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!
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 🙂
We’ve never been to Ashville. Hope you’re having an awesome time. I like the idea how you alternate your vacations every year 🙂
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!
I love planning vacations. I have never been to NC – hope you have a great time and lots of good eats and BEER!
I’ve never been to Asheville, but I’ve heard great things. Excited to hear all about it!
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!
oooh, I’ve heard so much bout Asheville. Would love to visit there someday. Have so much fun!!
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!
My family owned a bed and breakfast outside of Asheville. Downtown is fabulous lots of beer, bbq, and live music.
I haven’ t been there but I always see such beautiful pictures from Julie of Ashville. Hiking sounds fun too!
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!
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. 😀
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.
I’ve never been but it’s supposed to be amazing. Can’t wait to hear about your trip!
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.
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!
Never been, want to go! So I’ll be interested to read about your adventures.
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!
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!
I’m not sure I’ve ever really heard of Ashville. Sounds like a fun time though!!
I have never even heard of Asheville, but it looks like it could be a lot of fun! Plus you did say beer…..
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!)
I’ve never been to Asheville. I bet it’s has beautiful trails to run.
That sounds so fun! Also how have I never hear of an “Ale Trail”?! Find one near me/one to visit ASAP.
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!
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.