*waves hi!*
I had all these plans for blogging this month but they kind of all flew out the window.
Kevin and I went on our first non-bookish (not a book con like BEA/ALA) in years and it was so much fun and relaxing that I haven’t had the urge to do much of anything – including reading or blogging – since I’ve been back.
We decided to go to Asheville, NC for our long weekend trip (4 days). It’s about 8 hours drive from FL and has plenty of outdoor activities (for Kevin) and food (for me!). Once I started investigating a bit I found out that it was supposed to be a super dog friendly city, so we decided to take Fonzi.
Kevin really wanted cold weather and snow but unfortunately they were having an unusually warm weekend but it turned out ok. It was still cold enough for sweaters, gloves and hot cocoa but nice enough out to go on a few long hikes.
When they say Asheville is dog friendly – they are NOT kidding! Dogs are allowed almost everywhere! Almost all restaurants that have outdoor patio dining allow dogs, Posana - a very fancy farm to table restaurant - even had a separate dog menu with starters and entrees and dessert.They’re also allowed on most brewery tours, of which there are MANY. Asheville has become a big foodie town that they officially call Foodtopia. Yeah, it’s kind of hipstery, pretentious sounding, but no joke – the food is mostly locally sourced, fresh and delicious.
Every single place had water and cookies available. Even the bookstore. Needless to say Fonzi had a blast and was totally spoiled by everyone bringing him fancy fresh baked treats everyday lol
Downtown Asheville is a wonderful place for shopping with an emphasis on selling products from local artists at really reasonable prices. I was shocked at how affordable the stuff was. From jewelry to clothing or even pins and the like.
Everyone was super welcoming, friendly and helpful – even random strangers (I think having Fonzi with us had something to do with that hehe)
Here are a few more pics from the trip – hiking, dining, shopping and Christmas lights which were like something from a small town Christmas hallmark movie in Biltmore Village.
If you’re thinking of taking a trip to Asheville I highly recommend Explore Asheville.com. It’s one of the best travel planning sites for a city I’ve ever seen. Also super helpful if traveling with children or pets as they list amenities for each place and include an online travel planner to add places as you search. They include links and directions for each place.
If traveling with your 4 legged best friend check out Pet Friendly Asheville and Bring Fido for a list of dog friendly places to stay and visit.
A few our favorite spots were – Craggy Pinnacle Trail, NC Arboretum, Posana Restaurant, Sunny Point Cafe, Well-Bred Bakery & Cafe, Malaprop’s Bookstore and Cafe, aSHEville Museum and gift shop.
We’re planning another trip so we can check out more of what this fun city has to offer.
I think we broke Fonzi….this was him on the way home – the whole 8 drive. hahahaha!
I've driven through twice and really wish I had time to stop and take in the sites and activities. It sounds wonderful, Karen. Fonzi is adorable!
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful place! I want to go back at different times of the year because they have so much to do depending on the weather.
DeleteFonzi was sooooo tired by the end of the trip lol
That's so cool that they are so dog friendly.
ReplyDeleteI've been places that were dog friendly but this was NEXT LEVEL dog friendly! lol
DeleteIt looks so fun :)
ReplyDeleteAnd relaxing!
DeleteSo relaxing - I don't want to do anything now lol
Maybe they built the place for dogs who want to take their human companions on a trip! 😉
ReplyDeleteThis video is on their official tourist guide page and it about sums it up. Of course they can't go off leash like that but they really can go almost everywhere.
DeleteHaving Fonzi with us didn't limit out options for fun at all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgiSA0baYZ8#action=share
That's too cute about the dog menu!
ReplyDeleteA bison burger with quinoa! I would eat that lol
DeleteLocally sourced is the best, and it's good to know Asheville is a foodie town (and a great dog town too). I love that that restaurant had an actual dog's menu, so cool. Will definitely keep Asheville in mind for a future vacation!
ReplyDeleteLove that pic of Fonzi snoozing. :)
I was surprised by how much is locally sourced. It didn't feel like a gimmick either. Everyone really knew their suppliers and had a quality product at reasonable prices. Both with food and crafts.
