A Look at Asheville 2021-2022 by alookatasheville

2021-2022

2021-2022 ROOM COPY. PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE.

For your own copy, please visit alookatasheville.com

JEWELE RS

YOUR RELATIONSHIP HAS A STORY, YOUR JEWELRY SHOULD TOO.

CUSTOM DESIGN IN-HOUSE · ONE -OF-A-KIND FINDS · FASHION JEWELRY Store conveniently located in Biltmore Park 43 Town Square Blvd Suite 130, Asheviile, NC 28803 828-676-1625 · marthalerjewelers.com/visit-us

a look at asheville 2021-2022

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 4

WELCOME A Letter from the Publishers

ARTS & CRAFTS The Art of the Matter

The Beat Goes On 80 Profile: Momentum Gallery 84

COLORS OF THE CITY

Exploring the City's Distinctive Neighborhoods

DINING & NIGHTLIFE

ALAA MOBILE A Look at Asheville: At Your Fingertips

THE MANY SIDES OF ASHEVILLE

HEALTH & WELLNESS Asheville for the Mind, Body and Soul Profile: Asheville Salt Cave 36

HOME & LIVING Life: Elevated

Profile: Private Mountain Communities 50

GIFTS & SHOPPING Asheville: A Style All Its Own Profile: Paul Taylor Custom Belts & Sandals 64 Profile: Grove Arcade 70

Murals that Decorate the Mountains

A Taste of the Mountains Around the World in the 828 96 Profile: 12 Bones Smokehouse & Brewing 104

112

ADVENTURE & ATTRACTIONS Choose Your Own Adventure Asheville Goes Green 114 Profile: Grandfather Mountain 124

126

WNC BY THE NUMBERS A Quick Look at Local Stats

128 INDEX

Where to Find It

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EDITOR: Jeremy Carter CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jeremy Carter, Melissa Reardon, Michael Welch, Kristie Calhoun DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING: Kendra Diaz DESIGN DIRECTOR: Denise Szakaly CONTRIBUTING SALES: Mary James CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: André Daugherty, David Simchock, Tom Farr, Kendra Diaz, Donnie Jones FOUNDERS: Fred L. Mullins & Lynn True-Mullins PUBLISHER: Yellow Jacket Publishing, LLC 825C Merrimon Ave. #211, Asheville, NC 28804

a look at asheville 2021-2022

WELCOME

A Letter From the Publishers

LOOKING FORWARD Showing You Around Town

elcome to the 18th edition of A Look at Asheville, your premier guidebook to the city and surrounding neighborhoods. This year, as with the last 17, we target all things local, created by locals, including our contributing writers and photographers.

André Daugherty of Pro 16 Productions, a born and raised Ashevillian, captured our breathtaking cover of Downtown Asheville during sunrise this spring. And our content creators, who all reside in Asheville and Hendersonville, enjoyed giving you the best recommendations for and education about the area! Co-Publishers Denise Szakaly and Kendra Diaz have been calling WNC home for over a decade. We’ve had the pleasure of living on many sides of Asheville during those years, each offering their own unique experiences of dining, shopping, parks and recreation, and community. It's an honor to bring this publication to you this year and every year; it's an important reminder of how special Asheville is to us and its founders. We are looking forward to showing you around town and introducing you to what makes this such a singular destination.

THANK YOU

to the hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals that place our book in their rooms. Thank you to the advertisers who have graced our pages over the years. And most importantly, thank you to our readers for turning to A Look at Asheville for information about what to do, see and eat while visiting our wonderful city.

A memorial for our late publisher, Stephanie Smith, has been established with The V Foundation with a singular goal: to achieve victory over cancer. Please give to the V Foundation in Stephanie’s name by visiting jimmyv.org/smithfund

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DENISE SZAKALY

KENDRA DIAZ

PHOTOGRAPHY: By Kendra Diaz

a look at asheville 2021-2022

A LOOK AT ASHEVILLE

MOBILE The 2021-2022 Issue at Your Fingertips

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ALookAtAsheville.com is your on-the-go resource for planning the ultimate Western North Carolina experience. This interactive site was specially designed to be your companion as you explore Asheville and the surrounding areas, allowing you to map out your favorite destinations, discover new places, create custom itineraries and more.

p out your ma

Visit ALookAtAsheville.com to...

EXPLORE THE CITY FIND IT Just like this book, our website showcases the top shopping, dining, adventure and arts destinations. Read all about them in your hotel room or B&B or while you’re out on the town.

SAVE IT Click the favorites icon on any business or blog post to save it to your list, where you can easily find it as you explore the city and surrounding areas. The interactive map serves as a virtual itinerary, helping you stay on track and easily find your way from one destination to the next.

REMEMBER IT The entire A Look at Asheville guidebook is available to read from our website, helping you recall your visit … and plan your next adventure.

SHARE YOUR ADVENTURES! Share your photos with other readers on Instagram by tagging them with #ALookAtAsheville. alookatasheville.com

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a look at asheville 2021-2022

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WITH EACH VISIT, AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE INSPIRED.

38 BILTMORE AVENUE DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE 828.251.0202 BLUESPIRAL1.COM

a look at asheville 2021-2022

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a look at asheville 2021-2022

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a look at asheville 2021-2022

WRITTEN BY MELISSA REARDON

THE MANY SIDES OF

ASHEVILLE Exploring the City’s Distinctive Neighborhoods

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Anyone who visits Asheville can see that it’s alluring, so much so that around 100,000 people live in city limits and annual visitors number around 12 million. But to understand Asheville, it’s helpful to understand its past. In the early 1900s, the city was booming. News of George Vanderbilt’s opulent estate had spread far and wide, as had word of the curative mountain air for treating tuberculosis; electric trolleys plied the streets; notable architects erected grand buildings; and visits from luminaries were common. But that all ended with the Great Depression. Unlike other cities, Asheville vowed to pay its debt to the government, an obligation that wasn’t fulfilled until 1976 and which is why so many historic buildings remain intact today. In the meantime though, the city sat dormant, while artists, new age types, and others seeking simpler ways settled in. Signs of downtown’s gradual resuscitation didn’t begin to show until the mid 1990s, and it’s only been in the past decade that Asheville has seen accelerating growth. What draws newcomers today is what has always drawn people though: a small city rich with character—and characters—set against an inspiring backdrop. Here’s a look at Asheville through its many great neighborhoods.

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unctuated by iconic architectural landmarks from the Roaring Twenties, set against rippling blue ridges, Asheville’s downtown skyline is unmistakable. It’s also ever evolving, as hotels and high-rise condos jostle for space within the roughly 20 blocks that comprise the city’s beating heart. This eclectic mix of old and new enhances the city’s character and allure. The best way to discover Asheville’s vibrant epicenter is to simply wander, ideally with an appetite to sip and nosh and a zeal for shopping. Downtown is packed with indie boutiques, art galleries, myriad excellent restaurants (most with a farm-to-table aesthetic), bars and breweries galore, music venues hosting local and nationally touring acts, and countless points of interest. A perfect day downtown might include an early breakfast (because you’ll want to beat the crowds and hours-long wait at any of the more popular spots), then a leisurely stroll. Asheville’s Urban Trail (map and audio tour at exploreasheville. com/urban-trail) offers an educational introduction to the city and the historical figures and moments that helped shape it through 30 points of interest. While exploring, you’ll be hard pressed not to shop or tuck into a café or bar for a pick-me-up. On the western side of downtown, don’t miss the Grove Arcade, a beautiful 1929 galleria built by E.W. Grove that today houses fine jewelry and other retail stores and restaurants (see more on page 70). The Pinball Museum nearby is a wildly curious attraction for gamers with a nostalgic bent. And around the corner, The Chocolate Fetish’s gourmet confections are

PHOTOGRAPHY: (French Broad Chocolate Lounge, Twisted Laurel) By André Daugherty, Pro 16 Productions; (Fall Tree) By Kendra Diaz

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PHOTOGRAPHY: (Wall St.) By J. Michael Jones, Getty Images

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almost impossible to pass up. Lexington Avenue is lined with ample boutiques, as is the length of Broadway and Biltmore avenues, which meet in the center of town at Pack Square. Heading south on Biltmore, Mast General Store might as well be an institution, offering clothing, home goods, toys and outdoor gear. The arts scene in Asheville is booming, as evidenced by the many galleries and dozens of murals around town. Momentum Gallery and Blue Spiral 1 represent boundarypushing artisans from the region and around the country. The Center for Craft and the sparkling, newly renovated Asheville Art Museum are both worth a visit. Or if music is more your speed, discover the legacy of local electronic pioneer Bob Moog at the Moogseum or a tour of Moog Music Factory, which makes electronic synthesizers used by musicians the world over. To really experience the city’s music scene, plan to enjoy a live show. Downtown, The Orange Peel, the new Rabbit Rabbit outdoor venue, Asheville Music Hall and Harrah’s Cherokee Center bring nationally touring acts to the stage, while some restaurants and bars regularly host local

and smaller touring acts for free. There are also theater companies presenting live performances, and the LaZoom bus roving comedy tour or the Amazing Pubcycle bar offer a whole other style of hilarious entertainment. Lastly, eating and drinking is a must and the options are dizzying. Many chefs source from the hundreds of farmers throughout the region, so it’s easy to find the flavors of Southern Appalachia on menus around town. Some of the city’s noteworthy chefs include John Fleer (Rhubarb and Benne on Eagle), William Dissen (The Market Place), Jacob Sessoms (Table), Brian Canipelli (Cucina24), Meherwan Irani (Chai Pani) and Katie Button (Curaté). In terms of drinking, it’s easy to find a seemingly endless array of local brews on taps all over town. There are also great bars that specialize in wine or cocktails. A few lively standouts for drinks include Wicked Weed for stellar beer, Sovereign Remedies for creative farm-tobar botanical cocktails, 5 Walnut for wine and intimate live music, and Hemingway’s Cuba or Social Lounge for fun rooftop settings. Cheers!

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ust south of downtown, roughly bound by Biltmore and Asheland avenues to the east and west, Hilliard and Southside to the north and south, the burgeoning South Slope District is a short walk from downtown and worthy of exploration. It’s only been within the past 10 years that this former manufacturing district — home to car dealerships, repair shops and factories in the 1950s — has developed into a vibrant area, full of breweries, restaurants, bars, art galleries and night life. While city-managed urban renewal is still underway, the South Slope’s creation story extends farther back. In the late 1800s, an entrepreneur by the name of Colonel Frank Coxe (for whom the South Slope’s broad thoroughfare is named) built a luxury hotel on Battery Park Hill (where the Grove Arcade stands today). Even George Vanderbilt stayed there in 1887 while selecting the site for his sprawling estate. After Coxe’s death, the hotel was sold in 1922 to Edwin Wiley Grove (of Grove Park fame), who ultimately razed the building and leveled Battery Park Hill in order to construct a new hotel and the grand Grove Arcade. In the process, more than 50,000 cubic yards of soil were pushed southward, creating the “south slope” and Coxe Avenue, which was advertised as “The Automobile Concourse of Asheville” for its wide, smooth grade. Today, colorful murals sprinkled throughout beckon visitors to explore an area that is quickly earning the moniker “Asheville Brewery District.” Ten of the city’s more than 40 beer producers are packed within a few blocks. Green Man, Catawba Brewing and Asheville Brewing Co. are stalwarts of the city’s beer scene,

PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of Asheville Brewing Company

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while popular new guard establishments include Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium (serving all sour beers), Hi-Wire Brewing’s original location, and the highly rated Burial Beer Co. Beyond brews, Urban Orchard ferments and serves hard ciders at its spacious facility; Ben’s Tune Up makes its own sake; and The Chemist distillery produces fine gins and whiskies, which can be sampled in the tasting room or at the adjoining bar, Antidote, both beautifully bedecked with an early 1900s apothecary aesthetic. Food is easy to come by on the South Slope. Most of the breweries serve bites or have food trucks on site. James Beard award nominee Elliot Moss presents whole hog, Eastern Carolina-style barbecue (and a killer fried chicken sandwich) at Buxton Hall, while nearby newcomer Bear’s Smokehouse is the place to get Kansas Citystyle ’que, including great brisket and burnt

ends. PIE.ZAA, which opened in fall 2020, specializes in authentic New York-style pizza, and, true to form, is open late-night on weekends. Vortex Doughnuts, making handmade morning treats, and Sunshine Sammies, selling made-from-scratch ice cream sandwiches and cookies, are sweet highlights on this end of town. And the stylishly hip Cultura was named a 2020 Best New Restaurant Semifinalist by the James Beard Foundation for its extravagant menu (rooted in the process of fermentation) and dining experience.

