Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
An insightful and enjoyable article from Fox that paints a picture of an Asheville I recognize:
If you visit, do yourself a favor and do not overlook the River Arts District.
On first glance, the row of run-down-looking studios seems unimpressive. But by late morning, the artists start opening their doors to visitors, and the street becomes a gallery.
This is also home to Wedge Brewing Company. And it’s where we had two of our best meals – 12 Bones Smokehouse and White Duck Taco Shop. Visit the former for a premier barbecue experience with plenty o’ sides, the latter for over-the-top tacos. And it’s only a matter of time before White Duck gets the Guy Fieri ‘triple-D’ treatment.
The restaurants downtown are a bit less casual, but great places to learn about the area. After a few minutes talking to the bartender at The Market Place, a downtown restaurant and lounge, we learned about a new hiking route, to us anyway, along the Appalachian Trail. We ended up taking it — from Newfound Gap to a foreboding piece of rock called Charlies Bunion – the next day. The 10-mile hike obliterated us, but rewarded with an edge-of-the-world view and that rare feeling of total seclusion.
Back in the city, we nibbled around the rest of the restaurant scene during our last two days, in between frequent naps at Hotel Indigo. Tupelo Honey Cafe, a Southern-style kitchen, for breakfast – which included their signature goat-cheese grits. Cucina24 for an upscale Italian meal, with a Mediterranean-meets-Appalachia vibe. The hit of the trip was Chai Pani, a niche restaurant that specializes in Indian street food – in western North Carolina, so go figure.
People-watching, and people-listening could be a hobby. And if I lived in this town, I’d probably want to start an ‘Overheard in Asheville’ blog.
The lead entry, dated June 7, 2012, and overheard from an apparent guide on a local ghost tour, would be as follows:
“After the exorcism, everything’s fine. It’s just a really great place to get tapas now.”
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/06/13/asheville-travelogue/#ixzz1xjRALv80
