Being a student, one can sometimes get a small twittering in the stomach and restlessness that just does not go away. This is what I call "gotta get out" syndrome.  I've had it, you've had it and one of the ways to treat this menacing little bug is trips outside of the Knoxville area (Oak Ridge included becuase it still feels like a suburb don't you think?)

Only an hour and a half away and a perfect place for a day trip is Ashville, N.C. a town that's ripe with art and life. Here's a list of places to visit while you`re away to help cure your bug.  Well, until next weekend that is.

Tops for Shoes                                                                                                

Upon entering this shoe store, the sweet smell of Italian leather embraces you and only a strong individual can fight the urge not to spend the paycheck you got only the day before.  There is also an entire top floor that is purely clearance.  If you love to shop, this store is a must.

Biltmore Village 
                                                                                                         
Just outside the historical area, lies this wonderful outdoor shopping center with a wide variety of stores from Talbot's to Tea Rooms.  One pitfall is that it closes at five, so be sure to get there early.

Blue Spiral Gallery
                                                                                                             
Asheville is a town very mindful of its arts which can cause you to become overwhelmed by the available galleries. This one, however is the answer to your prayers because it houses many of the local artists under one roof. Two floors of art with winding halls and staircases can leave you wandering blissfully for hours.

Fine Arts Theater
                                                                                                               
This small theater on Biltmore Avenue shows films never seen in our local mainstream theater and probably not available from Blockbuster.  It's for your inner emo.  

Doc Chey's Asian Kitchen
                                                                                                       
This restaurant is an all-in-one experience combining all cuisines from Asia.  You won't be disappointed when you can order something Japanese and Thai from the same menu.

Over Easy Cafe                                                                                                                      

For those of you of the vegetarian persuasion this is the restaurant for you, offering local foods with organic and vegetarian options.

Café on the Square 
                                                                                                              
A bit more expensive but oh so good.  My favorite restaurant in Asheville, serves a variety of cuisines with a wonderful view of downtown. I've never been disappointed with an entrée and they have a chocolate mouse that is to die for.  And did I mention that you get to keep the bowl your desert comes in?

Double Decker
                                                                                                                  
This odd little coffee shop is exactly what its name says.  No elaboration is needed because the name in itself is why you should check it out.

Bars                                                                                                                                     
There are a wide variety of clubs in Asheville but as I am always with family when visiting I have not had the opportunity to experience one. Here are the top hot spots, all within the downtown area:

• Tressa's
• Barley`s
• Whiskey Tavern
• Wild Wing Cafe
• Orange Peel (This one boasts with the most musical talent.)

Remember next time you start to feel that antsy feeling in the pit of your stomach, relief is just a drive away.