Land of the Sky

Last month, I introduced Asheville as one of America’s great cities. Although this small mountain city in North Carolina isn’t very famous, there’s a lot to do there. In this final post about Asheville, join the Grateful Gypsies for a video tour of the city’s “Streets, Beats & Eats.” Check out three awesome local restaurants, get outside to enjoy disc golf and tubing, see a bit of the nightlife, and take in some live music.

“Start your morning in Asheville off at Biscuit Head for some southern home cookin’. Try a grapefruit mimosa, load up at the jam and butter bar, and dig into one of their many amazing biscuit dishes.

You might need a walk after all those biscuits, so why not get out there and play one of the most up and coming sports in the country? Enjoy the great outdoors, get some exercise, and save money – it’s way cheaper than real golf!

For a more relaxed afternoon, head to Zen Tubing. Pick up a beer tie from the gift shop, and get ready to get in touch with your inner tube. Load up a cooler of drinks and snacks, and set out to enjoy the Homer Simpson of water sports as you lazily float down stream.

This is one of the most popular restaurants in Asheville, and for good reason. Peruse their chalkboard menu, with lots of local options. Go healthy with some falafel, or not so much with a burger. The redneck pot pie is pretty awesome, but it’s hard to beat a plate of veggies and what just might be the best fried chicken ever. Wash it all down with a tasty North Carolina beer like Green Man or Sisters of the Moon.

Downtown Asheville is a great place for a stroll and a little shopping, with tons of funky stores to choose from. Head into Instant Karma to browse colorful tapestries, jewelry, clothing, stickers and pins, or smoking accessories. Out on the street, you’ll probably see local musicians busking, or maybe the pub-cycle riding by.

If you happen to be in town on a Friday, make sure you check out the drum circle at Pritchard Park. This weekly jam session attracts all kinds of people who come to drum, dance, or just hang out.

For Happy Hour, it’s hard to beat the Sky Bar. Sip on tasty cocktails and enjoy the views, and you’ll see why some call Asheville the Land of the Sky.

There’s no shortage of great places for dinner here, including the Blue Dream Curry House. These guys deliver with their amazing curries and quite possibly the greatest culinary invention ever – the naan taco. Of course, they’ve got great local beer here, too.

Asheville is definitely a beer city, with more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the US. Drop by Wicked Weed, where they’re pouring all sorts of delicious craft beers. Sip on a milk stout or go strong with a double IPA.

There’s a great live music scene here as well, with something on just about every night. Jack of the Wood is a popular spot to meet friends, have a drink, and catch some music.”