The Jackson Building is North Carolina's tallest skyscraper, at least it was when built in 1924. It is 13 stories high, but only based on a 27 X 60 foot lot.
Holy smokes. I really didn't have any idea what to expect from downtown Asheville, North Carolina. What I found was a wonderful mix of historical architecture, dimly lit entrances to speakeasy bars, a thriving food scene, rolling hills, misty mornings, and beautiful surrounding mountains. I only had one night here, but now I'm already looking forward to coming back some time in the future.
Mom and I had a hotel right in the downtown area, so everything was in easy walking reach. Something I always like to look into, when I visit a new city, is if there are any speakeasys, or bars with hidden entrances. I actually found the existence of several in the downtown Asheville area, so we decided to go for a pre-dinner drink at one, called the Crow and Quill. The entrance looked like a run down, boarded up building, with a couple of little lanterns and a number above the door. No one could expect to find one of America's top rated bars behind that door. But that is exactly what is there, for 'those in the know.' The interior was dimly lit, filled with antiques, and a very well stocked bar. The lone bartender made our drinks with expertise and care. It was such a cool find.
After drinks, we walked through downtown, taking in all the sights, vibes, and historical buildings. It is a very cute city, with a thriving food and micro brew scene. Nature is not that far away, with the Smokey Mountains, Appalachian Trail, and Blueridge parkway just a few miles outside of the city. I think I'll be coming back here in the future to explore more.
Thomas Wolfe was an American novelist who gained fame after publishing his first novel, "Look Homeward, Angel." Some people call him "North Carolina's most famous writer." This is pretty impressive considering his first novel came out in 1929!
The selfy camera always turns words around, but this was supposed to say Ashville on the fun sign behind me. This was our dinner spot at the Mellow Mushroom.
Downtown Ashville is filled with beautiful architecture. This historic art deco building is the Asheville City Hall. It has a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
This is the corner of Market Street and Court Plaza. The famous Jackson Building stands tall here, and City Hall is not far away. Downtown Asheville is a wonderful place to just walk and explore, with hidden alleys, speakeasys, and architectural wonders around every corner.
Asheville is also known for its many local breweries. I wanted to test out the local flavor and was not surprised that everything I had was delicious. This brown ale from Hi-Wire brewing was my favorite, but the Green Man porter was also dynamite.
This was one of my favorite finds in downtown Asheville. I've always been intrigued by the idea of a speakeasy. The idea came during prohibition time, when alcohol was outlawed, so secret spots in basements and old boiler rooms became meet up spots for those in the know. Nowadays, speakeasys still exist, but more for the exclusivity and mystery of finding them. This one made it on the list of America's top bars, but you would easily walk right past it... The Crow and Quill.
This is the entrance to one of America's top rated bars. Speakeasys like this can still be found in major cities around the world. You just have to do some sleuthing to find them.
Open green spaces in downtown, with City Hall in the background.
The dim, cozy interior of the Crow and Quill.
It is worth going for an exploratory walk in downtown Asheville. You don't really need a map or a destination to have fun and find interesting things.
Even these back alleys are worth a look. You might stumble upon a secret entrance to a dimly lit bar, a beautiful mural on the brick wall, or the entrance to stairs leading up to a rooftop wine bar.
A few miles outside the city of Asheville you are transported into the Smokey Mountains. It is worth taking a drive or a hike here and taking in the views and walking off some of those microbrews.
The Blueridge Parkway is filled with beautiful overlooks, and is considered one of America's most scenic drives.
Overlook from the famous Blueridge Parkway, just outside of Asheville, North Carolina.
As always, keep traveling and keep posting!
- Dai Mar