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Hotel Class: 
3 Stars - 159 Opinions
84 Oakland Rd., Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, United States
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of people enjoy staying here
159 Opinions
biltmore estate in december
This view drew Geo. Vanderbilt to Asheville
Corner Kitchen
colorful Asheville
I'm thinking of moving to Asheville, but would like to live 30-45 minutes from the city. I recently visited, but couldn't find any place where there might be any somewhat progressive folks (culture, politics, art) except for in the city. Does anyone know of any smaller towns nearby, especially in the mountains, that might be at least slightly liberal?
THANKS!
Culture, politics and art take on a different pace in the mountains. A sweeter generally more gentle pace - there are many artists and artisans in the mountains and a wide variety of music. We saw a group of young children playing violins (they were taking Suzuki method lessons and were very good at the age of 3, 4 and 5 already) at a local celebration in Dillsboro as well as folks of all ages playing bluegrass and country. It is not unusual to hear strains of classical music coming from cabins. Folks in the mountains have a strong independent spirit and do their own thing. As for politics, we've tried to stay away from discussing those matters in the mountains - so I can't comment on that. Check out Dillsboro and Brasstown. Also around Highland, NC. We haven't been north of Asheville, but there might be places up that way. Just be a good neighbor.
that'll be hard to find --- honestly. asheville is sodom in the middle of mayberry. other than asheville, very "red state" in the mountains.
One might think I was posing for this picture, but I was truly worn slap out and it was only 1pm. This is no complaint, a rigorous tour over hill and dale with acemj is good for the body and soul, not to mention the VT page. The views and everything I learned on that day was well worth it and, as an added bonus, I was able to sleep well each night that weekend.
Strolling around downtown Asheville I met a few people publicizing their views and opinions on art, politics, religion etc. just standing on a sidewalk and talking. The young guy in my picture was standing (back to my camera) by a metal holy cross with an artificial viper fixed to it and was talking something about God, sins and love to a few young people around.
Freedom of speech practised on a street? Well, freedom of speech in the United States is protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. In Ashvilee all people I saw on a street had somewhat friendly to say.
However, as I noticed before and later during my US trip, in Washington DC for example, criticism of the government and advocation of unpopular ideas that most people would find distasteful or against public policy were generally permitted in the USA. Am I wrong? Although for most Americans, hate speech has surely became unacceptable and immoral.
I had an impression that sometimes, it was taboo to use certain words or discuss certain subjects Americans feared may be offensive or illegal - like some opinions on the Civil War (the War of Northern Aggresion or the War Between the States) or sexual minorities for example. Another example: I personally don't see anything wrong with calling Native Americans simply Indians or Afro-Americans just Blacks.
Well, I had an impression that generally in the South the limitations of freedom of speech are smaller and rarer (I mean human minds not law) and many Southerners don't switch easily to "politically correct" words. Is it a sign of bad behaviour or larger openess and honesty? It's something similar to my homecountry Poland, I think. For a foreign visitor it gives easier and better communication with locals :-).
Walking along shopping street (Wall Street) in Asheville downtown I surprisingly saw an outdoor climbing wall. A young climber who tried to reach a top of the wall had many supporters and just watchers down. They applaused when he finally succeded. I got to know that it was a competiotion for advanced climbers run by ClimbMax Climbing Center. The rope climbing with no staff assistance cost $12.5 and less for members of the Center.
After all that amount of great food I was lucky to eat in Virginia I would probably never reach the top of this wall. But if you want to try rope climbing with no staff assistance keep in mind that you must first pass belay test by ClimbMax staff available by appointment only ($17).
Pay attention to the clock tower adjacent to the buiding to which the climbing wall is fixed which is good orientation point (picture 5 and 4). Climbing shoes recommended. A rope and other necessary equipment is guaranteed by ClimbMax Climbing Center.
Chimney Rock Park is a privately owned park in Chimney Rock, 25 miles southeast of Asheville. Wow, I am very happy I hit my car there! If you are in Asheville, relax, book a room in Chimney Rock and stay there for one day. You will be impressed! Take time to smell roses!
I enjoyed a lot hiking outstanding rocks, climbing net of unbelievable pretty and unique wooden stairs and platforms fixed to the steep rocks and passing narrow passages between the rocks. Add underground waterfall inside a cave, and spectacular views of surrounding mountains with the town, river and lake down (if it's not foggy though). Strolling along town full of beautiful, old, wooden houses, shopping in local shops lined along winding street with a mountain river in backyard was a blast!
Vincenzo's Ristorante & Bistro
One of the best Italian restaurants I have been too, and that is alot! Great ambience and service. Preparations are artistic and utilizing the freshest of ingredients. You will not be disappointed.
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Q: transportation "There is a bus from Knoxville (TN) to Asheville (NC) all saturday morning from 8 am?"
A: "check Greyhound."
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