Asheville: An Insider's Travel Guide

8/11/2019 Asheville: An Insider's Travel Guide

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A Vacation Insiders Guide

DowntownAsheville
http://www.underhillrose.com/


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Lynne even gives a cameo role to her daughter Jess,who takes us on a millennial's tour!

And don't forget Steve, the musical side of thepartnership! See if you can spot him in the "Dance"video, produced by Lynne and set around the 5 WalnutBar, one of their favorite spots.

Speaking of music, it's arguably the soul of Asheville.From simple street performers to world famous music

venues, this city is steeped in bluegrass and mountainroots, but with a modern twist (go check out UnderhillRose for a magical example). Happy reading!

When I heard from Lynne about some of the gueststhat have stayed at her vacation rentals I was hooked -music legends! But more on that later in the guide.

Lynne and Steve are our 2nd insiders from the NorthCarolina city of Asheville. Which made us think "isn'thaving 2 insiders a little confusing?".

Quite the contrary, Lynne and Steve bring a di erentperspective, being from artistic backgrounds. And yet,at the same time, there's a consistent feel. One of a hip,musical city, with restaurants and art to rival NYC, setamongst North Carolina's beautiful mountains.

Lynne and Steve have packed this guide full of ideas.A weekend trip with the girls? A couple's retreat? Beertasting? A thriving art scene? Escape to nature? Heck,

THOUGHTS FROM THEEDITOR

MEETLYNNE HARTY AND STEVE COHENThis Insider Guide is brought to you by Lynne& Steve, resident insiders of North Carolina'sAsheville, and owners of three vacation rentalsin and around this vibrant, hip city.

Lynne Harty, originally from Atlanta, GA andSteve Cohen, born and bred in New York City,are in love with the town they now call home,Asheville. Both said it took about 5 minutes toadjust to the fresh mountain air, the friendly

people, the slower pace, and the small town feel!

Lynne is a commercial and ne art photographer. Steve is a musicianand manager of musicians. They operate their businesses out of theirnew property, Drover's Way in downtown Asheville. Both are involvedin many parts of the community but particularly the restaurant, musicand art scene, so they are excited to share their favorites with you!

E: andy@vaca oninsiders.comW: www.vaca oninsiders.com

Contact Lynne & Steve:+1.828.777.7073
http://www.underhillrose.com/http://www.underhillrose.com/mailto:andy%40vacationinsiders.com?subject=http://www.vacationinsiders.com/http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/VacationRentalReview-g60742-d2019619-Asheville_Urban_Nest-Asheville_North_Carolina.html#reviewshttp://www.homeaway.co.uk/p221970#reviewshttps://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Asheville-Urban-Nests/108905659141407http://www.ashevilleurbannest.com/mailto:lynne%40ashevilleurbannest.com?subject=I%20Read%20Your%20Insider%20Guidehttp://www.vacationinsiders.com/mailto:andy%40vacationinsiders.com?subject=http://www.underhillrose.com/http://www.underhillrose.com/


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LYNNE AND STEVE'S REAL ASHEVILLE.

Keeping up with the constantly changing face of downtown Asheville is a challenge these days, but it'sone that Steve and I do our best with, dining at the new restaurants, having cocktails at the new bars, and

checking out new venues (which also have opened in W. Asheville).

When we moved here, around 2000, there was nowhere near the selection of restaurants to choose from,

and the streets were empty late at night and during the winter. Not anymore! You'll nd all kinds of streetperformers year round now, playing bluegrass music, holding statuesque poses for extraordinarily long

periods of time, and throwing ames and batons.

Walk by 5 Walnut Wine Bar most nights and see the people standing on the sidewalk outside listeningto the music owing out of the big windows, or walk by Pritchard Park to see the huge crowd of peoplelistening and playing in the weekly drum circle and you'll get a real sense of the energy that has taken overdowntown Asheville. See how the creativity plays out in the restaurants of renowned chefs such as John

Fleer at Rhubarb, Katie Button of Curate and Nightbell, or Duane Fernandes of Isa's Bistro.


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5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MDid you know Asheville has been a regular winner of the "Beer City USA"award? Come and see what we're now famous for by touring the manybreweries (at least 17 at this count) and sampling locally brewed beer. Agreat way is the self guided walking tour of Asheville's South Slope (theBrewery District). You can navigate around with your phone. But takecare, the beer is very good - too much and no amount of technology canhelp you! Is this option of getting the locals to drive you more sensible?!

Sampling our Legendary Beer...1

Craggy Pinnacle is an all time favorite that we take almost every visitoron. Breathtakingly gorgeous with many beautiful spots along the 1.4mround trip hike. So beautiful that Lynne has scheduled numerous photoshoots up here! And it's just 40 mins from downtown. Get picnic suppliesat Dough or Greenlife, and head up to the top to watch the sunrise - youwon't be sorry. Even on the warmest summer days it can be cool andsometimes foggy so take a jacket and check the weather before leaving.

