I am back in Charlotte after a truly wonderful weekend in Asheville studying the Viniyoga method with Gary Kraftsow as part of my 300-hour teacher training at Asheville Yoga Center. While I was there I had the pleasure of staying in a friend’s Airbnb apartment and it was the best Airbnb experience that I’ve ever had. I basically want to move in. 🙂
I’m looking forward to sharing details with you about the weekend training, as well as the Asheville Airbnb in this post. There’s even a giveaway for a two-night stay at the end so be sure to read through!
FRIDAY
Our training began at 10:30a on Friday so I was up early to finish packing and to get Finn fed and ready for preschool. Dorie was so kind to offer to come over and drop Finn off at preschool so that I could get on the road and not be late.
I arrived in Asheville right at 10:30a and dove straight into our first session with Gary Kraftsow. It was an introduction to Viniyoga Asana Principles and the Biomechanics of Asana.
Here’s the description of what we covered on Friday:
“Āsana is a means or a tool to help you understand and transform your present condition, not a goal nor an end in itself. In Viniyoga, the function of āsana takes precedence over the form, and we utilize the breath to initiate movement. Both form and breath can then be adapted to best serve the goals of the practitioner. We will begin by exploring the core principles and purposes of the five different directions of movement in āsana: forward bend, backward bend, lateral bend, twist, and axial extension. Learn about “release valves” in āsana and how you can use yogic tools to replace dysfunctional movement patterns with healthy ones.”
In the morning session we covered the intro to Viniyoga, forward bends and back bends and finished with a practice.
We broke for lunch at 2p and I walked over to Elements Real Food for a smoothie bowl and to answer some emails.
Our second session of the day was a continuation of The Biomechanics of Asana and we went over lateral bends, twists and axial extension. Once again, we finished with a practice.
After a quick stop into Trader Joe’s to get a few things for the weekend, I checked into my friend Kat’s Airbnb apartment. I’ve known Kat for almost 15 years but we hadn’t seen each other in almost 10 years. We have kept up online and she’s one of those people who you just pick right back up with so it felt like no time had passed. Kat and her husband Benji finished their basement a year or two ago and converted it into the coziest apartment. I was so grateful that it was available for my training weekend!
Kat, Benji and I walked down to Gan Shan Station to grab dinner and had a great time catching up. After dinner, I spent about an hour going through my notes from the day’s training and typing them into a document on my computer before turning in for the night.
SATURDAY
Training didn’t start until 10:30a on Saturday so I was able to enjoy a leisurely start to the day.
Rainy and gray weather made for the perfect day to spend inside learning. Our Saturday morning session was Form Adaptation in Asana.
“The goal of āsana is to serve the practitioner, not the posture. Study the use of repetition and stay in āsana practice, and how to adapt the forms of the āsana to serve the functional needs of your body.”
I grabbed lunch at Whole Foods and zipped back up to Kat’s apartment for lunch. It’s less than a mile away from AYC!
Our afternoon session was Breath Adaptation in Asana.
“Krishnamacharya once told Gary that if you are not using breath in āsana, you are only doing calisthenics. Explore the importance of coordinating breath and movement in an āsana practice, the use of the directional flow of breath, and how breath initiates movement in āsana.”
The practice that we did to end the day was one of my most favorite and most powerful practices ever.
I thought I would go out for dinner on Saturday night but my brain was just so overloaded with information (in the best way possible) and it was wet and cold. I decided to relax at the apartment and order sushi delivery through Postmates. My sushi was from Zen Sushi and very good. I would 100% order from there again. I was in bed before 10p. I slept 9 hours and it was magical.
SUNDAY
I thought I might go for a run on Sunday morning after Kat and her husband shared with me an awesome run from their neighborhood that takes you up the mountain and past the Grove Park Inn but ultimately decided I’d rather have another slow start to the day. I spent a little over an hour going through my notes from Saturday and transcribing them into the document on my computer. Spending this time with my notes and in reflection of the sessions really helped the information to sink in.
Our final session was The Art and Science of Sequencing.
“In Viniyoga, we say that sequencing should be effective, efficient and elegant. A well-sequenced āsana practice is logically ordered, context specific, manifests an intention, incorporates the tools related to the intention, and provides maximum functional benefits with minimal risks.”
We finished with a practice and closed the weekend training at 2p.
I realize that I haven’t offered a lot of commentary about what Gary presented, what I learned and what my thoughts are on the training. Honestly, it’s because I’m still processing all of it. This is a very positive thing. I am so grateful that I decided to do my 300-hour yoga teacher training at Asheville Yoga Center. The opportunity to study with these experienced teachers is incredible and I’m deep in a space of inquiry and reflection right now.
I may write a post with my top takeaways from my weekend studying Viniyoga with Gary, or I may not. I need to spend more time with my notes and time practicing and teaching some of the principles that I learned over the weekend.
THE BEST ASHEVILLE AIRBNB
Most of you know that I have mixed feelings about Airbnb and have had mixed experiences. I have stayed in some awesome Airbnbs and some that are just so-so (including a few in Asheville). I get asked about Asheville activities and accommodations a lot so I’m thrilled to share with you the BEST Asheville Airbnb with you!
