Farm to Table Asheville: A 3 Day Food Lovers Adventure

Cúrate has transformed a 1920s era bus station into a farm-to-table destination.  ©Dawn Damico

Destination North Carolina/ Farm to Table Asheville

I wasn’t aware a polar vortex was heading to Asheville as I planned for an early spring getaway from Florida. While the weather wasn’t exactly what I expected, this mountain city warmed me from the inside out despite the chill. Beyond the farm-to-table restaurants and craft breweries that have earned Asheville national recognition lies a deeper story—one of agricultural heritage, passionate producers, and authentic connection to the land.

My three-day journey wove through downtown dining spots and a wellness sanctuary, then ventured beyond the city limits to family farms nestled in the surrounding Blue Ridge foothills. Join me as I experience Asheville through its flavors, one delicious bite at a time.

When the original luxury cafeteria concept of the S&W building opened, it was called “as modern as a Robot.” ©Dawn Damico

This was a travel day. I caught a direct Allegiant flight from the newly expanded Terminal A at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). I checked in through the Allegiant app the day before, adding a carryon suitcase to accommodate bulky cold-weather clothing and leave room for Asheville treasures to bring home. With TSA PreCheck and using the new terminal, there were no delays at the airport and everything boarded on time.

Our female pilot handled the strong winds and turbulence perfectly at both ends of the flight.

After landing, the half-day plan was to spend time in Downtown Asheville and sample a few great restaurants. It was very cold (in the 30s) with gusts of northern winds, so serious exploring was going to have to wait a day or two.

Terra Nova Beer Company

Bringing the outdoors in, moss walls at Terra Nova Beer Co. are made from several types of preserved moss and do not require watering.    ©Dawn Damico

The Experience:

Terra Nova offers a spacious outdoor patio and beer garden surrounded by native plants, though it was too cold to enjoy when I visited. The interior design balances industrial with natural.  Living plant walls, a copper-colored counter, and pouring wall creates an inviting atmosphere. A subtle mural outlining a mountain scene adds an artistic touch.

Steel brewing tanks line the wall and food is prepared by Mission Pizza. You can purchase seasonally available craft beer in cans or get the latest selections poured from the tap. I ordered the Sfincione slice of thick crust pizza and enjoyed a small glass of Choice! AF New Zealand Pale Ale 5.3%. It was a nice stop before heading to the hotel.

What I Ordered:

Choice! AF New Zealand Pale Ale 5.3%

Sfincione pizza slice

Dinner at Cúrate

I know…it’s just eggplant, but my oh my! Part of the secret is that the eggplant is peeled then soaked in milk overnight.   ©Dawn Damico

The Dining Experience

An early 4:30 dinner reservation allowed for time afterwards to explore other food and drink establishments in Downtown Asheville before the night was over. I chose this restaurant for a few reasons: an award-winning wine list, owners Katie Button & Felix Meana’s James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Hospitality, authentic Spanish tapas, and their food philosophy. Cúrate means “cure yourself” in Spanish. Eating well, sharing good food and wine with family and friends, is their delicious pursuit toward health. 

Repurposed Train Depot

The restaurant occupies two connected spaces in a renovated 1920s-era bus station, distinguished by its red brick exterior and large street-facing windows. They have capitalized on this arrangement by creating two back-to-back serving areas, each surrounded by wrap around bar seating. 

One side is a cocktail and wine bar with shelves rising from countertop to ceiling displaying various spirits bottles, glassware, and cooking ingredients. The other side is an open kitchen lined with ovens, gas-fired cooking elements, and cooktops  where you get front-row seats to the activity of the chefs. Additional booth seating and hightops line the wall and open areas. It is an effective use of space and provides a comfortable atmosphere. 

I was quickly seated by the open kitchen bar. My server, Grace, thoughtfully asked about dietary restrictions or food allergies before explaining that two to three small plates would provide a full meal. Although guests are welcome to order progressively throughout their visit. The wine list offers selections by bottle or glass, featuring Spanish regions including Green Spain, Duero River Valley, Ebro River Valley, The Semeta, Mediterranean Coast, and the Islands.

Tapas and More

The food menu tempts you with seafood, vegetable dishes, and the world famous Iberico de Bellota. This is meat from Iberian pigs whose acorn diet and genetic diversity have given it a reputation for being delicious and healthier than other pork breeds. 

