[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”3513″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]
Off the Beaten Path in Asheville
Whether you are new to Asheville or have been a longtime fan, there are some amazing popular attractions that we often recommend to our out-of-town guests who come into the sanctuary. We are no stranger to strolling in the gardens at Biltmore Estate, having drinks on the Sunset Terrace at the Grove Park Inn, dinner at Salsa’s, or getting some reading done at the Battery Park Book Exchange.
But there are so many hidden gems tucked away in this mountain town located just outside the heart of downtown to the far outskirts that are really amazing and worth taking a break from the crowds to explore. In this blog, we take you off the grid, off the beaten path and we ask our staff to take us right to some of their favorite less-explored spots that they adore.
Lisa, Director of Team Experience, picks Summit Coffee
“My current favorite spot would have to be Summit Coffee Co. located in the River Arts District. The location of the coffee shop is right next to 12 Bones barbecue and is JUST the right combination of grit and art! The exterior of everything in that immediate area is covered in amazing graffiti art! I could just sit there all day and soak it all in. LOVE it! Oh yeah, and the coffee ain’t bad either!
Taylor, our Guest Experience Training Lead, picks Hole
“I really enjoy going to Hole in West Asheville. It has a warm interior with a great atmosphere and an open kitchen where you can watch folks make your donuts from scratch! “
Carmen, our Guest Relations Manager, picks Linville Gorge
She takes us way off the beaten path to Linville Gorge for a gorgeous hike and then likes to end her day at King Daddy’s for a delicious meal with great gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian options.
Kelie, our Team Experience Lead, picks The Star Diner
This cute little gem looks very unassuming but when you enter the front door you are in for a magical treat. She says: “The owners are beautiful people.. humble heartthrobs! The food is exceptional.. made with lots of love. The atmosphere is absolutely divine.. intimate.. old French music playing in the background..white tablecloths..the staff is so friendly..so attentive! I give it 10 stars!”
Kelly, our Sanctuary Manager, picks Hot Springs
Her favorite place to stay is Cabin 10. Nestled among the trees on the banks of the French Broad River, it is the perfect romantic getaway. It’s a tiny one-bedroom cabin and it has its own hot tub. It is tucked away in a secluded area and it has private river access. There is a little stove with a fridge to cook your meals.
Jen, our Team Experience Lead, picks Ginger’s Revenge
Here is what she says about this tap room located on the corner of Broadway and Riverside Drive. “This is a really cool setting to have a wide variety of ginger beers. Set in a converted warehouse there is a small bar and picnic tables to sit at while you enjoy your beer. And a bonus is there’s this food truck called Booty’s Charcuterie that serves the most amazing variety of cheese boards, build your own charcuterie plates and delicious meat dishes.”
So, if you are in the mood to take a break from the still-wonderful usuals and experience a different side of Asheville, we hope you take a moment and visit one of these places recommended by our beloved staff. If you have some off the beaten path recommendations we would love to hear from you too![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]