I Drove Though Asheville, North Carolina. What Happened Here??
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- Опубліковано 26 лип 2024
- Asheville, North Carolina is a cute city, but it's changing now. Some say, for the worst.
In this video, I drove through downtown Asheville. I took the highway from southern North Carolina into the southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The charming city of Asheville is here, nestled in a valley near North Carolina’s southern border with both Georgia and South Carolina. It was a bright warm fall morning. The day was Tuesday, October 13, 2020 just before noon.
For this drive, I’m going to begin downtown, drive outside of downtown to the city’s northern fringes, then turn around and head back down. I want to give you a perspective on what the city is like from an architectural and cultural standpoint.
This was a unique time for a drive through Asheville, as it came during the global pandemic. Therefore, many area restaurants and bars were temporarily closed or at limited capacity.
Asheville is home to just about 100,000 people, and is a major tourist destination, due to its proximity to the mountains, which offer tons of waterfall hiking as well as river adventures. This time of year is the most popular, as people from all over come to the area to check out the autumn leaves. A place of hiking, hippies, beer and beautiful beers.
Also nearby are the Biltmore Hotel and the Sierra Nevada Brewing Headquarters, both which draw a lot of people. It’s a college town, home to UNC Asheville. The city has a minor league baseball team, large hospitals, too many breweries to count, boutique shopping, and is a magnet for artists. Thusly, it is a very liberal community. It’s very quirky and charming. But it’s also changing, too.
Asheville is fairly young, as a large part of the permanent population are college students, hospital workers or service professionals like bartenders and servers. But Asheville is slowing becoming less diverse and is losing its funky, original charm because of gentrification and rising housing costs. It’s mostly clean, but along some side streets in and along downtown it’s a little rough around the edges.
Many long time Asheville folks have complained that the city has lost its charm. They say it’s too liberal, too elite, too snobby, and has grown too fast. The influx of new trendy condos and hotels has made traffic worse, parking harder to find, and has strained the city’s infrastructure. Some say the new hotels and modern buildings have ruined a once perfect view of the nearby mountain ridges.
The north end of town gets pretty rural pretty fast. Just outside of town are roads to get into neighborhoods tucked into hillsides and highways deeper into the nearby mountains. I’ll turn around soon and head back into downtown.
The area of downtown we’re approaching has a large park and amphitheater nearby. It’s right in the center of downtown. This is the only real hub for homelessness here in Asheville, and a smallish crowd of vagrants and homeless gather here near the center of downtown at the park and make loud noise, litter, beg and sleep. I took this photo at night. One of the homeless individuals said he didn’t appreciate me taking his picture and demanded I give all the homeless people in the park $20. I refused.
But for the most part, outside of a three block area in the center of downtown, there isn’t much in terms of litter, open drug use and beggars. But according to many locals, the small amount of drug, homeless and criminal activity is far worse than ever. Many complain about the escalation in crime, as this population is growing.
There are all sorts of cool little neighborhoods near downtown Asheville. One is the River Arts District, on the far southwestern side of town. Here, they’ve done a great job of turning old empty industrial warehouses into a place for artists to work and live cheaply. There are dozens of such buildings which span many blocks on this side of town.
Asheville is changing fast. Locals say it’s become an overpriced tourist trap. It has a hippie vibe with a cosmopolitan face. Tourists say it’s not as charming as it once was. There isn’t a lot that remains today of what made Asheville an incredible place to live - its charm, its character, its community, and its uniqueness. It caters to the wealthy and to tourists more now than ever. And now that modern American has finally stuck its claws into this mostly peaceful community, it’s not gonna be what it once was. It’s not a quaint mountain town anymore.
#asheville #northcarolina
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The best video on this topic!
I used to live nearby Asheville. Used to be a quiet area, but as more people moved there, it quickly became much different. Nice to see roads I used to travel. Thanks for the video!
sure charles.
Much dirrerent
@@NickJohnson what's the soundtrack starting 17:35? I liked it lots.
Asheville has become expensive
They defunded the police - now it is a homeless, drug addled city
I would love to see you do another video on Asheville. It's filled up with homeless now.
Nice video! My mother's side of the family were from Asheville, and I have fond memories of visiting that beautiful place as a boy (we lived in New York State). The Asheville I knew was quiet...not a lot of traffic...there wasn't much in downtown then...and the people we knew were all wonderful, friendly and caring. My favorite place to eat was the Biltmore Dairy Bar where they served the BEST food.
A couple of years ago I visited Asheville, and was quite surprised how the city had changed. I hardly recognized it. The traffic was terrible, but downtown was bustling and thriving. I miss the Asheville I knew as a boy...but nothing stays the same, I guess. I did enjoy your video!
You got everything right. I grew up there in the 50's-60's. It was truly a paradise. (But then national economics after the war were quite different. The middle class was on the rise; now it's in serious jeopardy). We used to pride ourselves that Asheville would always be the same. We got that wrong. I was glad to see that downtown still includes 99% of the old one and two-story buildings. I wonder if they are landmarked. Seems like they'd be the first to go.
