Downtown, West, South Slope. There are so many incredible restaurants, businesses, must-see and must do things in Asheville. Yet, what is beyond the city limits? You guessed it, more amazing and awesome restaurants, businesses, must see and must do things!
ARDEN
In Arden, crazy close to Asheville, you’ll find the perfect place to start your day. We’ve told you about Bee Hive Coffee Bar before and we will tell you again, it is a wonderful locally loved coffee shop where you can chill on the vintage decor, snack on outstanding made in house baked goods and sip on cold brew before walking just next door to the crafty hangout, AR Workshop.
If you already explored these amazing businesses or want to make a full day of it, be sure to grab lunch at Milk & Honey Organic Cafe. They have a menu full of local, organic, artisanal delights made with love. A hop skip and a jump away, you will find Lake Julian where you can fish, swing on the playground, rent a kayak, play volleyball and so much more! Why not take advantage of this incredible weather before winter arrives?
If you haven’t yet visited Ivory Road Cafe, you are missing it. This local independent restaurant, bakery and tea room sets itself apart from many other eateries with its tranquil atmosphere. You are likely to only see locals when you dine here. Can’t find the perfect seat in the main dining room, maze your way to one of the other rooms or even better, the patio to take in all that this space has to offer.
FLETCHER
Just beyond Arden, you’ll find Fletcher. Grab a coffee at the eclectic coffee bar, The Coffee Garage right before you walk next stoor to The Garage on 25, an artisan community made up of over 80 vendors who design, build, collect, repurpose, recycle and create! They even have art classes available for the creative among us!
If you haven’t yet visited Bill Moore Community Park, you are going to want to make your way over there! Here you’ll find incredible walking trails, baseball fields, a disc golf course, gardens, a dog park, a fitness circuit and more! The best part, the area is so large and beautiful, you won’t feel as crowded as you may in the city parks.
When you get hungry, grab your cash and drive just a little further down Hendersonville Road and find the Taqueria Mexico food truck. You’ll have the opportunity to brush up on your Spanish at this amazing authentic taco truck! These credible meat-filled tacos will have you shouting from the mountain tops “Muchos gracias, delicioso!”
After you enjoyed your incredible lunch, be sure to skip the lines and the city bustle by grabbing a refreshing, cooling dessert at Sunshine Sammies Food Truck. Going on year six, Sammies has been stuffing Asheville locals and visitors with massive, uniquely flavored ice cream sammies made with homemade cookies. Follow your inner-child to the new South location all dolled up in the most vibrant ice cream truck ever.
HENDERSONVILLE
Now for the daring among you, drive just a little bit further to Hendersonville and you’ll continue to discover great spots!
Open for lunch and dinner, at Postero you can find traditional American dishes with a dash of modern influence. Pushing the food limits South of the Asheville border, this insanely delicious Hendersonville eatery is everything you are looking for and more. Their dish lineup is over the top but they pull it off without a hitch. The menu has everything from lite bites, small plates, big plates, to much-needed provisions, and the wine list cannot be overlooked. Postero is one of Hendersonville’s most pleasant, charming dining experiences.
Before, or even after your amazing dining experience, reach for the stars and the wine at Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, the first vineyard to be established in Henderson County. A family-owned winery, harvesting grapes for more than nine generations, Saint Paul Winery’s tasting room provides indoor and outdoor seating areas that are both enjoyable and relaxing. Sip locally produced wine while admiring the stellar mountain views and rows of vineyards growing fourteen different varietals. High on life and high in elevation where the growing season produces delicious winemaking in Hendersonville.
Hendersonville has also got you covered when you have little ones to entertain. Grab the kiddos and head out for an action-packed day of digging for hidden gems. Make it a family playdate at Elijah Mountain Gem Mine where adults and children alike will enjoy a treasure hunt of a lifetime! A low-cost, super fun day date at Elijah Mountain is excited for the kids because it alleviates the boredom factor and allows them to fill up their ‘happy’ buckets monetizing on entertainment.
Photo at Elijah Mountain Hidden Gems is by Angela Reed.
On a rainy or way too hot day, head to Hands On! Children’s Museum where children and their families can explore interactive exhibits and STEM learning experiences that captivate the imagination and ignite wonder. If you are a local resident with a library card, use Zoom Pass to visit this museum for free! This is one your kids are going to ask to return to for sure! Check out their calendar of events to have an even more exciting visit.
If we missed any of your Arden, Fletcher or Hendersonville favorites, let us know so we too can explore these amazing spots just south of our favorite city!
Feature photo credit: Tana Black
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