In our home, we try to apply this rule Long Weekends = Family Vacay
..and since we all had MLK Day off Monday + our daughter had no school on Tuesday due to a teacher workday,
it was the perfect reason to take a roadtrip and enjoy a change of scenery! This time we made plans to drive to Asheville, NC.
From Raleigh, NC it took us about 4 hours to arrive. Our 9 year old was so excited to have a mountain vacay and so were we! Although this is not our first time visiting AVL, it has been quite a few years and she doesn’t remember much. Our experience will be different, new memories will be made and a balance of fun and relaxtion is always on the agenda.
If you are planning a family trip to Asheville, NC this winter, take a look at our family vacay experience featuring some kid-friendly and family fun tips for you to enjoy!
Arrive | Saturday
SEE & SIP: We made a pit stop in Black Mountain, NC to see the
Roberta Flack Mural located on the side of the
Black Mountain Brewing building. I am a big fan of her music and was excited to see how they paid homage to this African American female artist! While there, make sure to have one of their unique beers that are brewed daily and see why this area is known for it’s craft beer culture and breweries. For the kids, they have chips and a food truck on the outside patio to grab snacks from.
SobeSavvy Tip: If you are bringing the family pet along, no worries… friendly dogs in leashes are allowed!
EAT: We were ready to eat lunch when we arrived to Asheville and
Itto Ramen Bar & Tapas fit the bill because the menu offers something for the whole family. We started with some
tasty tapas (my kid loved the
Itto gyoza dumplings and
Itto Buns were perfect for my family of 3 because you get 3 to an order). If you enjoy sushi, the
Yellowtail Jalapeno is a must try! Want something deliciously fried: order the
Crab Rangoon or
Takoyaki Balls! 
Also on the menu are salads, cocktails/drink menu, wine, beer, sake, desserts as well as signature ramen. It was nice to warm up with a bowl of ramen that features broth that has been cooked for 7 to 9 hours!
They make 3 vats of broth daily that make 300 broth bowls. If your kid loves slurping up noodles like ours, then you must try their house-made ramen. I tried the
Itto House Special Ramen, which is brothless but still full of amazing flavors! I am still dreaming about how good that dish is.
There are many gluten free and vegan options on the menu and they are proudly serving local fresh veggies, pork from Hickory Gap Farms and local beer also. My husband and I ordered from the Itto cocktails menu and made a toast to celebrate our safe arrival to Asheville and this amazing dining experience at
Itto Ramen Bar & Tapas.
STAY: After hearing about our friends and their 2 kids stay at the
Asheville Cottages, I knew it would have the right mix of rustic & luxury that my family would be satisfied with. Wifi for the hubby, a fire pit to make s’mores for the kid and a private hot tub for me! Our vacation rental cabin exceeded our expectations and we felt right at home. We stayed in
The Chestnut, which is one of their 1 bedroom cottages. Overall, it was clean, cozy, and comfortable. We loved the location and surrounding views of the woods. Having a full kitchen along with a gas grill on the back deck allowed us to enjoy making meals together just like we would at home. A few things I don’t have at home that I wish I did now that I’ve experienced it here are the King -sized Select Comfort Sleep Number Bed and heated bathroom floors/toilet seat/towel rack. With so many extras, I most definitely would recommend
Asheville Cottages for your next stay!
SobeSavvy Tip: Before you go, we shopped for a few hot tub accessories on Amazon to bring with us like this
hot tub light that changes colors and some
inflatable drink holders !
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKPeOOBgDQX/?igshid=9iynztbgzvnaSunday Funday
SEE: Located in Downtown Asheville
, the
Asheville Art Museum showcases 20th/21st century American Art along with a concentration on work with significance to the Southeast. After learning of it’s 24+ million expansion in 2019, this museum was on my must see list! From the glass facade to The Oculus, which features a 15 foot viewing window and all the amazing art, photography, crafts and glass being housed here amongst the galleries, there is so much to see! We spent our time looking at the various artworks in 10 different
Exhibitions and learning about it’s
Collection. Did you know that the
Asheville Art Museum is a collecting institution and serves all 24 counties in Western NC? You can explore this museum both in person and virtually via their website!
