Moving to NC

[AJ Bodine]

Hello, I'm not new to this board, although I've not posted in quite a while.

Just wanted to post that at the end of next month, I'm moving from Wisconsin to North Carolina. Not far from Asheville and Charlotte, sort of right in between. If anyone is from this area and can tell me if there are organized potlucks or they would like a raw buddy to hang out with, let me know. I have no family or friends in this area and would really like to meet some raw/veg/green living friends.

Thanks! AJ

[CJB]

AJ,

Just spotted your post. I actually live in Asheville and grew up in Wisconsin! Where in Wisconsin are you moving from? I grew up in Stevens Point.

I'm just transitioning to 100% raw...been at it in earnest since the beginning of this month. Would always like to know more people for support as well.

Look forward to talking with you....

cjb

[AJ Bodine]

Hi CJB!

Haha! What a small world, to both be from Wisconsin and now in North Carolina. I'm currently living in the Milwaukee area, but am originally from up north further, Eau Claire area. I have lots of family in Marshfield, Point, Pittsville, etc...I was just in Point a few weeks ago when I attended the energy fair in a nearby town.

I'll be living in NC by October 1st. Relocating for work and lifestyle. I won't be far from Asheville, maybe half hour. I've been to the farmers market at Biltmore many times and Earth Fare too. It's only like an hour to Charlotte and Greenville for me too, which means I'll have Whole Foods not far away. Although I just found out that plans for a Milwaukee Whole Foods are in the works. Great, just as I'm leaving!

I've been high raw, medium raw, all raw over a 3 year period. I struggle through the winter here with not a lot of produce options. Looking forward to Asheville and it's abundance of fresh foods.

How long have you been in NC? Last time I was there, I met an owner of a small veg/produce shop that was from Green Bay. There must be a lot of cheeseheads down there.

[CJB]

Yup...there are a lot of cheeseheads here! We all escaped the cold winters. :)

I moved to NC for college and just stayed so I've been here quite some time. Nearly my entire family followed me here...brother lived in Charlotte up until May when he took a job in Seattle. My parents live near me. Only my sister remains a die-hard Wisconsinite. She'll come around eventually. ;)

You'll definitely find being raw easier here than in WI. There is an abundance of fresh foods throughout the year. Winter is slower in fresh produce but still so many choices. I've often wondered if I would be able to do what I'm doing with raw if I still lived up north. I know it can be done because there are others here who have and are doing it...I just know I'd be a wintertime wuss.

When will you be in NC? Love to get together when you get here. There is a raw potluck that meets up here. Unfortunately, so far I haven't been able to make their dates but I'm hopeful the next one will work. There is also a wonderful restaurant in downtown Asheville that usually has a Raw Tappas plate on its daily specials! How cool is that?!?

It is a very small world, indeed. I know you'll enjoy NC. There are some cultural differences between the two states and it wouldn't hurt to get the low down from someone who has learned them the hard way!

Look forward to talking with you soon?

CJB

[angelicarose]

I have heard many wonderful things about Asheville and wish to learn more. I had moved from the NW to CA temporarily for 2 years and feel that it is too big for me here. I wish to be in a spiritual nondogmatic area that has a focus on healthy living (I eat raw food and swim and love nature). I love nature..lots of plus trees and birds and believe in recyling.

My desire is to be with great authentic loving people
care about environment through recycling and care of trees
eat healthy...non smoking, no drugs and eat vegan-raw foods

Is asheville the place to explore more?

[rawpriestess]

welcome welcome welcome

[Pansy]

Good Luck with your move!

Pansy ;)

[jenimac]

I was raised in Asheville and they have a TON of options for organic shopping. Earth Fare is like the organic superstore. They also have a wonderful famer's market and dozons of local health stores.

[AJ Bodine]

I've been here in NC for more than a year now, this is an old thread I started right before we moved.

Yes Jenimac, Earthfare is awesome and there's a 2nd location in Asheville now. And there are 2 Earthfare's and I believe 2 Whole Foods (that are under construction in Charlotte). Also down in Greenville, SC a brand new Whole Foods. And then there's the giant state run farmers markets in both Asheville and Charlotte that run all year long.

