Mr. and I were wildly excited to take our adventure last weekend. The two of us hopped in the car Friday morning and drove to Asheville while the teenager was away. We had the best time trying new restaurants, touring Biltmore Estate, and let’s not forget, sampling craft beers.
After a 2 1/2 hour car ride, we were ready for lunch. Several people told us about Sierra Nevada Taproom and raved about the food. So we made that our first stop. All dishes are meant to be shared, but I could’ve eaten every last french fry!
I hadn’t had french fries in the longest time and these were amazing! Cooked in duck fat topped with duck confit, aged cheddar, Torpedo hot sauce aioli, served with raspberry mustard.
Next up – smoked trout & kale caesar salad
And finally, shrimp, tasso gravy & grits served up in a cast iron skillet
After strolling through the vegetable & herb garden we jumped back in the car and headed to the Funkatorium, home of Wicked Weed brewing.
If you like craft beer, this is one to try! Unfortunately it’s only distributed in North Carolina, but is quickly spreading to select locations.
We toured the joint and a nice fella served up a yummy tasting of various small batches. Black Angel (cherry sour) was by far our favorite!
sour face outside of Wicked Weed #rareselfie
The next day we woke up bright and early and popped over to the Biltmore Estate. Neither of us had ever been to Biltmore and were in awe of every detail. Have you been?
The gardens were immaculate and just beginning to spring to life.
The daffodils, pansies, and hyacinths were in full bloom with tulips on the way.
I tried my best to convince Mr. that we “need” a green house like this one. (hashtag bigger than our house)
We worked up an appetite walking through Biltmore so lunch was the next stop! Sunny Point Cafe, located in West Asheville served up the most delicious bloody mary which made the hour long wait all the better.
After lunch we headed to the outlets. After all of the manly beer tours it was my turn to check out the West Elm and J Crew outlets. I lucked up with a pair of d’Orsay flats (still on sale) and a table runner (also on sale).
Aaah. That was just the fun little getaway we needed. Can’t wait to go back.
Rene, I'm just going to live vicariously through you for the next 15 years 🙂 So fun that you all get to take these little trips together.
Emily, you have those sweet babies and an endless supply of hugs. Miss those days!
I'm a North Carolinian so I'm always psyched to see people jumping at the chance to visit! I used to live 15 minutes from Asheville when I was in college and every chance I could get, I went to the Biltmore Estate–especially since a friend worked there and was able to get me some good deals! Asheville is a beautiful place with lots of good food! I miss Tupelo Honey a lot as well as the French Broad Chocolate Lounge, of course. I had chocolate beer there once. It was interesting and I would try it again! Glad you had fun!!
Chelsea, we were amazed how much it had changed since we were there last! It was only a few years ago, but man! Lucky you to have connections at Biltmore. 🙂
LOVE Asheville! I am heading there with my family for a few days next week during spring break and taking my kids to the Biltmore for the first time. So excited! There is a JCrew warehouse store that you must venture to next time you are visiting. Address is 1 Clifford Way. Its seems to be in the middle of nowhere but worth it! I found some gems there last June – a bathing suit for $10 that was still full price in the store!
Oh my! Making note of that. Thanks Amy & have a great time!
Sunny Point Café is the best! City Bakery is one of my faves too. We head there to visit family in a few weeks. Glad you had a nice getaway!