Eco-Life Is Good
After my recent visit to Asheville, N.C., I realized it was very possible that I have been living under a rock. After spending only a few minutes in the city, I knew I wasn’t in Kansas anymore. This historic community—of hip dog-friendly hotels, organic co-op grocers, go-green initiatives, craft brewers and farm to table restaurants—was booming; and just a 3-4 hour drive from Monticello.
I compare it to the West Coast approach to life that makes some of the cities in that region the healthiest. It was a pure collaboration of culturally aware, health conscious, earth friendly people. Just being there made me feel better about myself and made me keenly aware of what could be missing in other areas with the same booming potential. This thriving community had character, talent and respect for the environment.
It made me wonder. Is there a connection between living a healthy lifestyle and residing in an eco-friendly environment? Yes, I think so. It involves a certain kind of attitude and a new way of thinking, that is gently encouraged – not forced.
Go Dogs?
Do not misunderstand, I love my dog. However, I will probably not be taking him out to lunch with me and definitely will not be vacationing with him. For some, however, this is not an option and in Asheville you don’t have to choose. Dogs are welcome most everywhere.
They can bark, growl and scrap with other dogs in the street with little attention drawn. You can leave them in your hotel room while you visit local attractions as long as you leave a reliable contact number, just in case.
Hotels have specific outdoor areas for dogs to do their business. Dogs accompany the street performers and lie down compliantly until the show is over. Dog parks, dog poop receptacles, and dog trails are all available for you and your pooch. How does this make for a healthier community?
Dog ownership has been linked to reducing levels of stress and improving heart health. Most dogs need to be walked and like to play—difficult to do without their favorite human companion. Go dogs!
Fresh and Creative
Farm to table restaurants are probably not that new. Certainly in Monticello, many of us already eat garden-to-table. Now you can enjoy this local grown fare in restaurants, cafés, bistros and sandwich shops. The food is always creative, super fresh and bursting with flavor. The locals grow or cultivate fruits and vegetables, fish, legumes, cheeses, meats, grains and herbs—most indigenous to the area; then sell their goods to local grocers and restaurants.
Some of our favorite dishes were the fresh sautéed kale with squashes and orzo, farm fresh cheese plate with figs and honey walnuts, pickled beets with clementine, rabbit sausage and of course homemade crusty breads—only scratching the surface of the untamed variety of fare.
It was clean, healthy eating without the expense of taste. Dishes were large enough to split or we would opt for an array of tapas. Each meal could be paired perfectly with a locally brewed ale. The portions were satisfying not filling; and the tasteful combination of flavors were complimentary not confusing.
Cooperation Stations
If you shop at a farmers market then you are aware of what buying fresh is all about. When you make a purchase from a co-op grocer you have the satisfaction of knowing you are helping community growers.
Similar to
our market on the square, co-op grocers provide merchants with home-produced goods. It’s a one stop shop with every ingredient at your fingertips to create your own farm to table meal. This is pure paradise for the chef that likes to combine freshness with flavor.
Go Green
I am ashamed to say that recycling is not a priority for my family right now; mostly because it involves sorting, storing, and hauling trash, then finding a recycle center to dispose of the trash. Let’s face it our county doesn’t encourage eco-friendly behaviors where this is concerned, which makes it a challenge for residents to get on board with this necessary initiative.
Other cities—like Asheville —totally get it. They make it accessible and easy without stuffing it down your throat. Clearly marked receptacles are on every other street corner. How does this promote better health? I think, and studies prove, that there is a logical link between people’s awareness and knowledge about an eco-friendly environment, and the health of an individual living in that environment.
There is a sense of personal responsibility for taking care of the earth that is inherent in the people that live in cities like Asheville. In addition, recycling prevents pollution, creates jobs, and saves money and energy; all resulting in a greener, healthier place to live.
Hiking Trails Galore
On our way back home we were on a quest to find a hiking trail with a moderate level of intensity. We were a little pushed for time, but the day was gorgeous and needn’t be wasted sitting in a car.
No problem finding a way to get moving in the Asheville area. We must have had 20 different parks and trails to choose from, but settled on DuPont Forest near the eastern part of North Carolina.
It probably won’t surprise you that on our short jaunt we stumbled across wild mushroom pickers. After checking out their full baskets of chanterelles, morels and other varieties, we asked where they were headed.
Although I didn’t completely understand them, it sounded like they said they were taking their mushrooms to a wild grown co-op grocer in Asheville to sell. But, of course!!
Questions or comments email: suzannemcginnis@me.com
For information about dining in Asheville visit: http://www.myajc.com/news/entertainment/ashevilles-edible-charms-are-many/ngPwB/