Rainy Day Triple Play

Here's an idea the next time you find yourself on a rainy day and unable to hike or bike or do anything outdoors. Head for downtown Asheville and more specifically, Biltmore Ave. Three things within easy walking distance of each other (and a parking ramp right there to boot!). First (and you can mix up the order anyway you like) take in a campy art or foreign film at the Fine Arts Theatre They show only the best slightly offbeat and independent films. For instance, they were the first theatre in town to play "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Little Miss Sunshine". They have great popcorn too(and you won't have to mortgage your house to pay for it). They have a variety of beers and they even have cream soda! Now that's a carry over from my childhood? Then head on over across the street to browse the Mast General Store. There you will find just about everything imaginable, from hiking boots to bulk country candy. They even have some home furnishings. The twig rocking chair in the cabin came from Mast. Be sure to say hello to Carmen when you're in there, she's the general manager and your closest neighbor when you stay at the cabin. So when the popcorn has worn off and you've had your fill of country candy, just go a few doors down from the Mast and almost directly across from the theatre and you'll be at Doc Chey's Noodle House. Wow! This has become my favorite downtown restaurant, and I almost always eat there in conjunction with seeing a movie across the street. You won't be disappointed. The food is outrageously good and the price...just right. If you're feeling extra outlandish because you're on vacation and you deserve to over indulge, there is a wonderful ice cream shop right there sorta next to the theatre. So go ahead, have the time of your life! Asheville is always fun no matter what. I say do it!