In 2008, Stewbert and I were northbound in the Appalachians, coming up from Panama City Beach, Florida. It was late in the afternoon and we made a fuel stop in North Carolina. We knew nothing about Asheville. Aside from having a great name, it was nothing more than a convenient and appropriate stop for the night.
What Stewbert and I discovered, nestled amongst the soft peaks of the Appalachians, was a hidden gem of American cities. At a population of about 73,000, it is only slightly larger than Janesville, Wis. This is precisely why the city is so special - it is so easily overlooked. Walking up Broadway in Asheville, there is a feeling of discovery, as though you are the first person to stumble upon this secretive outcrop of culture. Indeed, as Stewbert and I headed south on this year's motorcycle trip, we decided to make Asheville our final destination before heading home.
In the newness of June, Asheville is spectacular. The city has done much to preserve an open-air pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. Street bands and vocal performances provide a pleasant background ambiance, and almost shockingly, people dress up when they go out! I saw women wearing complimentary summer dresses who were escorted by men in khakis and button-up shirts. There were no flip-flops in Asheville.
It was no surprise to learn that in 2007, Asheville was ranked number one on a list of popular American cities to live (beating out the likes of San Francisco and Portland). With over 30 art galleries, a burgeoning culinary scene (including the best sushi I've had outside New York City), and a multitude of sidewalk cafes, I know Asheville will be a destination for trips to come. Besides, like I said, it's got a great name.
- Dan Wegmueller writes a weekly column for the Times, and an annual journal from his summer motorcycle trip. He can be reached at dwegs@tds.net
What Stewbert and I discovered, nestled amongst the soft peaks of the Appalachians, was a hidden gem of American cities. At a population of about 73,000, it is only slightly larger than Janesville, Wis. This is precisely why the city is so special - it is so easily overlooked. Walking up Broadway in Asheville, there is a feeling of discovery, as though you are the first person to stumble upon this secretive outcrop of culture. Indeed, as Stewbert and I headed south on this year's motorcycle trip, we decided to make Asheville our final destination before heading home.
In the newness of June, Asheville is spectacular. The city has done much to preserve an open-air pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. Street bands and vocal performances provide a pleasant background ambiance, and almost shockingly, people dress up when they go out! I saw women wearing complimentary summer dresses who were escorted by men in khakis and button-up shirts. There were no flip-flops in Asheville.
It was no surprise to learn that in 2007, Asheville was ranked number one on a list of popular American cities to live (beating out the likes of San Francisco and Portland). With over 30 art galleries, a burgeoning culinary scene (including the best sushi I've had outside New York City), and a multitude of sidewalk cafes, I know Asheville will be a destination for trips to come. Besides, like I said, it's got a great name.
- Dan Wegmueller writes a weekly column for the Times, and an annual journal from his summer motorcycle trip. He can be reached at dwegs@tds.net