Time to run Asheville
The ice is all but gone and the snow is starting to melt. After two days at home, there’s an urge to run.
Asheville, North Carolina: 22 February 2020
One of the reasons I was most excited to come to Asheville was for the trail runs, but I’m yet to do one. I am so delighted to have seen the snow but it has kept me indoors, with a little dose of reluctance because apparently Miss Riley doesn’t like other dogs but LOVES a run, while Seamus gets along with everyone but is more comfortable on the couch.
Today I’m determined to take it on - dogs into their crates to take them in the car (ha - not the easiest thing!), and finding somewhere new to see and run. We head to a dirt road that someone else in the neighbourhood told me about. Once we get underway, it’s a great spot and we’re all delighted at the chance to stretch out down the hill and (them more than me) back up again.
Next stop, North Carolina Aboreteum, another local recommendation. To be honest, I’m high-fiving myself for even having found it and am a but unsure how my fiesty Riley will go. As it turns out, although lots of locals are out with their dogs, it’s completely manageable. What an incredible spot. I can see Spring is just about to begin and wish I was here long enough to see it!
With the dogs dropped back at home I’m keen to do more exploring of Asheville. It is a place that people love to visit and I feel like I’ve seen so little of it since I’ve been here. It’s late in the afternoon but I make a bee-line for River Arts District.
There’s some roadworks going on so it’s a bit hard to get a handle on what’s what, but once I park the car and start to stroll it’s even better then I imagined. Rather than a collection of shops selling nik knacks, it is a genuine haven for artists of all types, like nothing I’ve ever seen before.
Riverside Studios is a cute old building with so many different rooms, each one it’s own artists workroom and gallery in one. Many of the artists are present and working on the sunny Saturday afternoon. I stroll down the road past North Carolina Glass Centre to see a few people creating in the kiln area at the front of the shop, then further down Depot St to Pink Dog Creative to marvel at more talented artists. I catch Daniel McClendon Fine Art’s gallery open - a gorgeous sparse space in an old building. I catch the artist himself there and we chat. So much admiration and good vibes.
There’s a few places I’ve missed as they day ends - I definitely wish headed down earlier. And so much wonderful art, and artists I’d love to be supporting - I also wish I had a (much) bigger suitcase!
Oh, and see that cold brew? That was genius. Ultra Coffee Bar’s Orange Peel - a double shot of coffee, orange syrup, candied orange peel and sparkling water. I spend most of my drive home working out how I can visit here a few more times before I leave.
It seems like the main vegan dining place in town is called Plant is Food (great name) so, as it’s on my way home, I decide to shout myself dinner there. It’s early but I can eat at the bar (dining for one win), enjoy the delicious crispy potato with salsa verde and salad and soak up the atmosphere.
Another amazing day.
