30 Ways to Relax
30 Ways to Relax: Make the most of winter’s laid-back pace with our list of guaranteed ways to pamper yourself—mind, body, and spirit
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| Sola Salt Cave Twenty tons of rose-colored Polish salt surround you in the chamber at Sola therapeutic salt cave. Crystals crunch underfoot as you make your way to a reclining, zero-gravity chair and adjust to a dimly lit room made even more tranquil by the sound of dripping water. Soon your skin starts to tingle, and sinus issues subside. By breathing air tinged by 84 trace minerals (the same ones in our bodies), you’re absorbing negative ions that, despite their name, do a body good. Helpful for congestion, allergies, arthritis, skin conditions, poor concentration, and a host of other ailments, a 45-minute stay ($25) is so relaxing some folks drift off to sleep. 10 Eagle St., Asheville; (828) 236-5999; www.solasaltcave.com |
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Parker Legwear |
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| Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar If you’re looking for a spot as posh as Vanderbilt’s library, take shelter among the maze of tomes at this well-versed shop and bar in the Grove Arcade. Camp out in a handsome club chair with a glass of wine in hand and friends at your side, including the four-legged type, who are welcome to snooze on the Persian rugs. 1 Page Ave., Ste. 101, Asheville; (828) 252-0020; www.batteryparkbookexchange.com |
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Blue Moon Elise The yoga classes and massage offerings aren’t the only reasons Blue Moon Elise is a popular oasis. Duck into this aromatic spot in downtown Murphy to shop for essential-oil soaps, lotions, scrubs, and other yummy body products made by store owner Rachel Sylvester. Book a soap-making class, and she’ll teach you the process from start to finish using all-natural ingredients, so you can take home custom-scented suds for continued relaxation. 26 Valley River Ave.; $45 per person, group discounts available, limit four per class; (828) 837-2727; www.bluemoonelise.com |
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| Thirsty Monk It’s as simple as it sounds: “Glass plus bacon plus pint of beer,” says Chris Arrington, bar manager at Thirsty Monk. The two taprooms in Asheville serve a pint glass filled with crispy bacon ($5.35) to wash down with your brew of choice (pints are $5-$11). The savory bacon is a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the malt and hops. Sitting inside this convivial hop house on a winter afternoon, debating the merits of Russian stouts and double IPAs, is just this side of hog heaven. 92 Patton Ave. & Gerber Village, Hendersonville Rd.; www.monkpub.com |
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Old Edwards Inn & Spa If the Norman Rockwell-esque scene of downtown Highlands doesn’t immediately lower your stress level, head to Old Edwards Inn & Spa to indulge in 110 minutes of bliss with the Sweet Mountain Metamorphosis treatment ($275). An exfoliating body scrub of lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and refreshing peppermint invigorates the skin, before a rhythmic, calming massage of long sweeping motions. After an application of hydrating body butter and a warm cocooning wrap, you’ll emerge transformed. 445 Main St.; 1-(866) 526-8008; www.oldedwardsinn.com |
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| The Grove Park Inn If you’re under the impression that the 20,000-square-feet of spa amenities at The Grove Park Inn are strictly guest domain, guess again. Anyone can access the abundance of revitalizing options. A day pass ($90) allows you to hop in the dry sauna to sweat out toxins, recharge with a dip in the natural mineral pool or waterfall whirlpool, and relax in the lounge. Or imagine putting a hard day of work behind you with a twilight pass ($60) for evening access Tuesday through Thursday. Up the relaxation level with the Grove Stone Facial ($199-$245), an 80-minute session that incorporates warm and cool stones and a crystalline gem-stone mask to improve vitality and renew circulation. 290 Macon Ave., Asheville; (828) 252-2711, ext. 2772; www.groveparkinn.com |
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French Broad Chocolate Lounge At $3.50 per cup, French Broad Chocolate Lounge’s liquid truffles may just be the most affordable decadence in town. Unlike lighter-bodied hot chocolate, the liquid truffle is 4.5 ounces of rich, creamy ganache that comes in flavors such as cayenne and cinnamon, lavender and honey, or maple and smoked sea salt. Order the Indian Kulfi, a luscious blend of rose, pistachio, cardamom, and milk chocolate, and settle into the couch by the front window to watch Asheville’s comings and goings.10 S. Lexington Ave.; (828) 252-4181; www.frenchbroadchocolates.com |
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Appalachian Vintner |
