We took the plunge and a trip! For our one year anniversary, we took three days off in Asheville and if you know us, we don’t waste a SECOND boy! We have the girls (pups) with us everywhere we go, so we typically like to get a stop in before dropping them at the hotel. Burial Beer Co is almost always that stop! They had a double IPA slushee that is an obvious choice. We do one beer and go here because honestly, we’ll be back every day we are in AVL.

Forestry Camp is open for outdoor dining and serves as a brewery and barrelhouse for Burial. Something about sitting out in the middle of no where really chatting it up over dank brews like Surf Wax on nitro in a glass that was absolutely purchased is uber relaxing. If you are looking at the menu before 5pm, hit the refresh button on your phone! We missed the dinner menu, but will be back for sure.

With food on the brain, it is easy to make Haywood Commons the dinner plans. A fantastic restaurant attached to a bad ass bottle shop that is The Whale. They were just allowed to open their parking lot to allow more seating which is stellar news! The Whale is self explanatory, amazing brews and sweet merch. You can call it a night afterward and take some cans back to the room. Haywood Commons has the most delicious kimchi Bloody Mary I’ll likely ever have and food like animal fries, Cubans, shrimp eggs benedict, burgers, and more!

The following day we decided to visit our friends restaurant! We met Luis by volunteering for the Funkatorium Festival (Wicked Weed’s Sour Beer Fest years ago)! He runs El Gallo in downtown and it was a solid stop. Mexican inspired eats like Cauliflower Barbacoa tacos, Steak a La Plancha Taco (with cactus!), El Gallo Arroz, Ceviche, and so much more! The michelada was very interesting and you mixed yourself – bold flavors. Anytime you can sit on the edge overlooking the outdoors is ideal.

We snuck a beer in at Green Man Brewing (the OG) before dinner. Another thing top on the list, there is almost always the same dog every time we visit! Major chill vibes and it is easy to tuck away from the business that corner can hold.

We wined and dined at Asheville Proper for our one year marriage anniversary and we were blown away! Very chic and modern feel. Immediately went in on the Wood Fired Pork Ribs with a jalapeño-peach glaze, scallion, and pecan. VERY good. The Brick Pressed Joyce Farms Chicken had sweet corn coulis, arugula pesto, and tomato confit that was also awesome. The 21 Day Dry Aged New York Strip of 10 oz Apple Brandy Beef STOLE the show however. Truffle butter added made it that much better! We almost didn’t go for S’MORE, but we are so glad we did. House made graham cracker, chocolate smear, fire roasted marshmallow ice cream (HOLY !!). Highly recommend Asheville Proper for any occasion. You can even kick it at the bar with starters and drinks for a different experience.

That’s enough plugs for now, we don’t want to give all the gems away.. do we!? Stay tuned for part two of our trip and more Asheville stops for your next visit!