Then and Now: Asheville

Discovering groovy, vintage, classic, and historical institutions.

Text by Jasmine Bible + Photography by Susan Kalergis

We set out to find intriguing stories of the past and present. Establishments who honor the past while writing their own history. In our search, we found new businesses in old buildings, and old-school businesses in new buildings. Join us each week as we travel through the towns where Nest Realty offices are located, beginning with Asheville, North Carolina

Gan Shan Station
143 Charlotte Street, Asheville, NC 28801
ganshanstation.com

Then and Now: Asheville

From the exterior, it’s easy to imagine Gan Shan Station as the Gulf gas station it once was. The carport has been turned into a dog-friendly patio area, and the street lights that hovered above old gas pumps still remain. Inside, the space has been completely transformed into a lively and inviting atmosphere. Owner and Co-Chef Patrick O’Cain opted to keep the exposed ceiling beams and distressed cinderblock walls, and hung vintage gas signs in the bathrooms as a nod to the previous inhabitant.

Then and Now: Asheville

Grab a seat at the concrete-topped bar and prepare to be impressed. The casual cuisine is inspired by East Asian cuisines, including Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, and China. Each dish is bursting with bright, bold, rich flavors enveloping locally-sourced, fresh ingredients. Be sure to order the spicy drunken noodles, made with thick egg noodles that are handmade in-house daily. Your belly with thank you.

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Tupelo Honey Cafe
12 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801
tupelohoneycafe.com

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This sweet staple has been serving up classic southern fare, just like grandma used to make, for the last 16 years. The fresh, made-from-scratch, southern comfort food is as good as it gets—fried green tomatoes, grits, sweet potato pancakes, and brown butter pecan pie. Hot homemade biscuits and blueberry compote made from locally grown blueberries await every guest, served alongside piping hot Counter Culture coffee. This downtown Asheville gem became so popular, there are now 12 locations throughout the Southeast and two nationally published cookbooks.

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Moog Music Factory
160 Broadway Street, Asheville, NC 28801
moogmusic.com

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Dr. Robert Moog was a musical pioneer. He had a fascination with electronic music instruments from a young age, constructing and selling his own Theremins, an early electronic instrument that was controlled without physical contact by the performer. In 1963, he created the very first modular analog synthesizer, the Moog Modular. This method of controlling electronic sound revolutionized the music industry forever.

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During the next 50 years, the concept evolved to include dozens of different electronic synthesizers that can be heard in nearly every genre and era of music. In 1967, the title track from the Door’s album, Strange Days, got it’s groovy psychedelic sound from the synthesizer. The Beatles’ prominently used a Moog synthesizer on their 1969 album, Abbey Road. In the 1970’s Stevie Wonder played the Moog synthesizer bass on his hit song, “Superstition.” In the 1980’s, there was Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough.” And in the 1990’s & 2000’s, electronic house musicians like Deadmau5 create tracks almost entirely from synthesizers.

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Today you can tour the Moog Music factory in Asheville, where every single product is meticulously built. Gain fascinating insight into music history, play around with the instruments in the showroom, and shop the merch to show your analog pride. Be sure to catch the Moog Sound Lab Sessions, a performance series that allows artists to explore analog sound-scaping, synthesis and effects.

Bywater
796 Riverside drive Asheville  NC
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Years ago, trains used to travel along these railroad tracks. Today, the Bywater, a laidback bar has taken over the spot, situated along the banks of the French Broad River. The kid-friendly, dog-friendly, bring-your-own-food, bar is technically a “private club” that you’ll need to pay a one-time $5 fee to become a member. (Only one person in your party needs to be a member.) You can access the bar by boat, or car. And don’t’ worry—the tracks are no longer in use!

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Pack’s Tavern
20 South Spruce Street, Asheville, NC 28801
packstavern.com

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At the corner of South Spruce and Court, is Pack’s Tavern, housed in the historic Hayes and Hopson building. Built in 1907, the building was home to various businesses; a lumber supplier, an automotive supply company, and even distributed illegal liquor to locals in the Prohibition years. It’s now been lovingly restored to its Prohibition-Era grandeur, with original hardwood floors, exposed brick, and wood trusses. Pack’s offers a full menu and 30 rotating craft beers on tap. So sit back, enjoy a pint, and bask in the old town feel that Pack’s is delivering.

Check back next week when we visit Fredericksburg, VA!

We shared this story with you in our Spring/Summer 2016 Issue of NEST Magazine. To view the full issue, click here!

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Posted in Asheville, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, NEST Magazine, New River Valley, Spring/Summer 2016, Wilmington
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