The Biltmore Estate is a historic house museum that was built by the Vanderbilt family in the 1890's. Once a privately owned house is now open to the public for tours of the the property and landscape(includes a winery), historic architecture, and a walk through tour of the mansion.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the French Broad river, which runs through Asheville. You can kayak, tube, paddle board and more! Here is a website of one of the few options for rentals and tours. Feel free to do your research because there are many more!

Oh where to start with this... Asheville is well known as the Beer Capitol of NC if not the southeast. Even if you prefer wine or liquor the breweries are worth checking out for their cool atmosphere and fun tours.

Breweries include:

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company (100 Sierra Nevada way, Fletcher NC)

A little bit out of town this brewery definitely is worth the hike if you can get there. On its own gigantic plot of land, this gorgeous brewery is probably the biggest in Asheville. Go visit, take the tour, eat at the restaurant, or hang out in their enormous venue space out back where there is often music and lawn games.

New Belgium Brewing Company (21 Craven St, Asheville NC)

Directly on the French Broad river, this beautiful space is a great place to try some new bear and enjoy the beautiful scenery. We have never been on the tour but hear its a good one. The varied beer flavors of New Belgium is definitely their strong point, so try a flight! There is usually a food truck around to grab a bite to eat.

Wicked Week Brewing Company (91 Biltmore Ave, Asheville NC)

With a restaurant upstairs and the bar downstairs this is definitely always a crowded place, but for good reason! They have some of the best food and hoppiest beer in town.

Wicked Weed Funkatorium (147 Coxe Ave, Asheville NC)

This a a sours only place made by Wicked Weed. Known for their exotic and strong flavors it is a pretty special place. Even if you are not a big sours person it is worth going because their variety is almost a guarantee you will find something you like.

Burial Beer Company (40 Collier Ave, Asheville NC)

One of the more interesting decorated brewery in town. They are defniitely known for their strong flavors and strong beers so watch out! Very fun environment too and a short walk from a lot of restuarants.

Other highly recommended breweries: Bhramai, Thirsty Monk, The Wedge, Greenman, High wire, and Asheville Brewing Company.

Just a 20 min drive from Asheville, in the beautiful Pisgah National Forest. Acres full of trails and gardens await you.

Asheville is literally surrounded by beautiful hikes! With Pisgah National Forest to your east (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48114), the Great Smokies to your west (https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm), and the Nantahala to your south (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48634) you cannot go wrong! Most big hikes are a good 30-60 min drive, but don't let that stop you, these view are gorgeous. Check out the url above for good hiking ideas rated by difficulty.

Of Note #1: Mount Mitchell is the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains and the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Located just outside Asheville, the peak can be reached by car or a 6 mile hike starting at the Black Mountain Campground.

Of Note #2: John Edelhauser would like to point out to the guest that there have been numerous Sasquash sightings in the surrounding area of Asheville. Please keep an eye out if you decide to take a hike/go Squashing (a John term for Sasquash seeking related hiking events).

From the Shanondoah to the Great Smokies, voted 'America's Best Drive', you cannot leave Asheville without seeing at least part of this amazing highway. With hikes accessible right from the road as well as many scenic overlooks, Mia and I would highly suggest driving on it if you can.

As we visited Asheville over the years, we have collected a list of places we have enjoyed eating at to include:

-White Duck Taco

- Biscuit Head

- Chai Pani

-The Gourmet Chip Company

-Try you some Carolina BBQ: There are a plethora of good barbecue, its North Carolina after all! If you aren't into the vinegar based sauce there is still plenty of good finger licking food that you should check out. One of our favorites is Buxton Hall barbecue but don't let that stop you from discovering some more good food.

- In the mood for fast food? Try Bojangles or Cook Out if you are on the road and in need of some fried chicken (Bojangles) or a milkshake (Cook Out).