Blog
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
Traditional Festivals in Modern China

When you learn Mandarin online or studying with an online Chinese teacher, the names of festivals such as 春节 (Spring Festival), 中秋节 (Mid-Autumn Festival), and 端午节 (Dragon Boat Festival) are often among the first pieces of cultural vocabulary encountered. Yet behind these familiar terms lies a long history of ritual practices, social customs, and symbolic meanings that have undergone significant transformation in modern Chinese society.
The Spring Festival, for instance, has always been the most important holiday in China, traditionally marked by ancestral worship, reunion dinners, and symbolic acts to welcome prosperity. In the past, rituals such as offering sacrifices to household gods or setting off firecrackers to ward off evil were central. While some of these customs remain, modernization has altered the festival landscape. Today, the Spring Festival is characterized as much by televised galas, digital 红包 (red envelopes) sent via mobile apps, and mass domestic travel as by traditional family rituals. The meaning of “reunion” persists, but its expression has expanded with technology and urban life.
The Mid-Autumn Festival also illustrates this transformation. Historically associated with moon worship and poetic reflection, its essence was rooted in agricultural cycles and ancient cosmology. Today, while the round mooncake continues to symbolize family unity, the festival is now also celebrated through commercial branding, tourism, and even large-scale public events. Its ancient connotations remain, but they coexist with contemporary interpretations that align with modern lifestyles.
The Dragon Boat Festival similarly demonstrates the adaptability of traditions. Once a ritual of exorcism and seasonal protection, centered on rowing boats to drive away disease and misfortune, it later became associated with commemorating the poet Qu Yuan. In contemporary China, the festival balances heritage activities such as dragon boat racing and eating 粽子 (rice dumplings) with broader cultural celebrations, often promoted as expressions of intangible cultural heritage.
At the language school GoEast Mandarin, discussions of Chinese festivals are essentially taught together with language instruction, ensuring that learners not only memorize terms but also gain an understanding of their evolution and continuing relevance.
Blog
How Fast Can a Hoverboard Go? A Complete Guide to Hoverboard Speeds

Hoverboards have come a long way since they first became a viral sensation. What commenced as a futuristic-looking toy is now a famous private transport choice for kids, teens, and even adults. But one query nearly all and sundry asks before shopping for is: how quickly can a hoverboard go?
The reply relies upon a few factors like the model, motor power, wheel size, and who’s driving it. In this article, we’ll break it all down so you’ll be aware of precisely what to anticipate when selecting the proper hoverboard for your needs.
Average Hoverboard Speeds
On average, most well-known hoverboards attain speeds between 6 mph and 10 mph. That may additionally no longer sound extraordinarily fast, however when you’re standing upright and balancing on two wheels, it feels enormously quick.
- To put that into perspective:
- 6 mph is roughly the velocity of a brisk jog.
- 10 mph is close to the pace of a leisure cyclist.
For youthful riders, such as these, the use of a kid’s hoverboard, producers regularly restrict the velocity to the lower quit of this range for safety reasons. Adult models, however, may additionally provide greater pinnacle speeds, depending on their design.
Factors That Affect Hoverboard Speed
Not all hoverboards are constructed the same. Here are the essential elements that decide how speedy a hoverboard can go:
1. Motor Power
Hoverboards generally use electric-powered motors ranging from 150W to 400W per wheel. An extra effective motor presents more desirable acceleration and greater pinnacle speeds. Premium fashions with twin 400W motors can push speeds up to 12–15 mph.
2. Wheel Size
Wheel dimensions are more than most people think. Smaller 6.5-inch wheels are frequent on entry-level boards and are high-quality, suitable for easy pavements. Larger 8.5-inch or 10-inch wheels, frequently found on off-road models, can cope with rougher terrain and occasionally provide higher pinnacle speeds.
3. Rider’s Weight
Most hoverboards are designed with an endorsed weight range, typically forty four lbs to 220 lbs. Lighter riders might also no longer attain most speeds due to the fact the sensors don’t have interaction fully, whilst heavier riders would possibly observe a slower tempo if the board struggles to hold up.
