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Exploring the Charm and Beauty of Asheville, North Carolina: A Guide to the Best Local Gems and Must-See Attractions

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In September 2022, I had the pleasure of visiting Asheville, NC for the first time, and I’m already eagerly anticipating my return! The city boasts a unique atmosphere that’s difficult to put into words, blending elements of nature, craft beer, mountains, and history into a casual, unhurried vibe. Asheville is a destination that simultaneously energizes and enchants, leaving visitors feeling refreshed and captivated by its allure.

Here’s our list of MUST DOs in no particular order

  • Stone Ashe Vineyards
    • Known for it’s french clone wines – everything from an Alsace Riesling to French Sauvignon Blanc to Bordeaux blends
    • Affordable wine that is easy to drink
    • Various food tray options available for purchase – the pimento cheese and charcuterie was amazing!
  • Hike Bear Wallow Mountain
    • Here’s a list of the Top 10 best spots to hike. We used this list to find the 3 hikes from our trip, our favorite of which was Bear Wallow. Despite its steep elevation, Bear Wallow was not too challenging and families were able to traverse the switchbacks before being rewarded with an amazing view at the top.
  • Sierra Nevada Brewery.
    • Live music, great seasonal beers and delicious food – hard to go wrong. The extensive outdoor grounds have something for everyone (even a cute kids area) and tours are offered daily.
  • Omni Grove Park Inn
    • There is fierce competition between the Omni Park Grove and the Biltmore in Asheville. I can tell you that the Omni is OUR personal favorite when visiting Asheville for it’s charm and ambience, food and hospitality.
    • Grab a cocktail and enjoy the views from the Sunset Terrace.
    • Check out the spa (*currently only open to hotel guests)
  • Savor the Southern Food
    • Tupelo Honey The hot chicken is hot and the portions are large. Snag a reservation early.
    • Green Sage Cafe. The Buddha bowl was divine and included kale, fried chickpeas, kimchi slaw and avacado. Yuuummm.

What are your favorite spots in Asheville? We want to know!

Say Goodbye to Travel Stress: How Packing Cubes Can Simplify Your Packing Routine

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Packing can be a major headache before, after and even druing your travel – but the good news is, it doesn’t have to be!

First things first, no matter the destination, the weather, or the type of luggage you have…every trip can benefit from a good set of packing cubes. Packing cubes allow you to organize your belongings by item type – shorts, pajamas, accessories so that you’re not rifling through your entire suitcase every morning and at every stop.

They are ESPECIALLY helpful if you are doing a multi-city adventure and each city has different weather/temperatures.

less stress, more pizza

Other tips:

  • Bring 1 medium or two, smaller suitcases vs. bringing 1 extra large suitcase. Because train stations may not have easy access to elevators and escalators could be broken, smaller bags are easier to navigate and lift.
  • Pack your toiletries, medicines, important papers and an extra set of clothes (or 3) in your carry-on. Flight delays and lost baggage is a reality of travel but if you plan ahead, you’ll have everything you need to keep comfy and cozy.
  • Under-pack. Pack less than what you think because you will end buying souvenirs and clothes at your destination.

Venice: Exploring the Enchanting City of Canals

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Let me just start by saying…we almost skipped Venice on our Italy trip this year and I am SO grateful we decided to go!

Venice is dreamy 😍. There’s just something about arriving to your destination by boat, wind blowing through your hair and each twist and turn through the canals reveal another breathtaking architectural masterpiece.

View from breakfast at the St. Regis restaurant, Gios

After much research, we opted to stay at the gorgeous St. Regis Venice and used points to offset part of our stay. Check in was busy, so we grabbed a cocktail from the St. Regis bar and took in the spectacular views of the grand canal. 

Tip: a nightly Champagne sabering occurs at the St. Regis just before sunset. Be sure to witness the elegant bar staff expertly pop the bubbly and toast to another amazing day spent in Venice

After a small wait, our room was ready. To our delight, we were upgraded to a suite with a partial canal view (check out the instagram reel, below, which showcases the room/view) and beautiful sitting area. The plush carpeting, textured wallpaper and luxurious bed linens were not only beautiful but it was so quiet – which was lovely after a busy travel day. The oversized steam shower made us feel downright spoiled.

Situated right on the grand canal, St. Mark’s square and the Doge palace is an easy walk as is high-end shopping and delicious restaurants. Though the St. Mark’s area is very busy and touristy, the St. Regis is tucked far enough away that it feels residential.

 

“Champagne: in victory, one deserves it; in defeat, one needs it.”
  • Must do
    • Take a Food and Wine tour with an expert! Eatint cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and enjoying a sprtiz is the delightful way of life in Venice! Let a sommelier guide you to the best stops and pours
    • Two of the highlights:
      • Gellateria Gallonetto – true gelato made with the best ingredients. I chose the pistachio, with nuts fresh from Sicily.
        • Pro tip: seek gelaterias with muted colored gelato in deep freezers. The gelato should melt if sitting out. Stay away from shops with bright greens and fluorescent colors – these mean the gelato is heavy with preservatives
      • Trattoria Ca D’Oro
        • Order the meatballs and house red from the cicchetti.

“Our guide Loris was fantastic. From taking us to the best, local wine bars, picking a variety of fantatic proseccos, natural and red wines and teaching us all about cicchetti made our trip! We’ll definitely be utilizing Yourlocalvenice.com again!”