ASHEVILLE
BY SHAWNDRA RUSSELL
In March 2019, Rolling Stone named Asheville, North Carolina “the
New Must-Visit Music City.” Indeed, no city within the state comes
with as much street cred and cool, thanks to its beautiful mountainous
surroundings, excellent food and beverage scenes, and creative
atmosphere, particularly in its music halls and bars.
DO
Nearly 40 venues offer live music every day of the week, ranging from
dive bars like Burger Bar to swanky rooftop lounges at The Montford
and Top of the Monk. Dive into the city’s impressive arts scene in
the River Arts District, with more than 200 working artists’ studios,
including the NC Glass Center and Silver River Center for Chair Caning.
Two miles south of downtown, stroll through the Gilded Age Biltmore,
America’s largest private home.
EAT
Find classic Southern at the original and ever popular Tupelo Honey
Café, or, cruise up 5,000 feet on the Blue Ridge Parkway ― one of
America’s most scenic drives ― to Pisgah Inn to accompany your meal
with stunning panoramas of the mountains and valleys. Elevated dining
in town can be found on the rooftop of Capella on 9, ranked among the
top 50 rooftop bars in the world in 2018 by US News & World Report.
STAY
A stay at 1900 Inn on Montford ― a AAA Four-Diamond property ―
puts guests in the heart of the oldest of Asheville’s four historic
districts, rich with residential architectural gems like The Rankin House,
a Greek Revival home built in 1846. Or opt for the Grand Bohemian Hotel
at Biltmore Village, which exquisitely displays the neighborhood’s
Tudor style. For a boutique splash, head downtown to Aloft or
Hotel Indigo, both with trendy on-site restaurants and easy walkability
to a dozen craft breweries.
GETTING THERE
Started in February 2019, daily nonstop flights with United Airlines
reach Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) from Dulles International
Airport (IAD) in about one hour and 40 minutes. Once there, Asheville
Redefines Transit (ART) bus routes and schedules can be viewed
through the Transit App.
Downtown Asheville
Credit: Sean Pavone Photo
LEXINGTON
BY MARGARET LITTMAN
Buried deep beneath Lexington is limestone. Water that flows through
the limestone rock is said to make the bones of horses strong, turning
out champion racers and inspiring the city’s nickname — the Horse
Capital of the World. But this friendly, livable city isn’t just about the
horses. It has a vibrant theater scene, Civil War sites, college sports,
and a growing foodie reputation.
DRINK
This is bourbon country, so cocktails are more than something you sip
at the bar. Arrange a custom distillery tour with Mint Julep Tours. In
their air-conditioned luxury van (much appreciated during a Kentucky
summer), you’ll be ferried about to learn what makes bourbon the
state’s elixir. To explore on your own, try Alltech Lexington Brewing &
Distilling, both a brewery and a distillery, and Bluegrass Tavern, which
claims the largest bourbon collection in the state.
EAT
Finding something tasty to eat in the South is never an issue. That’s
doubly true in Lexington, where Southern classics, such as the
shrimp and grits, fill the menus at restaurants like Honeywood. A rich
immigrant food scene pervades, too, be it Laura Patrick Ramirez’s
famous hand-made tortillas at Tortilleria Y Taqueria Ramirez,
Japanese-style noodle bowls at Atomic Ramen, and West African
cassava dishes at Sav’s Grill.
STAY
For character, it’s hard to beat the contemporary art museum-meets-
boutique hotel at 21c Museum Hotel, which boasts more than 7,000
square feet of exhibition space and regular events. A more classic vibe
with resort amenities can be found at the swanky Lexington Griffin
Gate, complete with golf course, spa, and pool.
GETTING THERE
United Airlines offers daily nonstop flights from Dulles International
Airport (IAD) to Blue Grass Airport (LEX) while Delta Airlines offers
daily nonstop flights from Reagan National Airport (DCA) to LEX.
LexTran offers an express shuttle to downtown.
Tupelo Honey Café
Credit: Brian D Crawford
SUMMER 2019 53 FLYWASHINGTON.COM