Outdoor dining is huge in Asheville, just as it is in Knoxville.
I’ve been to Asheville about a dozen times over the years and it is a place I really like. I’ve always been impressed by its creative restaurants, compact downtown and generally cool vibe.
Alan and I just got back from a long weekend there for a public relations conference that attracted the top PR agency leaders in the country as well as the top social media experts.
And I’ve got to say I still really like Asheville. But I noticed something new this time: it’s not any more cool than Knoxville is! What a great realization. It’s not that I think Asheville has declined in coolness — I think Knoxville has grown in it.
This is the first time that while visiting Asheville, I’ve had people say, “You’re from Knoxville? I’m dying to go there.” Or, “I’m going to Knoxville in two weeks. Can you recommend some places to eat?” I’m telling you, I loved that!
Here are some highlights:
On our first night, Alan and I dined at Modesto, located at the Grove Arcade downtown near the courthouse and the Asheville Citizen-Times building. We sat outside and our waitress asked us all about Knoxville and where she should go on an upcoming visit.
Alan at Modesto.
The concierge at our hotel, the Grove Park Inn, recommended that we have a nightcap at a place called the Sky Bar, which served drinks on balconies on the 6th, 7th and 8th floors of a downtown building.
Alan at the Sky Bar.
Elevator operator with stories to tell!
Here's how the weather looked at the beginning of the three-day conference. Dramatic, but beautiful.
Carmel's.
Battery Park Champagne Bar.
Alan at the champagne bar.
Of course, when we got back to the hotel, the ever-patient Alan had to pose for a photo at one of the huge fireplaces in the lobby of the Grove Park Inn.
The weather cleared on Saturday and the views from the inn were magnificent.
Table.
Tops.
There is a "buy local" movement afoot, as evidenced by this sign, which was posted everywhere.
The old section of the Grove Park Inn.
You can see the skyline of Asheville from the balcony of the Grove Park.
View of the golf course at the Grove Park Inn.
The sidewalk vendors were out on Sunday as we took one more swing downtown. Like Knoxville, the downtown area is "dog friendly."
Have you been to Asheville? What do you think about the comparison between the two cool cities?
Steve and I ate at Table on our last trip to Asheville. Fabulous!
I haven’t been there enough to make a good comparison, but I do find it interesting that people were talking with you about *another* city while in such an energetic, progressive place like Asheville.
Perhaps Yee-Haw could create a similar poster for Knoxville? Could be used extensively downtown, on First Friday (both locales!), and more.
B
My wife and I love Asheville, and visit every chance we get. We spent our honeymoon there, in fact.
Asheville has a better vibe than Knoxville and feels more inclusive. The downtown is more diverse both in terms of retail and the people that walk it.
But what I like most about Asheville are the breweries! They have 10 within close proximity of the city, and all are fantastic.
Knoxville has two (soon to be three), and both are lackluster.
I’ve always been partial to North Carolina so perhaps I’m biased. And despite living in Knoxville for several years, Asheville gets my vote every time.
I have a friend in medical school who’s trying to decide where to do her residency, and her top choices right now are Knoxville and Asheville.
I sent her this post in hopes that your experience, Cynthia, as well as the great comments will provide her with some additional insight. (And, hopefully she’ll pick Knoxville just because selfishly I’d rather have her here than there!)
you have covered it. Bellagio is great for clothes and Fig Restaurant , across from the Biltmore
Wow, what a timely piece for me. I am going to Asheville this weekend for a wedding. Unfortunately, the old ball and chain is not coming with me, but I’ll grab some friends at the wedding and check out some of these places. I haven’t been to Asheville in years and I am really looking forward to this trip.
Becky: Great idea about getting Yee-Haw to do a sign! Wonder who might be good to head up a “buy local” campaign? CBID? Patrick: I had no idea Asheville had so many breweries. Wow. Lauren: good luck! Donna: someone recommended Fig when we were there, but we couldn’t work it in. Must return! Annette: You have fun! And report back!
We’ve been to Asheville many times too. No one so far has mentioned the public drumming in the small triangular park just two blocks from the main square. This used to be on Friday nights.
Anyone could bring a drum, whether handmade or bought, take a seat on the amphitheater-like steps, and then beat a rhythm in unison with all of the other people.
It released all sorts of tensions and people left around 10 pm quite satisfied with their communal noise.
I’m not sure if they are still doing this but if so ask at the main square for directions.
I spent my high school years in Asheville, age 14-17. Great place for that time of my life, but I was glad to come back to Knoxville to transition into adulthood.
Bob and I go to Asheville often because there is a great visual art community.
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