DeleteLove your new banner! I've been looking to visit Asheville for sometime since I've longed to see The Biltmore Estate. Awesome to hear its super dog friendly. You think they'd allow cats? Lol! No. My cats would die of shock and fright if I ever took them on a plane! What an awful thought. Glad you and your husband (and Fonzie) had a great time! :)
ReplyDeleteWe didn't get a chance to go there. We happened to go (unintentionally) on the busiest weekend of the year lol & that would probably be too much for Fonzi. They do allow them on the grounds but not inside the estate. We did see some of the lights because we were staying in Biltmore Village and they were beautiful.
DeleteI hope you get to go one day. It's a great city!
I think I saw at least one hotel that accepted cats but yeah - I don't think they would enjoy it hehe
Oh I love this Karen! The only store we have locally that always dogs is the big pet warehouse, which includes the groomers and vet clinic. Our little Cavalier would love to go on a dog friendly holiday. His little face melts me every time. We always had Collie's growing up and Fonzi brings back so many memories. Such beautiful dogs.
ReplyDeleteI've been to a few pet friendly towns that allow them at a few outdoor seating areas - like Panera, Starbucks, the pet store but they mostly mean outdoor activities like hiking.
DeleteThis was totally different! They love dogs! And there's so much to do - both shopping and outdoors.
This sounds like such a fun trip!! I'm glad you enjoyed yourself and found a place like that!
ReplyDeleteMe too! I can't wait to go back.
Delete*gives treat to Fonzi*
ReplyDeleteOh this sounds like so much fun. I think it would even win over monster pup if everyone gave her treats. LOL Glad you had a lot of fun!
Fonzi is actually kind of shy. He's not a jumper or tail wagger but he'll take treats. It was great for him because almost everyone was very dog savvy and very good with him.
DeleteSo glad you had such a great trip, that sounds like a great time away. It's so rare to find so many dog friendly places in one place. Usually you might find a couple of places but that entire place sounds perfect for a trip away with a pet. And you weren't the only one to have fun, Fonzi looks tuckered out!
ReplyDeleteExactly. Taking him didn't restrict our activities at all.
DeleteHe was EXHAUSTED lol
Even though I suffer from panic attacks around dogs (bad attack when I was a kid) I adore dogs and yours is just so BEAUTIFUL!!! One of my favorite type of dogs. And when I was living in Texas, it was pretty dog friendly too since almost everyone has a dog. :) I love those hallmark style villages in towns and cities. They are so fun especially around the holidays. Hope you have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteOh that's too bad. My father was like that.
DeleteI hear Austin, TX is pretty dog friendly.
Aw yay! I'm glad yall had a good time. You were SO close to me! It's a lovely area :)
ReplyDeleteYou're near Raliegh right?
DeleteSounds like such a lovely trip!! So awesome it is so dog friendly.
ReplyDeleteIt was so much fun and a relief to be able to take him everywhere. Taking a dog usually means you can't do most things but not on this trip!
DeleteHow great that it's so dog-friendly there, and ahhh how awesome that the restaurant even had a dog menu! Sounds like a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteI know. Like, GOOD food too - bison burgers, quinoa lol
Deletesounds like such a fun trip :) I thought that Sarah Dressan lived there and also Stephanie Perkins lived near there . awesome for fonzi
ReplyDeleteI can see that. It's a very artistic town. I also heard that Beth Revis lives there.
DeleteI've been looking forward for this update. My! I'm glad you guys had a wonderful time especially Fonzi hehe
ReplyDeleteVanessa @ Blushing Geek
We really did. Good food, explore nature and getting to take Fonzi!
DeleteOh my gosh, what a perfect vacation! Sounds so relaxing and wonderful, although I'd definitely need to wear my "eating pants" the entire time lol. I had no idea that there are entire cities that are so dog friendly! Very cool.
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness... I'm dying with that last picture. SO CUTE!!!! <3 <3 <3 he looks completely wiped out. I haven't been to Asheville in so many moons but I visited once and loved it there. Immediately. It just has a great vibe, eh? I love that there are so many dog friendly places to visit--and that some places even have dog menus. We took Buster to a place with a dog menu and he was in heaven, so it's a special treat when we can bring him with us :)
ReplyDelete