Monday on the Map: Asheville, NC.

Monday on the Map: Asheville, NC.

There’s something about southern charm you don’t find in a big city. Maybe it’s the small town feeling or the level of friendliness. It’s something you find in North Carolina. [For me, it was summer trips to visit my sister who went to Warren Wilson College.  Down 75, past Colonol Sanders’ birthplace and farms and through mountains, you end up in Asheville.]

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Where on the map? North Carolina, right past the mountains in the south.

What’s going on there? It’s a young, buzzing town in North Carolina– it’s a small town feeling with big dreams. It’s not Manhattan or Chicago, but it’s an artsy, liberal place surrounded by mountains. You can walk in the town or take the bus to the farms and mountains in the area. It’s a place for hiking, biking, and exploring, but also a place for business.  Also, the architecture is worth glancing at too.

Without a car? Biking is acceptable for locals, but biking up mountains isn’t the easiest. You can bring your bike on the Asheville Transit, your best alternative form of transportation. If you’re just in the metropolitan part of Asheville, walk. The weather is bound to be beautiful.

What to eat? You’ll find the most variety of food in this town than any other in the south. The ethnic variety is impressive for North Carolina. Sounds too exotic? Try Carmel’s Restaurant and Bar, American fare, with exquisite salads and pizzas. If it’s sunny, eat outside, the patio dining makes a memorable experience. Craving pizza? Head to the Mellow Mushroom on Broadway, where the toppings are endless and creative. When you’re there, trying just one pizza isn’t satisfying. You’ll beg your friends to choose a different, so you can share. For dessert? There are chocolate shops and candy stores all over Asheville. The city’s flavors are definitely more far than few, so trying more than one dining option is reccomended.   

What else? The city is famous for being home to the Biltmore Estate. It is the largest home in America, with 250 rooms in this French-renaissance styled building. Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II, it is still owned by the family. The colorful gardens are just one reason this site became a big tourist attraction. There are 75 acres of land, with a winery and an inn. Rates? They start at $334 for upcoming weekends. 

What’s the worst that could happen? Don’t miss Black Mountain. This area falls in the black mountain range of  the Blue Mountains, with an even more artsy and liberal feel than Asheville. With eclectic shops and food, the town is a seasonal tourist destination, and an additional stop after Asheville. It is also home to the Swannanoa Valley Museum and the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. Stop in at the Dripolator on your visit too, for a good cup of coffee.

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Monday on the Map: Cincinnati, Ohio

Happy Monday! Or should I say, Happy President’s Day! So happy to take this day to honor them…. and actually getting reading and writing in too. In order to bring back my weekly Monday posts, this one hits closer to home.

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Monday on the Map: Cincinnati, Ohio

Somewhere in the heart of it all Ohio, I grew up. Cincinnati, or the Queen City, is home to sports teams, colleges, and even a few famous people. Myself included, haha just kidding.

Where on the map? Southwest Ohio in the good ole USA. Just across the Ohio River from Kentucky. The airport is in Covington, KY– just a fun fact.

What’s going on there? It’s a midwestern gem. It is home to the Bengals and the Reds. It is recognized for its famous chili. The Carew tower is a landmark equivalent to the Empire State building in NYC. It also has a suspension bridge designed by Charles Roebling, like the famous Brooklyn Bridge. There is a flying pig marathon in the spring- and flying pigs were designed by local schools and businesses and placed around the city. It is also home to a the P&G headquarters.

Without a car? It’s going to be tougher. While Cincinnati is trying to get a street car system, it only has city buses right now. Also a lot of what is going on in the city, isn’t all centered in the same area, because the suburbs as well as the 7 hills are a big part of the city. Growing up in the suburbs, you didn’t find yourself in the city as much.

What to eat? Graeter’s Ice Cream, UDF ice cream, Skyline Chili, Montgomery Inn ribs, and Mio’s or Larosa’s pizza. All local favorites.

What else? The fountain square area is home to the center of the city. There’s a Tiffany’s as well as some of those famous restaurants mentioned. Nearby, is the open-air Findlay Market. Also if you venture from the center, head to the Cincinnati Zoo (which has a Festival of Lights in the winter) or venture farther to Mason to Kings Island and ride some of the best wooden rollercoasters in the area. Further out on 275, is Jungle Jim’s, an international marketplace. Also just across the river is Kentucky, so visit the Newport Aquarium and the shops and restaurants at Newport on the Levee.

What’s the worst that could happen? You don’t figure out what to do or you don’t have  a car. It’s a complicated city, and not easy to navigate like NYC. And don’t skip out on Kentucky, the Newport area is popular among the younger crowds.

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