Growing up Santa Fe, NM I saw a unique blend of artistic community, endless outdoor opportunities, interesting history, beautiful landscapes, and a diverse mix of cultures.

Though far from Santa Fe and a different climate, I arrived in Asheville in the early 90’s to practice Chinese Medicine and felt some of the same elements at play. Asheville was not well known, but you could feel the energy building and the mixture of art, landscape, environment, history and community all coming together. It reminded me of my ‘early days’ in Santa Fe. One of my closest friends was Andy Brokmeyer, who I told for several years that he needed to come to Asheville, as it was a dynamic and exciting place. We were also avid kayakers, and Asheville has been a Mecca for kayaking since the early days of the sport so I knew I could lure him out with the promise of all the great rivers in the area.

He came out ‘for a visit’ and hasn’t left. That was 16 years ago.
Asheville has grown into the most happening place in the region, far beyond my expectations, and has sustained an authentic, community oriented and dynamic quality. Like my dad used to say about few places, it has ‘cultural energy’.