Kat and Benji’s basement apartment is amazing! They call it the Boho Haven on the Hill and I can confidently say that it is a haven. I wasn’t kidding about the wanting to move in part. 😉
Here are some of the highlights of the apartment:
- Located on a hillside in a quiet neighborhood.
- Less than a mile from Grove Park Inn. One mile walk or $6 Uber to downtown.
- Neighborhood restaurants and bars are even closer. (And Asheville Yoga Center is less than a mile away!)
- Super cozy and clean. Beautifully decorated.
- Private with a separate entrance.
- Gorgeous private patio.
- Mountain views (especially during winter when leaves are off of trees)
- Kitchenette with local coffee, tea, microwave, toaster, fridge, silverware and dishes.
- Dual shower heads in the walk-in shower.
- Soft fluffy white towels and robes are provided.
- Comfy bed.
- The coolest, friendliest hosts who are always down for chatting and offering local recommendations. Kat and Benji are super dialed into the local scene and can give great suggestions for everything from hikes to restaurants.
How about a photo tour?
Looks amazing, right? It is! If you’re interested in booking, do so sooner rather than later as high-season dates go FAST!
TWO-NIGHT STAY GIVEAWAY!
There are so many benefits to visiting Asheville in the off-season. It’s SO much easier to navigate downtown and get into the incredible restaurants without the crowds of the high-season. There’s also snow fun at Wolf Ridge or Cataloochee just up the road, fireside beverages at the Grove Park Inn Great Hall, hot tubs at Shoji and much, much more!
Kat and Benji have graciously offered a FREE off-season two-night stay for one of my readers. Book before March 31. Subject to availability. Must pay cleaning fee.
If you’d like to enter for a chance to win, leave a comment below telling me why you want to visit Asheville! I’ll pick a winner on Thursday so hurry up and enter.
I love Asheville for the clean mountain air and the amazing food! Can’t wait to go back.
Luckily for me I live less than a couple hours from Asheville! I’ve been a fan for many years. I enjoy the shopping, food, people and eclectic vibe. Thank you so much for sharing your stay! xoxo
Even though I’ve lived less that 2 hours from Asheville my entire life I’ve never had the opportunity to go and really experience all it has to offer.
I’ve never been to Asheville and have always wanted to visit! I’ve heard it’s absolutely beautiful.
Ohhhhh, this looks amazing!!!!!!!! I’m totally hoping to score this!!!! I’m SO glad you had an amazing weekend!
Asheville has such a great vibe! I’ve never considered staying overnight. We usually do day trips. It would be wonderful to take the time to soak it all in! Walking distance to good food and downtown when it’s not busy sounds perfect!
As a school social worker for an at risk school , Asheville has always been mental and spiritual get away for me. What a special place with hiking, biking, and great beer to feel rejuvenated so I can get back to working with our youth ❤️
Being a nurse, we spend so much time caring for others, we forget to schedule in care for ourselves. I would love to go experience Asheville for a weekend retreat for relaxation purposes. Looks like a great place to relax and try out a new yoga place!
I haven’t been to Asheville in years! I completed my 200 hr ryt this summer but I have never been to Asheville yoga center and would love to go. I would be grateful for a break from my full time job and mom duties.
Asheville is my favorite place to visit! I am looking to take my 13 year old on a Mom and daughter get away. We need time to connect. This place would be the perfect place for us to relax, connect, and laugh. We need it.
I would LOVE a getaway in asheville, a nice vacation from work to recharge and get inspired. Asheville is on of those places I feel i can say: the mountain air just literally is “a breath of fresh air.” I am a lover of this sweet town all times of the year, we usually just go for the day so winning this would be so sweet!
Asheville is the best! I’m currently pregnant with my second child and have been begging my husband for a little getaway before the baby comes (due end of April!) and a little Ashville getaway would be perfect!
I love Asheville for its amazing restaurant scene, great breweries and eclectic vibe. My husband and I were thinking about doing a mountain getaway to hike and hang out in Asheville so this would be perfect!!
Oh Asheville how I love thee 🙂 my husband and I are regulars to Asheville and are well overdue for some time away to reconnect with each other. Would love a chance to win this to be able to check out the yoga scene there as well as be someone other than mommy for a day or two….something I struggle with immensely and have loads of guilt about. But I’m working on it! Thanks for the opportunity 🙂
I’ve always wanted to visit Asheville! I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about the mountain town!
I’ve never been to NC before. I would love to visit Asheville for some hiking, shopping, and the himalayan salt spa!
I have Asheville on my bucket list! Would love to visit for some hikes and also those amazing breweries! Apt looks like the perfect place for that.
My husband and I keep talking about doing a weekend away in Asheville soon. Our favorite date weekend was at an AirBNB very close to AYC. Would love to visit again!
Asheville is the perfect mix of city and mountains – I love how you can spend the day hiking and enjoy the downtown restaurant scene at night. My husband and I try to make a similar trip every year for our anniversary because he proposed while we were hiking!
I just read an Elizabeth Gilbert quote where she talked about the importance of solitude, and this has been a season of that for me. I am CRAVING some real solitude. Asheville is one of the best places to find it – I would love a cozy place to stay and find some of that goodness.
