Our Recommendations
Food, Food, Food
All American, well prepared and at reasonable prices. We ate here years ago when it was a Shoney's. It's in east Asheville and not far from the Brown House.
22 Einheimische empfehlen
Cornerstone
102 Tunnel RdAll American, well prepared and at reasonable prices. We ate here years ago when it was a Shoney's. It's in east Asheville and not far from the Brown House.
Good stuff and amazing desserts from the next door Filo. Pizza night. Sports TVs. It's right across from the Veteran's Hospital not far from the Brown House in east Asheville
38 Einheimische empfehlen
East Village Grille
1177 Tunnel RdGood stuff and amazing desserts from the next door Filo. Pizza night. Sports TVs. It's right across from the Veteran's Hospital not far from the Brown House in east Asheville
AKA Brew and Vue. Current running movies and classics for only a few bucks while enjoying astonishing pizza and beer. Can't beat that! This place puts the hole in hole in the wall. Get your tickets early. We used to take the kids a lot.
243 Einheimische empfehlen
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co
675 Merrimon AveAKA Brew and Vue. Current running movies and classics for only a few bucks while enjoying astonishing pizza and beer. Can't beat that! This place puts the hole in hole in the wall. Get your tickets early. We used to take the kids a lot.
Nice for a quick meal. And the desserts! On Tunnel Road not far from the Brown House.
87 Einheimische empfehlen
Filo Pastries & Post 70 Indulgence Bar
1155 Tunnel RdNice for a quick meal. And the desserts! On Tunnel Road not far from the Brown House.
Oh, yeah. We bought trays of food here for a daughter's wedding dinner. In Swannanoa on Tunnel Road, which is HWY 70 at that point.
37 Einheimische empfehlen
Okie Dokies Smokehouse
2375 US-70Oh, yeah. We bought trays of food here for a daughter's wedding dinner. In Swannanoa on Tunnel Road, which is HWY 70 at that point.
If you plan to cook, or just need snacks, Ingles has a complete section of just about everything. It's about 4.5 miles from the Brown House on Tunnel Road.
Here's a guide to the local names for Ingles stores:
Oteen Ingles = Otingles
The Tunnel Ingles = Tingles
Swananaoa=Swingles
Black Mountain = Blingles
As we seldom shop at other local Ingles Stores, I have not thought of other nick-names, but how about Weaverville = Wingles. Waynesville =Wangles. Burnsville = Bringles. And so on.
251 Einheimische empfehlen
Ingles Market
29 Tunnel RdIf you plan to cook, or just need snacks, Ingles has a complete section of just about everything. It's about 4.5 miles from the Brown House on Tunnel Road.
Here's a guide to the local names for Ingles stores:
Oteen Ingles = Otingles
The Tunnel Ingles = Tingles
Swananaoa=Swingles
Black Mountain = Blingles
As we seldom shop at other local Ingles Stores, I have not thought of other nick-names, but how about Weaverville = Wingles. Waynesville =Wangles. Burnsville = Bringles. And so on.
Ingles for a full selection of groceries, but Aldi's number of offerings in quality economical food supplies is surprising. They have many of their own brands. We shop there is as much as possible and save lots of money. It's in east Asheville not far from the Brown House.
30 Einheimische empfehlen
ALDI
480 Swannanoa River RdIngles for a full selection of groceries, but Aldi's number of offerings in quality economical food supplies is surprising. They have many of their own brands. We shop there is as much as possible and save lots of money. It's in east Asheville not far from the Brown House.
While we have yet to actually dine here, we know the owners well and have enjoyed Anne's and Joseph's amazing cooking on several occasions. Their main business is catering weddings and other events (they did one for us years ago), and their "eatery" contains the same delectable quality of sustenance. A & J's helpers are often students from a nearby college. Check out their online menu and give them a visit.
(I may add that much of the artwork in the place is by local creators and is for sale.)
They are located in Swannanoa, a couple miles east of Asheville, across from the Swannanoa Ingles.
