West First Pizza

Interesting Pizza Restaurant in downtown Hendersonville, NC

http://www.mountainx.com/dining/2007/042507westfirst

Small House, Hendersonville

A small house near downtown Hendersonville, NC with a

walkout basement at the rear.

Chimney Rock Cabin

Small cabin off the beaten path in Chimney Rock, North Carolina.

NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum has gardens, trails, educational

exhibits and integration of art throughout the grounds as shown in this gate.

http://www.ncarboretum.org/

Druid Hills Historic District

An example of Craftsman Bungalow in Druid Hills Historic District

in Hendersonville, NC http://www.hendersonvillehpc.org/districts/druid-hills

Tryon Clock

Clock on Trade Street in downtown Tryon, NC.

http://www.nc-mountains.org/towns/tryon.php?ref=firstpeaknc.org

Dry Falls, Highlands NC

Dry Falls is accessible from Hwy 64 near Highlands, NC in

the Cullasaja Gorge of the Nantahala National Forest.  The

winding road reminds me of driving in the mountains of Jamaica.

For more pictures see http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/dry1.htm

Nostalgia Courtyard Shops, Saluda

An interesting smattering of shops that I recently stumbled

upon in Saluda during a lazy Sunday afternoon drive.

http://www.visitnc.com/journeys/articles/small-mountain-towns/2/saluda

St James Episcopal Church

St James Episcopal Church in Hendersonville, NC has excellent

stonework and an enclosed courtyard.

 

                                                                 There is a fenced English garden located beside the chapel.

Carl Sandburg Home

Abraham Lincoln and his bodyguard were guests at the

Carl Sandburg Home National Historical Site in Flat Rock, NC.

A very good impersonation of President Lincoln.

For more on the Carl Sandburg Home see

http://www.nps.gov/carl/index.htm

Summer Music in Flat Rock

Peace Out performed on October 2nd at the final concert in Flat Rock.

Their music is an eclectic blend of folk, country, African

and Celtic.  It was a great occasion to listen to some

good music and look at the audience - kids,

retirees and young folk.

http://www.flatrockonline.com/flat_rock_events/summer_music_in_flat_rock.htm

Art on Main in Hendersonville

The Art on Main show took place last weekend

in Hendersonville.  This booth featured

the art of Michael Bedoian of Saluda whose

detailed paintings highlight local black bears.

http://www.peacefulcoexistence.net/

Creative Landscapes

This little building really showcases its business of landscape design.

Regional architecture (sort of), two water features, accessible design,

and of course landscape design.

http://www.creativelandscapesbydrew.com/index.html

Garden Gate and Fence

An interesting fence and gate at a house in

Hendersonville, NC.  Gravel drive, nice plantings,

natural materials and a suggestion of mystery beyond...

The fence at the neighbor's house - gravel drive,

stone wall, plantings and the fence repeated.  It all seems

to go together very well.

Mike's On Main Street

Mike's on Main Street in Hendersonville. NC is a coffee/sandwich

shop that is located in an old pharmacy/soda shop.  The prices are

very reasonable and the decor is interesting.

Soda counter with stools, booths and a case with old

pharmacy bottles and containers....

Heavenly Hogs

An interesting shop in Chimney Rock, NC.

Yep, it's all about bikes...

Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival

Each year Asheville does a good job with numerous fairs and festivals.

The Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival (LAAF) takes place

on North Lexington Avenue and engages the community with

art, crafts, childrens activities, food and music.

This group was very good with a bohemian/indie/rock genre.

One of the couples dressed for the festival doing

their part to "keep Asheville weird."

Hendersonville Depot

The historic Hendersonville Depot is located on Maple Street at 7th Avenue

in Hendersonville, NC.   The structure was constructed in 1902 and replaced

the first depot which was built in 1879.

The Hendersonville Depot is home to the Apple Valley Model

Railroad Club which features  over 1700 feet of track running through

model areas of Hendersonville, Asheville, Canton, Saluda as well

as several other NC towns.  For more info see the link http://avmrc.com/

Local Color, Brevard

Interesting sign for a shop in Brevard, NC.

See more at this link http://www.localcolorshop.com/

Looking Glass Falls

Looking Glass Falls is located in the Pisgah National Forest

in North Carolina.  If you like waterfalls you will NOT be

disappointed as this forest has several. 

