by Leslie Patrick
Considering that the President and First Lady recently chose to spend a well-deserved weekend getaway in this quirky Western North Carolina town, you can bet that the city of nearly 80,000 people is a destination well worth a visit. Nestled amid the rolling, verdant slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is everything you would expect from a riverside college enclave. Though many visit the city to view the grandiose architecture of the Biltmore Estate—George Vanderbilt’s massive country home built in the 1890s—those in the know appreciate the city’s creative vibe. Hip art galleries, down home barbeque, literary hotspots and a trendy fashion scene all coalesce to make Asheville a truly inspiring destination.
DO
Literature lovers will adore the eclectic surroundings found at Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar (1 Battle Square, 828-252-0020). The swooning, old-timey music, vintage art and scrumptious bubbly will make you feel like an F. Scott Fitzgerald heroine come to life, bright red lipstick and all. Imbibe wines from such exotic locales as Argentina and South Africa as you peruse the shop’s 40,000 square feet of used and rare books. An 1868 Dickens anyone? After your libation, continue your exploration of historic downtown Asheville. The Basilica of Saint Lawrence (97 Haywood Street, 828-252-6042) may be geared towards those of the Catholic persuasion, but anyone with an appreciation of history can enjoy the story the unique brick cathedral has to tell. Built in 1905 by Rafael Guastavino, a Spanish architect that came to Asheville to work on the Biltmore Estate, the church is the first in the U.S. that features the unique Catalan tile and mortar building system that Guastavino later patented. It just wouldn’t be a visit to Asheville if you neglected to visit one of the city’s funky art galleries. One way to see a lot of art in a relatively short period of time is to take a trip to the Woolworth Walk (25 Haywood Street, 828-254-9234). Over 150 artists are on display at any given time in this massive old Woolworth department store building, and genres range from unexpected mixed media paintings to exquisitely handcrafted jewelry.
EAT
In addition to carving out a place on the artistic map, Asheville’s delectable array of restaurants and eateries attracts foodies from around the globe. Start your day out right with melted Havarti cheese over grits or homemade biscuits and milk gravy from comfort food haven Tupelo Honey (12 College Street, 828-255-4863). Indulge in a bellini or mimosa while you wait for a table at this ever-popular Asheville breakfast joint. When lunchtime rolls around, Mellow Mushroom Pizza is a local favorite(50 Broadway Street, 828-236-9800). Unconventional décor like bowling balls built into the wall and giant paintings of psychedelic mushrooms mix with the to-die-for pizza and full bar (including an array of locally brewed beers on tap) to create a unique Asheville experience. The city’s most sought after barbeque can be found at 12 Bones Smokehouse (5 Riverside Drive, 828-253-4499). When the Obama’s visited, this sumptuous taste of Southern deliciousness was one of the couple’s first stops. They noshed on baby back ribs, mac and cheese and sweet tea while carousing with the locals at this laid back Asheville hotspot.
SLEEP
For a purely Presidential experience, stay at the luxurious Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa (290 Macon Avenue, 828-252-2711). Built in 1913 from granite stones mined from nearby Sunset Mountain, the Grove Park has become one of the South’s premiere grand resorts.His and her activities abound whether it be a massage at the Inn’s world-class spa or a round of golf a-la-Obama at the hotel’s legendary golf course.Should you desire more modern and trendy accommodations, check out the boutique Hotel Indigo (151 Haywood Street, 828-239-0239). Revamped Brady Bunch colors and 1970s wall murals combine with amenities such as 24-hour room service and a state of the art fitness center to ensure that your every physical need is immediately met. Steps away from downtown, Hotel Indigo is an ideal base from which to explore Asheville’s many charms.
GO
Delta, US Airways, and American Airlines all offer connecting service from DFW to Asheville for as little as $228 round trip. Summer temperatures can range from the rainy and cool to a sultry 85 degrees. Whether you choose to take the urban path and stick to the sidewalks of downtown or ascend to the peaks of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers a unique Southern experience. Bon voyage!