SIDE: SOUTH Hi-Wire Brewing | pg. 107 Rabbit Rabbit | pg. 89 White Labs Kitchen & Tap | pg. 108

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12 Bones Smokehouse | pg. 98 Hi-Wire Brewing | pg. 107 Jonas Gerard Fine Art Gallery | pg. 81

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ittingly dubbed “the RAD,” Asheville’s River Arts District contains, without question, the city’s most creative sector. Located along the eastern banks of the French Broad River, 23 hundred-year-old warehouses hold galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, bars and nearly 200 artist studios that welcome visitors, some even offering walk-in art classes. It’s a place where one could spend a day or more exploring the creative objets d’art while pausing to nosh and sip along the way. And with the spring 2021 completion of a city-led, decade-long improvement project, which includes a paved two-mile greenway, bike lanes, more sidewalks, parking, river access, and public art and signage, the RAD is even more accessible and thriving (see more on pg. 114). Interestingly, it’s a destination that grew out of necessity by artists, for artists. The railway that still traces the banks of the French Broad River helped establish industry in Asheville around the turn of the twentieth century. The RAD’s early 1900s brick warehouses once contained textile mills, a tannery curing facility, meatpacking warehouses, processing plants and more; some of the buildings still bear faded signs of their earlier days. There was a hotel, general and grocery stores, and a grand whitestucco train depot. But alas, the river was prone to flooding, as it still is today, and the RAD suffered its most devastating flood in 1916, from which it never quite recovered. The area was badly blighted when, in the 1970s, an investor bought up the warehouses and began renting affordable space to artists. In time, some

PHOTOGRAPHY: By André Daugherty, Pro 16 Productions

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of these artists were able to purchase individual buildings, thus continuing that legacy of renting studios to artists. It took until 2005 for the revitalization of this area to really experience a boom in growth and visitor interest. To explore the RAD today, it’s helpful to know a few things. Every medium imaginable can be found packed into this roughly mile-long area, though because these are working studios, there aren’t set “business hours.” A full list of the artists and the hours they keep (searchable by day), along with color-coded maps, can be found at riverartsdistrict.com. Comfy shoes are a must, as clusters of studios are fairly spread out, though parking is free and plentiful. And if you happen to be here on the second Saturday of the month, the RAD holds a gallery walk, with artists offering demonstrations, workshops, light bites and sips, with a

free trolley service running throughout. Whether musing the colorfully rhythmic large-scale works by the late well-known local painter Jonas Gerard, picking out a lovely lace-imprinted ceramic vase by Michael Hoffman, or shopping the modern block-printed pillows, table runners and other exquisite textiles by Barbara Zaretsky, the caliber and array of creative offerings won’t disappoint. When the need for hunger or refreshment strikes, Ultra Coffeebar is great for breakfast or lunch, 12 Bones Smokehouse is wildly popular for its pulled pork and Southern sides, and White Duck Taco draws a steady crowd to its riverside location for creative taco renditions (from Thai peanut chicken to bahn mi tofu). Bottle Riot wine bar is a beloved hot spot with well-curated wine list (and now serving food from the chef behind Strada Italiano downtown), while

the long-standing Wedge Brewery (with two locations in the RAD) delivers on the beer front. For that fab dinner date, reservations at the Bull & Beggar, Vivian or Smoky Park Supper Club are the way to go.

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shevillians have a soft spot for the 28806. This vast area west of the French Broad River encompasses numerous neighborhoods, rimmed by the Bent Creek community (and its acclaimed namesake forest) to the south and the rural rolling hills of Leicester (that’s pronounced LES-ter in local speak) to the north. The city’s largest and loveliest parks and the North Carolina Arboretum are on the west side, as is one of the city’s hippest commercial districts. Haywood Road, which starts in the River Arts District and curves roughly two miles west, is a vibrant corridor with cool music venues and hip dive bars, colorful brunch spots and bakeries, myriad restaurants, breweries and brewpubs, vintage clothing stores, and other eclectic independently owned retailers. It maintains a bohemian small-town feel that draws locals and visitors alike. Just beyond the main drag, modern green-built homes abut expressively painted 100-year-old bungalows. This historic part of West Asheville has undergone, perhaps, the greatest transformation of any residential area in the city over the past decade. Even long-time locals marvel at the evolution: from a time when the Westville Pub (open since 2002) was the singular bar on Haywood Road to the desirable, thriving neighborhood it is today. Since some of the city’s most popular breakfast joints are in West Asheville, it’s absolutely reasonable for a flavor-filled exploration to start early. Customers wait an hour or more to devour caffeine, bloodies, and the substantial offerings at Sunny Point Café and Biscuit Head (and the latter’s enormous cathead biscuits are

PHOTOGRAPHY: (Aerial) By Donald Jones; (3) By Kendra Diaz

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divine), but the breakfast tacos at Taco Billy, made-to-order donuts at Hole, or expertly crafted pastries at OWL Bakery are equally satiating. The fresh, healthy bites at Bimberibon or Simple Café & Juice Bar are great for brunch or lunch. And for dinner, Haywood Common, Jargon and The Admiral are favorites for finer dining. West Asheville’s bar scene is nothing to frown about. One could literally drink their way from one end of Haywood Road to the other (though we recommend taking a taxi or ride-share). The expansive New Belgium Brewery and beloved Burger Bar (which it’s worth noting does not sell burgers) anchor one end, with Upcountry Brewing and The Odditorium (a fun spot to catch a drag show) on the other. Noteworthy bars in between include The Whale, for an expertly curated selection of microbrews from across the country; Isis Music Hall, for high-caliber acts at one of the best music

halls in town; and Fleetwoods, a vintage shop, music venue, and retro wedding chapel all in one. Shoppers exploring West Asheville would be remiss not to hit Flora, a flower boutique and coffee shop; Provisions Mercantile, a modern-day general store selling locally made foodstuffs and tons of great gifts; Whist, with distinctive greeting cards and gifts; and Harvest Records, for a killer collection of new and used vinyl and CDs. While West Asheville’s accommodations are less plentiful, it’s only five minutes from downtown and equally accessible to Biltmore Village.

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Chiesa, a charming Italian restaurant housed in a former church; Nine Mile Caribbean eatery; and Little Jumbo cocktail bar draw locals in-the-know and visitors looking to get off the beaten path. Farther north are the neighborhoods around UNC Asheville, where students, professors and residents alike take advantage of the Asheville Botanical Gardens for outdoor escape and popular restaurant mainstays like Luella’s Bar-B-Que, 828 Family Pizzeria and Cecilia's Kitchen. East from Merrimon but still close to downtown, visitors will find Asheville Yoga Center (a local staple for wellness that’s been around for more than 20 years) tucked into a lovely neighborhood, along with a couple of healthy cafés nearby. Still further east, a smattering of restaurants and businesses lining Charlotte Street lead to the aﬄuent neighborhoods around the historic Grove Park Inn and the Asheville

Country Club beyond. Even if you aren’t staying at the grand Omni-owned hotel, a sunset cocktail from one of the terraces — with remarkable views over the city — is a fine way to unwind.

NEARBY Grandfather Mountain | pg. 119

PHOTOGRAPHY: (Grove Park) Courtesy of The Omni Grove Park Inn

ith Merrimon Avenue marking the main artery, the myriad residential neighborhoods that stretch north of downtown are rich in architectural heritage. Interspersed with the occasional bar, restaurant or park, these beautifully landscaped neighborhoods are worth a leisurely stroll or drive. There are a number of charming bed and breakfasts sprinkled throughout as well. Once an incorporated community dating back to 1893 and walking or biking distance from downtown, Montford holds more than 600 Victorian, Queen Anne, Arts and Crafts, and other historic home styles built between 1890 and 1920. The neighborhood itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes the graceful Riverside Cemetery, where the gravesites of famed authors Thomas Wolfe and William Sydney Porter (aka O. Henry) will be of interest to literary enthusiasts. All Day Darling café;

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music nightly and local brews on tap. And Twisted Laurel presents a bountiful mix of American and Greek apps, salads, sandwiches and entrées. A handful of other eateries, a couple of breweries, and a gourmet wine shop also draw a rotating roster of friendly locals and visitors alike.

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ituated about 15 minutes north of Asheville, the town of Weaverville is the quintessential definition of quaint. A handful of shops, galleries and eateries line compact Main Street, while tidy bungalows fronted by flowering trees and gardens occupy quiet crossstreets. The town is close enough for residents to enjoy the liveliness of Asheville, but far enough away to retain a Mayberry-esque vibe. Visitors who wander up this way — especially during one of the annual street festivals (Weaverville Art Safari in the spring and Art in Autumn in September) — will enjoy the shopping and dining. Mangum Pottery Studio & Gallery sells the beautifully glazed dinnerware of Rob and Beth Mangum, who you’re likely to see at work on a pottery wheel in the back. A banjo player to boot, Rob also makes and sells truly unique ceramic banjos and other instruments. Nearby, Miya Gallery represents the creative work of over 40 regional artists, with handcrafted jewelry being the primary focus. Other noteworthy shops include Curtis Wright Outfitters for gear and guided fishing services, the excellent and expansive Reems Creek Nursery or Thyme in the Garden boutique — both havens for green thumbs — and Honey and the Hive, a beekeeping supply store that also sells beeswax candles, raw honey and other bee-centric gifts. For food and drink, there are several standouts. Well-Bred Bakery & Café makes a fabulous array of breakfast and lunch bites, pastries and desserts, as evidenced by the locals who flock here on the regular. Blue Mountain Pizza serves up specialty pies and more in a lively setting, with live

DENDY DR.

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hile George Vanderbuilt’s grand château was being constructed at the turn of the 20th century, so too was the idyllic little town at its entrance. Modeled after a small English village of stucco pebbledash cottages and certainly one of the nation’s earliest examples of a planned community, Biltmore Village was designed to house the estate’s workers while also functioning as an independent, self-sustaining township. It included a general store, grocery, meat and produce markets, drug and hardware stores, a post office, church, and Asheville’s first railroad depot. To this day, the village retains its historic look and serves as a shopping and dining destination, with more than 40 upscale boutiques and a smattering of cafés and restaurants. Several of Asheville’s most eclectic artisan retailers can be found here, including New Morning Gallery, Bellagio Art to Wear and Southern Highland Craft Guild Gallery. With such a wide array of shops, one can acquire everything from fine jewelry (Estate Jewelry, Ltd. or Blue) to luxury linens and sleepwear (Porter & Prince) to boutique eyewear (L’optique). While some of the store names are easily recognizable, others are independently owned and offer one-of-a-kind finds. Bette and Scout boutiques carry stylish women’s clothing and accessories. Dogwood Darlings sells precious baby and children’s clothes and novelty toys. Atelier Maison and Dwellings are great sources for home goods. And there’s a little something to suit everyone’s

PHOTOGRAPHY: (Biltmore) By Wendy Olsen Photography, Getty Images; (bellagio) by Brycia James, Getty Images

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curiosity for nature at The Compleat Naturalist. Places to eat and drink are within a short walk. Restaurants include the colorful Cantina Biltmore (serving Mexican favorites), Corner Kitchen (especially great for breakfast), Village Wayside (a casual eatery located in the original train depot), and upscale Fig Bistro and Red Stag Grill. In addition to Hi-Wire Brewing’s 27,000-square-foot Big Top Taproom in the village, a number of great breweries can also be found along Sweeten Creek Road, while Swannanoa River Road (running parallel) is known for its string of excellent antique stores. The sprawling Antique Tobacco Barn is known for its huge selection, ScreenDoor for unique upcycled pieces, and Village Antiques for English and French imports are

among those worth a visit. Need to wind down? Several day spas can be found here. Poseidon Spa in the Grand Bohemian hotel and The Spa at Biltmore Village offer massages and more, while Alyssa Spa and DoSkin Studio focus on facials and skincare. And, of course, one would be remiss not to carve out a day to explore the Biltmore itself, a crowning jewel that has contributed to Asheville’s allure for more than a century. In terms of neighborhoods in this area, three are worth noting. Just north toward town, Kenilworth is a lovely old area with Craftsman bungalows and Tudor-style cottages. Just south abutting Biltmore Estate, Biltmore Forest is the second wealthiest town in the state. And across Hendersonville Road, Shiloh is one of Asheville's original African American districts and

remains a thriving place with historic churches, a neighborhood garden and a strong sense of community.

