Asheville, NC is roughly 3 1/2 to 4 hours from my home which is a comfortable distance for a getaway weekend. My husband and I drove up on a Friday and we absolutely loved the scenic drive. The timing of our arrival aligned perfectly with check-in time at The Foundry Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton.

lounge

Our stay in the beautifully restored steel factory was a destination in itself. The level of service, location, decor and amenities exceeded our expectations. Shortly after getting settled in our rooms, we ventured out to the River Arts District to grab a late lunch/early dinner and to explore the area. Unfortunately, the food at a popular barbecue restaurant left us unimpressed but the art scene made up for it.

wall art

The murals throughout the RAD were a visual feast. They remind me of Wynwood Walls in Miami. Our last trip there was December 2019 so it’s time we make plans to get back there soon. We returned to our hotel to relax for a bit after our visit and then ventured out after dark for an appetizer, dessert and cocktails at Crave Dessert Bar. It turned out to be a nice and delicious way to end the day!

bookstore

bookstore_champagne

Our second day led us back downtown to explore the city. Our first stop was Battery Park Book Exchange. I adore bookstores and this place turned out to be a wonderland for me. The vibe was slow and easy which is probably due to the fact that it also houses a Champagne Bar. After a stroll through their used book collections, we decided to grab a bite. We ordered their Moby Dip Board and flights of Mimosas to enjoy alongside some light conversation.

chocolates

Following the bookstore, we continued to explore the city with stops at the Asheville Art Museum and French Broad Chocolates before returning to our hotel where we concluded our day in the Workshop Lounge. There we relaxed with mediocre small bites that served only as sponges for some AMAZING evening cocktails.

shrimp and grits

We concluded our stay at The Foundry Hotel with breakfast at their onsite restaurant, Benne on Eagle. Their shrimp and grits were delicious from the first bite to the last. Overall our trip to Asheville, NC was a positive, memorable experience and we do intend to return; hopefully when Fall colors are at their peak.

Have you ever been to Asheville? If so, what did you love most when you visited?

Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored post. I have received no products nor monetary compensation for this content. All opinions are based on my own personal experience.