Asheville, NC (Days 1-2)

Spending the afternoon on the Interstate highway was worth it. Our first stop is Asheville in the North Carolina Mountains.
George Vanderbilt, who built his mansion here, called it the "most beautiful land in the world".



And indeed, it is hard not to be impressed with the certain 1920s charm in this fabulous setting of the Blue Ridge Mountains.



The city center is waiting for our nightly exploration.
Okay, check out this marvelous art deco structure with its gleaming Romanesque arches!



Time for a break: we enjoy a cappuchino in the café of the local bookstore.



The Flatiron Building.
Makes sense?



See the Noodle Shop on the opposite side of the street? It serves some delicious Chinese cuisine, we give it two thumbs up.



The Basilica of St Lawrence claims to have the largest free-standing dome in North America. The stained-glass windows were made in Germany (of course).



Gas station on a local country road.



Sunday morning run.