Wow I would love this giveaway. My husbands birthday is coming and it would be an awesome getaway!
My husband and I could use a quick getaway to reconnect!
I’ve always wanted to visit Asheville, it seems like such a cool place. This AirBnB looks great, it’s nice to have a true recommendation so you know what you’re getting. I would have a hard time deciding between a weekend away with my husband or planning to meet up there with my long-distance best friend.
My husband and I could really use the weekend away! We stopped in Asheville over the summer, but didn’t get to spend enough time!
My husband and I love visiting Asheville! We greatly appreciate you sharing all of your experiences. We escape there often. Thank you to your friends for offering a giveaway!
I’d want to stay because I need an excuse to get away and I have never been!
It looks like you had a great weekend and some cozy accommodations to boot! 🙂 Asheville is definitely on my bucket list. I am a graduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I would love to go spend time in the Blue Ridge Mountains and check out the local foodie scene!
My husband and I love Asheville for the beautiful
Views and the culture we experience each trip! It’s our quick getaway spot when those times come available of course, lol. ?
I haven’t been to Asheville in a few years so I would like to go to check out their amazing good scene! Always new restaurants to check out!
Asheville is one of my favorite cities – incredible scenery, food, activities!
I have heard Asheville is beautiful. It would be a treat visit!
I’ve never stayed in Asheville. We have only driven through. My husband and I are looking into taking a few days away( and leaving the kids with grandma) and this would be perfect.
Would be a perfect place for a quick babymoon! Expecting twins (and already have a 3 and 1 year old) so imagine it would be the last quiet getaway we’d have for awhile!
Asheville has the best food, views and nothing beats mountain air. I would love a getaway with my husband to take a moment to just breathe!
I would LOVE to visit Asheville Yoga Center and take some classes! I’ve been to that area several times but have never taken time just for me to practice at AYC so a free stay at this adorable Air BNB would be fantastic! Awesome giveaway! Thanks!
Would love a quiet two night getaway! Going through some rough patches with my senior aged dog and this would be a perfect escape without being too far from home!
Never stayed in Asheville but looks wonderful and would love to bring my my mom along!
I’ve never been to Asheville but it seems like somewhere my husband and I would enjoy – wonderful nature and hiking, plus great food and a unique city culture. I would love to visit sometime.
I want to visit for all
The yummy food!
I would like to visit Asheville because of all the great restaurants there. Thanks for the chance to win!
Asheville is so near and dear to my heart. My husband and I went there for our “re-do” honeymoon and first anniversary because I was super sick during our wedding with a flare of Crohn’s disease. We fell in love with the city and can’t wait to go back again to our “little slice of heaven.” 🙂
I love Asheville’s laid back atmosphere, yummy foods and mountain views.
We have actually been discussing our spring AVL trip the last few days- this would be such a wonderful place to stay!! Our favorite things about Asheville are, of course, all of the yummy food choices & fun breweries, the great views & hiking opportunities, and Asheville Yoga Center!!
My husband and I are about to have our first child (this week!!) and this would be a great way to venture away from home (in Charlotte) without committing to something too far away. We’d definitely take advantage of the blue ridge parkway trails for a hike!
I’ve been dying to take my husband to Asheville for years! The breweries, the restaurants, the mountains – such a wonderful city!
Travel is much more attainable for me these days and I’d love the opportunity to explore Asheville!
We got the call about adopting our son while vacationing in Asheville and would love to take him to visit Asheville! ?
I’d love a trip to Asheville – refreshing mountain air and lots of good hikes!
We stopped over in asheville when we moved from TX to DC and really want to go back! We love hiking, yoga, the outdoors and the amazing foodie scene there. We have 4 young kids and a 2 night getaway for mom and dad, not to a hospital to birth another baby ?, would be incredible!
I live in Hendersonville, but I’d love a staycation in Asheville!
My husband and I are currently parenting 4 boys aged 4 and under. We would love a quick getaway to the mountains!
I would love to visit Asheville! I would actually gift it to my parents though, as they love to travel and deserve it more than I do!
hi Jen! I would love to visit Asheville! What a fantastic opportunity to ward off the winter doldrums! Thank you for the opportunity!
Your stay looks very relaxing! You came to Cincy near me last year! I love Asheville for a lot of reasons, mostly because it’s so dog-friendly 🙂 They have an excellent craft beer market too! And, it’s beautiful! I’ve never stayed in an AirBnb. Cool giveaway they are offering!
I’d love to visit Asheville on my first solo travel trip. I love hiking and nature and it heals my heart and soul every time I get experience a new part of the world. My little brother hiked the AT and told me I would LOVE Asheville. I am currently working on my relationship with myself and honoring my needs and intuition and I feel like Asheville could be a destination that is part of my healing journey.
I have never been to Asheville but would love to visit to go hiking, try the local restaurants, & enjoy the local shops!
Asheville looks like the perfect place to gain inner peace and grounding. I have had an up and down year the past year so would love a place to find this peace and grounding.
Pick me, pick me! Mostly because I never win anything and I love love love Asheville (and your blog posts). What a fantastic location! ❤️
I’d love to visit Asheville to prepare for my upcoming wedding! We’re opting for a mini-destination wedding and another trip would definitely help us to feel more ready for the big day 🙂
I’d love a getaway with my husband to run, hike and enjoy all the amazing Asheville food!
