Laura Leavitt
Laura finally got to move to Asheville in 2021 after a decade of visits and hangouts here. She loves the food, the coffee shops, and the riverfront in Asheville. Laura is always finding something new and wonderful to try.
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The 15 Best Coffee Shops in Asheville (and One Amazing Tea Room!)
In the land of all-that-is-local, it only makes sense to step away from the ordinary and try out one of the coolest local coffee shops in Asheville. While you can absolutely get your delicious Panera, Dunkin’, and Starbucks here in town, there are also some homegrown favorites that deliver high marks on flavor, drink variety, and ambiance. While most Asheville cafes are open early for your wake-up cup of brew, many are all-day spaces, easy-to-enjoy afternoon hangouts, or even a spot for a late-night pick-me-up with a friend. Some have snacks, some have meals, and some have beer and wine in addition to satisfying the craving for caffeine. Just for…
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Guide to Lake Lure & Chimney Rock: Activities, Restaurants, Bars, and Shopping
Only an hour from Asheville, a haven awaits that is so beautiful and notable that Hollywood directors have singled it out for films – Lake Lure, NC. When you come looking for a Lake Lure visitors guide, you’ll find that there’s a lot to recommend a trip here: from the beautiful manmade lake that gives the area its name to the notable hiking and delicious dining in town and in nearby Chimney Rock. Whether you simply want to relax in the mountains, spend time out on the water, or be hiking in nature, your options are strong here, and every morning starts with a beautiful view in almost any direction! …
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The 18 Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Asheville
Every stomach processes food a tiny bit differently due to a ton of factors, but every person deserves to get to try the incredible tastes available in the many restaurants, bakeries, and shops in Asheville, NC. Luckily, the restaurant community here is very attuned to the needs of diners, offering options to cater to plant-based diets, modify dishes to avoid allergens, and also keep gluten, which are particular proteins primarily found in wheat and similar grains, out of foods. While the exact source of gluten sensitivities is unknown, many people find that the stomach pain and gastrointestinal illness that they experience while eating wheat products go away when they switch…
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The 9 Best Thai Restaurants in Asheville
Whether you’re on the hunt for the hottest, tastiest curry in town or just want to feed a crowd that features some vegans, the Thai restaurants in Asheville are ready to serve. Thai food is flavorful, varied, and full of healthy proteins and veggies, making it a great fit for many palates. A few of the Thai restaurants in Asheville are also fusion restaurants, featuring cuisine options from around Asia, so you might have even more options on the menu to tempt your guests’ taste buds. Whether you just want a go-to spot for a takeout pad thai or want a fancy occasion meal out, there’s a Thai place for…
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The 8 Best Indian Restaurants in Asheville, NC
Indian food in Asheville is rather plentiful, given the fact that this isn’t that large of a community. While the tourism in Western NC does swell the dining public a bit, we’re really spoiled for choice around here, and some of the best restaurants in Asheville serve up incredible Indian cuisine. Some of the best Indian restaurants in Asheville are truly making waves, winning major food awards, and gaining praise nationally, not just here in town. What’s great is that you don’t have to eat Indian food just one way: there are simple restaurants with great lunch buffets that allow you to sample different curries and sauces as you get…
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The 20 Best Boutiques in Asheville Where You Can Shop Like a Local
People may come to Asheville with a list of restaurants to try or a list of breweries to visit, but you really shouldn’t miss out on the shopping in Asheville either. The downtown area is home to a thriving network of local boutiques and cool shops, all bringing a unique Asheville vibe but with clothing and gifts that fit a variety of styles and price points. A nice thing about frequenting the best boutiques in Asheville is that you’re likely to find a lot of items sourced with an ethical, sustainable effort made to provide both high quality and a supply chain that supports textile workers. And you don’t have…
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The 15 Best Restaurants in Asheville for a Date Night Out
When you’re taking the time to plan a date night out, it only makes sense that you want to go to one of the best date night restaurants in Asheville. Your date deserves something truly memorable, a nice place that will wow them and promote a great conversation between you. While there are many romantic things to do in Asheville, from a walk on the Biltmore Estate grounds to a beautiful mountaintop picnic, many of the award-winning restaurants in town are also beautiful, with low romantic lighting and servers ready to showcase just how special the food and drinks are. Don’t settle for a spot you’ve always gone to when…
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A Complete Guide to Hendersonville, NC: Best Activities, Restaurants, Bars, and Shops
If you drive south for about 40 minutes from Asheville, North Carolina, you’ll find the charming and bustling town of Hendersonville. This town has a pretty perfect balance: just big enough to have a lot of nice conveniences but small enough to feel like a neighborly and fun place to spend time. The backdrop of gorgeous mountains really makes it the best place for a great day out in nature but also just a walk down Main Street. From the excellent Hendersonville restaurants to the unique Hendersonville shops, you’ll find that there’s something to do or explore around every corner. We’ve compiled some of our favorite Hendersonville activities, including things…
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Maggie Valley, North Carolina: Best Activities, Events, Restaurants, and Shops!
Since the days long ago when Maggie Mae Setzer lived here and became the namesake of Maggie Valley, this little piece of paradise just outside the Asheville metro area has been a draw for everyone from nature lovers to those looking for a dose of small-town charm. Between the many nearby mountain vistas and the easy jaunt back to the city, this town has a good mix of the options people want, from the ability to go to a big festival one day to the chance to commune with nature in a quiet part of the valley the next. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park so close by and…
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The 18 Best Restaurants in Hendersonville, North Carolina
Downtown Hendersonville has really blossomed in the past few years. Whether it’s seen as the “city” by those living in the beautiful and rural areas of Western North Carolina, or a sojourn from the hustle and bustle of Asheville or Charlotte, this town is just right, not too big and not too small. Many of the best options for places to eat in Hendersonville are near or on Main Street itself, so on a pretty day, you can survey all the places to eat in downtown Hendersonville by simply taking a stroll and checking out any specials on display outside each spot. We tried to get you a cross-section of…