4. Battery Performance
Hoverboards run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. As the battery cost drops, so can the speed. A completely charged board will constantly supply height performance, whilst an almost drained one may sense sluggish.
5. Terrain and Conditions
Smooth pavements permit for greater speeds, whilst grass, gravel, or uneven paths naturally sluggish the hoverboard down. Uphill climbs additionally minimize speed, whereas downhill stretches can make it experience faster.
How Fast Can Different Types of Hoverboards Go?
Not every hoverboard is constructed for the same purpose. Let’s appear at some classes and their standard speeds:
- Standard Hoverboards
- Top Speed: 6–10 mph
- Best for: Everyday fun, informal rides, beginners
These are the most frequent fashions and the ones most households choose. They’re safe, reliable, and provide a stability between velocity and stability.
- Off-Road Hoverboards
- Top Speed: 10–12 mph
- Best for: Adventure seekers, out of doors use
Equipped with better wheels, rugged tires, and enhanced motors, off-road hoverboards are made for trails, grass, and grime paths. They provide barely greater speeds however shine most in their sturdiness and terrain handling.
- High-Performance Hoverboards
- Top Speed: 12–15 mph
- Best for: Adults, enthusiasts, thrill-seekers
These top rate boards pack effective motors and superior self-balancing technology. While faster, they’re commonly no longer advocated for younger young people due to the greater velocity and talent required to manage them.
- Children’s Hoverboards
- Top Speed: 6–7 mph
- Best for: Younger riders (ages 6–12)
For kids, security is usually the pinnacle priority. That’s why a children’s hoverboard is designed to restrict velocity whilst nevertheless imparting the excitement of gaining knowledge of stability and movement. Parents can relaxation certain understanding their infant won’t be zipping round too quickly.
Is Hoverboard Speed Safe?
Safety is a frequent subject when it comes to hoverboards. Even even though they don’t attain intense speeds, riders need to always:
- Wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads.
- Start gradual to construct self assurance earlier than checking out greater speeds.
- Ride in protected areas away from busy roads and heavy traffic.
At the common 6–10 mph range, hoverboards are normally secure as lengthy as riders comply with the policies and use shielding gear.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Hoverboard
If you desire your hoverboard to persistently operate at its nice speed, preserve these guidelines in mind:
- Charge wholly earlier than use – a low battery can have an effect on pace and performance.
- Stick to endorsed weight limits – overloading can gradual down the board.
- Choose the proper terrain – smoother surfaces assist you flow faster.
- Maintain your hoverboard – preserve the wheels smooth and take a look at for put on and tear.
Conclusion: How Fast Is “Fast Enough”?
So, how quickly can a hoverboard go? For most riders, the candy spot is 6–10 mph—fast sufficient to experience exciting, however protected ample for day-to-day fun. Advanced fashions can push up to 15 mph, however that’s normally reserved for grownup enthusiasts.
If you’re shopping for for a child, a children’s hoverboard that caps out round 6–7 mph is the best stability of exciting and safety. For adults who favor some thing extra thrilling, off-road or high-performance fashions would possibly be well worth considering.
At the cease of the day, the first-class hoverboard isn’t constantly the fastest—it’s the one that fits the rider’s needs, age, and self assurance level.
Blog
Instagram privacy strategies that give you total control

Instagram, which boasts over two billion users, is also a platform for connection and creativity. But there is a catch to its popularity: your privacy. Apps such as Imginn are used to anonymously view public accounts, leading to concerns about who can access your information. As data breaches and targeted ads become a growing concern for privacy, it’s crucial to take control of your Instagram privacy settings.
This article will provide you with step-by-step actions to help protect your Instagram account. You will learn how to control who sees your content, minimize data collection, and enhance the security of your account while improving Instagram data protection.