Highlights of my meal included the rich, flavor-filled Sopa de Setas (mushroom soup) and the delightfully light Berenjenas con Miel (eggplant and honey). I would happily enjoy the soup several nights each week. The eggplant, drizzled with honey from Weaverville North Carolina’s Honey and the Hive, was a flavor combination I’ve never experienced before. 

Oh, that Eggplant!

Now, let’s talk about that eggplant. The aroma of browned rosemary hits your senses first. Then, you’ll notice that your knife cuts through the eggplant like butter. When you taste the sweetness of drizzled honey against the light and completely bitter-free eggplant, you’ll become an instant fan of this dish. Curious about the preparation, I asked my server how the eggplant was prepared. She told me the eggplant is peeled then soaked in milk overnight (the secret for removing any bitterness). Then, it’s dipped in flour and deep fried for about three minutes before being drizzled with the honey.

I also tried the shrimp in a sherry-based broth, served with a crusty baguette for soaking up the liquid. While good, the sherry profile wasn’t my favorite—on a return visit, I’d likely explore one of their meat dishes featuring Iberian pork or chicken instead.

What I Ordered

Sopa de Setas (mushroom soup)
Berenjenas con Miel (eggplant)
Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp)
Wine-Emilio Moro 2020 Tempranillo from Ribiera Duero region

Crave, The Dessert Bar

The Drunken Tiramisu is made with coffee and tia maria soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone mousse.  ©Dawn Damico

The Experience

Their menu reads like a novel, starting with Chapter One (Savory), progressing to Chapter Two (Sweet), moving through various libations from classic cocktails to dessert wines, beer and fine wines, then finishing with the Epilogue—Innocent Sips of alcohol-free options. The Author’s Notes detail Hookah variations for those interested.

The interior is like a classic reading room with dark blue tones, used brick walls, and tall, open shelving that artfully separates the seating spaces, allowing for privacy without feeling confined. Vintage typewriters play on the writer’s theme and mirrored wall behind the bar reflects the impressive array of spirits. Fresh and dried garnishments displayed on top of the bar await the creative touch of skilled mixologists.

While the cocktail menu was tempting, I was looking for something sweet after my dinner at Cúrate. The dessert selection included items like chocolate covered strawberries, apple bake, donuts, s’mores platter (which would be perfectly enjoyed on the patio by the fire features), cakes, and pies.

What I Ordered

I enjoyed the Drunken Tiramisu, made with coffee and tia maria soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone mousse. 

To drink: A shot of espresso with a bit of raw sugar

The Times Bar

Coffee shop by day, craft cocktail bar by night, The Times Bar makes their syrups and infusions in-house.   ©Dawn Damico

Located in the historic S&W Market building known for its innovative art deco design, The Times Bar was once connected to the food hall and now occupies a separate space which makes it feel less “food-hall-like” and more intimate. The building features the same Atlantic Terra Cotta found in the Asheville City Hall, and the light and dark blue details around the front window panels are gorgeous. In its heyday, the luxury cafeteria concept of the S&W building was called “as modern as a Robot.” 

The Experience

I could return to The Times Bar every night just to listen to the crooners softly playing in the background over the sound system, transporting me back in my mind to the 30s or 40s. 

This craft cocktail bar and coffee shop makes their syrups and infusions in-house. Sitting at a corner table in the back gave me prime seating to absorb the atmosphere and watch bar patrons enjoying what seems to be a local favorite. 

The last bit of the daylight poured in from the street through a massive floor-to-ceiling window that spanned almost the entire width of the space, bordered with terra cotta stone. As the sky grew darker, street lights flickered on and the golden light from within the bar cast a soft warm glow on the decorative skeletons hanging from the wall, perhaps a remnant of Halloween decor.

The drink menu is printed in a small leather embossed binder and includes a selection of winter cocktails, desserts, shots, cocktails, spirits, beer and wine. Intriguing names like Corduroy Cardigan, Pop Off King (made with kettle-corn infused rum), Yule Fuel (their house-made eggnog), and Speak Gingerly filled the pages.

