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A Few Days In Asheville, NC

Asheville is a beacon of arts and culture nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern North Carolina. I’ve been fortunate to visit Asheville numerous times over the past decade. Thus, I feel prepared to share my advice on how to spend a few days in Asheville.
Things to Do in Asheville
1. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

Emmett overlooks Tanbark Ridge outside of Asheville; June 2018
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic American road and the longest linear park in the United States. Asheville is in close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which makes for a nice afternoon spent taking in the beautiful rolling mountains visible just off the Parkway.
2. Catch Some Live Music

The Grey Eagle; Asheville, NC; June 2016
Asheville has many venues for live music. In fact, it seems that just about every large restaurant in town has a live band on the weekends. There are a few specific music venues such as The Orange Peel, The Grey Eagle, Asheville Music Hall, and Salvage Station. In 2016, Emmett and I joined some friends at The Grey Eagle to catch King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and The Murlocs. It was a fantastic show and the venue was the perfect size – it was not too big and still easy to get close to the band.

Stu Mackenzie of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard at The Grey Eagle in Asheville; 2016.

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard plays at The Grey Eagle in Asheville; 2016.
3. Go Shopping

Asheville Emporium; October 2021
Asheville is an exciting shopping destination with a little something for everybody and every budget. Some favorite shops of mine have been Asheville Emporium and Mast General Store for souvenirs, Malaprop’s Bookstore and Firestorm Co-op for all things book, and Voltage Records or Citizen Vinyl for records. There are also a plethora of vintage stores and counterculture shops selling incense, soaps, and gemstones.

Gemstones for sale; Asheville; October 2021
4. Take a Pubcycle Tour

Our tour guide, CJ, Suzi, Liz, Allison, and me on an Amazing Pubcycle Tour; October 2021
A company called Amazing Pubcycle offers fun, cycle tours of Asheville where you can bring your own adult beverages. In 2021, for my close friend Liz’s 30th birthday, my pals and I took an Amazing Pubcycle “Mixer Pub Tour” one evening. Our charming tour guide showed us the sights of downtown Asheville and we stopped off at a pub for half an hour for additional drinks. While cycling and touring on either end of our excursion, our tour guide took requests on the sound system. We ended the night singing “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion at the top of our lungs alongside the other folks who cycled that night. It was a very fun time.
5. Visit the Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate; June 2018
The Biltmore Estate is a Gilded Age mansion built in the late 19th century outside of Asheville. Buying a day pass to visit the grounds allows visitors to tour the interior of the Estate as well as the fabulous onsite gardens/greenhouse and the Biltmore Estate Winery. Fans of architecture and extravagance will enjoy a day at the Biltmore.

Billiards room at Biltmore; June 2018

Biltmore Greenhouse; June 2018

Biltmore Estate Winery; June 2018
6. Catch a Drag Show at Scandals
Established in 1980, Scandals Nightclub is Asheville’s oldest dance club. And it’s a gay club with an established dancefloor and two nightly drag shows on the weekend. The drag performers are fantastically talented and their costumes are incredible. For a fun night out on the town, I highly recommend Scandals for dancing and drag.
Where to Eat in Asheville
Brunch

Grit cake stack at Early Girl Eatery in Asheville; October 2021
Grit cake stack at Early Girl Eatery in Asheville; October 2021
Early Girl Eatery
Locations: 8 Wall St.; 444 Haywood Rd. #101; 1378 Hendersonville Rd. Ste A
Recommendation: Organic Heirloom Grit Cake Stack.
Biscuit Head
Locations: 417 Biltmore Ave, Ste 4F; 733 Haywood Rd.; 994 Hendersonville Rd
Recommendations: Fried Green Tomatoes, Sweet Potato Coconut Gravy, and any jams from the jam bar.

Eggs benedict biscuit; Biscuit Head; June 2018
Lunch/Dinner
White Duck Taco Shop
Locations: 388 Riverside Drive & 12 Biltmore Avenue.
Recommendations: Banh Mi Tofu Tacos, Mushroom Potato Romesco Tacos. Housemade Sangria.
Wasabi Japanese Restaurant
Location: 19 Broadway St.
Recommendations: Veggie Gyoza, Vegetable & Tofu Pan Fried Udon.

