wonderful symphony of mussels, clams, linguica sausage, king crab legs and smoked salmon in an incredible tomato broth.
Check out their full menu on www.thelobstertrap.biz. Our server was Jessie and she did a fabulous job of making us feel welcome and made great recommendations. Thanks Jessie!
Antler Hill Village… – Our first stop of the day after relaxing in our nice little suite in the morning. Antler Hill is a great place to stroll around on a beautiful day and enjoy a little shopping. If you have little ones (or some big people too), take them to the petting area that have goats, chickens, etc. There are eating places throughout for some quick snacks, sandwiches or ICE CREAM – our lunch again for the day!
and Biltmore Winery is a huge building with more than several wine tasting areas and gift store. The tastings are free, unless you want to sample some of the more expensive wines. 
Also, as you stroll through the store area of the winery, there are many food samplings like jams, dips, salsa, etc. This is one of my husband’s favorite things to do; and in most sampling places that we have experienced over the years, I joke that his picture is on the wall to warn the owners. Our plan was to purchase ZERO bottles of wine to take home – we left with 9 bottles. It was too good to resist.
Antique Car Museum at Grovewood Village (on the Omni Grove Park Inn property). It’s not a huge museum, but my hubby loves cars, and any opportunity he has to increase his passion, he takes.
Admission is free (donations accepted) and it’s full of interesting history. It was constructed in 1923 and originally housed Biltmore Industries’ weaving shop, fabric that was worn by U.S. presidents and first ladies. Read more about the history at info@grovewood.com. There are also some other shops with some exquisite and interesting art pieces, made by local artisans.
The Omni Grove Park Inn – This historic hotel must be seen to be appreciated. Opening in 1913, the story is much more appreciated when you know that four hundred men worked 10-hour shifts, six days a week to complete. With only the use of mules, wagons and ropes, granite boulders, some weighing as much as 10,000 pounds, were hauled from Sunset Mountain to build this hotel. Unbelievably, the hotel opened for business in less than one year from the ground breaking. Walk inside this hotel, that is now owned by Omni, and you will be welcomed with a massive but inviting lobby, two stone, bookend fireplaces on either side of the room and rocking chairs to rest your weary feet and heart. Stroll outside the back doors to their patio and take in the beautiful views of the mountains. Their website will entice you even more at www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park, and especially known for their spa. Maybe next time!
Limones (Mexican & Californian cuisine) – WOW! This is one of our best picks – also located in downtown Asheville. When we viewed their menu ahead of time at www.limonesrestaurant.com, and stopped by to make reservations, we were excited.
The atmosphere and décor is very Mediterranean and we requested one of the two window seats that is cozy and more intimate. I was also fascinated and loved the historic artwork displayed. Our dining ended with having full bellies because we had to try several things on the menu, including their Ceviche, Lobster Nachos, Braised Short Ribs (with lobster mac & cheese) and to top it all off, we couldn’t resist the Cinnamon-brown sugar churros with caramel sauce. We both love restaurants with a different flare and this definitely had it. Food is important, but the total experience is what rates this restaurant a 10+ in my book!
Buxton Hall Barbecue – We loved downtown Asheville and there are so many little bars, especially breweries, and restaurants. You’ll never go hungry (or thirsty). We were craving barbecue and heard that Buxton Hall Barbecue was the place to go! We were not disappointed. However, since our wait was rather long, (they don’t take reservations) we strolled down the street to a local brewery for a drink. Timing was perfect when they texted us that our table was ready, and we had just finished our drinks.
Buxton Hall is definitely a unique setting – an enormous, historic space that once served as a wood-floored roller rink in the 1930’s, a boat showroom before that, and various auto shops. You know, upon walking in the door, that this is going to be a fun experience. Even more unique, is their own in-house pastry chef and bakery. Pies are also their specialty! This is definitely a place you don’t want to miss. Go to their website at http://www.buxtonhall.com. Guess what we ordered? Barbecue of course – YUM!!
Carmel’s Resturant & Bar – We skipped breakfast one morning and drove into downtown Asheville to check out the many shops and scout out a place for lunch. The downtown is a great place to discover lots of little shops and even street vendors. We decided on Carmel’s Kitchen and Bar
Carmel’s looked very inviting from the outside, situated right on a corner, with outdoor seating and everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves. So we took a chance – and we were not disappointed. We took advantage of the outside seating and enjoy the beautiful sunny day and people watching. For lunch we ordered their Spinach Salad with a blueberry stilton, spicy walnuts, pear, olive oil and balsamic reduction AND a Meat Lovers Pizza with pepperoni, sausage, bacon and mozzerella cheese. Everything came out perfectly. The pizza was a thin crust, like we like; and the salad was fresh and very yummy. Even their website makes your mouth water – http://www.carmelsofasheville.com.
The Chocolate Fetish – My sweet tooth was bothering me, so after passing “The Chocolate Fetish” (www.chocolatefetish.com) on the way to lunch, we couldn’t think of passing by again without stopping in for a purchase. Their array of premium, homemade chocolates are not to be missed and was a scrumptious treat.
Shoji Spa & Lodge – Although my husband found this on line, I don’t quite feel comfortable with massages unless I check out ahead of time. The trip up (and I do mean up) the windy hill to their property is a little worrisome if you don’t know what’s at the end. When we go back to Asheville, we will definitely be going here again. 
The setting is absolutely breathtaking, the property beautifully landscaped with Japanese Gardens, serene walkways, trees and amazing views. You immediately feel relaxed before you even walk inside the spa. We splurged and booked their one-hour private hot tub soak in the woods and a 60 minute massage for each of us. Shoji is so professional – men’s and women’s locker rooms and showers, professional and friendly staff, sauna facility, robes and slippers and more. Everything is 1st class, clean and up to date.
Wasabi – Sorry we keep going back to downtown Asheville, but after such an incredible experience at Shoji, we had to continue the Japenese experience with sushi. There are quite a few sushi places in Asheville, but Wasabi had great reviews. What also caught our eye is their wide selection of Sakes. It was a perfect end to a great getaway.
On your next trip to Asheville, I hope that you will choose to experience some of our favorites above. There is so much more to do in the area, so let me know some of your picks. I also hope that you will share www.yummyreservations.blog with your family and friends.
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