My Kind of Town

I stayed camped in West Asheville, and it was a very good thing. I felt very quickly like I was staying with friends and I wished I could take up this communal life with them, even if I wasn't technically sleeping in the house... though I did doze on the couch a little bit. My first night there, I checked out the neighborhood and thought what a nice place it would be to reside in.

The next day, I woke up to snow on my tent and then went to 12 Bones upon Sarah's (a girl working and living at the hostel) recommendation. It was a bitter cold, windy day and I felt fortunate to be just barely in the door at the end of the line. Seemed like everybody was there for lunch, the only meal 12 Bones is open for, that day. I was also fortunate enough to get one of the two counter stools after ordering at the register. I was treated to some of the best barbecue I'd ever had. I got the chopped beef brisket with cornbread, mac & cheese, and beans. It was all amazing. When I finished, I saw that the line was now out the door and alongside the building. I understood why people were willing to stand out there. It was damn fine food.

Following this revelation in meat, I visited a couple points of interest before getting my oil changed. Then, I saw what I needed to see to gain direction in this town. Next door to Valvoline was Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company. Of course! Asheville is a craft beer mecca! How could I have forgotten this? I went into APBC and got a sampler, which was enjoyable and chatted with the local retiree barflies. From there, I took in more sights before going to Wedge which was to craft beer what 12 Bones was to food. I again got a sampler and each brew was better than the previous one. It was almost too much for me to take.

Later, I had dinner at a new and somewhat upscale brewpub called Wicked Weed, which is right next to The Orange Peel, the venue I was going to that night. I had a delicious burger and a pint of stout. Then it was time for the show. I saw Yonder Mountain String Band for the first time and they put on an incredible show! I had an absolutely amazing day in Asheville and this was a fitting end to it.