Feb 23

Feb 23 As the snow melts

The last snow heralds my last full day in Asheville bringing determination to see more of the sights, tinged with the inevitable sadness.

Asheville, North Carolina: 23 February 2020

I wake paralysed by the thought this is my last day. My last day with my two fury friends, in this house in Asheville. so I plan a day to enjoy the details of this little slice of heaven.

First stop, morning walks. I’m familiar with this now - I know Seamus and Riley and their routine well - which gives me time to enjoy every aspect of this daily walk.

Then to Asheville to work my way through some of the many other places on the tourist lists. First stop, Biscuit Head. It’s listed (on many lists) as a must-do in Asheville. I love biscuits, but looking at the menu, I’m not sure a biscuit is exactly what I think it is…

I drive into the carpark to see a long line snaked around the edge of the building, and take that as a good sign on a cold Sunday morning. The line gives me time to peruse the menu and eavesdrop the southern accents and American fashion.

Almost an hour later, I’m in. The menu’s pretty meaty but I find a fried green tomato vegetarian option, that sounds suitably unlike anything I’d usually eat. A little too late I realise a biscuit is like a huge scone, and I’m wishing I’d just gone for the jam option. I’m grateful they make my table for one less awkward by placing a table number down for me at the end of someone else’s table (thank goodness!). My food arrives, I eat half and am pleased to have tried what seems like a great southern tradition. I don’t think I’ll be back.

I head downtown, not having spent nearly as much time there as I would have liked. I mostly just wander and take it all in. Like well-loved tourist towns we know, there are lots of wonderful boutiques, fashion and cafes, but a much stronger emphasis on original art.

Asheville’s main street - Biltmore Ave - has one of those wonderful independent cinemas - Fine Arts Theatre, and I’m keen to get a look inside if I can. The timing is perfect and I buy a ticket to Oscar award-winning, Parasite. It’s subtitled - the producer’s so called ‘inch-high barrier’ - so I head in ready to break that down.