You pretty much nailed it. 👍🏻 I’m a lifelong native. Asheville used to be a great place to visit or live. Now it’s so bad I only go into town if I absolutely have to. It’s pretty sad.
Most everyone is from NY or jersey and they are rudest ppl ever
Nick, compliments on a great video. I grew up in Asheville. Decades later, it is not the sleepy mountain town where I grew up! Thanks for the nostalgic tour.
Hey Brian! Nothing stays the same anymore!
I was born in Asheville in 1950, moved away, then back in 1965 to a nearby town. I've worked in Asheville, and I've watched Asheville change over these past 50+ years from a great town of locals with similar goals, faith, and family values to what it is today that so many in the comment section have already outlined. Most of these changes came after 'outsiders' moved in and brought their ideas and values and started changing the city to what they wanted instead of what the locals wanted. Slowly, it has deteriorated to what it is today. I don't even recognize the town and have no interest in going downtown at all. Even the little town I live in, Weaverville, is changing like Asheville. On our Main Street are spas, coffee shops, outfitters, galleries, wine and cheese shops and bakeries along with the more familiar drug store, doctor's office, barber shop, churches, and restaurants. And no, I'm not opposed to any of those shops...it's just another sign of change because they are indicators of shops springing up to cater to the ever-increasing number of residents from all over the country. That influx of people have made the housing market even in outlying areas around Asheville sky-rocket. For instance, it's hard to find anything decent under $300,000. Even double wide mobile homes on a piece of land are in the $200,000's. Oh, well, even our own Thomas Wolfe wrote a book, "You Can't Go Home Again". I guess not, if it doesn't exist anymore.
Its called liberalism , liberals move in and their main goal destroy everything good and wholesome, tear down monuments , destroy churches by having them move away from biblical teachings, infiltrate the schools to get in your kids head, bus in drugs and homeless and once they have it all trashed blame the conservative.
@@TABrown-xh7xc 🤣🤣🤣
@@mtns340 Not crying just telling the truth, if you can't deal with it go cry in you soy milk! I don't have time to deal with your left wing ignorance!
oh poor you! WElcome to reality for the whole country! 200s for a double wide and some land? Do you know how much land anywhere costs these days? Wake up old man.
@@futureworldhealingoh stfu! A run down single wide trailer with NO land is $200k now!
I attended college in the area last year, and recently came back to my hometown in August. So I’ve only been gone for a few months, but I made so many memories while there, and it was strangely emotional to see those city streets again. I fell in love with Asheville and I hope I’m able to go back; be it for college or any other reason. It was great to see this.
cool Tobias!
Hey look, I see my truck in this video! I'm the black truck driving behind the blue car at 1:58.
No freaking way!!! I was right behind you!!
My husband and I got back last night from a week-long trip to NC and GA. The last time we were in Asheville was 2010, it has changed a lot. We have no desire to go back. We did like Black Mountain though.
OMG we stopped in Black Mountain but didn't get too far do you like it??
@@NickJohnson yes we really liked Black Mountain. it's a great small town. It has two breweries and a great pizza place. Shops are open and a great atmosphere.
What has changed since your last visit?
I haven’t been there since 2012, and am thinking of spending a week there next month.
Black mountain is quickly becoming Asheville,traffic,over priced real estate,and breweries.
@@NickJohnson Visit Appalachian State University and Boone, NC
The Log Cabin Motor Court on the far North end of Asheville near Woodfin is an awesome place to stay.
The Bavarian Restaurant & Biergarten is right on the street out front of the cabins; awesome food and ambience.
Head a mile North on US 23 and swing by Granny’s Kitchen for some gr8 breakfast b4 u leave!
NICE!
everytime i drive by grannys kitchen i wonder what the food is like, its just down the street from my home
@@jimmi3376 it’s awesome. Not healthy by any means; but will defiantly stick to your bones.
@@jimmi3376 Typical Southern dinner food.
@@jimmi3376 it’s cash only, but best burgers and club sandwiches!!!!
I have lived here all my life. I grew up in a suburb on Asheville, Woodfin, NC. And for the past 13 yrs, my husband and I have in in Leicester.....right outside of Asheville. Downtown Asheville is maybe 20 minutes away, depending on traffic. And you're right. Asheville is just not what it used to be. We stay as far away from downtown Asheville as we possibly can. It has become WAY to liberal and snotty. That's for sure.
When you have a Trader Joe's next to a Whole Foods, you are officially gentrified!
true that
hah imagine calling greenlife whole foods, I mean, yes it whole foods, but it was alwas greenlife
There is a Harris Teeter on the other side of Trader Joe's.
@@shootermcgavin4999 Trader Joe’s is the cheapest option minus Walmart near us here in Asheville
@Noah Patterson You got that right. Asheville is the San Fransisco of the east coast. There are more conservative people here than you would think. We have to be careful as the liberal crowd will retaliate. I've seen it happen here more than once.