NC is a very good area for whole foods, especially organic. And Asheville itself is very artsy and green-minded. However, don't make the same mistake we made! If you are an outsider, you need to stick to the burbs and cities. Don't move to the country, it's a rude awakening, let me tell you! We will be moving again next year to a more open-minded area.

[tvillemom]

Hey, AJ...I just saw this thread. I hate to hear that it sounds like NC hasn't been such a great experience. I've lived here all my life. Not all of "us" are so closed-minded! Hope things get better for you.
Wendi

[AJ Bodine]

Hey Wendi,

That's ok, sometimes you have to be in an area for a while to know where you are best suited. I love our property, but I can't raise my family in a town like this. We have found a few areas that we all really enjoy and that fit better with our lifestyle. Once our house is finished and sold, we're free to pursure further adventures here in NC!

[Pansy]

Hey Wendi,

That's ok, sometimes you have to be in an area for a while to know where you are best suited. I love our property, but I can't raise my family in a town like this. We have found a few areas that we all really enjoy and that fit better with our lifestyle. Once our house is finished and sold, we're free to pursure further adventures here in NC!

Hi AJ,

Are you referring to it being hard, because of eating raw or the people?
We are also interested in NC.

Are there other areas of NC that you would recommend?

Much Thanks,

Pansy :)

[LKN Rider]

Oh wow no way how crazy is that? I moved from Green Bay, WI to Lake Norman in April '05. I really love it here there is so much to do and new things to experience everywhere. Just thought I'd say hi.

[Frecs]

I live in Brunswick County, NC and the locals are very friendly...the transplants...well.... Now, I'm going to say some things not specifically to you or anyone else...just general observations from a local to transplants or potential transplants...

If you are coming to an area and expect it to change to suit you, you will get resistance and resentment. Don't go to a rural area and then complain about the agriculture (cows and pigs and chickens poop and pee -- I had a friend who had people move next door to her because they liked her alpacas and sheep and then complained when they saw the alpaca peeing in the front yard!) or the lack of a Whole Foods Store or a shopping mall. It's RURAL...which is supposedly what you knew and liked about the place before you came. It is quite irritating to have people move here and then want to change it into what they left behind -- if what you left behind was better THEN GO BACK! we like it just the way it was....

Oh, and if you are transplanting from north of the Mason/Dixon Line:

Southerners are not dumb...just because we talk slower isn't a reflection on our intelligence. We just know from experience that there ain't no reason to stir up a hot breeze by talking too fast... :D

When we wave at you as you drive by...wave back..we're just being friendly. When we look you in the eye and smile as we meet you on the sidewalk or in the store, it's okay to look us in the eye and smile back--this ain't NYC! :)

[AJ Bodine]

I haven't been around for a while, so I'm sorry I didn't answer your question sooner Pansy. NC is a great place to live, most of the areas we visit, we really enjoy. I'd suggest vacationing here to learn more about the areas you are interested in.

LKN, Lake Norman is awesome. We head over that way every so often and it's beautiful. Although Green Bay is a great town too!

Frecs, thank you for your response, I understand that by my not giving enough information on why this transition has been so difficult, it may have seemed that I was bashing country living, or even the south in general. The problem has nothing to do with the south, or country living at all. I love the country, it's beautiful here! Unfortunately, we didn't find out until after we bought our house, that this area is still strong in a highly racist group of people. My son had a mentor through a local group that told us in front of him that we are lucky not to have to deal with any _____ here in this town. Because we want nothing to do with that mentality, it is better for us to continue searching for a more open minded community. One that includes anyone and does not judge based on skin color or beliefs. I hope that explains it better. :)

[Katerina]

Hi AJ,

I'm not quite "close", but I'm closer than Wisconsin! :p I'm in Virginia Beach. I'm just starting this raw thing. I'm actually simultaneously excited and scared. I, like you, have a family to care for. (I homeschool my two girls.) I cannot imagine taking a lot of time in the kitchen. It looks like you may have been doing this for a while... is it very time consuming?

I hope this finds you well and getting accustomed to NC (the NC/VA border is just a few minutes from me). From experience I know moving can keep you in chaos for a while. ;) (My husband is recently retired from the military.)

Take care and good luck.

--Katerina

[rawpriestess]

well, it's always good to chat.