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Food

The Literary-Themed Cafe In North Carolina Is Truly Enchanting

Published Jan 24, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

For an enchanting themed cafe in North Carolina, visit this English-style eatery and tea room in Hendersonville. Everywhere you look in The Book & Bee Cafe and Tea brings a feast to the eyes while awaiting a delicious, thoughtfully crafted meal. Colorful treats and cutout sandwiches are delivered on tiered serving trays against a backdrop of books, and elegant teapots with matching cups and saucers. Celebrations are announced on Facebook, such as Winnie The Pooh Day and a Happy Birthday to A.A. Milne and J. R. R. Tolkien, who by the way has an entire room dedicated to himself and C. S. Lewis! Let's take a closer look at this elaborately decorated and whimsical spot.

Even from the outside, the English elements shine in bright red.

A modern white house with a black garage, surrounded by trees and a red mailbox in front.
Management/Tripadvisor

When the steps are painted as book spines, imagine the surprises inside.

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Choose a table among the books filled with all sorts of adventures.

Cozy café corner with wooden tables, black chairs, and a wallpaper of bookshelves, featuring a flower on the table.
The Book & Bee Cafe and Tea/Facebook

It's the perfect place to have a blind date.

As you can see, the English theme runs throughout.

Cozy café interior with British-themed decor, including guards, a red phone booth, and Union Jack accents.
The Book & Bee Cafe and Tea/Facebook

When the weather's just right, sit out on the colorful patio.

A patio with red umbrellas, tables, and a mural of sunflowers and bees on a white wall.
The Book & Bee Cafe and Tea/Facebook

Start off with a scone and a pot of The Little Women wrapped in a hand-stitched teapot cozy.

A cozy scene featuring a knitted teapot cozy, a slice of cake on a plate, and a book titled "The Friday Night Knitting Club."
The Book & Bee Cafe and Tea/Facebook

The literary-themed menu includes foods aptly named, such as Poe's Panini, Gandalf’s Fancy Grilled Cheese, and Steinbeck’s Chicken Salad.

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Order the Potter’s Chicken Pot Pie for lunch with a pot of The Weasley, and some Sticky Toffee Pudding.

A red cabinet displays vintage teacups, a teapot, books, and decorative tins, creating a charming, nostalgic scene.
The Book & Bee Cafe and Tea/Facebook

And take a look at the yummy Chicken Pot Pie!

A golden-brown pastry dish, sliced into triangular pieces, served on a white plate with a fork beside it.
Carole C/Tripadvisor

We enjoy this hearty comfort food with a piping hot creamy filling of chicken, peas, carrots, corn, and onions, topped with a homemade, flaky pastry crust.

A slice of Hummingbird Cake for dessert goes nicely with a warm pot of the Silly Old Bear tea.

A teapot and a cup beside a slice of cake on a decorative plate, set against a floral backdrop.
The Book & Bee Cafe and Tea/Facebook

Reserve an afternoon tea that comes with three pretty tiers of finger sandwiches; scones with jam, lemon curd, and Devonshire cream; and other sweet treats.

A tea set with a tiered stand of pastries and a cup of tea, surrounded by a cozy library backdrop.
The Book & Bee Cafe and Tea/Facebook

Gluten-free and vegetarian trays are available upon request at the time of the reservation.

Dust off your best hat and enjoy the refinement.

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Three women in stylish hats enjoy tea and desserts at a beautifully set table with flowers and a floral backdrop.
The Book & Bee Cafe and Tea/Facebook

Cheers to this special cafe that serves brunch, lunch, and afternoon tea.

Find out more about this enchanting, themed cafe in North Carolina on the Book & Bee Cafe & Tea website. While you're there, discover why Hendersonville is a perfect getaway town. And for a beautiful place to spend a lovely weekend, reserve the Orchard Guest Cottage on Airbnb.

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Food

Word On The Street Is That Huli Sue’s Serves The Best BBQ In North Carolina

Published Aug 26, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

Huli Sue’s BBQ & Grill in Asheville is an eatery with a phenomenal reputation in North Carolina. This Hawaiian-Texan-inspired cuisine offers a unique and delicious taste that stands out in an area with plenty of traditional barbecue options. Find out why this barbecue joint in North Carolina is a step above the rest.

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Constructed in 1928, the Grove Arcade has undergone many phases during its interesting existence.

A bustling outdoor dining area with umbrellas, surrounded by trees and parked cars, near a historic building.
Grove Arcade/Facebook

The Grand Opening took place in 1929 and became home to local shops and businesses offering a variety of services and products over the years.

In 2021 the historic Grove Arcade welcomed the addition of Huli Sue’s BBQ & Grill opened by Lisa Vann and Ben Krueger who also have The Fish and The Hog in Waimea, Hawaii.

Outdoor dining area of a restaurant with blue umbrellas, yellow chairs, and colorful flowers in front.
Huli Sue's BBQ and Grill/Facebook

It didn't take long for this to become an eatery with a phenomenal reputation in North Carolina.

You can taste the island's influence on the Texas barbecue and Hawaiian dishes.

A vibrant restaurant interior with colorful decor, seating areas, and a mural of a cowboy on a horse.
Joel R/Tripadvisor

For example, folks are impressed to find an authentic and scrumptious poke bowl in Asheville.