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SkinFare When your outer shell takes a beating from the elements, pick up a tube of SkinFare balm. All five varieties, which are made from essential oils, deliver a wallop of healing power from the base ingredient, coconut oil. The Apothecary Prime formula is divine with sage, chamomile, and thyme. Thunder Cake, made with nutmeg, clove, and anise, smells good enough to eat (no licking, please). Your conscience will get a boost, too, knowing you’re using a certified organic product in biodegradable packaging crafted by an Asheville-based, family-run business. $10; www.skinfare.com |
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John C. Campbell Folk School In February, textile artist Lindsay Obermeyer invites you to purl away the hours in her class, The Mad Hatter, at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. She teaches how to knit perfectly tailored hats for your noggin or that of a loved one. If you’ve mastered fundamental knitting skills, this weekend class will give you the experience and technique to fashion an endless array of stylish toques before you head out into the frost-covered hills. 1 Folk School Rd.; February 22-24; $334; www.folkschool.org |
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| Shoji Retreats Though the serene vista from your private outdoor hot tub will serve as a reminder that you’re still in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the experience at Shoji Retreats transports your mind to an exotic locale. Inspired by Japanese bathing traditions and designed in a fitting Zen style, this Asheville spa and lodge offers tension-melting soaks, an invigorating cold plunge, cedar sauna, and massages. For maximum relaxation, take advantage of the Warming Winter Seasonal package ($162), which includes an hour in the hot tub and 80-minute aromatherapy massage. Request tea service for even more calm. 96 Avondale Heights Rd., Asheville; one-hour soak $42 per person; (828) 299-0999; www.shojiretreats.com |
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Points of Light Tap in to the spiritual side of rock collecting at Points of Light Crystal & Mineral Gallery, where owner Connie Olson can school stone novices on the properties of a wealth of sparkling specimens. For instance, rose quartz can open your heart, allowing you to embrace and send out unconditional love. Amethyst is said to transmute energy into a higher form (translation: make you a better you). To take meditation to another level, depart with a singing crystal bowl tuned to address the chakra you’ve neglected.391 Merrimon Ave., Asheville; (828) 257-2626; www.pointsoflight.net |
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Laurey’s Gourmet Comfort Food You cooked ’til you dropped over the holidays—cookies, cakes, pies, casseroles, turkey, stuffing, ham, and on and on. Give yourself a night off, and call Laurey’s in Asheville. More than a popular downtown lunch spot, this comfort food café will whip up a nutritious and tasty spread with local ingredients for a take-out dinner. Some nights, smothered chicken with green beans is what’s for dinner, others it’s shrimp vindaloo with basmati rice. Place your order by noon (each week’s menu is posted online), and swing by after 3 p.m. for pick-up. The kids will never ask for pizza again. 67 Biltmore Ave.; dinners $8-$11 per person; (828) 252-1500; www.laureysyum.com |
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Porter & Prince |
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Buck’s Coffee Café |
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Wisteria Southern Gastropub |
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City Lights Bookstore & Café Book a few hours with your favorite Appalachian author and a soothing beverage at City Lights Bookstore and the café one level below. A community gathering spot since the 1980s, the shop’s extensive offerings penned by the likes of mountain authors Ron Rash (who teaches at nearby Western Carolina University), Vicki Lane, Charles F. Price, and many others exemplify the owners’ reverence for local talent. Make your purchase and head downstairs to the bright and cheery café to flip the pages while enjoying a cup of joe made with Tribal Grounds beans, a glass of organic wine, or a pint. 3 E. Jackson St., Sylva; bookstore (828) 586-9499, www.citylightsnc.com; café (828) 587-2233; www.citylightscafe.com |
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| Westglow Spa Unravel your mind and body during a three-day Stress Relief Retreat at Westglow Resort & Spa in Blowing Rock. The graceful Greek revival manse and idyllic grounds, formerly the estate of late, 20th-century artist Elliot Daingerfield, set the stage. The package includes accommodations, gourmet meals, fitness and yoga classes, massage and spa treatments, and two stress management sessions with licensed counselor and Wellness Director Marla Gentile. Whether you’re dealing with difficulty sleeping or anxiety, Gentile imparts tools and techniques such as breathing exercises and time management advice that promote balance and relaxation. “The big thing I hope people take away,” she says, “is how to better care for themselves physically and emotionally.” 224 Westglow Circle; retreat starts at $1,695; (828) 295-4463; www.westglowresortandspa.com |
