Mandolin Orange @ The Orange Peel | Asheville, NC

So I'm not really sure how Chad found Mandolin Orange several years ago, but after listening to the talented duo play aaaall the strings (acoustic guitar, a mandolin and violin) he was hooked. 

It took me a bit to get on board with the folk duo out of NC but when you truly listen to the talent, it's hard not to fall in love. Every time they came to a nearby venue, Boone NC...even Greenville SC....we always had prior plans and could never go...UNTIL they released their new 2019 tour that included a stop in Asheville, NC on Feb 2nd. One day after releasing their newest album (which is amaze) titled "Tides of a Teardrop" and seriously amaze, if you haven't listened to it.

Sure, it the night before Cade's birthday (oops!) but I scooped them up and stashed them in Chad's Christmas stocking this year even though we weren't doing gifts. It was a much needed date night/getaway for us both and we had soooo much fun.

We left around noon that Saturday and made it up to Sierra Nevada for our first stop and a late lunch/snack/early dinner appetizer.

I opted for the beer cheese + pretzel (which did not disappoint) and chad had a small burger + we both started with the Pale Ale. Next up, we tried Southern Gothic, which I liked even better. 

then we just walked around, kinda did our own self-guided tour and it was so neat. 

it's HUGE.

Around 4pm we decided to head over to The Grand Bohemian. It's a boutique hotel we stayed at five years ago for my 30th birthday when we visited The Biltmore. Literally right at Biltmore's entrance and just a short eight minute Uber ride to downtown. We had such an awesome experience there and loved dinner at Red Stagg, so I figured why not. I'm more a person of tradition once I know what I love! It's just one of those places that never disappoints...

the attention to detail...now do you see why Chad loves it? :) 

after a quick rest it was time for our dinner reservations at 6 downstairs at Red Stagg...

again, this was where we ate the last time we were here and Chad was obsessed with the elk tenderloin. Unfortunately that was taken off the menu about six months ago, so he settled for a ribeye BUT I got the scallops + Brussels sprouts and they were seriously the most amazing scallops I think I've ever had in. my. life.

After dinner we went back up to the room for a bit before calling an Uber to head to the show at The Orange Peel. Man, I love downtown Asheville. First time at this venue, but definitely making it a point to go back again. The doors opened at 8am and we were amongst about a hundred others in the long line. Luckily the temps were mild for this time of year or I would have been dying...

The show was great! I took far more videos than pics. 

You know we're old (tired parents!) because we came straight back to the hotel room and were in bed by midnight. The next morning we were eager to get up and get home to our birthday boy!

this cozy cowl neck camo sweater is from Sugar but we sold out. We MAY do a restock next week, so stay tuned...Also this fun puffer jacket was a major sale find from Show Me Your Mumu.

this is the gorgeous lobby. so dreamy...

until next time...

Hope it's not another five years before we're back! 

If you're wanting a romantic night away, this is definitely the place to splurge.

Do it.