NC Arboretum Near Asheville Debuts Arbor Eatery for Visitors

The North Carolina Arboretum added a new reason to linger on March 1, opening the Arbor Eatery inside its Education Center at the crown of the Buncombe County campus. The venture was founded by the owners of two locally rooted businesses, My Food Experience Catering and French Broad Pastry, and the menu reflects both that heritage and the surrounding landscape.

The opening menu centers on wholesome sandwiches, vibrant salads, and delicate handmade quiche, rounded out by seasonal creations the Arboretum describes as "inspired by the turning year." To drink, the eatery pours thoughtfully chosen wines and local beers alongside locally roasted coffee and hot teas. Every dish is made to order. "Each dish is lovingly prepared by hand, made to order with care and intention," according to the Arboretum's description of the new space.

Sourcing follows the same philosophy as the gardens surrounding the building. "Whenever possible, we gather ingredients from close to home, letting the rhythm of the seasons guide our offerings," the Arboretum notes. "As the landscape changes, so too does our table." An expanded menu is expected in the coming weeks.

The eatery is currently open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beginning April 1, summer hours extend the closing time to 5 p.m.

Seating runs both indoors and out. The Arboretum describes the exterior options as a covered patio, cool shade, or sunlit tables, covering most weather preferences for visitors who want to eat before heading onto the winding garden paths.

Thursday also brings a separate development for anyone visiting the Arboretum today: the front entrance reopened this morning, March 20, after a period of restricted access. The Arboretum asked visitors to remain aware of continued construction work in the area as the site returns to full operation.