Paging North Carolina Folks - Traveling there soon.

[Blu]

Hey You North Carolinians,

We're planning a trip over to Asheville here in the coming months. I used to live in the Eastern part of the state when I was in middle school and a couple of times went into the mountains near Asheville. We're looking at spending a week over in that area. Looking forward to some natural beauty, local breweries, and getting out into some nature. From the past times I've been there, I'm thinking these are some of the musts:

Chimney Rock State Park
Sliding Rock - Brevard
Blue Ridge Parkway Drive - go up to Mt. Mitchell
Biltmore Estate & Gardens
Going for a hike in Pisgah National Forest

I have no idea on other things though. It's been like 17 years since I've been to Asheville, so what should be the other things I should check out? Great places to eat/drink? We like good beers (IPA's not included! ) Give me your secrets!

[prfsnl_gmr]

I love Asheville, and I spend a long weekend there with my wife every year. It is full of great restaurants, music, beer, etc., and I will post my favorites tomorrow. I will also include a list of the best places to go hunting for video games!

[ElkinFencer10]

If you've got kids, Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock is just about unbeatable. If you don't have kids, it's still amazing unless you hate fun.

[bmoc]

Sadly I have not ventured far into NC now that I live here. All my relatives are still in GA so I spend a lot time in the areas between here and Atlanta.

My one recent excursion in Asheville was a weekend with my wife at Biltmore for our anniversary. It snowed so we didn't leave the Biltmore property. We had a great time there so I recommend you make that one a priority! They have added a lot of stuff since you have last been to Asheville.

[Jmustang1968]

We like good beers (IPA's not included! ) Give me your secrets!

That is a paradox

[TSTR]

Oh dude, nice! Just go wander downtown. Lexington Ave was fun last time I remember, but this has been years.

[Ack]

We like good beers (IPA's not included! ) Give me your secrets!

That is a paradox

Not really. IPA's suck. Give me a stout as black as my heart.

[Blu]

We like good beers (IPA's not included! ) Give me your secrets!

That is a paradox

Not really. IPA's suck. Give me a stout as black as my heart.

Exactly, I was expecting top banter like this. I like brewhouses that don't overdo their selection by crowding it with tons of IPA's. For me, a nice blonde ale or wheat ale with some nice malt finish is heaven. A stout is just as good when the mood strikes.

[ElkinFencer10]

There's a brewery in Boone just off of US-321. I don't like beer, personally, so I can't attest to quality, but I know it's super popular with ASU students.

[prfsnl_gmr]

OK...My favorite restaurants in Asheville:

12 Bones = The sort of BBQ restaurant that is insanely successful and well-known despite only being open for lunch on weekdays. The portions are enormous, and the ribs are incredible. Highly recommended.

The Admiral = Daring "haute cuisine" in east Asheville with fantastic atmosphere. If you are into fine food, you will love it. You will need to make reservations well in advance, however.

Bouchon = Fun, French restaurant in downtown Asheville. My wife loves it. She always gets a great meal, but mine are only good. We always have a great time when we go there, however, which is what counts.

Early Girl Eatery = A great "southern hippy" breakfast place. An Asheville institution. Not quite as good, IMO, as Sunny Point, but not far off. Also great for lunch and dinner. Located in downtown Asheville.

French Broad Chocolate Lounge = For many years, Asheville's Chocolate Fetish was considered the best chocolatier in the U.S.A. Chocolate Fetish is still amazing, but French Broad Chocolate is, somehow, even better. It should not be missed...but you should expect a wait and a long line if you go during peak "dessert" hours.

The Laughing Seed = Fantastic vegetarian restaurant. Another Asheville institution that never disappoints. The Harmony Bowl is my favorite, but everything on the menu is very good.

Rosetta's Kitchen = Very hip, creative vegan restaurant near downtown Asheville. Even non-vegetarians, like myself, love it. The food is fantastic - I love the country-fried tofu "steak" with mashed potatoes - and it has a really fun kombucha bar downstairs.

Salsas = Very creative Caribbean and Mexican cuisine. Another Asheville institution that never disappoints. If you go, get the slow-roasted pork Pom-Pom-Pom. It is completely unique, and you will not be disappointed.

Sunny Point Cafe = Absolutely wonderful, "southern hippy" breakfast joint in east Asheville. (It is probably my favorite Asheville restaurant. Do not miss it.) Lots of locally-sourced ingredients. I always get the daily special, but everything there is amazing. Has the added benefit of being located by two great places to go video game hunting.

......

In sum, Asheville is a great restaurant destination, and you are unlikely to get a bad meal there. (I will give you some other recommendations for places to go and things to do later.)