17 Einheimische empfehlen
Moments Coffee Bar & Eatery
2304 US-70While we have yet to actually dine here, we know the owners well and have enjoyed Anne's and Joseph's amazing cooking on several occasions. Their main business is catering weddings and other events (they did one for us years ago), and their "eatery" contains the same delectable quality of sustenance. A & J's helpers are often students from a nearby college. Check out their online menu and give them a visit.
(I may add that much of the artwork in the place is by local creators and is for sale.)
They are located in Swannanoa, a couple miles east of Asheville, across from the Swannanoa Ingles.
Small, cozy. Black Mountain is much more comfortable to visit for dinner than downtown Asheville. They split the firewood behind the restaurant.
90 Einheimische empfehlen
Fresh Wood Fired Pizza and Pasta
100 S Ridgeway AveSmall, cozy. Black Mountain is much more comfortable to visit for dinner than downtown Asheville. They split the firewood behind the restaurant.
This place for organic anything, though they have it also at Ingles and Aldi's. Depends on your aesthetic and price-points, I guess. This WFM is in east Asheville, near Asheville Mall.
Whole Foods Market
This place for organic anything, though they have it also at Ingles and Aldi's. Depends on your aesthetic and price-points, I guess. This WFM is in east Asheville, near Asheville Mall.
Outdoor Clothing & Gear for Hiking, Camping, Climbing, Etc.
You will pay full retail, but you gain in getting your outdoor clothing and gear right away when you need it. And you save on shipping. I often order from REI online, but I like to patronize Black Dome as much as possible.
Black Dome Mountain Sports
140 Tunnel RdYou will pay full retail, but you gain in getting your outdoor clothing and gear right away when you need it. And you save on shipping. I often order from REI online, but I like to patronize Black Dome as much as possible.
It's a bit of a drive from the Brown House by Asheville standards, but they have a huge selection of everything from lightweight cooking gear, stylish jackets, to canoes. I prefer to order online and on sale, but if you need to get something quick or return an item, go here. REI is a buying co-op, so it's best to join for the nominal price. I did, way back in the 1970s when it was just starting up in Seattle and Portland.
13 Einheimische empfehlen
REI
31 Schenck PkwyIt's a bit of a drive from the Brown House by Asheville standards, but they have a huge selection of everything from lightweight cooking gear, stylish jackets, to canoes. I prefer to order online and on sale, but if you need to get something quick or return an item, go here. REI is a buying co-op, so it's best to join for the nominal price. I did, way back in the 1970s when it was just starting up in Seattle and Portland.
Good Quality, Used. Sold on commission. You can save money here if they have what you want. I've bought a few things over the years, but it's best to check their online inventory before you go. Our daughter, who is an outdoor adventure guide and educator, has sold many items through this store.
27 Einheimische empfehlen
Second Gear
99 Riverside DriveGood Quality, Used. Sold on commission. You can save money here if they have what you want. I've bought a few things over the years, but it's best to check their online inventory before you go. Our daughter, who is an outdoor adventure guide and educator, has sold many items through this store.
Edie has been here more than I have. I have never been here. You might wish to check ahead to see if they have what you need in stock. I imagine it's a fun place to drop into if you're visiting Black Mountain. I think they have a good supply of hiking maps.
13 Einheimische empfehlen
Take A Hike Outfitters
100 Sutton AveEdie has been here more than I have. I have never been here. You might wish to check ahead to see if they have what you need in stock. I imagine it's a fun place to drop into if you're visiting Black Mountain. I think they have a good supply of hiking maps.
If you are on a walking-sightseeing tour of downtown Asheville, and might need to pick up something in the way of being comfortable in the weather, here's a place to visit. We shop here from time to time.
72 Einheimische empfehlen
Mast General Store
15 Biltmore AveIf you are on a walking-sightseeing tour of downtown Asheville, and might need to pick up something in the way of being comfortable in the weather, here's a place to visit. We shop here from time to time.
Another place for outdoor clothing and gear. We bought a giant canvas wall tent (8 feet x 12 feet) from them years ago, a tent they made locally. We also bought much of our gear here for an Alaska backcountry trip. You know, like mosquito netting and warm Merino wool foundation garments on sale. I think they have another store in South Asheville and maybe a seconds store there, too. They once did.
