Ashley Reid
Ashley Reid is a freelance writer who feels blessed to have called Asheville home for the last five years. Born in the suburbs of Detroit, she spent her 20s living coastal in South Carolina before the Blue Ridge Mountains called her home. Ashley is a homeschooling mother to her two daughters, married to her high school sweetheart, and always looking to the horizon for her next adventure. Ashley moved to Western North Carolina after years of visiting on vacations and realized this place was way too beautiful to leave behind. The Pisgah National Forest, abundance of waterfalls, Blue Ridge Parkway, and plethora of tasty eats in the area won her over to the Tarheel State. She is happiest when she is riverside and is vehement about keeping herself and her children outdoors as much as possible. Ashley is a woman never short of a hobby or new interest. She writes for various publications and companies. She is a voracious reader, aspiring author, sewist, gardener, and amateur homesteader. She loves working with her hands and being with her kids. She has never considered being called weird an insult and has no problem telling strangers about her love of opossums or a new podcast episode. Ashley is always on the hunt for the best burger and coffee in town. She is passionate about wellness, kindness, and keeping childhood wild.
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Camping in Asheville: The 6 Best Campgrounds
It’s no secret that Asheville is a hub for microbreweries, gourmet espresso spots, and amazing eats. But what lies beyond that beautiful picturesque skyline of mountains and buildings? If you want to roll up your sleeves and experience more than just what city life has to offer and explore the grand vastness of Western North Carolina, then look no further. Here’s a list for everyone from the timid, first-time camper to the off-roading explorer. Because, if you really want to fall in love with the Tar Heel State, you have to get outside. Have you never gone camping before? Or perhaps have a little bit of trauma from sleeping on…
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Gypsy Queen Cuisine Review: Those Sweet Shawarmas
I would like to think I have a leg (albeit a short one) to stand on when talking about Lebanese food. I grew up outside of Detroit, which is home to the largest Lebanese population in the country. It was commonplace for us to regularly eat shawarma, falafel, and more fresh, warm pita than any one person should eat. Fast-forward to my 20s in South Carolina, and I realized that there was close to nothing in the way of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern food. Southern food had its place, but I would get homesick for the food I was used to in Detroit, and I’d make sure any return trip home…
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The 6 Best U-Pick Flower Farms Near Asheville
Springtime in Asheville is an unparalleled time to appreciate the fruits of the Earth’s work on full display. At this time of year, rich hues of pinks, reds, violets, and blues are not an uncommon sight along the roadways. Growing up, my mom swore that fresh flowers were a guaranteed way to make a crummy day a bit better, and I still wholeheartedly agree with that. Around Asheville, we have quite a few u-pick flower farms to choose from. At these places, you can fill a vase for your own pleasure or brighten someone else’s day with a handpicked bouquet. If you’re looking to add some color to your life,…
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A Guide to Springtime Foraging in Asheville
Although mild compared to many other areas of the country, I, for one, feel like winter always drags on, even in Asheville. Maybe it’s harder here because of the anticipation of what’s to come. Everything coming back to life in the springtime, to me, is like coming back home to myself. The birds are chirping in the blue sky, the sunshine is warming my skin, and the bare landscape of the woods and scenery starts to re-adorn itself in spatterings of green. The whole vibe is iconic. One of the reasons I love spring in Asheville is because of the opportunities for foraging that begin to present themselves during this…
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French Broad Food Co-op Review: All About Community
With its prime location, frequent parking lot jam sessions, and seasonal local plants outside near the large windowfronts, chances are you’ve driven by the French Broad Food Co-op with your curiosity piqued. I’ve worked at a number of natural grocery stores, small and large. With their local brands, microscope view into the community, and approachable size, they’re a comfort to me, and I always pencil it into my itinerary when traveling to make my way to one. The French Broad Co-op has remained at the top of my list throughout my travels, and for good reason. If you’re not familiar with the word “co-op,” it simply means “community owned.” Community…
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What to Bring When Hiking in Asheville with Kids
Asheville is filled with some amazing locations for family-friendly walks and hikes. Just walking in nature for 5 minutes is known to improve your mood, self-esteem, and tension, which is why this is one of my favorite activities to do with my children. I have been hiking with them since they were six months old and two and a half. A “free” activity that can wear them out, cater to their sense of wonder, and is enjoyable for parents too? Total win in my book! If you’re looking to go hiking in Asheville with your little ones, here are a few of my favorite must-haves for a happy, safe, stress-free…
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The Orange Peel Review: The OG Place for Live Music
Live music fanatics, the average showgoer, the groupie, or anyone who has walked by this monumental building on a Saturday night in the summer all know one thing: The Orange Peel is the OG place for live music in Asheville. On the corner of Biltmore and Hillard, the brick building, adorned with orange-painted bubbles and a nostalgic orange marquee front and center, is nearly impossible to miss. The once skating rink turned R&B soul club, The Orange Peel has been recognized nationwide as one of the most unique and best places to see live music in the southeast. Known for their variety of acts, featuring everyone from up-and-coming performers to…
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Well Played Board Game Cafe Review: Back to Basics
It’s no secret that board games have taken off over the last decade. No longer are we stuck with the small cache of 10 games to choose from like previous generations. With games like Exploding Kittens becoming the most backed Kickstarter of the time and the hashtag “board games” having over 5 billion views on TikTok, it’s safe to say, despite a world being overtaken by electronics and people using FaceTime with one another, board games are back in a big way. Well Played Board Game Cafe has answered the call, and whether it’s the classics or the new, trendy, and maybe obscure, chances are they’ve got the thing you…