Asheville has been #1 on my “cities I haven’t been to yet but really want to visit” list. I’m drawn to places that offer the best of both worlds when it comes to the outdoors and access to city amenities like great restaurants and shops. Plus, my husband and I have not taken a vacation since we had our baby 8 months ago :). The thought of enjoying a morning cup of coffee while looking at the mountains, packing up lunch to go on a hike, then spending a leisurely afternoon strolling around downtown with my husband and son sounds like heaven.
I want to visit Asheville because I’m trying to convince my finance that we should move to North Carolina after we get married! I visited Asheville briefly in college (it’s a great road trip from Athens) and LOVED it. I know this charming town would help him fall in love with NC too
I was at Gary Kraftsow’s training, too! A friend of mine in Asheville (who I stay with when doing my 300 hour modules; I live in Milwaukee) linked me to your blog – it’s great! Fabulous-looking Airbnb, I’d love to stay there and give my wonderful friend a break for a couple of nights 🙂 (Also, would love to chat in person if we’re at one of the same upcoming modules; I’ll be there again for 2 back-to-back in March)
I first visited Asheville over the summer this year and, as everyone predicted and told me hundreds of times, I fell in LOVE. My boyfriend and I had some of the most fun few days we’ve had on a trip in a very longtime.
How fun! I’ve not been to Asheville, but have heard so many wonderful things to do in the area. It sounds like an amazing place to explore!
I’d love to come to Asheville with my best friend for a girls getaway! It’s been all over the map as a fun perfect weekend trip!
I live on the NC coast and I love Asheville because it’s the perfect mountain getaway – not to far, but so different from what I’m used to! Plus all the delicious vegetarian food a girl can eat.
Asheville is one of my favorite places. The dog-friendly trail running and brewery scene is the dream.
I love the outdoors and the beautiful mountains. A sanctuary in my opinion when you have a job that keeps you in a confined cubicle the better part of the day. Connecting to nature in my opinion is the best way to calm the mind and embrace the day!!
Would love to visit Asheville!! We love to explore new places.
Hi! I’d love to win so I can go visit my sister at UNC Asheville and relax in the mountains for a weekend!
I’d love nothing more than some downtime with my partner, sans kiddos in Asheville. Very much needed!
I would LOVE a quick getaway with my husband. Life gets a little crazy with a 1 and 4 year old so 🙂
I’d love to go back to Asheville! My husband and I went a few years ago and loved it – it would be the perfect babymoon!
I want to visit Asheville to continue eating my way through the city (such amazing food) and to hike nearby
Would love to get away for a weekend to unwind and recharge!
Asheville is one of my favorite places to visit for a weekend away to relax and eat alllll the delicious food! I’d love to visit and this Air BNB looks amazing!
One of my closest friends just moved to Asheville and I’ve been dying to go visit — even more now with your great eats during your stay!
Asheville is my happy place. It reminds me of sweet family times when my parents would load the five of us kids into our station wagon and would make the four hour drive. Their favorite time to go was always in the Fall to see the beautiful leaves. They spent their honeymoon in Asheville, and wanted to share special memories for us as we grew up. They were married 57 years. I would love to share my childhood memories with my husband.
Asheville is near where my parents live! I’d love to have an excuse to visit (and could make it a fun getaway weekend for my mom!!)
I’d love to travel to Asheville soon to see family. Traveling plus making more time for friends & family are my big goals for 2020.
I am SO happy you chose AYC for your 300TT! ?
I’d love to win the stay in Asheville for my parents! They moved to Charlotte to be close to me (well, me or my baby :)) a year ago and have said a few times how much they’d love to visit there. It’d be such a fun surprise for them to be able to explore for a couple days.
I have always wanted to explore Asheville! My husband and I are expecting Baby #4 this summer and are planning a little getaway before baby gets here…this would be a lovely choice!
I’d love to get away to Asheville with my husband for some R&R and to eat some yummy food and do some yoga 🙂
I’ve been to Ashville but its been a few years. I would love to get back for a couple of days to relax, unwind and take in everything the city has to offer!
We moved to NC 3 years ago and haven’t been to Asheville yet, but have heard great things! I’d love to check out the mountain trails!
This airbnb looks gorgeous! I’m looking into Asheville as a possible retirement city, so would love a stay there.
I love learning at AYC and trying all the amazing restaurants in Asheville!
I’ve always wanted to go to Asheville! It looks so beautiful and I think it would be such a relaxing getaway.
I’ve visited Asheville but never had the chance to stay overnight. If I won it would help my husband and I take a much needed getaway!
Asheville would be the perfect place for my husband and I to go on a little baby moon before baby #3 arrives this summer!
We love Asheville and have been frequent visitors for 10 plus years. The mountains are calling! We love tapas and are curious about dining on tapas in multiple locations so would love to stay at your friends’ Airbnb. We’re a retired couple who loved Woodstock and all things in Asheville.