11 Einheimische empfehlen
Diamond Brand Outdoors Downtown
53 Biltmore AveAnother place for outdoor clothing and gear. We bought a giant canvas wall tent (8 feet x 12 feet) from them years ago, a tent they made locally. We also bought much of our gear here for an Alaska backcountry trip. You know, like mosquito netting and warm Merino wool foundation garments on sale. I think they have another store in South Asheville and maybe a seconds store there, too. They once did.
Hardware & Cool Tools
I hesitate to use "souvenirs" because that suggests cheap, useless junk, but if you want something fun and useful related to mountain living and enjoyment, this store has it all from maps, books, games, toys, and walking sticks. Also, it carries real, sometimes, hard-to-find hardware items, like the 1/8 inch wire screen I used in beekeeping. At the main intersection in Black Mountain. We know the owners.
29 Einheimische empfehlen
Town Hardware & General Store
103 W State StI hesitate to use "souvenirs" because that suggests cheap, useless junk, but if you want something fun and useful related to mountain living and enjoyment, this store has it all from maps, books, games, toys, and walking sticks. Also, it carries real, sometimes, hard-to-find hardware items, like the 1/8 inch wire screen I used in beekeeping. At the main intersection in Black Mountain. We know the owners.
If you need a hardware item, or just about anything in the way of practical DIY life, this might be better and more personal than Lowe's or Home Depot. It's in Swannanoa, so you don't have to cut across busy Asheville.
Madden's Ace Hardware 4
2319 US-70If you need a hardware item, or just about anything in the way of practical DIY life, this might be better and more personal than Lowe's or Home Depot. It's in Swannanoa, so you don't have to cut across busy Asheville.
Sightseeing
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a unique National Park, a winding two lane road that transverses ranges of the Appalachian Mountains from Smoky Mountain National Park up through Virgina. It is, simply, our favorite place to be here, in every season. I could write a book on it. Oh, I HAVE written such a book: the Monarch Butterfly Migration Guide..
The Monarch Guide, which I have tucked into the Brown House Guest Manual, gives directions to our favorite hikes. What it doesn't tell you about is that the Parkway itself is an amazing hike. In Winter, and even in Early Spring, the Park Service frequently closes the higher sections of the road. At that time, you can drive up as high as they will let you, park near the gate, and then walk or ride a bike on the road as far as you want.Local people know this well. We have gone up so far that there are few or no other people. The weather is sometimes cold and wild, but always beautiful, but you may wish to wait for a sunny, calm day.
I once drove beyond a "closed" gate in our Toyota 4Runner to pick up several of my young adult children who were hiking up over Mt. Mitchell in the dead of Winter with an ice storm coming. The gate was partly closed, but the lock was undone. A Park Service employee stopped me and said I had to go back. I assured him it was an emergency and kept driving. Later a Park Ranger caught up with me. They are police officers you know, and not teddy bears. He told me I had to go back because of the coming storm. I told him, "My children are in potential trouble. They asked me to pick them up. I can leave and call 911 or you can let me wait here at the Visitor's Center for them." He said, "I'm 911" and left me alone. The frigid wind was blowing strongly and the vehicle rocking around. In a half-hour my guys showed up, grateful. One of them was close to being hypothermic.
The PRP could very well fit in the Outdoor Adventure category.
757 Einheimische empfehlen
Blue Ridge Parkway
3884 Blue Ridge ParkwayThe Blue Ridge Parkway is a unique National Park, a winding two lane road that transverses ranges of the Appalachian Mountains from Smoky Mountain National Park up through Virgina. It is, simply, our favorite place to be here, in every season. I could write a book on it. Oh, I HAVE written such a book: the Monarch Butterfly Migration Guide..
The Monarch Guide, which I have tucked into the Brown House Guest Manual, gives directions to our favorite hikes. What it doesn't tell you about is that the Parkway itself is an amazing hike. In Winter, and even in Early Spring, the Park Service frequently closes the higher sections of the road. At that time, you can drive up as high as they will let you, park near the gate, and then walk or ride a bike on the road as far as you want.Local people know this well. We have gone up so far that there are few or no other people. The weather is sometimes cold and wild, but always beautiful, but you may wish to wait for a sunny, calm day.