Vegetable Tofu Pan Fried Udon; Wasabi Restaurant; October 2021
Dessert

Double D’s Coffee & Desserts; October 2021
Double D’s Coffee & Desserts
Location: 41 Biltmore Ave.
Recommendations: Chai Latte, Fruit smoothies.
French Broad Chocolate Factory
Locations: 10 S Pack Square; 821 Riverside Drive.
Recommendations: Housemade chocolate ice cream or milkshakes.

Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream at French Broad Chocolate Factory; October 2021
Where to Drink in Asheville
Breweries

Emmett, my Dad, and my brother Dylan at Sierra Nevada; June 2018
Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada’s Mills River, NC Taproom is about 25 minutes from downtown Asheville. It’s an enormous campus with brewery tours, a restaurant, live music, and a “back porch” with a scenic woodsy view.

Allison, me, Liz, and Suzi at New Belgium; October 2021
New Belgium
Located on 21 Craven Street in Asheville, New Belgium is a family and cyclist-friendly campus. There is no onsite restaurant; instead there are several food trucks in residence to satiate your hunger.

Wicked Weed Brewpub; October 2021
Wicked Weed Brewpub
Located on 91 Biltmore Ave, Wicked Weed Brewpub features a tasting room and a New American restaurant.

Twin Leaf Craft Brewery; October 2021
An independent craft brewery located at 144 Coxe Avenue. Twin Leaf focuses on “brewing classic Belgian, English, and American style ales, while maintaining a rotating line up of Lagers, IPAs, Sours, and other adventurous styles.”
Bars

Ben’s Tune-Up Asheville; October 2021
Ben’s Tune-Up
195 Hilliard Avenue.
A converted auto shop featuring a beer & sake garden.
Top of the Monk
92 Patton Avenue.
A speakeasy-esque rooftop bar featuring handcrafted cocktails.

An apple cider cocktail at Grove Park Inn; October 2021
Sunset Cocktail Terrace at the Grove Park Inn
The Omni Grove Park Inn; 290 Macon Avenue
Go for the cocktails, stay for the incredible views. We went at the end of October just in time to catch some fall foliage on the Blue Ridge in the distance.
Where to Stay in Asheville
Hostel

Bon Paul & Sharky’s Hostel; June 2016
Bon Paul & Sharky’s Hostel
816 Haywood Rd.
Asheville’s only backpacker’s hostel. Incredibly comfy beds, plenty of porch sitting available. Dorms and private rooms.
AirBnB

CJ & Suzi feeding horses outside of our Asheville AirBnB; October 2021
Asheville has many, many AirBnB options. Take a look on their website.
Hotels

Omni Grove Park Inn; Oct 2021

View from Omni Grove Park Inn; Oct 2021
Omni Grove Park Inn
$$$ — 290 Macon Ave
Courtyard by Marriott Asheville Biltmore Village
$$ — 26 Meadow Rd.

I love Asheville & my friends; October 2021
Blog
The Hidden Costs of Picking the Wrong Tyre Shop Near Me

Purchasing tyres may appear to be a straightforward process where one identifies a store, pays and gets the tyres fixed. However, it is not always like that. Choosing the wrong tyre shop can bring many more problems than you can imagine. Poor service to cheap-quality tyres, the bad decision could incur more costs than the money. When you wondered, any tyre store near me will do, no, it won’t.
Now, what about the costs not clear to the eye at first glance?
Poor Quality Tyres Can Cost You Safety
There are tyre shops that are specialised in offering the lowest price. The problem? Something cheaper is not always better. Poor quality tyres might wear too fast, slide on a wet surface, or even blow at speed. You can not afford that safety risk.
Brands like Pirelli tyres have established a good reputation as they provide high performance as well as reliable safety. A tyre shop that sells unknown brands, or cannot provide you with concise, confident answers when you inquire about the quality of the product, is also a red flag. The only thing on your car that touches the road is your tyres, and in no way should you compromise on those.
You Might Pay More Than You Expected
The price may seem impressive at the beginning. However, there is an extra cost at certain tyre shops, but these costs are not figured out at first sight- this is to fit tires, to balance, or even to change valves. They may even bill certain things that are not supposed to be. Ultimately, something that seemed cheap ends up more costly.
A good tyre shop does not hide the prices. They come with extras such as wheel balancing or tyre rotation without any unexpected charges. Dubai Tyre Shop is one such place that has made its name by having transparent prices and avoiding gimmicks when providing full-service installation.
Bad Installation Can Damage Your Car
Tyre fitting does not only include a tyre change. It should be in the right way. When the shop does not balance the wheels correctly or has old machinery, the alignment may lead to poor steering, unusual wear or even suspension damage.
This type of error does not manifest itself immediately; however, with time, you will hear unusual sounds, vibration or parallax in a car. Then you go back to the mechanic, and you pay even more money. You will avoid that trouble by selecting a professional shop to install your tyres.
Time Wasted Is a Cost Too
There are tyre shops that do not care about your time. You can wait until you are red, you can be told there is no stock of the tyres you ordered, or you can be told to come back tomorrow. These holdups are irritating and absolutely unnecessary.
Now, everyone can effortlessly discover online tyres and easily book them and receive services on the same day. You do not even have to go outside; you may order, make an appointment for delivery in person, and not lose one single day. Time is precious, and a good tyre shop understands it.
Final Thought
By going to a bad tyre shop, you are not only going to risk losing your money but also your safety, time, or even peace of mind. It is not good enough to be convenient. Spend a couple of more minutes and research a reliable tyre shop with quality tyres, open prices and good service.
Your tyres take you everywhere. Ensure that the shop you select is prepared to accept such responsibility as well.
Blog
Gear Up Like a Hero: Pick Your Manga Katana Today

