I want to move to Asheville, N.C. That little town, nestled off I-40 near the Great Smoky Mountains is the most hippest coolest town I've seen in the South. How can this be? It reminded me of Philadelphia's South Street (without the chewing gum stuck on trees) and the Old City (without the metropolitan snooty attitude). It has nature — it's tucked in the mountains. People walk — I parked my car and had to return to drop in more quarters as I didn't expect to spend that much time walking around their downtown. My architecture kick is there — I saw issues of Metropolis in stores there and they have way cool furniture, which I can't possibly afford. The people there were just so darn nice: the stores, the coffeshop and the bar I went into — everyone had a pleasant word to say to me. Something about Asheville just struck a cord. Maybe one day.

Asheville was the definite cherry on top of my North Carolina sundae. (Yes, horrible similie, but I'm trying to be creative in a crude way!) This is why:

I carved my first pumpkin. Stayed in a rad loft and browsed even more rad loft books. Played scrabble, which brought back fond memories. Partook in harmless gossip. Saw my version of a New England fall while touring Duke's campus. Ate at Mama Dip's. Got to hang out with my really cool friend. Met many interesting people. Was able to speed and not get caught. Saw amazing colored woods along my "six-hour" drive. And I felt like I was on vacation.

So all in all, a delicious (I'm still trying!) weekend, I would say. And the super cool thing is I'm still off tomorrow!