Restaurant
Created by Team Frosick
Sat 10/08/05 (day 1)
Summing up a great trip
We spent a long weekend in Asheville visiting some friends of ours from Korea (they're now living in Japan). It was an interesting mix of his college friends, her college friends...and then us. The 'mutual' friends.
Bill and Sarah did the lodging legwork for this one (it was, after all, THEIR trip) and booked a great cabin on the outskirts of the town (I can't bring myself to call it a city...). We brought along a list of good ideas from our previous visit here - along with the only guidebook we were able to find in a conventional book store: The Underground Asheville Guidebook.![Image]()
Asheville is somwhat of a study in contradictions. Known for its old (conservative) wealth, its liberal arts scene, and its fantastic outdoor activities, one can easily wander down the street and observe a fascinating ideological journey from stuffily conservative, to Redneck and proud(!), to freakily radical (far enough outside the limits of typical society to qualify as something further afield than mere "ultraliberal").
We dragged 'em all out for a couple of great hikes in Pisgah National Forest (near Brevard, NC) - first up Looking Glass Rock and then up John Rock Loop. Neither hike is particularly exhausting - but both offer a bit of a challenge. In both cases, the view(s) make the effort worthwhile. Interestingly, the two peaks are visible from each other (so we have great pictures of John Rock from Looking Glass...and great pictures of Looking Glass from John Rock). Even better...I got the world's largest banana split at an ice cream stand just outside of Pisgah in Brevard. Perfect end to a hike? I think so.
Bill and Sarah did the lodging legwork for this one (it was, after all, THEIR trip) and booked a great cabin on the outskirts of the town (I can't bring myself to call it a city...). We brought along a list of good ideas from our previous visit here - along with the only guidebook we were able to find in a conventional book store: The Underground Asheville Guidebook.
Asheville is somwhat of a study in contradictions. Known for its old (conservative) wealth, its liberal arts scene, and its fantastic outdoor activities, one can easily wander down the street and observe a fascinating ideological journey from stuffily conservative, to Redneck and proud(!), to freakily radical (far enough outside the limits of typical society to qualify as something further afield than mere "ultraliberal").
And on top of all that? Some great restuarants - such as Rio Burrito, Salsa's, and Zambra (just to highlight a few). Oh yeah...there are also a couple of kick-ass Irish pubs.
We dragged 'em all out for a couple of great hikes in Pisgah National Forest (near Brevard, NC) - first up Looking Glass Rock and then up John Rock Loop. Neither hike is particularly exhausting - but both offer a bit of a challenge. In both cases, the view(s) make the effort worthwhile. Interestingly, the two peaks are visible from each other (so we have great pictures of John Rock from Looking Glass...and great pictures of Looking Glass from John Rock). Even better...I got the world's largest banana split at an ice cream stand just outside of Pisgah in Brevard. Perfect end to a hike? I think so.
Here's the group:
...and some shots from Looking Glass Rock:
...some shots from downtown Asheville:
...then there's the final hike up John Rock Trail:
A Yahoo! Contributor
I was born and raised in Asheville, and I have the best childhood memories of this city. Back when I was a kid, it was just a sleepy little spot on the map, and it has grown beyond anyone's wildest dreams. Now it seems that most of the folks who live in Asheville are from somewhere else, and I can see why. The scenery is breathtaking, the food is awesome, the cultural and arts scene is unparalled. So my question is.....why the hell am I living in San Antonio, Texas now? I am SOOOOO homesick!
Posted 1 year ago.
Report AbuseCHRISTINE (View CHRISTINE's trips)
I am planning a weekend trip. The choices are awesome. I shall certainly tell all about it when I return.
Posted 2 years ago.
Report AbuseAVLNCMAN64 (View AVLNCMAN64's trips)
Any neighborhood is gay-friendly here. Just don't go far from the city limits- people outside the town limits don't tend to be as friendly. Real estate is expensive here. West Avl is the cheaper area. Oakley is middle class. Kenilworth is more expensive. If you have MUCHO money, the best area is Monford. Good luck!
Posted 5 years ago.
Report AbusePam (View Pam's trips)
My partner and I are moving to the Asheville area as soon as my house sells. We would appreciate any comments on Gay friendly area. We have been down 2 times looking at real estate and love the area. We are planning another trip the first weekend of May.
Posted 5 years ago.
Report AbuseElizabeth (View Elizabeth's trips)
I'm planning a trip to asheville in March, but I feel completely overwhelmed with all the options. I'm going to take some of your ideas...is there anything else you would or would not recommend. Thanks for your help!!
Posted 5 years ago.
Report Abusetravel qa (View travel qa's trips)
nice trip
Posted 5 years ago.
Report AbuseChip (View Chip's trips)
Asheville - my parents met there and I've returned from the Midwest many times. A favorite place. Belle Cher - in late July - beautiful life festival. Huge in the southeast. Try it!
Posted 6 years ago.
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Sun 10/09/05 (day 2) - Brevard, Asheville
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Mon 10/10/05 (day 3) - Asheville
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Tue 10/11/05 (day 4) - Brevard
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