About Christine & Uncorked Asheville

It’s no secret that Asheville, North Carolina hits a soulful chord for travelers and residents alike. Those misty Blue Ridge Mountains promise sprawling vistas, endless hiking trails, beautiful vineyards, and cascading waterfalls. Find award-winning restaurants and all of the vegan and gluten-free food you could ever want. The city fills your heart and mind with culture, local art, music, breathtaking fall foliage, and craft beer. Where else would you see a nun on a unicycle next to a purple bus or the “ghost” of Zelda Fitzgerald humping a bush?

Plus, having lived through Tropical Storm/Hurricane Helene, Tom and I know how much heart and resilience this city and its people possess. Experience the magic of Asheville that I feel every day…except when I-26 shuts down…

So, who am I? What made my husband Tom and I move here? Meet the writer behind Uncorked Asheville, and see how this online Asheville, NC travel magazine can enhance your Western North Carolina adventures. Blue Ridge Parkway adventures included.

About Your Tipsy Travel Writer, Christine (pronouns: she/her/hers)

Hi! I am a small business owner, writer, indie online publication creator, editor, and rogue MLIS-degreed librarian who loves traveling the world. I cannot resist adopting all of the senior kitties. Olives stand no chance against me. My favorite food groups include wine, craft beer, charcuterie, and um… wine.

Like my spirited Italian-American personality, my autoimmune system is a storm. I live with Ulcerative Colitis (UC), Graves’ Disease, Arthritis from my UC, Thyroid Eye Disease, and Raynaud’s Disease. My treatments make me immunocompromised, which can be a challenge. However, I’ve learned you cannot wait for life to get easier to have adventures. Tom and I explore – with appreciation and intent – as much as possible. My goal is to share the magic of travel with you. We keep it pretty real over here, though.

Why Asheville?

My husband Tom (pronouns: he, him, his) and I visited Asheville on a whim. Originally from Connecticut, our Florida home began to suffocate us. Where were the seasons? Where were the hills? Where was the good wine? “Muscadine” is a swear word in our household. We needed a change. Humidity and hurricane season be gone (although Helene, sigh). Fall runs in our blood; OK, well, maybe fall beer does too.

During one fateful weekend visit, we instantly knew the boozy gods designed Asheville just for us. Was it the champagne bookstore? The Hunger Games waterfalls? A crocheted flying pig on a lamppost? The gluten-reduced beer?

Within two months, we moved into our Asheville home. Our days are filled with hiking, pesky black bears, purple sunsets, and delicious food. We have never looked back.

My Education & Experience

As a former public school teacher, urban nonprofit program manager, grant writer, and library professional, I’ve lived across the globe, including New England, Indonesia, and Florida. I am a pro at relocation and calling a new place home. I started Uncorked Asheville in 2019, adventuring together with our readers.

My qualifications include:

Additionally, I am a Biltmore annual passholder and North Carolina Arboretum member. An avid hiker and local restaurant enthusiast, I specialize in eating out with dietary needs and food intolerances, especially having Ulcerative colitis and a husband with Celiac disease. We are both lactose intolerant and eat a lot of vegan cuisine. I crave literary travel, road trips, and outdoor adventures. We always seek out wineries, breweries, coffee shops, and bookstores.

As Seen On

Just a few publications I’ve written for, interviewed with, and was featured on include:

• Wander to the Edge
• Sarah’s Bookshelves Live
• Snapshots Made Yesterday
• American Libraries Direct
• American Library Association: The Hub
• The Literary Alliance (also a former Board Member)
• A Suitcase Full Of Books
• The Literary Lifestyle by Jules Buono

About My Family

You’ll see my husband Thomas, who I joke is my food model and volunteer editor, all over my website and social media channels. He helps edit articles and newsletters, travels with me, and lets me take his photo while eating… most of the time.

However, he works a full-time job as a commercial airline pilot, a job he knew he wanted before he was 12 years old. Tom has a BA in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle. He enjoys building model airplanes and traveling to Italy; he swims like a fish and can drive a stick (but somehow cannot teach me how).

I knew I was going to marry Tom when one weekend I said, “Let’s go to the CT Humane Society.” Tom agreed, to which I responded, “You know we are coming home with a cat?” He nodded. The rest is history. His name was Syls. Syls multiplied by FIVE.