That was fun. Very pretty. I moved to Florida from PA so it was nice to see the look of Fall. People come here this time of year but I guess I'm the opposite. The holidays and Fall are the best time to enjoy that beauty. Thanks, Nick.
Hi Tammy :)
My family is all in Asheville but I haven't been in forever, this makes me want to go back to visit real soon, I miss it there!
The last time I was in Asheville, was in 2017. I remember driving south toward Arden and ate at a BBQ joint called 12 Bones Smokehouse on the left hand side. I lived at one time, back in 1993/94 in Brevard about 45-60 min away "off the beaten path". Enjoyed the different music in the video 🎶🎵
You and I would be friends in real life Michael
Obama ate there when he was in town, he's been here a couple of times
Morganton, NC, about an hour away, is absorbing a substantial Asheville population as it is much more affordable. It's a nice townand is developing that kind of vibe Asheville had about 10 years ago. Check it out.
Of note also: Greenville, SC, which has become a really upscale small city is only 1.5 hrs. away.
i've heard both of those points!!
Greenville is a conservative version of Asheville Plus South Carolina as a state sucks on every level if you're a medical marijuana person if you're a gun person if you're on Medicaid if you're a driver for a living South Carolina fucking sucks
@@sitdowndogbreath Greenville & the upstate is the only decent thing about South Carolina.
@@PhilWorley yeah tell me about it the rest of the state you see the real slimy southern slave mentality it makes your skin crawl
I’ve lived in Morganton my whole life and we say now what people are saying about Asheville. We wish it was like it used to be with less traffic and less people coming. Prices are going up and crime and drugs are getting worse. I know times change and places have to grow but I really miss how our town used to be.
Your movies are interesting for me. Thanks your movies I can see amaizing states. Let me asure you that your hard work is very useful for us.
haha ok tomasz
NC resident here- I agree with you! Asheville is changing and not the way most of us want! Look what happened to Gatlinburg and Piigeon Forge TN!
What happened to those places?
I know they are very expensive places to visit.
more overcrowded formerly beautiful mountain towns.
@@NickJohnson oh...I just remember Pigeon Forge as the home of Dollywood, never thought the hipsters would come. Bring back the paddle, bring back the draft and bring back the Bomb I say 🇺🇸🤟😆
I think the elite from California are coming there after ruining their state. If so, they should go back to California.
When the music started I expected you to start singing.
not always John :)
Asheville in a nutshell: I have a neighbor with a with a license plate from a New England state that reads "FL0R1DA"
Uh oh...
Charlotte in a nutshell: I had an NY transplant ask me where a good place to get bagels was and I didn’t know what to say because I eat biscuits and gravy for breakfast instead.
Gastonia in a nutshell. The people tried to be in the movie Deliverance for the banjo scene as extras but couldn’t pass the drug test.
There are affectionately called Floridiots here.
I wanna cry ,you did a terrific video . So much of Asheville as is should be & stay.
It will be all in mountain folk stories of life here prior to 2016 . The old way after the old ways until 2016 came ...
Music selection pleases . Thank you
Visited as a child in the 1960s and Asheville was bustling. Visited in
1992 and downtown was an absolute ghost town. I remember sitting in one
of the few nice restaurants downtown looking at all the empty buildings
and thinking there was so much potential there. Ten years later,
Asheville had been rediscovered.
It's back!
I've lived in NC all my life. Love Asheville. I'm hoping to move to the mountains soon.
Aww fun!
Love the relaxing drive through with the music on a nice crisp fall day. Thanks!
theres a leaf one coming out next sunday - driving the blue ridge :)
@@NickJohnson awesome! Looking forward to it! :)
I’ve lived in AVL for 6 years now, and the city has changed SO MUCH, even just in that time. In 2014, I remember downtown being so much fun, and now I hardly ever go (and not just because of the pandemic). It’s so overrun with tourists and it doesn’t really feel like the businesses there are made for local people to enjoy. I still love it here because I have a wonderful community of friends here and family closeby, and I love the proximity to nature and the art/music scene here... but it’s definitely changing in ways that I feel are hurting the local community, its diversity and culture.
You know it Annie ;)
Nick it's true and you are validating my thoughts and concerns .A native here I tolerated change in the name of Renaissance & sharing until around 2016 then things became out of reason. From childhood walking around barefoot on rich ground , often powered by crystals and tree roots it has left me sadness now , then gratitude for what my grandchild has had for some years.
I'll go by the drum circle soon .It is like a closed meeting to me these days ,however for a first time visitor it is fun and hind sight is 20/20 Farm Out !
Peace be with you travel the airwaves of your mind.
Agreeeé
Hipsters. Lol. Their closed off to their circles. And too easily offended to talk to
Also most food is fusion like. Like mixing all foundation drinks together lol. Like kids preparing food and selling it at a high cost lol
Lived here all my life. Sadness as I grieve what we have lost to the hoardes. Hope they're happy.
