Local Hostel Offers International Adventures
Mountain Xpress, Asheville NC
By Steve Rasmussen, Spring 2005
I've just spent a week swapping tales and hoisting ales with travelers from all over the globe -- and I never left West Asheville. I talked international politics with a law student from Germany, and traded hopes for world peace with an activist from India. Late one night, I eavesdropped raptly as a musician from New Orleans practiced the classical guitar he'd rescued from Hurricane Katrina; another night, I had the chance to (but swear I didn't) share a room with a group of young women fresh from a bachelorette party.
The scene of these exotic adventures was Bon Paul and Sharky's Hostel, a big house with a welcoming porch on Haywood Road.
"It's similar to a boarding house," proprietor Joe Gill explains, "but it's not -- it's a hostel. It's very popular in Europe. It's not like a bed-and-breakfast in that it's much cheaper -- it's for the budgeted traveler. You share a bedroom, share a bathroom, share a kitchen, and there's no breakfast that's brought to you by a fancy cook, like in a bed-and-breakfast."
But that's not really a problem when you're right next door to Digable Pizza, across the street from the Westville Pub, and a short stroll from the flock of hip new eateries and shops in the neighborhood, which Gill refers to as "Asheville's Asheville." And if you should decide to head downtown to catch a concert, you can leave your car in the hostel's parking lot and ride one of the stable of bicycles Gill lets his guests use for free.
An enthusiastic backpacker, Gill has stocked Bon Paul and Sharky's -- named for a late pair of goldfish he describes as "good friends and confidants" -- with all the amenities he's enjoyed in the hostels he's stayed in around the world.
The living room boasts comfortable couches, a wide-screen cable TV with a stock of DVDs, wireless Internet access, and shelves full of reading matter, including local guides and periodicals. On the back deck, you can ease into a hot tub or fire up a grill. In the kitchen, you can fix yourself waffles for breakfast or a snow cone for dessert. Each of the bunk-filled bedrooms (and the lone private room) contains lockers where guests can store their things.
Gill and co-Manager Eric Bell provide each guest with clean sheets, blanket, pillow and towel, and the communal kitchen and bathrooms are scrupulously scrubbed -- contradicting the stereotype of hostels as dirty and unsanitary.
Gill named each of the rooms after an explorer he admires: Amelia Earhart, Jacques Cousteau, Roald Amundsen, Bas Jan Ader. But what kinds of explorers have trekked through the premises since Bon Paul and Sharky's opened last March?
"There's really been no trend, kind of all over the board," Gill observes. "People in their 50s and 60s, maybe even older than that, all the way down to 18-year-old college students passing through. The majority of the people have been American, next U.K., and a few Aussies and other people speckled across the rest of the world -- Switzerland, India, China, Japan."
Most of the American guests, he notes, "seem to be looking to move to Asheville." No surprise there.
By Steve Rasmussen, Spring 2005
I've just spent a week swapping tales and hoisting ales with travelers from all over the globe -- and I never left West Asheville. I talked international politics with a law student from Germany, and traded hopes for world peace with an activist from India. Late one night, I eavesdropped raptly as a musician from New Orleans practiced the classical guitar he'd rescued from Hurricane Katrina; another night, I had the chance to (but swear I didn't) share a room with a group of young women fresh from a bachelorette party.
The scene of these exotic adventures was Bon Paul and Sharky's Hostel, a big house with a welcoming porch on Haywood Road.
"It's similar to a boarding house," proprietor Joe Gill explains, "but it's not -- it's a hostel. It's very popular in Europe. It's not like a bed-and-breakfast in that it's much cheaper -- it's for the budgeted traveler. You share a bedroom, share a bathroom, share a kitchen, and there's no breakfast that's brought to you by a fancy cook, like in a bed-and-breakfast."
But that's not really a problem when you're right next door to Digable Pizza, across the street from the Westville Pub, and a short stroll from the flock of hip new eateries and shops in the neighborhood, which Gill refers to as "Asheville's Asheville." And if you should decide to head downtown to catch a concert, you can leave your car in the hostel's parking lot and ride one of the stable of bicycles Gill lets his guests use for free.
An enthusiastic backpacker, Gill has stocked Bon Paul and Sharky's -- named for a late pair of goldfish he describes as "good friends and confidants" -- with all the amenities he's enjoyed in the hostels he's stayed in around the world.