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ituated between downtown and the Blue Ridge Parkway, East Asheville comprises several neighborhoods — Chunns Cove, Haw Creek, Beverly Hills and Oakley. With the exception of busy Tunnel Road, the communities east of town are quiet, family friendly and off the tourist radar. Yet with easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and also close proximity (literally five to 10 minutes) to town, East Asheville has the best of both worlds. For visitors, there are several noteworthy draws on this side of town. East Asheville has one of the city’s primary access points to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mountains to Sea Trail, which parallels the scenic byway. A short drive north on the Parkway is The Folk Art Center, home of the venerable Southern Highland Craft Guild. This juried makers’ guild represents more 28

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than 400 artisans spanning nine states, and the caliber of jewelry, textiles, pottery, glass, wood, metal, and more is among the very best in the country. The center also features the Allanstand Craft Shop as well as a National Park Service information desk and bookstore. Also on this side of town is the WNC Nature Center, where visitors can encounter some 60 species of wildlife that live or have lived in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The black bears are always a hit, but some of the more rare or elusive creatures include red and gray wolves, a bobcat, cougars, and the Eastern hellbender salamander — the world’s largest. When it’s time for a refresher, Asheville’s first craft brewery is a destination in and of itself. Highland Brewing's flagship facility has a tasting room and rooftop bar, food trucks always, and indoor and

outdoor stages hosting live shows and other events. (A downtown tasting room opened in June 2021.)

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radled in the Swannanoa Valley 15 miles east of Asheville, the adorable town of Black Mountain feels like a place where time stands still. The historic whistle-stop is easily walkable and lined with retail shops, craft galleries, restaurants, and dessert parlors. The Town Hardware & General Store has been around since the 1920s and is still locally owned. The Town Pump, a beloved saloon-style dive from the ’80s, diligently remains cash-only. And the rocking chairs on sidewalks around town beckon passersby to slow down and relax. Situated at the southern terminus of the namesake Black Mountains, the highest mountain range in the Eastern United States, the town was little more than rural farmland until the railroad was established here in 1879. It’s seen slow growth since, but is not without recognition. Most notably, the progressive Black Mountain College existed here from 1933 to 1956, and served as an incubator for many of America’s leading visual artists, composers and designers of the 20th century. Visitors interested in the history of the area should stop by the fascinating Swannanoa Valley Museum, which also hosts educational hikes and talks. Shoppers can discover the long tradition of Appalachian crafts at several topnotch galleries, including Seven Sisters (featuring works by over 250 artists) and The Old Depot (located in the original train depot). Gifts and remembrances are easy to come by at places like C.W. Moose Trading Co. and Element Tree Essentials, selling locally made lotion candles and skincare products. And Take a Hike outfitters is a go-to for gearing up. Food and entertaining is also readily available. From the casual My Father’s

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Pizza to the eclectic La Guinguette (serving French and Argentinian cuisine) to the sophisticated Milton’s (located in the beautiful historic Monte Vista Hotel), there’s a little something for every taste. And when it’s time for tunes and a toast, locals and visitors alike enjoy both at White Horse Black Mountain and at Pisgah Brewery. To learn more of what's happening in Black Mountain, visit thevalleyecho.com.

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walking distance. Completed in 2009 by a Charlotte-based developer and Biltmore Farms (a local entity behind other high-end communities including Biltmore Forest, Biltmore Lake, and The Ramble at Biltmore Forest) this master-planned development has a bent toward smart growth (up not out) and green living. (Everything is walkable, plus extensive bike racks and subsidized bus passes for employees all help reduce automobile dependence.) Even locals who don’t live here come here. The Regal Biltmore Grande is Asheville's largest movie theater. Pair that with dinner at the upscale 131 Main, Hickory Tavern Grill and Raw Bar, or the myriad other restaurants and you’ve got yourself a date night. The shopping is great here too, with national stores snuggled up next to some excellent locally owned boutiques, including Marthaler Jewelers for exquisite

custom pieces; Talloni, A Shoe Salon for fab pumps; and the exceptionally fun O.P. Taylor’s toy store.

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Beverly-Hanks & Associates | pg. 44-45 Luella's Bar-B-Que | pg. 97 Marthaler Jewelers | Inside Back Cover

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ure, Biltmore Village is indeed south of downtown, but that might as well be called Lower Asheville (or L.A. has a nice ring). But when locals refer to South Asheville, they’re often talking about the long chain of businesses and housing developments that spill southward along Hendersonville Road to Arden, an unincorporated community near the Asheville Regional Airport and I-26. It’s a fine area in which to live, but the true gem of a neighborhood out this way is certainly Biltmore Park Town Square. If Biltmore Village was the prototype for a planned community, Biltmore Park is the modern-day interpretation, with an upscale urban mix of stylish condos, townhomes and apartments situated above offices, big-name and independent retail shops, restaurants, a health club (with a pool and climbing wall), entertainment, venues, and gathering spaces, all within

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kay, so technically Hendersonville is a town and not a neighborhood, but its proximity to Asheville and wealth of offerings make it worthy of exploration in its own right. And it was, in fact, part of Buncombe County prior to 1838. The creation of the Buncombe Turnpike in 1827 led to cultural expansion. A drovers’ road for moving livestock to market, this byway linked Greenville, S.C., to Greeneville, Tenn., passing through Hendersonville — then the gateway to the Blue Ridge. Wealthy lowcountry planters built summer homes in the area and helped establish a cosmopolitan air that still exists today. In the central business district, turnof-the-twentieth-century brick buildings containing shops, galleries, and restaurants span seven well-manicured blocks in and around historic Main Street. It’s very pedestrian-friendly and quaint. Ladies will enjoy exploring clothing shops like Banana Moon, Sanctuary, and fine linen and gift emporium Homestead; outdoor enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Mast General Store; and about anyone will appreciate the art and curios on display at Silver Fox or Woodlands galleries. Hendersonville’s rave-worthy restaurants include Postero (American fine dining), West First Wood-Fired Pizza (serving artisan pies and pastas), Never Blue (for excellent cocktails and tapas), the five-star Elevations Chophouse, and HenDough Chicken & Donuts (a must for breakfast). In the surrounding countryside, a handful of impressive vineyards offer fun opportunities for wine tasting and relaxation. The region, dubbed Crest of the

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Blue Ridge Wine Country, was designated an American Viticultural Area in 2019; it does indeed sit on the crest of the Blue Ridge (aka the Eastern Continental Divide). Other area attractions include the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site (the late poet's former homestead, with the added bonus of hiking trails and a farm with adorable dairy goats) and Flat Rock Playhouse (the official state theater, presenting Broadway-caliber shows).

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HEALTH & WELLNESS ASHEVILLE FOR THE BODY, MIND AND SOUL

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PHOTOGRAPHY: By Kendra Diaz – Asheville Salt Cave

Asheville Salt Cave

At the dawn of the 20th century, Western North Carolina saw an influx of visitors who believed that the crisp mountain air and high altitude could cure them of respiratory ailments. This brand of tourism centering on radical selfcare proved to be much more than a fleeting trend; over the past 100 years, Asheville has solidified itself as a place to rejuvenate and heal the body and soul. It should come as no surprise that there are yoga studios here that practice every style of yoga imaginable, including Ashtanga, Flow, Kundalini and even Hot Yoga. Several of these centers, including Asheville Yoga Center, offer rates for single or short-term individual and group packages. The area is also home to full-service spas and wellness centers with services including luxurious facials (such as the HydraFacial at the Skin Spa of Asheville), massages (including aromatherapy, deep-tissue and couple’s massages at the Spa at Biltmore Village), body wraps and scrubs, and reflexology. For a truly distinctive experience, visit Asheville Salt Cave, soak at Shoji Spa, or try saltwater flotation at Still Point Wellness. Any of the above establishments can provide relief from chronic issues, as can Dr. Loop OMD, who provides Chinese and Ayurvedic treatments for a variety of health challenges. Meanwhile, L’optique is a luxury eyewear boutique that lets you treat your eyes while giving your personal style a boost. No matter how you choose to pamper yourself, you’re guaranteed to return home with a renewed spirit and a deeper connection to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS PROFILE Asheville Salt Cave

WRITTEN BY KRISTIE CALHOUN

TRANSFORMATIVE SALT THERAPY Asheville Salt Cave Provides Both Relaxation and Full Mind and Body Healing

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VER A DECADE AGO, Neal and Beth Appel discovered a salt cave while on a trip to visit their daughter, Jodie. Neal was battling intense respiratory issues at the time, and after visiting that salt cave, he realized the dramatic benefits and wanted to bring those to others. After years of research and combining his pharmaceutical and western medicine background with Jodie’s massage therapy and holistic, eastern medicine background, the family embarked on the journey of opening the Asheville Salt Cave and making it into what it is today. While Asheville boasts many wellness experiences and has long been a destination for those seeking exactly that, the family owned and operated Asheville Salt Cave offers something completely unique to those seeking both relaxation and healing. “We are a wellness center that offers transformative spaces to be a catalyst on people’s wellness journey,” Jodie said. “We allow people to heal themselves in a lot of different ways.” The Asheville Salt Cave offers several options to their patrons. It’s an all-

“We are a wellness center that offers transformative spaces to be a catalyst on people's wellness journey.” — JODIE APPEL in-one location while creating a truly unique space for each of their services. They offer massage therapy including therapeutic massage, couple's massage and hot stone therapy. One of their newest services is the exquisite private Hammam Bathhouse. Inspired by ancient Turkish and Moroccan bathing traditions, this treatment is designed to detoxify and exfoliate the skin while restoring the body and the mind. Their most well-known and popular service is the namesake salt cave. Built to resemble the salt mines in Poland, the salt cave contains 20 tons of pure pink salt. The salt is antibacterial, uncontaminated by dirt, and free of toxins and pollutants. The secret of healing in the salt cave is in the air; it's saturated with negative

ions along with 84 trace elements and minerals. By breathing in these elements, the body gets in balance and begins to heal itself. The salt cave is good for all systems of the body, providing healing for respiratory issues, skin issues and more. “We offer a place not just for relaxation, but with a healing element underneath that," Jodie said. "Sometimes people are drawn here and they don’t even know why." The Appel family has been surprised and humbled to see how the surrounding area has embraced them and how healing the community they have created has been.

VISIT THE

ASHEVILLE SALT CAVE

15 N. Liberty St., Asheville, NC 28801 828.236.5999 ashevillesaltcave.com

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DOWNTOWN

SKIN SPA ASHEVILLE A downtown oasis. Making people feel special and cared for is of utmost importance to us. Clients should take the glow and euphoria with them that comes with fresh skin, soothed muscles, and interaction with someone whose intention is to make you feel a million times better than when you arrived. Offering curated skincare, bodycare, luxury packages, and spa parties. SKIN SPA ASHEVILLE

1 Battery Park Ave., Ste. M1 Asheville, NC 28801 828.398.9713 skinspaasheville.com

Chinese & Ayurvedic Medicine Clinic YOUR PERSONALIZED MEDICINAL & WELLNESS RETREAT:

Let’s Get You Well!

• Herbal Medicine Formulary: for acute and chronic issues • Full Scale Classical Acupuncture Services for body, mind & Spirit • Facial Nature Lift Rejuvenation

“Be Like Water” — LAO TZE

• Customized Ayurvedic Acupuncture Bodywork for detoxification & rejuvenation [~ Add on Acupuncture services] • Energy Medicine & Chakra Cleansing/ Balancing, Qigong, Meditation and Sound Therapy 188 Charlotte St. Suite 1A | Asheville NC 28801 971.998.0800 | info@drloopomd.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY: By Kendra Diaz - Sister Spa

EAST ASHEVILLE

SHOJI SPA Open year round, soak in the seasons and escape to Asheville’s most unique health & wellness spa. Experience private outdoor salt tubs, hot cedar sauna, hot & cold outdoor showers, “six hand” medical massage pods, traditional massage, private meditation/infrared rooms, accommodations & more. Groups up to 15 enjoy the sanctuary deck in the woods & private hot tubs. Book your next gathering with us, just 8 minutes from downtown. SHOJI SPA

96 Avondale Heights Rd., Asheville, NC 28803 828.299.0999 shojispa.com

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The City's Unparalled Quality of Llfe is at The Core of It's Allure

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Private Mountain Communities

The secret is out! In recent years, Asheville has been deemed the “Most Alive Place to Live: Small Town” by Modern Maturity Magazine, and U.S. News & World Report names it one of “America’s Best Affordable Places to Retire.” But perhaps the editors of Outside said it best when they ranked Asheville among the top 10 cities “Where You Don’t Have to Give Up a Good Living to Live a Good Life.” There are so many wonderful options for those considering a second home or a permanent move. Asheville has a fine selection of golf communities, including The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, while luxury builders such as Kaizen Homes provide turn-key residences in a number of communities and towns. If you’re not sure where your next home should be, turn to the realty experts at Beverly Hanks, GreyBeard Realty, Private Mountain Communities or Realty ONE Group Pivot, all of whom bring decades of experience connecting individuals, couples and families with their dream homes. And once you find your perfect abode, you can furnish it from floor to wall to ceiling with finds from local stores such as Rug & Home. Whether you’re looking for a stately estate, an urban loft, a lock-and-leave community or a rural retreat, Asheville has countless fine properties that you can call home. Are you ready to make the move?

