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A Few Days In Asheville, NC
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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
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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
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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.
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Stu Mackenzie of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard at The Grey Eagle in Asheville; 2016.
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King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard plays at The Grey Eagle in Asheville; 2016.
3. Go Shopping
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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.
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Gemstones for sale; Asheville; October 2021
4. Take a Pubcycle Tour
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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
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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.
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Billiards room at Biltmore; June 2018
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Biltmore Greenhouse; June 2018
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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
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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.
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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.
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Vegetable Tofu Pan Fried Udon; Wasabi Restaurant; October 2021
Dessert
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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.
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Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream at French Broad Chocolate Factory; October 2021
Where to Drink in Asheville
Breweries
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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CJ & Suzi feeding horses outside of our Asheville AirBnB; October 2021
Asheville has many, many AirBnB options. Take a look on their website.
Hotels
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Omni Grove Park Inn; Oct 2021
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View from Omni Grove Park Inn; Oct 2021
Omni Grove Park Inn
$$$ — 290 Macon Ave
Courtyard by Marriott Asheville Biltmore Village
$$ — 26 Meadow Rd.
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I love Asheville & my friends; October 2021
Blog
World Sheep Shearing Championships 2017: A Historic Global Event
![World Sheep Shearing Championships 2017: A Historic Global Event](https://savvydispatches.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/World-Sheep-Shearing-Championships-2017-A-Historic-Global-Event.jpg)
The World Sheep Shearing Championships 2017 was an amazing assembly of worldwide international shearers and wool handlers. Held every few years, this exclusive event honors the art, speed, and accuracy of sheep shearing while advancing industry knowledge and cultural interchange. Both contestants and viewers would find the 2017 edition to be very competitive, with amazing performances and unforgettable events that stayed with them.
The Significance of the Championships
History of the World Sheep Shearing Championships
The World Sheep Shearing Championships started in 1977 when the inaugural event aimed at showcasing professional shearers’ talents. Since then, it has grown to be a much-awaited rivalry attracting worldwide interest.
Cultural and Economic Importance
The wool business as well as agricultural systems all around depend on sheep shearing. The Championships highlight not just this talented trade but also help to promote respect for rural customs and workmanship.
Host Country for 2017
Venue and Location
Renowned for its strong sheep farming legacy and world-class wool output, Invercargill, New Zealand hosted the 2017 Championships.
Why New Zealand Was Chosen
New Zealand’s robust sheep farming sector and past record of producing elite shearers made it a perfect host for the event.
Competitive Categories
Among the several divisions offered in the World Sheep Shearing Championships were:
- Machine Shearing: Where participants swiftly and precisely sheared using electric tools
- Blade Shearing: an old method needing great endurance and ability.
- Wool Handling: Emphasizing the creativity involved in organizing and getting ready fleece for processing
Notable Competitors
Champion Shearers
Top shearers from nations including New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom were drawn to the event. Notable names included:
- Rowland Smith (New Zealand): An experienced rival distinguished by unparalleled speed
- Gavin Mutch (Scotland): a past champion with very strong technical ability
Rising Stars
Rising stars also proved the future possibilities of competitive sheep shearing.
Highlights of the Event
Record-Breaking Performances
The Championships produced several records highlighting the amazing speed and accuracy of top rivals.
Memorable Moments
From thrilling endings to demonstrations of sportsmanship, the tournament offered fans many unforgettable events as well as for the competitors.
Behind the Scenes
Training and Preparation
To develop their abilities and increase their stamina required for the fierce competition, shearers undertook demanding training.
Equipment and Innovation
Emphasizing efficiency and animal welfare, the newest developments in shearing technology were presented.
Impact on the Wool Industry
The Championships highlighted best practices and encouraged invention, therefore helping to promote the worldwide wool business.
Media Coverage and Public Engagement
Local and International Media
The event attracted a lot of media attention since reporters and broadcasters from all around captured the scene.
Social Media Buzz
The event became hot on social media as attendees and supporters posted their stories.
Community Involvement
Local Support
Embracing the Championships, the people of Invercargill welcomed guests and rivals and provided hospitality.
Cultural Performances
Celebrating New Zealand’s legacy, traditional presentations and exhibits gave the event a cultural component.
