Asheville for the July 4th weekend

I would imagine that the Biltmore Gardens are beautiful this time of the year and there are a lot of places located in the Biltmore Village. Wicked weed is awesome, make sure you go downstairs to the tasting room as the upstairs is a crowded mess of people normally, and their wood series beers are only available from the downstairs tasting room. It also opens up to an outdoor area, so it's really nice.

There's good eating there, Corner Kitchen, Sunny Point. The downtown area is fun to go and walk around. There are definitely some pretty trails and places to go.

You could go to black mountain and visit Pisgah Brewing which I believe is only about 20 minutes outside of Asheville. There is Chimney Rock, depending on how far along pregnant she is and how much physical activity she would like to partake in. Pisgah national forest. Asheville Botanical Gardens.

There's some pretty scenery such as the Linville Caverns and Linville Falls but they are about an hour north of Asheville.

Where are you staying? The Bohemian is certainly first class and is within 5 minutes of App Vintner and Wicked Weed and has a great in hotel restaurant, the Red Stag Grille.

I don't live in Asheville, but was born there and make it back there every few years so I'm not the most knowledgeable, but I do know that it'll be hard to beat the beer you get at wicked weed.

 

The Arboretum is nice. I also recommend Wedge Brewing (no relation), which is in the River Arts District, if you like arty stuff.

http://www.ncarboretum.org/plan-a-visit-or-event/plan-a-visit/

http://www.riverartsdistrict.com/about.html

 

Man I just got back from Asheville today and we did something that might cover both bases, assuming your wife can and would like to float down the French Broad river. You can float from The Wedge to Bywater bar in like 1&1/2 hrs. Quick trip, water's not too cold and you can drink before/during/after. I've been going to Asheville for years, but have never done this. It was a damn good time. The have tube rental companies that looked to be camped under the bridge near the wedge, though you can of course bring your own tubes. Have fun!

 

You and your wife look so cute in that picture that I want to barf. Just kidding! Enjoy the trip to an awesome city and good luck with the baby.

Definitely some great parks and trails within a reasonable (i.e. 1 hour or less) drive, although I can't remember by name the couple I've done (it might've been Linville Falls, which someone mentioned earlier).

We had a great time at the Apple Festival in Hendersonville. I'm not sure when that goes on, but it's worth checking out if it's there. Those fresh apples were incredibly delicious.

Lots of great food. I loved Early Girl Eatery. Zambra is a fantastic tapas place. etc.

 

The Blue Ridge Parkway has lots if good hikes and views.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Blue_Ridge_Parkway

Craggy Gardens is a short hike and a nice place to watch the sunset.

 

I am going to be in Asheville the week after the 4th. If I had to pick maybe one brewery/brewpub and one bottle shop, what would you guys recommend? I am headed there before I go to Boone for a few days. Any good bottle shops or breweries in Boone?

Howard

Ps I need places where my wife and 7 year can come with me

 

Brewery: Wicked Weed, no question whatsoever. No issue bringing a family there either, last weekend we were sitting next two a couple with two young children.

Bottle Shop: Appalachian Vintner, it's way roomier than Bruisin' Ales (there's seating, comfy chairs, etc.), has just as good a selection in my experience (each has had some things the other didn't on my last visits), and you can drink while you shop (last weekend they had a bunch of good stuff on draft including double dry hopped Ruination and Foothills BA Total Eclipse).

 

Peabody's in Boone for a great shop. Ask there for good drinking spots.

 

Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Boone for your brewery fix, and the "mecca on the hill" for your bottle shop, save all your bottle needs for boone and you probably will find everything that you are looking for!

Chris

 

Your wife is recently pregnant and yo want to hike? Hell no, go to Hot Springs take an hour mineral springs hot tub, and a couples 1 hr full body massage. Then go hang out in Asheville, Wicked Weed or Barleys for some awesome pizza.

 

My wife did this our last time in and it was fantastic and all of 30 minutes to the resort. The ladies are all licensed and it's spotless, and can get crowded, reservation should be made over a holiday I suppose, and very reasonably priced as well. The hot tubs are all secluded and are very private, so well ya know..... they assume, and they are drained and cleaned after each couple. Never had a masseuse use elbows and I swear knees before.

 

What is the "mecca on the hill" that you speak of? Thanks in advance.

 

Peabody's Wine and Beer Merchants

 

More like Brussels on the hill. Mecca is lovely, but Boone is heavenly! Cheers and happy 4th to everybody at Peabody's! Every time I come back to the Piedmont from a visit to the high country, I truly miss something that I can't quite name. I love the mountains!

 

Thanks buddy, miss you too! The thing that your trying to name is 74 degrees and no humidity! Although with all this rain, it's been kind of a drag!! Come on back up Mr. Gordon I have a seat in my golf cart with your name on it!! Have a great 4th, to your fam!

Chris

 

Well I have to say that everyone was right about Peabody's. Great place, and I happened to come in during their Tuesday tasting. I may have even set up a beermail for some Jester King with some of the guys there.

I went to AMB in Boone for a few pints. Everything there was solid, and I would definitely have gone back if I had been in town more time. I really liked their Dbl IPA. Took home a growler of the El Jefe Weizen. Bubble gum-banana bomb for sure.

Asheville was cool as well. I hit up Wicked Weed and Asheville Brewing, and then we spent about an hour at Appalachian Vintner. Really cool place as well.

 

Glad you had a great time! If you ever need anything let me know, and we look forward to your next trip!! Thanks again buddy!!

Chris