I’ve been bitten… by the travel bug that is. Going home is a beautiful thing that brings peace, relaxation, and the people you love. However, nothing compares to traveling to a new city, taking in the people, food, and experiences that make that place unique.
(Do you have the travel bug? Read this article to see if it describes you!)
Early Christian theologian St. Augustine of Hippo wrote, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
Although my travel experiences are not as extensive as some of my friends’, I take pride in making the most of every trip to new cities. I tend to live by the “sleep when you’re dead” motto, especially when I’m traveling. Whether it’s a weekend trip or an adventure around the world, I love documenting experiences and sharing them with others.
Currently, life is crazy. Between finishing graduate school, preparing to move, planning a wedding, and teaching college classes, I don’t have many opportunities to travel. Thankfully, two weekends ago, I was able to take a quick break and travel to North Carolina to visit my sister who is working there for the summer.
From the time I left my house to my return, the trip lasted approximately 60 hours, but we were able to do SO much during that time. Read on to see my recommendations on places to see and eat in the Hickory/Asheville areas of North Carolina!
Friday Evening – Hickory, North Carolina
Because my sister actually lives in Hickory, we spent our first and last day sightseeing around that area. Hickory is a relatively small city about an hour from Asheville. Because manufacturing makes up nearly one-fourth of the industry in the city, it’s not surprising to find many large warehouses and factories. Several old factories have actually been turned into shopping and dining places.
We went to one of those refurbished factories called The Crossing at Hollar Mill and ate at Highland Avenue Restaurant, which featured a very rustic indoor seating option or the rooftop dining area. Because it was sunset, we obviously wanted to enjoy the gorgeous views and cool weather, so we ate on the rooftop, which featured Adirondack chairs at the tables, café lights, and lush greenery.
Enjoying a semi-sweet Riesling at Highland Avenue Restaurant.
While the setting was absolutely perfect, I can’t quite say the same for the food. I had the gnocchi dish that was made with pomodoro, charred tomatoes, parmesan, fennel vinegar, and herbs. If I were to go back, I would simply order off their appetizer and cocktail/wine menus. 10/10 recommend sitting on the rooftop though.
Saturday – Asheville, North Carolina
On Saturday, we went to Asheville to visit Biltmore Estate. This was not my first time visiting Biltmore, but it was my first time visiting during the summer. For anyone who has never been, you need to go! The home – in all of its beauty and magnificence – is still the largest home in America and represents all of the splendor and extravagance of the lives of those who profited from the Industrial Revolution.
Side note: Biltmore is best to see during the winter time when the Christmas lights are on display (absolutely loved this when I was there before!) or April-May when the gardens are in full bloom. We had great weather the day we were there, but unfortunately, the intense heat was starting to take its toll on the gardens.
An all-day pass to Biltmore includes access to the 8,000 acres of land (walking/biking/horseback trails), the house, and Antler Village, which has shops, restaurants, and the Biltmore Winery. Plus, you get a complimentary wine tasting when you visit the winery. (The Sangiovese wine is my personal favorite!)
When planning your visit to Biltmore, I recommend purchasing your tickets at least a week in advance to save $10. Also, if you enjoy having tea, the Afternoon Tea at The Inn on the Biltmore Estate has been highly recommended. We did not secure reservations early enough to enjoy tea this trip, but it’s definitely on my list for next time!
We spent Saturday evening in downtown Asheville and ate at one of my favorite restaurants, Tupelo Honey. This was my second time eating there, and again, the staff, ambiance, and food did not disappoint. Here’s what I ordered:
- ‘Eternal Spring’ Lavender & Honeysuckle Lemondrop Martini
- Signature Biscuits with Blueberry Jam and Tupelo Honey (complimentary)
- Southern Taco with Slow-roasted Pork and Peanut Pico
- Crispy Brussels
Sunday – Hickory, North Carolina
We finished our quick trip by spending the day in Hickory. The middle of downtown (called Union Square) is where you’ll find the farmer’s market and many local businesses. If you’re looking for food, I definitely recommend eating at Olde Hickory Station or Olde Hickory Tap Room. Both restaurants feature delicious home cooking and are located right across from one another.
Things to do next time:
Next time I’m in the western part of North Carolina, I plan on spending a few hours sightseeing in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Home of Montreat, this quaint little town has lots of adorable stores and restaurants all within a few blocks. However, most establishments do not open until 10:00 a.m.; since we were driving through around breakfast time, we chose not to stop.
Although it was a quick trip, I had such a blast visiting this beautiful part of the country and cannot wait to go back!
What are your favorite places to go in the Asheville region? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Mack of All Trades 