ASHEVILLE

Go...

• MAST GENERAL STORE read more ›
  (15 Biltmore Ave. Tel. 828-232-1883)
  mastgeneralstore.com
  Though not an exact replica of the dry-goods stores of old, this downtown fixture provides a mix of outdoor equipment, sweets and amusements. Stop in to pick up everything from barbecue rubs to a Black Diamond ion headlamp.

• SPARROW SPA read more ›
  (43 Town Square Blvd. Tel. 828-209-2700)
  hiltonashevillemedia.com
  Inside the new LEED-certified Hilton, this spa uses organic materials in its treatments and serves locally sourced food at the attached restaurant, Roux.

• THIRSTY MONK read more ›
  (92 Patton Ave. Tel. 828-254-5470)
  monkpub.com
  In addition to delicious pub food, this relatively new brewpub offers a stupefying selection of Belgian craft beers. Pair your Scottish salmon sliders with a wheat or saison brew. $$

• STELLA BLUE read more ›
  (31 Patton Ave. Tel. 828-236-2424)
  www.myspace.com/stellabluelive
  This is one of the best live music venues in town. While the primary focus is on rock acts, local funk luminaries GFE and circus-punk showmen The Goodies have also graced the stage.

• BREWS CRUISE read more ›
  (15 miles north of Asheville. )
  brewscruise.com/asheville
  Sample signature suds and learn about the science of beer-making at a rotating selection of local breweries. Saturdays feature three different tours—two by van and one on foot— that visit three breweries apiece.

This month...

Fun Fact!
North Carolina has more craft breweries than any other state in the South, and seven of them are within Asheville city limits.