My mother-in-law lives just outside of Asheville. It would be amazing to have an opportunity for my husband and I to go and have a chance to visit her (she just had hip replacement surgery this summer) AND actually experience some ignorance what Asheville has to offer – the food, yoga, amazing book stores. It’s just the coolest town. We are from DC so it’s hard to get down with any frequency. Glad your training was amazing! Meghan
Asheville is one of my very favorite cities. I love the beauty, accessibility to hiking, and great restaurants. My mom passed away very unexpectedly a couple of weeks ago. It would be so lovely to have a weekend to look forward to with my husband.
My husband & I love Asheville! I’d love to surprise him with a weekend trip for his birthday/Valentine’s Day to celebrate him after traveling a bunch these last few months to work for a promotion that will benefit our whole family!
have been wanting to do a sister trip to asheville to explore and hike!
After racking up more than $11,000 in medical bills from infertility procedures, surgery for endometriosis and tubes for our daughter…we don’t have extra to spend on vacation alone. Would be a dream to be able to get away to Asheville. Beautiful Airbnb. Love your blog.
I love the mountains around Asheville and all the hiking!! The restaurants shops and breweries in Asheville are so fun and cute! I would love to go there for my baby moon (breweries for my husband only)!
Wow what an amazing offer!! I’d love to visit Asheville as I’ve heard great things but have never been to this part of the country!
It’s been too long since my last trip to Asheville and I’ve been wanting to plan a visit!
I want to take my sister to Asheville! She has only been through the airport and obviously there is so much more to see.
I’ve never been to Asheville but I wiukd LOVE to!!!
We love to visit Asheville for the incredible food scene and local breweries! The Mountain views and hiking trails are an added bonus 🙂
My mom took me on a senior trip to Asheville a few years ago and it was such a wonderful time for us to hike, walk, eat and spend time together. I moved away from my home town and would absolutely love and excuse to spend some girl time with mom back in Asheville and enjoy that fresh mountain air. I know it would mean the world to her.
Would LOVE to take my two kids (2 and 4) to the mountains for the first time, and I think Asheville is the place to go! They keep begging to go on another family vacation (we have been on one long weekend, and that’s it for family vacays). They adore being outside and I think they would love this area!
I haven’t been to Ashville since I was a kid. I would love to go with my husband for a kid free getaway. We have 3 kids under 4 and need some time to relax and enjoy a fun town!
First family vacation for me, my husband and my 7 month old son. Would love to get in some hiking and enjoy the food & scenery. Vacation isn’t in the budget this year so this would be such a welcome getaway for our little family!
It would be a nice self care opportunity. This last semester of school might do me in ?
My husband and I briefly stopped in Asheville when we were moving from Camp Lejeune, NC and thought it was such a fun town! I would love to escape the freezing Midwest winter for a few days and take in some fresh mountain air!
I would love to visit Asheville to do some hiking and get some fresh air. Plus, it would be my first time to NC!
Ah! I’d love to go! My birthday is next Saturday and Asheville is one of my favorite places! Plus my toddler just got the flu on his birthday after I planned a party for 30 people so I deserve a break ? The Air bnb looks amazing! Glad you enjoyed your time in AVL!
Asheville is high up on my bucket list- romantic, great food, great beer and the outdoors. Would love to spend a weekend there with my family
How fun!! I’ve never been to Asheville before. I would love to take my son.
Asheville is always a great getaway. We love the restaurants and exploring new hiking opportunities! And my husband is always up for visiting a new brewery.
I ran my first half marathon in Asheville and would love to go back for my second one in March for the Biltmore half. It’s such an eclectic little town and I love the charm of Asheville!
My husband and I are expecting our first child in April 2020 and this would be a perfect getaway. We are both active and love exploring new places. We haven’t planned any sort of getaway before baby girl arrives and this would be such a gift! We have both wanted to explore Asheville!
Asheville has been on my husband’s and my to-visit list because of the hiking options, all of the craft beer, and the food scene. Would love to visit!
My husband and I LOVE Asheville (we actually hope go move there one day!!!) we took one of our yearly trips there 2 years ago and it felt like home. He is in school and I am a teacher…boy, do we need a break! Would love to go visit and stay in this cutie place!
I’ve never been, but I would love to explore! It gives me all the feels of a place I’d love to adventure?
Love Asheville!! Since I’m in Charlotte, it’s the perfect getaway! Love the relaxing mountains!
I have wanted to go back and visit Asheville for years now! It was one of my favorite cities growing up. I’ve gone through some really hard times the last few years with my family and this would be the perfect getaway!
Would love to stay in this sweet abode! Asheville is the perfect getaway spot. Good food and cool people ?
Asheville is high on my list of to visit cities. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love Asheville and we have friends from TN that just moved there that I would love to visit. Also of course just the food and atmosphere of Asheville is ???
Even though we live a few hours away from Asheville..havnt been to the place yet .. would love to visit it sometime .. have heard so much about it ❤️
The amazing food!
Hi Jen,
Funny you ask! My husband and I are approaching 10 years of marriage. Crazy right- I tell him we’re way too young for a decade anniversary. Asheville is a peaceful place and a place where I allow it to be just Evan and I. Would love to surprise him with a fun stay, opportunity to recharge and just relax. Be our 20 year old younger selves again! It has be a great ride and I’m excited to keep running this marriage marathon with my love. Thanks for the opportunity!
