The Gluten-Free Traveler Spotlight: Asheville, North Carolina

Tucked into the misty folds of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is more than just a postcard-perfect Southern town—it’s a haven for artists, food lovers, and yes, gluten-free travelers. This vibrant Appalachian gem hums with creativity and hospitality, its walkable downtown alive with murals, buskers, and the irresistible scent of something sizzling on a cast iron skillet. For those avoiding gluten, Asheville offers not only a safe place to dine, but a downright joyful one—where farm-to-table isn’t a trend, it’s a way of life.


What sets Asheville apart for gluten-free diners isn’t just the number of options—it’s the intention behind them. The city’s deep-rooted wellness culture, commitment to local ingredients, and open-minded culinary scene have created fertile ground for celiac-safe innovation. Menus here don’t just accommodate food sensitivities—they celebrate them. From biodynamic breweries to vegan bakeshops, Asheville welcomes gluten-free eaters with knowledge, creativity, and a friendly nod that says: “We’ve got you.”

What should You Try?


A standout stop for any gluten-free traveler is Posana, a sleek yet cozy restaurant tucked along historic Pack Square. Their entire dinner menu is 100% gluten-free, crafted with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and a chef’s eye for balance. Think sorghum-crusted trout with sweet corn purée, or tender braised short ribs over root vegetable mash. It’s refined comfort food, minus the worry.


Just down the road, OWL Bakery (Old World Levain) offers a dreamlike escape into the world of European-inspired pastries—many of which are available gluten-free. Their buckwheat tea cakes and almond flour financiers taste like something straight out of a Parisian patisserie, yet every crumb is carefully labeled and celiac-conscious. The vibe? Warm, romantic, and scented with cardamom.


And for those craving a casual bite or a gluten-free beer flight, Burial Beer Co. pairs its edgy, metal-meets-mountain aesthetic with rotating menus that thoughtfully mark gluten-free dishes and work with local vendors who “get it.” Their Asheville location regularly hosts pop-ups that include dedicated GF food trucks and experimental dishes using local heritage grains.


Asheville is proof that gluten-free travel can be both safe and exhilarating. At Petley Grain, we believe food should bring joy—not anxiety—and we love spotlighting destinations where gluten-free living feels expansive, not restrictive. Whether you’re sipping cider by a mountain stream or savoring a tart made with almond flour and wild blueberries, we hope Asheville inspires your next adventure—and your next bake.


Inspired by the flavors of this trip? Bring the experience home with Petley Grain.

Our gluten-free flours and mixes bring the craft of travel-inspired cuisine into your own kitchen—thoughtfully developed, carefully sourced, and worthy of every bite.

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