NY times travel writer spends 36 hours in Asheville

[Davidson Deac II]

Back a few years ago, we use to stay at some cabins along the River just Southwest of Bryson City. Rode the Smoky Mountain Railroad through the gorge, and took the White Water trip down the Nantahala with my 8 year old son. It was mild enough for him, but still fun. Also took him to Ghostown in the Sky. Really miss those days, as he is in college now.

[Mrs Pantherfan]

I just got back from staying in a cabin in Hot Springs. 35 min from Asheville...10 min from "Downtown" Hot Springs. It was awesome! It beautiful and laid back up there. Our house was right on the laurel river....my dogs loved it as well. Uber private yet close enough to stuff if you want to get out. 

[Ja Rhule]

Here's Mrs Pantherfan is pictured outside her cabin with one of the dogs

 

[pstall]

I love Asheville and the surroundings for exactly what it is. To me it's the perfect compliment to the hot summer and beaches.

Some other towns to check out.

Saluda is a cool downtown spot and Pearson Falls right nearby. 

Flat Rock, Black Mountain, Hendersonville.  

I went one wkd in Sept but not in Oct but hope to get up 1 or 2 wkds in Nov. 

[Anybodyhome]

16 hours ago, Davidson Deac II said:

So is the city I live in, Winston Salem.  But I wouldn't recommend it for tourist. Well, except for old Salem perhaps..  I guess its just that I don't drink beer very much, and am not a fan of the arts. Sports, History, and outdoor activities are more my thing.  Although the outdoor stuff has decreased significantly as I have gotten older. 

I  took a trip to Chattanooga a few years ago.  I enjoyed that much more than Asheville.  A little history, some beautiful rivers and mountains, and one or two bars with decent whiskey were more my style.

Chattanooga is pretty underrated. I could live in that area. And I lived in Asheville from 1998-2000 when the population was only 65,000 and there were 1 or 2 breweries. 

[Crixtala]

On ‎10‎/‎23‎/‎2016 at 0:43 AM, Doc Holiday said:

Some of the reasons I've been wanting to move to Asheville for a while now. Unfortunately I've had a hard time job hunting out that way, partly because I live on the other side of the state.

DO NOT move to Asheville without bringing a job with you... there's none to be had here

moving here without bringing a job results in you immediately working three minimum wage jobs waiting tables and/or pouring beers and living in a bungalow with a dozen other people just to afford rent and then immediately being a part of the mob crying over affordable housing in town (legitimate complaint, but wages is the real problem)

in the two years since buying my house out here (which was already substantially more expensive than the charlotte market we came from), my home value has already gained around $40k... good for me and the equity I've gained without having to do much to our house, but bad for any one else trying to move to the area as well as for me when we're ready to expand but stay in the area in a few years

[imminent rogaine]

17 hours ago, ARSEN said:

I prefer cabins in Bryson City with Blue Ridge Parkway view.  Lots of outdoors and very secluded.  I love just to get away for few days. 

 

19 hours ago, Hotsauce said:

Where are some other cool mountain towns you guys recommend?

 

We regularly camp in "Topton" which is not too far from Bryson city, right past the Nantahala Outdoor Center. There are all sorts of campgrounds and several rafting/kayak rental places.  The Nantahala River runs adjacent to these campgrounds and is a blast for rafting/kayaking.  The Outdoor center has some restaurants and live music right on the river. Nantahala Brewing taproom in Bryson City is a great place to catch some games and try some beers. The Appalachian Trail goes right through the area along with all sorts of tubing and hiking right in Bryson City.  If you are outdoorsy at all, this area is loads of fun. Plus Cherokee is right down the road if you like to gamble or watch old Indians sell their integrity for peanuts.

[Bronn]

came here hoping to read about a time traveling yankee state... left disappointed...

[Anybodyhome]

3 hours ago, Crixtala said:

DO NOT move to Asheville without bringing a job with you... there's none to be had here

moving here without bringing a job results in you immediately working three minimum wage jobs waiting tables and/or pouring beers and living in a bungalow with a dozen other people just to afford rent and then immediately being a part of the mob crying over affordable housing in town (legitimate complaint, but wages is the real problem)

in the two years since buying my house out here (which was already substantially more expensive than the charlotte market we came from), my home value has already gained around $40k... good for me and the equity I've gained without having to do much to our house, but bad for any one else trying to move to the area as well as for me when we're ready to expand but stay in the area in a few years

Housing is as expensive as hell.

Tourism is the main industry. Tourism jobs= f&b, hotel/service industry. 

Income vs. cost of living is the reason there are so many "working poor" in Asheville. 

 

[Floppin]

I'm partial to the northwest area. Boone, Banner Elk, Linville Gorge, Johnson City region.

[Darth Biscuit]

Love Brevard area but my fav is the Banner Elk/Sugar Mnt area...  close to Grandfather Mtn, Boone and Blowing Rock.

Asheville is actually not generally on my list... it's just ok to me.

 

[pstall]

Yeah Western NC needs a couple of industry hubs to go next level.  

Specifically to what was said about Asheville.  They need just a couple of good size employers.

[Lemory]

I live in Weaverville and love the area for how quiet and laid back it is. I know you cant stop progress but I really dont want it getting any bigger out this way, we have enough yankees moving in as it is. 

[Omega Atrocity]

Honestly I don't really get why people love Asheville so much, but I guess living here my whole life caused me to feel that way.