Summer — the season of neighborhood cookouts, popsicle juice dripping down sticky fingers, and road trips. That’s why we’re excited to kick off Hit the Road, a summer road trip series featuring three destinations throughout June, July, and August — each with its own theme. We’ll be talking outdoor adventures, 30-mile getaways, and something for the foodies.

Before you pack your bags, here are some of our recommendations to prepare locally:

🥤 Stock up on road trip essentials

Earth Fare, 66 Westgate Pkwy.

Do you need paper towels, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, coffee, sushi, or a slice of pizza? Find all that and then some at our hometown grocery store, whose grab-n-go breakfast burritos will fuel adventures aplenty.

The Rhu, 10 S. Lexington Ave.

This bakery and Appalachian pantry offers coffee, housemade sandwiches and salads, and sweet treats galore (think: cookies, doughnuts, and the best brownies we’ve ever had). We recommend the smoked sunburst trout bagel + the cheese trail plate.

Hopey & Co., 800 Fairview Rd. #111

We love dropping into this local discount grocer for its abundant selection of unique snacks, like these sweet + savory Hippie Chippies tortilla chips.

🎶 Create a road trip playlist

Check out these local artists + add some of their tunes to your road trip rotation.

Jane Kramer, “Valley of the Bones”
Moses Sumney, “Live from Blackalachia”
Juan Holladay, “Beauty Sleep”
Indigo De Souza, “Any Shape You Take”

🚘 Get your car ready

Check the fluids + car battery. If you notice anything out of the ordinary or need a last-minute oil change before you go, head to one of these local car shops.

Organic Mechanic, 568 Haywood Rd.
VJ’s Auto Services, 500 Lyman St.
Jack Smith’s Transmission & Automotive Service, 240 Biltmore Ave.

🐶 Don’t forget about fido

Be sure to line up accommodations for your pet while you’re away. Reach out to one of the many local pet sitters or pet boarding facilities. Here are a few:

Pet Vet on Patton, 2 Hansel Ave.
Miss Jane’s Pet Sitting, Asheville + surrounding area
Anything but Alligators, Asheville