Sustainability and Animal Welfare
Prioritizing sustainability and animal welfare, organizers set policies guaranteeing moral treatment of sheep and environmental responsibility.
Economic Benefits
The Championships created economic possibilities and greatly enhanced tourism, therefore benefiting the local economy.
Legacy of the 2017 Championships
The accomplishment of the 2017 event established a legacy that motivates next generations of shearers and advances ongoing wool industry innovation.
The World Sheep Shearing Championships 2017 celebrated history, skill, and worldwide friendship rather than only competition. The event demonstrated the ongoing relevance of sheep shearing and wool handling on the global scene employing outstanding performances, cultural interaction, and industry developments.
Blog
Tok Tok Bislama 2: Understanding Language, Culture, and Impact
![Tok Tok Bislama 2: Understanding Language, Culture, and Impact](https://savvydispatches.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tok-Tok-Bislama-2-Understanding-Language-Culture-and-Impact.jpg)
A great window into Vanuatu’s language and culture, Tok Tok Bislama 2 presents Bislama is the lingua franca for this Pacific island nation as a Creole language taken from English. Examining Tok Tok Bislama 2’s cultural and social relevance, this paper explores its background, development, and relevance.
The Origins of Bislama
Bislama originated in the 19th century when English-speaking colonists engaged with plantation laborers from Vanuatu and other islands. The necessity of a shared language resulted in the development of Bislama, a fusion of English vocabulary with regional grammatical rules.
Evolution of Bislama
From a simple pidgin utilized in trade, Bislama grew over time into a completely fledged creole language. Bislama joined English and French among Vanuatu’s three official languages once the country acquired its independence in 1980.
Linguistic Features of Bislama
Vocabulary
English provides most of Bislama’s vocabulary; influences from French and indigenous languages abound but English is the basis.
Grammar
Bislama stresses context-based meaning and uses a basic grammatical framework with little verb conjugation unlike English.
Pronunciation
For English speakers, bislama pronunciation is rather straightforward to acquire since it’s phonetic characterizes.
Cultural Significance of Tok Tok Bislama 2
Bislama is a national identity and unifying symbol, not only a language. In a nation where more than one hundred indigenous languages are spoken, Bislama helps Vanuatu’s people to feel belonging and closes communication gaps.
Social Impact
Community Engagement
Bislama is quite important for local media, religious rites, and community events.
Education
While official schooling mostly uses English and French, Bislama is widely spoken in informal environments and community conversations.
Media and Communication
Bislama is widely used in radio broadcasts, publications, and TV shows to reach a larger audience around Vanuatu.
The Role of Tok Tok Bislama 2 in Tourism
During their contacts with residents, visitors to Vanuatu frequently come across Bislama. Knowing a few important words will help them tremendously enjoy their trip and create close relationships with the local people.
Challenges Facing Bislama
Language Preservation
The preservation of Bislama is threatened by English and French predominating in official environments.
Modernization and Globalization
Vanuatu’s growing ties to the world community run the danger of foreign languages overshadowing Bislama.
Efforts to Preserve Bislama
Educational Initiatives
Maintaining Bislama in schools and community centers depends much on programs meant to advance the language.
Cultural Festivals
Celebrating Vanuatu’s linguistic diversity, events usually include Bislama as a major player, therefore stressing its significance to the country’s legacy.
Learning Tok Tok Bislama 2
Essential Phrases
- Hello: Halo
- How are you?: Olsem wanem?
- Thank you: Tank yu
- Goodbye: Tata
Tips for Language Learners
- Practice speaking with native speakers whenever possible.
- Listen to Bislama radio programs to improve comprehension.
- Use language learning resources designed for Tok Tok Bislama 2.
The Influence of Bislama on Vanuatu’s Legal and Political Landscape
Often employed in political demonstrations and legal debates, bislama guarantees that statements are understandable to all people, regardless of their level of education.
Comparing Bislama with Other Creole Languages
Similarities
- vocabulary borrowed from English shared
- simplified syntax
Differences
- Special cultural manifestations particular to Vanuatu
- variances in use and pronunciation
The Future of Tok Tok Bislama 2
Adaptation to Modern Needs
Bislama has to change with technology and include digital communication and social media into new settings.
Community Support
The survival and expansion of Bislama depend on ongoing assistance from the Vanuatu government and local populations.
