Laura Bernhein
Born in Argentina, Laura is a journalist who's lived in Asheville for 10 years. She loves all things Asheville, from the vast business scene to the beautiful nonprofits, magical people, and marvelous nature. She loves being involved in projects that are the change she wants to see in the world.
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The 17 Best Airbnbs in Asheville, NC
Millions of visitors come to Asheville every year. They want to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the beautiful outdoors of this area, where almost every adventure is possible. From hiking to kayaking to mountain biking and even river snorkeling, fun is always guaranteed in these mountains! Folks visit us to confirm firsthand if our food and beer scene is as fantastic as the national media tells them. Asheville is also home to fantastic musicians and artists, and craft and art lovers worldwide love to explore our galleries and shops. Now that you have chosen Asheville as your next destination, it’s time to find a place to stay. Asheville…
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Cats at Play Café Review: Asheville’s First Cat Cafe
Cat cafes satisfy two of the most basic human needs: coffee and cat cuddles. Originating in Asia, they are now spread worldwide. They are an excellent opportunity to share the love with kitties while having a cozy beverage. They are also purrfect places to bring your computer and work (playful interruptions are guaranteed!). Hanging out with cats has many health benefits: it’s relaxing, lowers your stress and anxiety, and, according to scientific research, cat owners tend to be at a lower risk of suffering heart disease. It’s a fact: the company of cats makes us happier and healthier! Cats are mysterious, fascinating creatures and were considered sacred by many ancient…
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The 13 Best Things to do in Asheville in the Winter
One of my favorite things about Asheville is the seasons: we get four seasons of three months each. The summers are friendly, with the highest temperatures in the low 80s (64-82°F average, with rare temperature peaks in the 90s). The winters are also moderate, with an average of 30-50°F and occasional colder snaps. While most visitors might be more familiar with the astonishing views of the fall leaves, the flowering rhododendrons in the spring, or the lustful waterfalls and rivers surrounded by shades of green in the summer, there is also beauty in Asheville in the winter. Travelers are surprised to learn that Asheville rarely gets snow (the average is…
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The 14 Best Boutique Hotels in Asheville
Asheville is often called “The Land of the Sky” because of its unique biodiversity and scenic vistas. It has been a travel destination since the 1800s among health seekers who would come here to gain strength and for wealthy families looking for a gentler summer climate. Located in the land of the Cherokee Nation and settled at 2,200 feet above sea level in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville receives an estimated 11 million travelers each year. The best news? Our small city has something to offer to each one of them! Visitors come here because they want to experience our farm-to-table food scene, our award-winning breweries, the fantastic outdoor…
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Sauna House Review: ‘Hot, Cold, Relax, Repeat’
The Sauna House offers one of Asheville’s most relaxing wellness experiences. It’s my go-to place to rest and unwind, and spending a couple of hours there on a Friday night is one of my favorite ways to start the weekend. It’s also an excellent place for a date night, a girls’ night out, or even a mother-and-daughter outing (14+). The idea of the Sauna House’s contrast therapy is simple and super effective: “hot, cold, relax, repeat.” You can expect 185-200°F in the traditional saunas and 48°F in the plunges. No matter how I feel when entering the bathhouse (it can be intense on a Friday, believe me), I always leave…
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The 15 Best Places for Holiday Shopping in Asheville
Ding dong, ding dong, it’s the most wonderful time of the year (again!). Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays around the globe. People love it for different cultural and religious reasons, but most Christmas celebrations involve gathering with family and loved ones, sharing traditional food, and treating each other with gifts. We have many exciting shopping districts where you can find locally-owned mom-and-pop stores featuring regional arts and crafts. We also have malls, farmers’ markets, and seasonal festivals and pop-ups. Downtown, the River Arts District, and Biltmore Village are home to shops, boutiques, and art galleries – all places where you can get holiday decorations, presents, and gift…
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The 16 Best Things to do in the Fall in Asheville
My admiration for Asheville never decreases, but I must admit that fall is, hands down, the most beautiful time of the year to be here. The trees display unreal red, yellow, and bronze colors, the flowers are spectacular, and the average temperature is 68°F/46°F. If that’s not enough, there are many events, and the bountiful harvest makes our food scene even more exciting. Fall in Asheville is gentle and long (one of the longest seasons in the country), allowing us plenty of time to transition and retreat to the darkness of winter. If you’re looking to see fall foliage, the best month is October, although you can start to see…
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Exploring Downtown Asheville: 12 Fun Things to See and Do
There are many things to do in downtown Asheville, from shopping to people-watching and everything in the middle. But, of course, one of the highlights is the amount and diversity of restaurants. There is something for everyone, from award-winning restaurants to amazing tacos and burritos to outstanding breweries, bars, coffee shops, and places to eat dessert. Asheville has made it onto many Yelp and TripAdvisor lists as the best destination for foodies, beer connoisseurs, and dog lovers, to name a few, yet one of the best titles it got is “one of the friendliest towns in the US.” So, please take any chance you get to mix with locals! I…
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The 14 Best Things to do in Asheville in December
I love Asheville in December. Although I’m not a big holiday person (my motto is: every day is a holiday!), I do enjoy joyful activities and beautiful light displays. December is a great month to visit Asheville – it’s festive, there are many things to do, and the winter weather is gentle with an average temperature of 50°F/31°F. December means different things to different people. For some, it’s a time to go from one festival to another and participate in every event under the sun (I have good news: there is a lot for you in this article!). For others, it’s a time to slow down, enter hibernation mode, and enjoy…
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The 14 Best Hotels Near Biltmore Estate in Asheville
So, you’ve decided to visit Asheville and want to check out its most famous landmark, Biltmore Estate. You might want to tackle the property in one day, or plan to stay a few nights. Fortunately, many hotels are in and around Biltmore Estate, from three on-site lodging options to many hotels near Biltmore Village. Today, Biltmore Village is a vibrant shopping district, entirely walkable and home to many restaurants, cafés, shops, and art galleries. Do you love antiques? Five hundred independent dealers showcase their pieces in the shops. You’ll also love the Cathedral of All Souls, an 1896 Episcopal Church designed by Biltmore Estate architect Richard Morris Hunt. There are…
