Just because Asheville’s a little town doesn’t mean it doesn’t know how to party like a city twice its size!  If you’re looking for a down-to-earth introduction to what this town’s all about, look no further than Jack of the Wood.  A local favorite for both the young and old,  it’s here you’ll find the meat of the town.  Located near the center town just a bit outside of Pack Square, this earthy pub is where you can get beer that’s brewed on site.  Jack of the Wood, also known as Green Man, is the area’s local deity that appeared on the scene somewhere around the 2^nd Century AD.  Legend has it that this particular deity is the ruler of fertility, nature, death, and rebirth (not a small job).  This cozy Celtic pub is where you can find the home of Green Man Brewing, one of the more popular English ale brewing companies in the area.  The bar is dark, but not dingy, creating a distinctly Old World feel.  This is one of the best spots in town to mingle with the people who live here full-time.  Even though the bar is full of locals, you’ll be astounded at how friendly the entire town is.  Every night of the week is something a little different.  On Monday nights, catch Trivia Night, a widely popular event with the locals.  On weekends, you can catch some fantastic live music that ranges from Irish tunes to a more local-mountainy vibe.  During the week, you’ll find bands with fiddles galore, which add to the informal and earthy atmosphere.  If you’re in the mood for a bar that lets you kick back and take off your shoes while drinking a pint, this is certainly the place.  If you’re hungry, there is a great range of delicious pub food, featuring some items that are actually made with the beer that’s brewed on site.  All food is local, fresh, and in season for the local area.

If outdoors is where you feel most at home, be prepared for a true treat as you hike to the top of Grandfather Mountain.  In Asheville, hiking reigns supreme.  Towering high above the Blue Ridge Mountains is Grandfather Mountain, the highest point in the entire mountain chain.  The mountain at its highest peak stands an impressive 5,946 feet above sea level and offers a 360 degree panoramic view of the entire area.  Be sure to bring water and enough snacks, because this is quite a hike!  On the way up you’ll cross a beautiful swinging bridge, appropriately named the Mile High Swinging Bridge, and hangs an entire mile above sea level, making this a hike that’s not for the faint of heart.  In the fall this hike is truly something special, for the changing of the leaves creates a myriad of color that is simply breathtaking.  Be sure to check current weather conditions on the mountain’s website, and also be prepared that the hike is closed on certain holidays.  The natural habitat of the area is fiercely protected, so you’ll definitely see interesting wildlife along the way.  Many folks bring their entire families on the hike, so you don’t need to worry about bringing kids on the hike.  It is recommended that visitors come either before 11am or after 3pm, when the crowds are at their thinnest and the weather is at its best.  Bring your camera, some snacks, and some hiking shoes and head out to Grandfather Mountain!

There are quite a few hikes around the Mt. Mitchell area, despite the fact that many visitors to the landmark just do the scenic overlook. One of the most popular Mt. Mitchell hikes, takes explorers from the highest peak on the east coast, Mt. Mitchell, to the second highest peak at Mt. Craig. It’s more for intermediate hikers, because though it’s only a two-mile round trip, it involves some climbing, though not strenuous. More experienced hikers will enjoy the trail from Black Mountain Campground, a 5.5 mile hike, which climbs over 3,500 feet.

Probably the most well-known hiking trail in the Asheville area is the Mountain to Sea Trail. It can be accessed in as little as 15 minutes from Asheville. It offers many different access points, as the trail runs 17 miles long. Many hikers access it at the Folk Art Center, which is just a few miles outside of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It accommodates all skill levels.

25 miles from downtown Asheville is one of the most scenic trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Craggy Gardens. There’s a visitor center and a couple different scenic overlooks that offer 360-degree views across the mountains. There are several different hikes in the vicinity of Craggy Gardens that range in difficulty.

[Photo courtesy of Carolyn N. Connor]

1. 1900 Inn on Montford. A hallmark mansion in Asheville, the 1900 Inn on Montford is one of the city’s most popular bed and breakfasts, and difficult to get a room on short notice. Originally designed in 1900, the home has been restored and now stands as one of only a few North Carolina bed and breakfasts to be named an AAA four diamond award winner. Amenities of note include high-speed Internet access, live music on the weekends and the inn welcomes pets.

2. Bent Creek Lodge. This Asheville bed and breakfast is perfect for the travelers that want a retreat away from the hustle and bustle. Bent Creek Lodge is typical of what you might expect from a backcountry lodge deep in the mountains, yet it is convenient to downtown Asheville. Complimentary high-speed Internet access, nearby hiking and spectacular views are some of the highlights.

3. Chestnut Street Inn. Another one of Asheville’s early 1900 restored mansions, the Chestnut Street Inn is conveniently located near downtown. The highlight is the complimentary three-course breakfast that is served each morning. It’s also one of the few area inns that offers in-room massages.