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We are more than a little biased. Western North Carolina has been not so silently sneaking onto the national scene as one of the most desirable places to live in the world. Our neighborhoods provide high quality education and health care, shorter commutes than the national average, and the conveniences of larger communities, all nestled into the folds of welcoming mountain landscapes.

At Beverly-Hanks, REALTORS®, we love introducing visitors to the region’s finest communities. With convenient offices across the entire region, our local agents can help you explore the communities best matching your needs.

Call us today, (866) 403-4052.

Here are a few of our favorites... Biltmore Lake With more than 750 homes, the master-planned Blitmore Lake community offers diverse opportunities for ownership and amenities. Enjoy having a shimmering 62-acre lake, miles of trails, boating, swimming, sport courts, and playgrounds in the neighborhood. All located just 15 minutes from downtown Asheville.

biltmorelake.com Bear Lake Reserve There are places deep inside the Blue Ridge Mountains where it is still possible to get outside and experience everything that nature has to offer. With miles of lake frontage fringed by beautiful mountains, Bear Lake Reserve isn’t just an escape from the daily grind, it’s a portal to another place and time.

bearlakereserve.com Bright’s Creek Life here is as tranquil or as adventurous as you want. Private, but not solitary; active, but never rushed. A true community of kindred spirits who share a passion for Western North Carolina. Bright’s Creek is best known for being recognized by Golf Digest as one of the top 20 golf courses in North Carolina.

brightscreekclub.com Champion Hills Founded in 1988 by a small group of investors looking for an amazing golf experience in WNC, Tom Fazio was so inspired by the land that he joined the project as both designer and investor in 1989. Today, Champion Hills is a debt-free community and a premier country club that is entirely owned by its members.

championhills.com

Whether you fancy the convenience of a downtown condo, a sprawling mountain view from the side of a fairway, or the sense of community from knowing your neighbors, we are experts at matching people with our favorite communities’ lifestyles. 44

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The Ramble The Ramble’s location offers the best of both worlds, where you can enjoy the ease of convenience while living among 1,000 acres of preserved woodlands. The Ramble is one of Asheville’s most elegant master-planned communities where distinctive architecture and beautiful design are celebrated.

ramblebiltmoreforest.com Rumbling Bald

Rumbling Bald offers a canvas to create memories, unwind, and reconnect. Whether you’re most at home wandering the trails along the Blue Ridge Mountains, enjoying the serene waters of Lake Lure, or challenging yourself on one of our championship golf courses, there’s something for everyone.

rumblingbald.com Grand Highlands The community of Grand Highlands is just that, a community. By that, we mean there is a communal spirit shared by all the homeowners. A desire to own a home at the wondrous place. A yearning to embrace a lifestyle on one’s own terms instead of living one mandated by others.

grandhighlands.com The Cliffs at Walnut Cove When you live at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, you are surrounded by literally hundreds of hiking, biking, and walking trails. There are 13 state parks, three national forests, and one national park just outside of the community, and more than 1,300 acres of protected parks inside.

walnutcoverealty.com Bauhaus South Slope Bauhaus is an incredible lifestyle choice. Experience the best of downtown Asheville while living in a landmark building. Bauhaus occupies an ideal location on McCormick Place in the South Slope district. This exclusive townhome community of just 17 homes has so much to offer, both inside and out.

bauhaussouthslope.com The Haywood Featuring high-end finishes, city and mountain views, unique amenities, and more. A perfect retreat for when you want to be close to the city center but still have privacy. Only minutes to Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Grove Arcade, Wall Street, Bouchon, and more. You literally have it all at your fingertips!

the-haywood.com The Farm at Mills River It’s often said that location is everything. And that’s an inescapable truth in real estate. Nestled comfortably in the heart of the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, this outstanding development puts you within an easy drive of every worthwhile destination in this national treasure.

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Scan to learn more. beverly-hanks.com/communities

The Farm at M i l l s Ri v er

ASHEVILLE IS

CALLING The City’s Unparalleled Quality of Life Is at the Core of Its Allure

WRITTEN BY MELISSA REARDON

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PHOTOGRAPHY: By Kruck20, Getty Images

T'S NO SECRET THAT NATURE has the power to heal. It’s a healthy antidote for stress, and Asheville holds no shortage of opportunities for outdoor immersion. The city’s natural assets have been drawing people since the late 1800s, when the region’s curative mountain air, altitude and climate were sought in the treatment of tuberculosis. Now, more than a century later, it’s still a place where people go for healing, but more so for the mental and spiritual rejuvenation that the city’s relaxed mountain lifestyle imparts on the soul. Asheville is undeniably a special place, as evidenced by the long list of accolades bestowed on the city annually. In 2020, Travel + Leisure named Asheville among the Top 15 Cities in the United States, and it ranked No.5 on Afar magazine’s list of the best small cities in the country. It earns awards for its food, beer, art and music, and tops lists on best places to live and retire. What’s the key to so many people looking to Asheville as a place to hit the reset button on life? For starters, there’s the climate. While the city is located at a not-insignificant altitude of 2,134 feet above sea level, the fact that it’s in the southern part of the country means

Western North Carolina Real Estate Services

Buying and Selling with Western North Carolina's Second Home Specialist • Over 30 local and knowledgeable real estate agents • 22+ years of experience in Western North Carolina • Locally connected and committed to our clients

GreyBeard Realty Oﬃce Locations

Lake James/Morganton • Asheville • Black Mountain • Old Fort

www.greybeardrealty.com • 828.532.2828

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— and consistently below the national average — between March 2017 and March 2020, and again achieved that rating starting in April 2021. Asheville offers residents state-of-theart medical services through Mission Health, which has been named one of the nation’s top 15 health systems and top 50 cardiovascular hospitals by IBM Watson Health, as well as the top health system in the state for the three out of the past four years by Business North Carolina. Other nearby options for healthcare include Pardee Hospital and AdventHealth. Families moving to the area will find that both Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools are innovative systems that place a strong focus on STEAM: science, technology, engineering, arts and math. The area is also home to esteemed private schools

such as Asheville School and Carolina Day School. Post-secondary options include the University of North Carolina Asheville, which was ranked seventh among the nation’s public liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report, and A-B Tech, which offers a variety of programs, including its respected culinary arts and allied health curricula. Also nearby are Mars Hill University, Warren Wilson College, Blue Ridge Community College and Western Carolina University. Asheville is easily accessible to most of the East Coast thanks to interstates 26 and 40, which run right through town. That means it’s a short drive from major metropolitan areas such as Charlotte (two hours), Knoxville (two hours), Raleigh-Durham (three-and-ahalf hours), Atlanta (also three-and-acont. on page 52

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that temperatures are rather mild yearround. Even in January, which is the coldest month, the average daily high is 47 degrees, which is warm enough for a round of golf. July, the warmest month, sees an average high of 85, but even when the temperature skirts 90 degrees, mountain breezes keep things pleasant. The peaks surrounding Asheville shelter the city from most severe weather, resulting in an annual average of 13 inches of snow and 37 inches of rain. Folks also move to Asheville to take advantage of the healthy job market. According to the Economic Development Coalition of AshevilleBuncombe County, the Asheville region is “a diverse $20 billion economy” driven by “steady population growth, manufacturing, healthcare and hospitality.” The city’s unemployment rate managed to stay below four percent

Love where you live. Whether this is your first time visiting or you visit the area often, you know how truly unique Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains are to live, work, and play. At Kaizen homes, we know how special it is to call this area home. That’s why we build homes that reflect the culture of the mountains and offer home owners a detail-oriented and user-friendly design. We believe that living well in a home built with mindful attention to detail and the lastest energy-saving materials should also provide a PHOTOGRAPHY: By Kendra Diaz

healthy and happy life. Let’s get started on your Asheville home. Visit us at www.khbuilt.com/avl.

INFO@KHBUILT.COM

828.333.4478

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HOME & LIVING PROFILE Private Mountain Communities

WRITTEN BY MICHAEL WELCH

MOUNTAIN MATCHMAKERS Leading Clients Home for 15 Years

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PHOTOGRAPHY: (All) By Kendra Diaz

ECIDING TO MOVE HERE is the easy part. Every day, people from all over the country and the world fall head over heels for the mountains of Western North Carolina. Whether they’re trying to escape city life, want to turn a beloved vacation spot into a forever home, or just feel a connection with the rich culture in Asheville and the surrounding area, the folks at Private Mountain Communities understand. You can see Founder Harry Redfearn’s face light up when he talks about the area. “With around 93,000 people, Asheville is a small town, but it lives so much bigger than that," he said. "We have hundreds of restaurants, a thriving arts community, an incredible music scene, and outdoor amenities ranging from mountain biking and kayaking to beautiful golf courses and blue-ribbon trout fishing.” The only thing that can match our incredible amenities is the vast selection of master-planned communities, each more enticing than the last. It’s enough to give the most decisive buyer pause. That’s why Redfearn started PMC as a free buyer’s resource — to help

“We're the region's most comprehensive buyer's resource... We'll be waiting to welcome you and help you find the perfect fit.” — HARRY REDFEARN smitten visitors become permanent residents. As for his company’s most memorable success stories, he recalls when, “A frustrated woman recently walked in and dropped a massive stack of community brochures on my desk. She had been coming to the area to look at properties for six years, but she just couldn’t nail down the perfect fit. After filling out our survey and having a brief conversation, we knew exactly what she was looking for, and she was under contract less than 90 days later.” Because not every buyer can make it to one of PMC’s two Discovery Showrooms, the firm offers a 17-question survey designed to home in on exactly what a client is looking for. The questions address preferences like lot size; desired square footage; architectural style; proximity to

restaurants, grocery stores, interstates and recreation options; and more. Survey results and consultations help clients sift through a list of around 160 communities, at which point PMC can provide a personal concierge to help arrange a visit to the area complete with a Discovery Package where prospective buyers “try on” a community by staying overnight. Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, PMC offers a high-touch, high-service real estate experience that’s helped connect thousands from all 50 states and six different countries with some of the finest communities Western North Carolina has to offer. As Redfearn explains, “We’re the region’s most comprehensive buyer’s resource. Whether you’re looking for a home today or dreaming of retiring

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here years down the road, we’ll be waiting to welcome you and help you find the perfect fit.”

1 Page Ave., Ste. 150, Asheville, NC 28801 888.517.3322 pmcdiscoverasheville.com

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cont. from page 48 half hours), and Charleston (four hours). For locations farther out, Asheville Regional Airport offers direct flights to some 20 major hubs including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Washington D.C., Dallas, New York, Denver and Las Vegas. Still, for all of its offerings, Asheville (population 93,350 as of 2020) remains a small town at heart. This is a place where life moves at a slower pace, where “y’all” is part of the vernacular, and where you’re still likely to be called “hon” or “sweetheart” by the server at the local diner. Due to its compact size, the average commute in Asheville is less than 18 minutes one way, which is well below the national average of 26 minutes, and areas of town such as Biltmore Village, West Asheville and downtown are very much walkable communities. Suffice to say that with all of the great 52

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assets Asheville holds — not to mention its top-notch dining, drinking, arts, music, shopping and outdoor offerings — demand is high to live here. The first quarter of 2021 saw the most homes sold ever in one quarter: 1,078 in Asheville and Buncombe County, with a median home sale price of $355K. While Asheville is full of quaint historic bungalows, rustic-chic log homes, modern energy-efficient dwellings and no shortage of realtors at the ready, the home design and building industry here is equally strong. The city is home to a large concentration of high caliber architects, builders, landscape architects, interior designers and other home specialists and home goods retailers. There are also a slew of local artisans who contribute everything from handsome custom cabinetry and furnishings to well-crafted lighting,

counters, sinks, and more. Creating a dream home in Asheville is exciting for many a newcomer. If you’re considering a move, learn more about the city’s neighborhoods on page 14, but it’ll take uprooting and joining the thousands of Ashevillians to truly discover all of city’s riches. Residents know that the quality of life here is unparalleled.

