VOICES: Audra Goforth // 10 things you didn’t know you’d miss if you ever left Asheville

Audra Goforth is a former AVLtoday co-editor. She now lives in St. Pete, Florida teaching yoga and fitness classes while working as a Social Media Coordinator. This is a contributor-submitted Voices piece. Want to join the conversation? We invite you to write for us. Learn how to share your voice here.

Hey, Asheville. Audra here. Hehe man...that feels good to write again. To all of you subscribers post October 2019, you’re probably wondering “um, who is she?? She doesn’t even go here!” No, not anymore. And, to all you OG subs -- if you need a refresher here I am! Just no longer an icy blonde. As a North Carolina girl born-and-raised, leaving Asheville and moving to sunny St. Pete, Florida was a pretty big deal. I love Asheville with all my heart. Y’all remember my sappy newsletter comments about my admiration for this city.

I went home over Christmas and visited ye old stomping grounds of AVL -- my dad still resides in WNC...sup, Papa Bear Goforth I know you’re still subscribed — and I realized you can take the girl out of Asheville, but not Asheville out of the girl. So, here are a few things about the 828 that you wouldn’t think you’d miss until you leave.

1. Mountain sunsets. OK, don’t get me wrong, there is something beautiful about a good ole beach sunset on the Gulf — they literally ring a bell in celebration every evening down at Pass-a-Grille Beach -- but, driving down I-26 towards Patton Ave. and seeing the halo glow behind Mt. Pisgah will always bring a tear to my eye.
2. The River Arts District Silo. From “Old Crow” to “Good Vibes” to “Stay Weird” to “Stay Home” to “Stay True” to... I don’t even know what it says now… I miss driving on the Captain Jeff Bowen Bridge and looking over at that old silo. Plus, I miss the controversy.
3. Breweries. You either love ‘em or you hate ‘em, but looking back, I miss the convenience of South Slope and some of my favorite locations like Highland and Sierra Nevada. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of breweries here in St. Pete, sometimes I just get overwhelmed not knowing what to order, lol.
4. The Buskers. Y’all… part of the uniqueness of Asheville is walking down the street and seeing some guy writing poems on a typewriter, a lady playing spoons, some dude beating on some buckets, and children who can dance. I miss the random talent you see on the streets.
5. Hiking trails. Alright, this was probably a given...especially if you know how much of a nature nut I am. The 828 is full of unique trails that never get old. I could hike Catawba Falls or Mt. Pisgah every weekend (and honestly, I pretty much did) and be as thrilled as the first time.
6. UNC Asheville Basketball. Cut me some slack, I am forever a Bulldog. U-UN-UNC-A-A-A-A! The St. Pete/Tampa area has some awesome sports teams… ICYMI, we took alllllll the titles this past year… but nothing beats cheering on your college team.
7. Biltmore Winery. Once I turned 21, I hit up the winery more times than I can count. I had an annual pass at Biltmore, so after 5 p.m., I would bring a few friends and we’d have a monthly girls night out at the estate.
8. The Eats. I don’t care what anyone has to say on this, but I can still taste the following meals in my dreams: Biscuit Head’s sweet potato chai jam on a biscuit, totchos from Asheville Pizza Company, chicken tenders that made my mouth scream from Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack, an espresso cake doughnut from Vortex, the signature chicken sandwich from Buxton Hall, a burrito from Papas and Beer, literally everything from Curate and Noble Crust… I could keep going but I’m drooling on my laptop.
9. The Architecture. From the Jackson Building to City Hall, Asheville has some pretty cool buildings. When I shared the city’s architecture history many moons ago, I soaked in what I learned. Tampa has a great skyline...no lie there...but the character in Asheville’s buildings doesn’t compare.
10. The Community. Nothing beats a small town with a big heart. From kicking off my Fridays at CreativeMornings and attending a drum circle on a Friday night, a Thirsty Thursday at McCormick Field, Saturday nights out around town, Sunday brunches watching my friends D.J., and constant weekday happenings -- the people here are one of a kind who I still hold dear.

Basically, y’all… don’t take Asheville for granted. Go spread your wings and do the things...but keep home close to your heart. And remember, You CAN Go Home Again.