What I Ordered

I chose the Queen of the Underworld: milk-oolong tea, ginger, vanilla, apricot, Génépy des Alpes, and Amarula.

Never have I ever had a cup of tea that was pure indulgence sprinkled with a touch of magic in the form of a candied ginger. I didn’t want the sip to end.

The Grove Arcade was one of the city’s premier commercial buildings in the 1930s. Its architectural significance alone makes it worth exploring. ©Dawn Damico

The original plan for an Asheville wellness travel experience involved hiking to a hilltop and morning yoga. However, I was a bit too early in the season and mountaintop yoga sessions were still closed. Instead, I chose to stay downtown and be pampered at what turned out to be a tropical oasis.  Before my morning appointment, I stopped in for a green tea at Dobra Tea. Next, an hour of bliss with Jessica Spiers at Urban Exhale Massage.

Urban Exhale Massage

Seasoned travel writers often include massage therapy in their workflow not as a luxury but as essential maintenance for their most important tools—their bodies and minds.  ©Dawn Damico

Urban Exhale Massage is an oasis located in an historic building set back from the street. Walking up the stairs, you enter a rich, jewel-toned blue lobby with vintage red brick walls. It’s kind of like industrial zen with plants! 

While massage might seem like pure indulgence (which it certainly is), research shows it reduces cortisol levels while increasing serotonin and dopamine—neurotransmitters essential for creative thinking and mental clarity. For writers and creatives, this neurochemical reset can be truly transformative.

The benefits extend well beyond brain chemistry. The forced disconnection during a massage session creates mental space for ideas to percolate. Without screens, notifications, or the ability to jot down thoughts, our subconscious mind receives rare freedom to wander and make unexpected connections. It’s similar to when you’re stuck on a problem and find the solution only after walking away and doing something completely unrelated—a phenomenon I’ve experienced countless times.

When traveling, these benefits multiply. After long flights, massage helps restore circulation and release accumulated physical tension. Seasoned travel writers often include massage therapy in their workflow not as a luxury but as essential maintenance for their most important tools—their bodies and minds.

The Experience

Glowing lights, the gentle sound of flowing water, soothing music, and the healing magic of touch created an immediate sense of calm.

Natural light filled the room as I lay face down on the massage table, wondering why I don’t prioritize spa days more often. 

I was surprised by how quickly I shifted from “work brain” to complete relaxation. After all, I was in Asheville to collect travel content and story ideas—which typically means my mind stays constantly alert, thinking about the next destination, planning photographs, staying open to potential stories, and referencing my pre-trip research. But once I settled onto that table and Jessica began the session with her calm voice and expert touch, my mind instantly surrendered to the experience.

While I normally operate in “doing” mode, it was profoundly restorative to simply allow myself time to just “be.”

Flour Sandwich Shop

The broccolini and burrata on Focaccia was a blend of simple ingredients that created a delicious meal.   ©Dawn Damico

The Experience

Located inside the historic S&W Building food court right next door to The Times Bar, this unpretentious sandwich shop surprised me. There are other food options around the perimeter of the hall, much like you would find at a mall’s food court. But the difference here is that you’re surrounded with Art Deco architectural details from a bygone era. 

A sign on the wall reveals the story of the S&W Cafeteria and building. Designed by Douglas D. Ellington, it is just one of the Art Deco gems in Asheville and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It also revealed that there is a speakeasy-style private event space, Circa 29, on the lower level.

As a side note, the Douglas Ellington House, built near downtown Asheville by hand and without the use of machinery or a blueprint, is spectacular and available for events. h

What I Ordered

The broccolini and burrata on Focaccia caught my attention and it was more beautiful to my eyes and palate than I could imagine. Simple ingredients and lots of flavor that I am eager to replicate at home.

Botanist and Barrel

Botanist adn Barrel’s Yadkin Valley vineyard, a former blueberry farm, supplies the fruit for their wines.   ©Dawn Damico

“No pressure, no pretense, just good vibes, damn fine cider and wine….and place to breathe”

Just a few doors down from the hotel, I chose Botanist and Barrel for their commitment to natural wine and cider production without added sulfites or sugars. They allow fruits to ferment naturally—which means before it becomes juice, that apple might look a bit moldy!

The result? A crisp, slightly bubbly cider that drinks more like kombucha or champagne than traditional sweet cider.