The living room boasts comfortable couches, a wide-screen cable TV with a stock of DVDs, wireless Internet access, and shelves full of reading matter, including local guides and periodicals. On the back deck, you can ease into a hot tub or fire up a grill. In the kitchen, you can fix yourself waffles for breakfast or a snow cone for dessert. Each of the bunk-filled bedrooms (and the lone private room) contains lockers where guests can store their things.
Gill and co-Manager Eric Bell provide each guest with clean sheets, blanket, pillow and towel, and the communal kitchen and bathrooms are scrupulously scrubbed -- contradicting the stereotype of hostels as dirty and unsanitary.
Gill named each of the rooms after an explorer he admires: Amelia Earhart, Jacques Cousteau, Roald Amundsen, Bas Jan Ader. But what kinds of explorers have trekked through the premises since Bon Paul and Sharky's opened last March?
"There's really been no trend, kind of all over the board," Gill observes. "People in their 50s and 60s, maybe even older than that, all the way down to 18-year-old college students passing through. The majority of the people have been American, next U.K., and a few Aussies and other people speckled across the rest of the world -- Switzerland, India, China, Japan."
Most of the American guests, he notes, "seem to be looking to move to Asheville." No surprise there.
Who are Bon Paul & Sharky?
The Appalachian, Appalachian State University
April 2011
There's a mystery brewing in Asheville, North Carolina. At a small hostel nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains guest gossip in the common room, speculating what the truth is. “Someone that works here told me that the owners are jet setters, and they're off in the Bahamas or something right now,” one college aged girl spoke up, “And they'll be there till the weather changes,” she adds.
Who are Bon Paul and Sharky? The hostel bears their name, but no one can get a straight answer as to who it is. I decided to take a weekend and try an figure it out myself, not that the world will be made better with this knowledge, but at least I'll be able to sleep a little easier.
Upon arriving I found the current manager Jeremy Pelt, relaxing on the front porch. He greeted me with a wave and hello, instructing me to have a seat and pour myself a glass of “this fine sweet tea” as he put it. After a few pleasantries and my eagerness to do a little sleuthing, I am after all a city slicker and the relaxed pace of country life doesn't come easy, I begin playing Sherlock.
“So, are you the owner?” I ask him.
“Well,” he says, smiling a wide southern smile, “if I had a quarter for every time somebody asked me that,” he pauses to think of what he might do with those quarters, “Ya know, it's funny cause people don't go into other businesses always askin' if so and so is the owner.” He's got a point there, but I'm on a mission and I won't be denied.
He checks me in and shows me around, inviting me to a pot luck dinner the hostel is having later that night. I drop my bags and go out to explore the neighborhood, full of good restaurants and pubs within walking distance. I find the local organic grocer and return with some supplies as my fellow bunk mates get the stove going. Someone's got to know something, so I start some conversation in hopes someone has a loose tongue.
“They told me that Bon Paul is an old bootlegger, and he lives up in the hills somewhere. They said that he comes in once a week smelling and looking for his money. He's got a long white beard and wears overalls, I thought I saw him the first day I was here,” says a Frenchmen.
“I heard that you can find Sharky at the pub a block away, he got his name playing pool, he's a little guy with thick glasses that fakes lame and then takes your money every time,” adds a retire, whose been here close to the week long limit, hiking the trails around town.
After all the alternating rumors are voiced, the kitchen erupts in debate just as Jeremy walks in. The crowd corners him for an answer and backed against the fridge he offers that same southern grin and speaks,
“You really wanna know? It's my mom, she owns the place.”
“Come on!” We shout back collectively.
“Alright, I'll admit, that one was a lie. But now, if I told y'all, how much fun would that be?” His accent is disarming and we relent. With that he poured himself another glass of tea and sat down at the table.
I stayed two nights in the bunks and spoke to Jeremy and the rest of the staff regularly. They were friendly and eager to share any information they had on what to do in town and where to hike around it. The only info I couldn't garner was straight answer on the owners. After repeated badgering, and an assortment of varying stories, Jeremy finally said to me in the parking lot out back before I drove away, “Look Nancy Drew, you really wanna know who the owners are?” I nodded, somewhat guiltily, not sure now if I really did want to know. “Alright,” he said, “but if I tell ya, you got to promise not to tell anyone.” I nodded again and extended him my pinkie to swear on. Leaning into my car window he whispered in my ear, I smiled, nodded to him and drove away.
