Another New Year’s in Asheville—A Local’s Perspective
Soon, another fine year will wind its way to a close here in Asheville. For some, this is a time of reflection. Did I do everything I set out to accomplish this year? Did I hike enough? Get enough fresh mountain air? Eat at all my favorite restaurants? Did I broaden my horizons, discover any new hidden gems?
Worthy questions. But the fact is, when it strikes New Year’s Eve in Asheville, its not the end of things. You still got twenty-four hours to fit in all the attractions you didn’t think you had time to for. So strap those boots on and get ready, because what I’ve prepared for you here is an itinerary of some of the best things to do in Asheville this New Year’s Eve.
A tried and true tradition of every year’s end, no New Year’s would be complete with one final meal to celebrate all the life that’s been lived. And if you’re visiting Asheville, odds are you’re not trying to cook that meal it at home. Fortunately, many of my hometown’s hippest restaurants stay open for New Year’s, catering to locals and tourists alike.
Chai Pani, of course, always rises to the top of the list. I mentioned this award-winning Indian restaurant as a prime contender for Christmas dinner in my last article, and they’re finishing the holiday season strong, serving lunch and dinner on New Year’s Eve. Now they don’t take reservations here, so the line can really stack up, but between their killer butter chicken, silky chai, and outstanding service, I always find it's worth the wait. For best results, I recommend arriving just when they open, for an early lunch.
Downtown’s Curate Spanish tapas does take reservations, making it ideal if a more formal dinner is what you have in mind. Their sophisticated shareables make for the perfect celebratory meal; throw in a wine pairing, and you’ve got yourself a New Year’s Eve to remember.
My final recommendation for your New Year’s dinner is Zen Sushi, my go-to for sushi in Asheville. Located on Merrimon Avenue, north of downtown, I always find myself seated quickly here, even in the busiest times of year. Grab a cup of their hot green tea, a platter of exquisite sashimi, and one of their indulgent specialty rolls, and you have yourself a stellar combination of convenience and quality for your New Year’s dinner.
If you want to get some time out in nature before the year’s end, then there’s no better way than by driving out to one of the awesome ski resorts near Asheville. Typically these endeavors are an all-day event, and most resorts are recommending reservations for New Year's. But if you’re ready for that kind of commitment, then you'll be rewarded with an experience to remember.
Ashevilleans typically partake of two main ski destinations: Hatley Pointe, about forty minutes north of downtown, and Cataloochee, about an hour to the west. Your best stratagem is to keep an eye out on their weather readouts, snow reports, and so on, and weigh that against pricing and what reservation times they’ve still got open.
But if it comes down to a toss-up between the two options, I typically go for Hatley Pointe. That extra twenty minutes off your drive means more time spent on the slopes.
Many of the breweries and bars on Asheville’s famed South Slope brewing district are putting on special events this New Year’s. Dance parties, themed parties, and of course, plenty of live music. Even our local Well-Played board-game café typically puts on a special midnight game night. A fine follow up to your celebratory downtown dinner, if you ask me.
You can find a more in depth look at this iconic quarter of Asheville, right here and here. Once you’ve found a spot that speaks to you, check their website for tickets and reservations.
If you’ve not had the pleasure of visiting the Biltmore Estate, or if you it's been a span since your last visit and you’re ready for a refresh, then this is the perfect time of the year for it. As a local, I find even with my fairly frequent visits I’ve never grown tired of the place. They’re always opening new rooms, hosting special exhibitions, and all around doing a legendary job of bringing this monumental mansion to life.
For New Year’s, that means holiday decorations like you won't’ believe. Wreaths, lights, even over a hundred Christmas trees. Last minute tickets won’t be easy to find, but if you’ve started planning your New Year’s in Asheville early, then a tour of this astounding landmark of chateauesque architecture is near impossible to top.
It can get chilly waiting in line, but luckily, they put up a heated tent in the former stables, along with a café serving some of the best hot cocoa in town. In other words: the perfect place to warm up before you set off into the mansion itself.
Now I know it may seem like I’m driving for an extra-active New Year’s, but truth be told, I don’t see anything wrong with a quiet night in, spent with loved ones and friends. It is, after all, these special people who get us through year after year.
So if a peaceful New Year’s Eve is what you’re after, than look no further than Asheville Cottages. With their fully-furnished kitchens, hot tubs, and heated bathroom floors, I can’t imagine a more cozy place to spend the end of my year.
Stock up with some local brews or wine, visit a farmer’s market for some supper ingredients, switch that flat-screen to the ball-drop of your choice, and enjoy your New Year’s in style and comfort at Asheville Cottages.
Businesses Mentioned
Chai Pani
(828)-254-4003
32 Banks Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Curate
(828)-239-2946 13 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Zen Sushi (828)-225-6033
640 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
Hatley Pointe Ski Resort (828)-689-4111 578 Valley View Cir, Mars Hill, NC 28754
Cataloochee Ski Area
(828)-926-0285 1080 Ski Lodge Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751
Well Played (828)-412-5788
162 Coxe Ave #101, Asheville, NC 28801
Biltmore Estate
(800)-411-3812 1 Lodge Street, Asheville, NC 28803
Comments