restaurant

Chef Evan Chender, aka The Culinary Gardener, loves cultivating specialty greens

Make a moonshine run to see some of WNC’s historic stills

Highlands 163 Main St. (828) 526-3636 www.rukastable.com L, D $$$

An up-and-coming Asheville restaurant will showcase innovative and sustainable design

The scoop on WNC’s latest dining destinations

Internationally known for the quality of the mica in its soil, Spruce Pine is also ground zero for one of the most highly regarded craft communities in the nation. Potters and other artisan wizards work in the hills and hollers that surround Mineral City, making Spruce Pine a prime base for hiking, touring, and studio-hopping.

Biscuit Head’s Jason Roy creates preserves from oft-neglected leftovers

County: Madison Population: 868

Head across the mountains to explore all that’s new in this revitalized and thriving city

Before the Blue Ridge Parkway paved the way, Mt. Mitchell’s visitors rode storied rail lines and motor routes to the top

Aiming to be a place for regulars on the north side as well as a dining destination, Ambrozia boasts a long, wide bar constructed from pastel-stained wine boxes, warm blond wood, and touches of neon. The dinner and brunch selections are concise, but parts of the menu change weekly.

The Tobacco Road revives a vintage sip

Bursting with shops and eateries in quaint brick buildings, Black Mountain looks and feels like a storybook village brought to life. Nestled in the Swannanoa Valley, the town first rose to prominence as a stop for tourists traveling to Mount Mitchell by train, and later by automobile. Modern travelers will also find it a charming place to explore.

True. We're biased. But we can't imagine a better place than the mountains to meet your local farmer, become a food entrepreneur, nosh on artisan eats, and savor a pint (or three).

With secret menus and exciting venues, Blind Pig supper club creates one-of-a-kind experiences for culinary adventurers