STYLE DESTINATION
With no shortage of southern charm, North Carolina is on our minds. We’ve mapped a scenic drive through the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains, from Asheville to Raleigh, where burgeoning art scenes and delicious dining destinations await.
Springtime is ideal for visiting our fave spots in North Carolina.
DAY 1
Nicknamed the hippest city in the South, tourists flock to Asheville for its myriad of microbreweries, museums, galleries, bookstores and boutiques. Check into the breathtaking Omni Grove Park Inn (2), with its great hall entrance (trust us, you will lounge fireside here during your stay), then set out to explore.
Head straight to Biltmore House (1). Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II in the late 1800s, this palatial mansion was the largest privately owned home in the United States, boasting 250 rooms (with 43 washrooms for endless bathroom selfie options!). Allow several hours to explore the estate, including the four acres of beautiful grounds, winery, restaurants and shops.
From there, head to Wake Foot Sanctuary. Sink back in a large lounger and soak your feet in a bubbly cauldron of customized potions designed to soothe and restore.
Fully recharged, it’s time for dinner. Sovereign Remedies (6) – a funky, locally sourced dining and craft cocktail spot, does not disappoint. Chef Graham House has mastered the art of authentic Appalachian cuisine, particularly with his garden selections (don’t miss the seared shiitakes and Appalachian hominy dishes).
Depending on your mood, either stroll over to French Broad Chocolate Lounge for an indulgent Liquid Truffle sipping chocolate, or make your way to the unfussy, intimate
Eda Rhyne Distillery Company for an après-dinner farm-toflask Amaro. Either way, sweet dreams await you back in your plush hotel room.
DAY 2
Begin your day at Button & Co. Bagels, the Appalachian-inspired bagel shop from James Beard nominee, chef Katie Button. The Smoked Alaskan Cod, a generous sumacrubbed smoked cod with pickled red onion, radish and scallion cream cheese on a salt bagel, paired with strong coffee, will keep you going until at least lunchtime.
Avoid heartbreak and make a reservation months in advance (yes, really!) for a water access pass at Omni Grove’s spa. Soak in the scentinfused steam rooms, contrast pools and the outdoor whirlpool with breathtaking mountain views. Dip into one of the two indoor waterfall pools, complete with a ceiling embedded with 6,500 fibre-optic stars and underwater music.
The best way to explore the sophisticated side of Asheville is at the newly renovated Asheville Art Museum (5). With 54,000 square feet, including the museum’s rooftop eatery, this show-stopper space is as wondrous as it is welcoming.
Stroll the downtown shops (muststops include the Grove Arcade, Asheville Bee Charmer, Mast General Store, Horse + Hero), then stop by the Battery Park Book Exchange – a books and bubbly (!) shop. You’ll love the delicious, generous portions at Buxton Hall BBQ (4). Originally a wood-floored roller rink, their barbecue is a southern staple. Arrive early (they don’t take reservations). Good luck choosing between the juicy pulled pork and the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich. Either way, save room for the unforgettable rotating selection of pies.
End the day sipping a sophisticated spirit at Antidote, a classic cocktail bar that features local botanicals and a rooftop hangout with a fireplace. Sweet dreams!
DAY 3
Hit the road to Raleigh and enjoy the views along the winding Blue Ridge Parkway. First stop: drop your bags at the Guest House Raleigh (7), your “hometel” for the night. This beautiful boutique inn will have you dreaming of renovating your own home, too!
Start your tour of Raleigh eating and exploring the magical, one-of-akind Brewery Bhavana, a hybrid dim sum restaurant, flower shop and bookstore. Browse the curated library while waiting for your succulent, chicken ginger soup to arrive. Stroll the Warehouse district for its unique finds like Videri, a bean-to-bar local chocolate factory, the Raleigh Denim
Workshop and the CAM Raleigh, an ultra-contemporary art museum. Pre-dinner, take a quick detour to the Umstead Hotel spa to pamper yourself with one of their rejuvenating massage treatments.
Cap off the weekend with a swoon-worthy supper. A former bank and later a mortuary, the aptly named Death & Taxes (3) is the swanky setting where award-winning chef Ashley Christensen will wow your tastebuds. It’s a fitting way to end a long weekend that will have you longing for your next visit.