Erica’s Guidebook

Erica
Erica’s Guidebook

Adventures

A collection of sightseeing, hikes, and other adventures.
HISTORICAL/SIGHTSEEING - The Biltmore House and surrounding estate is one of the most visited locations in Asheville. It’s one of a kind. Practically a look at early American “royalty”. It is also a gardener’s paradise. The estate is approximately 20 minutes from Treetop Cottage.
1485 locals recommend
Biltmore
1 Lodge St
1485 locals recommend
HISTORICAL/SIGHTSEEING - The Biltmore House and surrounding estate is one of the most visited locations in Asheville. It’s one of a kind. Practically a look at early American “royalty”. It is also a gardener’s paradise. The estate is approximately 20 minutes from Treetop Cottage.
SIGHTSEEING and/or HIKING - Mount Mitchell is the tallest mountain on the eastern seaboard. As the crow flies, the summit is only ten miles away but Appalachian terrain demands an hour drive to the top. The views are breath-taking and the temperatures are always 10-15 degrees cooler. Perfect on a warm summer day.
414 locals recommend
Mount Mitchell State Park
2388 NC-128
414 locals recommend
SIGHTSEEING and/or HIKING - Mount Mitchell is the tallest mountain on the eastern seaboard. As the crow flies, the summit is only ten miles away but Appalachian terrain demands an hour drive to the top. The views are breath-taking and the temperatures are always 10-15 degrees cooler. Perfect on a warm summer day.
HIKING - Catawba Falls is a local GEM! Beautiful 100+ foot cascading waterfall only 15 minutes from Treetop. It is an easy 1.5 mile hike to the base of the falls. (3 miles round trip). The fall are particularly fantastic after a day or more of rain.
215 locals recommend
Catawba Falls
530 Warren Mountain Dr
215 locals recommend
HIKING - Catawba Falls is a local GEM! Beautiful 100+ foot cascading waterfall only 15 minutes from Treetop. It is an easy 1.5 mile hike to the base of the falls. (3 miles round trip). The fall are particularly fantastic after a day or more of rain.
SIGHTSEEING - If you haven’t spent time driving the Parkway... go! Make it a priority. Beautiful sights and breathtaking views. The Parkway is a National Park stretching from Cherokee, NC to the Shenandoah Valley, VA. It is well maintained and loaded with gorgeous roadside overlooks. You can access the Parkway in Asheville (multiple locations), or a few more remote access points above Old Fort/Marion (if you are more adventurous).
756 locals recommend
Blue Ridge Parkway
3884 Blue Ridge Parkway
756 locals recommend
SIGHTSEEING - If you haven’t spent time driving the Parkway... go! Make it a priority. Beautiful sights and breathtaking views. The Parkway is a National Park stretching from Cherokee, NC to the Shenandoah Valley, VA. It is well maintained and loaded with gorgeous roadside overlooks. You can access the Parkway in Asheville (multiple locations), or a few more remote access points above Old Fort/Marion (if you are more adventurous).
SIGHTSEEING and/or HIKING - The Craggys are one of our favorite places to frequent. We hike and picnic there regularly. You can clearly see Black Mountain to the south, and the mountains of TN and VA to the north. Multiple hiking trails that lead to large vistas. During early July the Craggys have a spectacular Catawba Rhododendron bloom.
224 locals recommend
Craggy Gardens Visitor Center
364 Blue Ridge Pkwy
224 locals recommend
SIGHTSEEING and/or HIKING - The Craggys are one of our favorite places to frequent. We hike and picnic there regularly. You can clearly see Black Mountain to the south, and the mountains of TN and VA to the north. Multiple hiking trails that lead to large vistas. During early July the Craggys have a spectacular Catawba Rhododendron bloom.
HIKING and SIGHTSEEING - Linville Falls are at the head (north-end) of Linville Gorge. The gorge is one of the deepest gorges on the east coast. Absolutely beautiful. Much to explore in the gorge itself. Travel time to the falls is 1 hour from Treetop.
434 locals recommend
Linville Falls
434 locals recommend
HIKING and SIGHTSEEING - Linville Falls are at the head (north-end) of Linville Gorge. The gorge is one of the deepest gorges on the east coast. Absolutely beautiful. Much to explore in the gorge itself. Travel time to the falls is 1 hour from Treetop.
HIKING - Montreat is only a 12 minute drive from Treetop. The small village was home to the late Billy Graham and hosts Montreat College. Additionally Montreat has some of the best hiking trails in the valley. We recommend the Lookout Trail (short but steep) for its views.
72 locals recommend
Montreat
72 locals recommend
HIKING - Montreat is only a 12 minute drive from Treetop. The small village was home to the late Billy Graham and hosts Montreat College. Additionally Montreat has some of the best hiking trails in the valley. We recommend the Lookout Trail (short but steep) for its views.
