My partner-in-crime is so good to me. For my birthday this year, he surprised me with a long weekend away to Asheville, NC. I had been there before, but experiencing places with Nate is like experiencing them for the first time… so exciting and memorable. He spoiled me on this trip… we ate at fabulous restaurants and had the cutest VRBO with a roaring fireplace and HUGE bathroom (I have a thing about bathrooms…).
My birthday is the day after Valentines Day… one might say that’s awesome, and it is! Our first night, we bought a couple bottles of red, turned on that fireplace, and had the most wonderful evening 🙂
When you think of Asheville, you probably think of the Biltmore...but there is so much more than that! You are literally surrounded by mountains, wineries, and adventuresome things. For this adventure, I didn’t want the trip to be hiking or biking up a mountain, but rather, a relaxing sight-seeing weekend with 5-star restaurants. Food is usually my top priority 🙂
We certainly did the Biltmore, it is worth seeing…if only to wrap your brain around the fact that George Vanderbilt had this home built when he was in his early 30’s…pretty astounding. It puts my cute little townhome (which I bought when I was 30) to shame!
The rooms are dazzling… it is, in itself, almost a monument representing a very different time. The architecture is mind-blowing, as well as the gardens and room interiors. I toured the Biltmore a decade ago, but seeing it again was like a brand new experience.
Afterwards, we went to the winery on property. FABULOUS. Every single wine we tasted was excellent, and that never happens. Because we went during the later stages of the pandemic and travel freeze, no one was there and we had a really great experience because of it! The Biltmore is a tourist must-do with usually long lines. We never waited in a single line…
The food was amazing. I think I’ll save my recommendations on restaurants for a different post! Truly, it deserves its own audience… the food was excellent. But, I will give you a preview of one of my meals…. my birthday dinner!!
River Arts District
We stumbled upon the River Arts District searching for a coffee house…it’s sort of a tradition for us to find local coffee grind and brews! This area was obviously an old industrial area converted to various businesses and is located next to the French Broad River. All of the buildings are covered in murals…it’s like walking through an art museum.
This entire place screams Instagram. So much talent! Every mural was so unique, truly a must-see if you are fascinated with art and murals. This area is home to numerous artists who showcase their art galleries, jewelry, pottery, glass and metal artwork, and more.
Blue Ridge Parkway
We absolutely took advantage of our beautiful surroundings, rented a car and drove the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was a bit overcast when we did it, but stunning views none-the-less.
The parkway spans 469 miles…we obviously didn’t drive all of it. We took a scenic drive for about an hour or so and then went back to Asheville.
This trip was a wonderful gift… and so romantic 🙂
If you are looking for a really fun long weekend with wineries, hiking, beautiful mountains, exceptional dinners and various sights to see, Asheville is perfect. It was only an hour and a half flight from Chicago… we will definitely be going back to do all of the OTHER things we just didn’t have time to do!!
We hope you GO ADVENTURE to Asheville, and please tell us about the amazing things you experienced!!
Travel Safe
Heather & Nate
(check back for my Asheville for Foodies post!!)
Welcome to our Book of Adventures 