Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 17)

This entry is part 17 of 30 in the series Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah

April 17, 2024

Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 17)

By Simon J. Lau

We’re in Asheville, tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The town is known for its artsy vibe and easy access to the outdoors. It has a reputation as a haven for artists, musicians, and free spirits thanks to its progressive atmosphere. What surprised me, though, was seeing so much open drug use. This is the first time I’ve noticed it outside California. It was a reminder that these problems aren’t unique to home.

This morning, we hiked up to Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower, deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Built in the 1940s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the tower once served as a critical outpost for spotting wildfires. It’s been long retired, but at over 5,300 feet, it still offers sweeping views of the forested landscape below.

When we arrived, a park ranger told me I couldn’t climb to the “tippy top” since it had been closed after vandals broke the latch, but I was allowed to go up the stairs to the level just below. Given my mild fear of heights and the fact that the staircase showed its age with a few bent sections, I was perfectly fine with that.

Bruno had to wait on the ground, and if you look closely in this image, you can spot him below. I briefly thought about bringing him up, but decided it was too much of a safety risk.

Later in the day, we stopped by New Belgium Brewery, which has a huge outdoor patio overlooking the French Broad River. The weather couldn’t have been better. A little humid, but overcast with a light breeze. Perfect for sitting outside with a drink in hand and my best friend at my feet.

I’d like to say I’ll miss Asheville, but I won’t. The surrounding areas, especially the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway, are incredible, but the city center is overwhelmed by visible drug use. It takes away from the charm the city is known for. If more were done to clean up the streets, I could see the appeal, but as things stand, I wouldn’t come back.