1667 replies to this topic

[gsupstate]

I think they also do it some on Saturday nights to make sure cruising doesn't get a foothold.

[NYTransplant]

Changing the subject...after all this is the OT thread

I'll be taking my wife up to Asheville for her birthday just before Christmas.  We are spending the first day visiting the Biltmore.  I have reservations for dinner, Candlelight Christmas, and we are spending the night at the Inn.  I've never spent any time in Asheville before, and the next day, if we have seen enough of the Biltmore, I'm interested in seeing the downtown area.

Any must-do's?  Good lunch restaurants?  Interesting attractions?

BTW,  How long is a reasonable amount of time at the Biltmore.

[RestedTraveler]

This isn't exactly downtown, but I'd highly recommend taking in the National Ginger Bread House Competition and Display and making reservations for lunch or dinner at the Grove Park Inn as well.  You'll not regret it!  

The Grove Arcade downtown is pretty cool, too, as are the shops along Wall Street (look for the very large sculpture of an Iron (no Ironing board though)).

Edited by RestedTraveler, 29 November 2005 - 12:51 PM.

[NYTransplant]

Thanks RT,

Its funny, the ONLY thing I've ever done in Asheville is brunch at the Grove Park Inn last year, and I checked out the gingerbread houses.

[RestedTraveler]

Whoa. Déjà vu.  A black cat went past us, and then another that looked just like it.  

[NYTransplant]

[gsupstate]

Agree with RT about Wall Street and Grove Arcade.  Also check out, I believe it's Walnut Street....intersects with Broadway right around the Mellow Mushroom.  Some neat local shops in this area, and with the streets following the hills, feels very urban and dense, ahla San Fran.

There's a great Mexican place with kick ass rita's on Patton right before Pack Square....I think it's called Cancun....maybe....not sure.

[Brandon]

NYTransplant, on Nov 29 2005, 01:17 PM, said:

Any must-do's?  Good lunch restaurants?  Interesting attractions?

Save room for dessert from, I believe its called, "Old Europe" a downtown shabby cafe across the street from a new condo project...I wish I were better at remembering street names, but "downtown" is small and you can't miss it. They have mile-high cakes that you could almost make a meal of.

[RestedTraveler]

My wife just reminded me ... the Chocolate Fetish on Haywood Street downtown is a must-do, too!  That place rocks!  I wish they'd branch out to Greenville.  

Edited by RestedTraveler, 29 November 2005 - 04:03 PM.

[Greenville]

Sounds like a nice getaway, NYT.  Will you be surprising your wife?

I have heard good things about the urban trail.  If you are in the mood to walk, and have a couple of hours, it might be fun.  Here's a link:

http://www.urbantrai...e_nc/urban.html

[NYTransplant]

Thanks alot everyone! I may have to stay an extra day to get all that in!

Yes it's going to be a surprise.

[RestedTraveler]

Does anybody have any idea why those nice "Enjoy Greenville's Downtown" signs at the entry points into downtown aren't lighted at night anymore?  Is it a cost-saving measure by the city?  Is it maintenance neglect?  Do the bulbs just need to be replaced and haven't been?  What gives?  I love seeing those things all lit up at night.

[Greenville]

There is an article in today's Greenville News about 3D Systems Corporation choosing Rock Hill as their new headquarters.  It is important because some not so great things were said about Greenville's recruiting efforts.  Sounds like sour grapes on this guy's part to me, but see what you think:

http://www.greenvill...EWS01/512040323

[RestedTraveler]

Greenville, on Dec 4 2005, 01:15 PM, said:

...Sounds like sour grapes on this guy's part to me...

That's exactly the impression I got as I read the article this morning, myself.  It was actually on the FRONT PAGE of today's paper, too.  Must be a slow news day.

[vicupstate]

This appears to be another shot in the battle between the Chamber and the County Council over control of economic development in Greenville.

The Chamber controlled the Economic Development agency and was partially funded by the county.  That was prior to '97 or '98.  In retailiation for opposing the county's Anti-Gay resolution, the county council withdrew all funding of the Chamber at that time.

The County set up it's own economic development agency and the Chamber maintained it's own but with less funding.  There was a lot of talk at the time that this would hinder progress because efforts would be spintered.  

The fact that Knox White was not told of the visit portends that the continual rift between the city and county affects economic development negatively as well.

[EDPro]

vicupstate, on Dec 9 2005, 05:57 AM, said:

This appears to be another shot in the battle between the Chamber and the County Council over control of economic development in Greenville.

The Chamber controlled the Economic Development agency and was partially funded by the county.  That was prior to '97 or '98.  In retailiation for opposing the county's Anti-Gay resolution, the county council withdrew all funding of the Chamber at that time.

The County set up it's own economic development agency and the Chamber maintained it's own but with less funding.  There was a lot of talk at the time that this would hinder progress because efforts would be spintered.  

The fact that Knox White was not told of the visit portends that the continual rift between the city and county affects economic development negatively as well.

Good points.  
One quick correction: County increased funding for economic development.  Prior to 2001, County funded Chamber at $350k per year.  Currently they fund their own efforts (GADC) at around $600k per year (plus dues to Upstate Alliance, plus private funds raised to support GADC, plus funds for The Matrix Business Park).

Good news is that just in the last few months County has resumed some funding of the Chamber (around $100k per year) for efforts in workforce development, entrepreneurial support, existing industry services.

Edit:
Sorry Vicupstate.  I misread.  You are correct. Chamber has stayed active in economic development without funding from COunty.  (When I first read it, I thought you were implying County funded Econ. Dev. at a lower level when they set up their own agency).  My fault.

Edited by EDPro, 09 December 2005 - 08:02 AM.

[RestedTraveler]

A couple of notable holiday events in Greenville:

• Roper Mountain Science Center Holiday Lights (Alternative Site)
  
• St. Francis Festival of Trees
  
• Carriage Rides to Help the Homeless

I was shocked to learn that, one year after raising the fee for the Roper Mountain Holiday Lights from $5.00 to $6.00, the fee has increased to $10.00 per car.  Additionally, you are now limited to one pass through the center to view the lights.  One and out.  

To recap:  Twice the entry fee from two years ago.  1/2 to 1/x the loops through to enjoy the lights.  However, keep in mind that the proceeds go back into the community for a variety of good causes.

[Chickenwing]

I went to Roper Mountain a year or two ago, and I felt ripped off.

[NYTransplant]

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

[GvilleSC]

I hope that everyone had a Wonderful Christmas Day!