Writer Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle lives just west of Asheville, North Carolina, (more info) and has the kind of local knowledge that lends richness and depth to her storytelling—and makes her a perfect guide for a visit here. That perspective also helped her debut book, Even As We Breathe (the first novel published by a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), earn a spot among NPR’s Best Books of 2020, among other literary awards.
As fans of her work can attest, Clapsaddle’s strong sense of place roots her characters in environments—including the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cherokee, and Asheville—that at once feel palpable and inviting. Experience these same inspiring Asheville landscapes when you enjoy some of her favorite activities including mountain biking on local trails and hiking some of the world’s oldest mountains. Then follow your adventures by dining at her most beloved restaurants.
Itinerary
The Sunset Terrace at The Omni Grove Park Inn offers views of Asheville.
Photo by Reggie Tidwell
Day 1:Living History at The Omni Grove Park Inn
Having chosen The Omni Grove Park Inn (more info) as the backdrop for her award-winning novel, it’s no surprise that Clapsaddle recommends staying at the property, which she says is “a place thick with history.” Rooms 441 and 443, where F. Scott Fitzgerald stayed, have views of the courtyard. Literary fans will also delight in the recently opened boutique hotel, Zelda Dearest (more info), that stylishly pays homage to American novelist Zelda Fitzgerald in the South Slope area. For lodging in the city center, try the Aloft Asheville Downtown (more info).
According to Clapsaddle, the Omni has something for everyone, including kids. Her oldest enjoys trying to spot A-list celebrity guests and her younger child loves the National Gingerbread Competition, which Clapsaddle has hosted several times. Festivities begin in November with holiday-themed decorations throughout the property and signature hot chocolate and craft brews served from a life-sized gingerbread house in the library.
After you check in, work up an appetite along a route favored by the author: the lightly trafficked Sunset Trail (more info), which meanders through the resort’s 150 acres canopied with trees. Another option is a self-guided audio walking tour. Available from the concierge to guests and non-guests alike, the 45-minute tour dives into the hotel’s construction, the collection of arts and crafts furniture (among the largest in the country), and some of its most notable guests.
At the end of the day, settle in for nature’s evening finale with one of Asheville’s finest hand-crafted old-fashioneds on the aptly named Sunset Terrace (more info).
According to Clapsaddle, the Omni has something for everyone, including kids. Her oldest enjoys trying to spot A-list celebrity guests and her younger child loves the National Gingerbread Competition, which Clapsaddle has hosted several times. Festivities begin in November with holiday-themed decorations throughout the property and signature hot chocolate and craft brews served from a life-sized gingerbread house in the library.
After you check in, work up an appetite along a route favored by the author: the lightly trafficked Sunset Trail (more info), which meanders through the resort’s 150 acres canopied with trees. Another option is a self-guided audio walking tour. Available from the concierge to guests and non-guests alike, the 45-minute tour dives into the hotel’s construction, the collection of arts and crafts furniture (among the largest in the country), and some of its most notable guests.
At the end of the day, settle in for nature’s evening finale with one of Asheville’s finest hand-crafted old-fashioneds on the aptly named Sunset Terrace (more info).
Rhododendrons bloom on the Mount Pisgah Trail starting in May each year.
Photo by Andre Daugherty
Day 2:A Day of Hiking, Starring Mount Pisgah
No stranger to adventure, Clapsaddle is a seasoned hiker. One of her favorite Asheville trail-to-town combos includes a trek up to Mount Pisgah (more info) or cardio and sweeping views (great for a memorable summit selfie). Though it’s tempting to stay for sunset, she advises that you hop back in your vehicle to cruise the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway (more info).
As the sun begins to drop, head back into town for a beer at Asheville’s first craft brewery, Highland Brewing (more info). Order the Clapsaddle-approved Cold Mountain (a seasonal spiced winter ale with notes of vanilla, hazelnut, dark fruit, and cinnamon) or a golden, crisp pilsner.
As the sun begins to drop, head back into town for a beer at Asheville’s first craft brewery, Highland Brewing (more info). Order the Clapsaddle-approved Cold Mountain (a seasonal spiced winter ale with notes of vanilla, hazelnut, dark fruit, and cinnamon) or a golden, crisp pilsner.
French Broad Chocolate
Courtesy of Explore Asheville
Day 3:Mountain Trails and Delicious Eats
Day three starts with another adventure in the mountains. Clapsaddle is keen on Graveyard Fields (more info), a family- and dog-friendly loop trail, which takes hikers 3.5 miles over wooden footbridges, along a scenic path (among rhododendrons come June), and eventually past the stunning cascades known as Upper and Lower Falls. Even getting to the trail is an adventure as you’ll traverse the Blue Ridge Parkway with numerous opportunities for a gorgeous view. (The Hominy Valley Overlook is a favorite at milepost 404.2.)
