Friday, January 9, 2009

North Carolina - 10/2008 - Day 2

Tom and Jon Mark head off after a grand breakfast on a secret mission, and I take the ladies in to town for a shopping excursion.

First stop for the ladies was Tops for Shoes.

Tops for Shoes is located in downtown Asheville, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Though it is a locally-owned, single store operation, they serve a six state region due to the fact that Asheville is a vacation destination. At its current location, Tops for Shoes fills nearly half a city block. The store is owned by Bob and Ellen Carr who took over operations from Ellen’s parents in the 1970's.

Tops for Shoes offers an extensive selection of brands and sizes to fill most any customers’ needs. There are 40 salespeople with many years experience. Several members of the staff have been with Tops for Shoes more than fifteen years. Others came with many years of experience in the shoe industry under their belts. The customers have come to trust people they’ve known a long time.

They spend just about the whole day here.

Bettye and Momma pick up some Earth shoes.

While the ladies are trying on shoes, I explore downtown.

Well, there are the street performers.

Right away, I start finding stores that make me long for Eugene, Oregon. Instant Karma tries to be on the cutting edge, but compared to Eugene, it is just a wanna be.

Bumper stickers seem to be a big seller in this part of downtown.

My personal favorite.

Well, they give it a good try.

Like I said, they just think they are on the cutting edge of hip.

My my, how green.

Wonder what is smokin in here?

or in here.

One can drop by the Reading Room,

but this is more my speed.

There are some neat bumper stickers

and these new cars that call themselves a hybrid.

There is wall art.

A cute dog was seen outside of the Bistro where we took lunch.

Upon our return to the Inn, we sample some of the fruits of the land,

at the back of the hotel.

We get to watch a wedding. Before,

during, and after.

Tom and Jon Mark get back from their secret mission, and we head back downtown for more shopping - can you just hear those groans?

I get a nap in, after a cup of coffee, at this green establishment.

None of us really know what to say about this series of photos.


Driving back, we often felt a little uneasy as we passed these corn fields.

Some of us had bad dreams about the "Children of the Corn" coming out of the stalks.

We take the evening meal at The Dining Room at the Inn at Biltmore.

Delight in creative interpretations of regional cuisine in a friendly atmosphere with impeccable service. The renowned chefs prepare culinary delights harvested from our fields, including seasonal vegetables, fresh beef, and lamb.

The Dining Room at the Inn on Biltmore Estate captures the essence of fine dining in the tradition of the Vanderbilts' more formal entertaining.

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