Friday, April 25, 2008

Keep Asheville Wie*rd

It has been said by natives of the city, that a person either hates Asheville or loves it. Natives keep bumper stickers, license plates, window decals and T-shirts that read "keep Asheville Wier*d".
It goes without saying that I love Asheville. Our city has such a charismatic feel to it. It is just the right size and very open-minded and creative. I so enjoy walking around downtown taking in all of the smells of international cuisine, watching people play instruments in our town square at pretty much any time of day. I love the pride that people have in our city, residents and visitors both.

I have been here for 8 years and plan to keep counting. It is a small city and of course has its bad spots, but for the most part, is clean, green (we have more than the normal share of earthy, tree-hugging, dirt worshipers--which is fine by me), and inviting. Of course, being placed in the Mountains we see lots of tourism and have to deal with Leaf Lookers during our gorgeous autumn, but that is a small price to pay for not living in a concrete jungle if you ask me.

The season is coming for hiking in the mountains and wading in creeks near gorgeous waterfalls, picnicking along trails that snake through the Blue Ridge Parkway, to name just a few of the summery pleasures here.
With the days of summer comes one of my fave things about Asheville ~ Bele Chere. The summer street festival held here each year. People come from all over the world, vendors, artists, musicians, you name it. For three days, our city spills over with vitality and energy ~ even more than usual.

Though it may seem, I am not practicing an ad for a brochure about Asheville. I just woke up this morning, looked out the window at the crystal blue sky wrapping around the mountains which are covered with trees sporting their new lime-green leaves, and felt proud of where I live. The air is clean, the sun is shining.
Thought I would share.

10 comments:

Family Adventure said...

It sounds gorgeous! Enjoy your beautiful day! :)

Heidi

Amy Y said...

It sounds wonderful! I love where we live, too. But after growing up in Indiana, just about anything feels better. ;) I think I might have been through Asheville on the way from GA to MD? North Cacky Lacky is SOOOO beautiful though!!

Chaotic Joy said...

This was lovely! It makes me want to hop on the next bus.

S said...

sounds like it's wonderful there! i'm a bit jealous!

Sudeaux Lux said...

I like the way you describe Asheville. You really do have a way with words. :)

painted maypole said...

it's good to love where you live. I'm glad you shared

Christine said...

i've heard wonderful things about asheville, and i've always wanted to visit.

Red Lotus Mama said...

Sounds picturesque (if only I didn’t have serious allergies) … so, where are the pictures! Please post.

thirtysomething said...

red lotus mama --i will get right on that!

Mrs Furious said...

The timing of this is perfect... providential even.
I saw the link to this post under the Blogher ad on my site... and wouldn't you know... my husband is in Asheville RIGHT NOW interviewing for a job. We've never been. Thanks for the positive post... it makes me a little less anxious! :)