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GIFTS & SHOPPING ASHEVILLE: A STYLE ALL ITS OWN

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Paul Taylor Custom Sandals & Belts

70-77 GROVE ARCADE

Showcasing the Historic Grove Arcade

Clearly a lifestyle capital these days, Asheville city indulges with fashions created by nationally known and homegrown designers, as well as opulent jewelry, museum-caliber art, and luxurious objects for the home. Indeed, the essence of Asheville is iconoclastic and edgy, classic and timeless. If you’re looking to complement your style or seeking a complete makeover, be sure to check out clothiers such as Caravans, Country Casuals, Discount Shoes, maison mary, Paul Taylor Custom Leather Sandals & Belts, or – for your discerning little one – Bohemian Baby. Then complete your new look with fine jewelry from Alexander & Lehnert, Embellish Asheville, Estate Jewelry, Marthaler Jewelers, Mora, Roberto Coin or Spicer Green. Asheville has plenty of establishments with incredible finds for the home, including Rug & Home and Screen Door. For gifts that range from classic to contemporary, there’s Dog & Pony Show, Element Tree Essentials, Enter the Earth, Whist and Woolworth Walk, and be sure to pick up a treat for your furry friends at Asheville Pet Supply. If you need a break amidst all of your retail therapy, stop in for a sweet treat at The Chocolate Fetish or Rocket Fizz, with its candy and unique bottled sodas. Nearby, quaint Black Mountain features retailers C.W. Moose Trading Co. and Town Hardware, among others. (For more goings-on in Black Mountain and the rest of the Swannanoa Valley, check out thevalleyecho.com.) Before heading out, be sure to pick up the Asheville Go Local Card (golocalasheville.com), which offers discounts and other specials at independent merchants, with proceeds benefiting area schools.

a look at asheville 2021-2022

DOWNTOWN

maison mary.

intimate modern boutique with reflections of old world. carefully curated ... minimalist. must have basics, cozy luxurious fabrics. local and independent designers mixed with the familiar. contemporary, vintage, and antique jewelry await. host to a wide array of special events ... all part of the ever evolving concept store known as maison mary. maison mary.

58 Broadway St., Asheville, NC 28801 828.231.0071 Seasonal hours

alookatasheville.com

a look at asheville 2021-2022

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121 Patton Avenue Downtown Asheville (828) 253-1805 spicergreene.com

Asheville’s Favorite Jeweler Since 1926

LUXURY WATCHES & HARD-TO-FIND PRE-OWNED MODELS

ESTATE JEWELERY

DESIGNER JEWELRY

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF LOOSE DIAMONDS IN THE CAROLINAS

ENGAGEMENT RINGS & WEDDING BANDS

ON-SITE CUSTOM JEWELRY DESIGN MODERN FASHION & EVERYDAY STAPLES

PRE-OWNED LUXURY HANDBAGS

a look at asheville 2018-2019

DOWNTOWN

ROCKET FIZZ OF ASHEVILLE Satisfy your sweet tooth at Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop in downtown Asheville. Featuring nearly 600 kinds of glass-bottled soda, a vast selection of candies, old-fashioned tin signs, retro concert posters, comic books, comic prints, gag gifts, pranks and toys, Rocket Fizz is a one-stop shop for unique products for people of all ages.

ROCKET FIZZ OF ASHEVILLE 21 Battery Park Ave., Ste. 102 Asheville, NC 28801 828.575.2360 rocketﬁzzasheville@gmail.com

consignment shoppe IT’S A DIFFERENT STORE

EVERY WEEK NORTH ASHEVILLE

ASHEVILLE PET SUPPLY Friendly, knowledgeable and caring are just three words to describe the staff at Asheville Pet Supply. Since 1991, this family-owned fixture of the North Asheville community has supplied high quality holistic pet food, treats and toys to local pets. Stop in, bring a friend and say "Hello." ASHEVILLE PET SUPPLY

1451 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC 28804 828.252.2054 ashevillepetsupply.com

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145 Garrison Branch Road / Suite 4 Weaverville, NC 28787 828.251.1160 / etcconsignment828@gmail.com

a look at asheville 2021-2022

HOME • ANTIQUES • GARDEN

25,000 Square Feet of architectural pieces, antiques, yard art, books and accessories for the home and garden. Located just up the hill from Biltmore Village. 115 Fairview Road | Asheville, NC 28803 | 828.277.3667 screendoorasheville.com Monday-Saturday: 10-5 | Sunday: 12-5

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DISCOUNT SHOES Experience 33,000 square feet of shoes and boots, size 0 to 20, for the entire family. We offer brands from • Allegria

• Clarks

• Harley Davidson

• Merrell

• Rieker

• Ariat

• Crocs

• Hi-Tec

• Naturalizer

• Rockport

• Asics

• Danner

• Jambu

• New Balance

• Rocky

• Asolo

• Dansko

• Josef Seibel

• Nike

• Teva

• Born

• El Naturalista

• Keen

• Rainbow

• Timberland

• Bostonian

• Florsheim

• Lucchese

• Red Wing

• Vasque

• Wolverine and many more

We also have the largest selection of work, outdoor and western boots in the Carolinas!

1263 Brevard Road, Asheville | 828.667.0085 | Mon.-Sat.: 9am-6pm; Sun.: 1pm-6pm

ONE MILE PAST ASHEVILLE OUTLETS Country Casuals is a division of Discount Shoes with 16,000 square feet of clothing (size 0 to 74) for the entire family. Famous name brands are represented such as Carhartt • Columbia • Woolrich • Wrangler • and many more In addition to outdoor and work clothing, you will find a full line of medical uniforms by Cherokee, Dickies, Wink, etc. If you like our shoes, you will love our clothing.

1255 Brevard Road, Asheville | 828.667.9776 | Mon.-Sat.: 9am-6pm; Sun.: 1pm-6pm

COUNTRY CASUALS

GIFTS & SHOPPING PROFILE Paul Taylor Custom Sandals & Belts

WRITTEN BY KRISTIE CALHOUN

A PERFECT FIT Unique, Handcrafted Leather Works Custom Made in the Heart of Downtown

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PHOTOGRAPHY: (All) By Kendra Diaz

AUL TAYLOR IS SO MUCH more than a leather shop; they make custom leather belts to fit while the customer waits in the store. Yes, they hand make sandals perfectly tailored for each individual’s feet. Yes, they make beautiful bags and wallets and other accessories. Since 1965, they have offered the most personalized experience and products that are made with the utmost attention to detail and craftsmanship, including custom leather belts and sandals, beautiful bags and wallets, and more. Evar Hecht began an apprenticeship with the shop’s namesake, Paul Taylor, in 2008. He learned the art of leather crafting and the secrets of the trade by making belts, sandals, cuffs and other custom items to order. In 2011, when Taylor decided to retire, Hecht bought the store and has continued to carry on that legacy while also making it his own and expanding into different niches, such as vintage jewelry and belt buckles. The environment of Paul Taylor, located on Downtown Asheville’s Wall Street, is special. When you step in and see the leather crafting process happening right before your eyes or

“Helping the customer find what they really want is one of my favorite things... I like people to be happy and have a good experience.” — PAUL TAYLOR the carefully curated antique pieces, you know that everything that comes out of there is going to be quality. The shop was built on not only creating products that last, but relationships that last as well. They take customer service to the next level. That shows in the passion for the products that repeat customers have, and even the distance they are willing to travel. Hecht says that handcrafted leather works are a dying art, but it’s not one he plans on letting go of anytime soon. And one that he finds people still enjoy. “This isn’t something you can find just anywhere,” said Hecht, and it’s a level of quality that’s hard to match. Whether that’s a sandal made to fit your high arch or wide step, a belt cut exactly to the size you need, a beautiful leather bag or something else, each piece is

handcrafted and unique. For Hecht, every day is different and welcomes projects as second nature as tying a shoe, to projects that bring challenges and require creative thinking. If you find yourself in the market for a new pair of sandals, leather repair, custom products or just want to explore their one-of-a-kind collection, make your way down the cobblestone street in the heart of Downtown and pop in to Paul Taylor.

VISIT

PAUL TAYLOR

12 Wall St., Asheville, NC 28801 828.251.0057 paultaylorsandals.com

a look at asheville 2021-2022

Discover

Black Mountain through its stories and community.

Your Online Source For Community News

TheValleyEcho.com

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Go local, THE BEST ASHEVILLE HAS TO OFFER

GoLocalAsheville.com a look at asheville 2021-2022

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a look at asheville 2021-2022

GIFTS & SHOPPING PROFILE Grove Arcade

WRITTEN BY JEREMY CARTER

PHOENIX FROM THE FLAMES Grove Arcade Marks 20th Anniversary of Rebirth

alookatasheville.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: (Full page) By Kendra Diaz; (exterior) Courtesy of Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau; (interior) By csfotoimages, Getty Images

A visit to the Grove Arcade is undoubtedly an experience that's as unforgettable as the building itself.

S ONE OF ASHEVILLE'S most iconic structures, downtown’s Grove Arcade is a majestic blend of Tudor Revival and Late Gothic Revival architecture spanning an entire city block. Inside you’ll find chic boutiques, gourmet dining, luxury services, and distinctive arts and crafts galleries among the dozens of businesses where you can lose yourself and indulge your senses. The arcade was conceived by Grove Park Inn mastermind E.W. Grove and, when it opened in 1929, it was an architectural wonder — and one of the first indoor shopping malls in the nation. In 1942, the United States government took control of the arcade as part of the war effort, filling the space with federal offices. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, and

after the National Climatic Data Center moved out in 1995, a team of community servants worked to return the nowempty building to the people. In 1997, the City of Asheville acquired the structure under the National Monument Act, and the Grove Arcade Public Market Foundation signed a 198year lease on the property. In 2002, after an extensive historical renovation, the Grove Arcade opened to the public once more, marking one of the most notable milestones in the rebirth of downtown Asheville. Today, visitors are again greeted by the winged lions at the north entrance and marvel at details such as the band of 88 gargoyle heads lining the facade and the 50 grotesques (or carved heads) peering down from the cornices inside. But what keeps locals and visitors

alike returning to the Grove Arcade is the collection of shops, restaurants, and services that occupy the ground level, both inside and out. (Levels two through five are home to offices and luxury apartments.) Here you’ll find establishments helmed by some of the world’s top curators of clothing and accessories. You’ll discover arts and crafts both functional and decorative, created by artisans both local and from across the globe. You’ll luxuriate in spa treatments and other world-class services that renew the body and spirit. And you’ll find restaurants and bars that provide a gastronomical affair that you won’t soon forget. A visit to the Grove Arcade is undoubtedly an experience that’s as unforgettable as the building itself.

VISIT THE

GROVE ARCADE

1 Page Ave., Asheville, NC 28801 828.252.7799 grovearcade.com

a look at asheville 2021-2022

GIFTS & SHOPPING PROFILE

PHOTOGRAPHY: By Kendra Diaz

Grove Arcade

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a look at asheville 2019-2020

GIFTS & SHOPPING PROFILE

PHOTOGRAPHY: By Kendra Diaz

Grove Arcade

We offer the very best in ethically sourced clothing and accessories for your little ones from newborn to size 7. Our clothing is durable, chic, and will give them the ease of play. With playful patterns in neutral and earth tones that are engaging and joyful and that will fit perfectly into their wardrobes. Hours: 10-6 Everyday 1 Page Ave., Ste. 145-B Asheville, NC 28801

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AVLBohoBaby.com

ROMANCING THE STONE FOR 49 YEARS Alexander & Lehnert, a fine jewelry gallery located in the historic Grove Arcade, showcases the handmade work of Asheville area artists and features the creativity of Bill Lehnert and Michele Alexander. Bill’s pieces are noted for their architectural design and his use of fine colored gemstones by the nation’s premier cutters. Michele’s contemporary work in gold and silver utilizes intriguing textures and patinas. Custom orders are our specialty. We look forward to seeing you!

