Day 12: Maybe the least logical part of my trip was venturing south of DC to go to North Carolina. A combination of fate and not wanting to visit anything in between DC and NYC, I decided to take the Amtrak down to Raleigh. After the draining 10 hour train ride to DC, I opted to upgrade myself to business class on my 5 hour train ride to Raleigh. With the Amtrak, you can bid to get yourself upgraded. My original ticket was $30 and I was able to upgrade for an extra $28. Was it worth it? I think so. I don’t think this train was that crowded, but it was nice to have extra room and no seat buddy. Business class came with a free non-alcoholic beverage and I grabbed a little snack from the food and beverage cart. I was successfully able to work the rest of the way.
After 5 hours on the train, it was time to hop off at the Downtown Raleigh stop. I was only here for a night and my hotel was only a few blocks away. It was a very sleepy/quiet downtown for a Tuesday evening. I ended up calling an Uber, mainly because it was hot and I did not want lug my suitcase around. I checked into the Sheraton and it was very quiet but clean inside. The hotel room was nice and I had plenty of space if I was going to stay another night to work. Soon enough, it was time for dinner. I thought it would be fun to walk around the town, but honestly, I was so tired. I ended up eating at the hotel restaurant, Jimmy V’s Osteria Restaurant and Bar. A glass of red wine and some wings for dinner.. the bartender had recommended the wings. I sat at the bar and the bartender had mentioned they had just reopened! Ooops, on my part, for not actually researching the restrictions of each city. What was supposed to be a one glass of wine and go back into my room, ended up being a somewhat late night with some people travelling for work. Thanks to those people for keeping me company and the bartender for always making sure my wine glass was full!
Day 13: Another day, another train! Well, partially. Today, I was headed to Winston-Salem to visit on of my old college roomies, Morgan. She is doing her Opthamology residency there. The journey from Raleigh was something. I had to take the train to this city called High Point and catch a bus to Winstom-Salem. Only to find out once I got to High Point, that shuttle no longer existed because there weren’t enough drivers. This was the start to my long journey with buses. As I waited at the High Point station, this lady that worked at the station was able to direct me to get on this other bus that would be bring me to Greenspoint? and then, I could hop on to another bus for Winston-Salem. I’m like a little stressed because I have no idea where I’m located. Trusted those people enough to hop on those buses and luckily, the bus driver from the High Point stop checked in on me at the next stop to make sure I was getting on the right bus with my QR code. Ooof, what was supposd to be a 3 hour journey probably was close to 4 with the extra buses. I made it to Winston-Salem and was able to walk towards my friend apartment that was a block and half away.
It was smooth sailing once I got into the apartment and worked the rest of the day, until my friend got home from the hospital. I’ll say this a bajillion times later, but it really is special to catch up with old friends. I’m not sure the last time I saw Morgan, it was either Labor Day Weekend 2019 when she was at her one year residency in Vegas or possibly in Houston before the shutdown. Anyway, North Carolina is known for their BBQ. As a Texan, it’s hard to compare to what we have; however, I figure I would give it a try. We headed to Camel City BBQ Factory. I ordered a pulled pork sandwich, since that was what they were known for. It wasn’t bad, but I guess I prefer a little more BBQ sauce and it didn’t have any. Maybe I should’ve asked? They did cole slaw based in a red vinaigrette, it was interesting to say the least. After dinner, we walked around their little downtown area. For a Wednesday, I guess it’s as expected that it was that quiet. A draining travel day called for an early night. Morgan was headed out of town the next day and I on to my next destination.
Day 14: Morgan had to catch her flight out of Charlotte by 11 AM and I was taking the Greyhound out of Winston-Salem at 1 PM. So, I worked in the lobby of her apartment for a bit until it was time to catch my bus. This was my first Greyhound experience and let’s just say I probably never want to do that again unless there is no alternative. I did look at rental cars so I could get to Asheville quicker, but they were like $200 for a same day return… so the $30 bus ride won. From Winston-Salem, I had about an hour and half ride to Charlotte. The wi-fi did not work despite all the advertisements, but I was able to do a little work off of my phone.
Once we got to Charlotte, my connecting bus to Asheville was about 2 hours behind…. so I was at the train station for a bit. It wasn’t the most glamorous time, as I tried to search for flights to Asheville. The bus wasn’t expected to get to Asheville until like 11 PM and I was booked at a hostel that didn’t allow late check-ins. I was a bit panicked. Luckily, the bus came and we were predicted to get there by 7 pm. Another 2 hour bus ride with my handy dandy mask. The bus driver meant business when one of the passengers wasn’t wearing their mask properly. It’s like come on dude, we’re ready to get to our destination. The one thing about North Carolina is all the greenery! It’s crazy to me how green everything was. We arrived to Asheville shortly after 7 at this dumpy little gas station… I had to wait like 20 minutes to get my Lyft and I was a bit anxious standing and waiting. It all worked out and my Lyft finally came!!
I was staying in Downtown Asheville at this hostel called Sweet Pea Hostel. This was my first hostel since May 2019 and I was a bit nervous given COVID and just having to share a room again. All of the hotels and airbnbs were so ridiculously expensive, that $40 a night didn’t look too bad. The location was perfect and walkable to everything that I needed. Given that today was a long day of travel (or the week for that matter), I grabbed dinner at this place called Salsa’s and then, attempted to sleep. The one thing about the hostel I didn’t read closely about was how it was open concept. If people were in the living room, my top bunk could also hear them since there were no doors. It was fine, I did meet a couple of people on my first night. Greg was one man who had lived in Austin a bit! I love how Austin brings together people!!