What Makes a Manga Katana So Cool?
A Manga Katana is a sword that comes from Japanese comic books, also called manga. These swords are not normal ones you see in real life. Instead, they are full of color, power, and meaning. Some glow in the dark. Others can talk, grow bigger, or use magic. Most times, the hero in a manga uses a katana to fight evil. This makes the sword very special. Every time you see a manga katana, you can tell it belongs to someone strong or brave. That’s why fans love them so much. Even if they don’t use the sword, they still feel proud to own one. As you read more, you’ll see how the famous Bleach Sword became one of the coolest manga swords ever.
Why Do People Love Anime Swords So Much?
Many fans feel excited when they see swords from manga or anime. Why is that? First, these swords are full of stories. They don’t just cut — they carry feelings. The hero often gets the sword at a big moment in the story. Second, each sword has a look that fits its owner. It might be big and bold or small and shiny. Third, fans enjoy collecting them. Some hang them on walls, while others use them in cosplay. Also, holding the same sword as your favorite hero feels magical. Lastly, it’s fun to imagine being part of the manga world. So, when someone owns a manga katana, they are not just buying a sword — they are holding a piece of the story.
The Bleach Sword – Why It’s a Fan Favorite
The Bleach Sword, used by Ichigo in the “Bleach” anime, is super popular. Here are some reasons why fans love it so much:
It’s Giant and Cool – Ichigo’s sword is huge and stands out right away.
It Changes Forms – The sword can become more powerful during battle.
It Has a Spirit Inside – That spirit helps Ichigo get stronger.
It Grows with the Hero – As Ichigo learns, the sword becomes better too.
It Looks Amazing – The design is sharp, dark, and full of power.
Because of these reasons, the Bleach Sword is not just a weapon. It is a symbol of growth, strength, and courage.
Real-Life Swords That Look Like Manga Ones
Even though manga swords come from drawings, real ones can be made too! Expert makers shape them from steel, just like old samurai swords. They heat the metal, fold it many times, and then sharpen it. After that, they add cool colors, marks, or handles to make it match the manga version. Some swords are strong and can cut. Others are just for show. Websites like TrueKatana sell these kinds of swords online. So, even if a sword starts as a picture in a book, it can become something you hold in your hands. That makes it even more exciting!
What Kinds of Manga Swords Can You Buy?
There are many types of manga katanas for fans to enjoy. Here are some fun choices:
Display Swords – These are perfect for your shelf or wall.
Safe Cosplay Swords – Made of wood or plastic for dressing up.
Collector’s Items – Real-looking swords with fine details.
Training Katanas – Good for safe practice and learning.
Fantasy Swords – With wild designs, lights, or powers from stories.
With so many options, everyone can find a sword they love — even if it’s just for fun.
How to Choose the Right Bleach Sword or Manga Katana?
Picking the right sword doesn’t have to be hard. Follow these steps and you’ll find the perfect one:
- Know Your Purpose – Do you want it for show, cosplay, or cutting practice?
- Check the Material – Wood and plastic are safe; steel is strong.
- Pick the Style You Love – Some swords are long and simple; others are bright and bold.
- Look at the Details – A good Bleach Sword should look just like Ichigo’s.
- Buy From Trusted Sellers – Like TrueKatana, which offers great quality.
By thinking carefully, you can pick a sword that matches your love for anime and manga.
How to Keep Your Sword in Great Shape?
Once you get your sword, you’ll want to keep it nice and shiny. First, don’t touch the blade too much, because your hands can leave marks. Next, wipe it gently with a clean cloth. If the sword is real steel, you can use oil to stop rust. Always keep your sword in a safe place, like on a stand or in its case. Avoid wet areas or strong sun. Also, don’t swing it around unless you know how — that can be risky. Taking care of your sword shows respect for the art and for your favorite hero too.
Is It Safe for Kids to Own a Sword Like This?
Yes, it can be safe — if you choose the right one. Many manga swords are made just for display or cosplay. These are not sharp and are great for younger fans. Plastic or wooden swords are good for kids who like to play or dress up. However, real steel swords should only be used by older teens or adults. Parents should always help pick the right sword and check if it’s safe. Even a fake sword can feel exciting to hold. So, yes — kids can enjoy swords from manga, as long as everyone stays smart and safe.
Final Words:
Now you know all about Manga Katanas and the famous Bleach Sword. These blades are more than just sharp objects — they carry the power of the story. Whether you love Ichigo’s giant sword or want to start your own collection, there’s something for every fan. Swords bring us closer to our heroes and help us dream bigger. So go ahead, explore your favorite characters, and maybe even own a sword that tells your story. And with places like TrueKatana, your dream sword is only a click away!
Blog
Best Boxing Gloves for Hand Protection: Hayabusa’s Unmatched Performance