Their Yadkin Valley vineyard, a former blueberry farm, supplies the fruit for their wines. They proudly say they add nothing and take nothing away from their beverages, letting nature do what it does best. Their downtown Asheville tasting room also showcases natural wines from around the world.

The Experience

I approached my tasting with an open mind. The front space features a welcoming bar serving cider, cocktails, North Carolina beer, CBD products, meads, and their signature DeFi wine by glass or flight. Their menu offers cheese boards, tinned seafood, bar snacks, and sweets. Ready-to-go canned and bottled beverages fill a refrigerator, with a curated selection of bottled wines also available for purchase.

When most people think of North Carolina wine, they imagine the sweet, sweet, (very) sweet muscadine grape varieties that thrive in the state’s climate. Despite living in North Carolina for several years, I can count on one hand the times I purchased muscadine wines, preferring drier options.

For my flight of two ciders and two wines, I relied on my friendly and knowledgeable server to guide me away from anything too syrupy.

What I Ordered

My flight started with a classic cider, fittingly called “Less is More.” It tasted like you would expect a traditional cider to taste. 

Next came the “Grapes Have Feelings Cider” made with muscadine grapes. Now, when it comes to ciders a little sweetness seems right; however, I wasn’t too sure about the muscadine influence. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the little kiss of muscadine that tasted more like biting into the fresh fruit. Refreshing instead of overwhelming.

The red wine portion started with the 2022 DéFi Cynthia Red, showcasing fruit-forward cherry notes. The highlight, however, was the final pour—a Tempranillo my server pulled from behind the bar that wasn’t on the menu. He told me that it “had a lot going on” and I agree. Complex and intriguing, each sip revealed something new, including hints of black licorice.

Since my wine tasting with a Master Sommelier in Orlando, I’ve been working to be more aware of what’s in the glass and better identify specific tastes and aromas. It’s challenging, but rewarding.

Perhaps the best part? The conversations that flow as freely as the drinks. When you are passionate and interested in your craft, that enthusiasm for life comes through in everything you do. 

Battery Park Book Exchange

Champagne and literature…a novel experience.   ©Dawn Damico

Tucked inside the historic Grove Arcade, Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar is like no other used book store I’ve even visited. The space itself feels like a mix of something from the Jazz Age, embodying what F. Scott Fitzgerald might have considered the perfect afternoon retreat, and a private library in a distinguished manor house. 

Conceived by Asheville business leader Edwin Wiley Grove (the same visionary behind the iconic Grove Park Inn), the Grove Arcade was one of the city’s premier commercial buildings in the 1930s. Its architectural significance alone makes it worth exploring.

For architecture enthusiasts or history buffs, I recommend the self-guided audio tour available through the Grove Arcade website. The tour reveals details about the building’s design, construction, and historical significance that might otherwise go unnoticed.  

The Experience

Among the books, it felt like history, literature, architecture, and pleasure converged without pretense. “Browsing beverages” are encouraged, making this perhaps the most civilized bookshop experience you’ll ever have. 

I wandered through tens of thousands of pages of literature, wisdom, and dreams put into print while friends’ chatter rose like a gentle hum and champagne flutes caught the light. I couldn’t help but feel I was experiencing a slice of authentic Asheville as it was envisioned a century ago. 

Floor-to-ceiling bookcases display thousands of books, creating intimate alcoves throughout the space. Classic oil paintings, vintage prints, and the obligatory whimsical art piece of a hound wearing period clothing adorn the walls. Thoughtfully arranged seating satisfies every mood and group. As they say, the hunt for the perfect copy is part of the fun. Even without champagne, The Book Exchange is an enjoyable experience all on its own.

Table (Dinner)

 Ricotta Cavatelli and Rabbit Sugo accompanied with a glass of red wine offered a satisfying blend of rich flavors for a light dinner.   ©Dawn Damico

The recommendation from the server at Botanist and Barrel confirmed my dinner choice. Table was already on my list of potential dining options because of its commitment to locally sourced ingredients and the reputation of two-time James Beard Award nominee Chef Jacob Sessoms.

