March Madness is well underway and during this past weekend - UNC Asheville and Duke were knocked out of the yearly basketball tournament and you wouldn't even know it if you spent the weekend in the mountains of NC like I did this past weekend.   Let me just say - my soul is replenished and refreshed. 

 St. Patrick's Day weekend always means green beer and basketball but this past weekend, I decided to try something different.  I went to experience a little city just 3 1/2 north of us, that I've only heard about and never really experienced.   I took the short trip up GA-23/441 and headed to Asheville for a new experience and I couldn't be more excited about that decision. 

Asheville, as most southerners know is a quaint bohemian town with a great live music scene, luxurious resorts and local shops and beers that could keep most people busy for days.   That's if you leave your resort.  I had the exciting opportunity to stay at the Historic Grove Park Inn which was just the medicine I needed to rest my head for a couple of days.  Presidents vacation at this place in the mountains and I see why.  UNBELIEVABLE.  My resort choice was just the beginning for this great weekend.  From hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway, to shopping (and drinking) throughout the downtown streets of Asheville to a tour of the fabulous Biltmore Estates and of course, some wine tasting - I couldn't have been more pleased with my visit. 

Asheville is like Athens without the college atmosphere - It's like Charlotte without the khaki pants.  It's a gem in the south and I'd love to hear your stories if you have them.  If you haven't been - do yourself a favor - spend the weekend there but plan nothing because you may just end up doing NOTHING at all - and I think that would be as good!