What do jugglers, a community drum circle, beautiful mountain views, and a historic hotel have in common?  They are all on display in Asheville, NC.  After dropping our son off at college this summer, my wife and headed to the mountains to cope with our newfound role as "empty nesters." We've been to Asheville several times, but not in a long while.  While we certainly found it to be more crowded with tourists, its charm was still intact.  Here you'll find restaurants galore (just be prepared with reservations or a desire to eat early), a thriving arts community, and endless vistas.  Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway (which cuts through the region), the NC Arboretum offers garden walkways, exhibits, and even an outdoor model railway!  Be sure to check out my gallery of images.