The Experience

Even though Friday night business was bustling and my online reservation wasn’t reflected in their system (most likely from user error) I was welcomed with a warm smile and ushered to an open seat at the bar. As fate would have it, I was seated next to a self-described bodyguard for the affluent and notorious. He slipped me his number before heading off to meet a friend. I’m not sure which category he thought I fell into – wealthy or famous. 

To my left, two women caught up over drinks and Chopped Salad; to my right, the guy savored a glorious steak, and me in the middle with a modest pasta dish. Our dinner choices were just a snapshot of the menu. My bar seating allowed me to watch a master at work as Chef Sessoms prepared food for his birthday celebration with friends that evening.

What I Ordered

A perfectly portioned serving of Ricotta Cavatelli and Rabbit Sugo accompanied with a glass of red wine offered a satisfying blend of rich flavors that was light enough for an evening meal. I topped it with a taste of their chocolate layered cake before enjoying the short walk back to the hotel. No bodyguard required.

Farming is not an easy occupation, yet farmland is one of our most valuable natural resources. ©Dawn Damico

Downtown Asheville is a tapestry of the surrounding communities. To experience western North Carolina’s agricultural heritage where farm-to-table begins, you must venture beyond the city’s borders. That’s exactly what I did on my third and final day after fueling up with coffee and a morning pastry at Old Europe Pastries. 

A self-guided drive through Asheville’s Farm Heritage Trail winds through Alexander, Leicester, Newfound, Sandy Mush – pastoral communities dotted with working farms. These authentic family operations often represent multi-generational commitments to the land. They create a living by coaxing nature’s bounty from the land. It’s hard work requiring skill and patience. Ask a farmer, and they will mostly tell you they wouldn’t choose any other way to live.

When we purchase directly from farmers, participate in agritourism activities, and choose restaurants featuring local products, we support a piece of America and our shared agricultural heritage.

Addison Farms Vineyard

Located along the Farm Heritage Trail, Addison Farm Vineyards has a tasting room overlooking their vineyard.   ©Dawn Damico

At a time when Asheville was slowly emerging from the dramatic financial impacts of the Great Depression, the Blue Ridge Parkway was under construction, and the elegance of the 1920s heyday was becoming a fading memory, a farmer with a vision purchased 55 acres about twenty miles north of downtown. 

Seven decades later, that farmer’s daughter on Addison Farms Vineyard produced wine from their own vines which were originally planted in the early 2000s. Today you can enjoy a winemaker’s tour and guided tastings as well as walk-in tasting experiences in their tasting room. I was a little early to enjoy a tasting, but the host was friendly as she prepared for the day. Addison Farms is on my list to try on my next trip to Asheville.

Mount Gilead Farm

The barn was alive with babies, some just hours old.   ©Dawn Damico

Mount Gilead Farm made my list of things to do around Asheville for one simple reason: goats and goat cheese. I knew this would be my happy place when I was greeted by Farmer Bob, his wife Kathleen, and a pair of enthusiastic dogs. One pup showed his enthusiasm by lying down on the gravel behind my car…presumably to ensure I wouldn’t leave too soon. 

I was there slightly before goat cheese season, so there was no creamy chèvre yet but when Kathleen asked if I would like to see their babies (goats, sheep and pigs), some just hours old, I couldn’t hide my enthusiasm. I may have briefly imagined how I might smuggle one home on the plane. Maybe disguised as a dog?

Kathleen shared stories about life on the farm as we walked the property. Recent flooding from Hurricane Helene created a challenge most people never face: How do you milk 45+ goats without electricity?

By hand, of course! And if Farmer Bob still sings to the goats as he milks them, then that was a lot of songs to sing every single day! Farm life certainly is not easy, but Kathleen and Bob don’t seem to mind at all.

There’s a little farm store at the back of the property under the watchful eyes of the geese, and two Airbnb rental units filled with charm if you’re looking for an authentic farm stay experience.

Marked Tree Vineyard

Southern tradition dictates that when a house burns down, you leave the chimney intact because that’s where the ghosts reside.   ©Dawn Damico

The first thing you’ll notice after driving up the gravel driveway to the top of the hill is a large oak tree proudly standing next to a tall stone chimney, remnant of a ghost house whose stories drift in the winds of the Continental Divide. 