We are
Let them eat cake, for now. It's slowly devolving just like the trash cities they crept out of. But with a defunded police department lol. They're late to the party.
Aww man! Wish I’d known you were coming. I’d have definitely waved at you. If you ever come back, post Covid, I’d love to meet you and the Mappy fam!
Ok Tracy!!! ❤️😉
Love these driving videos- best of both worlds. Love this music!
Used to live there for 33 years it may be worth visiting but not moving to. All the locals are basically moving out as others are moving in. And the homeless is out of control along with the crime
Different urban comparison, but this place makes London UK look like a dump. Sunshine helps, but London still loses.👍
Really?
London has beautiful old world architecture though
Asheville is a dump
@@yrobertneilo5409 yep, from a time when people had manners.
Wow, it has been a while since I've heard anyone say something so dumb. But glad you like where you live.
Regular working folks can't buy a home in Asheville,they can't afford to rent one either, prices are astronomical,yeah breweries are abundant thats for sure,2 good places there are New Belgium and the Wedge,both in the river arts district.
I'm a random french dude, but the cutest and kindest girl I have ever met was from Asheville. It was back in 2013 in Costa-Rica. If I remember well she told me back then it was kind of a hippie town. Maybe that's why she was that much of a sweet ❤️
Bless her heart like they say in the south.
i live about 15 minutes outside of asheville, and i love it! now i do live in the more middle of knowhere parts but it's still an awesome place and i hope it keeps being that way ;)
Love the VW microbus with a standup cap at 4:23.
I have never really seen Asheville in the daytime as I would just switch trailers with the drivers (team operation) headed to Fort Worth, Tx and myself back to NJ, it would always be between 9pm and 1am ! Keep up the good work Nick !!
Now you have seen it in the daytime jim :)
Nick Johnson , it’s a shame that they have to spread their liberalism to a beautiful town like Asheville, must have been a great town back in the day !
Totally enjoyed this! I visited Hendersonville,north Carolina and Flat Rock in 2010 for a friends wedding both areas were extremely charming. I didn’t make it to Ashville and thought I missed something. Now I see I didn’t and had a much more unique experience very home town in the area that I did go
I mean it's worth a gander Loretta!
Yes it was a wonderful video and would love to go there and visit that whole area again; just love the fall their and liked that grocery call Teets
Asheville is as cool as it's always been. It's the place, not the people. Who are "the locals" you keep referencing? I've spent my entire adult life (57) in and around Asheville working, playing gigs in bands and I've never one time had any trouble from anybody, not during Bele Chere all the years it was going on,not late at night loading my equipment into the car, not once. Asheville is worth more than a gander. Otherwise, nice video.
@@lorettaloveland7755 harris teeters.
@@jimmi3376 Harris Teeter.
I have lived in South Asheville all my life and yes it has become so overpopulated, I noticed that u only stayed in the downtown area and North Asheville with a few tidbits of the River Arts District but if u wanted to see more of the trees and mountain views ( like Mt.Pisgah or Mt. Mitchell or even Grandfather Mountain) you should have spent more time driving thru South Asheville. Sierra Nevada is nestled in the middle of a beautiful mountain scenery. I’m not saying that even South Asheville is not growing out of control bc they do keep building more apartments that r affordable and housing developments that are taking away from the wildlife and that’s where I hav a problem bc we soon will no longer have wildlife to c bc they are running out of places to live and seeing deer or bears is a frequent thing even in places that we shouldn’t be seeing them … I know there r way to many people wanting to move here but when do the people already living here say enough is enough bc right now u can’t drive from S Asheville to downtown without sitting in dead stopped traffic for a couple hours, you can’t drive the opposite direction to Hendersonville without the same problem so when is enough ???? We passed it 1000’s and 1000’s of people ago …….. Put a stop to building more homes and apartments and then help find a way to bring back the animals we hav almost drove to extinction… I’m no animal rights activist but I’ve watched as Asheville has become more about upscale living and tourists than the good people that have lived here all our lives and back to the good values that are the most important!!!!!!!
That really sucks, sorry to hear that. Glad I got to visit in the late 60's and early 70's with my parents, I'd like to visit again now that I'm retired but maybe I'll just keep it in my memories.
I just moved out of Asheville. I don’t like to generalize, because there’s good and bad everywhere you go, but there’s a closed off atmosphere in Asheville. I blame much of it on gentrification, but it’s still for a particular type of reclusive personality. I could connect with all the states I’ve lived, but something just didn’t jive there. It’s beautiful though.
i totally agree jonathan.
YES!!!! You spoke feelings I have been having for a while now...people are closed off, cliquey, judgmental, and sorry to say, not that educated. Something for sure doesn't jive...I think folks act like they're super spiritual and it's poser BS. I can't wait to get out of here.
Nick, people may complain about how Asheville has changed, liberal this and conservative that, but compared to down town Hell-A ( Los Angeles to some), it's a paradise! Don't know if I'd move there, but it looks really nice. Nice job filming.
