Southern Congeniality

As a lifelong Angeleno who retired to Asheville, N.C., a year and a half ago, I feel I am well qualified to comment on Christopher Reynolds’ article (“Uptown, Down-Home Appalachia,” Oct. 28) on Asheville.

I don’t believe I have ever read an article that captured the essence of the town as well as Reynolds did. He managed to cover the touristy side of town as well as the quirky side. As the Southern California friend who sent us the article said, “Look out for a boatload more visitors and retirees!”

But Reynolds missed perhaps the most important facet of living in Asheville--the people. I have never met a friendlier or more polite group of people. And I don’t think you can ascribe that to Asheville being a Southern town, because it isn’t. It’s a wonderful mixture of Appalachian mountain people (a group unto themselves), true Southerners and a large group of Yankees.

RICHARD T. HALL

Asheville, N.C.