Ashley Locke

1 week ago | goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke

How Asheville’s Craft Community Is Rebuilding—One Work of Art at a TimeWords by Ashley LockeYou don’t have to look far in Asheville to find creativity—it’s baked into the brickwork, the coffee shop playlists, the handmade mugs cradled in every local’s hand. But at the Center for Craft, something deeper is unfolding this summer: a story of resilience, revival, and what it means to create when everything else falls apart.

2 weeks ago | goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke

Inside Asheville’s Print HouseWords by Ashley LockePhotos by Nicole McConvilleThere’s something magnetic about Asheville. Maybe it’s the way the Blue Ridge Mountains roll like waves on the horizon. Or the way creativity hums through every muraled alleyway, every indie bookstore, every surprise pop-up performance on a sidewalk corner. But even in a city full of color and character, one new space is standing out—and it’s doing so in ink.

1 month ago | goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke

That legacy is reflected in every inch of the Flying Fifty. Each of its seven suites tells a different story, celebrating the industries, institutions, and traditions that built Cullman. Amy worked closely with the hotel’s owners, Paul and Challie Knetter, to create spaces that feel both nostalgic and elevated, ensuring that visitors don’t just stay in Cullman—they experience it. From the moment she walked through the hotel’s unfinished spaces, Amy’s mind buzzed with ideas.

1 month ago | goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke

TupeloWhy You Should Stop: Elvis Presley was born here. Do you really need another reason? Tupelo is a town that embraces its rock ‘n’ roll roots, but it’s also home to great local eats, a growing craft beer scene, and a charming downtown worth exploring. The One Thing You Can’t Miss: Stand on the front porch of Elvis Presley’s birthplace—the small, two-room house where the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll took his first breath. OxfordWhy You Should Stop: This small college town packs a cultural punch.

1 month ago | goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke

KnoxvilleWhy You Should Stop:Knoxville has mastered the balance between city energy and nature’s calm. This vibrant college town offers rich arts, thriving food culture, and quick access to serene outdoor escapes. It’s also home to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame—so if you’re feeling the Caitlin Clark effect, this is a must-see. What You Can’t Miss:Float your cares away at Mead’s Quarry. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and drift through still waters surrounded by limestone cliffs and wildflowers.