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42º | Cloudy | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:40 a.m. | Sunset 5:30 p.m.

 

History

Follow the Vagabonds’ epic roadtrip to Asheville

The Vagabonds posed outside of a lead mine on their 1918 journey.
The Vagabonds posing at a lead mine. | Photo from the Henry Ford Museum via James Gardner
Before the term “glamping” was coined, American trailblazers Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, and John Burroughs were some of the first to set up camp in style. The group called themselves “The Vagabonds” and took almost yearly vacations across the US from 1914 to 1924, playing a role in creating the great American road trip as we know it today. And in the summer of 1918, these four men made stops right here in the Asheville area.

Here’s the rundown on where the Vagabonds went — and how you can recreate a portion of their trip.

First stop: Mars Hill

Rolling out of Hot Springs, the group set their sights on Mars Hill. After traveling through about 25 miles of rocky roads and cliffsides, they were greeted with flowers and fruit from children and college students upon their arrival.

Although you likely won’t get the same welcome, you can follow in their footsteps. On Saturdays during the spring semester, consider making a stop at Mars Hill University’s campus to visit the Rural Heritage Museum and uncover more WNC history.

The four men take a break at their campsite next to a lake.

The men taking a break at their campsite.

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Photo from The Henry Ford Museum via James Gardner

Next up: Weaverville

After departing from Mars Hill, the Vagabonds split up, and Edison and Firestone made their way 10 miles south to Weaverville. Celebrities in their day, they were greeted by excited crowds. Though neither were keen on public speaking, Firestone addressed the crowd and thanked them for being there.

Any crowds you find at Blue Mountain Pizza will probably be waiting for a table and not a speech, but you can grab a pie and have a picnic in Lake Louise Park.
One last stop
Events
Friday, Aug. 25
  • Harry Potter Tri-Wizard Trivia Tournament | Friday, Aug. 25 | 7-9 p.m. | Ginger’s Revenge - Riverside Tasting Room, 829 Riverside Dr. Ste. 100, Asheville | Free | Test your knowledge of the wizarding world during the trivia finale — plus, show up in costume for extra points.
  • Silent Disco: Hey Ya! OutKast Dance Party | Friday, Aug. 25 | 9-11:30 p.m. | Rabbit Rabbit, 75 Coxe Ave., Asheville | $5 | Call back to your heyday with the help of this iconic 90s and noughties group.
  • JORTS! Stand-Up Comedy Showcase | Friday, Aug. 25 | 9:30 p.m. | Catawba Brewing Company South Slope, 32 Banks Ave., Asheville | $15 | Don your favorite cut-offs, and settle in for a showcase of jorts-clad comedians.
Saturday, Aug. 26
  • 103.3 Asheville FM Record Fair | Saturday, Aug. 26 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville, 87 Haywood St., Asheville | Free | Explore over 10,000 square feet of records, 45s, CDs, collectibles, and more.
  • Swannanoa Valley Museum Antique & Collectible Sale | Saturday, Aug. 26 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Monte Vista Hotel Banquet Room, 308 W. State St., Black Mountain | Free | Browse a sale of deaccessioned items from the Museum’s collection + antiques from other vendors.
  • Slow Packer + Tre. Charles | Saturday, Aug. 26 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Enjoy a unique and intimate music experience presented by local live music production company Lonesome Station.
Sunday, Aug. 27
  • Student Film Screening | Sunday, Aug. 27 | 1-5 p.m. | Asheville Pizza and Brewing, 675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville | Free | See the works of Asheville School of Film students up on the big screen.
  • English Country Dance | Sunday, Aug. 27 | 4-6:15 p.m. | Harvest House Community Center, 205 Kenilworth Rd., Asheville | Free | Fulfill all of your Jane Austen dreams with an afternoon of country dancing -- a beginners’ session starts at 3:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 28
  • 7 Wonders Board Game Tournament | Monday, Aug. 28 | 6-9 p.m. | Well Played, 58 Wall St., Asheville | $7 | Stake your claim on world wonders as you play toward victory.
Events calendar here
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News Notes
Civic
  • More than a dozen City of Asheville boards and commissions are seeking new members. Apply now for a chance to bring your industry expertise and your local knowledge to the table. Unless otherwise noted, application deadlines are Sunday, Aug. 27 at 5 p.m.
Ranked
  • No. 1. That’s where Asheville falls on Trips To Discover’s list of US Cities Most Open to Pet Travel. The study cited Asheville’s pet-friendly businesses, hotels + outdoor spaces. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Film
  • If you’re tired of the same movies on repeat, it might be time to branch out. The Asheville-based American Chestnut Foundation released a new documentary, “Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut.” Visit the schedule to find local screenings or to request to host a screening.
Plan Ahead
  • Mark your calendar now for the world premiere of local playwright Will Storrs’ “Alice in Murderland.” The spooky adaptation of the Lewis Carroll classic will be presented by the Montford Park Players on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, Oct. 6-28. Get your tickets.
Featured Home
  • This income-producing, fully-furnished cabin with hand-hewn logs sits on three lots (including one connected to Lake George). The great room centers around a wood-burning fireplace and the lower level features an antique pine bar, pool table + dartboard. Enjoy a stone patio with a hot tub and fire pit out back.*
Cause
Seasonal
Finance
  • Pro tip: Peek into finance experts’ wallets and you’ll see this card. Where to start with the perks? This card is one of the best with 0% intro APR for over a year, up to 5% cash back, and no annual fee. Learn more.*
Correction
  • The due date for Buncombe County property taxes is Friday, Sept. 1, but there is a four-month grace period that allows you to pay through Friday, Jan. 5 without penalty.
 
Shoutout
Happy Birthday (August 29) to Amy Snyder from her loving husband. She makes every day special for all of us! — Jesse Snyder
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The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Grace

From the editor
If you know me, you know I have an extensive collection of tie-dye t-shirts — but of course, my collection is far from complete. I’ll be grabbing a ticket for Hi-Wire’s End of Summer Tie-Dye Party on Sunday, Sept. 24 from 1 to 5 p.m. at its Biltmore Village location.
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