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Not sure what to do for mom this mother's day? How about a visit to Asheville, NC? You can wine and dine her in a city commonly known as the "Paris of the South".
And, there is certainly no shortage of things to see and do. Fine and funky restaurants as well as elegant and rustic accommodations abound. And, it is only a short drive from major cities such as Charlotte, Atlanta, and Raleigh-Durham.
Let an Asheville Hotel Concierge Help
If you are planning to whisk mom away for a cool mountain getaway, why not choose to stay at an Asheville hotel where a concierge can assist in making all the arrangements? In addition, an Asheville concierge will have the inside scoop when it comes to eating out. And with so many choices, this is coveted information.
Mackensy Lunsford is a professional concierge at the Residences at Biltmore and has been privy to many "concierge dinners". These dinners are arranged so hotel concierges can sample all the culinary talent that Asheville has to offer. And, the Residences at Biltmore, an Asheville hotel, is conveniently located in the center of the city's action where there is a delicious assortment of restaurants in close proximity.
24 hours in Asheville, NC
If you and mom only have 24 hours to spend in Asheville, NC, make the most of it. On Saturday, May 11, Check in to your Asheville hotel, drop your bags and set out to discover the charm of downtown.
Visit the Mast General Store. The squeaky wood floors and old-fashioned candy barrels will evoke feelings of a simpler time. Drop in to the popular book store, Malaprop's, to check out some of the region's most-talented authors. There are frequent book signings and lectures; and on many days, live bluegrass can be heard outside. Check out the beautiful roses outside the Basilica of St. Lawrence, one of Asheville's most distinguishable architectural structures. Someone in this parish has a green thumb!
Getting hungry? In the downtown area, if you are craving something a little exotic, Mackensy recommends Mela Indian Restaurant on Lexington Avenue, offering authentic north and south Indian cuisines.
The dining room at Zambra's is also a favorite and dishes up Spanish and Mediterranean tapas. They use local ingredients whenever possible and the decor is sultry and plush.
Sugo is the place to head to for fine Italian-inspired fare. The chef cures a selection of specialty meats and they prefer to serve fish and meat that is raised and harvested with sustainable human methods.
Mackensy also recommends the "Hottie Roll", at Kubo. It is a sushi roll filled with spicy tuna, crunchy, sliced jalapenos and sriracha sauce. Kubo is a Japanese sushi and hibachi steak house.
After dinner, finish the evening off with some music and a cocktail at Vincenzo's. They have live music nightly in their bistro. Or, sit outside at Old Europe, a classic-looking European bistro. This is a great spot for people watching while sipping on a chocolate martini or mocha latte.
It's now time to head back to your Asheville hotel and get rested up for a fun-filled Sunday. If you have chosen to stay at the Residences at Biltmore, enjoy a whirlpool bath and then slip into their designer linens and rest your head on a luxurious down pillow; sweet dreams are sure to follow.
Refreshed and ready for action, the Corner Kitchen is a Biltmore Village standard for brunch. Housed in a Tudor-style house, it is one of the original buildings in Biltmore Village. Try the biscuit "benies" - homemade biscuits with ham, poached eggs and spiced hollandaise.
Now, head over to the Biltmore House, America's largest home, and enjoy the "Festival of Flowers". They are offering moms free admission on Sunday, May 11 with the purchase of a youth or adult admission. Guided walks are available or you may casually stroll through the gardens and take in the breathtaking atmosphere. There are acres and acres to explore and over 250 varieties of roses.
Visitors to the Biltmore House should plan to spend the day there. Make sure to visit the winery and pop in to the gift shop on your way out to pick up a memento to remember your Asheville mountain getaway. Happy Mother's Day!
