Dear editor,
While the individual statements in Edwin Arnaudin’s November 5th article “Where in the World is Woodfin?” are essentially true, his implied conclusion that Woodfin offers little is false. We ask Mountain Express to print our response as well as write an article that covers all aspects of Woodfin.
Our response to “Where in the World is Woodfin”
Your article highlights what is missing in Woodfin but you didn’t say what you’ll miss if you don’t visit Woodfin. Yes, it’s true that it’s hard to find the town’s borders. But within those borders you’ll find many small, local businesses that offer a surprising array of services and products. And all offer free, easy parking.
Like affordable dining? There are so many good, casual dining places here. We have BBQ, a deli, sandwich shops, burger joints, breweries, coffee shops, an ice cream parlor, a sports bar as well as ethnic restaurants that serve Italian, Greek, Chinese, Thai, Guatemalan and Mexican fare. We even have a 5-star bistro in Reynolds Village. Most serve lunch. And there are local food producers that offer specialty items like small batch kimchi and traditionally made tortillas.
But it doesn’t stop at food. Businesses here provide you with a wide range of services and amenities. You’ll find boutique lodging, luxury personal care, art studios, Pilates, yoga, a YMCA, a riverside park, markets with local produce and artisan products, knife sharpeners, a wine importer, fabric shops, medical providers, gardening stores, dog groomers, hand crafted upholstery, florists, caterers, hair salons and professional bra fitting where women cross state lines just to shop there. And if you’re looking for a weekend getaway, you can spend the night in a spaceship with a view. Google ThisIsWoodfin.com to see a list of some of Woodfin’s businesses.
Where are these places? Next time you’re driving through to the next town, slow down a bit and check out the Mills at Riverside and Reynolds Village, as well as the single buildings and mini-malls along the main routes. Woodfin has much to offer. And once Taylor’s Wave, a world class kayaking and surfing experience, opens this coming Spring, it will only improve for years to come.
Many people enjoy our town’s amenities without realizing they are in Woodfin. I invite Edwin to join me for a tour to see what he missed. Woodfin is worth a second look.
John Kerr
President, Woodfin Business Association