Gluten Free in Asheville+Activities
If you haven’t been to Asheville, North Carolina yet, you need to add it to your travel list ASAP. This is the second time Chris and I have been and let me tell you we are going back in two weeks. The food is incredible, the vibes are so chill and the views are breathtaking.
While I’m gluten free, Chris is not. We both eat like kings when we are in Asheville and it’s so refreshing. I’m going to share with you all the places that we have been that I love and some activities that we’ve really enjoyed!
Food
Hands down my favorite place in Asheville. We have gone there the last two years for my birthday. Posana is a dedicated gluten free kitchen so no worries on cross contamination. It’s a classic farm to table restaurant and everything is delicious and light. We had so much food when we went but never felt gross because the food is so clean. The menu does change regularly but here are some items I loved: the breadsticks, short ribs and quinoa hush puppies.
The second time we went to Asheville we stayed at Grove Park Inn. I was super surprised at the offerings for GF. The restaurants had gluten free bread and buns. The breakfast buffet in the mornings offered and ENTIRE TABLE of gluten free options along with a separate toaster. They offered muffins, cereals, breads and more. All items in the buffet are clearly marked GF, V, or VG.
This place was VERY unassuming. You order at a window and sit outside (covid times) They have an amazing lunch menu and then regular bakery items. I haven’t had a Cuban sandwich in 8 years and I had one there and it was delicious. I also got the cinnamon roll.
I wanted to mention this place because we came across it after dinner one night. I’m dairy free as well so eating things like truffles isn’t something that works for me. THEY HAVE VEGAN TRUFFLES. The vegan caramel truffle will knock your socks off. They also have sorbets and cute drinks also.
This was the first place I tried when I went to Asheville. Night 1 and I was surprised! The menu is INSANE with gf options. Pasta, pizza, most entrees and desserts, the gf logo is legit all over the menu. The second time I went it was for brunch and it was outstanding. I had the pancakes and they were delicious.
Nine Mile is a Caribbean restaurant with vegetarian and gf options. It was so good I ordered two entrees and I’m not ashamed. There are multiple locations, but we went to the Montford location.
LOVE Limones. I’d say its a mix between Mexican and Italian in an old building with a lot of character. The drinks are delicious and the food is amazing. Make sure to get a reservation because they are still only running at 75% capacity.
Activities
Obviously, a must see is the Biltmore. It’s really stunning and takes your breath away. They do have restaurants there that have GF options so browse them while you are there if you want a quick bite. Chris and I did the Rooftop Tour at the house and for someone who doesn’t like heights, I hated it. You actually climb out a window and walk on the roof. So if that’s your thing, then go for it. Me on the other hand will be with my feet on the ground.
I had been zip lining before and loved it! We did the Treetop Tour and it was so fun. I did close my eyes the first couple runs because I’m afraid of heights but eventually I opened them HA. If you are more of an adventure seeker, pick the Mountaintop Tour. The zips are higher and you go faster.
When we were leaving Navitat we came across this farm and loved it. It’s a self pick flower farm where you pay $25 and get a vase and shears and walk around the farm to make your own arrangement. I love flowers and it was so fun to do this. For sure recommend!
I feel like once you’ve been to an outlet mall you’ve been to all of them because they all have the same stores. This one actually had an Abercrombie and a Mitchell Gold that I’d never seen before so we stopped there. I was very impressed.
