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DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE-Blog by Bob Gordon
A walk downtown on a summer’s night, one will encounter sidewalk-musicians, music from the many, many bars, all different types of people. Several years ago, before my knees went bad and I could walk more, I would go downtown at night quite often. I would start out at the College Street Bar (which may not be there anymore!) and drink a beer while the evening activity picked up. I would then walk down to Jack of the Woods which is a popular Microbrew and they have live music some evenings, so I would check out the evening musical talent for a while. Then the next stop was Pritchard Park (one of many parks) which is a triangular park located in Battery Park that is a great place to “people watch”. And… if it’s Friday night – an added bonus, the Drum Circle is there and it brings crowds of all shapes, sizes, and ages and most toting some type of drum. All different types of drums – all playing the same beat –which is fun for about 15 minutes, then it makes me nuts. However, it’s a great crowd pleaser and fun to watch. Going downtown Asheville is just a nice escape and inexpensive to walk around in a safe environment and people watch and enjoy the evening.
Another choice night spot is the Orange Peel. The Orange Peel is a social club located on Biltmore and has standing room for about 1,000 people. They bring in an array of different types of music. My favorites through the years are the older guys (that used to be big in my time) such as: Jorma Kaukonen (former Jefferson Airplane), Lindsey Buckingham (former Fleetwood Mac) which was one of the best shows seen there, Steve Winwood, just to name a few! So many people that appear were large acts years ago, however now drawing much smaller crowds! However, the music is still damn good!
Rich in history, downtown Asheville boasts more art deco architecture than any other southeastern city other than Miami Beach. With over 150 unique shops, galleries, cafes and fine dining -- one can do or find most anything. You will want to check the Civic Center and Thomas Wolfe Auditorium which have exceptional acts like recently Elton John! Be sure to check the “West Asheville” area, as they have their own night scene with clubs and fine restaurants and music only a mile or two from downtown. We have several festivals downtown annually with the largest, Bele Chere which is an large multi-day event with art, food vendors spreading over many blocks of the city and will host many musical acts during the festival. Asheville has been voted “Beer City USA” three years running due to the many breweries and micro-breweries that continue to pop up regularly and adds so much to the flavor of this city.
These are just a few the many reasons why so many want to live, work and retire to this area. All this and add a very moderate climate to the mix makes this one of the draws to our area. For details about specific festivals, music venues, restaurants and shows – pick up a free copy of Mountain Express or visit them online at www.mountainx.com.
A walk downtown on a summer’s night, one will encounter sidewalk-musicians, music from the many, many bars, all different types of people. Several years ago, before my knees went bad and I could walk more, I would go downtown at night quite often. I would start out at the College Street Bar (which may not be there anymore!) and drink a beer while the evening activity picked up. I would then walk down to Jack of the Woods which is a popular Microbrew and they have live music some evenings, so I would check out the evening musical talent for a while. Then the next stop was Pritchard Park (one of many parks) which is a triangular park located in Battery Park that is a great place to “people watch”. And… if it’s Friday night – an added bonus, the Drum Circle is there and it brings crowds of all shapes, sizes, and ages and most toting some type of drum. All different types of drums – all playing the same beat –which is fun for about 15 minutes, then it makes me nuts. However, it’s a great crowd pleaser and fun to watch. Going downtown Asheville is just a nice escape and inexpensive to walk around in a safe environment and people watch and enjoy the evening.
Another choice night spot is the Orange Peel. The Orange Peel is a social club located on Biltmore and has standing room for about 1,000 people. They bring in an array of different types of music. My favorites through the years are the older guys (that used to be big in my time) such as: Jorma Kaukonen (former Jefferson Airplane), Lindsey Buckingham (former Fleetwood Mac) which was one of the best shows seen there, Steve Winwood, just to name a few! So many people that appear were large acts years ago, however now drawing much smaller crowds! However, the music is still damn good!
Rich in history, downtown Asheville boasts more art deco architecture than any other southeastern city other than Miami Beach. With over 150 unique shops, galleries, cafes and fine dining -- one can do or find most anything. You will want to check the Civic Center and Thomas Wolfe Auditorium which have exceptional acts like recently Elton John! Be sure to check the “West Asheville” area, as they have their own night scene with clubs and fine restaurants and music only a mile or two from downtown. We have several festivals downtown annually with the largest, Bele Chere which is an large multi-day event with art, food vendors spreading over many blocks of the city and will host many musical acts during the festival. Asheville has been voted “Beer City USA” three years running due to the many breweries and micro-breweries that continue to pop up regularly and adds so much to the flavor of this city.
These are just a few the many reasons why so many want to live, work and retire to this area. All this and add a very moderate climate to the mix makes this one of the draws to our area. For details about specific festivals, music venues, restaurants and shows – pick up a free copy of Mountain Express or visit them online at www.mountainx.com.
