There are a few things about Asheville, North Carolina, that make it an amazing destination to vacation: more craft beers than you could ever try in one weekend, a funky artsy vibe, and amazing mountains and rivers to see and to experience. Over this past weekend, John and I took advantage of every moment to experience this place and were only able to scratch the surface of all it has to offer.
During our stay, we were thrilled to stay at the Grove Park Inn, an incredible historic hotel tucked into the hillside. Built just over one hundred years ago, the hotel is impressive by today's standards and is made all the more so when you consider the feat that it must have been to build something of this size and grandeur in the North Carolina Highlands in the early 1900's.. and to have done so in only 11 months time. From the fireplaces at either end of the lobby (both with working elevators inside the fireplace) to the spa, golf course, and inspiring views from Sunset Terrace, this hotel is an experience in itself.
However, we also took advantage of some of the fun outside the hotel property during our visit including white water rafting, taking in the sights and sounds of the city, and enjoying the Blue Ridge Parkway on the two wheels of a Harley Davidson.
Though the water was low on the French Broad River, the rapids were running and the lower water levels allowed us opportunity to take some pathways down the river that we wouldn't have been able to enjoy in higher water. There were plenty of laughs and lots of exciting splashes but one of the things I always enjoy most about taking a tour such as this is getting to know the guides who make their living taking tourists on these adventures. They are typically young, athletic, adventurous, and always full of life. They are doing what they absolutely love to do and their enthusiasm and passion translates into a more interesting experience for everyone.
The Asheville area has a vibrant, albeit somewhat hippy, artistic community. I traveled some of our stay with a local photographer who guided me to points of interest while sharing photography tips and lessons along the way. We saw notable city landmarks, enjoyed the Friday night drum circle, saw many interesting locals, and appreciated some of the non-traditional art found in the city alleys and backways. One thing he encouraged me to do was to focus on one thing - a color or a shape - when going to explore a new place. The philosophy is that by focusing on looking for one thing, you will see things that you might not have seen before. (Hmmm...I think there is a broader lesson there!)
Much of our trip was dedicated to riding the Blue Ridge Parkway on a Harley Davidson. I've long wanted to see the Blue Ridge and there was no better way to do so than from the back of a motorcycle. Those two wheels allowed us such freedom of travel and the benefit of feeling the sunshine on your cheeks and being able to smell the deep forest smells as we drove through the parkway. If you've never driven the parkway, I highly recommend. We were only able to experience a small portion of the entire parkway but I absolutely intend to return and continue my exploration.
Asheville may not seem, at first suggestion, to be a very exotic choice of vacation. But we found it to be just the opposite. It is exotic, and funky, and outdoorsy, and just plain fun.
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