This family-owned CANTINA Restaurant is in Asheville’s historic Biltmore Village just outside the gates of the Biltmore Estate.  Enjoy all your favorite Mexican dishes with a unique Asheville twist.  Creative homemade daily with tasty fresh local ingredients are quesadillas, burritos, many gluten free and vegetarian choices will delight your mouth!  Eat inside, enjoy the bar with over 50 Tequila choices or relax on the patio. (scrumptious photo from their website)  Open 7 Days.

10 Biltmore Plaza, Asheville NC  (828) 505-7682
www.cantinabiltmore.com

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CORNER KITCHEN in the historic Biltmore Village, Asheville NC is in a homey 122 year old Victorian Cottage with farm-to-table American fare serving local wine, beer and specialty cocktails. Enjoy the relaxed setting and vintage décor.  Dining in the small rooms or on the covered patio, you’ll appreciate the fine food and excellent service. Best place for breakfast!  Consistent 5 star reviews!  (Romantic Asheville photo)
3 Boston Way, Asheville, NC  (828) 274-2439 (just across from the entrance to the Biltmore Estate)
www.TheCornerKitchen.com

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MOUNT PISGAH is only 15 miles from Asheville NC on the Blue Ridge Parkway standing at 5,721 feet! It is easily seen from many miles away by the identifying 339 foot TV tower perched at its peak which is the highest TV antenna east of the Mississippi at 6,023 feet above sea level. 
 
At the site of Mt Pisgah is a wonderful Restaurant with spectacular long range views and the food is excellent!  You can hike the 1.6 mile trail up to the peak for awesome views (moderate difficulty and steep toward the top). Do NOT hiking during a lightning storm!  At the Mt. Pisgah parking area you’ll also find the Buck Spring Trail leading to the historic exhibit of the stone remains of the George Vanderbilt Hunting Lodge which was quite popular with his Biltmore Estate guests in the early 1900’s. 
 
Enjoy a leisurely drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville.  Pull off at the various look-outs along the way to enjoy the awesome views and maybe take a stroll along one of the many hiking trails, then head on to the Mt. Pisgah Restaurant to indulge in a delicious meal or dessert. 

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Historic downtown Hendersonville is the second largest downtown in western North Carolina (Asheville is first) with many things to do, see and taste. The beautiful quaint Main Street winds around planter boxes and lush landscaping. With more than 100 unique shops and 20 wonderful restaurants, it is a delight to explore with a big variety of locally-owned high quality stores and galleries. And see their famous painted bears! Stay in one of our nearby vacation rental homes!  (Romantic Asheville photo)
www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.com

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BAKED PIE COMPANY in South Asheville/Arden, NC has its Grand Opening on June 24, 2017!  This eatery promises exciting taste treats with an assortment of drinks, cookies, “pie shakes,” wide variety of homemade pies & daily concoctions that will take you to heaven!  You’ll feel like home with the inviting sofas, tables, used books and antiques filling the space.
Tues – Thurs:  10AM – 8PM
Fri – Sat: 10AM – 9PM
Sun: 11AM – 4PM
4 Long Shoals Road, Arden NC  (828) 333-4366
www.bakedpiecompany.com

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Nine Mile Restaurant voted 2016 First Place for Favorite Restaurant! 
​This hardy recommendation comes from thousands of voters from the food-obsessed town of Asheville, NC! This casual full-service vegetarian-friendly restaurant and bar has Caribbean-inspired pasta dishes, rice dishes, traditional pasta dishes and creative daily specials.  Be sure to save room for their fabulous desserts!
“Where people & food come together”
Open 7 days from 11:30AM – 10PM
233 Montford Ave, Asheville NC  (828) 505-3121
751 Haywood Rd, Asheville NC  (828) 575-9903
http://www.ninemileasheville.com/

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Eating Asheville Tours!  Explore our “Foodie” city of Asheville NC with a unique guided walking tour of our exceptional neighborhood restaurants.  In one afternoon, you will visit 6 or more of Asheville’s best restaurants sampling small plates & drink pairings. Experience for yourself why this town is known as a culinary hot spot! 
​Tours are held daily.  Be sure to book in advance for this five star rated adventure! 
Book online or call (828) 489-3266
https://eatingasheville.com/

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Ultra Coffee Bar in Asheville’s River Arts District is the perfect spot to for a scrumptious breakfast or lunch break from exploring the Arts District.  They promise no chemicals, no excessive sugars or pretend favors in their flavored coffee shots.  “If it says honey lavender, we steeped it with organic, French lavender buds and honey. If it says vanilla bean, we use Madagascar vanilla beans in it.”  Their food menu is equally selective in taste & healthy quality with vegan and gluten free options.
 