SIGHTSEEING and/or HIKING - Depending on where you access the park, travel time is between 1 and 1 1/2 hours. We recommend Cataloochee (closest access from Asheville) for viewing elk, or Oconaluftee (near Cherokee, NC) for access into the heart of the national park.
799 locals recommend
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
799 locals recommend
SIGHTSEEING and/or HIKING - Depending on where you access the park, travel time is between 1 and 1 1/2 hours. We recommend Cataloochee (closest access from Asheville) for viewing elk, or Oconaluftee (near Cherokee, NC) for access into the heart of the national park.
HIKING and/or CLIMBING - Depending on where you go in the gorge, we reccomend budgeting an hour or more of travel time. The Gorge is a hikers and climbers paradise. Breathtaking vistas full of stone walls and crags.
85 locals recommend
Linville Gorge Wilderness
85 locals recommend
HIKING and/or CLIMBING - Depending on where you go in the gorge, we reccomend budgeting an hour or more of travel time. The Gorge is a hikers and climbers paradise. Breathtaking vistas full of stone walls and crags.
HIKING - Black Balsam is a bald mountain ridge with 360 degree views. Budget an hour drive taking you past Asheville and onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s an Asheville favorite. You can also see the Graveyards Fields (which sit right below Black Balsam).
168 locals recommend
Black Balsam Knob
Art Loeb Trail
168 locals recommend
HIKING - Black Balsam is a bald mountain ridge with 360 degree views. Budget an hour drive taking you past Asheville and onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s an Asheville favorite. You can also see the Graveyards Fields (which sit right below Black Balsam).
SIGHTSEEING, HIKING, and/or CLIMBING/BOULDERING - Chimney Rock is a 45 minute drive south. It sits in Hickory Nut Gorge, a gorgeous landscape of tall rock walls. The closing scene of Last of the Mohicans was filmed here. The park’s main attraction is the famous “chimney”, but if you enjoy climbing/bouldering the park’s Rumbling Bald section will not disappoint. Best climbed in the fall, winter, and spring. Lots of chiggers during the summer. If you don’t know what those are, consider yourself lucky!
333 locals recommend
Chimney Rock State Park
431 Main St
333 locals recommend
SIGHTSEEING, HIKING, and/or CLIMBING/BOULDERING - Chimney Rock is a 45 minute drive south. It sits in Hickory Nut Gorge, a gorgeous landscape of tall rock walls. The closing scene of Last of the Mohicans was filmed here. The park’s main attraction is the famous “chimney”, but if you enjoy climbing/bouldering the park’s Rumbling Bald section will not disappoint. Best climbed in the fall, winter, and spring. Lots of chiggers during the summer. If you don’t know what those are, consider yourself lucky!
SIGHTSEEING and SHOPPING - Biltmore Village was originally named Best, North Carolina. During the construction of the Biltmore House, George Vanderbilt purchased Best. He changed its name and built all of the quaint buildings you see today as housing for his new estate staff. He also built All Souls Cathedral, an Episcopalian church for his staff to have a place to worship. All Souls remains an active faith community today. Vanderbilt’s former staff housing are now an eclectic group of high end shops and restaurants. Including the Corner Kitchen, an Asheville stalwart (and personal lunch date favorite).
89 locals recommend
Biltmore Village
89 locals recommend
SIGHTSEEING and SHOPPING - Biltmore Village was originally named Best, North Carolina. During the construction of the Biltmore House, George Vanderbilt purchased Best. He changed its name and built all of the quaint buildings you see today as housing for his new estate staff. He also built All Souls Cathedral, an Episcopalian church for his staff to have a place to worship. All Souls remains an active faith community today. Vanderbilt’s former staff housing are now an eclectic group of high end shops and restaurants. Including the Corner Kitchen, an Asheville stalwart (and personal lunch date favorite).
SIGHTSEEING, SHOPPING, FOOD, & CULTURE - Downtown Asheville is always worth a visit. It’s the largest city inside the entire Appalachian Mountain range from Georgia to Maine. Known for its eclectic culture and bohemian atmosphere, Asheville is full of street buskers, extraordinary eateries, micro-breweries, and interesting shops/galleries. Grab a parking spot in the one of the many public parking decks or streets. Go for a walk. It should not disappoint.
339 locals recommend
Downtown
339 locals recommend
SIGHTSEEING, SHOPPING, FOOD, & CULTURE - Downtown Asheville is always worth a visit. It’s the largest city inside the entire Appalachian Mountain range from Georgia to Maine. Known for its eclectic culture and bohemian atmosphere, Asheville is full of street buskers, extraordinary eateries, micro-breweries, and interesting shops/galleries. Grab a parking spot in the one of the many public parking decks or streets. Go for a walk. It should not disappoint.

