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 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 15 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…
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The 13 Best Things to do in Asheville in November
November is an excellent time to visit Asheville. The average temperature is 60°F/40°F (though it’s colder in higher elevations), perfect for long days of playing outside and sleeping without the air conditioning. Asheville’s fall season is long and beautiful, with sunny, dry, warm days and chilly evenings, and the fall foliage season goes from late September to early November. In November, fall turns into winter, so many fall activities and landscapes remain to enjoy. Still, many of the most popular December holiday events start in November: the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn, the Winter Lights show at the North Carolina Arboretum, and the Christmas at…
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The 16 Best Brunch Spots in Asheville
It’s no secret that Asheville’s food scene is fantastic. You can go out daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and eat incredible food made with the best local and seasonal ingredients. And when it comes to brunching, rest assured Ashevillians take their brunch game very seriously. From fried chicken biscuits and Wagyu steak & eggs to Mexican chilaquiles and biscuit donuts, you’ll find all sorts of classic and creative brunch dishes being served up around town. Don’t forget to top off your meal with a Bloody Mary or a sparkling mimosa! There are so many excellent restaurants and cafes in Asheville it can be challenging to figure out where to…
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The 15 Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Asheville
Asheville’s most significant honor is to be known as “Dog City, USA.” This city loves dogs and welcomes them (almost) everywhere. There are lovely dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, bars (including a dog playground with a bar for humans!), and breweries to hang out with your best friend while exploring our fantastic food and beverage scene. Of course, the city’s green areas and surroundings make it an ideal place for the family’s furry members to join you on your trip! Also, most stores allow well-behaved dogs on leashes, and plenty of walkable neighborhoods will let you take your friend for a stroll. Did you know that our city features the first Dog…
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13 Festive Places to See Christmas Lights in Asheville
Are you wondering if coming to Asheville during Christmas is worth it? It absolutely is! There are many fun and festive things going on in Asheville throughout the entire month of December – including a ton of spectacular light displays! Our famous local landmarks – Biltmore Estate, the Omni Grove Park Inn, and the Grove Arcade – get all dressed up for the holidays. There are neighborhood and business district Christmas display competitions, walk-through and drive-through light shows, and many Christmas events for the entire family. I’ve compiled a list of the best places to see the Christmas lights in Asheville. Also, many events around Asheville made it onto this…
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The 16 Best Restaurants in Waynesville, NC
The charming town of Waynesville in Haywood County is one of the best side trips from Asheville since it’s only a 25-mile drive and has much to offer. Considering the population of 10,000 people, you’ll find a surprisingly humming downtown with many restaurants and shops. Still, Waynesville is the biggest town in Haywood County, which is known for its lovely small towns and 13 peaks above 6,000 feet. You’ll love exploring art galleries, antique stores, gift shops, and restaurants. I’ve compiled a list of some of the best Waynesville restaurants, with options for everyone’s cravings – from the best burgers in Haywood County and Yelp’s #1 Brisket in the US…
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The 13 Best Restaurants in Asheville for Thanksgiving Dinner
Spending Thanksgiving in Asheville is a popular choice for families who use this time of the year for traveling and exploring a new place together. Fortunately, our city has everything to make the sweetest holiday memories. Think about cozy bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels, beautiful scenic drives and hikes, fun experiences on a cold, rainy day, a vibrant shopping scene, excellent food and drinks, and dozens of unique opportunities to volunteer and give back during the holidays. Turkey Day is centered around family and sharing delicious meals that reflect the abundance of the season’s harvest. So, finding the right place to eat on Thanksgiving in Asheville is key to…
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The 23 Best Brunch Spots in Asheville According to a Local
Our brunch scene is so abundant and diverse it can be challenging to figure out where to eat in Asheville. We want to make it fun and easy for you, so besides offering a list of the best brunch places in Asheville, we’ve grouped together our favorite off-the-tourist-track brunch spots for your dining pleasure! From Mexican and Argentinian to Southern and Canadian, there’s something to suit all tastes. Locals love them. They all serve great food. And experiencing them will give you a glimpse of how Ashevillians roll (did you know that our unofficial slogan is “Keep Asheville Weird”?). So enjoy your brunch (always call the restaurant first if you’re…
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Christmas in Asheville: 15 Festive Things to Do
With all the Thanksgiving leftovers gone from your fridge, are you ready to celebrate the most popular holiday in the country and the world? Well, Asheville is! Luckily, our city features many Christmas events and festivities that are fun for the entire family. From welcoming the season with an original holiday parade to fantastic light displays and a famous gingerbread house competition, we have everything you need to make your Christmas in Asheville memorable. There are so many things going on in Asheville in December it’d be impossible to list them all. We’ve chosen something for everyone, always keeping the kids in mind because those little creatures tend to adore…