I have been to Asheville once and loved it! Would love to go back again. My husband and I just had our first baby 3 months ago and would love a little getaway and the grandparents would love a babysitting opportunity!
I would love to visit Asheville with my friends as a last hoorah before we graduate college this May!! With the food, drinks, and hiking on a college budget it would be the perfect way to make memories together!!!
Sierra Nevada brewery!
My dad lives in Asheville. I Don’t visit often enough… My mom died 13 years ago so to visit him is to squeeze into an apartment . Tight quarters .
Love Asheville and always looking for a reason to go back!
So many reasons I’d love to visit Asheville! I’m finishing up 200 hour yoga teacher training (with Brittany) in March and it would be a perfect celebration for me and my husband who has helped out so much during TT weekends. We love to hike, eat, sightsee and visit breweries! My niece went to UNC Asheville and worked at the Biltmore and would love to see what she raved about!
Love this! I love Asheville in general but also am doing some trainings at the yoga center (small world, did the yin wknd in November!!) so this would be faaaab 🙂
I love craft breweries and hiking, which are both plentiful in Asheville. Also, the chance that the weather might be warmer and less snowy than in Pennsylvania is enticing!
I’ve never been to Asheville but LOVE all of your posts about visiting – going there is at the top of my travel list!
The best reason to go to Asheville……the food!!! ???
To surprise my husband for a weekend getaway for our anniversary in March! He has planned the last 2 celebrations so I’d like to be the one to surprise him this time 🙂
I’ve never been to Asheville and I’d absolutely LOVE to visit!!
I’ve been wanting to visit Asheville for quite some time. I hear that the hillside views are beautiful and downtown quaint with good spots for live music and good food.
My husband and I love Asheville so much but haven’t found a go-to Airbnb. With baby 2 coming, this would be an awesome getaway
A wintery weekend in Asheville sounds like a perfect way to relax from a busy workweek 🙂
I would LOVE to spend a weekend here with my husband for my 30th birthday in March. Asheville is one of our favorite getaways. We went the weekend after we got engaged, a surprise for Christmas one year, and he had a work conference. However, we always do Hilton with his points. We had a bad experience using our first air bnb’s in Croatia & he said never again. Would love to be able to spend my 30th in Asheville & revive hope for Airbnb in my husband!
Asheville is my husband and my favorite weekend getaway. It was the halfway point between our colleges and we have so many memories there. We try to go visit several times a year
Would love to extend an upcoming work conference in Asheville by staying a few extra days to explore.
I’d love to visit Asheville because I need some mountains in my life! I’ve wanted to go for years but have never been. Also, my husband and I have two young kids and haven’t had a weekend away since the first was born over 4 years ago!
Thanks for always sharing your experiences! ?
I have always loved Asheville!! It brings so much inner peace to me. I love being in nature and Asheville is one of the best places for that! There’s so many different activities to do there. It’s always a good choice whenever someone needs to slip away for a weekend and reset ?
Asheville has the best food scene paired with the best scenery! I need to visit again, please!:)
Asheville is my retreat. When my girlfriend and I need time away from the stress and hustle of day to day life we always return to Asheville to recenter individually and together. We have shared many special memories, but our favorites are always in Asheville
That is the cutest and looks like the most perfect spot for a getaway…which I’m in desperate need of!
This would be absolutely perfect for me and my two boys. I honestly cannot remember the last time we had a weekend getaway! Asheville is just an hour and a half away and they have never been ? ??
I was just thinking about planning a weekend visit in Asheville! I used to live there (moved away in 2007), and miss it so. I’d love to stay there!
Asheville isn’t too far from where I grew up (Clemson, SC) but I have only visited once and hardly scratched the surface! I would love to spend more time there!
I have never been to Asheville, my husband and I could so use a getaway and I’m interested in the yoga teaching. ;o)) Thanks for the opportunity.
I have moved from NC to Idaho but my parents still live in Eastern NC and my Dad is from Asheville!! I would love to win this and give it go them! They are never able to go many places and Asheville is so special!
I’ve never been to Asheville and have always wanted to visit! I’ve heard it’s absolutely beautiful.
I’ve only done a quick lunch stop in Asheville while traveling and was so sad I couldn’t spend more time there, it had such a cool vibe!
I’ve always dreamed up visiting Asheville! What an amazing place this is to stay!
Looks absolutely beautiful! My husband is deploying in a few months and this would be perfect for one last weekend getaway before he ships out!
Asheville is the town I was born in and I haven’t visited in years. Would love to go check out the changes.
What an amazing place!!!! I love Asheville but my husband and I have never been just the two of us. This would be the perfect weekend getaway.
Orrrrr I could take my sister on an amazing weekend away from her three kiddos.
I’ve heard amazing things about Asheville! I’d love to visit to experience the hiking scene and food for myself!
This would be a perfect get away with my hubby for my upcoming birthday!!
We are just over in Johnson City, TN, and Asheville is our favorite place for a quick getaway. We could use one too…we just had a baby but are coming out of the newborn fog!
Because we miss the mountains 🙁
(Living in flat FL now)
I love Asheville for its many art studios, great independently owned restaurants, breweries, and the energy of the locals. I feel like they welcome me home when im in town!