Post-hike, you’re likely to find Clapsaddle recharging back in Asheville with a scoop of French Broad Chocolate Lounge’s (more info) made-from-scratch vanilla ice cream. Vanilla in a chocolate lounge? Yes, she insists, and encourages you to savor some of their artisanal truffles, too.
Clapsaddle hopes you’ve saved enough energy for the evening for a pre-show dinner at Red Ginger Dimsum and Tapas (more info) (she recommends their dim sum and pork buns). It’s near Asheville Yards, one of Asheville’s most popular outdoor concert venues, where she has seen some of her favorite artists like Jason Isbell. Her other top venues include the intimate Asheville Music Hall (more info) and the larger Harrah’s Cherokee Center Arena (more info) for live acts.
Post-hike, you’re likely to find Clapsaddle recharging back in Asheville with a scoop of French Broad Chocolate Lounge’s (more info) made-from-scratch vanilla ice cream. Vanilla in a chocolate lounge? Yes, she insists, and encourages you to savor some of their artisanal truffles, too.
Clapsaddle hopes you’ve saved enough energy for the evening for a pre-show dinner at Red Ginger Dimsum and Tapas (more info) (she recommends their dim sum and pork buns). It’s near Asheville Yards, one of Asheville’s most popular outdoor concert venues, where she has seen some of her favorite artists like Jason Isbell. Her other top venues include the intimate Asheville Music Hall (more info) and the larger Harrah’s Cherokee Center Arena (more info) for live acts.
The Omni Grove Park Inn’s expansive property includes a spa among other delights.
Courtesy of Explore Asheville
Day 4:A Night Out on the Town
Give your legs a rest and delight in a morning at The Omni Grove Park Inn’s subterranean spa (more info). The world-renowned destination features immersive rock walls, tunnels, arches, mineral-based pools, and two therapeutic waterfalls, all of which are paired with soothing underwater music. Follow this up with a 60-minute “Hikers Delight Pedicure,” or the Mind-Body Experience, with calming music, sound waves, harmonizing vibrations, and a zero-gravity position to reduce stress and increase relaxation.
Complete your day with a meal at one of Clapsaddle’s favorite restaurants, Bone & Broth (more info), where she recently had a “life-changing” chocolate brownie. Post-meal, settle into a seat at The Crow and Quill (more info), a speakeasy-style bar downtown that also gets a nod from Clapsaddle for their local live jazz nights and extensive whiskey collection. (More than 700 to choose from will satisfy even the most knowledgeable aficionado.)
Complete your day with a meal at one of Clapsaddle’s favorite restaurants, Bone & Broth (more info), where she recently had a “life-changing” chocolate brownie. Post-meal, settle into a seat at The Crow and Quill (more info), a speakeasy-style bar downtown that also gets a nod from Clapsaddle for their local live jazz nights and extensive whiskey collection. (More than 700 to choose from will satisfy even the most knowledgeable aficionado.)
A mountain biker in Asheville
Courtesy of Explore Asheville
Day 5: Day Trip to Black Mountain and Montreat
Ready to get even deeper into Asheville’s outdoors? Clapsaddle suggests nearby Black Mountain (more info). This mountain town, 20 minutes east of Asheville, makes a great day trip. It’s a welcoming gateway to some incredible trails including the popular mountain biking trail, Kitsuma, known for its heart-pounding climb and thrilling, bone-rattling descent.
After the ride (or hike), switch gears with a leisurely meal at Black Mountain’s Pure & Proper (more info), one of Clapsaddle’s favorite spots for an evening date night, followed by an Aztec cone (chocolate infused with cinnamon and cayenne pepper) at the locally owned Hop Ice Cream (more info).
“There is always something new to see, smell, and experience in Asheville,” says Clapsaddle. She makes a strong case for tacking on an extra day to either end of your trip, particularly during the week when crowds are fewer in number, and you can take your experiences in at a slower pace.
After the ride (or hike), switch gears with a leisurely meal at Black Mountain’s Pure & Proper (more info), one of Clapsaddle’s favorite spots for an evening date night, followed by an Aztec cone (chocolate infused with cinnamon and cayenne pepper) at the locally owned Hop Ice Cream (more info).
“There is always something new to see, smell, and experience in Asheville,” says Clapsaddle. She makes a strong case for tacking on an extra day to either end of your trip, particularly during the week when crowds are fewer in number, and you can take your experiences in at a slower pace.