Looking Glass Falls is easily accessible from the

road and is one of the most popular of the falls in the Park.

For more information see http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/pisgah1.htm

Natural Bridge, Chimney Rock NC

A very natural bridge spanning the Broad River

in Chimney Rock/Bat Cave.  The railings would have

been better if "natural" wood pieces were used...

Fishes in Brevard

Birds gotta sing, fish gotta climb...

Interesting public art in Brevard, NC.

Brevard Jewelry Store

Diamond Rush Jewelry in Brevard, NC.

Interesting sidewalk treatment at door sill.

Summer Vegetable Garden

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit.

Wisdom is not putting a tomato in a fruit salad. 

Flat Rock Shops - Part 3

Smokestack ornament on the BBQ restaurant.

Flat Rock Shops - Part 2

Bakery cum restaurant cum gift shop.

Flat Rock Shops - Part 1

Flat Rock, NC is a small village near Hendersonville

that has several small shops, restaurants and galleries that

are very interesting and unique.  These establishments will be

featured over the next few days.

Surf Fishermen

Interesting sign/sticker on a

building in the Montford Historical District.

Yes, it is a valid website.

Bele Chere 2010

The Bele Chere festival took place in Asheville this past weekend.

Lots of people, arts and music.  This group was very

entertaining and featured local musicians.  There were also

 some big acts like Toubab Krewe; good vibes...

The ever popular Drum Circle was set up outside the Lexington Avenue Brewery

(Lab) on Lexington Avenue.  They had some great chicken/pork

tacos/burritos for $2.00 each - delicious.

Check them out at http://www.lexavebrew.com/ 

Jammin' in Pritchard Park

A typical Saturday afternoon in Pritchard Park, Asheville.

This small, urban park is the scene of the Drum Circle

on Friday nights as well as the impromtu

gatherings of music, arts and crafts.

A couple of free spirits gettin' down..

Iron Horse Legacy, Lincoln

The Iron Horse mural/bas relief in the Haymarket Historical District

is an excellent representation of the westward expansion

of the railroad.  This piece was sculpted by Jay Tschetter

of Yankee Hill Brick, fired and then erected on site.

Pack Place Railing

A very interesting, artistic railing at the new Pack Place Park

in Asheville.  I like the way the ball/globe appears to

be  escaping the confines of the railing as

the top rail attempts to hold it in check.

Residential Fence Design

Build me a fence, open and closed.

Wood would be nice, or metal.

Give it a cap; match the roof, maybe..

Step it down the hill nicely.

Be sure to make it interesting and different.

Alright!

Asheville Pizza & Brewing

Pizza, beer and a movie all together.  What more could you want?

And the movie admission is only $3.00 with the food and beverage

delivered to you while watching the movie.  Great pizza too.

Check it out here http://ashevillebrewing.com/archived%20old%20site/index.html

Small House

I recently saw this vehicle in downtown Asheville which is

still under construction.  The chap working on it

said that it is a house, albeit a very small one.  It could be

used for camping or a a temporary abode by someone

who is able to get by without the trappings of society.

Or it could be used as a small office.

An interior view showing incorporation of recycled

materials on the "porch" and the use of various wood species.

There is a small loft over the small area at the front

that could be used for sleeping. Notice the small space

heater on the right wall.

Montford Houses

The Montford Area Historical District has many fine examples of

historical architectural styles as well as some new interpretations on

design.  This house has Arts and Crafts as well as Asian influences.

I especially like the deep roof overhangs which negate the need

for gutters.  Not too sure about the curved wall on the left though.

Totally different design - more contemporary in volume and materials.

The space in front of the vehicle is a home office and the main

entry is to the right of the wood wall.

Wedge Brewing Company

The River Arts Studios were open this weekend in addition to the  food and

drinking establishments in the area.  Wedge Brewing Company has an

excellent outdoor drinking/eating location with a "fence"

that is a work of art.

Another view of the drinking patio showing

the sun shade and incorporated parts welded together

to form the enclosing fence.

Kenilworth Neighborhood

One of many historical residences in the Kenilworth neighborhood

in Asheville.  This house uses a lot of stone and relates well to the site.

Garage with apartment above; notice the matching mailbox.