I’m planning a girls trip with a few girls from work and we’re going to Asheville so this would be perfect!! ?
My husband and I love visiting Asheville! I love the great vegan food choices and active community and he enjoys the wonderful mountain biking trails.
Your friends apartment is so cute!
I love Asheville! It’s such an awesome city and that place looks so cute! The hubby and I need a weekend away with NO KIDS! ?
blessings to you ❤
This looks AMAZING, have stayed several times in Asheville AirBnBs but not had much luck and sadly gave up on them, but this looks wonderful – would love to give it another try. Love the city!
I absolutely love Asheville and would love to win an Airbnb! We love hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and checking out all of the awesome local breweries.
I live in NY and Asheville has been on my bucket list for decades! I would love the chance to stay in such an amazingly beautiful and thought out Airbnb. No better time then now 🙂
Ahh probably not the best idea to look at your delicious food pics because now I’m craving sushi at 8AM! Anyway, I’d love to re-visit Asheville.. my fiancé and I got engaged there in July of 2018 on a hike in Craggy Gardens. Life has been hectic wedding planning and just the typical day to day, so it would be nice to go back and enjoy some down time.
Your trip sounds like the perfect Ashville get away. Ashville is my fiancé’s and I’s favorite place for a weekend escape to hike in the Pisgah Forest, drink some delicious Burial beer, and eat all the local food! Your friends AirBnb is so cute and would be such an amazing treat.
I do a lot of international travel for my job on a USAID-funded global nutrition project. I feel so blessed to get to see the world but I have never been anywhere in the USA! I’m based in Washington DC and aside from NYC, Philly, Boston, and Miami, I really haven’t been anywhere! Part of the reason your blog has been such a pleasure to read over the years is because I can imagine what the day to day might be like in another state. Visiting Asheville would be a very cool and different experience for me!
Would love to visit Asheville for some much needed alone time and to try out that yoga studio!
breweries, restaurants, hiking!
My sister just adopted two dogs from an animal shelter in Morocco and is moving with them to Asheville next week! Would love to have a place to stay when visiting her (and meeting the new 4 legged family members) since her apartment is already a bit crowded 🙂
I love love Asheville and definitely would love a get away with my hubby!!!!
I would love to win this weekend in Asheville…I know there’s so many people that need a break and to get away I’m just live through the hardest freaking year of my life and I’m still living through it so it be nice to disappear and get out of Charlotte and just breathe or I don’t know anyone. Regardless thanks for sharing it looks lovely!!???
I have been to Asheville a couple of times but would like to go back and visit the Biltmore!
We would love to visit Asheville! We love the mountains and it’s so beautiful there.
My best friend lives in Asheville and I don’t see her anywhere near as often as I’d like. This air b&b looks awesome! Definitely one of my favorite cities in the country. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
I’d love to go back to Asheville to do some more hiking!
I love Asheville for the proximity to outdoor fun! So much good food there, and endless art to enjoy and purchase!!! Oh and the crystals, caves, drum circles, tea and coffee shops, yoga, music, history and culture!!! It’s basically me, in city form ?♀️
I want to go visit the Asheville yoga center! And a quiet mountain getaway would be perfect…
I’ve never been to Asheville so this would be a way to make that happen!
I have never been to Asheville, but would love to visit and explore! The gorgeous mountains views would be a nice change of scenery from the flat NJ landscape I’m currently surrounded by. I heard the Biltmore is absolutely stunning and, besides hiking the mountains, would definitely be at the top of my must do list!
Always wanted to visit Asheville! Would love to check out their breweries, restaurants, shopping and outdoor hikes!
Asheville is the place I love to go! I grew up in the mountains and enjoy the food, art, beer, and personality that Asheville offer.
My sister and brother in law are visiting us from CA soon and I would love to gift them a night in Asheville at this sweet air b&b!!!
scrolling through these comments, there are so many deserving folks out there. It’s so fulfilling to say that a weekend away would be a wonderful break. That is very gracious for your hosts to offer a two night stay. I’ve never been to Asheville but have heard so many good things and would love a weekend away from Atlanta.
My mom always talks to me about how her and her mom visited Asheville together right before her health started to decline. We’ve always chatted about going together and sharing a trip similar to how she shared one with her mom. I also actually have a bachelorette party in August in Asheville and think it would be so awesome to go down early and stay with my mom here before the partying begins! Thanks for doing this Jen 🙂
I have heard wonderful things about Asheville. I would love to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life to enjoy some time outdoors hiking, exploring the downtown area, restaurants, and craft beer scene.
Asheville has been on my “to do” list for a really long time.
My husband lost his father in August and I’ve been trying to plan a fun getaway for just the two of us. We have two young children that have been a great distraction, but I would LOVE to sneak a getaway for him to truly decompress. Your friend’s place would be perfect!
I would love to take a trip with my mom. She’s never been and it would be so fun to visit the Biltmore, explore restaurants and coffee shops, and go hiking.
I would love to visit because my husband and I have been wanting to visit Asheville for the beauty and have it on our list of places to visit. Would be the perfect little getaway!
My 40th birthday is April and my husband and I have been talking about a getaway. This place looks amazing.
I would love to go hiking and explore the Asheville yoga scene!
