This post contains affiliate links.  We had a gift certificate to spend at Mayfel’s.

Today we took a short road trip over the Blue Ridge Mountains into Asheville, NC.  We enjoyed the beautiful weather while looking at the gorgeous mountain views.  The skies were absolutely blue and had the prettiest, puffiest clouds ever.  When we arrived in Asheville drove around for several minutes looking for a parking spot.   It reminded me of the National Lampoon European Vacation when the family drives around Big Ben and Parliament for hours.  At least while we were stopped at traffic lights I could watch the hackey sack players in the small park for some summer entertainment.  Finally my husband remembered a little parking area that we used in the past so we circled around once again.  I noticed this beautiful church and had to take a picture of it!

We walked around and window shopped for several minutes.  The stores in Asheville are enchanting.  There are so many unique places to shop.  I saw jewelry, spices, hand-loomed fabrics, and so much more.  All of it was wonderful.   Finally we arrived at our lunch destination.  You’ve read my opinion of Mayfel’s before.   I couldn’t wait to visit again!!  This time since we arrived around 1 PM we were able to choose from their breakfast menu as well.  I was overjoyed to be able to get the Mountains to Sea entree which features two handmade crab cakes sauteed in butter, with Eggs Benedict served atop an English muffin and then smothered in house-made lime hollandaise.   Oh my stars.  I sigh just thinking about it.  My son was playing with my phone and refused to give it back so I could take a picture for you.  Sorry, I just couldn’t fight that battle with those delicious bites sitting before me.  Believe me, it was a divine feast.  The only other crab cakes Benedict I’ve had that even came close were in Hilton Head.  The dish at Mayfel’s was far superior.   The rest of my family had the normal (hamburgers and chicken tenders).  I don’t know what they were thinking.  My daughter said, though, “You can’t get a meal like this just anywhere.”  She was right.

But friends, this is the real highlight of our meal.  As we were finishing up our meal I remarked to my husband that I would love to try their beignets.  I wanted to eat them last time but we were in such a hurry.  So being the dear that he is, he got me an order to go.  Here they are.  Or were, I should say.  Because those babies went FAST once we were in the car.  How in the world could we resist these little pillowy bites of goodness?  My kids were amazed that such food even existed.

As we walked around Asheville’s eccentric downtown district, we encountered many street performers.  We loved the unique sound of these entertainers.  One man, wearing what appeared to be a Dr. Seuss hat, was juggling various objects and happened to stop as we passed.  He invited my daughter to choose from his assortment of tools.  He had some crazy choices like a sink brush, a rubber duck, and a wrench.  Apparently he took the three selected objects and created a story about it.  It was hilarious to watch and so engaging.  Whenever the crowd shouted “Higher” he tossed the items even higher.  We were amazed!    In one street corner a couple was playing some cool instruments while singing.  The woman tap danced on what seemed to be a metal cabinet door.  It was fun to watch and we really enjoyed the songs.  Another man played some form of a violin and had it attached to a speaker-contraption that made the music sound like an entire orchestra.  It was so beautiful!!  He was raising money to record a new CD.    There were so many more but I didn’t get pictures of them all; I was too entranced by the music.  If you go, be sure to take some dollar bills or at least some pocket change.  Part of the charm is being able to toss a bit into their instrument case.

If you live anywhere near Asheville, NC I urge you to take a little drive down there on your next road trip.  It’s such a fun place to visit and it’s truly different (in a good way) every time we go.

What are the fun places in your area?   What do you like about them?