Sample the Asheville Small Plate Crawl

Asheville residents and guests can take advantage of this year's Asheville Small Plate Crawl, an event sponsored by Asheville Independent Restaurants. The three-day event, which kicks off on February 24, offers attendees a chance to sample local chef's best food options.

The local event provides Asheville residents with a chance to taste various small servings from dozens of Asheville restaurants located in the downtown area as well as Biltmore Village and West Asheville. And for Asheville visitors, it gives guests a chance to sample the flavor of the Asheville community. To get started, go to the Asheville Small Plate Crawl website and start selecting the restaurants you want to sample. Then, with the online printable AIRpass you can head off at your own pace to get a taste of Asheville.

Joining in one of these community efforts is a great way to get a sampling of what Asheville is about. Sure, you can read the Asheville information, but to appreciate the special flavor of this wonderful community, you really do need to experience its activities. If you already know what we're talking about and you haven't made the move up here yet, come on up and take a look at some of Greybeard Realty's great Asheville real estate now on the market. If you have heard all about Asheville and think it may be your next move, what are you waiting for? Click on Greybeard Rentals website and book a weeklong rental so you can come sample the Asheville flavors for yourself.

Well, the votes are in, and Asheville has again risen to number one on another top ten list. This time, it's Travel+Leisure readers who have ranked hundreds of towns for their main streets, coffee bars and eco-friendliness, among other things. And, yes, Asheville won the title of Quirkiest Town in the US.

Quirky or cool, Asheville is our number one pick.

In their assessment, voters approved of the Friday night drum circle in Pritchard Park as well as the numerous local beers. Mentioned in the article are the beer/moonshine "hoptails" from the Grove Park Inn's Great Hall Bar as well as the BROO shampoo from Earth Fare. Of note, Asheville also ranked in the top 10 for great bakeries.

All of this ranking and rating got us to thinking. Exactly what is it about Asheville that makes it so special? Is it the so-called quirkiness? Or is it more about the coexisting diversity within this comfortable community? For those of you who live here or visit here, what do you consider to be its real appeal? Let Greybeard Realty hear from you. We would love to compile our own list of the top ten best qualities of Asheville that makes it number one in our hearts.

Admit it. Being in Asheville just brings a smile to your face. Apparently, you aren't alone. Results of Conde Nast's Annual Readers' Choice survey announced this month indicates that Asheville is a top ten choice as the happiest city in the US.

In addition to citing the friendly people and [...]

Rumors have begun to surface that the Obama Family have purchased an Asheville home for use after the President's second term ends. While the White House has not confirmed the news, it wouldn't be a complete surprise to those people who have followed the President's recent visits to [...]

The Asheville area has made another "best of" list, making it as one of the top six best winter drives in North America. While often recognized for its spectacular autumn colors, the Blue Ridge Parkway receives less attention for its winter splendor. An article by Terry Ward on Centurion's online site highlights this local splendor.

Idyllic Snowy Views from the Blue Ridge

In making her recommendation, Ward points to Mount Mitchell State Park, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, as a particularly scenic spot in the snow. She rightfully notes that the Parkway is closed when conditions merit. The Parkway updates its road closings regularly on the Blue Ridge Parkway website. While driving during the snow may not be possible, the snow always lingers on the mountain tops long after the snow has stopped falling, so there's always time to take in the snow-capped scenes.

For locals, it is often easy to overlook the uniqueness of where we live. In the bustle to get where we are going to work or to shop, for example, we don't always take the time to appreciate the natural beauty around us. And for those of you who wonder what it's like to live here year-round, we highly recommend a trial run. As Ward points out in her brief piece, there are abundant mountain rental cabins in the Asheville area that will let you give living here a try. Why not make a reservation now to see our idyllic views first hand.

The Asheville Real Estate 2012 mid-year statistics have been released, and both Buncombe County and Black Mountain markets show positive signs of growth.  While still not to the peak market numbers from 2006-2008 in most categories, the 2012 Asheville Real Estate Sales Market report gives reason for [...]

Western North Carolina homes have long been valued for retirement. Now, the area is receiving national recognition from Forbes which recently named Asheville as one of the 25 best places to retire in 2012. The list cites Asheville's abundant physicians and good climate as just two of the reasons to choose our area.

There is an excellent variety of [...]

Anyone considering relocating to Asheville NC should consider the River Arts District, a very eclectic, arts-oriented neighborhood in Asheville.  An industrial center in the late 1800s, this historically significant area along the French Broad River is one reason that Asheville made American Style Magazine's list for the [...]

Greybeard's Asheville real estate listings include numerous Asheville homes that offer buyers the chance to be right in the city action.  If you want to enjoy a slower-paced existence while still within easy reach of Asheville, Greybeard Realty suggests considering Weaverville as a quiet alternative. With the small-town charm reminiscent of Mayberry, Weaverville provides the close knit community that many people prefer in these busy [...]

For the first time in several years, Asheville Real Estate statistics indicate that residential building permits are on the rise.  Greybeard Realty tracks several market indicators to gauge the Asheville area real estate market, and our company sees the present statistics as a positive [...]