"Ash Bash" Sept 10-12 in AVL
 

Welcome to the proposed “Ash Bash”



I will admit that I am preparing to host this Flyertalk “Do” as a rookie.



I have organized a few rather informal Flyertalk meetups up to and including a day in Washington, DC where all attending Flyertalk members arrived in the city on various discount bus lines from points across the Northeast.



This “Ash Bash” has existed in my mind and inside a small group of Flyertalkers idea since Jan 2020. Obviously, our plan of meeting in the mountains in March of 2020 never got of the ground because of the COVID-19 pandemic.



A couple of months ago I attended the LEX Horse and Bourbon “Do” and got some positive feedback on a meeting in Asheville, NC In September. With near record attendance at the LEX “Do” it seems like folks are ready to get back out there.



So, as promised I am going to take the plunge and announce this “Do” and try my best to be the best organizer/host I can be. Although, I have to admit I have only been to AVL once previously and don’t have any ties in the area. So, if anyone is local and could provide more detailed feedback I would be grateful.



Anyway, that is probably long enough of a preamble/disclaimer.



The headline here is:

“Ash Bash” September 10-12



Join myself and a host of other Flyertalkers for a weekend in North Carolina Mountains and enjoy some craft beers and good times.



As far as any kind of schedule of events, etc that I believe will be firmed up much closer to the event. I would say that there will be a heavy tilt towards craft beers and visiting the seemingly endless breweries in the area. From the big boys like East Coast outfit of Sierra Nevada to the more local microbrew places.



Downtown hotel rates are a little steep, but there are places in the right categories for various certs. There are all the major chains represented downtown. Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG, etc.



So, yeah I will be posting more in the future, but want to get this up and extended for those that are interested.


Attending:
Long Train Running

Hopeful:

Out:

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This sounds like a lot of fun. Please put me down as a hopeful; I am not optimistic :rolleyes: but don't count me out just yet.

-J.

Ditto.

Unfortunately, I have other travel plans that weekend - sorry I will miss this!

No, you're attending. :rolleyes:

Fingers crossed.

Well to be fair, you all picked the date without even asking me... :rolleyes:

That's my fault. :rolleyes:

This was the only weekend I could pull off in Sept.

I'll split the charter plane with you. :D

Dammit. We spend August in AVL. Leaving August 31 for Florida. We will miss you by 10-11 days. Otherwise, we’d have been on board. PM me in a couple weeks for informed recommendations (although we already know the place pretty well).

Well, now we are talking.

I mean how many fuel stops could a king air possibly need between JAC and AVL :cool:

zero :p its only 1600 miles

So at least 5 fewer than a Tesla

Wow, learned more about the King Air 350 than I knew previously.

Much longer legs than I expected.

Put me down as hopeful! It looks like rental cars will still be very expensive... Will it be reasonable to get around with public transportation or taxis (or Uber)? I have never been to Asheville.

I am planning on keeping the DO as close to walking distance to downtown as possible. I am planning on flying into AVL and not renting a car. Of course, these days counting on Uber/Lyft isn't as easy as it once was. So, my plan is counting on walking around as much as possible to avoid those logistical headaches.

Would be great to see you again if you can make it!

The airport is a good 15 miles out of town. Taxi or Uber into town is your best bet. The Sierra Nevada brewery is right at the the airport, but little else. We’ve never had an issue getting rides around town with Lyft. If you don’t find a hotel to your liking downtown, the Biltmore Village area has several more and it’s a $5-10 ride to the breweries of the south slope. Cheaper properties on Tunnel Road, but there’s not much else out there, and it isn’t walkable.

Lots of breweries walking distance from downtown. A car would be nice to hit a few of my favorites like Highland but you won’t run out of walkable breweries in a weekend. A car would also be a requirement if you wanted to drive some of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

I'm flying in to CLT and renting a car, so can probably help out vehicularly as needed.

we were in AVL a couple years ago — Wicked Weed Brewing was a highlight, along with the nearby Cúrate for tapas

We had lunch at the WW Funkatorium yesterday. It is a temple for those who worship sour beers. They have an outstanding bottle shop selling their aged product. The food is okay, but there are 7 flights available to try their version of liquid refreshment, that’s 28 on tap, as well as several canned and bottled offerings.

Budweiser :mad:

They've left things as they were. About the only change is wider distribution.

Just a heads up - at least one downtown brewery is now requiring a vax card for entry. I expect that to spread.

better that than other stuff

On my radar.

Zorak helped me today in finding a way to attend this. My best bet is to fly EWR-MCO Friday night on F9, SFB-AVL Saturday morning on G4, and then AVL-EWR Sunday night again on G4 :rolleyes:

Unfortunately I am afraid I am going to miss this event.

-J.

as things presently stand, we’re flying SEA-DCA on Fri 10th, and won’t be much farther south than I-495 for the next week … this is a tough one to miss out on

This sounds like a terrific plan for a DO! Alas, my first business trip since March 2020 (to present at a conference) is that same weekend, darn it!

Anyone moving up to "confirmed" for this?

Just trying to plan for the weekend.

I'm out due to work :(

Festivities are officially under way (well, we had a couple on arriving late last night as well)

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Whoa, don't drink too much.

How are you going to pick me up at the airport in a few hours. :eek::D

Blue Ghost brewery, right around the corner from AVL so we decided to pick up LTR from the airport after all :D

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Places look great, sorry I'm missing out. Cheers!

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What he said!

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Keeping it Flyertalk related.

Unfortunately our AA and AS status doesn't seem like it's doing anything for us. :rolleyes:
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