East End - Asheville, NC

In its early days, East End provided locals with hunting opportunities. During the 1800s, legendary businessman James Patton opened one of Asheville's first hotels nearby. As the city grew, the neighborhood evolved into a bustling community, and eventually became the home of the famous Stephen's-Lee High School. In the 1970s, the area was targeted by Asheville's urban renewal projects. Buildings that did not meet city codes were torn down; since city officials had long ignored the area's code and infrastructure violations, a significant portion of the neighborhood was razed. The city and private contractors constructed new buildings.

The Asheville Art Museum sits a short walk from the eastern edge of East End. Each year, the East End-Valley Street Neighborhood Association hosts the popular Family Fall Festival in Martin Luther King Park. During baseball season, head to McCormick Field to watch the minor league Asheville Tourists.

East End consists of almost entirely residential and recreational areas, so residents usually head to the downtown area for dining and drinking. Most of the restaurants within walking distance are located along Biltmore Avenue. Chestnut, a popular choice located on Biltmore, offers lunch, dinner, and brunch on weekends. The restaurant calls a restored 1920s building home and provides diners with a warm and inviting ambiance. The farm-to-table-focused dinner menu includes favorites such as lobster bisque, seasonal salads, local cheese plates, fresh fish, and juicy steaks. Vegetarians delight in finding several options on the menu as well, including farro risotto and oven-roasted stuffed acorn squash. Be sure to try a hand-crafted cocktail, such as the Beet Down, made with house-infused beet vodka, and save room for one of the many tempting desserts or homemade ice creams.

Just up Biltmore Avenue, check out the Curate tapas bar, a favorite among local foodies. With mentions in The New York Times and a spot on GQ magazine's list of "The 12 Most Outstanding Restaurants of 2013," Curate serves the most upscale food within walking distance of the East End neighborhood. Make a reservation a few days in advance, and bring a friend to share the Chistorra, chips, and gambas al ajillo. Leave room for the butternut squash soup, and finish your dinner with rosemary ice cream.

Wicked Weed Brewing lies within walking distance of McCormick Field at the southern end of the neighborhood. Locals visit regularly to sample the full-flavored beers in the tasting room's casual, friendly atmosphere. The Adam Dalton Distillery, another nearby option, features an excellent assortment of agave-based spirits.

Most of the residents in East End get around the neighborhood by car. Other safe options include walking and biking, though you should always be vigilant when traveling without a vehicle as many roads lack sidewalks and bike lanes. Drivers enjoy fast access to Highway 70 and Interstate 240 on the north side of the neighborhood via Martin Luther King Drive. Free parking abounds near the businesses on the southwestern edge of the neighborhood, and most residential lots have off-street parking.

One bus line, the N, runs through East End, stopping at several locations along Martin Luther King Drive. Call ahead if you need a cab -- unless you're near McCormick Field on a game day, it is nearly impossible to hail one from the street. Uber also serves as an option for neighborhood residents.

East End provides residents with several large parks. If you're in the mood for strenuous exercise, walk or bike the trails that criss-cross Beaucatcher Mountain. All parks in East End are free to use. Dogs are welcome on leashes, but be aware of postings for restricted areas. The nearest off-leash park is located a few miles away at the French Broad River Dog Park.

Neighborhood residents frequent the kid-friendly Martin Luther King Park. The highlight of the park is the lighted ball field, which comes to life with local baseball games in the summer. Bring the family and enjoy a snack from the on-site concessions stand. On the southern side of the neighborhood, the playground at Mountainside Park attracts local families. Nearby, Memorial Stadium hosts live bands and brewery booths at the annual Brewgrass Festival.

East End is a budget-friendly alternative to the more expensive downtown neighborhoods. With its proximity to downtown Asheville, many residents commute for work, but there are several nearby employers, including Mission Hospital and Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.

Residential units occupy the streets of East End. A few shopping options sit just outside of the neighborhood's southwestern boundary along South Charlotte Street and Biltmore Avenue. For clothing stores, boutiques, and upscale shopping, residents head downtown and to the Asheville Mall. If you're up for a walk, head downtown to find the dog-friendly Mast General Store for outdoor gear and sporting equipment.

The closest grocery store to East End is the French Broad Food Co-Op. Locals love the extensive bulk section, the friendly staff and the hot bar, which is frequently stocked with vegetarian and vegan options. Residents in the northern end of the neighborhood can visit the Ingles Market on Tunnel Road for groceries and prescription medicines. The nearest farmers' market is located on Brevard road on the far southwestern side of the city.