Jennica’s Guidebook to Asheville
Sightseeing
America’s largest privately own home. Built during the turn of the century by George Vanderbilt as a fully sustaining French Chateau Estate. Spend most of a day touring this historical Home, grounds, gardens and restaurants.
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Biltmore
1 Lodge StAmerica’s largest privately own home. Built during the turn of the century by George Vanderbilt as a fully sustaining French Chateau Estate. Spend most of a day touring this historical Home, grounds, gardens and restaurants.
Located at the base of the Blue Ridge parkway off of I-26. Great trails where locals go about 15 minutes from downtown. Arboretum also has a great garden, bathrooms and small cafe.
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I-North Carolina Arboretum
100 Frederick Law Olmsted WayLocated at the base of the Blue Ridge parkway off of I-26. Great trails where locals go about 15 minutes from downtown. Arboretum also has a great garden, bathrooms and small cafe.
Scenic Highway with trails and look outs with gorgeous views and nature.
Parkway Hikes:
South on PKWY:
-Frying Pan Mountain Fire Tower (milepost 409.6) - less than 2 miles - sweeping 360 views of surrounding mountains including Cold Mountain and Looking Glass Rock. Easy - right off the road. I don't think there's a sign, but the trailhead is at a forest service road intersection of the parkway that is easy to spot if you're paying attention - I also think you can see the tower from the road. The drive to Frying Pan is GORGEOUS with lots of stone tunnels and scenic waysides.
-Graveyard Fields (milepost 418.8) - Popular especially on the weekends. Features a gorgeous waterfall which can be a short down and back, or you can continue to loop through the valley if you want a longer hike. There's also a toilet at the Graveyard fields parking area.
-Black Balsam Knob (milepost 420.2) - a little further south from Graveyard Fields, VERY nice views from the top of a knob above 6,000 ft! You can start this hike from the official parking area (at the end of the access road) and amble down a rocky level road (the Art Loeb Trail), cut up the mountain to visit Tennent Mountain first, traveling along the ridge to Black Balsam (with large 360 sweeping views the whole time), and then back down - this is about 5 miles round trip and moderate.
North on PKWY:
-Craggy Gardens (milepost 364.6) - Call the visitor center to make sure the road to Craggy is open, often can close in winter due to ice or rock slides. Very beautiful, easy parking and hiking up to 360 degree views - probably the shortest and quickest way to get really beautiful views, but still is about 40 - 45 min from town.
-Linville Falls - A great series of waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway, outside of Linville. It's far from Asheville, but popular.
Not on the PKWY - South of Town:
DuPont State Forest, Triple Falls In Brevard, Transylvania co. a little less than an hour south of Asheville. There's a great, easy, three mile loop with 3 beautiful waterfalls. They filmed some of the Hunger Games, and Last of the Mohicans here.
Looking Glass Falls - As easy as it gets - just outside of Brevard, not actually a hike but a giant roadside waterfall.
East of Town:
Catawba Falls - Just off I-40 near Old Fort. Moderate trail close to the interstate. About 2.5 miles round trip? Great waterfall at the end.
757 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Blue Ridge Parkway
3884 Blue Ridge ParkwayScenic Highway with trails and look outs with gorgeous views and nature.
Parkway Hikes:
South on PKWY:
-Frying Pan Mountain Fire Tower (milepost 409.6) - less than 2 miles - sweeping 360 views of surrounding mountains including Cold Mountain and Looking Glass Rock. Easy - right off the road. I don't think there's a sign, but the trailhead is at a forest service road intersection of the parkway that is easy to spot if you're paying attention - I also think you can see the tower from the road. The drive to Frying Pan is GORGEOUS with lots of stone tunnels and scenic waysides.
-Graveyard Fields (milepost 418.8) - Popular especially on the weekends. Features a gorgeous waterfall which can be a short down and back, or you can continue to loop through the valley if you want a longer hike. There's also a toilet at the Graveyard fields parking area.
-Black Balsam Knob (milepost 420.2) - a little further south from Graveyard Fields, VERY nice views from the top of a knob above 6,000 ft! You can start this hike from the official parking area (at the end of the access road) and amble down a rocky level road (the Art Loeb Trail), cut up the mountain to visit Tennent Mountain first, traveling along the ridge to Black Balsam (with large 360 sweeping views the whole time), and then back down - this is about 5 miles round trip and moderate.
