Over the July 4 weekend, I took a spontaneous trip to Asheville, N.C. and fell in love with the atmosphere, people and creativity that pulsed through the community.

Upon arriving, a beat could be heard from a far distance and softly vibrated the ground underneath me. Any music draws me in so I wandered toward where the sound was coming from. A giant drum and percussion circle involving around 300 people was taking place in the square.

I danced and smiled while feeling the overwhelming joy from everyone around me and the feeling of community through participating in the occasion, whether through dancing, playing the tambourine or beating on the drums. 

After enjoying the beautiful musical expression, I began to venture through the streets, going into art galleries, a coffee shop and a quaint, inviting bookstore before standing on the roof of a hotel, overlooking the entire city, and watched the sunset. 

I stayed 40 minutes outside the city, in a tiny house at Indigo Nature Retreat far up in the mountains. There was no cellphone service, wi-fi or TV. 

Being disconnected from all of the noise and technology was magnificent. Until being fully engulfed in nature with no distractions, I didn’t realize how often I checked my phone or got on social media, wasting a great deal of time and energy regarding what is on my Facebook newsfeed. 

I hiked to Catawba Falls and climbed a waterfall while barefoot, feeling the moist moss underneath my feet and letting the cold water flow over me. I then sat on a rock with the waterfall behind me, letting the sun filter in through the trees’ canopy, warming my skin. Afterwards, a trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway presented amazing views of the mountains.

On the last day, we had planned to go to the Biltmore; however, Asheville was calling my name. We scratched the Biltmore plan to continue meeting unique individuals and having deep conversations with those we met. I walked past the buskers on the street and danced as the appreciation of their talents and their happiness for my gratitude was reciprocated without words but smiles. 

We visited the Orange Peel, a famous music venue, and went into stores smelling of lavender and patchouli, finding unique jewelry and crystals. I met a young man on the street who had a typewriter and wrote a poem describing how he viewed my spirit after we sat and talked for quite a while. The poem hangs over my desk. 

I felt at home in Asheville and smiled and danced the entire time I was there. When leaving to make the four-hour trip back to McMinnville, tears filled my eyes because I wanted to stay longer, but mostly, I was just so grateful for the eye-opening, heartwarming and peaceful experience Asheville had kindly granted me.

Standard reporter Atlanta Northcutt can be reached at 473-2191.