The adventure begins!!! Although I have been here many times, it never gets old. I always feel at home here. This is partly because I am an eccentric soul and this is one of the top places to be if you don't exactly fit inside a square box or like to go against the grain. These are my people. I also like it here because it is very liberal. North Carolina is NOT liberal but this little pocket of N.C. is. N.C. is a very unique state. On one side and across much of the state you will see confederate flags flying proud. You will also find towns that if you are not white, you should not go. There are also small towns where if you are not Black, you should not go. As you get to Asheville area though, the confederate flags disappear, and people of all races get along...at least on the surface.
Today I ride the Uber downtown to explore. I always find fun things to see and do. I really should ride the bus. I'm a nut, I LOVE city buses. I'm excited to start my downtown book browsing that I do not want to ride the bus for 27 stops and 30 minute ride to get there.
Today is Saturday which always brings out tons of buskers (street performers). I have made the mistake of coming in the Fall. There are also TONS of tourists. We all belong here, but it's so busy. The streets are packed. I weave my way around people to my favorite shops. Here are a few of my must go to stops.
1. Maliprops Bookstore. This is an independent book store that has tons of books. It regularly holds author readings and signings. It does have a coffee shop but sadly since Covid, it is only a walk up and grab and go inside the store. It use to be a delightful small coffee shop where you could buy your book and sit for hours and read.
2. Batterypark Book Exchange. This used bookstore has rows and rows of books. It also is very well known for its Champaign and wine bar. You must purchase a book before enjoying a glass, but it has a delightful seating area where you can read the hours away while having a drink. Dogs are welcome here. Sad fact: It is not open Monday and Tuesday.
3. Woolworth Walk: This delightful place is an old Woolworths. It has a soda fountain with great food. The building houses two floors of art by local artists. Has all kinds of art forms.
4. Kress Emporium: This is another huge building with art from local artists. In both Woolworth and Emporium, I have found some treasures I will hold dear for life.
5. Mast General. This store is like Wall Drug all in one building. It is AWESOME!!! That's the top floor. The bottom floor has everything you would need to go camping and hiking. I looked at bear spray, but the lady informed me I don't need that for Black Bears. They don't care to pick a fight with humans. She added...now Grizzly bears you can use it but you should probably just pray.😂. They don't have grizzlies here.
Today an artist market is happening in Pack square park. It's nice to see artists selling their art instead of homeless buying drugs. That is usually what happens in this small park. It is actually a delightful park to sit in with your coffee and a good book, but it's important to be aware of the many homeless and drug users that hang out here.
I had great fun just walking downtown, looking at books, admiring the local artists works, and listening to street performers.
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