We decided to be adventurous and stay in a hostel for the first time. The Asheville Hostel and guest house had a stand alone bungalow behind the main house. It was a great location, able to walk everywhere around downtown to explore.
This is it, nothing fancy. Approximately 150 sq ft, but had everything we needed - a bed, sink, mini fridge, and bathroom. It was clean, and the AC worked very well. This picture was taken on the way out, not on the way in.
First stop, Lexington Avenue Brewery (LAB). Local brewery, cool space with open garage door windows. They serve their own craft beer, having 5 or 6 options. We had the main squeeze, which was a lemon yeasty belgian, good balance, and refreshing after a six hour drive. LAB was one of the few bars open before 4pm during the week.
We knew we wanted to check this place out, the basement bar serves only Belgian beers.
We had the Big Boss Scarab from NC, aged in cabernet barrels, and a mini 4 oz stillwater goose gone wild, from MD, on the sour side but not overwhelming, a citrusy belgian sour. Steph loves mini things. Next, tried a Bockor cuvee des jocobins rouge from beligum, which was a sour red with an explosion of tart fruit flavors, especially cherry.
We decided we should probably eat some food, so we shared a pint of bacon, which is what it sounds like. About 9 pieces of bacon, served in a mason jar, with a maple black pepper glaze. We also got the white tire dip, white cheddar cheese and fat tire beer, served with pretzels.
Dinner reservations weren't until 9, so we wandered around trying to find our next stop. We stumbled upon a block party, which turned out to be an amazing find. Only $5 for a wristband, which included beer, wine, snacks, and the people watching was free.
We drank some beers and waited for the big nasty jazz band to come on and they were super cool.
Around 9, we headed to Curate (Coo-rah-tay), a highly rated Spanish wine and tapas bar. The birthday girl was super excited for some cured meats.
We had bruschette with manchego, a charcuterie with a variety of spanish hams, fried chorizo wrapped in potato chips, and shrimp and garlic.
For dessert we had a blob of chocloate delight with raspberry gelato and praline something.
Breakfast at Tupelo Honey before heading out on a hike. Questionable decision on the moonshine bloody mary, not for the faint of heart and not recommended before a strenuous hike. Homemade biscuits, honey and blackberry jam and eggs benedict hit the spot. Steph really liked the goat cheese grits.
Lake Susan Montreat, NC
The lookout trail in Montreat. Take these steps and repeat 1000 times.
This is your reward. Views of Montreat down below and Black Mountain NC off in the distance
The moonshine bloody mary and eggs benedict were fighting her all the way, she wasnt sure she could persevere but here Steph is happy she made it.
Wicked Weed has the best outdoor patio in Asheville. Great craft beer selection. It was a nice way to start off our night after our hike during the day
This is the Pritchard park drum circle you have to see it to believe it.
Hi-Wire brewing is a small craft beer operation similar to Rhinegeist if you're familiar with them in CIncinnati but an even smaller space. Its a warehouse so everything from the brewing to the drinking happen right here. Its a very eclectic bar area with foosball tables, original nintendo hook up and shuffleboard. They had garage doors that opened up to give the place an open air feel.
Ben's Tune Up is an old auto garage converted to an indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant. Cool space with different areas having different vibes.
A honky tonk band to end the night and our trip in Asheville at the Jack O the Wood. Great live music, neighborhood bar feel, great beer and bourbon selection.