A bowl of rice topped with diced tuna, avocado, seaweed, and orange roe, alongside a refreshing drink and flowers.
Management/Tripadvisor

This version comes with ginger-sesame-shoyu seared sashimi-grade fish, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, avocado, and aioli.

But first things first as cocktails evocative of another era - crafted with fresh juices, fruits, and adorned with lovely flowers and umbrellas - shouldn't be overlooked.

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Three colorful cocktails are raised in a toast, featuring garnishes like flowers and umbrellas, in a lively restaurant setting.
Ashley R/Tripadvisor

The Lava Flow has rum with cream of coconut, pineapple, strawberry, and lime.

For the table, a nice order of Rueben Spring Rolls contain house-made pastrami, Swiss, crunchy sauerkraut, and Russian dip.

A plate of crispy fried snacks filled with meat and cabbage, served with a dipping sauce on the side.
Management/Tripadvisor

Be warned - these cultivate a mean craving that hits you in the middle of the night.

And speaking of pastrami, you can also find it on a sandwich here - deli-style - with a choice of house-cut fries, sweet Maui Onion Chips, or a salad.

A plate featuring a grilled sandwich, a pickle, and a side of crispy sweet potato fries.
Lockie H/Tripadvisor

If you come with barbecue in mind, however; The Sampler plate delivers with brisket, baby back ribs, pulled pork, and house-made sausage.

A plate of barbecue featuring ribs, pulled pork, pickles, and baked beans, with drinks and onion rings in the background.
Management/Tripadvisor

The desserts are worthy of time all on their own for a sweet date night.

A slice of layered dessert with a graham cracker crust, banana, cream, and chocolate drizzle on top.
Huli Sue's BBQ and Grill/Facebook

Try the Banana Cream Pie, Pineapple Upside Cake, or the Haupia (coconut) Layer Cake.

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Discover more about this eatery with a phenomenal reputation in North Carolina on the Huli Sue's website. While you're in this eclectic city, find out why you might fall in love with Asheville. And check out some very cool overnight or weekend options on Vrbo.

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Food

A Pure Oil Station Is Now North Carolina’s Best New Place To Find A Duck Confit Grilled Cheese

Published Aug 7, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

It's a special event when you run into an all-day eatery with excellent food in North Carolina — especially in the heart of Black Mountain. This restaurant opened in December of 2022 offering some delightful cuisine. But the most interesting feature of the historic building turned restaurant in North Carolina is that it once was a Pure Oil Station. While those memories are gone, the community spirit in this saved building is intact. Read on about The Pure & Proper.

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A Pure Oil Station that opened in the 1940s was the beginning of a bond with the Black Mountain community.

Historic black-and-white photo of a vintage gas station with a distinctive architectural style and old gas pumps.
The Pure And Proper

The cool, historic structure stood as a beloved landmark reminding folks of the simpler times. It was lovingly saved and turned into The Pure & Proper.

A charming white building with a sloped roof, decorated for the holidays, illuminated by a vintage streetlamp at dusk.
The Pure And Proper

New life brings a warm and welcoming repurposed space with a cozy open upstairs dining room and another intimate dining room downstairs.

This all-day eatery is decorated with elegant and creative details in a variety of materials.

Cozy restaurant interior with wooden tables, chairs, and a bar, featuring warm lighting and rustic decor.
The Pure And Proper

We love the furry seats, exposed beams, and rough bricks where you'll find lunch, a cocktail hour, dinner, and Sunday brunch.

Start with the Cheese Board featuring three local cheeses, seasonal pickles, mustard, olives, marcona almonds, and stecca bread.

A wooden platter featuring assorted cheeses, olives, pickles, nuts, and crispy bread slices.
Mixa's Travels/Tripadvisor

This is a very nice item to share and goes well with one of the signature cocktails or mocktails.

While Brussels sprouts come as a side with sorghum and sherry vinaigrette, try the elegant way they are served as an entree.

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A bowl of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with crumbled cheese, crushed nuts, and a drizzle of sauce.
Lockie H/Tripadvisor

Topped with whipped ricotta, tomato jam, spiced cashews, and fresh basil, they are a piece of art.

And speaking of art, the Flat Iron Steak with crispy potatoes is a sculpture of hearty love.

A plate of steak topped with crispy fried onions and sauce, served with a knife and fork on a marble table.
LanSluderBelize/Tripadvisor

This eatery in North Carolina also makes a convenient stop for lunch after hiking up the Lookout Mountain Trail with a fresh salad, a ham and cheese, and your favorite beer or wine.

A plate of salad with greens, nuts, and cheese, alongside a sandwich, drinks, and a bottle on a table.
Harriet T/Tripadvisor

When it's nice, take advantage of the patio, and find the hike on the AllTrails website.

While the aforementioned entrees are delicious, the Duck Confit Grilled Cheese is the best grilled cheese you will ever eat.

A grilled cheese sandwich with crispy edges, served on a plate with a dark beverage in the background.
Miriam S/Tripadvisor

It's comprised of pulled duck leg confit (duck legs slow-roasted in duck fat), griddled onion, arugula, Gruyere cheese, and tomato jam.

Discover more about this historic building turned restaurant in North Carolina on The Pure & Proper website. And find out why Black Mountain is also a great place to visit in the winter.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/snowiest-town-winter-getaway-nc/

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