North on PKWY:
-Craggy Gardens (milepost 364.6) - Call the visitor center to make sure the road to Craggy is open, often can close in winter due to ice or rock slides. Very beautiful, easy parking and hiking up to 360 degree views - probably the shortest and quickest way to get really beautiful views, but still is about 40 - 45 min from town.
-Linville Falls - A great series of waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway, outside of Linville. It's far from Asheville, but popular.
Not on the PKWY - South of Town:
DuPont State Forest, Triple Falls In Brevard, Transylvania co. a little less than an hour south of Asheville. There's a great, easy, three mile loop with 3 beautiful waterfalls. They filmed some of the Hunger Games, and Last of the Mohicans here.
Looking Glass Falls - As easy as it gets - just outside of Brevard, not actually a hike but a giant roadside waterfall.
East of Town:
Catawba Falls - Just off I-40 near Old Fort. Moderate trail close to the interstate. About 2.5 miles round trip? Great waterfall at the end.
Small rustic town near Chimney Rock attraction (where Dirty Dancing was filmed and Last of the Mohicans). Great drive, seasonally open cafes, beach, and shops.
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Lake Lure
Small rustic town near Chimney Rock attraction (where Dirty Dancing was filmed and Last of the Mohicans). Great drive, seasonally open cafes, beach, and shops.
Historic building with indoor shops and food. Check out the Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar for an eclectic used book store/bar/coffee shop.
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Grove Arcade
1 Page AveHistoric building with indoor shops and food. Check out the Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar for an eclectic used book store/bar/coffee shop.
Antiques, collectibles, vintage items housed in an historic barn.
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The Antique Tobacco Barn
75 Swannanoa River RdAntiques, collectibles, vintage items housed in an historic barn.
Great river-side park with paved trails for walking, riding bikes, and playing with pets. Connects to Riverfront Park where there is a dog park for your four-legged friends to play.
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Carrier Park
220 Amboy RdGreat river-side park with paved trails for walking, riding bikes, and playing with pets. Connects to Riverfront Park where there is a dog park for your four-legged friends to play.
Shop 'til you drop at this outdoor outlet mall directly off 240 and on 191.
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Asheville Outlets
800 Brevard RdShop 'til you drop at this outdoor outlet mall directly off 240 and on 191.
This place is like an amusement park for beer-lovers! Sign up in advance for a tour of the brewery and enjoy a flight and some savory food in their on-site restaurant. There is a great outdoor space for lawn games, and even a stage for concerts. Check the website to learn about tours and events.
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Sierra Nevada Brewery
100 Sierra Nevada WayThis place is like an amusement park for beer-lovers! Sign up in advance for a tour of the brewery and enjoy a flight and some savory food in their on-site restaurant. There is a great outdoor space for lawn games, and even a stage for concerts. Check the website to learn about tours and events.
One of Asheville's premiere breweries located right on the French Broad River. Sample some beers and get a meal from a food truck. Check the website to see the food truck schedule :)
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New Belgium Brewing Company
21 Craven StOne of Asheville's premiere breweries located right on the French Broad River. Sample some beers and get a meal from a food truck. Check the website to see the food truck schedule :)
One of the OG breweries in Asheville. This place has it all- tours, a large taproom with stage, event space, an outdoor area for yard games and concerts (lovingly referred to as "the meadow").
Next door is Troy & Sons Distillery that produces whiskey and another local favorite... moonshine!
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Highland Brewing Company
12 Old Charlotte HwyOne of the OG breweries in Asheville. This place has it all- tours, a large taproom with stage, event space, an outdoor area for yard games and concerts (lovingly referred to as "the meadow").
Next door is Troy & Sons Distillery that produces whiskey and another local favorite... moonshine!
Located in the brewery-filled South Slope part of Downtown Asheville, this is a favorite local watering hole. Right next to Buxton Hall BBQ and Vortex Donuts. Need I say more?!
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Hi-Wire Brewing - South Slope
197 Hilliard AvenueLocated in the brewery-filled South Slope part of Downtown Asheville, this is a favorite local watering hole. Right next to Buxton Hall BBQ and Vortex Donuts. Need I say more?!
An eclectic book shop/coffee shop/wine bar/event space... whatever you want to call it, this place is amazing and definitely a must-see. Located in the Grove Arcade, it's surrounded by restaurants and local shops.
