I spent a wonderful 4 days away with my husband in Asheville, NC. It was needed, as I have been working a whole lot lately. I’ll write a long detailed post on what a great destination it was when I come up for air, hopefully soon. But, just a quick funny…
We had decided to spend part of a day walking around Asheville’s fabulous downtown. That day, the winds were like a hurricane and it was COLD! We went into the Colburn Gem and Mineral Museum, which I loved because it was warm and my husband loved because he’s a geeky rock-loving guy. Then we decided to walk around the shops and restaurants. As we walked along, all I could think was this is awful, really awful. It was COLD and grit was blowing in my eyes and teeth, yuck! But, he seemed quite happy, so I trudged along. Finally, never usually being one to hold back, I said what I had been feeling, “this is awful!” He was so relieved. I couldn’t believe after 15 years of marriage, we were both still trying to be a good sport…I guess that’s a good thing?
I think Asheville is the Boulder, CO of the East. I loved it and can’t wait to go back.
Posted by Cathy | February 23, 2009
I took a trip to the brand new Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, recently. The modern glass and steel building is amazing. Although, when the building was under construction it sparked a bit of controversy, but I think that it intermixes beautifully with the century old brick buildings and the tall business towers.
On our trip through the museum, we stopped and looked at different exhibits. I enjoyed the futuristic display of the Judith Leiber Handbags. The one that mesmerized my children was the tattoo exhibit, “Pens and Needles: Drawings for Tattoos.” As we began entering the tattoo exhibit, I was quietly warned by a volunteer that I might not find the art appropriate for children. I appreciated the warning, and we all appreciated the tattoo art.
On our way home, we stopped by Roanoke Valley Printworks. It is right next door to the museum’s entrance, and it is packed with amazing books, stationary and one of a kind prints. I consider this little gem of a store to be a destination in and of itself.
Having grown up in Roanoke, VA, I have watched dedicated women and men transform the downtown area to make it the wonderful place that it is today. The farmers market, Center in the Square and now the Taubman Museum of Art provide us with an opportunity to enjoy the vast art, theatre, heritage and culture that Roanoke has to offer.
Posted by Elizabeth | February 18, 2009
