Although we travel to and through Asheville often, we typically don’t stay overnight because it’s only about 2 hours away from us. I particularly love visiting their RH Outlet store. I love a true outlet…not these garbage that outlets have came to be in recent years where they make a cheaper version of their offerings to sell there. I also love their river tubing. I’ve had really great experiences with Zen Tubing, which you can read about here. You park at their location, they shuttle you to the drop off location and then you float back down to their location and get back in your vehicle. Anyway, this trip was a work trip and we made the best out of our downtime. I wish i would have planned a little better for dog friendly activities, but I think we did ok.
Renaissance Asheville Hotel
We’ve stayed in Hotel Indigo, Grand Bohemian, and Omni Grove Park, but this was our first experience with Renaissance Asheville Hotel. It didn’t disappoint. It provided easy access to downtown and all the amenities. The Hotel Indigo used to be my go-to for an overnight stay but this one easily replaces it due to location.
Biltmore Forest CC
You know there’s going to be a golf post in most of these blog posts. This place is easily the best golf course in Asheville, NC. Founded by the widow of George W. Vanderbilt, this member-owned, private club is placed in the top 3% of all private clubs in North America. Although I did not personally visit here due to us traveling with our pupper, the husband gives it a good thumbs up and sent me pictures. I did drive by it as I was visiting my friend in Biltmore Forest and it is easily the nicest golf course in Asheville.
Dobra Tea
Visiting a tea house typically isn’t something I seek to do. Not everyone is “into” tea. The menus can be vast and confusing for newbies. I’m don’t frequent tea houses, but I’m no stranger to them. At the suggestion of my friend, Brandy, we came here and she recommended boba (bubble) tea. I got the matcha (I’m always down for a matcha anything) and we hung out with Luka while people came by ooo’ing and ahhh’ing at him. He is super cute but oftentimes people seem to forget other have boundaries. One older lady kept brushing my chest the whole time she was petting my dog. I had questions….and maybe comments. But, ya gotta choose your battles. haha.
AC Hotel by Marriott/Capella on 9
THIS is the hotel I thought we were staying at and the place I wish we would have stayed. Marriott is super animal friendly but this one is one of THE most dog friendly. We ventured down the street to dine on the rooftop at Capella on 9 and was pleasantly surprised we were not subjected to patio-only seating. We were offered a place inside anywhere nearest the patio.
The Cantina
Recommended by my friend Brandy, we attempted to eat at The Cantina on a Wednesday only to find they were closed in the middle of the week. After looking up their hours, we tried again the next day. I ordered the Biltmore Quesadilla with black beans and coconut rice and we shared an order of plantains. Neither disappointed. The sun-dried tomatoes added a little extra richness that most quesadillas lack. The plantains were probably my favorite and I’ll have to keep an eye out for plantain side dishes elsewhere when I’m dining at other Mexican restaurants.
Biltmore Estate
I’ve visited Biltmore Estate countless times. There’s just so many things on the property to do it’s worth visiting over and over if you’re in the area. This trip, my friend Brandy and I frolicked through the sunflower field on Wednesday and had risked snake bites to have a mini photoshoot with Luka and had desserts at Cedric’s Tavern as part of her oldest daughters birthday celebrations the following day. This makes me want to get another annual pass to experience all of the season again. I never knew there was a sunflower field, is this new?
