Lunch in Foodtopia

One of the great things about Asheville is there's great food on every corner. Food prepared by friends and neighbors who run independent restaurants and are happy to fix a good meal for you. Today, as I sat down to lunch with a friend, I realized how lucky I was to have a fast meal that was anything but fast food. It was flavorful, made with fresh ingredients and still came in under $8.00. It would have been a nice surprise if I lived anywhere else. But around here, it was just a typical day in Foodtopia.

Get Artsy this Weekend

Looking for something fun—and free—to do this weekend? Try strolling Asheville’s River Arts District. See artists at work and browse their latest creations. The district’s residents welcome visitors and a curious mind, so drop in and feed your spirit.

Gomming ‘n Yowing in Asheville

When my friend sends out an invite for gomming and yowing, you take note. For those raised outside of the region, “gomming ‘n yowing” is the act of sharing good food and good conversation. And you can’t have such an event at just any location. It has to be a place with really good food—a place that beckons with meals that sooth the soul and feed the spirit.

Luckily, Asheville is filled with restaurants that do just that. And one of those restaurants is 12 Bones. This humble little barbecue joint took the city—and the nation by storm. The restaurant won “Good Morning America’s” Best Bites in America Challenge and served President Obama when he was in town campaigning.

Lines to dine in their River Arts District restaurant stretch out into the parking lot. Locals know to get there early in order to get a helping of ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. The featured flavors change daily with gourmet delights like blueberry chipotle ribs making an appearance.

For years, you could only sit down to a heaping plate of goodness at 12 Bones at lunch during the week. That meant that you had to make a break for the car at 10:30 a.m., so you could get in line by 11 a.m. and grab a seat before everyone else started piling in.

But barbecue lovers rejoice! The restaurant not only opened a second location in South Asheville this past fall, but is now open on Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., beginning January 24! And from what I hear, weekends are a particularly auspicious time for gomming ‘n yowing.

Fresh Snow Transforms WNC into a Ski and Snowboard Paradise

Yesterday evening at work, there was a glimmer of excitement in the air as we watched the first snowflakes of 2009 fall. We were confident there would be enough accumulation overnight to ensure a delayed workday. (Visions of hot chocolate in bed, a home-cooked breakfast, and a leisurely shower danced in my head.) Alas, the snow didn’t reach the Asheville valley. (There was NO hot chocolate in bed and I ran around the house like a mad-woman trying to get dressed in record time.)


But, my misfortune was the ski resorts’ luck as the cold front dumped snow on the resorts surrounding Western North Carolina. Snowboarders and ski bunnies take note, there’s a fresh layer on the slopes, making this week and weekend the perfect time to get out and have fun. Plus, the majority of our ski resorts are just a short drive from Asheville, meaning you can ski all day and chill out in downtown Asheville later that night.

• Wolfe Ridge Resort received two-inches of snow overnight. The slopes are in excellent shape with more terrain to open this week.
• Beech Mountain Resort has two-inches of fresh snow with a packed powder surface. Five slopes and lifts are open.
• Cataloochee has nine ski trails open and a 40-65-inch base. They’ve also added to Mother Nature’s mix with fresh powder from the snow machines.
• Sugar Mountain enjoyed a light layer of snow and is boosting the layer with man-made snow. There are currently 14 slopes open.

Click here for a complete listing of Western North Carolina’s ski resorts.

Romance on a Budget: Plan a Valentine’s Day Quickie

As holiday gifts loom on the credit card and the country’s economic woes persist, now’s the time to start thinking about creative ideas that are big on romance and light on the wallet.

This year, Valentine’s Day falls on the same three-day weekend as President’s Day. By choosing a quick getaway to Asheville, you can enjoy a relaxing weekend escape without using additional vacation days. Make the most of your visit and celebrate your love Asheville-style with these insider tips!

How Sweet It Is to Be Loved By You
From organic liquid truffles to freshly brewed espresso on a double-decker bus, Asheville’s independent coffee houses are primo spots for people-watching and affordable amore. Make your celebration even sweeter by stopping for dessert at one our many restaurants. Our chefs infuse menus with local ingredients and a dash of creativity. (Goat-cheese chocolate brownie with cream-cheese ice cream anyone?)

Drive Your Way to a Dream Date
A great adventure is as close as the next mile marker. Take advantage of nearby national parks and enjoy a day soaking up magnificent mountain views. Looking to stay in town? Drive up Town Mountain to watch the sunset and steal a smooch. Or fire up your GPS and go on a high-tech treasure hunt for local geocaches.

Stroll the Streets
Every avenue in Asheville is a surprise. Go gallery gazing and enjoy Asheville’s eclectic art scene. Search for low-cost treasures in Asheville’s vintage boutiques and antique shops. Feeling crafty? Duck into one of our many arts and craft stores to make your own card, design a beaded bracelet or paint a piece of pottery.

Sip a Brew or Two
Take your taste buds on a tour by exploring Asheville’s many micro breweries and pubs. Best of all, most of the local pubs feature live music at night. Score some major romance points by asking a local musician to dedicate a song to your love.