Even the entrance of Neng Jr.’s is artfully crafted in the back of a building - how can we miss this beautiful mural on Jarrett Street?

Neng Jr.’s is the first Filipinx restaurant of its kind in Asheville, NC, which officially opened on July 1, 2022.

Order an elegant hand-crafted cocktail while you wait, and these drinks aren't ordinary.

The menu regularly changes based on the availability of items sourced from hard-working farmers and producers which inspire the staff.

Never short on flavor, the scallops are always excellent, sauteed with fresh herbs and spices, including Chinese pumpkin.

And speaking of seafood, when it's offered on the menu, order it because it is the freshest around.

And if you don't try anything else, taste the Duck Adobo, with creamy, fat meat; and tons of garlic that will leave you wanting to lick the plate.

Finish off this exquisite meal with one of the fantastic dessert options.

1. DJ's Berry Patch, Apex

2. Harvest Farm, Valle Crucis

3. Nix Pumpkin Patch, Hendersonville

4. Johnny Wilson Farm, Granite Falls

5. Gross Family Farms, Sanford

6. Lantern Farm, West Jefferson

7. Spring Haven Farm, Chapel Hill

8. Briley's Farm Market, Greenville

9. Red Wolf Farm, Maiden

10. Hawks Pumpkin Patch, Winston-Salem

1. Liberty Antique Festival, Staley, Sept. 29-30

2. Mountain Heritage Day, Cullowhee, Sept. 30

3. Ol' Front Porch Music Festival, Oriental, Oct. 6-7

4. Carolina Mountain Cheese Festival, Black Mountain, Oct. 8

5. Autumn Leaves Festival, Mount Airy, Oct. 13-15

6. NC Mountaineer and Apple Butter Festival, Bakersville, Oct. 20-21

7. Valle Country Fair, Banner Elk, Oct. 21

8. Living History Festival, Vale, Oct. 28

9. Lexington Barbecue Festival, Lexington, Oct. 28

Plan on attending one of the best festivals in the state, showcasing how we used to live.

Old methods of farming and transportation are part of the Agricultural Museum tour, inside a huge, rustic barn.

Watch old-time demonstrations of how a sawmill was operated, of peanut threshing, woodworking, and other activities from historic interpreters.

Live performances are offered throughout the day on the outdoor amphitheater.

This exhibit alone is enough to draw us to this event, offering creative artistry in the composition of these beautiful machines.

Or we can be led around by one on a hay wagon ride.

As folks can see, there's more than one way to get around.

The little ones love this trip through the grounds in their own tiny cars.

And don't forget to visit the sweet, friendly farm animals.

These crabs are native to the Atlantic coast from Brazil to South Florida, but a few sightings have been reported in South Carolina since 2008.

Biologists suspect we may see the crabs following heavy rains which can drive them from their burrows.

And while we expect them to be blue, their colors vary.

The juveniles can range from vibrant orange to purple, and to dark brown.

The crabs also take a while to grow and have an unusually long lifespan, reaching maturity at four years old and surviving up to age 11.

Blue land crabs are hard to catch because they are so fast at hiding in their deep burrows underground.

Researchers are trying to learn the extent of the crab's distribution throughout the Carolinas and how it might impact the environment and other wildlife.

1. Elon University

2. Elon Farmers Market

3. Lawrence Slade Park

4. Simply Oak Boutique

Shop for dresses, loungewear, jewelry, and cool stuff for the home.

5. The Root Trackside

Taste the passion in the flavorful made-from-scratch food crafted with quality ingredients.

6. Latham Park

In addition to the residents, Elon University brings in a yearly 19,000 applications for a first-year class of 1,800 students.

One of the best features of the Lake Johnson Trail is the variety it offers for bird-watching.

The trail begins at the Eastern end of the lake near the dam where a gaggle of geese is out stretching its legs.

We're always grateful for the graceful gifts of Lake Johnson, such as the great blue herons and the great egrets.

This fuzzy little bird would rather float than fly - we all have those days.

Some enjoy the shelter of the shady trees, such as the sweet barred owl.

How majestic this one looks on his perch up high.

Framed all in wood, the handsome bird sings a perfect song.

Keep watching, especially at dusk when the park closes.

1. The views surrounding Fontana Dam

2. Elk Watching at Oconaluftee

3. Waterfall Walk at Deep Creek

4. Stunning Views from Clingmans Dome

5. Fall Foliage on the Sunset Tuckasegee River Train

6. Browsing the Smoky Mountain Farmers and Artisans Market

7. Pumpkin Picking and Fall Fun at Darnell Farms

8. Sunset Brews at Top Breweries

9. Fly-Fishing on the Tuckasegee River

Louise's sits inside a charming house that was built in 1904.

Almost everything has been carefully kept original to the house, making this a cool space with interesting corners to eat in.

Or sit outside on the cool, shady porch when the weather allows.

Begin the day with a Big Boy Burrito.

We love the buttermilk pancakes served with love and house-made vanilla bean syrup, strawberries, and a choice of bacon or Chop Shop sausage.

And when this special is offered, grab it!

A Black and Bleu Salad for lunch comes with locally-grown greens, berries, bleu cheese crumbles, red onions, and toasted pecans served with blueberry vinaigrette.

When our stomach calls for something hearty, we choose the Philly classic with a Southern twist.

And house-made desserts top off the meal, which are often freshly-baked cookies and yummy cinnamon rolls.

As you cross the threshold prepare your tastebuds for something extraordinary.

The menu is simple at Hole Doughnuts in Asheville.

And we watch the process unfold while we await the deliciousness.

The baker carefully lays out circles that best hold the sugary glaze.

Just seconds out of the fryer, these jewels are glazed and delivered - how fresh is that?

We love the nooks and crannies allowing the sugary goodness to glide and situate.

Some of the spring and summer seasonal glazes include luscious house-smoked peaches and bourbon.

Holidays bring such concoctions in the house as brandy eggnog, sorghum bourbon, and cranberry ginger.

And even if it's just you at home - take some advice.