4. Bella Luna Inn. The Bella Luna Inn, located in Black Mountain, may not offer the same grandeur as some of the other bed and breakfasts in Asheville, but it offers a cozy, intimate setting that is perfect for a retreat. The house is small, with only a few rooms, but rooms connect, which are perfect for traveling with a family or a group. It’s within walking distance of Black Mountain’s boutique shops, restaurants and bars.

5. The Biltmore Village Inn. This Asheville bed and breakfast offers one of the best views in the city, with a beautiful 360-degree view of Asheville and the outerlying mountains. The inn is located just a few blocks from the entrance to the Biltmore Estate. Rooms come with private baths, with most of them having whirlpool tubs.

[Photo courtesy of Smart Destinations]

Fiore’s Ristorante Toscana has to be one of the few Italian restaurants in the world that has what could be tabbed as a $5 lunch menu. What the Asheville restaurant refers to as “courthouse specials”, these are several cheap entrees, with most of them being $5, although there are a couple, like the tortellini and broccoli, which are a couple dollars more.

My recommendation for this $5 lunch in Asheville comes down to either the BLT sandwich or the quick bite. At the end of the day, the Half Bite takes the trophy because it comes with a few more options. With the BLT, patrons get fresh local tomatoes, organic leaf lettuce and Applewood smoked bacon between toasted bread. Options of a side are either soup or a mixed greens salad. With the quick bite, guests get a sandwich option of either tuna salad, chicken salad or grilled chicken with swiss cheese and choice of soup or side salad. With the quick bite, to stay at $5, guests have to choose the half sandwich. The whole sandwich is $3 more.

Fiore’s Ristorante Toscana $5 lunch is available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and can be ordered to go. It features a convenient location, as it’s close to many of downtown Asheville’s attractions and hotels.

[photo courtesy of alcomike]

Rosetta's Kitchen (photo by aftertaste bliss)

Rosetta’s Kitchen: Funky and eclectic.  Existing to nourish and considered a whole-foods, farm-fresh kitchen and cafe’ – Rosetta’s has been feeding locals and wanderers to Asheville since 2002.  Active in the local community by hosting countless benefits, art shows and musicians this food haven attracts everything from vegetarians, vegans, the health conscious and plain old curious folk.  Bright and open with wood floors and exposed brick on the inside and a quaint thatched roof outdoor patio – Rosetta’s has it goin’ on! Try a grilled portabella, coconut curry plate, beer battered tempalo wings or smoky tofu wrap.  You won’t be disappointed!

The Admiral (photo by missbeegail)

The Admiral: A foodie hot spot.  Unassuming, unconventional, unpretentious.  Reminiscent of the Federal in Durham, NC (no relation) because of its cinder-block building  housing carefully hand-crafted simple fodder.  The menu changes frequently to maintain freshness and creativity.  Late night snacks/sandwiches include a skirt steak taco, oysters with mignonette, an arugula salad, hells bells pimento cheese, house smoked pulled pork and an Everett Farms local beef burger.

Lab: In the heart of downtown Asheville is the Lexington Avenue Brewery.  Located in a historic building Lab crafts specialty unfiltered, naturally carbonated, additive free beers – a great complement to their comfort food menu including grilled cheese, Mike’s chili, kobe beef sliders, the Lab burger and Ben’s barley meatloaf.  Industrial open setting with a huge bar and two music stages the scene is active and upbeat.

Sazerac (photo by jharrison's 22001's)

Sazerac: Classic and contemporary with old New Orleans influence.  Lounge seating and rooftop dining attract Asheville locals or svelte tourists looking for a dining experience.  Order a traditional cocktail such as a Mint Julep or Old Fashioned or wine from the Loire Valley defining its terroir.  Have a late night charcuterie, blue pear salad, french inspired sandwich or yummy lamb lollipops.  Then end the evening with a Creme Brule’.

Bier Garden: Beer and late night grub are on the brain? This local favorite microbrewery is the place to be.  Located on historic Haywood Street and adjacent to the civic center late night drink and hungry souls can enjoy choosing between over 200 imported and local craft beers and hunger satisfying plates such as a Japanese Kobe beef sandwich, chicken dogwood sandwich or fish and chips.

51 Grill: If eating an awesome hamburger or Philly cheese steak next to an Exxon gas station doesn’t make you cringe then this is the place to go after a rowdy late night out.  Open until 4am, don’t expect quiet.  A blaring satellite radio sets the mood so people talk and yell even louder!  There’s even a few domestic beers to choose from too.