Yes it's way better than most places :)
Asheville is absolutely magical and wonderful in every way. Don't let these comment section doomers taint your opinion of Asheville. It's not a very politically active city regardless of what some may claim. Finding reasonable rent for the average worker can be tricky but isn't that the case in any substantially growing area?
Thank you for sharing I am
From Asheville I miss our Christmas parades and everything it used to be lit 🔥 and fun thank you for sharing yea it can be very busy the places is open you just have to wear your mask all the time which I go out all the time don’t forget about the college UNCA it’s a good college I been there a lot and yes it made it very hard for people like me too find a place too live and I been here since I was 5 months old yes all of the forn people coming over here taking everything that’s now gone and we just don’t have anything anymore it really sucks
You drove through the rich side of Asheville. You should do another video and show Tunnel Road, Hillcrest, Klondyke, n west Asheville
Hey, Nick! I am a huge fan of your channel! I currently live in Wilmington, NC and we had a lot of drastic changes happening in our area too! However, Wilmington’s changes were actually more for the better as some people want to be by the beach plus the downtown part of our city has had mass improvement since the late 90’s. Our mayor Bill Saffo wants to keep as much historical buildings as possible along with some new contemporary buildings to join them. Our city is also home to EUE/Screen Gems Studios which is home to the second largest non-Hollywood or NYC soundstage in the US. Furthermore, our city is amazing and would be so cool if you could do a drive there!
Lol I live in Wilmington. Email me.
@@NickJohnson oh my god! You live in my hometown? Yeah LOL
@@NickJohnson yo you live where I live no way?
Spot on bro we’ll done, housing in Asheville is trash expensive. ✅
Expensive and the area doesn't have great wages generally
@@markpatterson2507 Charlotte has that problem too.
Wow, I'm amazed how Asheville has changed, I was born there. Went to school there as a youngster. my family still live in Asheville, Arden, and throughout NC. I haven't been back there in years. I have many good memories there of my grandparents home, the little corner stores, the friendly people, the amazing food, the fish camps etc. I thought about going back to visit , but I 'am afraid of tainting my favorite memories of years past.
I grew up there in the early 70s. Wonderful place.....you have blown me away with the drive up Merriman Ave & up to Beaver Lake. My childhood stomping grounds....
This is one of the most realistic videos of Asheville I've watched. It sounded and looked so nice from other videos but I was concerned that it was going the way of Portland, Oregon where I lived on and off for 10 years. From your video, Asheville does look a lot like Portland and I've heard it's a big foodie and brewery town and has close access to the mountains, just like Portland and Seattle. But it seems to have a more urban and East Coast grittiness that Portland doesn't have. Portland has completely declined in the last 5 years and since 2020 in particular which is really sad. I used to feel very safe there and it was so clean. I hope both Portland and Asheville bounce back but it may take some time. From your video, Asheville seems in better shape than Portland but I can also understand how it was probably a very sweet mountain town that is losing that its charm.
Serena I always tell it like it is
Blame the Left for Portland's demise. Asheville might have better luck, but it is very Lefty.
I can understand the local residents complaints it's what happens when your town gets "discovered". As a Texan I have watched them absolutely destroy Austin and our once quaint and beautiful Hill Country.
Yes my parents lived here for more than 20 years and they said they’ve seen more people than now than back than
Asheville sucks it's full of dirty hippies and communist liberals! For the love of God stay away from Asheville and I live here and have seen it get far worse with each passing month! Don't move here unless you're a dirty hippie and/or a communist
@@mattt7124 I feel ya. They move to the beautiful places to destroy them. It's called socialism the precursor to Communism which is what the dirty hippies think they want. Sad thing is the whole country may end up that way.
Austin and Asheville are turning into Portland.
I think it is done deliberately. Our Texas Hill Country is going through some bad changes. Hollywood is moving here.
You missed the hipster West Asheville, Montford Area Historic District, and the fun quaint town 20 minutes north of Asheville, Weaverville. (Where I live). You would have been there had you driven another 8 minutes down Merrimon Ave. from Beaver Lake where you ended your video pretty much. You also have to give a shout out to all the fabulous trails surrounding the Asheville area. Nothing better than being surrounded by nature. Asheville is expensive, but I LOVE living here. So many great restaurants, breweries, and fun shops. ♥️⛰♥️
Oh there's more Asheville coming up the next two Sundays Robyn ❤️
Man, I've lived in Charlotte my entire life and I've never been to Asheville before, even though I always say I'll be going this year.
I'll definitely be going this year.
My hometown! Sad though because it really has blown up there. It's way overcrowded which has driven the bears down from the mountains and they charge after people just minding their own business as well as drag trash around neighborhoods. Expensive as Hell to live even in a studio apartment.
"Driven" the bears down from the mountain? Try "lured" by the abundant food source that is garbage. The bears aren't in the city against their will.
I love Asheville, I live across the border in Tennessee and go there often.
