Asheville, NC

Asheville, NC is a unique mountain town about 90 miles from Knoxville, TN and 100 miles from Charlotte, NC. The Blue Ridge mountains are beautiful and the Parkway provides days of exploration opportunities. It's a great place to live, or visit. Asheville is progressive and historic at once. The people, the vibe, the scenery are great. There's art of all kinds, culture, great vistas and phenomenal food. Asheville is home to some of the best restaurants on the East coast. Twelve Bones barbecue restaurant was recently voted one of Good Morning America’s “Best Bites in America”. The Laughing Seed is consistently voted best vegetarian restauarnt in WNC. If you want Indian, Italian, Caribbean, Mexican, Japanese, Vegetarian, Vegan, WHAT EVER it's within walking distance and done with excellence. Google Mela, Laughing Seed, Salsa's, LIMONE's. Restaurants that aren't great do not survive in this town.

Asheville's destination Belgian Bar is The Thirsty Monk located at Coxe and Patton in the basement of the Purple Building. Step inside and the feel is pure abbey. The staff are knowledgeable, professional and enthusiastic about Belgian beer! There are typically 150 bottled belgians in the cooler and about a dozen on rotating tap. If you're new to Belgians the flights are a great way to go. Try any Saison but especially (whether on tap or bottled) the Foret Saison. The Monk features local pub fare and American craft brews in the upstairs bar. Anything by Bell's (Kalamazoo, MI) is good and pairs nicely with the smoked trout baguette.

Why would a Southern California Realtor write about North Carolina? I used to live there, and it's "all that." I visit at least 4 times a year. The best time to visit is of course the fall. Spring is also beautiful there. If you're interested in NC Real Estate contact Barry Bialik at Dirt & Sticks (828) 254-5450. North Carolina never went crazy like the rest of the hot Real Estate markets. Values have remained intact and have room to rise. Like other reasonably priced areas the biggest impediment to their market is the banks, but that's a whole other blog. Visit Asheville, do some Blue Ridge Parkway touring and enjoy the beautiful, walkable downtown.

Cheers Y'all.

Steve Mauer
agent@liveridecondo.com
562.900.4392