I’m often tickled by influencers of all success levels (but honestly, in this case, most tickled by those of middling-to-not-very successful success levels) assertions that they are doing their influencing because “Everyone wants to know.”
You’ve seen this before.
“Everyone’s been asking for my skincare routine.”
“Everyone’s been asking about my ab workout.”
“You guys keep asking for my buffalo chicken dip recipe!”
It’s funny how so many people want, so badly, to give advice—to give influence—but feel it necessary to hide this want behind the guise of being asked.
I, however, am here to break the chain. I’ve decided that unprompted, I will provide you with the recipe for a very lovely Asheville summer Sunday and let you, dear readers, decide whether you want it to influence you or not. No one asked me to do this. I’m just benevolent enough to share the close-to-perfect way I live and expect you to want to follow suit.
Here goes:
Unasked For Nice-Little-Asheville-Summer-Sunday Guidelines
8:30-10:30 AM: Sleep In
This past Sunday, I did something novel for a change. Usually, I’m the type who wakes up at 5:00 AM and has two hours of writing, a workout, and some coffee-shop reading under my belt before the rest of you lazy shits wake up, but this past Sunday, I thought some self-care was warranted, so luxuriated in bed till 8:30 (I decided to give the 10:30 AM option for those not as committed to rising and grinding) before I woke up and cleaned my closet, fridge, and bookshelves.
11:00 AM: Late Breakfast at Ultra Coffeebar
Ultra is my favorite place for breakfast in Asheville. Their breakfast sandwiches are excellent (their Nutella muffins are borderline life-changing), the service is quick, and even if there is a line, it moves fast. Typically, I get The Joey (egg, sausage, smoked gouda, and pesto on an everything bagel I usually sub out for multigrain) and chai latte, but I was feeling spicy on Sunday, so got the Thunderbird (turkey, bacon, cheese, chipotle aioli on a ciabatta), which was good (but, I’ll be going back to The Joey next time) and a La Croix.
12:00-3:00 PM: Hike and Lounge on the Laurel River Trail
From 12:00-3:00, I hiked the Laurel River Trail outside of Marshall. The Laurel River Trail is only a half hour outside of Asheville and a great choose-your-own-adventure hike in that it’s a relatively flat out-and-back trail on the banks of Big Laurel Creek (the name is somewhat misleading…) where you can turn around at any moment. It’s also a great choose-your-own-adventure because the trail is full of tiny beaches and small rock outcroppings where you can stop, hang by the water, and swim. I’d arrive no later than noon if you want to bag a riverside spot devoid of company.
3:30-4:30: Grab a Late Lunch at Zadie’s Cafe
Zadie’s Cafe is located right on the banks of the French Broad River in downtown Marshall. Situated in the old Marshall jail (which also holds a hotel), the eatery is casual counter service, but the food is delicious (and the views are relaxing). I’ve thus far tried the wings and burger, both of which are very good.
4:30-5:00ish PM: Drive the Old Marshall Highway back to Asheville
If you mapquest or Google maps Asheville to Marshall, it’ll take you on 26 to Highway 70, which in itself is a picturesque drive. However, the drive from Marshall to Asheville via the Old Marshall Highway adds less than 10 minutes to your trip and follows the French Broad all the way into town. I recommend listening to a classic soundtrack such as Springsteen or Tom Petty to really make this drive sing.
5:00-6:30 PM: Go to Zillicoah for Bluegrass
On Sunday nights, starting at 4:00, Zililcoah hosts bluegrass bands, which, in my professional opinion, is a very calming way to end your Sunday. I paired my bluegrass experience with two Zilicoah IPAs, some spicy nuts I purchased at the Zilicoah counter, and a handful of Goldfish provided by my friend.
6:40 PM: Get Ice Cream
I chose Whit’s Frozen Custard this Sunday and got a “Whitster” (chocolate custard whipped with Reece’s Cups, blizzard style).
7:00 PM: Sit on the Back Patio and Reflect On Your Nice Weekend
I sat on my patio and reflected upon a nice weekend from approximately 7:00 till after the 8:15 PM sunset. I paired my reflection with a Polar Grapefruit Seltzer and several spoons full of peanut butter. I know most influencers like natural, organic brands that contain no refined sugars, but I will never quit Jiff’s.
AshevilleExplorer 