Welcome to the next installment of our Southern Hospitality feature! Each month, we pick a Southern city and an expert host. Our host shares their favorite items custom to that city that would be perfect packed into a welcome bag for family and friends at a weekend wedding. There’s nothing like Southern hospitality, especially at a destination wedding!
This month, we chose to feature Asheville, the largest city in Western North Carolina and truly a unique city. I’ve been lucky enough to visit multiple times, experiencing everything from walking around downtown to visiting the Biltmore to cheering at an The Avett Brothers concert on New Year’s. But the last time I visited Asheville was in February, when I was staying nearby to review a Honey List destination. You can read more here!
Once we decided to feature Asheville, we knew we had to ask our friends, Melissa and Becca of Asheville Event Company, to be our experts. I know you’ll enjoy their picks! Having a wedding in Asheville? Let us know in the comments below!
A. Tupelo Honey Cookbook. Tupelo Honey is one of the most popular restaurants in town and this cookbook features all their favorite recipes for good ole’ southern cuisine. ($34.94)
B. Gift certificate to 12 Bones. They arguably have the best BBQ in town and maybe in the Southeast. President Obama has stopped by twice to sample their tasty treats. The blueberry chipotle sauce is a must try! (price varies)
C. Locally grown honey from Sweet Betty Bee’s farm. Need I say any more? ($72.00 per case of 24 1.5 oz. jars)
D. Go Local gear. Asheville supports a strong climate of buying local and staying local. Go local, love Asheville t-shirts are the perfect way to embrace Asheville’s culture. (price varies)
E. Biltmore Estate tickets and a bottle of their wonderful wine! Explore George Vanderbilt’s extraordinary home, beautiful gardens, and Antler Hill Village & Winery while you are in Asheville! (price varies)
F. Gaelic Ale Mustard from Crooked Condiments. A smooth, thick mustard with a touch of heat and a touch of sweet featuring Asheville’s very own Highland Gaelic Ale. ($3.95 for 4 oz.)
G. Beer! Asheville has earned the title of “Beer City USA” for three years in a row. With fourteen breweries located in the region, beer is the perfect gift to include in your guest tote. The first brewery in Asheville was Highland Brewery. Try their Gaelic Ale or one of their many seasonal beers. Or, if you love beer so much that you want to experience all that Asheville has to offer, try the Asheville Brews Cruise. (price varies)
H. Apple. Western North Carolina is home to a large crop of apple growers. Enjoy one of our delicious varieties of apples in your welcome bag. (price varies)
I. French Broad Chocolates. Who doesn’t love chocolate? French Broad Chocolates quickly became one of the hottest downtown spots pairing a love for chocolate and their lounge. They are world famous for the truffles! (price varies)
J. Asheville area notecards by local artist, Jeff Pittman. Write individual notes to each of your guests or give each of them a set to include in their welcome gift. ($25.00 for pack of 10)
We paired our experts’ picks with this cool design from Mink Letterpress. Want a tote of your own? Simply download the PDF here and take it to your local screenprinter. Thanks, Nicole!
From the Asheville area and have additional suggestions to add to our tote? What did you love about Asheville if you’ve visited before? Have a city in mind for future posts? Comment below and let us know!
Check out past totes:
Nashville
Atlanta
Austin
Richmond
Emerald Coast
Charleston
Chapel Hill
Oh my gosh, thank you so much!!!! I’m so excited!! Justine and Alexandra’s boards were both so amazing and it was an honor to be chosen along with them. Thanks for such a fun contest, Southern Weddings! Hope to see many more in the future! :)