Who? You ask. I can't tell you either. If you're losing sleep over it, make the drive yourself. Ask around, see what you can come up with. He may not have been telling me the truth that last time anyway, though I like to think he was. One thing is for certain though, the beds are comfortable, and you won't be losing any sleep there.
April 2011
There's a mystery brewing in Asheville, North Carolina. At a small hostel nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains guest gossip in the common room, speculating what the truth is. “Someone that works here told me that the owners are jet setters, and they're off in the Bahamas or something right now,” one college aged girl spoke up, “And they'll be there till the weather changes,” she adds.
Who are Bon Paul and Sharky? The hostel bears their name, but no one can get a straight answer as to who it is. I decided to take a weekend and try an figure it out myself, not that the world will be made better with this knowledge, but at least I'll be able to sleep a little easier.
Upon arriving I found the current manager Jeremy Pelt, relaxing on the front porch. He greeted me with a wave and hello, instructing me to have a seat and pour myself a glass of “this fine sweet tea” as he put it. After a few pleasantries and my eagerness to do a little sleuthing, I am after all a city slicker and the relaxed pace of country life doesn't come easy, I begin playing Sherlock.
“So, are you the owner?” I ask him.
“Well,” he says, smiling a wide southern smile, “if I had a quarter for every time somebody asked me that,” he pauses to think of what he might do with those quarters, “Ya know, it's funny cause people don't go into other businesses always askin' if so and so is the owner.” He's got a point there, but I'm on a mission and I won't be denied.
He checks me in and shows me around, inviting me to a pot luck dinner the hostel is having later that night. I drop my bags and go out to explore the neighborhood, full of good restaurants and pubs within walking distance. I find the local organic grocer and return with some supplies as my fellow bunk mates get the stove going. Someone's got to know something, so I start some conversation in hopes someone has a loose tongue.
“They told me that Bon Paul is an old bootlegger, and he lives up in the hills somewhere. They said that he comes in once a week smelling and looking for his money. He's got a long white beard and wears overalls, I thought I saw him the first day I was here,” says a Frenchmen.
“I heard that you can find Sharky at the pub a block away, he got his name playing pool, he's a little guy with thick glasses that fakes lame and then takes your money every time,” adds a retire, whose been here close to the week long limit, hiking the trails around town.
After all the alternating rumors are voiced, the kitchen erupts in debate just as Jeremy walks in. The crowd corners him for an answer and backed against the fridge he offers that same southern grin and speaks,
“You really wanna know? It's my mom, she owns the place.”
“Come on!” We shout back collectively.
“Alright, I'll admit, that one was a lie. But now, if I told y'all, how much fun would that be?” His accent is disarming and we relent. With that he poured himself another glass of tea and sat down at the table.
I stayed two nights in the bunks and spoke to Jeremy and the rest of the staff regularly. They were friendly and eager to share any information they had on what to do in town and where to hike around it. The only info I couldn't garner was straight answer on the owners. After repeated badgering, and an assortment of varying stories, Jeremy finally said to me in the parking lot out back before I drove away, “Look Nancy Drew, you really wanna know who the owners are?” I nodded, somewhat guiltily, not sure now if I really did want to know. “Alright,” he said, “but if I tell ya, you got to promise not to tell anyone.” I nodded again and extended him my pinkie to swear on. Leaning into my car window he whispered in my ear, I smiled, nodded to him and drove away.
Who? You ask. I can't tell you either. If you're losing sleep over it, make the drive yourself. Ask around, see what you can come up with. He may not have been telling me the truth that last time anyway, though I like to think he was. One thing is for certain though, the beds are comfortable, and you won't be losing any sleep there.
Simplified Spring Break- Asheville is a Locavore Heaven
Red & Black Student Paper, University of Georgia
By SYDNEY SLOTKIN on March 2, 2010
Athens, Ga., to Asheville, NC: 163 miles, 3 1/2 hours by car
Comparable to Athens in laidback, college-town demeanor, this city has a more earthy culture because of its mountains and beautiful scenery. Asheville, N.C. is one of the most relaxing choices for spring break.
EAT:
At Rosetta’s Kitchen, located at 111 Broadway St., creative vegan comfort food abounds. The restaurant features entrees like peanut butter-baked tofu. Southern and Mexican staples are thoughtfully prepared with plenty of spices and protein to supplement the meatless meals. Full bellies for a reasonable $9-15.
