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1 week ago | 
goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke
Art has long been at the heart of Appalachian life, but Neo-Appalachian art brings a fresh kind of intentionality to the table. Case in point: Print House, a new printmaking studio, gallery, and education center created by artists Anna Bryant and Denise Markbreit. After losing their previous space in last year’s hurricane, the duo rebuilt with fire and purpose, creating a hub where printmaking meets community—and where anyone, regardless of skill level, can get their hands a little inky.
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2 weeks ago | 
goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke
The menu is both a celebration and a statement: elevated Chinese cuisine rooted in tradition but executed with fine dining finesse. Think applewood smoked Peking duck, melt-in-your-mouth sourdough scallion pancakes, flaky salt-baked Bucksnort trout, and vegetables that hold their own on the plate. Each dish is layered, intentional, and bursting with flavor. And the wine list? A revelation.
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3 weeks 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.
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1 month 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.
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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.
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2 months 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.
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2 months 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.
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2 months ago | 
goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke
GadsdenWhy You Should Stop: If you’re craving fresh air and scenic views, Gadsden is the perfect road trip stop. This small town sits along the Coosa River and is best known for its incredible waterfalls, hiking trails, and outdoor activities. The One Thing You Can’t Miss: Take a hike at Noccalula Falls. This 90-foot waterfall is the centerpiece of the park, but the surrounding trails, historic sites, and botanical gardens make it a must-see destination.
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2 months ago | 
goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke
Macon, GA Did you know that Macon, Ga is the cherry blossom capital of the world with hundreds of thousands of Yoshino cherry blossom trees lining the streets of its dreamy and walkable downtown? For 10 days in March, Macon is home to the International Cherry Blossom Festival, when the city of Macon throws a pink party celebrating the natural beauty of this charming area that comes alive in soft pink blossoms.
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Mar 3, 2025 | 
goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke
Words by Ashley LockeAlabama is the kind of place that surprises you. It’s a state where history and innovation collide, where natural beauty meets deep culture, and where small towns hold some of the South’s best-kept secrets. From the Gulf Coast to the Black Belt, Alabama’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and adventure. It’s the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, the launching pad for space exploration, and a home for musicians, artists, and makers.
