Asheville visit #2

Wicked Weed, Appalachian Vintner, Wedge

 

Def app vitner, wicked weed, the admiral, 12 bones

 

Drive up to Mt. Mitchell (6,684 Ft.), the highest point east of the Mississippi. Right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's a different world, basically Canadian (if you will). At least do the observation tower, and trails lead all across the ridges. It's notable and always a "high" point in my ventures to the area. Wicked Weed, Green Man, Curate for great food, and everyone else will chime in with BBQ, breakfast, and accomodations. The Haywood Park Hotel is like a visit back to the 20s. Not to mention Grove Park Inn (F. Scott and Zelda, plus Thomas Wolf), which is awesome, but beyond downtown walking range. Asheville just feels very good and I love the city. Have fun!

 

For me Pisgah, Wicked Weed, and if your adventurous take the trolly to Oscar Blues...and back for free.

I agree about Mt. Mitchell, rode the bike up there last month...however the view wasn't that great



The view from the bottom up was really nice.....lol

 

There are 2 other Asheville suggestion threads on the front page of this sub-forum. Perhaps you'd be better off just reviewing what people suggested there?

 

French Broad is a great brewery, but they package just about everything you can find in the taproom.

 

Baileys - good pub good and great tap list.
Pisgah - because it's organic and a place you just have to go and visit.
Over easy - breakfast!
Stradas - get a Bloody Mary
Sky bar - good place for a cocktail and a great view. If they are opened.

 

Are you coming in for the Christmas Jam by chance (Dec 13 & 14)?

 

And if you end up going to Pisgah, check out Lookout Brewing a mile or two down the road (in downtown Black Mountain). That's a very small operation, but John is turning out some really good beers with a huge emphasis on local ingredients. And he almost always has a smoked beer on, which I personally applaud.

 

Still think Asheville is a cool bar town more so than a great beer town.

Wicked Weed - the best beer, cool bar, obviously packed so expect a little longer to get your brew, food might be a disappointment time wise.

Barleys - great build your own pizza by the slice - nice local stuff. Nothing earth shaking, but French Broad IPA is a pretty decent brew kinda like Hop Devil.

Wedge - kinda stands alone in The River Arts District, hard to find IMO, but the beer is good, worth a drive.

We're here till Sunday, so we've hit 12 Bones and Barley's for lunch. The Fireplace for Prime Rib on 25 N of Asheville maybe 6 miles. The best prime rib I've had in years, really reasonable, too. Went to Lobster Trap for dinner tonight, really outstanding food, good drinks, my wife has a Buffalo Trace and Spiced Cider drink she loved, I had martini's. Not a beer place IMO, but that's me, great food, free and easy parking. Tomorrow, no idea for lunch, perhaps Salsas, Wicked Weed for some brews, and Bouchon for dinner. Everyone has Collard Greens for a side, do it they're great, everyone is different.

 

Glad you liked Lobster Trap. I loved the place and don't see why people don't put it up higher.

Salsas, get there EARLY or you're going to be waiting a bit. Also, hope you enjoy eating elbow to elbow with strangers. Great place but damn tiny and packed to the gills with tables.

Also, check out Highland. I know it's more mainstream now than anything else in Asheville, but the brewery is a beautiful working operation that's bigger than anything else you'll see locally, and run by super professional, beer loving people. I was thoroughly impressed, and I've been to Terrapin/Sweetwater here (which are both good tours, but still very "get drunk first" feeling). Highland is the business casual version of a great brewery.

 

I'm guessing anyone who doesn't like Lobster Trap doesn't like the bar feel, a little pricy vibe. I thought it was great , but it's far from intimate.

At Salsas now, half full and TIGHT. On to weed for growlers to go and a full massage later. Bouchon for dinner.

 

Make sure to check out Ben's Tune Up, its kinda like japanese tapas. Beer selection isnt anything special but the atmosphere there is incredible. Another great bar is Bywater, its down on the river and its a fun night spot. Also if youre looking for a fancy meal, the Admiral is amazing.

 

I'll chime in only because I haven't seen Burial pop up here yet. Definitely a unique experience and fine beer, and it's right near everything else. In fact it is less than half a mile from Wicked Weed. Have fun!

 

Had a few glasses of wine at 5 walnut wine bar , nice music, laid back, walked around the corner to Bouchon. Great food, kinda long wait , not especially pricy , nice Irish Coffee. Lol 3 days in Asheville grand total 2 full pints, 2 half pints, actually had more wine. Great trip the wife had a good time.