43 WWW.CHARLESTONWOMENPODCAST.COM | WWW.READCW.COM | WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CHARLESTONWOMEN WELLNESS AND SPA The Salt Spa of Asheville — Experience science-based salt therapy in a Himalayan salt cave. Omni Grove Park Inn — Built over a century ago, this glorious lodge has welcomed 10 U.S. presidents. Unwind in the 18,000-square-foot subterranean spa or play a round on the Donald Ross-designed golf course. SoHum Ayurvedic Retreat Center — Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, SoHum offers personalized healing journeys inspired by ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, including the intensive seven-night Panchakarma Retreat. OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s favorite scenic drive.” All Asheville sections have reopened from Mount Mitchell to Cherokee. Lace up your hiking shoes for trails ranging from easy to challenging, and go waterfall hunting—hundreds of beautiful waterfalls are scattered throughout the region. Stand atop Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi at 6,684 feet. Many sections of the French Broad River are now open for stand-up paddleboarding, tubing and boating. ARTS AND CULTURE The River Arts District along the French Broad riverbank features former industrial warehouses filled with working artist studios. While heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, the Upper RAD— including Roberts Street, Artful HOME + LIFESTYLE Way, Depot Street and Clingman Avenue—has reopened and welcomes visitors. Shop displaced artists’ work at the RADA Outpost downtown. Hop aboard LaZoom, the big purple bus, for an irreverent look into Asheville’s colorful history, or explore self-guided walking trails including the Urban Trail, Black Cultural Heritage Trail or South Slope Mural Trail. CULINARY SCENE The Michelin Guide’s first-ever American South edition put Asheville center stage. Luminosa earned a prestigious Green Star for sustainabili- ty. Bib Gourmand winners include Luminosa, Little Chango and Mother. Ten Asheville restaurants earned Recommended status, including Cúrate Bar de Tapas, Good Hot Fish and The Admiral. Sign up for a food tour, visit local farms along the WNC Cheese Trail or go foraging with one of the nation’s largest foraging tour companies. DOWNTOWN HIGHLIGHTS Browse books with bubbly at Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar. Climb to rooftop bars for views from Asheville’s tallest buildings. Follow Friday night drumming to the downtown drum circle. Asheville is ready to welcome you back. Come taste, explore and experience why this mountain town continues to captivate—now with even more resilience and heart. All of the photos except the one of the Trolls exhibit were provided courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1