Exploring Asheville: Its History, Attractions, Mysteries, Ghosts, and Tall Tales

<p>Mystery writer, Tom Collins, departed from his usual genre to shine the light on Western North Carolina in his award winning ninth book, <em> Exploring Asheville</em>, winner of the Independent Press Award for its literary category. The book is a four-part "must have guide" for getting the most out of the Asheville experience. </p><p><strong>Part One: Asheville History </strong>consists of stories about the people and moments in time that forged the city's unique culture. You never know who you will see or meet walking the streets of Asheville-rich man, poor man, bohemian artist, eccentric billionaire, famous actor, author or even a professed witch. Few other places are as rich in history and human creativity, providing an inexhaustible supply of stories. To understand the feel of the city-why it is called the Weirdest, Happiest, Quirkiest, Most Haunted Place in America, you need to become "Asheville Smart."</p><p><strong><em>Part Two: Attractions and Activities</em></strong> covers things to do and see from A to Z that bring people to this extraordinary place in the majestic Appalachian Mountains-from antique shopping and the Biltmore to white water rafting on the French Broad, and, of course, all of the festivals from Art in the Park to the Wooly Worm Festival. Western North Carolinians have an insatiable appetite for celebrating the mountains' wonders and its music, dance, and food. This section also includes addresses, directions, phone numbers and even websites to he