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DeWoolfson Nothing brings about restful zzzs like a bed made with fresh linens, cloud-like pillows, and a cushy down comforter. Get a dreamy ensemble at DeWoolfson in Banner Elk, which carries a wealth of North-Carolina made items. With a custom order, from outer fabrics to the weight of European down, you’ll feel like Goldilocks once she got her nap just right. 9452 N.C. 105 S.; (828) 963-4144; www.dewoolfsonlinens.com |
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Beer-Cheese Soup Courtesy of Heinzelmännchen Brewery 1/2 cup butter Heat butter in large, heavy Dutch oven over medium heat until foaming; add onions, celery and carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about four minutes. Add minced garlic; cook until garlic is fragrant, about one minute. Add flour and dry mustard and cook, stirring to coat vegetables, until mixture begins to brown on bottom of pot, about two minutes. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and half and half. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until vegetables soften, about 10 minutes. Add cayenne. On medium-low to low heat begin to stir in cheddar cheese, a little at a time, alternately with the beer, until all is fully blended and cheese completely melted. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately with a crusty French bread. |
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| Max Patch + Trust General Store & Café You can hibernate for only so long before you need to shake off the winter doldrums. Madison County’s Max Patch is crawling with hikers spring, summer, and fall, but the bald is equally impressive (and much more serene) during the off-season. The Short Loop trail (1.5 miles) will take you to the summit for wide-eyed views of the Unaka, Black, and Great Smoky mountains. It’s always colder at the top, so be liberal with the layers of clothing. Keep in mind, the drive up can be more challenging this time of year. After the excursion, reward yourself and defrost with a helping of old-fashioned chicken and dumplings at Trust General Store & Café just 10 miles south on U.S. 209. Max Patch from Asheville: Travel west on Interstate 40 for 39.2 miles to Exit 7 at Harmon Den. Turn right on Cold Springs Creek Road and go 6 miles, then turn left on Max Patch Road. Drive 1.5 miles to the parking area. Trust General Store & Café, 14535 N.C. 209, Hot Springs; (828) 622-7400; www.trustgeneralstore.com |
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Hot Springs Resort & Spa |
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| Catawba Science Center Witness the ever-shifting nighttime sky in the warmth of the Catawba Science Center’s planetarium during a Winter Stargazing show. Lean way back in your seat to be whisked away on a tour of the solar system. Following your galactic journey, a guide will verse the group in constellations, planets, galaxies, and other deep sky objects, so you’ll have a clearer perspective on just how miniscule some of the stresses on Earth really are. 243 3rd Ave. N.E, Hickory; (828) 322-8169; www.catawbascience.org |
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| Dobrá Tea Whether you prefer green, black, oolong, pu-erh, or herbal, Dobrá in Asheville will brew a cup of exotic warmth. With a menu that represents teas from around the world and yummy nibbles including assorted olives or matcha green tea cheesecake, there are plenty of reasons to linger. If the origins of a delicious pot intrigue you, join the tea tastings held Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. You just might be swayed to say goodbye to joe for good. 78 N. Lexington Ave.; (828) 575-2424; www.dobrateanc.com |
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| The Tree House Whether you need to tackle a pesky to-do list or clear a much-deserved hour of solitude, The Tree House, A Café at Play in North Asheville offers drop-off child care for ages 12 months to eight years old. For up to three hours Tuesday through Thursday, your little ones can climb like little monkeys on the indoor tree house, get crafty, or kick back with a book. 1020 Merrimon Ave., Ste. 103; (828) 505-2589; www.ashevilletreehouse.com |
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| WNCW’s “Music Mix” host Martin Anderson shares his local picks for sound therapy. Fake Blood Floating Action’s latest is for putting on killer headphones and groovin’. When Bitter Met Sweet The Honeycutters deliver a great one for crying into your beer. Breathing Underwater Singer-songwriter Aaron Burdett crafts an impressive fresh album. |
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