A Picnic on Top of the World (Craggy Pinnacle)...2

We're surrounded by nature in Asheville, so there's plenty of opportunityfor adventure! Try Navitat for some thrilling zip lining. The name is allabout navigating the forest habitat and you certainly do that - but uphigh! Or how about tubing down the French Broad to the Bywater forbeer? Zen Tubing and Asheville Outdoor Center both run tubing trips.Finally, try rafting at the NOC. The rapids are mostly gentle on the halfday trips (good for kids), or class IV rapids on a full day for extra fun!

Asheville's Adventurous Side...3

Yes, you must see America's largest home ! Many of us locals have annualpasses and the consistent attraction for us is the grounds, with acres toexplore - we love walking through the gardens, by the river, and bikingthe paths, sometimes capping it o with a picnic or dining at Cedrics. I (Lynne) have shot commercial photos for the Estate so have spent alot of time there. Still, I return time and time again because it's THATbeautiful. If you're visiting during an evening concert on the patio, go!

The Biltmore Estate...4

Start at the Grove Park Inn with cocktails on the sunset patio, or atSkybar , atop Asheville's Flat Iron Building. Try Limones downtown for adinner in a fun atmosphere (it's where Steve and I had our rst date!).Then head to the French Broad Chocolate Lounge for dessert. Still wantmore? Try the Nightbell for an after dinner drink (New York comes toAsheville), then walk it all o by going up the hill to Pack Square Park .Staying at the Urban Nest or at Drover's Way? It's a short walk home!

Romantic Date Night...5
http://ashevillealetrail.com/south-slope-walking-tour/#.VBxkfhajvt9http://ashevillebrewerytours.com/http://www.romanticasheville.com/craggy_pinnacle_hike_parkway.htmhttp://www.navitat.com/asheville-nc/http://bywaterbar.com/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_7/zentubing.com/about-us/http://www.ashevilleoutdoorcenter.com/tubingasheville.htmlhttp://noc.com/plan-your-trip/french-broad-riverhttp://www.biltmore.com/http://www.exploreasheville.com/listings/SkyBar/5278/default/http://www.limonesrestaurant.com/https://frenchbroadchocolates.com/http://thenightbell.com/http://www.visitnc.com/listing/pack-square-parkhttp://www.visitnc.com/listing/pack-square-parkhttp://thenightbell.com/https://frenchbroadchocolates.com/http://www.limonesrestaurant.com/http://www.exploreasheville.com/listings/SkyBar/5278/default/http://www.biltmore.com/http://noc.com/plan-your-trip/french-broad-riverhttp://www.ashevilleoutdoorcenter.com/tubingasheville.htmlhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_7/zentubing.com/about-us/http://bywaterbar.com/http://www.navitat.com/asheville-nc/http://www.romanticasheville.com/craggy_pinnacle_hike_parkway.htmhttp://ashevillebrewerytours.com/http://ashevillealetrail.com/south-slope-walking-tour/#.VBxkfhajvt9


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2 (DAY) EXPERIENCES YOU CANLynne and Steve have come up with 2 great day experiences, one explores a slice of Asheville

downtown culture, the other takes you out of town to explore the surrounding area. Both throw ina good dose of culture, outdoors, and (of course) some legendary Asheville food!

The River Arts District is a little more than a mile from the Urban Nest, soeither a nice walk or short drive, and it's where most of the local artists'studios are located.

We recommend lunch (only Mon - Fri) at the famous 12 Bones BBQ (Barackand Michelle Obama have eaten there and they're often featured in foodiearticles) followed by a stop at Pink Dog Creative to peruse the galleries.Then work your way around the many warehouses to see what the artists are making.

Next walk along the train track to the Wedge Brewery , where you'll often see hundreds of people outsidedrinking beer, playing games and listening to music. Hungry? All you'll get at the Wedge is peanuts, so go afew doors down to the Bull and Beggar for an interesting and yummy dinner. If their menu doesn't grab you,or your wallet is feeling a little too thin, you'll be happy dining at White Duck Taco , The Junction , or All Souls - you can't go wrong at any of them!

And nally, walk over to the Grey Eagle Music Hall to hear some music before heading home!

The River Arts District...2

A Feast for the Eyes, Belly and Soul...

1 First up, make a reservation ahead of time at Knife and Fork in Spruce Pine.You'll need that later... Next, go by High 5 for a latte and breakfast goodieto go, maybe run by Greenlife for snacks while you're near there.Head north on 19/23 towards Burnsville (there is another co ee shop andart gallery there), following directions to Roan Mtn. Hike the beautiful baldsfor a few hours and enjoy your snacks on one of the many overlooks.