Grove Arcade, One Page Avenue, Asheville, NC 828.254.2010 • facebook.com/alexanderandlehnert a look at asheville 2021-2022

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ARTS & CRAFTS THE ART OF THE MATTER

78-93 SECTION PAGES

80-91

THE BEAT GOES ON Music Venues Provide Renewed Sense of Community

PROFILE

Momentum Gallery

PHOTOGRAPHY: By Kendra Diaz

COLORS OF THE CITY Murals That Decorate the Mountains

Asheville's art scene is a melting pot of multidisciplinary talents whose works both challenge and inspire. Here, these artists have found a community that nurtures their creative spirit, a network of venues to showcase their works and audiences eager to experience what they have to share. Asheville’s visual artists work in every medium imaginable, creating works big and small, classic and contemporary – each with a story to tell. There are dozens of galleries in Downtown Asheville alone, including Blue Spiral 1 and Momentum Gallery, which specializes in contemporary art. Just south of downtown, the River Arts District is home to more than 200 artists, many with open studio hours so you can see them at work. You’ll also discover the gallery of the late Jonas Gerard, whose contemporary works have fans all over the world. And the arts scene isn’t limited to Asheville. Venture a few miles north to Weaverville for Mangum Pottery, wearable works at Miya Gallery, and more than 60 creators at Artisans on Main in Weaverville. When you feel inspired to create your own masterpiece, visit Claying Around, which offers pottery and canvas painting, pottery wheel lessons, and more, for individuals, families and parties. Asheville is also renowned for its numerous arts events, such as the Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) and its sister gathering, LEAF Downtown, Downtown After Five, The Big Crafty, Art in the Park, and the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands. Whether you’re an artist, an art connoisseur or a casual fan of crafty creations, Western North Carolina is certain to inspire you with works to enjoy here in town or to take home for a permanent keepsake of the spirit of the mountains.

a look at asheville 2021-2022

WRITTEN BY JEREMY CARTER

THE BEAT

GOES ON Music Venues Provide Renewed Sense of Community

PAGES

80-91

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In recent years, a slew of national publications have taken notice of Asheville and its incredible music scene, dubbing this, for example, “the new must-visit music city” (Rolling Stone) or one of the nation’s top 10 music cities alongside Memphis, New Orleans and Nashville (National Geographic Traveler). Indeed, music is part of the lifeblood of Asheville, and perhaps at no time was this more obvious than when the recent COVID pandemic forced most marquees to go dark. Now, as box offices reopen and musicians step beneath the lights once more, there’s a renewed sense of how much Asheville’s music scene — and the venues that host acts both local and international — mean to this city.

a look at asheville 2019-2020

PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of East Fork Pottery

THE BEAT

GOES ON

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it today • V vis

and dance away any stresses that may burden them and the world at large, or to see the live music acts (such as Drive by Truckers, Brothers Osborne and Jamey Johnson) that are filling the venue’s calendar as life returns to normal. Over by the French Broad River, the seven-acre Salvage Station is another outdoor venue that allows music fans to catch a show while taking in some vitamin D and fresh mountain air. “This is a great hangout for locals and an interesting spot for tourists to find because it has such an authentic Asheville vibe,” said Marketing Director Katie Hild. “It used to be a salvage yard and is now part of the revitalization of the river.” Like all venues in town, Salvage Station regularly features acts from Western North Carolina’s expansive pool of local cont. on page 86

p out your ma

USIC IS SUCH A HUGE part of Asheville’s culture,” said Molly Kummerle, who has been performing in Asheville for more than 20 years, most recently as the frontwoman of Paper Tiger and as a DJ. She said that the scarcity of live music for much of 2020 and the early months of 2021 was difficult for artists and fans alike. “Music soothes people in a way nothing else can. I don’t know if it’s the vibrations and how they move through our bodies, but there’s something about music that feeds us like nothing else does.” Kummerle was one of a seemingly handful of artists who had gigs during the pandemic thanks to the silent discos she and other DJs host for Rabbit Rabbit, an outdoor space that opened on the South Slope in 2020. The open-air setup of Rabbit Rabbit is the ideal location for music fans to don wireless headphones

c ville. om to he

alookata s isit

a look at asheville 2021-2022

PHOTOGRAPHY: (Rabbit Rabbit) By Tom Farr; (Paper Tiger) Courtesy of Paper Tiger; (Isis) By Kendra Diaz

ARTS & CRAFTS PROFILE Momentum Gallery

WRITTEN BY MELISSA REARDON

KEEPING THE MOMENTUM Momentum Gallery Opens New Storefront on Broadway

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PHOTOGRAPHY: (All) Courtesy of Momentum Gallery

T 52 BROADWAY STREET downtown, inquisitive works of contemporary craft and fine art beckon visitors from behind wall-sized windows that span the length of Momentum Gallery’s storefront, which opened in spring 2021. Inside the 15,000-square-foot, solar-powered gallery — unassumingly housed in a 100-year-old building — are hundreds of museum-quality objets d’art in clay, wood, metal, glass and more by some 70 artists. From John Littleton and Kate Vogel’s glass cast arms cupping glittering Swarovski crystals to Hoss Haley’s material-defying metal sculptures to Gil Bruvel’s mesmerizing 3D wood-block faces, the entire two stories are immaculately curated with a trove of collectible art. “People always ask if the art is local,” muses Shifra Ahlers, who owns and operates the gallery with her husband and primary curator and director, Jordan. Perhaps it’s a comment that speaks to the growing “support local” ethos, but in this case, Momentum’s blend of 50-percent regional artists mixed with makers from across the country is absolutely intentional.

“I want to support artists here, but also want to give people an experience where they leave saying 'Wow, Asheville's really got it going on with the arts.'” — JORDAN AHLERS As a curator, Jordan Ahlers is in the business of advancing artists’ careers while also assisting clients and collectors with selecting enduring works of art. However, Jordan is also on a mission to “raise the bar and elevate the city and entire region as an arts destination,” he says. He’s achieving this by placing local creators alongside noted and rising artists from across the country. And to the viewer, it’s practically indiscernible who’s local and who isn’t. “I want to support artists here,” says Jordan, “but I also want to give people an experience where they leave and say ‘Wow, Asheville’s really got it going on with the arts.’” He adds that while much of the work shown at Momentum is material-based and ultimately contemporary, it also reflects the

myriad craft traditions of Southern Appalachia, offering an added tie to the region. Jordan’s eye for fine art and craft and success as a curator was not born without considerable experience. His interest in art and museums was nurtured from a young age, growing up in Atlanta and Florida. He studied printmaking and painting at Kansas City Art Institute but eventually was drawn to the administrative side of art. The year following his move to Asheville in 1998, he took a position at Blue Spiral 1 gallery, where he spent 18 years working with thousands of professional artists while learning every aspect of running a large gallery, including serving as director. The opportunity to open his own business offered the chance to take all that he

VISIT THE

MOMENTUM GALLERY

had learned in a new direction. Momentum opened in 2017 and is a gleaming testament to the high caliber of art near and far, serving both artists and collectors.

52 Broadway St., Asheville, NC 28801 828.505.8550 momentumgallery.com

a look at asheville 2021-2022

cont. on page 88 86

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“Music soothes people in a way nothing else can. I don’t know if it’s the vibrations and how they move through our bodies, but there’s something about music that feeds us like nothing else does.” — MOLLY KUMMERLE

PHOTOGRAPHY: By DavidSimchock.com, Courtesy of Salvage Station

cont. from page 82 musicians — such as Pleasure Chest, Acoustic Syndicate and Empire Strikes Brass — while welcoming national acts such as Larry Keel Experience, Wilco and Steve Earle. While venues such as Rabbit Rabbit and Salvage Station (along with the Meadow at Highland Brewing, Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre and others) were crafted from the outside in, so to speak, other primarily indoor venues got creative with their own outdoor spaces. Grey Eagle Music Hall, Asheville’s oldest venue and one known for its listening room-style concert hall that has hosted names — such as the Avett Brothers, Richie Havens and the late Sharon Jones — hosts regular, smaller patio shows as well. West Asheville’s Isis Music Hall, which has an intimate lounge as well as a main hall for larger acts, repurposed its lawn as a performance space and had the majority of its shows outdoors during the pandemic. Today, music fans again enjoy shows both inside and out, with a focus on roots, folk, bluegrass, Celtic, blues, jazz and Americana by names such as Sam Bush, Taj Mahal and David Grissman. Isis owner Scott Woody said that in addition to forcing venues to get creative with their spaces, the pandemic also made an already tight-knit music community even closer. “During the pandemic, we had a number of musicians from the local music scene that were always there and willing to play,” he said.” They expressed their gratitude for having a place to play and do what they love to do. And the response was really good; we pretty much sold out all of those shows, and it allowed us to keep our staff.” Like Salvage Station, which, for many decades, was a junkyard, Isis Music Hall

PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY Pottery Wheel Lessons, Glass Fusing Hand Building with Clay, Canvas Painting and More!

Explore The World through music & arts connect. learn. EXPERIENCE. Year-round Visit LEAF for an Immersive Experience on Historic Block Downtown Asheville

theLEAF.org

May & October Come to LEAF Festivals at Lake Eden, Black Mountain NC

CELEBRATING

1378 Hendersonville Rd. Asheville, NC • 828.277.0042

YEARS!

ClayingAround.com

a look at asheville 2021-2022

cont. from page 86 is also a repurposed venue: the space originally opened as a movie theater in 1937. Similarly, a building at the corner of Broadway and Hilliard Ave. in downtown Asheville was a roller rink, nightclub and auto parts warehouse before being converted into The Orange Peel in 2002. In 2008, Rolling Stone named it one of America’s top five rock clubs, and over the past 20 years, it’s hosted Bob Dylan, Lauryn Hill, Beastie Boys and a nineshow residency by Smashing Pumpkins. The Peel, as it’s known to locals and diehard fans, is again hosting live

music. (And it runs Rabbit Rabbit in collaboration with Asheville Brewing Company.) But when the Peel went dark in March 2020, spokesperson Liz Whalen Tallent and the rest of the team became instrumental in drumming up local support for the Save Our Stages Act. The act, which was finally passed in December 2020 as the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, earmarked $16 billion in aid for independent music venues and other event spaces that were hard hit by the pandemic. These music venues are the lifeblood of the music scene in Asheville. And,

as Salvage Station’s Hild notes, other businesses rely on them as well, and vice-versa. “It’s such a big part of our tourism here,” she said. “Music feeds the restaurants and the hotels and everything else. It’s a symbiotic relationship with all these other things.” Indeed, people travel from all over the country to partake of Asheville’s music scene. The biggest shows in town are hosted at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville, which has both an arena and the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Between the two venues, it’s welcomed cont. on page 91

VENUES: CHOOSE YOUR SPOT & ENJOY THE SHOW Asheville Music Hall ashevillemusichall.com

Grey Eagle Music Hall thegreyeagle.com

Harrah's Cherokee Center harrahscherokeecenterasheville.com

Hazel Robinson Amphitheater hazelrobinsonamphitheatre.com

Highland Brewing Venue Isis Music Hall isisasheville.com

The Orange Peel theorangepeel.net

Rabbit Rabbit rabbitrabbitavl.com

Salvage Station salvagestation.com

Silverados silveradoswnc.com

White Horse Black Mountain whitehorseblackmountain.com

alookatasheville.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: By André Daugherty, Pro 16 Productions

highlandbrewing.com

a look at asheville 2021-2022 2015-2016

PHOTOGRAPHY: By Tom Farr, Courtesy of Salvage Station; Courtesy of One Stop

THE BEAT

GOES ON

alookatasheville.com

international superstars such as Pearl Jam, Sugarland, Elton John, Kacey Musgraves, Black Crowes, Brandi Carlile and Sigur Rós. Musician Franklin Keel has a particularly expansive knowledge of Asheville’s music scene and venues both large and small. He plays cello with gypsy folk funk punk outfit Sirius.B as well as the Asheville Symphony, Opal String Quartet and Upland Drive. With Sirius.B, he’s played Asheville venues including Jack of the Wood, a Celtic pub known for hosting local and national acts and a popular weekly bluegrass jam, and Asheville Music Hall, which, in addition to Sirius.B, has welcomed Ghostface Killah, Del tha Funkee Homosapien and Disclosure, among others. (Asheville Music Hall has a second, more intimate venue in its downstairs One Stop, a popular local hangout.) While many musicians, including Keel, experimented with online performance during the pandemic, he said that’s “like looking at a photograph; it’s twodimensional. Experiencing music in a live setting gives it that extra dimension. You get a lot more out of it, including more information coming from the players. That’s the communal aspect of people being in the room; the audience directly interacts with the people on the stage. For the community to get together and interact is a healthy thing to do, and live music in general is important to our community.”

