07/09/2025
Well, BIG NEWS everyone. After 20 years it is bittersweet to say that I am passing the torch. I am sooo dang delighted to say that the staff are the ones taking over.
In February of 2005 I opened this hostel with a credit card and a hundred dollars in my bank account, then busted my butt a 100 hours a week to make it happen.
I lived in every room of the house at some point, and even lived in a hammock under the back deck for a couple of months through rain and shine. Funny true story is that my first couple months building the hostel I lived in a tent in the common room (the house felt so big to me, it was the only way to make it feel less so).
In the beginning in that tent I cried every morning at sunrise because the task seemed so daunting to open and run a business. And in the end, now that's I've done it... I haven't cried, but feel some feeling of letting my grown child go off into the world, a definite sadness, proudness, and a void. Please take good care of her.
There are too many memories, times, laughs, blood, sweat, friendships, lessons and on and on. So many people to thank. Mostly all the amazing staff and guests over the years that all added a little of themselves to the place to make it a magical collective creation. Many years ago I felt like it ceased being "mine" and started being "ours" and I always felt really good about that. Travel magic is too big to be held by just one person.
I NEVER could have done these 20 years without the staff, my friends, and the guests. If I start naming people, I'll forget people, but notable managers that helped me were my old rugby buddy .godfrey.790 who helped me put the hostel together in the first year, & that were way more personable & lovable with guests than I ever was, &
who could fix anything with nothing. And of course my family, who told me I was crazy when I opened it, then showed up to help me when I did.
Oscar & Saraswati are the new owners, bosses, & hosts moving forward. They are already better than me at many things. Please visit, Asheville needs your love... (Ok, now I'm crying).. Please visit, and give Oscar and Saras your love too❤️
