I consider Asheville, N.C., the most peaceful city in the Southeast. As soon as I get there, I feel a calmness fall over me, and I immediately embrace it. As someone who travels often for work, it’s a welcome change to visit a city and do absolutely nothing.

Still, even the laziest tourist needs breakfast. For grits and hot coffee, you can’t miss Early Girl Eatery on Wall Street. The waitresses are always friendly and the food is so satisfying. With minimal presentation and fresh ingredients, the local flavors really pop. Near the Farmer’s Market, the Moose Caf‚ reminds me of the home-cooking family restaurants my grandparents took me to, when I was a kid. If you’ve never had apple butter, generously slather it on the biscuits here and you’ll dream about it later. If I feel particularly indulgent, I’ll order the hearty chicken fried steak.

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