Did you know Asheville was the first place Danielle and Jared ever visited as a couple? Now you do! Since that fateful trip in December 2018, we have been back numerous times together.

Danielle especially holds Asheville near to her heart since she spent an entire summer living there in college while working for NASA (saying that really never gets old).

What follows is just a sampling of our recommendations, but we undoubtedly missed some things. We suggest cross referencing these ideas with those found on the exploreasheville.com website.

-Early Girl Eatery: Located in the heart of downtown, EG is an absolute favorite.

-Biscuit Head: BH has a few locations around town. Come here if you want massive biscuits, exciting breakfast sandwiches, and every flavor of jam your heart desires.

-Sunny Point Cafe: Located in West Asheville, this is a very popular brunch spot. Although we've never actually been here, Danielle used to live just around the corner and there was always a line out the door. Clearly they are doing something right!

-Green Sage Cafe: For our veggie loving friends, GS has lots of delicious and quick brunch options (and two locations!) -- smoothies, juices, bowls, plates, etc. etc.

-Taco Billy: Breakfast tacos. Enough said.

-Vortex Donuts: The name speaks for itself. Delicious. And who doesn't love the thrill of a rotating weekly menu?

-Plant: "This place is going to make me a vegan" -- Jared's mom (not a vegan). Plant is one of the highest rated vegan restaurants in the country! It is so so so good. Veggie friends, go here. Non-veggie friends, also go here. You will be very glad you did. Be sure to make a reservation.

-White Duck Taco Shop: With a few different locations around town, WD is an Asheville staple. An excellent choice for lunch both downtown or riverside.

-Laughing Seed Cafe: Veggie friends!!! Check this one out.

-Cúrate: Tapas tapas tapas!

-Nine Mile: Caribbean inspired deliciousness.

-Salsa's: Mexi-Caribbean goodness.

-Mountain Madre: Get the nachos. Trust us.

-Red Ginger: Dimsum. Yes.

-Mellow Mushroom Pizza: Look, if you're from the Southeast, you get it. Is Mellow Mushroom Asheville specific? No. Is it fancy? No. Do we talk about how much we miss it on a weekly basis? You bet.

-French Broad Chocolate Shop: PLEASE GO HERE!!! A trip to Asheville is not complete without a stop at FB. Get a sipping chocolate and a slice of cake. You won't regret it.

-The Hop Ice Cream: An Asheville delight. Stop by The Hop for unique ice cream flavors (and many vegan options too!).

-Sierra Nevada: If the stars had aligned we would have held our welcome gathering here, alas, you will have to check it out on your own. SN is the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory equivalent of breweries. Grab a beer, grab a tour, grab a snack, or just grab a seat and enjoy the massive garden out back.

-New Belgium: If you're looking for a great view with your beer look no further. NB has a deck that overlooks the French Broad River and fantastic beer.

The two breweries above are our favorites, but a quick search will show you Asheville boasts more than fifty! You really can't go wrong.

-Capella on 9 (rooftop of AC hotel downtown): If you want drinks (or a meal) with an awesome view check this place out. Lounge alongside fire pits at the large rooftop bar and enjoy the 360 mountain views!

-Omni Grove Park Inn (where we are hosting welcome drinks): If you can't make it to our welcome event (or if you can, but want to go again!) you should definitely check out the view from the back patio at the Grove Park. Get a drink (or don't!) and enjoy the stunning mountain views. We suggest you visit at sunset.

-Hikes!: There are truly too many hikes to list them all, so we suggest you turn to Alltrails to see what appeals to you. Whether you want waterfalls, stunning views, or just a walk in the woods, we promise you can find it.

-Biltmore: If you're a history buff (or just love a big ol' house) you should give the Biltmore a whirl. While a day pass can be a pit pricey, it includes access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds AND a free wine tasting. Chihuly (the famous glass artist) is being featured at the Biltmore this fall. If the exhibit is anything like it was in 2018 when Danielle visited, it's well worth checking out.

-Blue Ridge Parkway: If this part of the country is new to you and you have a car at your disposal, take a drive on the BRP. The views are incredible all around.