A Stunning European-Inspired Store And A Restaurant In North Carolina Are The Perfect Places For A Day Trip

If the likelihood is slim to travel across the pond for the holidays, this European-inspired day trip in North Carolina might be the next best experience. Europa is a charming, European-inspired store stocked by experts — avid European travelers Tom and Kim McMurtry who opened up shop in 2014. The world-class gifts there are imported from nearly 20 countries and also include some made in America. After you've made your purchases, enjoy some of the best German food you've ever tasted at Berliner Kindl. The owners from Germany craft authentic cuisine and offer superb beer and wine choices. And the best part is that both of these exciting places are located near Asheville in Black Mountain, one of the snowiest towns in North Carolina. Let's take a peek at what's in store if you take this trip into another world.

From French pocket knives to Italian hand-painted vases, fine gifts abound in Europa.

And see how pretty it looks decorated for Christmas with its warm glow against the night sky.

These three faces of Santa are delicately hand-painted eggshell ornaments from Austria.

To give your home an extra special aroma, shop for an elegant Lampe Berger fragrance lamp and fragrance all the way from France.

Just about everyone on your gift list would appreciate these silky, soft, and colorful merino wool scarves shipped from Ireland.

And from Germany, check out these lively, comical characters on handmade steins.

Speaking of Germany, after shopping all day, treat yourself to a cozy experience tucked inside a German restaurant.

Don't leave without purchasing something to take home from the deli.

Willkommen to Berliner Kindl German Restaurant!

Start off with a large beer or a glass of Leonard Kreusch wine, and we know you'll appreciate the staff's authentic German attire and hospitality.

Sit at the holiday-lit bar or a private table and sink into this well-deserved experience.

The menu is full of flavorful dishes cooked from handed-down traditional, family recipes.

Some include the grilled weisswurst dinner (veal sausage), German-style liver paté, and the classic Reuben sandwich. Save room for a delicious dessert, such as apple strudel or Black Forest Cake.

One of the most popular and delicious entrees is the Schnitzel Dinner.

The yummy meal is comprised of pork schnitzel, home fries, and cabbage with a side of house-made German sausage. A schnitzel is a thin slice of meat that is tenderized by pounding and then breaded before frying.

Doesn't this European-inspired day trip in North Carolina sound like fun? What better way to treat yourself during the holidays than by shopping for old-world goods and eating authentic German food? For more information, visit the Europa and the Berliner Kindl websites.

While you're in Black Mountain, stay the weekend in this Vrbo that is decorated for Christmas, with clear views of the mountain range and only about 20 minutes from Asheville.