That's funny, I live in Asheville and go to Tennessee to get back to "normal".
Few months im still in the Philippines and I watched this video, but noe Im here in Asheville for a short stay.Very beautiful place.Thanks for this video.
I just wanted to thank you, I really enjoy all your videos
I lived in Asheville for a short time. Very cool town and interesting people. I would visit again in a heart beat!
I totally agree Daniel.
As an Asheville native, I rarely go downtown on the weekends anymore or visit downtown as it has become gentrified and overpriced. While I don’t mind tourism dollars coming in, it has taken over in the worst way possible. Many tourists are unfortunately rude and have an entitled attitude all the time. I hope that people appreciate the town that come and visit rather than continually trash it.
Just a PSA- the boarded up shops were due to a BLM protest gone wrong. People bussed I’m destroyed lots of windows, spray painted.. etc.
still cool to see all the surrounding areas of AVL though!
so sad brynn
The local minor league baseball team was called The Asheville Tourists. Tourism, in moderation, and the constant influx of retirees from other parts of the country were the two drivers of Asheville's economy. It worked well for a long time. There was a sense of protective remoteness to Asheville that has been lost.
Yeah. I talked to a couple of people that were bussed into town in order to riot. They said, "Hey, free travel, free food and hotel, plus $22/hr, just to act like a fool - can't beat it!"
The sky is so pretty blue there. I will be visiting in January. How did you decide on North Carolina as a place to call home versus all the other states you’ve been to? Just curious. 😊
I sorta wound up here cause a good friend had moved here and i needed to get the F out of indiana. Best choice I ever made. Where are you visiting?
Carolina Blue.
I grew up in Cullowhee. Our family left in 1985 for Indiana. I remember having a soul death when it finally registered that I was no longer living in the mountains of NC. I absolutely LONGED to return from 1986 until that lucky great day in 2015 when I was able to return and bring my family. Yeah, Asheville tourism is insane. Expensive city. But lots lots lots to do. French Broad River--it's not really recommended to put your body into it, but just for health reasons.
Love the music! Especially the first piece you used.
I have been going to Asheville for 55 years… I have lived 30 minutes away for 32….Asheville is not what it once was…the local people who grew up here have left! The people moving in have changed this wonderful town forever! IT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME! Now it’s over crowded…over priced…and over taxed…. I would never move to Asheville or Buncombe county
I recently drove to SOUTH Carolina and stopped in Asheville to stay the night! Total shit hole! My mom was wanting to live here but after we stayed 24 hours she chamfered her mind!! Bums, satanic vibe and the liberals and Demon crate was overwhelming!! NO WAY!
Asheville looks pretty nice, except for what looked like graffiti in the middle of the video. I’ve been there once and liked the area.
What you described as “rural” around 14:00 or so sure didn’t look rural to me.
...... more Urban ......... right ....
"Urban area" can refer to towns, cities, and suburbs. ... Rural areas are the opposite of urban areas. Rural areas, often called "the country," have low population density and large amounts of undeveloped land. Usually, the difference between a rural area and an urban area is clear.
The more rural area is Merrimon Avenue...one of the most congested streets in Asheville...goes north to Weaverville...a growing small town being swallowed up by the growth in Asheville. He really traveled that street on a slow day. He referenced the Biltmore Hotel in his notes...no such place. It is the Biltmore, an 8000 acre estate near downtown which is owned by descendants of George Vanderbilt and has the largest privately owned home in the United States. The Biltmore is one of the largest employers in the area and draws almost a million visitors a year for tours , its winery and other first class amenities such as the Inn on Biltmore Estate. The Grove Park Inn is another go to historic attraction. He never mentioned the Art Deco architecture which is eye candy for those who appreciate historical buildings or the music scene that has been an unfortunate victim of the COVID pandemic. There is something for everyone. He did get one thing right, Asheville’s popularity and rapid growth has decreased the quality of life for the average long time local. Gentrification has made housing unaffordable for most and an economy built on tourism does not necessarily benefit the majority of residents and their quality of life.
@@appalachianqueen8369 the Biltmore added a hotel a while back. I think it might be called the Inn at Biltmore.
Look up 'Asheville building art' on google images. It's not like it's vandalism, all of it is payed for by the business owners and painted by talented artists. Nothing wrong with street art, we love it.
Most of the murals are in Downtown and the River Arts District.
There a lot is downtown trust me I live there
pretty town....enjoyed the drive especially at the 19 min mark
whats up bro?? miss you so much.
My Great Grandmother's sister-in-law visited Asheville, North Carolina just a couple of months ago. She liked it.
BUMS! Now I haven't heard that word in a while 😆👍🇺🇸
How about hobos?
@@crazeyjoe there was a time about twenty years ago when it was cool to say "I train hopped with a hobo this summer", after that, not much.
