Cross Country Coin – Asheville, North Carolina

Roberto Coin has 10 boutiques throughout the US in amazing travel destinations – from the snowy peaks of Denver to the bright lights of Vegas.  So, we’re taking a cross country journey to spotlight each of our boutiques, giving you a glimpse of what each locale has to offer and why we think your next vacation should include a stop at a Roberto Coin.

By Christina Maxwell

Second Stop:  Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the glorious foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina offers what you’d hope to find in the South with its small-town charm, Southern hospitality and mouth-watering food.  But, Asheville packs an unexpected punch with its eclectic downtown, progressive ideals and thriving arts scene.  There’s a reason why it’s constantly ranked as one of the country’s top cities to visit by sources from National Geographic to USA Today.  Read on to discover why you should pack your bags now for a stop by our boutique in this Southern gem.

The Farm to Table Cuisine…The Southern Way

Asheville has become a culinary hot spot, supporting local farms and restaurants and holding together the city’s collaborative and creative spirit with a little bacon grease and a whole lot of butter.

For brunch:  Biscuit Head.  It’s all in the name.  Biscuits may or may not be as large as your head.  We highly recommend the Mimosa Fried Chicken Biscuit.  For a classic Southern brunch, try the Super Southern Breakfast Bowl with grits and black eye peas from Tupelo Honey.

For lunch:  Grab a Bangkok Shrimp or Thai Peanut Chicken taco at the hip and colorful White Duck Taco.  Sit down at the Corner Kitchen for a Fried Oyster Salad, served in a restored 19^th century home nestled amid the charming shops of Biltmore Village.  Or follow Barack and Michelle Obama’s lead and stop in at 12 Bones for blueberry chipotle ribs, collard greens and melt-in-your-mouth corn pudding.

For cocktails:  Sip a Root Daiquiri at Sovereign Remedies, an early 20^th century pharmacy converted to a cocktail lounge.  We’re pretty sure it’ll cure whatever you’ve come down with.  A big beer fan?  You’re in luck.  Asheville was named Beer City USA in 2009 and has swept the competition almost every year since.  Enjoy a brew at Wicked Weed or spend the day at the stunningly beautiful Sierra Nevada Brewery.

For dinner:  There’s a world of opportunities.  For French Cuisine and bottomless mussels and frites visit Bouchon.  Try Limones for modern Mexican cuisine or order tapas at critically-acclaimed Curate (but make a reservation months in advance!).  If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t let the cinder-block, hole-in-the-wall façade of The Admiral fool you…it’s one of the best spots in town.

For dessert:  If you’ve managed to save room and are willing to wait in line (we promise it’s worth it!), visit the French Broad Chocolate Lounge for a liquid truffle.  Or, hop on over to The Hop, named one of the 12 Best Ice Cream Shops in America by the Huffington Post, for an adventurous flavor like Blueberry Kale or Plum Cardamom Crisp.

 The Art, Architecture and History

Undoubtedly the main tourist attraction, the Biltmore Estate was built in 1895 for the Vanderbilt Family and is the largest privately owned home in the United States.  Tours are pricey (tickets for adults begin at $55), but well worth the investment.  Be transported to another era as you wander through the 250-room mansion, with a private swimming pool, bowling alley, 10,000 volume library, winery and 8,000 acres.  The Christmastime candlelight tour, beginning in early November, is magical.  Explore more of Asheville’s history and visit Thomas Wolfe’s home, now a small museum, to see the place that inspired his novel, “Look Homeward, Angel”.  Or, drive past the location where Zelda, wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald, passed away in 1948.  To immerse yourself in the local arts scene, visit the River Arts District, an eclectic area of town that hosts 200 plus artists working in studios with doors open to visitors.  Explore the paintings, jewelry, textiles, sculptures and Western North Carolina pottery.

 The Open Air

Every October and November, people travel from all over the world to marvel over the changing leaves cascading over the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Take a long, scenic drive on the winding Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping to take in breathtaking views or enjoy one of the many hidden trails along the way.  If you’re an avid hiker, this city is your paradise.  Mount Pisgah, Sam Knob, and the Triple Falls at DuPont Forest are all within roughly an hour away.  Or, enjoy a hike through the North Carolina Arboretum, complete with seasonal gardens and picturesque streams.  Want a room with a view?  Stay at the famed Grove Park Inn, complete with a view you won’t believe, a spa you’ll never want to leave and seasonal perks like the annual Gingerbread House Competition.

The Open Arms, Minds and Hearts

Asheville has a new slogan for a reason.  They say that “y’all means all”, blending good old Southern hospitality with a progressive outlook and surprisingly eclectic character.  Stroll through downtown and observe some of the famous and unconventional street performers (from musicians to live statues to the famous nuns riding unicycles!), shop in quirky gift shops and join in on the weekly Asheville Drum Circle where people from all walks of life meet downtown to play drums, cow bells, and dance together.  Or, ride a purple LaZoom bus for a guided tour of the many eccentricities that make Asheville a city you’ll not soon forget.

Visit the Asheville Boutique!

Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave #140

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 350-1134