It just so happened that I had an actor friend named Seth doing a show in Little Rock, AK. And it just so happened that I hit Little Rock about lunch time. It was so great to see him!
My first night I stayed in Nashville, TN with my friend Tamera. We haven't seen each other in years, so we had a great catch up session with the two of us and her husband Sheldon. Life has changed for both of us since Young Ambassador days, that's for sure. The next morning I had to go to the Loveless Cafe, on Gary and Melissa's recommendation, and it did not disappoint. Tamera went with me with her twins, and it was amazing.
(Oh hey, North Carolina...)
My next stop was little out of my way in Asheville, NC. Man, I love this place. I have been there a couple of times, a few of those times being while I was married, because it was an hour and a half away from Clinton. There is just something about the Blue Ridge Mountains that I really, really love. And Asheville embodies that for me. So this portion of my trip was what I was the most excited about. Just me, by myself in Asheville.
I rented a little room in a family's basement that fit my needs perfectly. I went into town and found some good food, then I went and found some live music. I really lucked out too, because I found a pub that had bluegrass music playing. This wasn't just bluegrass either. It was a sound that felt very unique to the region, very Appalachian. Like I was listening to these musicians play from their heritage. And they didn't perform. They all sat in a circle, with one mic in the middle. They just played. And some musicians came to join for a few songs, some left. It was like they were playing for their own enjoyment, and the rest of us were just lucky to be there, peeking in to their world. In a lot of cases I wouldn't like that, but it didn't feel self-indulgent. It was very authentic, and amazing. There was also a woman who, every few songs, would get up and clog with hard shoes, not the clogs I have grown up seeing my whole life. Again, clogs that felt very regional. And she didn't face us. She faced the musicians. It was all very self-contained. I loved it. I couldn't have planned out a more perfect night for myself. I just wish I had found the music sooner, because that's what I was looking for.
I can't forget a shout out to the Chocolate Lounge. It happened twice in 36 hours for me. Enough said.
The next day I got up and went on a hike by myself. The hosts I had were very helpful in sending me to a great trail, and even lending me a jacket and water bottle. It was overcast, but beautiful. Again, I was in heaven! There was nothing else I wanted to do that morning. I mean, the Blue Ridge.
Seriously.
That afternoon, after bidding farewell to Asheville, I went a little more out of my way, because how could I be so close to Charlotte, and not go see Nellie? I couldn't, I tell you. I got to see Tiffany, and Tom and Tina that night as well, and it was so good to be with people I have known almost my whole life. Nellie and I are the type of friends that we can go a long time without seeing each other, and then it all falls back into place as soon as we do. Those are the kind of friends I need in my life. I love her. The visit was too short, but so good.
It was time for me to get back to Virginia.
I highly recommend road tripping by yourself. So much time to just be. It was amazing. But life must begin in my new home, so off to Alexandria I went. And it was good to be there.
This. Was. Awesome. What a great trip!
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