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Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar
1 Page AveAn eclectic book shop/coffee shop/wine bar/event space... whatever you want to call it, this place is amazing and definitely a must-see. Located in the Grove Arcade, it's surrounded by restaurants and local shops.
Definitely a local haunt that hosts some amazing music. Check out their website to see what shows are coming to town.
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The Orange Peel
101 Biltmore AveDefinitely a local haunt that hosts some amazing music. Check out their website to see what shows are coming to town.
Visit this local dive bar for a show! Located in the River Arts District, take a stroll to see local wares and grab a beer at the Wedge Brewery before heading to a show.
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The Grey Eagle
185 Clingman AveVisit this local dive bar for a show! Located in the River Arts District, take a stroll to see local wares and grab a beer at the Wedge Brewery before heading to a show.
This quaint West Asheville movie theater-turned-concert hall boasts both dinner and a show! Visit the website to see what events are coming soon.
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Isis Music Hall
743 Haywood RdThis quaint West Asheville movie theater-turned-concert hall boasts both dinner and a show! Visit the website to see what events are coming soon.
One of Asheville's oldest areas, Montford is an official historic district. There are a few restaurants and bars along Montford Ave, but the real draw are the large, beautiful historic homes. Take a stroll or drive around and take in the beautiful scenery of years past.
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Montford Area Historic District
One of Asheville's oldest areas, Montford is an official historic district. There are a few restaurants and bars along Montford Ave, but the real draw are the large, beautiful historic homes. Take a stroll or drive around and take in the beautiful scenery of years past.
Great hiking area famous for it's numerous waterfalls!
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Isitsha saseDupont State
Staton RoadGreat hiking area famous for it's numerous waterfalls!
Hike a section of the famous Appalachian National Scenic Trail (or A.T.) on top of Max Patch Mountain near Hot Springs. This 4,600-ft. bald mountain was cleared and used as pasture in the 1800s. Today, it's a 350-acre tract of open land on a high knob with 360-degree views. It's one of the most spectacular settings you'll experience in the Blue Ridge.
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Max Patch
Max Patch RoadHike a section of the famous Appalachian National Scenic Trail (or A.T.) on top of Max Patch Mountain near Hot Springs. This 4,600-ft. bald mountain was cleared and used as pasture in the 1800s. Today, it's a 350-acre tract of open land on a high knob with 360-degree views. It's one of the most spectacular settings you'll experience in the Blue Ridge.
Book a paddle, biking, and/or hiking tour with a local Ashevillian!
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Asheville Adventure Company
99 Riverside Drive Book a paddle, biking, and/or hiking tour with a local Ashevillian!
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the house! Go for a run, dog-walk, or picnic in this idyllic park directly on the French Broad River.
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Woodfin Riverside Park
1598 Riverside DrJust a hop, skip, and a jump away from the house! Go for a run, dog-walk, or picnic in this idyllic park directly on the French Broad River.
Visit this brewery just a few miles up the street!
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Zillicoah Beer Co.
870 Riverside DrVisit this brewery just a few miles up the street!
Rent a tube and float down the French Broad River! Transportation upstream is provided. Don't forget your sunscreen!
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Zen Tubing
608 Riverside DrRent a tube and float down the French Broad River! Transportation upstream is provided. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Food scene
Historic hotel with bar in the main reception area. Valet or paid parking. Great to get a cocktail, wine or appetizer overlooking a great view of downtown in the distance from the veranda. Cozy fireplace in the main hall. Restaurants too but recommend reservations and sometimes hard to access without being a hotel guest especially during Christmas holiday time.
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The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa
290 Macon AveHistoric hotel with bar in the main reception area. Valet or paid parking. Great to get a cocktail, wine or appetizer overlooking a great view of downtown in the distance from the veranda. Cozy fireplace in the main hall. Restaurants too but recommend reservations and sometimes hard to access without being a hotel guest especially during Christmas holiday time.
Some of the best Indian food in town! Their lunch buffet is a local favorite.
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Mela Indian Restaurant
70 N Lexington AveSome of the best Indian food in town! Their lunch buffet is a local favorite.
Delicious food and mixed drinks right in the heart of Downtown Asheville.