GUIDE

WHERE TO FIND IT PERFORMING ARTS AMERICANA BURLESQUE & SIDESHOW FESTIVAL

absfest.com

ASHEVILLE BALLET

SHINDIG ON THE GREEN

folkheritage.org

WARREN HAYNES PRESENTS THE CHRISTMAS JAM

xmasjam.com

ashevilleballet.com

ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE ashevilletheatre.org

ASHEVILLE CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATRE acdt.org

ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS FESTIVAL

ashevillefringe.org

ATTIC SALT THEATRE COMPANY

atticsalt.org

DIFFERENT STROKES! PERFORMING ARTS COLLECTIVE differentstrokespac.org

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE flatrockplayhouse.org

THE MAGNETIC THEATRE themagnetictheatre.com

MONTFORD PARK PLAYERS

VISUAL ARTS ART IN AUTUMN

visitweaverville.com/events/art-in-autumn

ART IN THE PARK

ashevilleartinthepark.com

ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM ashevilleart.org

BLUE SPIRAL 1 bluespiral1.com

THE BIG CRAFTY thebigcrafty.com

DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE ARTS DISTRICT downtownavlart.com

JONAS GERARD FINE ART GALLERY jonasgerard.com

LAKE EDEN ARTS FESTIVAL AND LEAF DOWNTOWN theleaf.org

montfordparkplayers.org

NC STAGE COMPANY

MOMENTUM GALLERY momentumgallery.com

ncstage.org

MUSIC

ASHEVILLE SYMPHONY

ashevillesymphony.org

BILTMORE CONCERT SERIES biltmore.com

DOWNTOWN AFTER FIVE

NEW MORNING GALLERY newmorninggallerync.com

RIVER ARTS DISTRICT riverartsdistrict.com

SECOND SATURDAYS

riverartsdistrict.com/events/category/ second-saturdays

ashevilledowntown.org

GOOMBAY FESTIVAL ymiculturalcenter.org

LAKE EDEN ARTS FESTIVAL & LEAF DOWNTOWN theleaf.org

MOOGSEUM

SOUTHERN HIGHLAND CRAFT GUILD AND CRAFT FAIR OF THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS southernhighlandguild.org

VILLAGE ART & CRAFT FAIR

newmorninggallerync.com/village-artsand-crafts-fair

moogseum.org

a look at asheville 2021-2022

COLORS OF

THE CITY Murals That Decorate the Mountains

PAGES

92-93

alookatasheville.com

In Western North Carolina, any blank space can be converted into a canvas, whether it's the side of a building, a highway underpass or an alleyway that would otherwise go unnoticed. An increasing number of businesses, community organizations and government entities are commissioning murals by local artists, resulting in colorful, memorable works that give the city an additional pop. Keep an eye out for these and other ever-changing murals as you explore Asheville.

COLORS OF

PHOTOGRAPHY: (All) By Kendra Diaz

THE CITY

a look at asheville 2021-2022

DINING & NIGHTLIFE A TASTE OF THE MOUNTAINS

94-111 SECTION PAGES

96-110

AROUND THE WORLD IN THE 828

International Chef-Owners Offer Culinary Tour

104 PROFILE

PHOTOGRAPHY: By Kendra Diaz - Cecilia's Kitchen

12 Bones Smokehouse & Brewing

Recognizing Asheville’s emergency as a destination for foodies, the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau branded the entire region as “Foodtopia” and promotes the idea of vacationing “where the food is locally grown, lovingly prepared, and each taste tells you something about the people who make it and the land where they live.” A huge advocate for this local focus is the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (foodinasheville.com), which recognizes local, independent restaurants as the driving force behind Asheville as a culinary destination. Local flavors you’ll experience in Asheville include hand-pulled barbecue at Luella’s Bar-B-Que, slow-cooked meats at 12 Bones Smokehouse and sustainably sourced seafood dishes at The Lobster Trap. Go on a world tour of tastes with Mediterranean-inspired comfort food at Twisted Laurel, innovative Greek and Italian dishes at Pomodoros, traditional Italian cuisine at Strada Italiano, and New York style pizza at 828 Family Pizzeria. Or head South of downtown for Mexican delights at The Cantina. For the true “Beer City, USA” experience, hit White Labs Kitchen & Taps or Hi-Wire Brewing. And cleanse your palate with a sweet treat at Baked Pie Company or The Chocolate Fetish. Whether you have a sweet tooth, a savory tooth, a spicy one or all of the above, you’re sure to find something to whet your appetite at one of the independent restaurants listed above.

a look at asheville 2021-2022

AROUND THE WORLD

IN THE 8�8 International Chef-Owners Offer Culinary Tour WRITTEN BY JEREMY CARTER

cont. on page 100 96

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CECILIA MARCHESINI CECILIA'S KITCHEN

PHOTOGRAPHY: By Kendra Diaz

S A SOLIDLY SOUTHERN city, it’s little surprise that Asheville is home to some of the best regional staples you’ll find anywhere, including biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, Hoppin’ John, fried chicken, and barbecue (pick your style). But what may be unexpected is the scope of international delicacies found in town thanks to the talented foreign-born chef-restaurateurs who give the culinary scene a decidedly global flavor. Cecilia Marchesini, chef-owner of Cecilia’s Kitchen in north Asheville as well as La Guinguette in Black Mountain, attributes the number of thriving international restaurants in the area to the fact that “Asheville’s population is well-traveled and very open-minded. They are open to trying new things,” she says. “They’re also open to giving an opportunity to everyone.” Marchesini made the most of that chance when she started one of the city’s first food trucks, which is still in operation today. The success of the truck led to the opening of Cecilia’s Kitchen, where she serves food influenced by her Argentinian and Italian heritage. Here you’ll find hearty empanadas and

a look at asheville 2021-2022

SOUTH ASHEVILLE

12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE & BREWING Our taproom is open and ready to serve! Located in the same building as 12 Bones SOUTH, come join us and grab a beer and something to eat. 12 Bones SOUTH hours: Tues.-Sat. 11:30-4 dine-in; 11:30-8 take-out & Sun. 12-6 take-out only Brewery hours: Tues.-Thurs. 12-9; Fri.-Sat. 12-10; Sun. 12-7 12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE & BREWING

2350 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704 828.214.9827 12bonesbrewing.com

AIR is FOOD in Asheville

Learn more at foodinasheville.com

alookatasheville.com

EDS E F T N A R U A T S E R L A C LO

OVER 1/2 MILLION INSECURE RESIDENTS OF ASHEVILLE’S FOOD

SATURDAY&SUNDAY 5 BLOODY MARIAS&MIMOSAS

The Cantina located in Historic Biltmore Village and less than two miles from Downtown Asheville , boasts more than great Fresh Mex Food and a beautiful year round patio. This restaurant takes their role of feeding people to another level. In 2013 The Coggiolas, owners of The Cantina and Asheville natives, developed a SKIPASIDE option. All of their, very generously large entrees, come with your choice of two sides. Diners may opt to SKIP one or both of their sides and The Cantina in turn donates $2 for every side skipped to Manna Food Bank, providing food with hope and dignity to people experiencing hunger.

As of January of 2021, The Cantina donated enough money to provide over 1/2 million meals for our neighbors in need. THE CANTINA 10 Biltmore Plaza Historic Biltmore Village Asheville 828.505.7682 www.cantinabiltmore.com LUNCH & DINNER Thursday-Monday at 11am Closed Tuesday & Wednesday 1/2 OFF Margaritas ALL DAY MONDAY Saturday & Sunday $5 Bloody Marias & Mimosas

Delighting every diner at every seat with creative quesadillas, burritos, and other Mexican favorites, the Cantina provides many vegetarian and gluten-free choices. A must-try is their unique Stuffed Grilled Avocado filled with shrimp or chicken, which pairs perfectly with the Cantina’s Famous Avocado Margarita. All dishes are handmade with fresh ingredients every day and may vary depending on the availability of local produce and products. So while in the area, consider The Cantina, and consider “Being Nice with Your Rice” and skipping a side.

Call ahead seating available. NO RESERVATIONS.

Proud partner of:

a look at asheville 2019-2020

AROUND THE WORLD

IN THE 828

SUZY PHILLIPS

cont. from page 96 crepes (both savory and sweet) alongside tamales and sandwiches. At her Black Mountain restaurant, La Guinguette, the menu features many of the same items, though with more of a French twist. And for a French take on the concept of “comfort food,” try downtown’s Bouchon or east Asheville’s RendezVous, where chef Michel Baudouin, who grew up on a farm near Lyon, France, presents French fries seasoned with herbes de Provençe, plus steak au poivre, boeuf bourguignon and other European classics. Another chef who initially introduced the city to the food of her homeland via food truck is Suzy Phillips, whose popular rolling kitchen, Gypsy Queen Cuisine, is also a brick-and-mortar restaurant in west Asheville. A native of Lebanon, Phillips serves dishes from her birth country exactly as she experienced 100

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them as a child. These include shawarma, falafel, baba ghanoush and man’oosheh. For flavors from southeast Asia, there’s south Asheville’s Wild Ginger, where Aileen Tan specializes in Vietnamese phở with a strong influence of the Philippines, which is where she grew up. This is where you’ll find the house special Phở Đặc Biệt, with several types of meat, the seafoodbased Phở Hải Sản, and Phở Bò, with your choice of several cuts of steak. Meanwhile, Took Charemwong is co-owner and lead chef at downtown’s Little Bee Thai which serves traditional Thai dishes such as pad Thai, stir fry and several curries. Dishes are served as mild or as spicy as you like them, with “Thai spicy” (“hotter than hot,” as some say) being the most adventurous. A few blocks away at Chai Pani, four-time James Beard-nominated chef Meherwan Irani offers chaat (Indian cont. on page 106

PHOTOGRAPHY: (2) Courtesy of Suzy Phillips, Gypsy Queen; (1) courtesy of Cecilia Marchesini, Cecilia's Kitchen

GYPSY QUEEN

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AROUND THE WORLD

PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of Limones

IN THE 828

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Authentically HOMEMADE

We understand the importance of healthy eating, affordable pricing, and supporting our local economy — buying locally grown organic ingredients whenever possible. That’s why we cook with organic products like beef, chicken, pork, flour, eggs, and seasonal vegetables. As a result, our cuisine is fresh and mouth watering!

870 MERRIMON AVENUE, ASHEVILLE, NC 28804 | 828.505.0644 | CECILIASKITCHEN.COM a look at asheville 2021-2022

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DINING & NIGHTLIFE PROFILE 12 Bones Smokehouse & Brewing

WRITTEN BY KRISTIE CALHOUN

FAMILY VALUES AND MOUTH-WATERING BBQ 12 Bones Remains Faithful to Original Recipe for Success

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Angela and Bryan love most about 12 Bones Smokehouse is the people. They say that without their hardworking staff, the loyalty of the Asheville locals and the love of all the tourists who come through, they wouldn’t be where they are today. Whether you’re at their Riverside location in the River Arts District or their South location in Arden, you’ll be met with the friendliest staff and most delectable barbecue, which will have you coming back for more.

12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE & BREWING

2350 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704 828.214.9827 12bonesbrewing.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: (All) By Kendra Diaz

FTER MEETING IN SAN Francisco and discovering a shared love of barbecue, Tom Montgomery and Sabra Kelly opened the original 12 Bones Smokehouse in the River Arts District more than 15 years ago. Appreciating the loyal following they quickly amassed and wanting to preserve the family-run values of the business for many years to come, they eventually welcomed Bryan and Angela King to the team with the intention of training them and passing the reins of ownership. And in the spring of 2012, that’s exactly what happened. Today, Bryan and Angela remain faithful to the restaurant’s original quality and consistency. The recipes have stayed since the beginning, and you won’t find anyone complaining; nearly every item on the menu is a fan favorite. Angela lists some of their top sellers as the BLT, turkey sandwich, ribs, blueberry chipotle sauce and, of course, the corn pudding. “People love a damn good corn pudding, collard greens and cheese grits,” she says. As much as they love the fun recipes and mouth-watering barbecue, what

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AROUND THE WORLD

IN THE 828

HUGO RAMIREZ LIMONES

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and lunch staples with a Latin twist, such as breakfast tacos, a breakfast salad with plantains, and a bomba roll filled with your choice of protein as well as rice and beans, avocado and ranchero sauce. Both of Paty Saez’s Pupuseria Patty restaurants are located in unassuming gas stations in West Asheville, but they serve up unforgettable authentic Honduran and Salvadorean food such as panqueques, baleadas, ropa vieja, pollo horneado and more. And of course no culinary world tour would be complete without some authentic international desserts. Downtown stalwart Old Europe has a staggering array of traditional European cakes, pies, cookies and other pastries crafted by Melinda Vetro, who was born in Hungary. This is the place to start your day with a light breakfast or end cont. on page 110

MEHERWAN IRANI CHAI PANI

PHOTOGRAPHY: (Hugo) By Kendra Diaz; (2) Courtesy of Chai Pani

cont. from page 100 street snacks) and thalis (traditional family meals), as well as curry, sandwiches and wraps, the latter of which includes the Sloppy Jai, an Indian take on the Sloppy Joe. Over on Eagle Street, just a block from Pack Square, chef and Mexico City native Hugo Ramirez of Limones blends fresh seafood with Latin American staples such as crema agria (a thick, buttery sour cream), guacamole and the distinctive kick of serrano peppers, which are native to the mountains just outside the capital city. The restaurant is also known for its ceviche, which is offered in several styles. Also downtown, Puerto Rica-born Hector Diaz takes diners on a tour of the Caribbean with a variety of paquetes, enchiladas, quesadillas and more at Salsa’s, while the menu at sister restaurant Bomba is filled with breakfast

A New Taste of the Old World Pomodoros offers an authentic Mediterranean experience in the heart of Western North Carolina. Drawing our inspiration from the countries of Greece and Italy, we tempt the palate with three separate menus of diverse and innovative dishes using the freshest and finest ingredients.

