The following conversation wasn’t overheard on Haywood Road, but it 100% should’ve been.
Am I Asheville Fat?
A personal essay on being labeled “Boulder fat,” BMI misclassification, Ozempic, and how gay body standards thrive in progressive cities like Asheville.
I’m Now the Face of “Wholesome Masculinity”
When a stranger in Battlecat calls me the meme of “wholesome masculinity,” it sparks a snarky dive into stereotypes, masculinity buzzwords, and Asheville culture.
I Just Signed Up for the 2026 SAHC Winter Hiking Challenge
Discover how an Instagram scroll led me to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Winter Hiking Challenge 2026—and why I’m committing to 60 miles of winter hiking in the North Carolina mountains and Southern Appalachian trails.
Overheard in the Asheville Saunas: Part Two
Part two of the ridiculous things you hear Ashevillians say in the various saunas of Asheville.
A Blessed Turn of Events at the Asheville Trader Joe’s
A strange interaction at the Asheville Trader Joe’s restored my faith in humanity…for now.
An Unemployed Asheville December Bucket List
As I’ve previously shared, I’m currently experiencing what a more annoying sect of the internet that obviously doesn’t have to…
Performative Tech Bro-ness at the Sauna House
A very specific (very meta) type of performative masculinity was overheard at Asheville’s Sauna House recently.
A Shortoff Mountain Sunset Hike Was Almost as Chaotic as Black Balsam Knob
A local compares Black Balsam and Shortoff Mountain sunsets—two iconic WNC hikes with unexpectedly chaotic vibes, weddings, parties, and unforgettable views.
Lessons From My First Full-Moon Hike in Western North Carolina
I finally checked “full moon hike” off my Western North Carolina bucket list with a nighttime trek up Black Balsam. Here’s what I learned about timing, trails, and how to make a full moon hike actually magical.
AshevilleExplorer 