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Chestnut
48 Biltmore AveDelicious food and mixed drinks right in the heart of Downtown Asheville.
Everything here is finger-lickin' good! Good one southern food and BBQ... you can't go wrong. Located in downtown Asheville in the South Slope area, a hub for local breweries.
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Buxton Hall Barbecue
32 Banks AveEverything here is finger-lickin' good! Good one southern food and BBQ... you can't go wrong. Located in downtown Asheville in the South Slope area, a hub for local breweries.
Delicious BBQ, beloved to all Asheville locals just North of downtown. Right next door is YOLO, a yummy frozen yogurt shop.
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9Round North Asheville
61 North Merrimon AvenueDelicious BBQ, beloved to all Asheville locals just North of downtown. Right next door is YOLO, a yummy frozen yogurt shop.
A local and tourist favorite located in funky West Asheville! Famous for it's brunch and they serve breakfast all day! The huevos rancheros is my personal favorite, or the BLAT sandwhich (your classic BLT with avocado).
Be prepared to wait if reservations aren't available. They have a lovely outdoor waiting area with free coffee.
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Sunny Point Café
626 Haywood RdA local and tourist favorite located in funky West Asheville! Famous for it's brunch and they serve breakfast all day! The huevos rancheros is my personal favorite, or the BLAT sandwhich (your classic BLT with avocado).
Be prepared to wait if reservations aren't available. They have a lovely outdoor waiting area with free coffee.
Yummy Mediterranean food in the middle of downtown. Enjoy their awesome patio seating and watch the passers-by in the Roger McGuire Green at Pack Square Park in front of City Hall. They have live music on select nights.
I work downtown and walk to have lunch here at least once a week. It's definitely a staple :)
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Daphne at Twisted Laurel
130 College StYummy Mediterranean food in the middle of downtown. Enjoy their awesome patio seating and watch the passers-by in the Roger McGuire Green at Pack Square Park in front of City Hall. They have live music on select nights.
I work downtown and walk to have lunch here at least once a week. It's definitely a staple :)
Truly a local hotspot- the food here is southern, fresh, and out of this world! There are a few locations but the West is my favorite. Dine outside and enjoy the many outdoor activities like corn hole and swings.
Carrier Park is located directly across Amboy Rd, so go for a walk after over-eating :)
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HomeGrown (West)
219 Amboy RdTruly a local hotspot- the food here is southern, fresh, and out of this world! There are a few locations but the West is my favorite. Dine outside and enjoy the many outdoor activities like corn hole and swings.
Carrier Park is located directly across Amboy Rd, so go for a walk after over-eating :)
This might be the funkiest restaurant you've ever seen. Completely covered in movie-themed murals, here you can indulge in some of the best pizza in town while watching a $3 movie! Check their website to see what's playing while you're here (usually movies that have just left theaters and aren't yet available for streaming.) I recommend getting a ticket early- showings have been known to sell out!
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Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co
675 Merrimon AveThis might be the funkiest restaurant you've ever seen. Completely covered in movie-themed murals, here you can indulge in some of the best pizza in town while watching a $3 movie! Check their website to see what's playing while you're here (usually movies that have just left theaters and aren't yet available for streaming.) I recommend getting a ticket early- showings have been known to sell out!
Walk from home! High Five Coffee is just a short stroll away. HFC is a local staple with multiple locations around town.
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High Five Coffee
190 Broadway StWalk from home! High Five Coffee is just a short stroll away. HFC is a local staple with multiple locations around town.
Maybe one of the most well-known places in Asheville. They offer an array of coffees, ice creams, teas, desserts and CHOCOLATE! If the main entrance has a line, walk further down the hill to see if their smaller cafe is open (local secret that not many tourists realize is there.)
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French Broad Chocolate Lounge
10 S Pack SquareMaybe one of the most well-known places in Asheville. They offer an array of coffees, ice creams, teas, desserts and CHOCOLATE! If the main entrance has a line, walk further down the hill to see if their smaller cafe is open (local secret that not many tourists realize is there.)
Yummy tacos and burritos made freshly in front of you. I eat lunch here every (taco) Tuesday!
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Mamacita's Taqueria
77-A Biltmore AveYummy tacos and burritos made freshly in front of you. I eat lunch here every (taco) Tuesday!
Beautiful, quaint bar off the beaten path in downtown. This has quickly become a favorite watering hole for locals. Their cocktails and small bites are phenomenal!