I once drove beyond a "closed" gate in our Toyota 4Runner to pick up several of my young adult children who were hiking up over Mt. Mitchell in the dead of Winter with an ice storm coming. The gate was partly closed, but the lock was undone. A Park Service employee stopped me and said I had to go back. I assured him it was an emergency and kept driving. Later a Park Ranger caught up with me. They are police officers you know, and not teddy bears. He told me I had to go back because of the coming storm. I told him, "My children are in potential trouble. They asked me to pick them up. I can leave and call 911 or you can let me wait here at the Visitor's Center for them." He said, "I'm 911" and left me alone. The frigid wind was blowing strongly and the vehicle rocking around. In a half-hour my guys showed up, grateful. One of them was close to being hypothermic.
The PRP could very well fit in the Outdoor Adventure category.
See those two thin trees in the stock photo? They are columnar Sweet Gums, which grow no wider than 8 feet. We have two trees just like those growing outside of the Brown House, inspired by the NC Arboretum. If you want fairly easy walking in a rich, outdoor environment, go here. They have plants and plantings of just about everything you can think of and many you've never thought of before. It's wonderful in all seasons. They also feature fascinating traveling displays of art and culture. Check their website for what's happening during your visit.
582 Einheimische empfehlen
The North Carolina Arboretum
100 Frederick Law Olmsted WaySee those two thin trees in the stock photo? They are columnar Sweet Gums, which grow no wider than 8 feet. We have two trees just like those growing outside of the Brown House, inspired by the NC Arboretum. If you want fairly easy walking in a rich, outdoor environment, go here. They have plants and plantings of just about everything you can think of and many you've never thought of before. It's wonderful in all seasons. They also feature fascinating traveling displays of art and culture. Check their website for what's happening during your visit.
City/town information
Asheville and the area is, in my view, the best place to live in the Southeastern U.S. It is relatively cool in Summer because of its elevation, and compared to the Northern States, warm in Winter because of its latitude. Culturally, in terms of food, drink, music and even theater, Asheville features all the best and fashionable parts of a large city, and yet because it is surrounded by mountains, it is accented by elements of traditional Appalachian culture, and even better, incredible natural beauty. There is of course, no pretending that everything is perfect. Because many people wish to move here, we have, for example, our traffic congestion during rush hour. And many of the better, and more easily accessible wild and scenic places are crowded in Summer and weekends. For this reason, and others, while we wouldn’t discourage visitors at those busier times, our area also is a wonderful place to be in during the Winter months.
We, Edie and I, have lived in western North Carolina for almost 40 years. Her grandfather built a big log house on a promontory overlooking the Swannanoa River Valley in the 1930s. We’ve hiked around here almost everywhere with our six children, on trails and scrambling off-trail. (We have also explored backcountry in Colorado, Alaska, the Pacific NW and New England.) So, we can help you find the lesser known natural places to go around here. As far as culture and entertainment go, we are oriented towards traditional and simple as well as dabbling in the high arts. The photo of Cold Mountain is one I took. In fact, I took all three of the Asheville pictures.
-Mick
904 Einheimische empfehlen
Asheville
Asheville and the area is, in my view, the best place to live in the Southeastern U.S. It is relatively cool in Summer because of its elevation, and compared to the Northern States, warm in Winter because of its latitude. Culturally, in terms of food, drink, music and even theater, Asheville features all the best and fashionable parts of a large city, and yet because it is surrounded by mountains, it is accented by elements of traditional Appalachian culture, and even better, incredible natural beauty. There is of course, no pretending that everything is perfect. Because many people wish to move here, we have, for example, our traffic congestion during rush hour. And many of the better, and more easily accessible wild and scenic places are crowded in Summer and weekends. For this reason, and others, while we wouldn’t discourage visitors at those busier times, our area also is a wonderful place to be in during the Winter months.
We, Edie and I, have lived in western North Carolina for almost 40 years. Her grandfather built a big log house on a promontory overlooking the Swannanoa River Valley in the 1930s. We’ve hiked around here almost everywhere with our six children, on trails and scrambling off-trail. (We have also explored backcountry in Colorado, Alaska, the Pacific NW and New England.) So, we can help you find the lesser known natural places to go around here. As far as culture and entertainment go, we are oriented towards traditional and simple as well as dabbling in the high arts. The photo of Cold Mountain is one I took. In fact, I took all three of the Asheville pictures.