While Marked Tree Vineyard has a tasting room in Downtown Asheville, I wanted to visit their winery near Hendersonville., which produced its first vintage in 2018. As luck would have it, beautiful weather arrived on my final day, the cold winds had subsided, and the mountain vineyards were truly calling me.

Every vine on the property was planted by hand, and every wine label tells a story, as does the winery’s name. “Marked Tree” references the bent trees that Native Americans once used to guide their journeys. Bent trees were nature’s sign posts before maps existed. 

The Journey

When co-owners Tim Parks and Lance Hiatt opened the winery, they were on their own journey of discovery for what was next in life. Because that’s a sentiment familiar to all of us, I cannot think of a better way to embrace life’s path than with a glass of western North Carolina wine.

Their labels are color-coded: red wines feature black labels, white wine has an off-white label, and blends are black and white. The designs come from one of the co-owners, an architect who also designed the property’s buildings. Songbirds adorn the design of the white wines, birds of prey are found on the reds, and the blended wines reflect a story about the vineyard.

Getting here is easy. Flat Rock, North Carolina is about 45 minutes from Downtown Asheville and about 15 minutes to the town of Hendersonville.

The Experience

Even though the outdoor area with local vistas and views was enticing, it was still a bit chilly so I was seated at a window seat  inside. I chose the Red Tasting Menu featuring five pre-selected wines and a Cheese Board.

I practiced the lessons learned during a recent wine tasting event with a Master Sommelier, feeling confident that I knew what to look for when swirling, sniffing and gurgling. Although I still need to close my eyes when identifying some aromas and flavors.

The tasting started with the 2022 Cab Franc made from Vinifera grapes and aged twenty months in oak barrels. The bright color provided a nice introduction to their wines.

Next was the Petit Verdi with peppery notes and hints of vanilla and perhaps citrus, followed by the Flat Rock Blend presented with a black and white label sketched with ravens on a flat rock. 

Continental Divide

Fourth was the Watershed. The name refers to the Continental Divide, which Flat Rock is part straddles. Water from one side of the Divide flows to the Atlantic Ocean. The other side flows to the French Broad River, then the Mississippi, ultimately spilling into the Gulf. Marked Tree’s Watershed wine blends Lemberger, which is similar to Pinot Noir, and Petit Verdot.

The final pour was the Ghost House Red. A sketch of the tall chimney you see as you enter the winery is on the black and white label, revealing another layer of the winery’s story. Based on the chimney’s masonry, they believe the family that once lived in the burned-down house was of Scottish descent. Southern tradition dictates that when a house burns down, you leave the chimney intact because that’s where the ghosts reside. If you knock down the chimney, you release the ghosts. Keep that in mind the next time you’re driving in the south and see an ancient chimney in a barren field.

Sierra Nevada Brewery

Sometime, you can’t pass up a good deal. Founder Ken Grossman purchased a copper brewhouse in Germany and shipped it to the U.S. where is sat in storage until he had the funds to assemble it.    ©Dawn Damico

I almost skipped Sierra Nevada Brewery, assuming it would be too “commercial.” And at 300,000 square feet, sitting on over 200 acres near the French Broad River, it is certainly huge. Still, I’m glad I followed my plan to explore one more artisan brewery before my trip ended. This stop was a complete and pleasant surprise and because it’s so close to the Asheville airport, I recommend a visit before or after your flight.

While Sierra Nevada Brewery operates like a well-oiled machine today, its roots began with humble dreams, persistence, an underaged kid who bought a homebrew kit, and perhaps a little bit of luck that turned into passionate skill.

Guests at the brewery have a variety of tour options. A self-guided tour, four different paid tours, and one that takes you on an adventure through the surrounding woods.

The Experience

Once you turn off the industrial road near the airport and pass through the gates of Sierra Nevada Brewery, you’ll feel like you’re entering a mountain retreat. Winding through the tree-lined driveway to the brewery, you’re surrounded by lush greenery, towering pines, creeks and little bridges. 

Their commitment to sustainable practices is evident in the solar panels located in the parking lot and on top of the building which they say supply a significant amount of the energy they need for brewing. White steam billowing from the roof’s peak carries the smell of yeast and bread into the surrounding hills, and 1600-barrel bright tanks holding 49,600 gallons of finished beer rise toward the sky, waiting for their turn to be packaged in bottles and cans. Shiny copper tanks line the building entrance and foam spills from from a chute as you work your way toward the Taproom and farm-to-table restaurant.

