THE FULLEST Guide to Asheville
One of our favorite contributors, Carson Meyer, is back with her guide to Asheville, North Carolina. Eight months ago, Carson and her boyfriend decided to leave California, where she was born and raised (check out her Malibu Guide here!). Adventurous in spirit, Carson had only ever spent a total of 48 hours in North Carolina before making the big move! Her man had spent some time in Asheville and loved that it had always been known as a magnet for creatives, musicians, authors, and even chefs. Wanting to move somewhere to start a family closer to nature and with a more welcoming climate (including rain!), cleaner air, and a slower pace of life, they landed in Asheville and have fallen madly in love with their new life in NC. Here she shares some of her favorite new discoveries.
Stay
Horse Shoe Farms
Friends turned this beautiful farm into the perfect getaway destination that manages to take its vast spaces of land and create an intimate feeling. It is 20 minutes from the city and has everything you need from a delicious restaurant, to a lake, horses, wellness center, and spa.
Omni Grove Park Inn Hotel
The Omni Hotel is known for its epic indoor pool, spa, and eucalyptus steam room located in the heart of Asheville if you’re looking for some rejuvenation and relaxation.
Eat
West Asheville Tailgate Market
This seasonal local farmer’s market takes place every Saturday at the WNC campus. It is always the highlight of my week to stock up on my favorite gluten-free bread, the best ferments from Serotonin, chocolate from Silver Moon, herbal-infused ghee from Goddess Ghee, and grass-fed meat from Hickory Nut Gap.
Holman and Finch
If you’re into oysters and organ meats, this is the spot for you. It is a foodie’s paradise with a friendly staff who is passionate about quality and the culinary experience.
Dobra Tea
This groovy Eastern tea house in downtown and West Asheville is a great place to take meetings, it’s quiet with floor and table top seating. They serve bites, ethically sourced teas, and my personal favorite, coconut milk boba.
The Chop Shop Butchery
This butcher shop sources from only the best. They visit every farm to assure quality and ethics and create relationships with their farmers.
Pulp & Sprout
This spot has some good healthy plant-based and gluten-free smoothies, juices, pastries, and food. Easy to sit and eat or grab and go. My favorite is their Kitchari Bowl.
Shop
Nest Organics
Beautifully curated home goods, accessories, and organic baby clothing, Nest Organics is a wonderful place to shop for gifts, dress a home, and set up an eco-conscious nursery.
East Fork Pottery
Stunning handmade dishware from local artisans, the store is beautiful.
Sow True Seeds
I love shopping for seeds and supplies for my garden here. So much to choose from and they sell incredible organic soil.
Chevron Trading Post & Bead Company
This bead shop is a perfect activity for all ages. Thousands of beautiful beads to choose from for a DIY jewelry making project. I can get lost for hours in here.
Asheville Outlets
Okay, I know this is a lame one but I have to admit we shopped here every day when furnishing our new home! Such great prices and finds. Not every town is lucky enough to have a furniture outlet mall. You can find places like Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, Le Creuset, and Restoration Hardware.
Visit
Catawba Falls
My favorite hike! This trail is perfect for the entire family. A good workout but not too challenging and surrounded by water with a stunning waterfall at the top. I love sitting under the waterfall and placing my feet in the running stream. Feel instantly recharged and grounded from the crystal clear water and force of Mother Nature.
Blue Ridge Parkway
One of the most beautiful drives in the country and gateway to hiking trails of the blue ridge mountains.
Hearth Acupuncture
Kerry Goodwin LAc MAOM has a wonderful presence and has been a great resource for me through my pregnancy.
Chimney Rock
A sweet little village beneath the infamous Chimney Rock, a beautiful hike to a gorgeous vantage point. There is a river that runs alongside the town great for swimming and sunbathing.
Still Point Wellness Float Tank
A unique combination of saltwater floatation (sensory deprivation), Esalen® Massage, cranial sacral therapy, and somatic experiencing — this spa is designed to help reconnect to your body’s wisdom.
Asheville Salt Cave
Need some nervous system restoration? This wellness studio has an actual salt cave, hammam bathhouse, and a range of energy healing services guaranteed to calm your spirit.
Shoji Spa
Nestled in the mountains, Shoji Spa is truly magical. Soak in traditional Japanese private baths under a forest canopy.
Turtle Back Falls
Also known as Umbrella Falls for its stunning waterfall — this place is definitely worth the hike. You can access it via a trail in Gorges State National Park.