-Mick
Outdoor Adventure
There are several places for paddling and whitewater rafting in our area, including the nearby French Broad River, but the best is in the Nantahala Gorge. The NOC is probably the largest place for renting small floatation craft with guides, but there are others. The Appalachian Trail passes right through the NOC. The water of the river is clear and cold. Many people bring their own boats-kayaks and small canoes. Weekend are busy in the summer..
446 Einheimische empfehlen
Nantahala Outdoor Center
13077 U.S. Highway 19There are several places for paddling and whitewater rafting in our area, including the nearby French Broad River, but the best is in the Nantahala Gorge. The NOC is probably the largest place for renting small floatation craft with guides, but there are others. The Appalachian Trail passes right through the NOC. The water of the river is clear and cold. Many people bring their own boats-kayaks and small canoes. Weekend are busy in the summer..
The MTS roughly follows the Blue Ridge Parkway and you will see many access points along the road with a post and the white dot blaze. Some sections are crowded and others not, but the MTS offers the best hiking around. Sections typically are moderate in difficulty, but some people will think they are hard. Sometimes there are wooden steps to climb. The trail is well maintained in most places. We have hiking sticks available to borrow in our Little Brown Cabin. You might wish to pick up a detail map, or invest in trekking poles. Don't forget at least minimal rain gear and adequate water..
12 Einheimische empfehlen
Mountains-to-Sea Trail
Mountains-to-Sea TrailThe MTS roughly follows the Blue Ridge Parkway and you will see many access points along the road with a post and the white dot blaze. Some sections are crowded and others not, but the MTS offers the best hiking around. Sections typically are moderate in difficulty, but some people will think they are hard. Sometimes there are wooden steps to climb. The trail is well maintained in most places. We have hiking sticks available to borrow in our Little Brown Cabin. You might wish to pick up a detail map, or invest in trekking poles. Don't forget at least minimal rain gear and adequate water..
The AT begins in Georgia and ends in Maine. Or, if you prefer., it runs the other way. Most through-hikers, those people who hope to walk the whole trail in one pass, start in GA. They are called North Bounders. Those rare through-hikers who start in Maine when there is cold and snow are called, of course, South Bounders.
The trail tracks with a good bit of the NC-TN border, part of which passes along the high ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you are into hiking, there are several access points within an hour 's drive of Asheville. Those include Pigeon River Gorge (hike up to Mt. Cammerer), Nantahala Gorge, Hot Springs, and Sam's Gap. Edie and I have hiked most all of the trail in NC.I don't know anything about these photos. They just popped up. I'd have to dig around to find our AT photos.
Appalachian Trail
Appalachian National Scenic TrailThe AT begins in Georgia and ends in Maine. Or, if you prefer., it runs the other way. Most through-hikers, those people who hope to walk the whole trail in one pass, start in GA. They are called North Bounders. Those rare through-hikers who start in Maine when there is cold and snow are called, of course, South Bounders.
The trail tracks with a good bit of the NC-TN border, part of which passes along the high ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you are into hiking, there are several access points within an hour 's drive of Asheville. Those include Pigeon River Gorge (hike up to Mt. Cammerer), Nantahala Gorge, Hot Springs, and Sam's Gap. Edie and I have hiked most all of the trail in NC.I don't know anything about these photos. They just popped up. I'd have to dig around to find our AT photos.
Treasure Hunting
This is an hour's drive from Asheville, but if you are up for a visit to Cherokee, NC, or headed up into the Smoky Mountain NP, this is a worthwhile stop. Skip the tourist shops and see something of real Cherokee history and culture.
86 Einheimische empfehlen
Museum of the Cherokee Indian
589 Tsali BlvdThis is an hour's drive from Asheville, but if you are up for a visit to Cherokee, NC, or headed up into the Smoky Mountain NP, this is a worthwhile stop. Skip the tourist shops and see something of real Cherokee history and culture.