Day 6: A New Windshield, Lutheridge, and Asheville

Good Evening,

I am lying in my extremely comfortable North Lodge B+B "Library Room" bed as I write this and Steve is out in the lounge reading some super-nerdy book about Hacking Google that he found on the shelves. To each their own! While blogging, I am listening to the luscious tunes of "The Reminder" by Feist, a new disc I picked up today while tooling around downtown Asheville (Zajack, if you don't have this one, get it, and Steve also picked up Midlake at your suggestion!)

We got started a bit later than planned today due to the whole windshield replacement thing, but eventually the fine gentleman from Triumph Glass (below) took care of business and we were on our way out of Clemson around 2pm. We spent the morning hanging at the Zajacks, chatting with Mark, learning some new shows ("Psychic," "Survivorman," "Dog the Bounty Hunter"), and having some great sandwiches from the local deli. My turkey on a croissant was certainly more appealing than the scorpions, ostrich egg, and locusts I saw survivorman eat in the desert--gross!! The drive to Asheville was a pleasant one, only about two hours, three megachurches and countless crosses from Clemson. When we got close to Asheville we started to see advertisements for a variety of Christian retirement communities. We happened upon one of these communities named, rather appropriately I thought: "Lutheridge." The crosses on the side of the road today got more graphic (writing not image) and had a lot to say about the saving power of the blood of Jesus. I've no problem with people professing their respective faiths, but it is so strange to see it so openly proclaimed around every corner. Christian condo complexes abound! We saw no offramp signs to the future today, but we did see one to the "Bat Cave," and alas, did not venture off, not knowing if Alfred would welcome us to Master Bruce's lair.

We arrived at our Bed and Breakfast, the Northlodge on Oakland, around 4pm, checked in, got the tour, got settled and decided to see a little of downtown Asheville. I am a huge fan of B+B's--Steve not so much--and this one is lovely. We strolled around downtown Asheville for a bit. I like the city--it's small, funky, and very artsy. We peeked in some galleries (suprisingly reasonable art prices); patronized the local music vendor; and, then went to eat at Tupelo Honey, a restaurant chosen because Kate sent me a gift certificate to it in my birthday package :-). The food did not disappoint. They do Southern with a twist (the twist being local, organic, and slightly healthier). Steve chose the pork loin, and I had the nut-encrusted fried chicken. It was all delicious, but the biscuits with peach butter and raspberry jam were the highlights for me. We intended to do some more strolling in Asheville, but shops close early, so we headed back to the Northlodge. It's been extremely hot in the Carolinas these past 2 days--over 100 both days, so hopefully it cools off soon. Asheville really doesn't seem like the South. The city has a lot of left-over Art-Deco flair from the 1930s (Kate and William, you guys would be big fans of the vibe and the architecture), and a lot of hippies, both young and old. It's likely the artsy influence, and the lovely Great Smoky Mountains backdrop. I've no idea what tomorrow brings. We're trying to decide between the Vanderbilt's mansion--Biltmore; Dolly-wood (seriously); and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We'll be sleeping in Nashville tomorrow night, camping again, but that's all that I know for certain. We'll see what the morning brings. Be Well!! -Lib


Pic 1: Getting a new windshield in the Zajack's Driveway
Pic 2: The Northlodge B+B on Oakland--our digs in Asheville
Pic 3: The local Asheville music store
Pic 4: Where Kate sent us for dinner...yum, and thanks!
Pic 5: Clarke Kent was nowhere in sight....