Black Mountain Food

Some of our favorite local eats.
Great Black Mountain breakfast spot. Nice lunch menu too!
101 locals recommend
Louise's Kitchen
115 Black Mountain Ave
101 locals recommend
Great Black Mountain breakfast spot. Nice lunch menu too!
Excellent breakfast. We love anything including their smoked gouda pimento cheese!
42 locals recommend
Open Oven Cafe
102 Church St
42 locals recommend
Excellent breakfast. We love anything including their smoked gouda pimento cheese!
Great budget friendly Mexican cuisine.
49 locals recommend
Ole's Guacamoles
401 E State St
49 locals recommend
Great budget friendly Mexican cuisine.
A great soup, salad, and sandwich lunch spot.
51 locals recommend
Veranda Cafe & Gift
119 Cherry St
51 locals recommend
A great soup, salad, and sandwich lunch spot.
Good pub fare, drinks, and space to watch a game.
42 locals recommend
Black Mountain Kitchen & Ale House
117-C Cherry St
42 locals recommend
Good pub fare, drinks, and space to watch a game.
Some of the best pizza in Black Mountain. Some would say in the county.
82 locals recommend
My Father's Pizza & Pasta
110 Cherry St
82 locals recommend
Some of the best pizza in Black Mountain. Some would say in the county.
Locally raised meats.
37 locals recommend
Foothills Butcher Bar: Black Mountain
111 Black Mountain Ave
37 locals recommend
Locally raised meats.