Then head to Bakersville - a one stop sign quaint town. Visit Jason Burnette's ceramic studio, get a cup ofco ee at Dot's, and explore the greatest ceramic studio I've come across, Crimson Laurel . If you want more,visit nearby Penland School of Crafts to see the resident and student artists at work in the beautiful campus.

Finally, reward yourself with a gourmet meal in Spruce Pine at Knife and Fork. They ll up way ahead, so oftenyou can get that early dinner which works out well after your busy day, so that you can dine and head hometo Asheville on the early side (it's 45 minutes from Asheville).
http://www.riverartsdistrict.com/http://www.12bones.com/http://www.pinkdog-creative.com/http://www.wedgebrewing.com/http://www.the-bull-and-beggar.com/http://www.whiteducktacoshop.com/http://thejunctionasheville.com/http://www.allsoulspizza.com/http://thegreyeagle.com/http://www.knifeandforknc.com/http://appalachianjava.com/http://www.the-design-gallery.com/http://jasonbigeburnett.com/home.htmlhttp://www.crimsonlaurelgallery.com/http://www.penland.org/http://www.penland.org/http://www.crimsonlaurelgallery.com/http://jasonbigeburnett.com/home.htmlhttp://www.the-design-gallery.com/http://appalachianjava.com/http://www.knifeandforknc.com/http://thegreyeagle.com/http://www.allsoulspizza.com/http://thejunctionasheville.com/http://www.whiteducktacoshop.com/http://www.the-bull-and-beggar.com/http://www.wedgebrewing.com/http://www.pinkdog-creative.com/http://www.12bones.com/http://www.riverartsdistrict.com/


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As I ease into a Saturday in Asheville, I typically do one of two things: head toIzzy's for my favorite iced latte in town (and possibly ever) or to Over Easy onBroadway for a delicious (but usually indulgent) breakfast. If for some reason

I'm feeling particularly ambitious, I love to go to the Chisel class at 9 am atClasique Pilates on Lexington and then I won't feel so bad about whatever choices I make for the rest of the day.Be warned; it's tough.

If I have friends in town we may wander around downtown and do some shopping - Minx and Frock are two ofmy favorites. I can also spend a lot of time perusing books and random knick knacks in Malaprops or the Battery Park Book Exchange or scheme on my future super chic "grown up" home at Mobilia .

Depending on when you start your day (or your Friday night), this may carry you right into happy hour. If it's agirls day and you want to t in a pedicure or treatment, Spa Theology is great for more of a spa "experience". Forhappy hour I have several suggestions, depending on how you're feeling. If you want some the best pomegranate

margarita you will ever have, hit up Limones (which is also great for dinner). For people watching and a classyglass of wine go to 5 Walnut . If you are a beer a cionado and potentially want to meet some bros, walk down tothe Wicked Weed . Lastly, if you want to be hip and a "real Ashevillian" check out Ben's Tune Up (also great if it'snice outside).

For a good dinner on a budget, I would suggest White Duck Taco or Doc Chey's (worth the wait). If you're willingto ball out for ambiance and great food, I love Limones , Zambras , or Curate , all of which are walking distancedowntown. If you don't mind driving to West Asheville, the Admiral for dinner is amazing, despite the fact thatit looks like a hole in the wall on the inside and out. Also they clear the tables after dinner and it turns into a bigdance party if you're into that kind of thing.

Although the lines can be ridiculous, no night downtown is complete without a trip to the Chocolate Lounge (inmy humble opinion) so wherever you are, skip dessert. Post-chocolate lounge, I would suggest any of the bars Imentioned for happy hour, with the addition of maybe the Southern on Lexington or SkyBar if you want a view/roof experience. Enjoy!

LYNNE'S JESS'SMILLENNIAL AGENDA Jess is Lynne's 23 year old daughter. She tells us how she'd guide

