The big three!

We just celebrated our BIG THREE anniversary on October 7th. We love taking trips together, it is so good to just relax and hang out together. We chose to go to Asheville, NC. Instead of giving a play by play- we want to share with you our top picks from that area...

places to stay:
Hands down- Ridgecrest in Black Mountain!
They were so accommodating- giving us their best room even though we were getting the minister's discount. It is completely beautiful there, and a mere 15 minute drive to the great city of Asheville.

Things to do:
2nd place:
The River Arts District in Asheville- an amazing area full of old buildings turned into artist's studios. Constance Williams and Fran Welch were Rachel's two favorite artists there.

1st place goes to: (we're divided on this one)
Jeff's pick: Biltmore House- ridiculously gargantuan... (the audio tour is SO worth it!)


although it is a lot of walking- too much for some people :)


Rachel's pick: a Massage at the Biltmore Spa (her first, it may need to become a habit...)
afterwards- all is right with the world :)


now the honorable mentions:
*Art in the Park festival- specifically Wentah's Pottery and Appalachian Craft Center vendors... we know have some gorgeous mugs from each.
notice the sign- don't think Rachel didn't think about it- and still is :)


*Oktoberfest- complete with German yodeling, brats, and festive activities... :)




*Black Mountain "Downtown" shops- Common Housefly kitchen gadget shop was very cool.
*Warren Wilson Garden Market- we acquired a student cookbook and homemade apple butter there.
*The Cove- Billy Graham's training center, including a personal tour by sweet old ladies.
Jeff, preaching at Billy Graham's travelling podium


*North Carolina Arboretum- which is accessible by the Blue Ridge Parkway btw- just ignore your GPS- she did us wrong...
*Blue Ridge Parkway- except for the 10 miles we didn't see (that would have taken us directly to the Arboretum)
*Hwy 151- the switchback road that we actually took to the Arboretum :)

Places to Eat:
6th place- Havana's- authentic Cuban fare


5th place- Sante- posh atmosphere, great goat cheese plate
4th place- Limones- gourmet Mexicali recommended by a local
3rd place- Zambra- excellent tapas
2nd place- fig- French bistro with yummy brunch


and the best...
1st place- Corner Kitchen- We sat in the kitchen at a bar and got to watch the chef's work their magic. Carolina twist on artfully prepared food.


honorable mentions:
Fresh Market- best grocery
Dripolator in Black Mountain
Clingman Coffee in the River District
French Broad Chocolate Lounge
mmmm- drinking chocolate (literally melted chocolate and coconut milk)

Libby's fav- 3 Dogs Bakery

We had an awesome time just getting away and spending time together without interruption. Exploring and experiencing new things together is one of our favorite hobbies. Now onto year four!