Asheville, North Carolina

Warning: I had every intention of regaling y'all with my traveling anecdotes chronologically. I thought I could really raise my esteem in the eyes of my peers (oh my, how industrious is she?) but like most women with a myriad of responsibilities my plan went to hell when my dad with whom I stayed on days 4-8 didn't have any internet connection and we kept way too busy having fun to frequent the nearby coffee shop that did. To top that off on the last day of our trip my power connection for my lap top (containing many photos I NEED) malfunctioned and I am awaiting my trip to the Apple genius bar tomorrow to fix it. So now you'll have to take it out of order...

Road Trip Days 5-7: Sunken in the middle of the Smokey Mountains is the beautiful city of Asheville. I drive about 8 minutes down the mountains from my family property in the Beaverdamn Gap and another 8 minutes into the city and I am  in the midst of the most bohemian place you could imagine.

I promise I will absolutely make your mouth water and you may even gain a few virtual pounds when I can access my laptop and share all the delicious culinary delights to be had in Asheville.

My people are mountain people. They are not city people but I crave both. You know how I hate indecisiveness but I love staying up the mountain and driving down to the city for the stimulation I require. There are so much to appreciate about both.

My dad doesn't really comprehend it because he would be happy to avoid the city at all costs but he usually allows me to drag him around wherever we want to go for two or three days before he declines the offer to join us on our outings. He really loves when we return from out escapades with funny stories or yummy food we have found on our journey.

Once you get down the "hill" to the city you'll find a unique mix of  down home friendliness and urban sophistication. I think that is one of the draws for such a wide range of people you will find inhabiting, touring and retiring to this area. Not to mention the inexhaustable opportunities for outdoor recreation and the moderate 4 season climate. It is a prime example of the south with a diverse mix of folks with differing skin color, religions, political beliefs and socio-economic statuses. 

 There of course is plenty of controversy as migration to this area increases and development occurs. You'll find the typical battle of business trying to capitalize on the area's resources versus the environmentalist (close the door and lock it after you have found your personal piece of heaven) going on. I find the diversity and controversy stimulating due to my "smart growth" practical philosophy of life. I appreciate a workable approach to these things. I have a strong belief in respecting the environment and mother earth but not putting up stubborn roadblocks to expansion.

Sustainable is the new key word in our world and it is in Asheville too. I have no argument with that at all although I get the feeling it will soon be an over used label in our contemporary vocabulary that we all may become desensitized to like so many other good concepts. The economically responsible shopper in me was disappointed to find the prices at some of the boutiques that advetise social responsibility to be so out of touch of with the income level of the local population.

I find it ironic strolling through town multiple days in one week I found the same townies sitting out front of businesses that proclaim to be organic, sustainable and environmentally responsible smoking cigarettes and tossing their butts into the streets of this otherwise pretty little city with so much to offer.