Statistic | Value/Percentage | Source |
Instagram Users Concerned About Privacy | 68% | Pew Research |
Users Unaware of Instagram Privacy Settings | 45% | Global Privacy |
Data Breaches on Instagram in the Past Year | 12 Million | CyberNews |
Increase in Cyberbullying Cases on Instagram | 22% | Anti-Defamation |
Users Actively Limiting Data Sharing | 35% | Statista |
Switch to a Private Account
To best protect your Instagram account, the most effective step is to make your account private. That way, only followers you accept can see your posts, stories, and reels. This is a simple switch that isolates your personal content from the public internet.
To make your account private:
- Go to your profile and click the three horizontal lines in the top right.
- Go to Settings and Privacy.
- Choose “Account privacy” and slide the button next to “Private account” to the right.
Although rivals like TikTok and Facebook offer similar private account capabilities, Instagram’s relationship with its parent company, Meta, means that your data can be shared across the family of apps. This makes securing your account even more important.
Manage Your Messages and Story Replies
Unwanted spam and junk messages can be more than a mere nuisance; they can also lead to fraud, luring unsuspecting users into scam schemes. Instagram gives you control over who can message you directly.
To manage message requests:
- In Settings and privacy, touch Messages and story replies.
- Select Message controls.
- Here, you can choose whether message requests can be sent to you (you can restrict them only to followers or disable them entirely for people you do not follow).
Unlike Signal or WhatsApp, which default to end-to-end encryption, Instagram’s direct messages aren’t so secure, though you can start an end-to-end encrypted chat manually. This makes controlling who can send you messages an important part of preserving your own privacy.
Control Who Sees Your Content
With a private account, however, you may want to control the visibility of certain posts or stories. You can also block other people from sharing your stuff. Stay wary of tools like Pixwox, which enable anonymous stalking and downloading of Instagram content, underscoring the ongoing need for robust privacy controls.
- Hide Your Story: You can hide your stories from certain followers without blocking them.
- Restrict Tagging and Mentions: You can adjust who is able to tag you in photos by visiting the Tags and mentions section of your privacy settings. You can also review tags before they show up on your profile. This way, unwanted photos don’t appear on your page.
- Limit Who Can Share Your Story: From within the Sharing and reuse section, you can prohibit others from sharing your story posts in messages or adding your feed posts to their own stories.
Limit Data Tracking for Ads
Instagram’s revenue model depends on your data to show targeted ads. You can’t fully opt out, but you can restrict how your information is used.
- You can find “Ad Preferences” in your Accounts Center.
- Check Ad topics and deselect the interests you don’t want advertisers to target.
- You may manage the data you receive from partners under Ad settings to minimize personalized advertising.
Strengthen Your Account Security
Balancing good privacy with sound security is crucial. Here are three simple steps you can take to protect your account from unauthorized access.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This creates an extra layer of security, requiring a code from your phone or an authenticator app to log in. It is one of the most effective ways to keep hackers at bay.
- Strong Unique Password: Don’t use a common word for the password, and don’t use the same password again over more than one site/service. A strong password should include a combination of numbers, letters, and symbols.
- Use a VPN: a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which helps you encrypt your internet connection and offers online privacy, with the result that nobody can snoop on your IP address or online activity. This is particularly beneficial when using public Wi-Fi, where packets can be easily intercepted.
Take Back Your Digital Privacy
The best part of controlling your Instagram privacy settings is that you’re taking control over your digital footprint. With a private account, you can control who can contact you directly and enhance your security at the same time. By taking these preventative measures, you will shield your sensitive information from the public sphere.
- Blog9 months ago
How to Deal with Scabies While Traveling
- Travel9 months ago
Richmond, Virginia Street Art Guide
- Travel9 months ago
Perhentian Islands: How to Get There, What to Expect, & More
- Travel9 months ago
How to Live in Your Car in New Zealand
- Travel9 months ago
Vegan Guide to Dining Out in Richmond, Virginia
- Travel8 months ago
Souvenir in Nepal: A Guide to Unique Handicrafts and Cultural Treasures
- Food8 months ago
Vegetarian Food Nepal: A Journey into Flavorful Plant-Based Cuisine
- Travel6 months ago
A Local’s Guide to Sanibel Island, Florida