Day 15: It was another work day for me, but since I’m on the East Coast, I had been waking up early to relax before I worked Central hours. I grabbed a bagel and coffee at the coffee shop nearby, High Five Coffee. I got online for a bit until it was time to grab lunch. I decided to try one of the most recommended places to me, Wicked Weed Brewery. It was a 10 minute walk from my hostel, so I headed over. It was as crazy busy as I expected, but there was one seat at the bar, which I quickly grabbed. Normally, I’m not much of a beer person, but when in Rome (aka Asheville), you must. I ordered a beer flight, not sure which one, but they were all delicious. The Watermelon Dragron Fruit Burst had to be my favorite! Also, I got a fried chicken sandwich and it was delicious. Even if it has become somewhat a tourist trap, this place was so great! I truly enjoyed all the beer and food I had here. 10/10 would recommend.
I walked back to my hostel to finish the rest of my work day. Then, I made a couple of newer friends, Roxanne & Clay. We decided to go grab drinks at some of the bars nearby. First stop was the Asheville Yacht Club. It was a divey tiki bar and you had to pay for a $1 membership? I’m not really sure what that was about, but I guess I’m a member now! Then, we walked around a bit and our friend Greg mentioned a drum circle that was happening at the park. Apparently, it was the first time for it to come back after COVID shutdown any large gatherings. It was really cool to see everyone just have a good time and happy. I would recommend a drum circle for some good chill vibes.
TIP: If you’re solo somewhere and want company, ask your friends if they know anyone where you are going.
After the drum circle, I had plans to head to West Asheville to meet up with a friend of a friend. When I was planning my stops, I mentioned to one of my friends about going to Asheville and she said she could connect me with someone if I wanted. I was like sure why not? I don’t know anyone. Thanks Margaret for grabbing a beer with me! It was nice to hear from a local’s perspective. We ended up at Cellarest Beer Project.
After beers with Margaret, she was nice enough to drop me back off at my hostel. The Uber/Lyft wait times were just a bit crazy in Asheville. I decided to meet up with Roxanne and Clay at the bar down the street from our hostel, The Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge. Someone had mentioned they did Espresso Martinis and you know I’m always in for one! They weren’t the best I ever had, but it was fine. Nighty night day 15.
Day 16: On this day, I had booked a time slot of 11 AM for the Biltmore House. I woke up in time to try this brunch place a friend recommended called Tupelo Honey. I walked up at 9 AM thinking I could walk right in, but it was packed! I was able to get a reservation at 10 AM, which means I would’ve cut it close to my Biltmore rez. I went back to the hostel and hung out until it was time to get brunch. Well, the wait was worth it! I did the fried chicken and biscuit and had the best sweet/salty/spicy ratio. I ended up taking the rest of it home because I was so full and I had to get going to my reservation.
Per usual, the Uber/Lyft saga continues. I was able to finally get a ride out there, which was probably 15-20 minutes from downtown. At that time, none of the shuttles within the Biltmore were running because of COVID. My driver was able to drop me off on the front lawn and I walked around a bit before I walked into the house. Each ticket to the Biltmore comes with a free wine tasting, so once you get in, be sure to scan the QR code to book your appointment. I would recommend 4-5 hours after you get into the house. I was a bit ambitious and almost missed my appointment. Plus, the audio tour was about 90 minutes and then, the gardens are so beautiful! So many hiking trails near the house, that I wished I had more time there to explore. I think once you visit the house, you don’t need to come back inside; however, they said they decorate it during Christmas time, so that could be fun. Crazy to see what luxuries people could afford back in those days!
Once I finished the audio tour, I walked outside to see it was raining. I went into the gift shop to buy a poncho because there was no way I was going to get soaked while it was 90 degrees outside. Then, I ventured into the gardens and the trails for a bit as I waited for my wine tasting. Everything was very green and so peaceful.
Little did I know what a hassle it would be to get to the otherside. When I mentioned the shuttles weren’t running, my hostel friend Roxanne said their was a private shuttle for $15 that runs once an hour. Unfortunately, I missed it and had to wait another hour and then, had to see if I could update my wine tasting. I lucked out and was able to move it an hour later. I hopped on this private shuttle and it was like any other shuttle. The driver was very friendly and said he only did this during the summer, but that they needed to figure out the schedule of this shuttle because it didn’t make any sense. Anyway, I got dropped off at Antler Village and headed towards the wine tasting. There was a bit of a wait, but it went by quickly. Each tasting was only 15 minutes long, but it came with 4 different wines and free (well included in your ticket). Much deserved after all the walking I did at the Biltmore and the gardens. Walking around the Antler Village, they had some farm animals and interesting architecture. It took me about an hour to find a ride out of there… just wanted to note a car would’ve been nice.
I finally got back to the hostel and finished the rest of my brunch leftovers. Then, I was meeting up with Roxanne and Clay for drinks and dinner. We ended up at some Japanese restaurant. I didn’t eat given I had just had leftovers. It was my last night in town, so figure I could grab some drinks. Ooof, knowing myself I should’ve know how tired I would be but at least it was fun. We ended the night at this bar called One Stop and it had live music! I made some new friends and of course, met some random group of men from Austin, when I played bouncer. I made it back to the Asheville Yacht Club and met another group of people, where one girl was about to move abroad to be with her boyfriend. Ah, my dream well the living abroad part 🙂 Before I knew it, it was almost 2 AM and it was time to go to sleep. I was smart enough to pack up before I went out becaue I needed to leave by 5 AM. Goooodnight!
Where In The World Was Lisa? 
Love the tip about asking if your friends have anyone in their lives. Also the Biltmore does seem like it’s worth it if you’re close by. Cool entry!
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