48 Hours in Barnardsville & Asheville, NC

This past weekend, H and I traveled from Nashville to Barnardsville, N.C. for my fall break (#firstgradeteacher). Although we originally had our eyes set on Asheville, we discovered – via Google – a peaceful-looking retreat just 30 minutes outside of it, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This place caught our eye because of its focus on nature, simple living, and well-being – and it just looked beautiful. We felt we had found our dream getaway and booked a 2-night stay at Bliss Farm & Retreat.

Bliss Farm & Retreat exceeded our expectations. As soon as we pulled up, we were warmly greeted by Frank and Kelly, the creators of this magical place. Their home is bright, warm, and welcoming. At Bliss Farm, you can partake in yoga, massages, farm-to-table dinners, feeding and visiting their animals, campfires, and more. You have the option to stay in one of three bed and breakfast rooms in the large, open farmhouse or one of the private cabins. Either way, to us, it felt like the best place to escape, rejuvenate, and connect with nature and with ourselves.

H and I had decided to book their new Bali Bliss Cabin. The two cabins sit above the farmhouse on a quiet gravel road, and as we stepped inside ours, we felt instantly at home. Everything was perfect: the low, cozy bed, the warm fireside, the tea- and coffee-stocked kitchenette, the lofted area (where little ones could sleep), the gorgeous bathroom and tub, and the dreamy front porch. We were in love.

We took that first afternoon to just chill in our newfound refuge. I made a cup of tea and listened to the sounds of nature on the porch. We just lounged, feeling instantly calm. That night, we had booked a farm-to-table dinner, cooked by Frank and Kelly. At 7:15, we headed down to the farmhouse – passing and petting a few sweet dogs on our way.

The dinner was the best either of us had eaten in a long time. Frank and Kelly had set their gorgeous dining room with fall decor and two places for us. They served us each a glass of wine, and slowly brought out each course: an appetizer platter of fresh cheeses, hummus, carrots, gluten-free chips, and olives; next, a divine kale salad with an apple cider vinegar dressing; for the entrée, chicken legs, grilled parsnips, and Carolina gold rice; for dessert, almond milk ice cream with espresso beans and chlorophyll (to give it a minty kick, and aid with digestion) – essentially deconstructed mint chocolate chip, as Frank said. Everything was insanely good. We went to bed that night happy and relaxed.

The next morning, we got up and, per Frank’s suggestion, headed just down the road for Pisgah National Forest. After a slow but scenic 9-mile drive down a gravel road – as we passed by small waterfalls and mountain tops – we arrived at the trail for Douglas Falls. Just half a mile later, we stumbled upon the gorgeous 70-foot waterfall. It was so lovely and peaceful to just be and listen to the rushing water. Plus, the area was not crowded at all, and we had the waterfall all to ourselves.

After our waterfall adventure, we changed back at the cabin and then drove 30 minutes into Asheville, where we would spend the rest of the afternoon. We started at Sunny Point Café – a family-owned, independent restaurant that serves comfort food all day long – for a late lunch. I got the buttermilk french toast with fruit and a pot of chai tea. We had the best time at this happy, busy, popular spot!

Next, we headed over to Biltmore Village and started our shopping at The Olde World Christmas Shoppe. If you know me, you know that I love Christmas, so this was a must. I loved it – I mean, it is Christmas all the time in there! – and even got a little decor for the upcoming season.

I stumbled upon Nest down the road, and, seeing their adorable window display and the sign outside, knew I needed to go in. Nest is both a boutique and DIY studio – how cool is that? Once inside, I could not resist this soft, sherpa teddy bear coat. This is it, and you probably need it, too.

H and I then drove over to the heart of Asheville, parked, and walked around. The Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar instantly caught my attention, because it combines two of my favorite things. We walked inside, and it was just what I had hoped. People were drinking wine, surrounded by books. What could be better?

We popped in some other cute places, but I especially loved this shop. Any time I see something about bees or honey, it feels like it was meant for me. Asheville Bee Charmer sells local honey, natural skin-care, and gifts for honey and bee lovers. I loved everything in there and got myself a little perfume oil.

After all our wandering, we settled in for dinner at Cucina 24, an Italian restaurant with a menu that changes daily based on what is in season (in addition to its permanent menu). We split the little gems lettuce, and I decided to go seasonal with a stuffed cheese pumpkin pasta. Everything was delightful.

Post-dinner, we walked just down the street to Sky Bar, an unusual rooftop bar situated on three levels of a fire escape. You have to take an old 1920s elevator up (kind of scary, kind of cool). I think the views would be pretty during the day. At night, there is not much to see, but it was still a fun and quirky experience. At last, we drove back to our cozy cabin for a deep sleep.

The next morning, we woke up to a steady rain falling. It was such a soothing sound in our cabin and made it so hard to leave. We said goodbye to Bliss Farm and these mountains and headed on our way.

If you have the chance, book a room or cabin at Bliss Farm & Retreat. It made our stay in the Asheville area extra special and sweet!