I’m expecting a new little one in May and would LOVE to take one last trip (close to home….we live in Charlotte) getaway before the baby! Asheville is one of our favorites but we haven’t been in years! ? This Airbnb looks so adorable!!
Would love to visit Asheville with my Mom! I’m so cold here in Montana right now.
Having moved here just a few years ago, I’ve only been to Asheville once for a day trip. My heart loves the mountains and I want to explore so much more up there. ❤️?
I’m in need of some amazing beer and good views! My sister and I have followed you from the start and have always talked about going to Asheville – now we have our chance!
I love the mountain air! Asheville is one of my favorite places in NC!
I have never been to Asheville, but my goal is to visit as many new to me places as possible.
Asheville will be a good pin to add to my map.
I moved to Florida 3 years ago from Charlotte and miss living just a few short hours from the mountains! I miss th feeling, sense of peace, & The way the mountains soothe my soul. I’d love to have the chance to win his giveaway so that I can experience that wonderful, mind, body, soul connection again!
My husband and I are about to celebrate our 20th anniversary. We’ve known each other since we were 12! We have two boys (14 and 8) and haven’t been away together without kids in about 14 years! We would love a weekend trip to Asheville which is one of our favorite places. We live in Raleigh so it would be perfect!
I loved Asheville the one time I visited in 2008 and would love to come back now with my husband. Such a cute AirBnB!
My husband and I went to Asheville in October for our birthdays but we were both sick! I’d love to go back when I can walk all over hilly downtown without coughing up a lung!
This just looks so sweet, would love to explore with my husband!
Oh man-my husband and I have 2 toddlers and are in desperate need of time away alone!!! I would love to win this!
I visited Asheville many years ago, but I didn’t stay in such an adorable accommodation! I would love to go back to hike, check out the yoga scene this time (something I didn’t do on my previous trip), and check out more of the history and art deco architecture.
Love Asheville and the mountains! Would love a quick getaway from Charlotte to enjoy the crisp winter weather and explore! The place is adorable ?
I love the trail running in the area. And the arts scene is awesome!
My husband and I love Asheville! The vibe, food, music,breweries. It’s also where we got married. We would love a fun getaway!!
My husband and I were just looking at Airbnb’s in the mountains two days ago! We are trying to have a small getaway soon. That place is SO cute!! We love Asheville…the food, the places, the scenery. It’s an awesome place!
My son and I are looking for a spring break adventure! Asheville would be a great new place to explore!
I love Asheville – the food, the sites, etc. but my main reason is to visit my sister and brother in law and their 3 kids
Hey Jen – With the end of January nearing, Ive come to several visions for this year. My biggest one yet is self acceptance. Acceptance for who I am today, not who I was or who I strive to be. I’ve been following your journey through your trainings at the Asheville Yoga Center, and I decided this needs to be my next destination for growth towards acceptance. I found a weekend course on healing with yin yoga and I’m stoked. Your friends Airbnb is lovely and I would be beyond grateful for the chance to stay! Cheers for being you and doing all that you do for the community here at PBR. Thanks for reading!
This is lovely Lauren, and I am THRILLED to hear that you’re doing the Yin training. I know you are going to love AYC so so much! <3
Always wanted to visit. There’s a reason so many have bachelorettes there!
i’m pregnant with my first baby and we live in atlanta. my husband and i would LOVE to take a short, driving-distance babymoon to asheville! <3
My husband and I got married in Asheville and having a kid of our own now (who is only one month younger than Finn ?), we do not take the time for ourselves. Truth be told, we’ll likely have to take her with us, but either way, we would LOVE to get to back up to our favorite town in NC. Love that you’re getting to spend as much time as you are up there!
My husband and I love going to Asheville for quick get-a-ways without the kids. Our 16th anniversary is coming up soon and we would love to celebrate in Asheville!
I’d love to take my husband to Asheville to show him the beautiful scenery and check out the fun breweries. I’m from NC and miss it now living in GA!
My husband and I went to Asheville for our 5th wedding anniversary and we can’t stop thinking about wanting to go back!
Asheville is freedom to me. I don’t have a chance to get away often. Being a single working mom keeps my nose to the grindstone with little time for me. The air, the vibe, the people… Aaaahhhh
I’ve never been to Asheville, but have heard good things. This would be an awesome weekend getaway from the frigid cold up north ☺️!
I love Asheville! I’d love to go back to do some hiking and of course drinks at the Grove Park watching the sunset behind the mountains
i am road tripping ffrom michigan and headed to a 50k race in march not far from asheville and was planning on visiting asheville after the race. this airbnb looks perfect!
This looks amazing! I haven’t been to Asheville in years and would love to visit in the winter months!
I am doing my 200 hr ytt at asheville yoga center in a few weeks! The Airbnb looks perfect and am going to book for sure! Thanks for sharing such a gem!
My husband and I haven’t had a vacation in almost two years. His mother died last May, and he is the only one left in his family. At least a couple of weekends a month are spent cleaning out her house so it can be sold. I am very lucky to work in an industry I love (family owned garden center), so I was hoping we could take at least a short get-away before our busy spring season begins. This Airbnb looks so cozy, and Asheville is just close enough and yet far enough away from Raleigh that we could manage some time away.