Zambra (photo by Austin Moody)

Zambra: Longing for a little bit of the Iberian peninsula?  Zambra wine and tapas bar in downtown Asheville creates tapas inspired by Spain, Portugal and North Africa.  They use all natural meats and organic products when available.  There is no shortage of accolades.  They have been featured in Southern Living and on the Food Network and have an outstanding selection of Spanish and New World wines earning them the Wine Spectator award of Excellence in 2009 again.  Pair with masa crusted gulf shrimp or pomegranate braised pork spring rolls and no doubt you’ll be singing flamenco on the way home.

Asheville City Market (photo by pattyperspective)

Asheville City Market - Local food from local farmers.   Located in downtown Asheville this producer only market bears beautiful abundant selections of local eggs, produce, grassfed beef, free range chicken, artisan breads and cheeses, a plethora of herbs as well as fresh cut flowers reminiscent of the flower fields in France.  Open Saturday 8:00am-1:00pm.

Asheville City Market South - Organized by the Appalachian Sustainable Agricultural Project (ASAP) creates another food haven for locals to buy local.  Helping to rebuild the local economy and giving patrons access to fresher and healthier foods is their namesake.  South Asheville’s producer-only market proudly displays farm-fresh eggs, pastured meats, artisan breads and cheeses and homemade pastries.  Open Wednesday 7:30am-11:30am.

WNC Farmer's Market (photo by ashe-villain)

WNC Farmer’s Market – Owned by the state of North Carolina, The Western North Carolina Farmer’s Market spans 36 acres with colossal mountain views and postcard perfect snapshots of the Biltmore Estate.  A plethora of goodies to choose from including fruits, vegetables, sourwood honey, jams, jellies and preserves.  Let the horticulturist in you become inspired while puttering around the nursery garden that houses a kaleidiscope of plants, trees and shrubs.  Lunch is an option too at The Moose Cafe, where darn good deli sandwiches and ice cream are the staples. Open daily year round from 8:00am-5:00pm.

French Broad Food Coop Tailgate Market – One of Asheville’s original all organic tailgate markets.  Birthed in 1990 it’s home to items such as local honey, fresh cheeses, locally raised meats, eggs, pies, herbs, vegetables and fruits.  Open Wednesdays and Saturdays. Open Wednesday 2:00pm-6:30pm.

North Asheville Tailgate Market (photo by kellygiarrocco)

North Asheville Tailgate Market - Located on the campus of UNC Asheville, this is the areas oldest tailgate market with over 40 providers of produce such gourmet seasonal organic vegetables to classic favorites such as half-runner beans and fried apple pies.  Farm eggs, locally raised natural meats, baked goods and a variety of fresh berries including strawberries, blueberries and raspberries will be a reminder of what season it is.  Open Saturday 8am-12pm.

West Asheville Tailgate Market -Stumbling upon the West Asheville tailgate market is just might what happen if visiting the local bakery, coffee roaster or food co-op in the area.  Another location to browse specialty items such as local pork and cheeses, herb vinegars and oils, farm fresh eggs, baked goods, vegetables, fruit and flowers.  Open Tuesday 3:30pm-6:30pm.

It’s a brewery, bar, and theater all rolled into one; the Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company is located downtown and serves up ten house-brewed beers, many with unique names such Houdini ESB, Shiva IPA, and Rocket Girl Wheat. The Company also has a 150 seat theater on-site showing films for $3 and their kitchen serves up popular gourmet pizza.

This Asheville music venue been named by Rolling Stone as one of the top music clubs in the country. The Orange Peel has played host to famous acts such as Bob Dylan, The Flaming Lips, Ben Harper, Blondie, Sonic Youth, and Smashing Pumpkins in an intimate space that holds less than 1000 people.

The Orange Peel is Asheville's premier music stage

Centered in downtown Asheville is the River Arts District, made up of several bustling blocks of shopping and dining. After browsing through some of the boutiques and stores for locally-made handicrafts and artwork, try the Frogbar at the upscale Flying Frog Cafe for cocktails and cafe fare. If you’re looking to stick to Asheville’s beer scene, try the Bier Garden – located right next to the Haywood Park Hotel. They have over 200 ales, lagers, stouts and more available on tap or bottled from around the world as well as from local breweries.

Stylish ambiance at Rankin Vault

Just because Asheville sits in heart of the Blue Ridge Appalachia doesn’t mean you can’t live it up with a night out on the town. Check out Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge for their flavorful alcohol infusions and bottle service; their lounge is reservation only for larger parties, but it’s the place to go before you hit the dance floor. Club 828 is one of Asheville’s most popular dance and music venues, featuring two levels with DJs from as far as Miami, San Diego, or even Australia coming into spin.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a visit to North Carolina with barbecue. Ed Boudreaux’s Bayou BBQ is an Blue Ridge institution with an excellent sauce bar for their brisket and sandwiches, but they also have a full-service bar with over 100 microbrews, imports, and high-gravity beers on hand.

[photos courtesy of the Haywood Park, the Orange Peel, and Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge]