elizabeth

Asheville is Voted Beer City USA for the Fourth Year in a Row

No Comments    |   Email to Friend    |   Print    |   RSS 2.0
May
17

by Sandy McLeod

Asheville, North Carolina is home to some of the best microbreweries in the U.S. The city won the online Beer City USA poll, run by home brew king Charlie Papazian, for the fourth year in a row.  Polls closed on May 13th and this year – Asheville tied for first place with Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Why Brew Beer in Asheville?

Why do breweries spring up in Asheville and the surrounding Western North Carolina area? Plentiful supplies of mountain water are an excellent source for microbreweries to establish a signature taste. Independent farmers are being taught how to cultivate hops. This creates a supply of the locally grown ingredient most abundant in beer. These characteristics, plus the entrepreneurial spirit that permeates Asheville, creates an excellent environment for microbreweries.

Visit the Asheville Breweries page for a list of local microbreweries and recommendations on their beer

Asheville Lives Up to Beer City USA Title, Drawing Top Craft Breweries

Because of the business of brewing, Asheville continues to make the national news. Sierra Nevada announced the opening of a new brewery in Henderson County, about ½ hour south of Asheville.  New Belgium, makers of Fat Tire, have also officially announced the company will break ground on a new facility in the burgeoning River Arts District in Asheville at the beginning of 2013. With the number 2 (Sierra Nevada) and number 3 (New Belgium) craft breweries in the U.S. locating to the Asheville area, the excitement is building.

 

New Belgium Brewery to Establish East Coast Operations in Asheville, NC

New Belgium Brewery will impact the Asheville beer scene and the economy. The site is located up and across the French Broad River from the Wedge Brewery. The new East Coast brewery is a $175  million investment into Asheville’s up-and-coming River Arts District.  According to Citizen Times writer Dale Neal, “The company plans to build a brewery, distribution warehouse, hospitality tasting room and roof-top beer garden at the Craven Street site.”

 

Governor Bev Purdue visited Asheville to welcome New Belgium Brewery to town in early April.  The construction will bring approximately 1200 jobs and, once completed, the brewery will add another 154 jobs to the local economy.

 

Beer Festivals in Asheville

For visitors to the Asheville area who love beer, there are beer events every month from now through September.  Asheville Beer Week is slated for May 25-June 3, 2012.  The Beer City Festival will occur on June 2nd in Pack Square Park.  The Craft Beer Festival is in August and the Brewgrass Festival will happen on September 15th.  These festivals are well attended by locals and visitors to the area.

The Brews Cruise now offers brewery tours in Asheville. Visit:   http://www.ashevillebrewscruise.com/. Let someone else take the wheel while exploring Asheville’s local breweries.

Craft beer is everywhere in Asheville, not just at the tasting rooms and taprooms. When visiting Asheville, beer lovers can stop in for a pint of locally brewed beer at just about any bar or restaurant in town. Most have several selections of local microbrews on tap or bottled.   Reserve a cabin in Asheville today.  Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds is only 10 minutes away from Downtown.

elizabeth

Huffington Post Article Cites Asheville as America’s Greenest Dining Destination

No Comments    |   Email to Friend    |   Print    |   RSS 2.0
May
9

by Sandy McLeod

Shortly before Earth Day in April,Huffington Post writer Jeff Biggers wrote a piece focused on Asheville, NC as a Green Dining Destination.  Biggers’ observations about Asheville are of interest to communities that wish to emulate this model.  In Downtown Asheville and South Asheville near Biltmore Estate, dining destinations are retrofitting their operations to include energy saving, green features that reduce consumption of water and power and increase profitability. At the same time, these projects have helped the community to come together and create something that many in the Asheville area believe in – conservation of natural resources, support of locally owned small businesses and consumption of locally grown agriculture.

 

Public/Private Funding for Green Restaurant Project in Asheville

Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) is a well-respected organization.  AIR partnered with the Blue Ridge Sustainability Institute (BRSI) to execute the Green Restaurant project. Funds from the North Carolina Green Business Council and the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act were used for the project. Assigning resources in this way helps restaurants to shift from traditional water and energy usage devices to green energy sources and practices that reduce consumption. According to BRSI, seventeen participating restaurants will save an estimated 3 billion BTUs annually.

Methods of Greening Asheville Restaurants

Some examples of green features include installation of solar powered hot water heaters, energy efficient lighting and bulbs, energy efficient appliances and low flow spray valves and aerators on faucets.  Restaurants are also being guided to incorporate green practices that impact daily work routines and the environment such as: composting food waste, recycling bottles, cans, plastic, cardboard and paper, and using green cleaning products in reusable plastic spray bottles.

Some Asheville restaurants are collecting and donating used cooking oil for reuse as fuel. Most have relationships with local farms and are fully committed to purchasing and serving locally grown food.  This helps to emphasize Asheville restaurants’ reputation for serving high quality, farm-to-table food.

Obtaining Funding for Capital Improvements and Changing Behaviors

Some, though not all, of the systems that are installed in local restaurants are costly. The funding from the BRSI Green Restaurant Project has been a critical component in assisting Asheville’s small businesses in obtaining public/private funding to implement them.  The Green Restaurant initiative also helps these small businesses to begin using less expensive conservation techniques (such as composting and recycling) by educating staff about a change in daily procedures and behaviors.

Participating Restaurants

Some of the restaurants participating in the Green Restaurant project include establishments that have been in Asheville for many years such as: Rosetta’s Kitchen, Jack of the Wood and Laughing Seed Café.  Others are relatively new to the Asheville restaurant scene, like the French Broad Chocolate Lounge, Luella’s Barbeque and The Corner Kitchen – but are equally committed to greening their operations for a lower impact on the environment and a higher profitable yield. For a complete list of restaurants participating in the project, visit the Blue Ridge Sustainability Institute website:  www.blueridgesustainability.org/green-restaurant-initiative/.

The Green Restaurant project brings positive visibility to the Asheville area. This ultimately generates more curiosity about this unique city. While other cities may be just beginning the process of greening their restaurants, Asheville continues to be a place that is well known and respected for pioneering the green living lifestyle.

To reserve a cabin in Asheville, use Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds online reservation system, or call 800-235-2474.

 

 

elizabeth

Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds Unveils New Waterfall at Luxury Vacation Resort

No Comments    |   Email to Friend    |   Print    |   RSS 2.0
May
4

The new waterfall is now complete. Guests can take a stroll up Trout Trail to enjoy the exuberant display of spring flowers.

(Asheville, NC) With the intention of enhancing the woodland garden where the luxury vacation resort is located, owners of Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds recently completed the construction of a new waterfall on the property. The waterfall can be enjoyed by guests of the resort.

This unique and stunning waterfall is fed by water from a mountain spring and designed in the most natural style, utilizing rocks harvested from the Western North Carolina area. It is an addition to the numerous water features that make the woodland gardens of Willow Winds unique. Also, the owners have planted several hundred new shrubs and bushes, including dozens of double knockout rose bushes that bloom from early spring to first frost.

The dimensions of the new water feature are 38’ x 18’. A multitude of seasonal flowers and evergreen and deciduous trees and bushes have been planted around the base and outer edges of the falls including: holly, azalea, forsythia, lilac, roses, day lilies, weeping willows and ornamental trees.

“This brings our total number of water features to 17 fountains, three waterfalls, one trout pond and one mountain stream,” said Sandy McLeod, co-owner of Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds. “The unusually mild winter and spring have made our foliage and flowers more beautiful than ever,” added McLeod. “This continues our philosophy of trying to make sure that each year our repeat guests return they will see something new,” she said.

Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds is nestled just beneath the Mountains to Sea Trail, near the Blue Ridge Parkway, in Asheville, North Carolina.  Better Homes and Gardens recently selected this luxury vacation rental as ideal for families looking for a Quickie Vacation in the North Carolina Mountains. Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds was the winner of Asheville’s Top Vacation Rental by FlipKey in 2011. The cabins offer a quiet retreat with luxury amenities, and are located just 10 minutes from Downtown Asheville. Families are frequent guests of Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds because there are plenty of fun activities on-site for children and adults.

For more information on this luxury resort, or to reserve a cabin in Asheville, visit Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds website and use the online reservations system.  Or call 800-235-2474.

elizabeth

Chimney Rock State Park Completes Renovation on Stairway to the Chimney

No Comments    |   Email to Friend    |   Print    |   RSS 2.0
Apr
19

Exclamation Point is the highest peak in Chimney Rock State Park. Photos courtesy of Chimney Rock State Park.

by Sandy McLeod

Since the State of North Carolina acquired Chimney Rock Park in 2007 from private owners, it has undergone a massive redo and expansion of public land holdings.  Building a new staircase to the Chimney was part of the Capital Improvements projects for the park. In just four short months, construction of an elaborate staircase that winds around the massive rock outcropping has been completed. Once atop the Chimney, visitors are rewarded with a 360-degree view of the valley beneath. Building the staircase was a monumental undertaking. The Chimney is in a remote area that is not easily accessible by truck or even four-wheel drive vehicles, so helicopters had to deliver steel supports, wood and other supplies to the site. Work was completed on schedule with the help of mild weather patterns this past winter.

 

Pictured here are the old and new staircases to the Chimney.

Improvements to the Staircase at the Chimney Make Climb Easier
Visitors cannot use the elevator to the Chimney just yet – they will have to use the new stairs.  Improvements to the elevator, Sky Lounge and Connector Bridge will be completed in May or June 2012.  Visitor rates are reduced until then. Unlike the previous stairs, which were rather steep, steps are 6’ wide, and there is a gentler incline then there was before, making for an easier ascent.  The stairway is designed so visitors can pause every 12 vertical feet, on a wide landing, and catch a glimpse of the mountains or valley beneath.

The new staircase to the Chimney cost $1.3 million and the materials needed to be delivered by helicopter.

Panoramic View From the Chimney
Once guests have climbed to the Chimney, they can take in a marvelous 360-degree view of Chimney Rock, Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Mountains that grace the skyline.  Visitors will be able to once again visit the Opera Box, a rock outcropping that naturally ‘boxes’ individuals in and provides a bird’s eye view of the top of the Chimney and the river valley beneath. Hikers may also access Devil’s Head and Skyline Trail to Exclamation Point – the highest peak in Chimney Rock State Park.

Capital Improvements Include Land Acquisition
The cost of rebuilding the staircase to the Chimney is almost $1 million and the renovation of the elevator, Sky Lounge and Connector Bridge is estimated to cost $1.3 million.   The North Carolina Council of State approved the Capital Improvement project and secured resources through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.  In December 2011, the area adjacent to Chimney Rock State Park, Rumbling Bald Mountain, was acquired by the State of North Carolina. This 1,222-acre parcel of land expands Chimney Rock’s recreational areas by twenty percent.  Rumbling Bald Mountain has numerous outcroppings and features high and low elevation points.

Devil's Head is a rock balanced on an outcropping at Chimney Rock State Park.

Land First Purchased in 1902 by Morse Family
Chimney Rock State Park is a well-loved recreational area for visitors and locals.  It is a scenic 45-minute ride from Asheville, so many make a pleasant day trip out of it.  The Morse family first purchased the land in 1902. In 1916 the bridge across the river was completed and the family added ladders and stairs so guests could easily access the view from the Chimney.  The elevator dates to 1949.

With the new renovations wheelchair access will be made easier, and the number of people who visit will most likely increase. Eventually, there will be a larger area for recreational use with the addition of Rumbling Bald Mountain.   Now is the perfect time to plan a day trip to Chimney Rock State Park to see the rugged, rocky landscape and the incredible views from the top of the Chimney.

Reserve a cabin in Asheville, nearby Chimney Rock State Park.

elizabeth

Willow Winds Adds New Waterfall

No Comments    |   Email to Friend    |   Print    |   RSS 2.0
Apr
17

by Sandy McLeod

asheville nc cabin rentals

Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds just added a new waterfall to the property.

We are proud to announce the completion of our latest water feature. We have just completed the construction of a new waterfall, which is the  latest of our many water features.  This brings our total number of the water features to 17 fountains, two waterfalls, one trout pond, and one mountain stream.

Problem Areas Into Beautiful Focal Points
One of the major joys of gardening and landscaping is the ability to turn the least attractive areas of your property into a major beauty spot. Over the years we have gradually turned these areas in our 30 acre woodland garden into a beautiful attraction. We have added gardens and water features to every area of the property.

A Gardener’s Work is Never Done
Every year we add hundreds of new trees and shrubs and thousands of additional bulbs. Our goal is to make the property more beautiful, each year for our many repeat guests. However this is one of the few times when we have added a major new water feature.

The new waterfall adds a nice ambience to the woodland gardens where Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds is nestled.

Share Our Passion
My husband and I are avid gardeners, so improving our property is not work to us. It is a passion. We hope our guests will share our passion during future visits to Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds.   Willow Winds has never been more beautiful than this Spring.  The unusually mild Winter and Spring have made our foliage and flowers more beautiful than ever.

elizabeth

Mountain Biking in Bent Creek in Asheville, NC

No Comments    |   Email to Friend    |   Print    |   RSS 2.0
Apr
14

by Sandy McLeod

 

Many come through the Asheville area in search of ever increasing thrills and challenges for mountain bike riding.  In the mountains of Western North Carolina, biking is a sport that requires endurance for uphill grades and agility and caution for downhill rides.  Mountain bikers often travel in small groups for safety.  The mountain bike trails just south of Asheville are numerous and offer unique views and trail features not found elsewhere.

Fortunately, some of the best mountain biking trails available in this area are just 10 miles southwest of Asheville in the Bent Creek Research and Demonstration Area. As the name suggests, Bent Creek is a watershed area under scientific study. For the biker, this type of terrain is rough, varied and sometimes full of surprises.

 

Steep slopes are certainly a dominant feature in Bent Creek that appeal to the adventurous mountain biker.  Lake Powhatan Recreation Area is an excellent place to park, with bathrooms and hot showers for campers. Biking enthusiasts are also welcome to park at the nearby North Carolina Arboretum parking lot and bike over to the trailheads.

Just pack some food, plenty of water, and check the bicycle and gear. Then head out to one of North Carolina’s wilderness areas.   Bent Creek is a popular area for bikers and kayakers, because there’s also a River Park nearby, with small boat launches.  The area can get crowded, especially on weekends, because it is in Asheville.

 

In years past, Bent Creek had very little signage to direct the mountain biker, so many were riding in areas where bikes are not permitted. Now Bent Creek has specific signage at trailheads. Trails where bikes are allowed are noted in red, blue and yellow on the Pisgah National Forest Bent Creek Trail Map.  Obtain a map of Bent Creek online or from Pisgah National Forest to determine the best route to trails where bicycles are allowed.

 

Mountain Bikers need to stay on designated trails at all times for their own safety and the safety of others. A $75 ticket could be issued for disregarding these trail rules.

Recommended Short and Challenging Bike Trails in Bent Creek

Access these trail heads from the Powhatan Recreation Area Parking Lot.

Homestead Loop:  This trail is an easy grade and just one mile long.  It connects to Pine Tree Loop.

Pine Tree Loop:  This trail is 2 miles round trip and is also easy with very little increase in elevation.

Explorer Loop: For the mountain biker who wants more of a challenge, Explorer Loop is a three-mile round trip commitment with a medium grade.  It’s basically an extension of Pine Tree Loop.

 

The biker in search of a real challenge will want to take bike paths off Rice Pinnacle Road and Ledford Branch. These connecting gravel roads offer access to higher bike climbs with some excellent views of the whole Bent Creek Watershed.

 

Whether you’re biking for the day, or in the Bent Creek area an entire week or more, making the trip to Asheville to sample some of the mountain trails is sure to be worth it.

 

Reserve a cabin in Asheville with a hot tub.

 

 

elizabeth

Festival of Flowers at Biltmore Estate and Gardens

No Comments    |   Email to Friend    |   Print    |   RSS 2.0
Apr
6

Sandy McLeod and friend visit the Biltmore Estate to enjoy the flowers

Each year, Biltmore Estate comes alive in the spring with a floral display that is unlike any other in the Asheville area.  Not even the North Carolina Arboretum nor the Botanical Gardens are able to compare with this phenomenal display of blooms and colors.  The NC Arboretum and UNCA’s Botanical Gardens have their charms, and are well worth a visit, too.  Yet, the sheer volume of flowers in bloom at Biltmore Estate trumps them all.

 

The Annual Festival of Flowers at Biltmore Estate

This year, Biltmore’s Annual Festival of Flowers is from April 7-May 20, 2012.  The 8,000 acres that comprise Biltmore Estate are some of the most meticulously maintained forests, fields and formal gardens in the United States. The well-known landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted originally designed the grounds of Biltmore Estate.  His influences are still felt in the overall structure of the gardens and forested areas.

Before or after touring Biltmore House, visitors may take a leisurely stroll though the Italian and Walled Gardens and Shrub and Azalea Gardens. Here guests will find spring in its full glory throughout the month of April and for most of May.

 

Thousands of Tulips on Display

How many tulips can one formal garden contain? The estimated number of tulips planted on Biltmore Estate is 100,000! Sink your eyes into rows and rows of red, yellow, pink, purple and multicolored tulips in Biltmore Estate’s Walled Gardens, and across the grounds.  As visitors walk through the orderly Walled Gardens, they will experience a marvelous sea of tulips, planted in rows of related or contrasting colors designed to capture the eye’s attention by offering a rich, visual display of gorgeous blooms.

 

During the festival of flowers, tulips may take center stage but visitors to Biltmore Estate will also see other blossoms, too.  Visitors will see blooming azaleas, dogwood trees, and an assortment of wildflowers, shrubs, ground cover and other species of flowering trees, bushes and plants displaying their colorful blossoms.

 

Meet the Horticulture Experts

A staff of horticultural specialists is continually improving upon the natural displays at Biltmore Estate that make an extraordinary scene for the visitor.   On weekends during the Festival of Flowers guests will actually have the opportunity to meet the horticulturists that tend the Estate grounds. To add to the ambience flowers create, there will also be live music daily in the Biltmore House.

 

Seminars for Gardeners

Serious gardeners, flower enthusiasts and budding horticulturalists can also take complimentary seminars at the Gardener’s Place in the Conservatory.  Topics include: “Culinary Herbs and Edible Flowers”, “A Pot for Every Plant” and “Celebrate Spring with Wreaths”. Most seminars last for an hour. Check the Biltmore Estate web page for exact times.

 

The artist who created the Festival of Flowers wine label is also going to be available to meet the public Wednesdays through Sundays, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Visitors may observe her while painting and ask her to sign the bottle that commemorates this year’s Festival of Flowers.

 

If you are planning a visit to Asheville with family or friends, make sure to include a visit to Biltmore Estate on the itinerary.  The Festival of Flowers is as grand as the largest house in America and should not be missed.

 

To reserve a cabin rental near Biltmore Estate, view Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds and search availability for specific dates.

 

 

elizabeth

Early Spring means the most beautiful gardens  ever for  the Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds

No Comments    |   Email to Friend    |   Print    |   RSS 2.0
Apr
2

Spring has arrived a month early this year in the Woodland Gardens of Willow Winds.. This means that Easter is greeted with more beautiful color than ever before. As the last of our millions of daffodils display their colors, our hundreds of azaleas  are bursting into full bloom. They are accompanied by gorgeous colors of of our dogwood trees, which arrived in full bloom  just in time for Easter.

The combination of a spring that is a month earlier than usual and frequent spring showers have produced an unusual riot of color prior to Easter. Our willow trees and Bradford Pear  trees have full foliage, and other  hardwood trees have already began putting on their full canopy of green leaves. They join the thousands of evergreen trees and bushes which remain green all during the winter months. Our grassy areas are an emerald green.

The weather is perfect, with the daytime highs in the 70s and nighttime lows in the 50s. It is ideal for outside activities, including fishing in our freshly stocked trout pond. Other activities  for young and old are the numerous games on our game porch as well as horse shoes, water balloons, outside chess, and bocce ball. For those who like to hike, the Mountains to the Sea Trail is only yards away and the temperature is perfect for a brisk hike.

Come and enjoy Spring with us. You will  feel more alive as you see nature come alive. Look at our cabin rentals online and  book a weekend getaway or family vacation here.

elizabeth

Key Places Where “The Hunger Games” Filming Occurred Near Asheville, NC

No Comments    |   Email to Friend    |   Print    |   RSS 2.0
Mar
30

In the summer of 2011, there were rumors around Asheville that a Hollywood film crew was on location near Boundary Road in Pisgah National Forest, close to the town of Barnardsville. National headlines confirmed that a film was being shot in the Asheville area. Though some may have wandered out to this remote forested area to watch the film team and stars at work, many locals were unaware of the actual name of the film until recently.

 

This year, the launch of “The Hunger Games” has been accompanied by a ton of publicity about the new movie. CNN, Entertainment Weekly and other national news sources have confirmed several filming locations that were utilized in Western North Carolina. Similar to the “Twighlight” films, the movie is already a hit among teenagers and younger children, as well as adults. This post-apocalyptic drama is set in an imagined futuristic North America, which is divided into many different districts, rather than countries and states. The plot hinges around young people who are given as ‘tribute’ to compete for survival in District 12 — the Appalachian Mountains.

 

“The Hunger Games” was shot in wilderness areas near Asheville and Shelby, North Carolina. Some arena scenes were filmed in Charlotte.  The scenic places where shooting occurred are some of the most pristine natural areas surrounding Asheville. The film stars were housed at the Hotel Indigo in Downtown Asheville and were spotted at some of the city’s best-known eateries, bars and cafes. I will outline a few places in Western North Carolina where film aficionados can trace the steps of the actors, actresses and crew of “The Hunger Games.” For those that want to visit these wilderness areas, bring plenty of water, make sure to wear a pair of hiking boots, and carry some rain gear along in case the weather changes while out ‘on the trail.’

 

Dupont State Recreational Forest

The fireball and arena sequences were filmed in Dupont State Recreational Forest, less than one hour south of Asheville.  With stunning waterfalls and pools, and a canopy of hardwood trees covering the trails, Dupont Forest is one of the most accessible wilderness areas near Asheville. Take a friend or loved one along and hike out to Triple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. The hike is actually an easy grade with only small gains in elevation.

 

Craggy Mountain

In the shadow of Craggy Mountain is the North Fork Reservoir, a huge lake that serves as a public water supply for Buncombe County.  The film crew for “The Hunger Games” shot scenes near the reservoir – however this area is closed to hikers and public access.  Onlookers can catch a glimpse of the reservoir from the Craggy Pinnacle Trail accessible via a parking lot at 364.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The climb takes about 20-30 minutes and may be considered strenuous for some, since gains in elevation are continuous.  Hikers are rewarded with a 360-degree view of the surrounding area, and a glimpse of the North Fork Reservoir from high atop the mountain.

 

Coleman Boundary in Pisgah National Forest

This filming site is located near the Appalachian town of Barnardsville, about a 40 minute drive Northeast of Asheville. Heading into the sleepy mountain town of Barnardsville, film fans will first pass the Navitat Canopy Tour on the left, a zip line adventure that sends participants flying through the tops of trees. It was an off day for shooting when one of the film’s stars, Josh Hutcherson (Peeta) took the zip line tour with his former girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens. Not far down the road, portions of “The Hunger Games” were filmed at Coleman Boundary in Pisgah National Forest.  This remote area is lush and green in the summer months, with trickling streams and towering trees. Be respectful of private residences built along the Pisgah National Forest Boundary, and do not trespass onto land that is posted.  Find the trail that ascends to Craggy Mountain from the west.  It can get steep in portions. Bring some good hiking boots and some protein filled snacks along and make a day trip out of it.

 

For those who prefer the convenience of being in Asheville, rather than the wilderness areas, there are still some great places to follow in the footsteps of the cast. According to CNN.com, “Actors reportedly dined at the Laughing Seed Café, Lexington Avenue Brewery, Wasabi and the Southern Kitchen and Bar. They also stopped by Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, the local independent bookseller.”  Use these key points of interest for the cast as a template for a tour of Asheville. Or improvise along the way, shopping in some of the eclectic storefronts, visiting area galleries, or just people watching at the Grove Arcade, while sipping a drink.

elizabeth

Quirky Snack Stops for Weekend Getaways in Asheville

1 Comment    |   Email to Friend    |   Print    |   RSS 2.0
Mar
22

by Sandy McLeod

Many people visit Asheville because of its uniqueness. The downtown area is mainly composed of small, independent stores, restaurants, bars and galleries that cater to the individual looking for something different. Maybe you’re into handmade clothing, or carefully crafted objects such as wood furniture, glass blown art or handcrafted jewelry. Perhaps you want to find an organic treat for your dog. Or, you want a pair of woven hemp sandals for the summer months. Maybe you want to sift through old vinyl records and used CDs and find a title you’ve been looking for but cannot seem to find anywhere else. It doesn’t matter what intrigues you – or grabs your attention.  An afternoon or evening in Downtown Asheville will surprise and delight most any visitor.

While you’re shopping around the downtown area, you and your loved ones may be hungry for a little snack and in need of a pause.  So, I’ve compiled a very short list of some quirky and endearing places to take a break, kick back, and enjoy a light afternoon or evening snack and people-watch.

The Gourmet Chip Company
Fans of potato chips have most likely never visited a place like this.  Choose from 12 different styles of gourmet chips, made from the finest potatoes and cooked kettle style. The chips are served in a wire spiral shaped holder with a crisp, fresh bag. Some style of chips include the familiar salt & vinegar, or, for those who may have an experimental streak, the Parisian, made with white truffle spritz and rosemary/thyme-crusted goat cheese with a dash of sea salt.  Some may prefer a spicier option. Sample the Southern BBQ chips, with 13 different spices and a choice between sweet, smoky and slightly spicy.   The Gourmet Chip Company is located at 43 ½ Broadway and is open from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Order your chips then take a seat near the window and watch the local color and others strolling by.

The Chocolate Fetish and The Chocolate Lounge
Yes, there really are two places in Downtown Asheville where the chocolate fiend can be satisfied beyond your wildest dreams.  The Chocolate Fetish, aptly named, is a place where one can indulge in some of the finest homemade chocolate truffles and bars – guilt free. Remember, you’re on vacation.  The Ecstasy Truffles™ are premium American and European style chocolates with a wide choice of fillings that are sure to stimulate your emotional state and inspire your continued worship of chocolate. Pick up some truffles to go or buy a creatively fashioned chocolate ‘present’ to bring home as a gift. A staff person will provide a nicely wrapped box. The Chocolate Fetish is located at 36 Haywood Street, right across the street from Malaprop’s Bookstore.  Hours are: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday through Saturday; and Noon – 5 p.m. on Sunday.

If the Chocolate Fetish is closed when you visit downtown – no worries. Chance are, the Chocolate Lounge will be open for business and can accommodate all of your chocolate cravings, and then some.  The Chocolate Lounge also serves wine and beer, for those who love to mix wine and chocolate, or for the person who simply wants a tasty locally brewed pint.  Here the visitor will find an assortment of truffles and caramels, brownies, chocolate bars and special holiday and seasonal chocolates. The Chocolate Lounge is located at 10 S. Lexington Avenue and is open from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. – 12 Midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. If you stop in during the evening you may even catch some local musicians playing for the crowd.

The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
Creameries are abundant in the Asheville area – a town that thrives on the products of independent farmers. This means fresh cream is available for the most delicious, mouth-watering ice cream ever.  The Hop Ice Cream Café has been a local favorite since opening in 1978.  Homemade ice cream is fresh from the creamery and available in a variety of flavors. The Hop even offers vegan/gluten free ice cream options, as well as sugar free choices and ice cream made from local goat milk. The owners believe those on a special diet should never be denied ice cream.  There are two locations:  640 Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville (closest to Downtown Asheville), hours are 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday.  The 721 Haywood Road location in West Asheville is open from 1 p.m. – 11 p.m. Monday through Sunday

Asheville gives new meaning to the phrase, “off the beaten path.”  Many of the proprietors in this small city are here because they have a passion for something, and want to share this with locals and visitors.  If you are visiting this quirky little Appalachian Mountain town, be sure to save a day to visit Downtown Asheville and spend some time snacking, Asheville-style.

Book a cabin in Asheville online. Or, view our website for more weekend getaway ideas.