A mix of European and Indian cuisine, The Flying Frog Café, located at 1 Battery Park Ave., offers a more upscale dining experience. An entreé will run from $17-33 and the café offers an extensive bar with a professional sommelier to help aid diners in picking out the best wine to pair with their meal.
STAY:
Asheville, N.C. has at least three adorable, reasonably-priced and centrally-located hostels downtown.
Decorated with homey textiles and bright colors, Arthaus Hostel ranges from $40-$80 per night depending on the number of people and requires a reservation. Arthaus is located at 6 Ravenscroft Dr. and reservations can be made from noon to 10 p.m. by calling 828-423-0256.
Bon Paul And Sharky’s Hostel Of Asheville, located at 816 Haywood Rd., offers slightly less luxurious quarters and camping for a competitive price of as little as $24 per night. Call ahead at 828-350-9929 to check availability.
PLAY:
Asheville, N.C.’s temperate mountain climate allows fresh produce to be grown year round. The Western North Carolina Farmers Market, located at 570 Brevard Rd., offers seasonal produce and locally made jams, jellies and wines year-round in a covered, climate-controlled building with attached outdoor shopping areas in warm weather.
By SYDNEY SLOTKIN on March 2, 2010
Athens, Ga., to Asheville, NC: 163 miles, 3 1/2 hours by car
Comparable to Athens in laidback, college-town demeanor, this city has a more earthy culture because of its mountains and beautiful scenery. Asheville, N.C. is one of the most relaxing choices for spring break.
EAT:
At Rosetta’s Kitchen, located at 111 Broadway St., creative vegan comfort food abounds. The restaurant features entrees like peanut butter-baked tofu. Southern and Mexican staples are thoughtfully prepared with plenty of spices and protein to supplement the meatless meals. Full bellies for a reasonable $9-15.
A mix of European and Indian cuisine, The Flying Frog Café, located at 1 Battery Park Ave., offers a more upscale dining experience. An entreé will run from $17-33 and the café offers an extensive bar with a professional sommelier to help aid diners in picking out the best wine to pair with their meal.
STAY:
Asheville, N.C. has at least three adorable, reasonably-priced and centrally-located hostels downtown.
Decorated with homey textiles and bright colors, Arthaus Hostel ranges from $40-$80 per night depending on the number of people and requires a reservation. Arthaus is located at 6 Ravenscroft Dr. and reservations can be made from noon to 10 p.m. by calling 828-423-0256.
Bon Paul And Sharky’s Hostel Of Asheville, located at 816 Haywood Rd., offers slightly less luxurious quarters and camping for a competitive price of as little as $24 per night. Call ahead at 828-350-9929 to check availability.
PLAY:
Asheville, N.C.’s temperate mountain climate allows fresh produce to be grown year round. The Western North Carolina Farmers Market, located at 570 Brevard Rd., offers seasonal produce and locally made jams, jellies and wines year-round in a covered, climate-controlled building with attached outdoor shopping areas in warm weather.
Go Local For Campy Fun
Red & Black Student Paper, University of Georgia
By Sejal Bhima, March 10, 2006
Students who don't have the money or time to leave for the entire spring break have many alternatives, such as Asheville, N.C., to the typical exotic, far-away destinations.
Although spring break is typically thought to involve steamy coed madness on crowded Florida beaches, students looking to avoid the crowd or experience bliss on a budget should look no further than their own backyards.
With midterms in the past, students can unwind and soak up Mother Nature’s calm atmosphere at one of the many campgrounds in the Athens area.
Sandy Creek Park offers campsites situated beside the park’s lake, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in nature. Fresh water and restrooms require only a short walk.
“Sandy Creek is a natural resource park, so we try to maintain its natural beauty and not cause too much disturbance to the area,” said park assistant John Gilbert.
Campers are encouraged to take advantage of the many activities offered throughout the 800-acre park. Four trails wind throughout the park. Paddle boats, canoes and athletic equipment such as basketballs and volleyballs are available for rent.
The Outdoor Recreation Center, located inside the Ramsey Center, is one of the most convenient places for students to rent camping equipment. For the entire week of spring break the center will charge students weekend rental prices, so everything from tents to gas lanterns to camp coolers will cost half off the regular price.
Adventurous students can get their adrenaline pumping over break might consider the thrill of freefalling at the speed of 160 mph. Skydive Athens offers tandem skydiving for the discounted price of $139 for University students.
