THE ALTERNATIVE TOWN

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This place knows how to relax...

After almost 4 years of living in North Carolina I was finally able to make my way over to Asheville, NC. I had always heard good things from others but the time had come for me to verify it for myself. It turned out to be what I had expected, but that's not a bad thing. The Appalachian Mountains nestled into its backdrop were a nice reminder of my favorite place- Pennsylvania. 

This coffee shop is actually a double decker bus. And the workers are about as unique as the bus itself.

The first thing you notice upon arrival is the people; lets just say that they are laid back. This demeanor serves to cultivate the entire atmosphere of the town. Diners and cafes have their own private gardens were they grown produce, herbs, and spices. Shops and galleries have old couches and chairs to loiter in. And street performers are around every corner.

Walking through the Sunny Point Cafe private garden. An excellent breakfast stop in Asheville.

The Sunny Point Cafe has some seriously good entries, especially anything with herbs like oregano or basil, freshly grown in the garden.

As I have highlighted in my original write up, the curious bunch who play instruments made of old household items, known as the Carolina Cat Skins seem to perfectly capture the attitude and feel of the town. If you've ever wondered what all the hippies do when they aren't protesting something here they are, strolling around Asheville, NC with reckless abandonment.

Don't Forget the Biltmore Estate

Some may see the Biltmore Estate as a pampas, overblown, and gaudy place in a Disney style wrapper. Those people may have a point, however, I would argue that a visit is still worth your time. This is based on one unlikely feature- the audio tour. Normally, audio tours are an afterthought for attractions and landmarks, but the Biltmore's was surprisingly well done as you walk through the colossal mansion which is said to be the largest private home on the Eastern seaboard of the United States. The tour will give you just enough information in each area to be informative with colorful anecdotes but not put you to sleep.

The surrounding grounds of the estate  with its six gardens and private atrium are worth even more of your time and are a pleasure to walk through.

Just basking in the wonders of nature, lol. The atrium was a welcome place since it was rather cold outside at the time. Pic (right)- The bowling ally didn't have an electronic delivery system in 1896 so they would have a butler stand at each side of the lane and manually roll the ball back down the rails.

Besides paying for general entry to the estate and the walking tour, keep your wallet stowed away safety. Anything else in here will most surely be a price gouging experience. Your best bed is to take a 5min drive into town when you get hungry.


Overall the Biltmore was a fascinating place to walk through and showed the incredible level of luxury that was afforded to the top 1% of the nation at the turn of the 19th century. This was one of the first residences in the world to have a private indoor pool, bowling alley. Mind you it was 1896! Most houses today still don't have indoor pools or bowling alleys.

Did I mention the pool had underwater lighting? Yes the lighting is original. Most rural homes didn't even have electricity at the time.

Buftip- If you really want to save some money don't pay for the tour at all. Just check out the lawn to the immediate left of the mansion. The view is identical to what you would be seeing through the windows inside, which was one of the most impressive features of the tour.

Chimney Rock State Park

One final stop I must highlight is taking a 30min drive from Asheville to Chimney Rock State Park. If you want to get some exercise in while enjoying a view this is a perfect place. The fee was a bit steep for a state park; $10 per adult and $7 with a military discount. 


All in all it serves to be a good climb with a number of overlooks and summits. The small village surrounding the landmark has some of the best homemade jellies and jams as well. Don't forget to pull off along the side of the road and grab some.