Tok Tok Bislama 2 captures the rich cultural legacy and strong people’s will, so transcending mere language. Understanding and respecting Bislama helps one to have better awareness of the rich history and culture of this particular Pacific country.
Blog
Installing a Pine Tongue and Groove Ceiling On Our Skoolie
![Installing a Pine Tongue and Groove Ceiling On Our skoolie](https://savvydispatches.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Installing-a-Pine-Tongue-and-Groove-Ceiling-On-Our-skoolie.jpg)
Making a skoolie a comfortable, useful living area calls for careful design and construction. Our most significant improvement was putting in a pine tongue and groove ceiling. This project improved the look of our skoolie as well as provided durability and an insulating layer. We will walk you through the procedure, difficulties, and pointers for obtaining a professional-looking finish below.
Why Choose Pine Tongue and Groove for a Skoolie Ceiling?
Because of its natural beauty, reasonable cost, and simplicity of installation, pine tongue and groove boards are a common choice for ceilings. The tight fit guaranteed by the interlocking construction helps to minimise gaps and produce a flawless look. Pine also is light, which makes it perfect for mobile environments like skoolies where weight distribution is vital.
Materials and Tools Needed
We organised all the tools and supplies before beginning. Among these included:
- Boards for Pine Tongues and Grooves
- Measuring a pencil and a tape
- circular saw, sometimes known as the mitre saw
- Brads or nail gun nails
- glue made of wood
- Sandpaper—also known as sander
- stain or sealant (optional)
- Ladder, scaffolding
Having everything handy reduced distractions and streamlined the process.
Preparing the Skoolie Ceiling
A good installation depends on preparation. We first eliminated any current ceiling coverings and looked over the metal structure for deterioration or rust. Then, I meticulously cleaned the surface to get trash and dust off. We laid firm foam boards between the metal ribs, adhesively attaching them to increase insulation. This stage produced a level surface for the pine boards and thermal insulation.
Measuring and Cutting the Pine Boards
A professional finish depends critically on accurate measurements. We considered any curves or abnormalities and measured the ceiling’s width and length. Cut the wood tongue and groove boards to the proper lengths with a circular saw. We adjusted slightly as necessary to provide a tight fit. Edge sanding each board guaranteed a nice surface and helped to eliminate splinters.
Installing the Pine Tongue and Groove Ceiling
Working our way from one end of the skoolie, we started the installation. Extra stability came from lightly applying wood glue to the grooves. We anchored every board to the metal ribs with a nail gun, making sure the nails were equally spaced. Every board could lock into place easily because of the tongue and groove design, therefore producing a snug fit.
We checked for alignment often as we developed and corrected as needed. We cut the boards at exact angles using a mitre saw for corners and edges, therefore guaranteeing a neat and finished appearance.
Addressing Challenges
Working around the sloped roof of the school became one of our toughest obstacles. Before installation, we slightly curved the wood boards to fit the curvature. We also held the boards in place throughout the glue’s drying using clamps. Using spacers during installation helped us to guarantee constant spacing between the boards, which presented still another difficulty.
Finishing Touches
We sanded the entire ceiling to eliminate any flaws once every board was in place. We put a clear finish on the pine to accentuate its inherent beauty and shield the wood from moisture and deterioration. Staining the wood is a great way for people who want a different appearance to fit the interior style of the schoolie.
Benefits of a Pine Tongue and Groove Ceiling
The pine tongue and groove ceiling changed the inside of our schoolie. The pine’s natural, warm tones produced a friendly and inviting environment. Furthermore, the better insulation the ceiling offered helped to make the room more pleasant in different temperatures. Pine’s strength guarantees the ceiling will resist the demands of road life.
Tips for a Successful Installation
- Before beginning, ahead of time compile all tools and supplies.
- Before cutting, double-check and record exact measurements.
- For even fit and extra stability, use wood glue.
- Work methodically, working from one end and then to the other.
- For an even finish, sand the boards both before and after installation.
- To preserve and accentuate the wood, think about using a stain or sealant.
One satisfying undertaking that greatly enhanced the operation and appearance of our school was building a pine tongue and groove ceiling. We produced a professional-looking finish we’re happy with by methodically approaching problems as they emerged. With the correct materials and preparation, this project is doable regardless of experience level concerning do-it-yourself interests.
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