Our Blog "A Local's Perspective"

Its many a year since the first ground was broken in Biltmore Park. Some still remember when this place was nothing but pastureland and scrub. No longer. Now, here in South Asheville, we’ve got one of the finest shopping and dining centers in town, combining downtown-style quality with easy parking and a quieter, less bustling tone. Over my many articles, I know I have touched on Biltmore Park, here and there. Sitting only ten minutes away from the luxurious Asheville Cottag

Many visit Asheville intending to spend most of their time hiking the Blue Ridge , drinking up that invigorating mountain air like landbound trout. And I’m all for some hiking , or kayaking, (even some bivouacking, perhaps) but no visit to Asheville is complete without a tour of our thriving downtown. Chock-full of awesome restaurants, and stylin’ cafes, there’s always a lot going on downtown. But somehow it still retains some of that sleepy, relaxed small-town feel.

This summer I’ve had the pleasure of perusing some of Asheville’s finest shopping establishments, some already known to me, some not. Taken all together, I can promise that Asheville’s shopping scene is sure to knock off your socks. Or sandals. It's still warm enough for sandals. When it's not raining. Weather aside, shopping in Asheville’s a great way to get in touch with local makers, and an excellent excuse to check out the grooviest parts of town. So, if you want a break

Asheville may be best known for its impeccable beer, but a savvy traveler knows that the wonders of fermentation doesn’t end there. The...