The phrase references the act of foregoing typical tourist traps or superficial activities when visiting a specific city in the western North Carolina mountains. Instead of engaging in potentially time-consuming or unfulfilling endeavors, the intention is to directly experience the city’s authentic offerings. For example, a traveler might bypass commercially driven attractions in favor of exploring local art galleries or hiking trails.
Prioritizing genuine experiences allows for a deeper connection with the destination’s culture, character, and community. This approach fosters meaningful interactions and a more profound understanding of the location. Historically, visitors have often been steered towards readily available, standardized tourist options; consciously choosing to forgo these can lead to richer and more memorable travel experiences.