I’d love to see what the other mountain cities look like too, like Greenville SC, Chattanooga TN, and Knoxville TN. Great video :)
i did knoxville: ua-cam.com/video/Oj32NSAk840/v-deo.html
and ua-cam.com/video/Z0jkcz8GOfA/v-deo.html
No mountains in Greenville, it's also about 10 degrees warmer summer or winter, it's about an hour and half away from Asheville but on the flat land at the base of the mountains
Just realized this is a Nick Johnson video, excellent video as always!
Asheville native thanks for highlighting the mtn scenery this time of year! I agree we could dial the breweries back a bit.
Like the little travel documentaries.
Would like to see interviews with residents
that live in the locations what do they
like about their city/dislike changes theyve seen etc.
I'm thinking of a way to do that
*me casually looking for myself knowing I was in town the day this was filmed*
did you see yourself? i was there all week :)
@@NickJohnson nah I didn't I spend most time at home and AB-tech, but I love asheville, I actually live in Hot Springs but I usually go to asheville for part of the week
HA! Me toooo!!! Totally checking to see if I made it on this video! I'm downtown often!
Me also
Im an Asheville native. Asheville is birth home and I came back to live here after college. It's definitely changing a lot. A lot of the changes are bringing the town down and making the town less of a home. Its suppose to be a small country, artsy, diverse town, but it's starting to become overcrowded and bougie. People have also ruined our hiking trails with tons of trash.
The trash part is the worst part
Drove through to go to Biltmore! Beautiful city!!
Its really sad the way Asheville changed for the worse, I have no desire to go to Asheville anymore
it's pretty just ruined kinda.
how?
Good, stay away!!!
How is it worse? I moved there in 2016, moved to TX 3 years later. I'm curious as to what is exactly the issue withthe city that I may not know about.
I live in Asheville NC, love Asheville, but it has it's bad sides...the crime has sky rocket in the last couple yrs, there has been atleast 45 shootings since January, but I will say this there r things 2 do and see ,u have 2 live here for some time 2 know the feeling where and what's 🙂🙃
dang what??
@@NickJohnson domeone been drive by shooting lately,they killed one guy who was just visiting from another state,shot up homes just couple of months back,probably still on the loose
Yeah, it unfortunately is not safe in some parts of town, but we r known for our breweries, some r the best in t u e country I hear, i don't drink ne more so I don't know this personally, but i will say that if u stay in the right places of Asheville and stay out of the out skirts u should be ok
Asheville and the surrounding towns suck now. I been here for the greater part of my life....over 20 years...I loved it then but the past five years just a mess. I’m desperate to leave.
Asheville don’t care about the locals or the ones of us who were here since it was just a seasonal tourist town and before the breweries. It’s highly over crowded and in turn the crime rate has risen significantly.
😣
We just missed you! We were there Friday! Downtown was crazy packed with people.. we had to get outta there lol
omg we left friday morning just as everyone was coming into town! i was like good luck getting a place to eat tonight :(
@@NickJohnson so true! Too bad we missed you tho ! We could of got a photo and said "What the what the " ! Lol I couldn't wait to get back on the interstate .. had a 40 minute wait at Friday's! Ugh!
I was born and raised in Asheville. Can you tourists PLEASE take a break from visiting here? You do not understand how trashed our city has become because of tourism.
Nick, I would like to know how many locals you talked to about the changes in Asheville. Towns and cities that do not constantly change die. If you had come in the early 1990s, you would have found a downtown that was so scary many people wouldn't go there. We have lived here since 2000, and while the population has certainly increased, many of the changes have been quite positive. We had, before the pandemic, a lively music and theatre scene, as well as many locally-owned restaurants and small shops, patronized by locals and tourists. We will have to rebuild those assets post-pandemic, and continuing to plan and build affordable housing is a priority. Oh, that last bit of "rural" countryside outside of Asheville was actually within the city limits until the last 40 seconds of video. The nature that hasn't been paved over is one of the reasons we love it here. Thanks for visiting.
i know about the rural part :) and yes, lots of people here have different opinions. some people say its better some say its worse.
Visited as a child in the 1960s and Asheville was bustling. Visited in 1992 and downtown was an absolute ghost town. I remember sitting in one of the few nice restaurants downtown looking at all the empty buildings and thinking there was so much potential there. Ten years later, Asheville had been rediscovered.
It’s not going too change i see it every day I am from here I actually have friends/ know people who does drugs and pop pills in front of my face every other day it’s a thing that we’re doing now to make a living because there’s nothing else here anymore people is taking our kindness for weakness and it’s not fair that we have too sell drugs to make a living can get killed with guns because people here in Asheville don’t care at all
I’ve been here for most of my life. The change Asheville has endured is a testament to the corruption of the government machine and everyone who supports it’s insanity. Change for the sake of change is blindness and gross stupidity. Too much beer poison. Too many greedy hotels. And the housing prices are nothing short of flat out satanic. And by satanic I mean absolutely adversarial and anti-life. Most people are nearly completely brainwashed into approving of this decadence and perversion.
Lived there 53 years, moved 3years ago. its a joke compared to what it used to be. Want drugs pick a street corner, crime rate is nuts. APD can't clean up their department much less the city. Nice during the day, when the sun goes down different ballgame.