For the Month of April, Buy a Coffee at Ultra and Get Half Off a Second Coffee.

Open 7 days until 5 PM
242 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC  (828) 253-2177
http://ultracoffeebar.com/
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Koreana: a fabulous Korean Restaurant in Arden NC.  This is the perfect place if you are looking for exceptionally delicious Korean food with a wide range of choices. Food portions are generous, service is friendly and atmosphere is stylish. This is an unexpected treasure in a little strip mall on Airport Road.  You’ll find many 5 star reviews online! 
​Open 7 Days for lunch & dinner. 
​(Pictured is the lunch box special)

221 Airport Road, Arden (Asheville), NC  (828) 676-2844  
http://koreanaasheville.com/

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Blaze Pizza is now open in Gerber Village, South Asheville NC!  Here you will find custom fast-fired pizzas (in 800 degree oven in 3 minutes) created by you!  Crispy, thin-crust pies are made with your choice of creative toppings and sauces with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. 
Any toppings all one price.  Open 7 Days.
Tuesday 3/14 is PI DAY $3.14 pizzas!
 
1840 Hendersonville Road, Asheville NC  (828) 575-9242
www.blazepizza.com/locations/asheville/

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ROOTS, an Appalachian Bistro, Grand Opening is in downtown Hendersonville on Friday, March 10, 2017!  Ribbon cutting is at 11:30 AM.
 
Experience traditional Appalachian cooking blended with an exciting contemporary style.  Expect great fresh totally unique tastes in your carefully created dishes.  The bar offers the best NC craft beers, wines and spirits.  Come with your friends to enjoy the cozy ambiance of this lovely bistro!
536 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC
​(828) 692-6335
rootshvl.com/


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GREAT HARVEST BREAD COMPANY is open in Gerber Village in South Asheville, NC. 
​You’ve got to stop by for some of the best bread & other tasty goodies. The whole wheat is milled in the store daily and breads are made from scratch for the wholesome delicious taste.  
Open for breakfast and lunch (great sandwiches!)
 
1838 Hendersonville Rd., Suite 102, Asheville, NC  (828) 412-3199
Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM 
Saturday 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
www.greatharvestashevillenc.com

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Experience Argentina!  ISA’S BISTRO in downtown Asheville NC is going global! 
Sunday, March 5, 2017 celebrates Argentina exquisite cuisine and drinks! 
Other Sundays in March will offer foods from other places on the globe! 
Menu changes daily in order to use the freshest ingredients possible. 
​You’ll love the food, friendly service and the beautiful décor!
 
Open 7 Days.  Complimentary Valet.
One Battery Park Avenue, (Grove Arcade) Asheville NC  (828) 575-9636
www.isasbistro.com

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Rezaz Restaurant in Asheville’s Biltmore Village offers a delectable selection of fresh eclectic & traditional Moroccan foods. The talented chefs Laura & Brian Smith combine their years of expertise in food cuisine to create delicious dishes to have you coming back again and again!  Dine in simple elegance at this century old building in the heart of Biltmore Village.
​(Trip Advisor photo)
To read about their incredible journey:  http://the828.com/love/
 
28 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville NC   828-277-1510
Menu & reservations: www.rezaz.com

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“A Day in The Country” Gift Store & Café in Hendersonville, NC is a charming two story home (10,000 SF!) with one-of-a-kind treasures sure to please you and to find a perfect gift.  Wander room to room for an amazing variety of goodies to choose from. 
Hungry?  You’ve got to try their delightful cafe with delectable lunch menu. 
 
130 Sugarloaf Road, Hendersonville (Just off Interstate 26) and walking distance from my Heritage Log Cabin vacation rental.
828-692-8914
www.aditc.com
​
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HomeGrown Eatery in West Asheville offers locally sourced food with updated American specialties in an artsy but unpretentious dining room and patio.  “We are a local eatery, serving local food, cooked by local people, and we love what we do!” The delicious food is Slow Cooked yet served up quickly, affordably and with love.
The ever changing menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, hot plates and side dishes invites frequent return visits!
Open 7 Days: 8AM – 9PM
371 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC  (828) 232-4340
www.slowfoodrighquick.com
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Reserve now for a special Valentine’s Day Dinner!  Experience a romantic, delicious vegetarian meal with an International Flair at the Laughing Seed Restaurant.  This is Asheville’s premier vegetarian restaurant for over 20 years with a wide selection of tasty dishes using the finest organic, local, farm-to-table foods.  Locals know this is THE place to dine and have voted them the “Best Vegetarian Restaurant in WNC” for 15 years straight!  This reputation is well-earned with the creative, flavorful dishes inspired from the around the world.  Eat in a pleasant atmosphere that is soothing, warm and inspires those “good vibes.”
 
