Our Asheville bed and breakfast is committed to supporting local vendors. We are proud to have joined the WNC Cheese Trail as an associate member and often feature cheeses from Three Graces Dairy or Round Mountain Creamery. The WNC Cheese Trail features a map with the cheese makers of Western North Carolina.
When our guests have the time, we encourage them to take a field trip to view these local purveyors at work and purchase cheese for their trip home. However, some people have limited time, so we’ve laid out our Urban Cheese Trail to hit up spots within walking distance of our B&B and downtown Asheville.
5 Walnut Wine Bar
What better way to enjoy your cheese than with live music, featured nightly at 5 Walnut Wine Bar in downtown Asheville at this bar with an address of the same name. Order The Local Yocal complete with 3 cheese, baguettes and pickles. Come early as this hot spot fills up fast.
L’Ecluse-Bouchon
This perfect little hideaway is tucked above Asheville’s best French restaurant, Bouchon, in the heart of downtown. They feature cocktails, wine and beer along with small plates, desserts and espresso. We recommend the Assiette de Trois Fromages with three local rotating cheeses, garnished with housemade chutney, fruit and walnuts. We won’t tell if you accidentally order the Pommes Frites too.
The Rhu
This spot, from Rhubarb’s John Fleer, is a cafe, bakery, and pantry that celebrates local foods and producers. The Rhu is perfect for that casual lunch in downtown Asheville. Cheese is featured in the Ploughman’s Picnic: a selection of local charcuterie and cheese, sel-tines, Lusty Monk Mustard, and house pickled vegetables. Guests of Pinecrest can use a coupon for 10% off Ploughman’s Picnic!
They can also pack you a picnic to go explore and enjoy a scenic Asheville vista. For upscale farm-to-table dining, Rhubarb, has the best house made goat cheese burrata. Ever. This restaurant makes our list of favorites every time.
Rustic Grape Wine Bar
UPDATE: We are sad to announce that Rustic Grape Wine Bar has closed their doors permanently due to COVID19.
They focus on smaller productions and family run vineyards where craft and tradition result in wines full of heart and soul. Let the the staff at Rustic Grape help pick the perfect bottle of wine to accompany the Simply Fromage Board complete with four cheeses, rustic nuts, house jam, and honey along with City Bakery ciabatta, fruit/seeded crackers and parmesan twists. Something for everyone on this board. Guests of Pinecrest will receive $5 off food, the Simply Fromage Board, with purchase of 2 glasses of wine. Or attend their fun global wine and local cheese tasting, held on Saturday afternoons.
South Slope Cheese Co.
Cheese and wine can be a little overwhelming when you have so many options to choose from. Try before you buy at South Slope Cheese Co., the source for the finest cheeses, wines and gourmet goodies. Grab one of their ready made charcuterie boxes for a tasty lunch or easy picnic.
Tailgate Markets
Time your visit right and you can attend one of the area’s farmer’s markets on Saturday mornings. Started in 1980, North Asheville Tailgate Market is the oldest in the city. Asheville City Market takes up a city block on Thomas Wolfe Plaza except when it moves indoors to the Masonic Temple for winter. Hours and location vary by season but you can count on cheese from Spinning Spider Creamery, Blue Ridge Mountain Creamery and a host of other vendors.
Asheville Urban Cheese Trail Map
Plan Your Getaway
Come stay in Asheville for it’s amazing restaurant scene in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Explore the WNC Cheese Trail and then check out some of the great places to eat in Asheville. Book direct at our comfortably elegant bed & breakfast where you might find local cheese on the menu for breakfast!