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After completing two half marathons, one in Lexington, Kentucky and another in Asheville, North Carolina, I continued to receive emails from the Asheville race about a trilogy. If you completed three out of four of their races, you receive a trilogy medal. I should have rested, but instead I took on the challenge! Maybe it was to prove my body was still young and capable of finishing? Or maybe it would give me something to do while my boyfriend traveled for a year for work? Asheville is a perfect destination to meet up at for a long weekend.
Whatever the reason, it was fun returning to some of the restaurants and bars we have visited many years ago. We don’t go into the city often, so these races were a perfect excuse to get a hotel room and have a little vacation. Roux, our kitty, got to join and enjoyed the hotel too on the last visit.
River Arts District
What was once an area of abandoned mills and warehouses, this creative district has been revitalized with color murals and eclectic dining along the French Broad River. The first two races, RAD Half Marathon & 10K and Asheville Marathon & Half, were set along the River Arts District’s paved greenway. This area is a perfect place for a day’s outing and is dog and kid friendly as well.
Hendersonville
Hendersonville, a few minutes south of Asheville, was the location of the final half marathon, Black Bear Half Marathon & 8k. It began in Jackson Park and ran along their Greenway. We didn’t have time to explore Hendersonville, but this town offers access to great hiking, apple orchards and farms.
Asheville Eats
I love to eat, and most importantly, I like to eat good food. If not home, picking the right restaurant is very important before and after a race. Particularly before a race, I focus on carbing up well, which usually means pasta. There are other favorites such as Tupelo Honey for breakfast and The Noodle Shop for lunch, but we ran out of time to get to these.
White Duck Taco
There are a couple White Duck Tacos in Asheville and are great for a quick lunch. There is a taco for everyone with over a dozen to choose from. The steak and cheese is my favorite!
The S&W Market
S&W Market is another great place to grab a quick lunch. It has been a food hall since the 30’s, which offers a variety of local restaurants and a taproom.
Capella on 9
Get high above the skyline for drinks, tapas and mountain views. Capella on 9 is a great place to enjoy the sunset and stargazing. At times you can catch a live band as well.
Bargello
Bargello, located in the Hotel Arras, has a Mediterranean-inspired menu or get shared plates from the same kitchen at District 42. Select from a variety of dishes from grilled octopus to handmade pasta. Don’t pass up the ooey gooey donut holes!
Isa’s French Bistro
They offer a menu for every occasion: breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The food was so delicious at Isa’s, we forgot to take photos. We did get a shot of the Escargot & Bone Marrow, yum! We also ordered scallops and polenta, pom frites and duck confit. Can’t wait to return on our next adventure!
Modesto
If you are seeking Italian, Modesto is the place for wood-fire pizza and handmade pasta. They base their menu off of the local, fresh, seasonal ingredients that are available. Be sure to book a reservation ahead of time!
More Asheville Adventures
Sauna House
Does your body needs some revitalization and relaxation? I sure did after running long miles! The Sauna House has everything you need. This bathhouse features two different hot saunas followed by a cool plunge in the ice bath or showers. You can also get a massage too like I did!
Asheville Art Museum
Right in the heart downtown Asheville, the Asheville Art Museum has a beautiful collection of 20th and 21st century American art. They also have a large collection of local, North Carolina artwork. You could get lost in there for hours!
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