Self-Guided Tour

I headed upstairs for the self-guided tour which combines information about brewing history and insights into the beer making process. Display cases with artifacts related to the Sierra Nevada Brewery story, founder Ken Grossman, and beer making traditions line a long catwalk hallway that overlooks the production floor below. Visitors get an eagle-eye view of every step in the beer making process, including canning and bottling lines.

Before leaving, I stopped in the gift shop to purchase beer not commonly found in local retail shops. This is the perfect place to take home the brewers’ creativity through specialty, seasonal, and small-batch flavors. Then, I made a detour.

Backyard Porch

As I walked out the front door, I noticed people heading toward the side of the main building. Curious, I followed and discovered a path along the French Broad River, the sound of live music, and a huge backyard venue. The music came from the stage at the back of an amphitheater that felt more like a backyard party than a commercial space. Food grown in their onsite garden is used in the Taproom kitchen,and visitors are encouraged to explore the grounds. Families and friends of all ages relaxed on the back patio, enjoying various seating arrangements including rocking chairs, picnic tables, low stone walls, and plenty of open grass.

I lingered here for a while, enjoying the mountain sunshine and happy people. This unexpected slice of Sierra Nevada’s hospitality alone made it worth the visit.

Tall John’s Neighborhood Tavern

Although the roasted chicken looked delicious, a light Radicchio and Sheep Cheese Salad at this neighborhood favorite proved perfect.    ©Dawn Damico

This historic Montford district neighborhood restaurant just outside of Asheville’s Downtown core was highly recommended by a local. On-street parking is a little tricky as the building sits on the corner of a residential side street and Montford Avenue without the benefit of a large dedicated parking area. As a neighborhood tavern, though, this setup is perfect for many locals who simply stroll to the front door.

The Experience

The former church and grocery store now resembles a welcoming grey-blue colored three story home. Step inside and you’ll find bar seating for 14 on the right and open-kitchen counter seating for 11 on the left, with room for 22 more patrons near the back. I sat at the open-kitchen bar and watched the carefully choreographed dance as raw ingredients came to life before being beautifully arranged on diners plates. 

What I Ordered

I do wish I arrived hungrier than I was because the Roasted Half Chicken and Coulotte Steak coming from the kitchen smelled heavenly. The little neck clams also seemed to be a popular choice. I enjoyed the Radicchio and Sheep Cheese Salad, served with bright slices of citrus and crunchy pistachios, paired with a glass of 2022 Paittin, ‘Serra’ Barbara d’Alba from Piedmont, Italy. Though simple, it was a meal perfectly suited to the tavern’s unpretentious yet refined atmosphere.

Historic Downtown Asheville retains its mountain heritage while building a culinary and wellness community steeped in excellence.   ©Dawn Damico

AC Hotel Asheville Downtown

The hotel was consistent with what I recently experienced in Orlando, Florida. Spacious room with large windows viewing the street below. The location was perfect for my Downtown Asheville itinerary, including parking controlled by keycard for hotel guests.

Wrapping it Up: Farm to Table Asheville

While many know Asheville for its breweries and bohemian spirit, my recent visit revealed how this mountain city has leveraged its agricultural roots to create a thriving culinary scene.  ©Dawn Damico

As my weekend in Asheville drew to a close, I found myself planning the next return visit. 

This mountain city blends rural charm with a quirky and sophisticated vibe, where James Beard-nominated chefs serve dishes created from ingredients grown just miles away. From natural wines and craft ciders downtown to the rolling vineyards and family farms that dot the surrounding countryside, Asheville embodies authentic community and farm-to-table living. 

This corner of Western North Carolina invites you to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. The magic of Asheville isn’t just in what you’ll see and do—it’s in the passionate people you’ll meet, the stories you’ll hear, and the flavors you’ll experience. For a foodie weekend that nourishes both body and soul, Asheville proves that sometimes the most memorable destinations are the ones that feel most like coming home.

Your Turn: Have you visited any of these Asheville spots? Let me know and then share your favorites with me on Instagram, or send me an email. I love to get recommendations to share with others.

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