SobeSavvy Tip: Families, make sure to take advantage of the
programs and some of the fun activities available for kids while there. We printed their
downloadable coloring sheets and note cards for the whole family to enjoy!
SobeSavvy Tip: Café access is free for Members or included with Museum admission. Members get a 10 percent discount with code AAMMember.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKUGJi9nmnl/?igshid=q9ztcov8f038DO: Add
Hummingbird Candle Co. to your must do list when you visit Asheville for a unique candle-making experience. Shop and/or book an
Interactive Candle Making Experience, with over 32 Scents to choose from using products that are earth-friendly. It’s the perfect Family (for kids age 7+) or Couples Date Night, Girls Night or Me Time fun anytime!
SobeSavvy Tip: Join the Insider Group for an Exclusive First Look at ALL of their NEW Items and Sales! You’ll receive 10% off your First Purchase TOO!https://www.instagram.com/reel/CKKYNNvnXg6/?igshid=1cpfw4wawj4msDepart | Monday
READ: During our stay, I got to relax, relate and read! Here is a book recommendation to pick up before your next trip to Asheville: 📗EVEN AS WE BREATHE, the 1st novel published by a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is partially set in Asheville,NC during WWII and tackles difficult social/cultural/ethnic divides.
Author Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle has definitely written a fictional page- turner and is a wonderful writer! I started reading this book before plus during our trip and it was the perfect vacation read.
SHOP: Ladies, (and all those who like to save & shop) I was happy to discover the Asheville Outlets were just minutes away from where we were staying. After we checked out of our cottage at 11am, we headed there to see what bargains we could find. I got a belted puffer coat with faux fur hood on clearance at Banana Republic orig $189.99 for just $25‼️ Old Navy had something for the whole fam and our kid loved her new combat boots from Famous Footwear. There were so many quality brands to shop from but so little time (since we were departing from Asheville). However, it will be at the top of my list our next trip here!
SobeSavvy Tip: Make sure to check out these coupons from the Asheville Outlets for extra shopping savings!
Honor MLK: Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said ” We know that to bring justice, love and friendship, we must build strong communities that foster these things.”
We learned via Facebook that the Burton Street Peace Gardens, where they have an area of art dedicated to
Dr. King, would be a good place to visit to see how they honor his words and legacy, while supporting the community.
Before you go, check out ExploreAsheville.com for some insight ahead of your trip. You can find the latest roundups and newsy tidbits with updated information for the current world we live in here.
This winter family vacay was enjoyed by all! From the joy our daughter had just being in the mountains, to my husband spending so much time in the hot tub that I nicknamed him Jacuzzi Joe to me having fun remaking this ” Let It Snow ” video, we truly enjoyed our time in Asheville, NC.
CONNECT WITH ME @SobeSavvy
Facebook|YouTube|Instagram |Pinterest | Twitter
Per their website”, You will be immersed in Van Gogh’s works – from his sunny landscapes and night scenes to his portraits and still life paintings. The installation includes the Mangeurs de pommes de terre (The Potato Eaters, 1885), the Nuit étoilée (Starry Night, 1889), Les Tournesols (Sunflowers, 1888), and La Chambre à coucher (The Bedroom, 1889), and so much more.“
They also have a coffee and snack shop on premise. From the moment we entered until we left, we were truly immersed in Van Gogh. Get your tickets now as they are timed and are filling up quickly.
Purchase Tickets for Charlotte, NC exhibit >>>https://vangoghclt.com/
👀Watch my YOUTUBE video recap of our family fun experiencing at Immersive Van Gogh Exhbit Charlotte!
Here are 2️⃣ options made with #winelovers in mind:
We also got to watch and listen to Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, recite a poem on unity in the U.S. at #Inauguration2021. Again, representation and diversity matters. 
As we watched the new President and Madame Vice President enter the White House, it was good to see that the America that I am raising our daughter in decided to let sanity, and decency prevail.
To read more Daddy Diaries: see 