According to its Web site, tandem skydiving lets divers experience an exhilarating fall while harnessed to a personal instructor.
“Having an instructor with you allows you to experience all the thrills and breathtaking views without having to worry about when you should release your parachute and things like that,” said John Dalton, who is in charge of reservations at Skydive Athens.
“When you finally jump, it’s such a surreal, amazing feeling that I guarantee you won’t get anywhere else,” Dalton said.
High gas prices and shoe-string budgets shouldn’t limit any student’s options of traveling outside the state.
Bon Paul & Sharky’s Hostel provides a cheap getaway in the nearby town of Asheville, N.C.
Founder of the hostel Joe Gill said he has taken the best from every hostel he visited while traveling worldwide and created the ideal “home away from home.” The hostel offers guests clean sheets, hot tubs, a huge kitchen, wireless Internet, a large common room, barbecues, fire pits, bikes to borrow and a big back deck.
“Everyone that comes through here loves the lively communal atmosphere the hostel provides,” he said, “Most guests strike up a friendship with other guests and then head into town together for the day.”
Asheville has a thriving art and music scene, and most pubs are a short walking distance from the hostel, Gill said.
“I guarantee anybody that stays here will love it,” Gill said. “I mean, the travel guide series ‘Let’s Go’ cited this hostel as a place ‘too good to miss’.”
So it’s not too late to plan a stress-free week full of tranquility or thrills. Avoid the crowds this spring break and enjoy a choice of local destinations on a budget.
By Sejal Bhima, March 10, 2006
Students who don't have the money or time to leave for the entire spring break have many alternatives, such as Asheville, N.C., to the typical exotic, far-away destinations.
Although spring break is typically thought to involve steamy coed madness on crowded Florida beaches, students looking to avoid the crowd or experience bliss on a budget should look no further than their own backyards.
With midterms in the past, students can unwind and soak up Mother Nature’s calm atmosphere at one of the many campgrounds in the Athens area.
Sandy Creek Park offers campsites situated beside the park’s lake, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in nature. Fresh water and restrooms require only a short walk.
“Sandy Creek is a natural resource park, so we try to maintain its natural beauty and not cause too much disturbance to the area,” said park assistant John Gilbert.
Campers are encouraged to take advantage of the many activities offered throughout the 800-acre park. Four trails wind throughout the park. Paddle boats, canoes and athletic equipment such as basketballs and volleyballs are available for rent.
The Outdoor Recreation Center, located inside the Ramsey Center, is one of the most convenient places for students to rent camping equipment. For the entire week of spring break the center will charge students weekend rental prices, so everything from tents to gas lanterns to camp coolers will cost half off the regular price.
Adventurous students can get their adrenaline pumping over break might consider the thrill of freefalling at the speed of 160 mph. Skydive Athens offers tandem skydiving for the discounted price of $139 for University students.
According to its Web site, tandem skydiving lets divers experience an exhilarating fall while harnessed to a personal instructor.
“Having an instructor with you allows you to experience all the thrills and breathtaking views without having to worry about when you should release your parachute and things like that,” said John Dalton, who is in charge of reservations at Skydive Athens.
“When you finally jump, it’s such a surreal, amazing feeling that I guarantee you won’t get anywhere else,” Dalton said.
High gas prices and shoe-string budgets shouldn’t limit any student’s options of traveling outside the state.
Bon Paul & Sharky’s Hostel provides a cheap getaway in the nearby town of Asheville, N.C.
Founder of the hostel Joe Gill said he has taken the best from every hostel he visited while traveling worldwide and created the ideal “home away from home.” The hostel offers guests clean sheets, hot tubs, a huge kitchen, wireless Internet, a large common room, barbecues, fire pits, bikes to borrow and a big back deck.
“Everyone that comes through here loves the lively communal atmosphere the hostel provides,” he said, “Most guests strike up a friendship with other guests and then head into town together for the day.”
Asheville has a thriving art and music scene, and most pubs are a short walking distance from the hostel, Gill said.
“I guarantee anybody that stays here will love it,” Gill said. “I mean, the travel guide series ‘Let’s Go’ cited this hostel as a place ‘too good to miss’.”
So it’s not too late to plan a stress-free week full of tranquility or thrills. Avoid the crowds this spring break and enjoy a choice of local destinations on a budget.