Last summer we did a huge vacation to Ireland. It was amazing to visit there and we had a fabulous time as a family (and I got to run my first international race!)
We try to alternate each year – 1 year of a vacation that involves mega travel and planning and then the next year we stay a bit more local and only go for a week.
This year we will be going to Asheville, North Carolina later this summer. Why? Hiking, white water rafting, caves… Oh, and a ton of good beer. Asheville’s Ale Trail rivals that of Bend, Oregon. And we all know how much I loved Bend. (I’m still trying to convince Beer Geek to move there.)
Beer Geek handles the driving plan and the “activities” plan and I handle the house, food, and logistics. I’ve already rented a house through VRBO and now I’m working on planning which meals are in and which meals are out. With a plethora of breweries and brew pubs we want to hit, I have to plan this carefully. So, I’m sharing with you my dinner plans.
Check out Asheville’s Ale Trail: Places to Grab a Bite with Your Beer
Have you ever been to Asheville? Got any advice on what not to miss? I can’t wait for our vacation!
Disclaimer: Above compilation was sponsored by Mode, but topic and included items were my choice.


Asheville is awesome!! You have picked some of my favorites there too. LAB’s food and beer choices are amazing. A trip to the Thirsty Monk is also a must do. We love going to the Friday night drum circle. Hope you all have a great trip!! You can’t go wrong with an Asheville trip!
Melanie@runnergirlinarockingworld.com recently posted…Weekly Rundown
I have not been to Ashville but that sounds like a great trip! I have been to Ireland but it was many years ago. Enjoy your vacay!
I’ve never heard of Ashville! Interested to read about what kind of hiking and adventures you have there 🙂
Bri recently posted…How to choose the perfect trail running shoe
We’ve never been to Ashville. Hope you’re having an awesome time. I like the idea how you alternate your vacations every year 🙂
Ilka recently posted…Weekly Marathon Training Log 7/13 – 7/19
Fun! I’ve driven past Asheville en route to Gatlinburg, but never actually stopped there. Obviously, the Biltmore is a huge draw. 🙂
Can’t wait to read about all your adventures!
Jenn recently posted…week in review: 7.12 – 7.18
I love planning vacations. I have never been to NC – hope you have a great time and lots of good eats and BEER!
Elle recently posted…A to Z Survey
I’ve never been to Asheville, but I’ve heard great things. Excited to hear all about it!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Quick & Healthy Meatless Eats
I have never been to Ashville but it looks lovely. I have been to Ireland and it is one of my favorite places in the world!
Margo recently posted…Brooklyn Fit Chick News” Strong Fitness Magazine, Fit Bottomed Girls Playlist & Book Vs Movie
oooh, I’ve heard so much bout Asheville. Would love to visit there someday. Have so much fun!!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Beach to Beacon 10K Training Week 5
I’ve heard lots of good things about Asheville! It’s always fun to plan a vacation – can’t wait to hear more about it!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…My Mom the Runner
My family owned a bed and breakfast outside of Asheville. Downtown is fabulous lots of beer, bbq, and live music.
Becki S recently posted…Back to School: Part 1
I haven’ t been there but I always see such beautiful pictures from Julie of Ashville. Hiking sounds fun too!
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Summer “Squiche”
Sounds like it’ll be a great trip! Trip planning usually falls mostly on my shoulders since my husband hates planning for pretty much anything. That’s okay though because I love to plan!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon Training Log – Week 11
Fun ! I have never been so I can’t be of ANY help but it’ll be cool to see what you do end up doing. There are so many fun places to visit in this country and the most I can do is live vicariously and then try to explore my corner of it. 😀
Coach Henness recently posted…BlogFest Top 10 Takeaways Linkup!
I”d love to go to Asheville! There are so many cool places that I want to visit. I’ll have to live vicariously through you for now.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…And so it begins…
I’ve never been but it’s supposed to be amazing. Can’t wait to hear about your trip!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…ATL, Shawty!
Yes, we’ve been there a couple of times. Biltmore Estates is awesome, but a little pricy. You can take a nice hike up to Chimney Rock which is in the general area. The Lost Sea is further. It’s the typical cave thing with an underground lake. But, it’s very neat. If you are driving, you could stop on your way in or out of Asheville.
HoHo Runs recently posted…The CamelBak Will Be Back
I have only been to Asheville for a conference but remember the downtown being super cute (with a lot of great restaurants). I’ve heard fab things about the hiking and outdoor activities – cannot wait to follow along on your trip!
Elena recently posted…Running Camp for Runner Nerds and Wanderlusters
Never been, want to go! So I’ll be interested to read about your adventures.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…It’s getting kind of parched around here: 7/13-19
I want so badly to go to Asheville! I’ve already decided that will be my NC race, but I don’t want that one to be a quick in-and-out like a lot of the others will be. I need to plan a full-blown vacation around that one, so I’ll be following your planning and execution of this one closely! 🙂 And bonus for me–I hear they’re VERY vegan friendly!
Pam recently posted…Weekend Recap: Running, Reading, and a Quick Roadtrip
Just visited Asheville in June….LOVED it! We loved both the outdoors/hiking/etc as well as perusing downtown (i.e. so many outdoor dining spots!). We also took a hot air balloon ride….unbelievably beautiful views from way up high! Lastly, we drove awhile on the Blue Ridge Pkwy. Such a pretty area 🙂 Have fun!
Lisa recently posted…Good weekend running mojo!
I’m not sure I’ve ever really heard of Ashville. Sounds like a fun time though!!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…MCM Training Recap–Week 2
I have never even heard of Asheville, but it looks like it could be a lot of fun! Plus you did say beer…..
Toni recently posted…Weekly Workout Wrap-Up, Fall Marathon Training Week 1
woaaaaahhh tell me more about this Asheville Beer trail? We live in SC now, and have been talking about heading up there for some trail running (and of course, beer!)
RFC recently posted…The Color Vibe – Myrtle Beach SC – 2015: Race Review
I’ve never been to Asheville. I bet it’s has beautiful trails to run.
jill conyers recently posted…Inspirational Quote: Believe
That sounds so fun! Also how have I never hear of an “Ale Trail”?! Find one near me/one to visit ASAP.
Victoria at Ice Packs + Races recently posted…Training Recap: Navy Air Force Half Marathon Week #3
It’s been so long since I took a vacation to anywhere. I had plans to go to disney with my family this year, but they got squashed. Hope you and the fam have fun!
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth recently posted…Chocolate Walnut Granola + WIAW
Hiking, white water rafting, and caves, that’s my kind of vacation!!! I love having the opportunity to have active vacations so I don’t have to feel guilty for not working out on vacation.
Lara recently posted…12 Weeks to Fit Booty Blastin’ Workouts and Healthy Eating Guidelines