The Asheville Experience

 

The Land of the Sky offered us a top notch combination of leisure and learning (L & L) on our most recent sojourn.  

Our drive along Blue Ridge Parkway was a highlight that we'll remember for the rest of our lives.  We picnicked at Mt. Mitchell, which is named after Elisha Mitchell, a geology professor for UNC in the 1830s.  He also served as their accountant. Using a barometer, he figured out that this place was the highest spot east of the Mississippi.  Before Mitchell's research, people thought the highest eastern point was in New Hampshire. 

People argued with Elisha, so he kept going back to prove his point. On one such journey, he fell, hit his head and drowned under a waterfall. His watch broke when he landed so his exact time of death is known.  Photos of the watch are in the park's museum. Elisha is buried atop Mt. Mitchell as he should be. Before the mountain was named after Elisha, it was called Black Dome.  Before that, the Cherokee called it Attakulla.  The park service should put a land acknowledgment up near Mitchell's grave site. Maybe they have but I didn't see one.

Mt. Mitchell is an International Biosphere Resource.  This is a title UNESCO hands out to sites around the world that scientists study in order to explore possible solutions to the environmental situation we've gotten ourselves into.

Moving on from learning to leisure. We heard #1 Son play with a new band called SMUT, pictured below.  It was their first performance.  Super fun time was had by all. The 5 players have impressive resumes and in my opinion Smut has earned the title of supergroup.   I've been learning about drummer Jeff Sipe's work with Aquarium Rescue Unit and Leftover Salmon.  

#1 Son plays with a diverse group of music makers.  We also heard him play some jazz with another power player, Michael Jeffrey Stevens.  They played at the library's monthly Jazz Hour.  I'm hoping to get a Jazz Hour started soon at the MCPL.

Lastly, I recommend two wow factor restaurants. Chai Pani and Curate.  Fabulous meals. 

The best part of the trip of course was our talks with #1 Son and Ms. Shea, who in this first year have become big boosters of their new home, the Land of the Sky.

In conclusion, you should go to Asheville if you feel like it.