her 20 and 30-something year old friends around Asheville.Badged by Lynne the "millennial agenda"...
http://izzyscoffeeden.com/http://overeasyasheville.com/http://www.studioclasique.com/http://www.minxasheville.com/http://www.befrocked.com/http://www.malaprops.com/http://www.batteryparkbookexchange.com/http://www.batteryparkbookexchange.com/http://www.mobilianc.com/http://www.spatheology.com/http://www.limonesrestaurant.com/http://5walnut.com/http://www.wickedweedbrewing.com/http://benstuneup.com/http://www.whiteducktacoshop.com/http://www.doccheysasheville.com/http://www.limonesrestaurant.com/http://zambratapas.com/http://www.curatetapasbar.com/http://theadmiralnc.com/https://frenchbroadchocolates.com/http://www.southernkitchenandbar.com/http://www.worldcoffeecafe.com/http://www.worldcoffeecafe.com/http://www.southernkitchenandbar.com/https://frenchbroadchocolates.com/http://theadmiralnc.com/http://www.curatetapasbar.com/http://zambratapas.com/http://www.limonesrestaurant.com/http://www.doccheysasheville.com/http://www.whiteducktacoshop.com/http://benstuneup.com/http://www.wickedweedbrewing.com/http://5walnut.com/http://www.limonesrestaurant.com/http://www.spatheology.com/http://www.mobilianc.com/http://www.batteryparkbookexchange.com/http://www.batteryparkbookexchange.com/http://www.malaprops.com/http://www.befrocked.com/http://www.minxasheville.com/http://www.studioclasique.com/http://overeasyasheville.com/http://izzyscoffeeden.com/


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LYNNE'S10 FOR AGIRL'S WEEKEND...

How About SomeAsheville Music...
http://www.underhillrose.com/http://jackofthewood.com/http://jackofthewood.com/http://theorangepeel.net/http://theorangepeel.net/http://isisasheville.com/http://thegreyeagle.com/calendar/http://thegreyeagle.com/calendar/http://thegreyeagle.com/http://www.elementsrealfood.com/http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/asheville/mon.htmhttp://www.onecenteryoga.com/http://www.curatetapasbar.com/http://www.limonesrestaurant.com/http://www.lolasalonandgallery.com/http://www.lolasalonandgallery.com/http://waketosoak.com/http://www.sensibilities-spa.com/http://www.spatheology.com/http://www.spatheology.com/http://www.malaprops.com/http://www.woolworthwalk.com/http://www.bluespiral1.com/https://www.facebook.com/horseandherohttp://theblackbirdrestaurant.com/https://frenchbroadchocolates.com/https://frenchbroadchocolates.com/http://www.ambrozia-avl.com/http://plantisfood.com/http://www.ganshanstation.com/http://imperialbarasheville.com/http://imperialbarasheville.com/http://www.batteryparkbookexchange.com/http://www.batteryparkbookexchange.com/http://5walnut.com/http://5walnut.com/http://www.topsforshoes.com/http://www.topsforshoes.com/http://www.minxasheville.com/https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maison-Mary/166247860058506?sk=timeline&ref=page_internalhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Maison-Mary/166247860058506?sk=timeline&ref=page_internalhttp://www.befrocked.com/


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ASHEVILLEBY MOVING IMAGE..

Lynne's other great love is producing stop motion videos. She says "I think that you can create such greatenergy with this medium...". We've selected 2 of Lynne's videos to give you a di erent kind of insight into

Asheville. Enjoy (and see if you can spot Steve and their dog, Charley)!
http://youtu.be/h2JWNyMb9Qchttp://youtu.be/Je2pCQsbIJw


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LYNNE & STEVE'S TIPS ON WHERE TO ST

Lynne & Steve's NOTABLE GUESTS..."I stayed in the Urban Nest for 2 weeks while I made my 11th record Fixin to Die with the Avett Brothers

right down the street at Echo Mountain Recording Studio. I loved the location and vibe of Lynne's spot and itsurely helped keep the creative juices owing. Thanks Lynne!"

- G. Love

"The urban nest is a beautiful, well maintained and very comfy place to stay. The bedroom is fantastic -very sound-proof. Great location. I highly recommend this place. The owner is a woman who could not besweeter. This one gets 5 stars."

- Brad Roberts, Crash Test Dummies"I love the Urban Nest. It's a warm, comfortable space and perfectly located in the heart of downtownAsheville, an easy walk to almost all of my favorite restaurants and shops. Highly recommended as an

alternative to staying in a hotel."- Ashley Capps - founder of the Bonnaroo Festival and Moog Fest

"The Asheville downtown condo is the perfect place for me to host those of our clients who are looking for alittle something special, rather than yet another hotel."

- Jessica Tomasin - Echo Mountain Recording and Aaron Wood Management
https://www.facebook.com/glovespecialsaucehttp://www.crashtestdummies.com/#/homehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonnaroo_Music_Festivalhttp://www.echomountain.net/http://www.echomountain.net/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonnaroo_Music_Festivalhttp://www.crashtestdummies.com/#/homehttps://www.facebook.com/glovespecialsaucehttp://haywoodpark.com/http://highfivecoffee.com/http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/ashevillehttp://www.moogmusic.com/http://www.ashevilleurbannest.com/droversway/http://www.ashevilleurbannest.com/the-original-urban-nest/http://www.ashevilleurbannest.com/the-original-urban-nest/


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Asheville: An Insider's Travel Guide

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