Where to stop for lunch when driving through Asheville (Raleigh: gardens, yard) - Western North Carolina - North Carolina (NC) -The Mountain Region including Asheville - City-Data Forum

Ellen Pitts · 02-09-2011, 08:45 AM

We'll be driving from Raleigh to Houston in June and are planning a stop for lunch in Asheville. We will have 2 adults, 4 elementary aged kids and a large dog with us. I'd like to stop someplace where we could stretch our legs and have a picnic lunch. Maybe a nice park or something. It would be nice if it was near I-40.

RVT · 02-09-2011, 05:24 PM

I'd recommend that you get a picnic lunch somewhere and go up on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Just remember the leash laws and you'll be good. June would be a FINE time to be up there. There are any number of exits around Asheville off of I-40 that can be used to access the parkway.

saucystargazer · 02-09-2011, 09:07 PM

This exact question was asked a few months ago. Who ever asked it must have deleted it though because I've searched and searched and can't find it.

Some suggestions were the french broad river park and azalea park.

Ellen Pitts · 02-10-2011, 08:11 AM

Thank you!

Loves mountains · 02-10-2011, 08:37 AM

I have to second RVT's recc - grab a to go lunch and head for the Parkway - Graveyard Fields is a good spot - short walk and lots of spots to stop and have lunch.

QuilterChick · 02-10-2011, 08:58 AM

..... and Craggy Gardens, not too far from the Folk Art Center which imho is a must see.

The Mule · 02-10-2011, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuilterChick

..... and Craggy Gardens, not too far from the Folk Art Center which imho is a must see.

I'd second that as a must see. A bit farther off the beaten path if they are trying to keep to a driving schedule, but well worth the time.

Cofga · 02-10-2011, 02:16 PM

Did you people read the OP message--they are looking for a place close to I-40 for a quick stop for a picnic lunch. Neither Craggy nor Graveyard Fields are near I-40. It probably would take an hour or more to get Graveyard and easily that long to get to Craggy. How about just getting off in Black Mtn and picknicking at Lake Tomahawk or on the grounds of the Folk Art Center in Swannanoa.

RVT · 02-10-2011, 02:26 PM

Yes, I did read it. There are many places on the parkway that would be a quick 15-20 min drive off of I40.

The Mule · 02-10-2011, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cofga

Did you people read the OP message--they are looking for a place close to I-40 for a quick stop for a picnic lunch. Neither Craggy nor Graveyard Fields are near I-40. It probably would take an hour or more to get Graveyard and easily that long to get to Craggy. How about just getting off in Black Mtn and picknicking at Lake Tomahawk or on the grounds of the Folk Art Center in Swannanoa.

You may want to give it another read, too.

"It would be nice if it was near I-40" apparently has different meanings to different people. Nice, to me, implies preferred but optional.