If you’ve ever thrown a punch, you know how much force travels through your hands and wrists. That’s why choosing the right boxing gloves is the single most important decision for hand safety.
When it comes to maximum hand protection, no brand delivers like Hayabusa. Their Best Boxing gloves for hand protection are engineered with advanced sports science to keep your wrists aligned, your knuckles safe, and your training injury-free — whether you’re a pro fighter or just starting out.
Why Hand Protection Matters in Boxing
Your hands have 27 bones, supported by delicate tendons and ligaments. Every punch puts those structures under stress. Without proper gloves, you risk injuries like:
- Knuckle bruising
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures in small hand bones
- Wrist hyperextension
Good gloves don’t just cushion impact — they control wrist position, absorb shock, and maintain proper fist alignment.
Why Hayabusa Is the Leader in Hand Protection
Hayabusa gloves are built with three core protective technologies:
1. Dual-X® Wrist Support
Locks your wrist into the safest position for every punch, reducing the risk of bending or twisting.
2. Multi-Layer Foam Padding
Distributes impact evenly so your knuckles and metacarpals take less strain.
3. Ergonomic Hand Fit
Natural fist shape keeps your grip relaxed and your strikes controlled.
Hayabusa’s Best Boxing Gloves for Hand Safety
Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves
- Perfect for: All-around training, sparring, and bag work
- Key benefits: Dual-X® wrist locks, five-layer foam, broken-in comfort from day one
Hayabusa T360 Leather Gloves
- Perfect for: Fighters who want luxury without sacrificing protection
- Key benefits: Handcrafted leather, same advanced wrist support, long-lasting durability
Hayabusa S4 Gloves
- Perfect for: Beginners who want pro-level protection at a fair price
- Key benefits: Molded foam, simple wrist strap, great knuckle coverage
Hayabusa Mayweather Champ Boxing Gloves
- Perfect for: Champions who want pro-level durability along with comfort
- Key benefits: Triple-Splint Wrist Support: Trusted by fighters worldwide, It’s advanced splinting system delivers unparalleled wrist support.
FAQ: Best Boxing Gloves for Hand Protection
Q: What boxing gloves protect your hands the most?
A: Hayabusa T3 gloves offer the best hand protection thanks to their Dual-X® wrist support and five-layer foam padding.
Q: Are Hayabusa gloves good for preventing wrist injuries?
A: Yes. The Dual-X® system keeps your wrists locked in a safe position, dramatically reducing injury risk.
Q: Which Hayabusa gloves are best for beginners?
A: The Hayabusa S4 provides excellent protection and comfort at a budget-friendly price.
Final Word: Protect Your Hands, Extend Your Career
The best boxing gloves for hand protection aren’t just about padding — they’re about engineering safety into every strike. With Hayabusa’s T3, T360, Mayweather Champ and S4, you get unmatched support, comfort, and durability that keep you training longer and fighting stronger.
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