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10 Favorites for Asheville Gay and Lesbian Visitors |
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Also see: Asheville Gay Owned/Friendly Inns | Gay Real Estate | Asheville Gay Travel Feature |
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Gay and lesbian visitors find plenty of fun things to do in Asheville. What could be better? Enjoy the great outdoors of the Blue Ridge Mountains during the day, and return to downtown Asheville for an evening of fine food and drinks. If you are not into hiking or driving the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, there are plenty of options for shopping and museums. And don't forget Biltmore! Here are some ideas for you:
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June 2, 2012: k.d. lang, Harrah's Cherokee Event Center
She has won both Juno Awards and Grammy Awards for her musical performances; hits include "Constant Craving" and "Miss Chatelaine." She has contributed songs to movie soundtracks and has teamed with musicians such as Roy Orbison, Tony Bennett, Elton John, Anne Murray and Jane Siberry.
June 24, 2012: Sheryl Crow, Harrah's Cherokee Event Center
Sheryl Crow has sold 16 million albums in the United States and 35 million albums worldwide, performed duets with Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Luciano Pavarotti, John Mellencamp, Kid Rock, Michelle Branch, and Sting and won nine Grammy Awards over the course of her career. She's best known for her songs "All I Wanna Do", "Strong Enough", "If It Makes You Happy", "Everyday Is a Winding Road", "Soak Up the Sun", "Steve McQueen", "The First Cut Is the Deepest", and "Picture" (with Kid Rock).
Click here to visit their Web site. |
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1. Romantic Dinner: With more than 50 great restaurants, downtown Asheville offers something for everyone! Most any of them are gay friendly if you want to hold hands and be yourself. Plus, there are many other choices in and out of town. See our Asheville Restaurant Guide. |
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2. LaZoom Tour: Yes, that's a guy in bad drag swallowing fire. Sister Bad Habit and other zany characters will entertain you on this hilarious 90-minute bus tour of Asheville. Read and see more about the purple LaZoom Bus. |
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3. Happy Hour: Welcome to Beer City USA! Sample more than 50 local brews, walking from pub-to-pub downtown. Is wine more your style, stop by one of our wine bars. Smokey's Tavern (18 Broadway St) is a small gay bar that is convenient to drop in while walking around downtown. You will also find a dozen coffee shops downtown with local flavor and great atmosphere.
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4. Explore Malaprops: To experience a true slice of Asheville, hang out in the place voted "Best Independent Bookstore in the Southeast." Lesbian-owned, it has a spirited atmosphere which draws a diverse crowd for readings and live music. For premium people watching, have a cup of coffee in their café or enjoy outdoor seating in the summer. Downtown, 55 Haywood St. Go to their Web site. |
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5. Biltmore Estate: Don't miss seeing the largest home in America, with an amazing collection of art and antiques, grand gardens, wine tasting at the winery, and the outdoor equestrian center. And there are numerous places to escape from the crowd for a romantic picnic or walk. See our Biltmore Estate Guide. |
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6. Live Music or Theatre: To listen and dance to some great jazz and blues, go to Tressa's (28 Broadway), which has a mixed straight and gay crowd. For folk music, interesting variations of blue grass, swing, and more, head to Jack of the Wood (95 Patton Ave). For a variety of music headliners, check out The Orange Peel (101 Biltmore Avenue). In the mood for the performing arts? There are several community and repertory theatre groups in town. Or see a first-run independent film or often a gay-themed film at the Fine Arts Theatre (36 Biltmore Ave). Pick up the Mountain Express weekly entertainment guide when you arrive. For more, visit the After Dinner & Nightlife Guide. |
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7. Antique Shopping: Downtown Asheville has several antique shops and malls in close proximity. The Antique Tobacco Barn is a must stop! Many couples plan a visit to Asheville around a Robert Brunk Antique Auction, one of the premier auction houses in the southeast. Visit the Shopping Guide for more. |
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8. Gallery Hopping: John Cram owns the two biggest galleries in Asheville, Blue Spiral I downtown (38 Biltmore Ave) and New Morning Gallery in Biltmore Village. Blue Spiral has an incredible collection of fine art and crafts; better than many art museums. There are dozens of galleries downtown, plus more in Biltmore Village and the River Arts District. Visit the Gallery Guide and Art Festivals Guide for more. |
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9. Get Outdoors: For great hikes, visit the Asheville Hikes & Walks Guide. If a picnic along the Blue Ridge Parkway sounds inviting, stop by Laurey's Catering downtown at 67 Biltmore Avenue for a delicious food to go. See our Top 100 Outdoor Guides for other ideas. Explore Chimney Rock Park, go whitewater rafting (NOC and Wildwater are especially gay friendly) or zip line on a canopy tour. |
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10. Gay Bars and Dance Clubs: There are four GLBT bars in downtown Asheville!
The largest Asheville gay nightclub for dancing is Scandals, downtown (11 Grove Street near Patton Avenue) in a brick building called "Grove House" that looks like a large house. It has three levels, four bars, and three dance floors.
The mixed lesbian and gay Club Hairspray (38 N French Broad Ave) attracts eclectic people to an unusual and unique nightclub. Open Monday – Saturday. Main bar is designed to take you back to the 1960′s with a unique decor mimicking the original movie “Hairspray” directed by John Waters. Entertainment includes DJ’s, Karaoke, bands and variety shows featuring drag Kings and Queens!
O.Henry’s (237 Haywood Street) is the longest running gay bar in North Carolina. 35 Years strong, it has recently undergone a complete renovation with new ownership. Taking on a comfortable lodge-like look with a cool vibe, O.Henry’s continues to offer up a great friendly staff that draws locals and travelers alike. O.Henry’s also houses a cool industrial bar in the back called “The Underground”. It plays host to multiple special events from Hip Jazz & Blues, female impersonation shows, Dance Your Ass Off Parties and home for the WNC Leathermen (first Saturday of every month).
Smokey's Tavern (18 Broadway St) is a small downtown bar with a couple of pool tables and friendly guys. It's a good place to stop before hitting the other clubs. |
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Smokey's Tavern is a friendly gay bar at 18 Broadway in Downtown Asheville
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