Asheville, North Carolina, has been on our family vacation bucket list for years now. It’s only about a 5 hour drive from Charleston, SC, so this year we decided to spring break there and finally check this city off of our list. We enjoyed our time there so much that we’re already planning a return visit! (I can only imagine how beautiful these mountains must be in the fall.) We found it to be a very family-friendly place to visit with something for everyone, and if you love to eat (like I do) this town is a foodie’s heaven!
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Grand Bohemian Asheville, which is absolutely incredible! It’s luxe meets rustic, and in my opinion it’s mountain decor done right!
This little spot right here in the lobby area is just, insert praise hands emoji. Holy wow! Am I right?!
Decor inspiration was found around every corner, and I soaked it all up! This headboard? The sheer size doesn’t really translate in this picture. It’s HUGE and makes such a statement. An extra large headboard is a simple way to add some major visual impact in a bedroom space. The design lesson I gleaned from this – You don’t need a lot of “stuff”. Just one really great piece can totally make a space!
What We Did
1. Hiking
We did the Pisgah National Forest Looking Glass Rock Trail, which is a fairly intense hike. It’s rated as “hard”. And my bootie would agree. 😉 It took us about 4 1/2 to 5 hours total, and even though I huffed and puffed my way up this mountain and teased my family about how I’d rather be relaxing on a beach than climbing a mountain, I enjoyed every minute of this experience with my people. The great thing about hiking is that it gives you the opportunity to truly disconnect from everything and just be in the moment. We had such great conversations as we trudged along together.
There were so many moments, amidst the sweat beads rolling down my forehead, where I was just filled with so much gratitude…….for my family, for life, for the beauty of this world we live in……apparently sweating makes me emotional. 😉
2. Mother Daughter Spa Time
God bless my husband. He surprised my daughter and I with a spa day (at our hotel spa). This was her first spa experience, and we may have completely ruined her. But let me just tell you. I will never forget this moment in time with my daughter. Truly, I can’t even put it into words.
My sweet little girlfriend…… I treasure our time together.
3. River Arts District
The River Arts District is a really cool area where you can shop and check out the working studios of more than 200 local artists. If you’re into art and handmade goods, you could spend more than a day or two checking out this eclectic area.
Where We Ate
Tupelo Honey Cafe
This place is southern comfort food at its finest, and even being gluten free, we had no problem enjoying many items on the menu. Plus the cocktails……
The food was gone so fast, I never got a picture. But how sweet is the cafe’s slogan?
Storm
This restaurant’s menu was as unique as it’s decor. #gallerywallgoals
And I kid you not, their mixed green salad is the best salad I’ve ever eaten in my entire life. Seriously. Again though, no picture. When it arrived, I thought to myself, who would want to see a picture of what appears to be a basic green salad? But looks can be deceiving y’all. Because the salad dressing on this salad could win awards! I. am. not. kidding.
Bar Taco
We typically don’t do chains when we’re vacationing somewhere as we like to try as much of the local faire as possible. But since Bar Taco is A. not in our area B. we’d never eaten at one and C. I’m a taco aficionado, we decided and by we, I mean me, to try this place.
Kind of price-y for a taco place, but whoa do they deliver on flavor! Their salsas are flat out incredible! AND, and let me make sure this thing is on when I say this, THEY HAVE GLUTEN FREE FRIED FISH TACOS! FRIED FISH!
Yes, I needed to shout that.
God bless these fried fish tacos. And God bless Bar Taco for making this dream happen. I’m serious about my food people.
Why We Have to Go Back
Well, for these fish tacos of course. Because duh. 😉 But seriously, we made one major mistake on our visit which is why we definitely want to go back. We totally missed the Biltmore!
I mean, say whaaaaat? We totally botched that little part of our trip. I mean, we knew we needed tickets. It’s just that we didn’t realize they only sell a certain number of tickets per time slot, which is apparently only something they do on weekends. So womp-womp, but lucky us, because now we have reason to visit again!
Favorite Moment Captured
This seemingly boring snapshot is everything to me. My boy almost as tall his dad. That small window of time between boyhood and manhood. My husband shining so brightly in his role as a father. Only 4 more spring breaks left with my son before he’ll head off to college. This moment captured my heart. It’s what family vacations are all about.
Sooo glad to know you enjoyed this slice of heaven I call home! And you are correct. Fall in these mountains does not disappoint!