Welcome
Your Host's Picks
I've lived in Asheville for years and I've seen what the guidebooks miss. This isn't a comprehensive list — it's a curated collection of the places I actually go, the hikes I take visitors on, and the restaurants that never disappoint.
Everything here is within 20 minutes of Hideaway 2200. No tourist traps, just the good stuff.
Dining
Where to Eat
Cúrate
Spanish Tapas • Downtown
The real deal. Authentic Spanish tapas, incredible wine list. Get the patatas bravas and jamón ibérico. Reservations essential.
Buxton Hall Barbecue
Barbecue • South Slope
Whole hog barbecue in a converted skating rink. The pulled pork plate is legendary. Come hungry.
Chai Pani
Indian Street Food • Downtown
Chaats, thalis, and the best okra fries you've ever had. Vibrant, casual, and consistently excellent.
Vivian
Modern European • The River Arts District
Handmade pasta in an intimate setting. The cacio e pepe and wine selection are exceptional. Perfect for date night.
Early Girl Eatery
Southern Breakfast • Downtown
Local institution for breakfast. Try the tofu scramble or the sweet potato pancakes. Expect a wait on weekends.
White Duck Taco Shop
Tacos • Multiple Locations
Creative tacos with local ingredients. The Bangkok Shrimp and Lamb Gyro tacos are must-orders. Quick and casual.
Drinks
Breweries & Bars
Bhramari Brewing Company
Brewery • Downtown
Experimental, creative beers with excellent food. The outdoor patio is perfect for groups. Try the sours.
Burial Beer Co.
Brewery • South Slope
Dark, moody aesthetic with world-class beers. The Skillet Donut Stout is a local legend. Great outdoor space.
Highland Brewing Company
Brewery • East Asheville
Asheville's original brewery. The rooftop bar has incredible mountain views. Classic Gaelic Ale is the flagship.
Antidote Cocktail Lab
Cocktails • North Asheville
If you're over beer, this is where to go. Inventive cocktails in a speakeasy atmosphere. The bartenders know their craft.
Outdoors
Hiking & Nature
Craggy Gardens
Blue Ridge Parkway • 25 min drive
My favorite sunset spot. The Craggy Pinnacle trail is short (1.4 miles) but steep, with 360° views from the summit. Go for golden hour.
Mount Pisgah Trail
Blue Ridge Parkway • 20 min drive
5.6 mile out-and-back with serious elevation gain. The view from the summit is worth every step. Bring water.
Folk Art Center Trail
Blue Ridge Parkway • 12 min drive
Easy, accessible trail behind the Folk Art Center. Great for a quick morning walk. Combine with browsing the craft shop.
Chimney Rock State Park
Lake Lure • 40 min drive
Worth the drive. Take the elevator up Chimney Rock, then hike the Exclamation Point trail for panoramic lake views.
The North Carolina Arboretum
South Asheville • 15 min drive
Beautiful gardens, bonsai collection, and easy walking trails. The quilt garden is stunning in summer. Free to enter, parking $16.
Secret Spots
Hidden Gems
The Collider
Coworking / Coffee • Downtown
Stunning modern space on the top floor of a historic building. Great coffee, even better views. Day passes available if you need to work.
Asheville Pinball Museum
Museum / Arcade • Downtown
Play vintage pinball machines from the 60s to today. $15 for unlimited play. Surprisingly fun for all ages.
Woolworth Walk
Art Gallery • Downtown
Historic Woolworth building converted into artist studios and galleries. The old lunch counter is now a coffee shop. Great rainy day spot.
Battery Park Book Exchange
Bookstore / Wine Bar • Downtown
Browse used books while sipping wine or champagne. Cozy leather chairs, fireplaces, and endless shelves to explore.
Logistics
Practical Info
Grocery Stores
- Whole Foods — 10 min, downtown
- Greenlife Grocery — 12 min, local favorite
- Aldi — 8 min, budget option
- Ingles — 5 min, closest
Coffee
- Double D's — Best espresso, locals' spot
- PennyCup — Roastery, great beans to bring home
- Summit Coffee — River Arts District, beautiful space
- High Five — Downtown, good for people watching
Emergency
- Mission Hospital — 12 min, main hospital
- Urgent Care — 8 min, on Patton Ave
- Emergency: 911
- Non-emergency: (828) 252-1110
House Notes
- WiFi: Cable internet (high speed)
- Fire pit: Firewood in shed
- Pond: Catch and release fishing OK
- Check-out: 11 AM (flexible if no guest after)
Enjoy Asheville
Text me if you need anything else. Happy to share more recommendations based on what you're into.
Hideaway 2200 • Asheville, NC