One of the advantages of living in Tennessee (as my parents do) is its proximity to so many states. This may not seem like something spectacular to many people from the US, but when you come from one of the bigger states, as I do, where you can drive for more than half a day and still be in the same state, it’s a special kind of novelty. So in late November, we took advantage of our proximity to North Carolina and made the drive to Asheville, a couple hours away.
Asheville has a reputation as a cute, quirky, hip, college town, so I wasn’t surprised that they have an entire River Arts District, spread out along the banks of the French Broad River that runs through town.
The arts district consists of more than 180 galleries, studios, boutiques, eateries, shops, etc., which are located in the former industrial part of town. We didn’t really have a specific goal, so we just pulled up and started walking around, starting off in a few ceramic and painting studios, visiting an antique place (where my brother and mom bought some cast iron skillets and my best friend bought a sun hat), and ending up at The Wedge, home of Wedge Brewing Company. Um, yes please?
Unfortunately, I was starting to feel the aches and pains that accompanied the fever I got soon afterward, so no beer for me, but my brother and friend enjoyed their drinks, and I know next time I make it to Asheville, Wedge will be the first stop. If you visit Asheville, consider checking out the River Arts District. Not everything will catch your interest, but it’s guaranteed that something will.
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