Asheville: One Month In…

Hey fam,

I want to preface this post with some background about why Asheville, North Carolina.

I’m not going to lie… I did not know Asheville existed long before we moved. We actually wanted to move to Raleigh, North Carolina originally. However, when we started telling family & friends our plans to move, no one objected, but they did insert a comment or two about how they knew someone, that knew someone that lived in Asheville & apparently that is the place to be.

So after about five times or so of hearing this, we decided, “Well… why not?!” I mean, isn’t this part of the adventure?

So we moved to Asheville without any prior knowledge about it aside from that!

When we arrived, EVERYONE was so kind. I’m from Texas, so I know a thing or two about being kind to your neighbors. However, this was a different kindness. This was… almost Stepford wives-esque. People were literally mowing their lawn & tipping their hat; taking a stroll as an entire family (dog & all!); chatting about the weather as we passed by.

I loved it.

Not to mention the immense variety of food options available in this small, little mountain town. I was very impressed! Everything from American (of course) to Indian, Ethiopian, Spanish, Japanese, Mediterranean… the list goes on!

(I was actually so happy to see this. Coming from Portland & Austin, you know a variety of good food is important to the population’s everyday life. These cities wouldn’t survive without it! haha)

Incredible food has no ends in Asheville!

I just wish they were open past 9:00 pm. It’s rare to find a restaurant open past 9:00 in Asheville, unfortunately. So after work, get your dinner plans prepared & then execute to make the most of your evening!

However, after dinner, the night doesn’t end yet.

You can find a cocktail bar on any block in downtown Asheville or West Asheville. Grab yourself a night cap (or two) & enjoy your evening. (Just be sure to have your plans to get home established as well!! No drinking & driving, people!)

I have yet to find a bad drinking spot. Asheville takes pride in their stores/shops - each place has quality ingredients for their menu & ambiance to complement your vibe.

This small city is within the Appalachian Mountains which means when you make the right turn on your drive, you get to see the beautiful mountains surround you. It puts meaning back into my day; reminds me of how small I am in comparison to the greatness of this world.

So… so far, so good.

This is a lifestyle I could get used to.

I’d love to hear your thoughts & your experience in Asheville (or small towns similar to this)!

-Kiley Jones