By: New Asheville resident, Robin Wolfe Shoor, M.A., is an independent college counselor and journalist who is inspired by the AVL environment.
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You could say that Hurricane Irma kind of “blew” us to Asheville. After spending a few summers in Highlands, N.C. to escape the Miami heat, our eyes were opened to living with nature, engaging a more chill, meaningful way of life. We researched and spent time in different “possibilities” - cities like Raleigh, N.C., and Greenville, S.C. But my husband and I desired a location where could have seasons, mountains and music. A climate where the outdoors would be a possibility for year-round activity. A place where we could begin a new life and start over as a couple – one without the daily sighting of “exes” in the gym or local restaurants. A beginning where we could physically leave our personal history behind and start anew – with only a few strings attached.
We researched, we read, we visited. But we kept circling back to AVL, loving its openness, progressive nature, welcoming, animal-friendly people, unbeatable weather (although this March was a bit chilly) and the seemingly endless array of festivals, restaurants, beer, and music.
“Are you crazy, you’re not going to try living there first and then sell your house in Miami?” was a common theme amongst seemingly well-meaning friends. Or, “what ARE you going to do up there? After living three weeks up here to escape the aftermath of Irma, my husband and I found that we just loved the AVL culture and never wanted to leave. So, we made our decision - to pull out our stakes in Miami and plunge headfirst into AVL life.
One of the most incredible and welcome changes is the quantity and quality of things to do here. We are overwhelmed by the fantastic trails, breweries, restaurants and community events, and opportunities to get involved. We walked in the Woodfin Elementary 5K. Toured UNC Asheville’s STEAM program and OLLI Institute, an incredible center for 55+ learning and involvement. We learned about our new digs while tasting delicious brews and listening to a most entertaining tour guide at New Belgium Brewery. Who knew that The French Broad is the third oldest river? Or that the Appalachians are the world’s oldest mountain range?
In fact, our initial familiarization with Asheville was on the Gray Line Trolley, a tour led by a most comedic and exciting guide. Who knew that Zelda Fitzgerald dies tragically in a fire at the Highland Hospital? Our first holiday without family fell during Passover. We celebrated with the community at Temple Beth Ha-Tefilah Congregation, singing beautiful songs, sharing matzoh and meeting a most welcoming rabbi, people, and even neighbors. On that night, day 12 of our move, we already felt so welcomed and also made some lifelong friends.
Our daily anchor is the Woodfin YMCA, a place of wellness where the instructors seemingly take a funny pill before their classes. Every day, whether its Pilates, Cycling, or TRX the super friendly staff makes us feel as though we have a little, caring community right at our doorstep.
Perhaps you’re thinking: “Oh no, just one more person that makes our already growing city even more crowded.”
I can’t say that I blame you. The recent articles in Travel + Leisure, and Asheville’s place on Forbes’ “15 Coolest Places To Go 2018,” and the threat of coastal water rise don’t help, either. But I do promise this: We will do our best to try and further enhance this gem, passing on the kindnesses extended to us, endeavoring to make this exquisite place even more green and bountiful.
Tip: For more history on Asheville, and the building of the Biltmore estate, read “The Last Castle,” by local author Denise Kiernan. It’s fascinating.