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Sovereign Remedies
29 N Market StBeautiful, quaint bar off the beaten path in downtown. This has quickly become a favorite watering hole for locals. Their cocktails and small bites are phenomenal!
Another local favorite that serves unique caribbean-fusion cuisine. They have a few locations around town including the historic District of Montford and funky West Asheville.
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Nine Mile
233 Montford AveAnother local favorite that serves unique caribbean-fusion cuisine. They have a few locations around town including the historic District of Montford and funky West Asheville.
Great food in a unique space- this restaurant is made completely out of shipping containers! They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, and is right on the french broad river.
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Smoky Park Supper Club
350 Riverside DrGreat food in a unique space- this restaurant is made completely out of shipping containers! They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, and is right on the french broad river.
A trendy, modern space offering a fantastic Hawaiian-inspired menu. This place is unique and not to be missed!
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RosaBees
27 Foundy StA trendy, modern space offering a fantastic Hawaiian-inspired menu. This place is unique and not to be missed!
Unique tacos in a funky surrounding. White Duck is by far a staple for locals. It really doesn't get much more Asheville than this!
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White Duck Taco Shop
388 Riverside DrUnique tacos in a funky surrounding. White Duck is by far a staple for locals. It really doesn't get much more Asheville than this!
One of the coolest bars in Asheville. It's like taking a step back in time- this place is reminiscent of a speakeasy during Prohibition. Specializing in gin concoctions, the Chemist Gin Distillery is right next door!
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Antidote
151 Coxe AveOne of the coolest bars in Asheville. It's like taking a step back in time- this place is reminiscent of a speakeasy during Prohibition. Specializing in gin concoctions, the Chemist Gin Distillery is right next door!
Neighborhoods
Just south of downtown a couple miles, walkable village with cafes, shops, bakery.
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Biltmore Village
Just south of downtown a couple miles, walkable village with cafes, shops, bakery.
Art galleries, gift shops, cafe, antique shops, coffee house. Quaint mountain town with lots of soul. Just off I-40.
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Black Mountain
Art galleries, gift shops, cafe, antique shops, coffee house. Quaint mountain town with lots of soul. Just off I-40.
Small Main street area with with Bakery, galleries and restaurants.
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Weaverville
Small Main street area with with Bakery, galleries and restaurants.
Hendersonville: Cute downtown with shops and restaurants, no mountain views.
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Hendersonville
Hendersonville: Cute downtown with shops and restaurants, no mountain views.
Art galleries, gift shops, cafe, antique shops, coffee house. Quaint mountain town.
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Brevard
Art galleries, gift shops, cafe, antique shops, coffee house. Quaint mountain town.
Out in the sticks, with a few restaurants, hot tubs, campground along the Laurel River.
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Hot Springs
Out in the sticks, with a few restaurants, hot tubs, campground along the Laurel River.
Couple hours north. Higher elevation up in the mountains with sights like Grandfather Mountain and skiing in the winter. Quaint mountain community.
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Boone
Couple hours north. Higher elevation up in the mountains with sights like Grandfather Mountain and skiing in the winter. Quaint mountain community.
A hip residential area encompassing the Bear Creek, Burton Street, and Hall Fletcher neighborhoods, West Asheville is known for small shops selling vintage clothing, books, and records. Haywood Road is lined with breweries, retro-cool music venues, busy brunch spots, and innovative eateries serving elevated Southern dishes. Carrier Park and French Broad River Park are popular for picnicking, hiking, and river views.
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West Asheville
A hip residential area encompassing the Bear Creek, Burton Street, and Hall Fletcher neighborhoods, West Asheville is known for small shops selling vintage clothing, books, and records. Haywood Road is lined with breweries, retro-cool music venues, busy brunch spots, and innovative eateries serving elevated Southern dishes. Carrier Park and French Broad River Park are popular for picnicking, hiking, and river views.
Best of Asheville all in one- dogs, the outdoors and beer!! Wagbar is a new dog park just north of Asheville that offers a large fenced area for doggies to play, and a bar for their hoomans :)
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Wagbar
320 Merrimon AvenueBest of Asheville all in one- dogs, the outdoors and beer!! Wagbar is a new dog park just north of Asheville that offers a large fenced area for doggies to play, and a bar for their hoomans :)