I was recently in Asheville, NC for the weekend and was very impressed with The Foundry Hotel, a new Curio Collection property by Hilton in the heart of downtown, but also with the city of Asheville itself!
The Foundry has a wonderful history that adds to its charm. Once the Asheville Foundry & Steel Co. that provided materials for many of the buildings in Asheville, including the Biltmore House, it has been refurbished into a fabulous 5-star
property. After many years of neglect and
at one point even being slated for demolition after being deemed a "blight" in the city, It's our good fortune that developers were able to not only see the value in saving the original Foundry buildings, but also in reinvigorating the surrounding area called The Block. It now anchors an area that includes eclectic
shops, museums, parks, and award winning restaurants.
Asheville is also known for its abundance of breweries, hipster coffee shops, a wellness centered community, and vibrant art scene in the River Art District. After making a visit to Sauna House for an invigorating session in the sauna and cold plunge pool, I had a great time at the NC Glass Center where I had an opportunity to try my hand at glass blowing. Needless to say, I am reminded of my newfound appreciation for the artistry involved in creating glass art everytime I drink out of the crooked, but whimsically
pretty, wine glass I made. Unfortunately we didn't have the time to take in all that Asheville has to offer and I look forward to returning soon to take in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains on a hike, visit the Biltmore House and NC Arboretum, and maybe go on an evening ghost walk tour. Then we'll sit in the adirondack chairs on the lawn at The Foundry and plan our next Asheville getaway...and our next, and next, and next!
-Teresa