Asheville Food

Incredible Caribbean cuisine. Located in one of Asheville’s most historic neighborhoods. One of our personal favorites.
589 locals recommend
Nine Mile
233 Montford Ave
589 locals recommend
Incredible Caribbean cuisine. Located in one of Asheville’s most historic neighborhoods. One of our personal favorites.
Nationally famous ribs. Best sides in the city. Next door to The Wedge brewery. We recommend the blueberry chipotle ribs!
329 locals recommend
12 Bones Smokehouse RIVER
5 Foundy St
329 locals recommend
Nationally famous ribs. Best sides in the city. Next door to The Wedge brewery. We recommend the blueberry chipotle ribs!
Multiple locations in AVL. Best tacos in the city.
65 locals recommend
White Duck Taco Shop Downtown
12 Biltmore Ave
65 locals recommend
Multiple locations in AVL. Best tacos in the city.
2 locations in AVL (south and west). Best fried chicken in our opinion. Various spices.
69 locals recommend
Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack South
3749 Sweeten Creek Rd
69 locals recommend
2 locations in AVL (south and west). Best fried chicken in our opinion. Various spices.
Excellent food. Modern California/Mexican cooking.
278 locals recommend
Limones Restaurant
15 Eagle St
278 locals recommend
Excellent food. Modern California/Mexican cooking.
Great farm to table fare in the heart of downtown Asheville.
116 locals recommend
Rhubarb
7 N Pack Square
116 locals recommend
Great farm to table fare in the heart of downtown Asheville.
American eatery in the historic Biltmore Village.
155 locals recommend
Corner Kitchen
3 Boston Way
155 locals recommend
American eatery in the historic Biltmore Village.
Quality American cuisine.
149 locals recommend
Chestnut
48 Biltmore Ave
149 locals recommend
Quality American cuisine.
Downtown AVL’s most frequented pizza/pub.
49 locals recommend
Barley's Taproom
42 Biltmore Ave
49 locals recommend
Downtown AVL’s most frequented pizza/pub.
Excellent food. Period. (May take walk-ins but we recommend calling for a reservation.) The dining room is the old barracks of the US Foresters who built the Blue Ridge Parkway. Building is coupled with Burial Beer’s taproom (downstairs). Easily one of the coolest converted buildings to an restaurant in Asheville.
70 locals recommend
Forestry Camp Bar & Restaurant
10 Shady Oak Dr
70 locals recommend
Excellent food. Period. (May take walk-ins but we recommend calling for a reservation.) The dining room is the old barracks of the US Foresters who built the Blue Ridge Parkway. Building is coupled with Burial Beer’s taproom (downstairs). Easily one of the coolest converted buildings to an restaurant in Asheville.

Breweries

Asheville boasts one of the highest concentrations of breweries per capita than any other city and surround areas in the USA. Something for every beer drinker to enjoy. Multiple “Brews Cruises” are available in the city,
The brewery that kinda started it all. Excellent variety of different beers, and a fantastic green space for kids to play and roam.
349 locals recommend
Highland Brewing Company
12 Old Charlotte Hwy
349 locals recommend
The brewery that kinda started it all. Excellent variety of different beers, and a fantastic green space for kids to play and roam.
Black Mountain brewery. Locally famous for their Pale Ale. Live concert series in the summer.
153 locals recommend
Pisgah Brewing Company
2948 US-70
153 locals recommend
Black Mountain brewery. Locally famous for their Pale Ale. Live concert series in the summer.
Great space. Good beer. Near the entrance to the Biltmore Estate.
166 locals recommend
Hillman Beer
25 Sweeten Creek Rd
166 locals recommend
Great space. Good beer. Near the entrance to the Biltmore Estate.
It’s New Belgium. Enough said. Sit above the French Broad River in Asheville and enjoy a cold drink.
450 locals recommend
New Belgium Brewing Company
21 Craven St
450 locals recommend
It’s New Belgium. Enough said. Sit above the French Broad River in Asheville and enjoy a cold drink.
A newer brewery in AVL with great green space for kids to play.
30 locals recommend
Sweeten Creek Brewing
1127 Sweeten Creek Rd
30 locals recommend
A newer brewery in AVL with great green space for kids to play.
Great beer in AVL’s River Arts district and right next door to 12 Bones BBQ.
285 locals recommend
Wedge Brewing Company
37 Paynes Way
285 locals recommend
Great beer in AVL’s River Arts district and right next door to 12 Bones BBQ.
Excellent brew/pub in the heart of downtown AVL. Good food too.
478 locals recommend
Wicked Weed Brewing Pub
91 Biltmore Ave
478 locals recommend
Excellent brew/pub in the heart of downtown AVL. Good food too.
Great sours.
169 locals recommend
The Funkatorium
147 Coxe Ave
169 locals recommend
Great sours.
One of Burial Beer’s taprooms bottom floor. (beer is brewed in an adjacent building on the property). Fantastic beer., famous for their sours. The building is the former barracks and offices of the US Foresters who built the Blue Ridge Parkway. The top floor hosts a full restaurant.
70 locals recommend
Forestry Camp Bar & Restaurant
10 Shady Oak Dr
70 locals recommend
One of Burial Beer’s taprooms bottom floor. (beer is brewed in an adjacent building on the property). Fantastic beer., famous for their sours. The building is the former barracks and offices of the US Foresters who built the Blue Ridge Parkway. The top floor hosts a full restaurant.