Nick. This is a beautiful vid. Sending to my friends. Thank You. J
I live about a hour away and love driving up to Asheville on the weekends and just hanging out for the day. It is expensive and the amount of people visiting makes it almost unappealing to go now so I do visit a lot of the other areas in the mountains but Asheville is always my favorite.
I live close to Asheville. There has been so much change in the last few years. I used to look forward to going shopping there with my mom back in the day. I hardly ever go downtown anymore but when I do I get out before it starts getting dark. Too many homeless accosting you wanting money.
Truth. And the city government caters to homeless and minorities. It's a big BLM city.
Next time you're in the Asheville area go check out the deaverview and pisgah view apartments.
N hillcrest n Klondike
The apartments that you saw those are new. They were being built when I was living there I can’t remember if they were done being built when I was living there or if they just finished because I haven’t been back to Asheville in over a year now. It still home to me I miss you very much I miss the beauty of it and the uniqueness of people that you see
Here's my entire North Carolina playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PLq-_cmf3H6ypqFmmckN4kY1VMZDi23IsR.html
And if you need help finding a place to move, I do consulting. I can help you pick where to move and get you a real estate agent, too. Email me! NickJohnsonNC18@gmail.com
I work in downtown Asheville, boy do I meet some strange people.
I believe Mappy would approve Good job Nick!
Mappy was in the car he was taking a break :)
Thankyou for this beautiful video
Ok!
This was such a relaxing ride. 😁
It was ;)
Ashville is a smaller version of Austin in the mountains.
Totally what I was thinking
Interesting
Without the crazy massive traffic which Austin has which hasn't hit asshole yet
I lived in Austin for 30 yrs. I left 4 yrs. ago but have been back Asheville doesn't have that Austin vibe. UT and Texasans just have a different vibe even though the LIBERALS HAVE RUINED IT FOREVER 😔😔😔😔😤
@@GettingGoshen text Nazar more friendlier more social Asheville is in Mountain mountain people are a different breed they keep to themselves and they take a while to get to know you similar to New England
So many butthurt complainers in the comment sections. I've lived on Merrimon Avenue for the last 10 years and have had the best 10 years of my life - even with all of the changes this place is a dream to live in compared to where I grew up in SC and GA.
beautiful, nick!
Thanks for the ride!
As an Asheville local, I barely ever step foot downtown 😂
Where do you go for fun then?
thanks for this. it was straight up paradise 2001-2005 when i lived there. still looking good. just look at that nature. miss you asheville.
I’m so happy YOU “covered” Asheville…. 👍🏼👍🏼👣👠😃
THOSE greedy….capitalists who build HUGE CONDOMINIUMS, etc…. *SIGH*😢😢😮
Got recommended this video while staying in my Airbnb home tonight in Candler, right near Asheville. Funny (or creepy) how the UA-cam algorithm works!
And yes it’s a great little town, plenty of cool places to eat and mountain views. The NC Arboretum is a great attraction for nature lovers. Enjoying my stay for sure.
Good job!
Probably nice to travel a midst the lockdown charade.
You should rate / mention / describe foods in some of these places you travel to as there are vast regional differences.
Ice cream, deserts, sea food, beef, etc.
The spectacular foods of the North East as compared to the lackluster fair of So.Cal, etc.
Not a bad idea!
If you really want to get a sense of the local culture, you need to understand that Asheville is more akin to San Fran than a welcoming southern city.
I know I saw it
I agree David Individual. Most of NC is not like Asheville.
Reminds me of Bellingham, Wa. Very nice city and thanks for the video as I have thought of visiting. You seem a bit harsh on people without housing and addiction though. Simmer down now my friend and have some sympathy ☺
Rented a large loft apartment on N. Lexington in the early 2000s...$500 a month! No way that exists anymore.
I pay 850 on Merrimon Avenue for a two bedroom. Still holding strong!
I recently moved away from Asheville after being there for 3 years. Living there as a young adult was definitely an amazing experience with all the hiking, beer, and food. You hit everything on the head about Asheville becoming overpopulated and gentrified. I grew up in chicago with terrible traffic and there were times in Asheville I felt it was worse. And if you want to purchase a house you have to be willing to toss out some serious coin. It’s a real shame that such a beautiful town has turned into such a tourist trap.
So sad so sad mike
Hi Nick, have you done any videos on Morganton, Boone, Hickory NC areas? Im looking into this part of the state. Thanks
I have not yet. Boone is great, but they roll up their sidewalks after dark. Not much late nightlife.
That sky is BLUE.
i know i got lucky that day.
Well they don't call Asheville The Land of the Sky for nothing.
lived here on and off for a while, brings back a lot of memories. mamas and papas and beer are both great restaurants down there, the orange peel was always an amazing building for young me, and my mom would take me to the hop for a treat every now and then. the walk is also a great restaurant. beautiful town, i do miss it.