40 Wall Street, Asheville, NC   828-252-3445
https://laughingseed.com

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Tastee Diner in West Asheville NC offers outrageous food combinations you’ve got to try!  Check out their menu online to see what I mean!  For instance:
“Tastee Chicken & Waffle” -fried chicken tenders over waffle topped with queso and
pineapple-jalapeno relish;
“Korean Breakfast Sandwich” -fried egg, Swiss cheese, pickled veggies, kimchi, and Sriracha aioli;
Pictured is their Bacon Bourbon Vanilla Shake.
Try the breakfasts (served all day), burgers, fries, sandwiches, salads and the best shakes around!  Draft beers are also on tap. 
Open 7 Days:  8AM to 9PM
575 Haywood Rd, Asheville NC  (828) 412-5566
http://www.tasteedinernc.com/

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Iannucci’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant: This family-owned business in South Asheville NC for over 30 years is the local favorite Italian restaurant with delicious fresh food served in generous portions.  Great pizzas, bread sticks, salads, subs & desserts!  Kids have their own menu. You can even order “To Go” for single meals or large party trays for groups.  Check out their online menus. This is authentic Italian, old world style that you’ll love.
Now with a second location in Hendersonville.
Open 7 Days 
1981 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville NC  (828) 684-5050
1508 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville NC  (828) 693-4300
http://iannuccis.com/
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Zambra Underground Gypsy Tapas Restaurant in Asheville’s Historic Downtown:
The minute you enter this distinctive Moorish-revival atmosphere, you know you’re in for a unique savory treat!  Especially famous for their tasty food combination Tapas (“little dishes”), you can taste any number of their amazingly imaginative flavorful creations in one meal.  Visit often as the tapas change nightly.  They also have an extensive wine list. Featured in Southern Living, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, the Boston Globe & more!
85 West Walnut Street, Asheville NC  (828) 232-1060
www.zambratapas.com

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Explore something new and try Korean at the *Stone Bowl Korean Restaurant* in South Asheville, NC. Try the unique stone bowl cuisine where your food cooks in an extremely hot stone bowl.  “The only way to experience authentic Korean food is having it prepared by Koreans!”  The extensive menu offers great flavor, fresh quality & is plentiful with friendly service. Stop by and taste for yourself! (Many 5 Star Reviews on Trip Advisor)
Open 7 Days:
Sun 12:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Mon - Fri 11:00 am - 2:30 pm
5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Sat 11:00 am - 9:30 pm

1987 Hendersonville Road, Asheville NC  Suite A  (828) 676-2172
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60742-d2517149-Reviews-Stone_Bowl-Asheville_North_Carolina.html
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Yummm!  It’s Asheville Restaurant Week! Now through January 26, 2017 is your opportunity to sample our area’s best restaurants at the lowest prices of the year! Taste why Asheville is rated among the top ten food and wine destinations in the U.S.!  (Romantic Asheville photo)

Lunch: $15 two-course meal for one person.
Dinner: $35 three-course meal for one person.
Dinner: $30 two-course meal for two
They offer a full menu at regular prices. It’s recommended to make reservations.
 
For a list of participating restaurants and for reservations go to:
www.AshevilleRestaurantWeek.com
 
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For my vacation rental visitors, did you know that there at least 10 breweries & wineries in Hendersonville NC alone!  This Asheville & Hendersonville area is known as the country’s “Beer City” with good reason!  Most offer tasting rooms, tours & music.   (Photo from Southern Appalachian Brewery)
 
Basic Brewer: www.basicbrewery.com/home.html
Blue Ghost Brewing: www.blueghostbrewing.com/
Bold Rock Hard Cider: www.boldrock.com/
Burntshirt Vinewards: www.burntshirtvineyards.com/
Flat Rock Cider Works: www.flatrockciderworks.com/
Oskar Blues Brewery: www.oskarblues.com/
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard: www.saintpaulmountainvineyards.com/
Sanctuary Brewing Company: www.sanctuarybrewco.com/
Sierra Nevada Brewing: www.sierranevada.com/
Southern Appalachian Brewery: www.sabrewery.com/
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