To eat: You can’t go wrong in Asheville and surrounds. Sooooo much to choose from. But the farm- to-table restaurants are my favs. And, if you can get into Sunny Point in West Asheville for breakfast or lunch (the wait is usually long) you won’t be disappointed.

To drink: Southslope breweries (there are many!) And, any rooftop bar around town is a super enjoyable way to experience our gorgeous setting.

Outdoors: Hiking off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Arboretum, and Biltmore Estate. I enjoy memberships to the former and latter. It’s wonderful to live in a tourist town with so many fabulous options at our proverbial doorstep.

Entertainment: We have some great music venues; from the Orange Peel to Biltmore Estate’s outdoor concerts, and many more. A visit to Biltmore Estate and The Grove Park Inn will make a local feel like a tourist; in the best of ways!

Shopping: Downtown area; Biltmore Village; and Tunnel Road/South Tunnel Road for conveniences. Buy local. For furniture in Downtown Asheville visit Mobilia and K2 Studio. And, of course, the River Arts District to support local artists! I’d encourage you to visit Downtown Hendersonville too. In fact, my abstract art (I’m also a fine abstract artist) is represented by a fine art gallery in Hendo. And, you’ll love McFarlan’s bakery; it’s been in Hendo for nearly 100 years! The chocolate covered glazed donut is addictive.

Art: The River Arts District , including the Marquee Asheville. New Morning Gallery in Biltomore Village. The Folk Art Center. The many street Fests. Asheville Art Museum. Blue Spiral 1. And, head to Hendo to Art on 7^th!