Pomodoros Greek & Italian Café East | 1070 Tunnel Road | Pomodorositalian.com | 828-299-3032

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WEEKEND BRUNCH when you size the “Outline” layer make sure you update the width of the stroke as it scales .

27 Broadway St | stradaasheville.com | socialloungeasheville.com | 828.348.8448

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WHERE THE MOUNTAINS MEET THE SEA. Unique flavors that pair fresh produce from the Appalachian mountains with fresh seafood.

Open at 5pm every night 35 Patton Ave | 828.350.0505 thelobstertrap.biz

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cont. from page 106 your night with something sweet to eat, accompanied by a glass of wine or beer. These are just a handful of the restaurants helmed by chefs born in other countries. There are countless others, and the best way to discover them is to ask the hotel or concierge at your hotel or bedand-breakfast for a recommendation — or simply get out and explore. And while the menus and flavors at all of these restaurants are as varied as the cultures from which they were born, two things unite all of the owners. First, there’s the fact that everything they create is imbued with a lifetime of stories and experiences. For example, Gypsy Queen’s Phillips says with a smile that she attended Mama Culinary University. “Food played such a part in our culture and it kept us busy during the war,” she says. “I love food, and I read cookbooks and cooking magazines. I watched my mother and other chefs cook and learned from them.” Second, each of these chefs does what they do out of pure love. As Phillips said, “Food is nurturing. It’s love. It’s peaceful. It’s all about sharing who you are and what you work for with people you care about.” Indeed, love permeates every aspect of these restaurants, from the food to the atmosphere and from the staff to the act of cooking itself. “I have always told myself that the day I stop loving this and feeling it is the day I’ll say, ‘That’s it," says Limones' Ramirez. “Just doing something doesn’t mean you put love into it,” he adds. “You have to [intentionally] put love into everything you do.”

GUIDE

WHERE TO EAT 12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE & BREWING

12bonesbrewing.com

828 FAMILY PIZZERIA 828pizzeria.com

ASHEVILLE PROPER ashevilleproper.com

BAKED PIE COMPANY bakedpiecompany.com

BARGELLO

bargelloavl.com

BLUE RIDGE

groveparkinn.com

LUELLA’S BAR-B-QUE luellasbbq.com

THE MARKET PLACE

marketplace-restaurant.com

THE MONTFORD ROOFTOP BAR themontford.com

NINE MILE

ninemileasheville.com

OLD EUROPE PASTRIES oldeuropepastries.com

PIE.ZAA

piezaapizzaasheville.com

BOUCHON FRENCH BISTRO

posanarestaurant.com

boneandbrothasheville.com ashevillebouchon.com

BUXTON HALL BARBECUE

buxtonhall.com

THE CANTINA AT BILTMORE VILLAGE cantinabiltmore.com

CAPELLA ON 9 capellaon9.com

CECILIA’S KITCHEN ceciliaskitchen.com

CHAI PANI

chaipanirestaurantgroup.com

COPPER CROWN coppercrownavl.com

THE CORNER KITCHEN

thecornerkitchen.com

CÚCINA 24

cucina24restaurant.com

CÚRATE

katiebuttonrestaurants.com/curate/

EDISON

groveparkinn.com

GYPSY QUEEN CUISINE gypsyqueencuisine.com

HEMINGWAY'S CUBA hemingwayscuba.com

HI-WIRE BREWING-BIG TOP LA GUINGUETTE

laguinguettecreperie.com

LAUGHING SEED CAFE laughingseed.com

LIMONES RESTAURANT limonesrestaurant.com

alookatasheville.com

thelobstertrap.biz

BONE AND BROTH

hiwirebrewing.com

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THE LOBSTER TRAP

POSANA

POMODOROS

pomodorositalian.com

RED STAG GRILL

kesslercollection.com/red-stag-grill

RHUBARB

rhubarbasheville.com

SALSA'S

salsasnc.com

SMOKY PARK SUPPER CLUB smokypark.com

STONEY KNOB CAFÉ stoneyknobcafe.com

STRADA ITALIANO stradaasheville.com

SUNSET TERRACE groveparkinn.com

TABLE

tableasheville.com

TUPELO HONEY CAFÉ tupelohoneycafe.com

TWISTED LAUREL twistedlaurel.com

VILLAGE WAYSIDE BAR & GRILLE villagewayside.com

groveparkinn.com

WASABI

wasabiasheville.com

WHITE LABS KITCHEN & TAPS whitelabsbrewingco.com

WILD GINGER

wildgingernoodle.com

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ADVENTURE & ATTRACTIONS CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

112-125 SECTION PAGES

114-122

ASHEVILLE GOES GREEN Exploring the Greenways of Asheville

124 PROFILE

Grandfather Mountain

126

Asheville and the surrounding areas have a bounty of options for those seeking a bit of adventure. Whether you are here with the family or traveling solo, here in the heat of summer or chill of winter, whatever your mission, you’ll find no shortage of activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains. For starters, there are countless miles of hiking and biking trails in and around Asheville, including at Biltmore, North Carolina Arboretum and Grandfather Mountain. The rolling topography also makes for some beautiful, yet challenging, golf outings plotted by some of the top names in the game, while the miles upon miles of rivers present tubing, canoeing, paddle boarding, rafting and kayaking. If you’re not entirely sure where to seek your thrills, call on an outfitter such as Hunter Banks Fly Fishing or the running and walking pros at Jus’ Running. You’ll find bountiful supplies for your adventures at those establishments as well as at Mast General Store. And if your escapades happen to leave you with a scrape, bruise or other “uh-oh,” the professionals at Range Urgent Care can help you get back on your feet.

WNC BY THE NUMBERS PHOTOGRAPHY: By Kendra Diaz

A Quick Look at Local Stats

For a more low-key — but still thrilling — time, check out Lakeview Putt and Play (with mini golf, virtual reality and more) or a personalized outing on the Blue Ridge Parkway with Parkway Picnics. Additional attractions include the WNC Nature Center, Asheville Museum of Science, Thomas Wolfe Memorial and many others. So lace up your boots, prepare yourself for fun, and get out there! From mild to wild, your ideal adventure awaits.

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WRITTEN BY MICHAEL WELCH

ASHEVILLE GOES

GREEN Exploring the Greenways of Asheville

PAGES

114-122

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Asheville’s River Arts District has been a burgeoning attraction for years, but regular visitors to the area will notice a stunning transformation as of late. The Wilma Dykeman Greenway, a 2.2-mile stretch of paved pathway complete with protected bike lanes, river access, additional parking and public art, is the newly completed centerpiece of the River Arts District Transportation Improvement Project (RADTIP).

ASHEVILLE GOES

PHOTOGRAPHY: By Kendra Diaz

GREEN

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ASHEVILLE GOES

GREEN

it today • V vis

c ville. om to he

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The RADTIP has been decades in the making, and Asheville has been working to develop greenways for more than 30 years — a timeline that largely coincides with the rise of a national greenway movement in the ‘90s. The 2.8-mile French Broad River Greenway, developed in 1988, was the city’s first major success story, offering a meandering riverside path from Hominy Creek through Carrier Park and on to the French Broad River Park. Prior to the completion of the Wilma Dykeman Greenway, just three other sections had been built, including the 0.7-mile Glenn's Creek Greenway in Montford, the 0.8-mile Reed Creek Greenway near UNC Asheville, and the almost 0.5-mile Riverbend Park Greenway along the Swannanoa River in East Asheville. Lucy Crown, the city’s 116

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first designated Greenway Planner and an Asheville native, has been fighting to regain greenway momentum since she began in her position in 2014. Much like a stroll through the region, greenway development is at times an uphill battle. Mountainous terrain and a river with a wide floodplain have made flat, developable land a scarce and valuable resource, and much of it is already allocated to railroads and highways. All these obstacles make the Wilma Dykeman Greenway, which represents an almost 50 percent increase in Asheville’s total greenway mileage, an even bigger win. Crown is rightfully proud of the project: “It’s really helped redefine what riverfront redevelopment means in Asheville, and it offers a good picture of what we would like to see along the French Broad and the Swannanoa,” she said. cont. on page 118

PHOTOGRAPHY: (Aerial) By André Daugherty, Pro 16 Productions; (2) By Kendra Diaz

p out your ma

REVITALIZING THE RAD

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MAKING MOVES

In most cities and towns, greenway programs are a part of the parks department, but in the early 2010s, the Asheville city council saw greenways as a key component of the area’s future transportation infrastructure. Now that the Wilma Dykeman Greenway is complete, for example, many residents or visitors staying near the French Broad

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River Greenway in West Asheville have access to the RAD and parts of downtown, or vice versa, all without having to walk or ride bikes on busy city streets. Opposite the Wilma Dykeman Greenway, a new section between the French Broad River Park and a half-mile path that’s adjacent to New Belgium Brewing will create a total of four miles of greenway on the west side of the river along West Asheville. Construction is slated to begin in 2021 and will take approximately a year to finish. Once complete, the addition will move the city one step closer toward making the River

to Ridge plan a reality. Crown acknowledges that there’s still a long way to go, but she’s optimistic. “We're working really hard on the River to Ridge,” she said. “Once the greenways on the French Broad are finished and the Nasty Branch and Reed Creek sections are finished, you'll start to really see this connected network that allows you to move around on greenways instead of streets.” The Nasty Branch Greenway, which could see construction begin in Fall 2021, is so named because the waterway flowing through the neighborhood used cont. on page 120

PHOTOGRAPHY: By André Daugherty, Pro 16 Productions

cont. from page 116 “The fact that a project can increase personal enjoyment, environmental stewardship, and civic pride, all while injecting economic stimulus — it’s really a great thing. Talk about ROI.” The RADTIP is already paying off, and more than 250 artists, 15 restaurants and coffee shops, and five recreation businesses now call the area home. Ryan Lansche, co-owner of Asheville Adventure Company, moved his guiding outfit from north Asheville to take advantage of the new infrastructure and attractions in the RAD. “Amazing restaurants from 12 Bones to Smokey Park, two Wedge brewery locations, and a beautiful greenway correcting it,” he said. “Throw in a great river access and we couldn’t be happier moving to our new home on 99 Riverside Drive with Second Gear and Sugar ‘n Spice.” While the completion of the Wilma Dykeman Greenway is a major accomplishment, it’s ultimately just one component of a larger “River to Ridge” greenway network. This system will connect different areas of Asheville — including Beaucatcher Mountain, downtown’s South Slope, and West Asheville — with the French Broad river serving as the hub. Each of the individual sections will offer all the usual benefits that accompany greenway projects, but together, they have a higher purpose: helping people get from one part of the city to another.

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cont. from page 118 to receive stormwater and sewage runoff from the downtown and Town Mountain areas. Attempts by the city to rename it the Town Branch Greenway were met with resistance by the community members, who had always referred to the creek as the Nasty Branch. They felt the name was an attempt to erase some of the history of the largely African American neighborhood. “Talking with the community, I found out that they didn't feel listened to, and they didn't feel like the Town Branch Greenway was theirs. It was just a thing that was being put through

their neighborhood and happening to them. Hopefully the renaming will make them feel more empowered, like this is their neighborhood greenway. That’s how communities should feel when a greenway is going in.” Community buy-in will be key if Asheville is to successfully create a broad, connected network branching out into different parts of the city. In the same way that road systems combine interstates, arterial roads, feeder roads and neighborhood streets, the various Asheville greenway projects are being designed around anticipated

service levels and topography, but also considerations of how they might fit into the whole system. Like the many creeks and tributaries in the area, sidewalks and trails in neighborhoods will combine with larger footpaths and eventually flow to the most robust infrastructure along the French Broad.

ARTERIES AROUND ASHEVILLE

Greenways are being given a more prominent place in communities around the country, but even as Asheville looks to cont. on page 122

WANT TO

GET INVOLVED?

CONNECT BUNCOMBE

A nonprofit dedicated to the growth of greenways in Buncombe county. connectbuncombe.org

ASHEVILLE ON BIKES

A nonprofit dedicated to the improvement of biking and walking infrastructure in Asheville and the greater Western North Carolina region. ashevilleonbikes.com

PISGAH AREA SORBA

Local chapter of the nonprofit Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association dedicated to maintenance of local trails, creation of bike skills parks, and advocacy for biking as a form of transportation and recreation pisgahareasorba.org

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PHOTOGRAPHY: (Large) By Kendra Diaz; (Small) André Daugherty, Pro 16 Productions

These organizations are working to develop green spaces in the city of Asheville and beyond.

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cont. from page 120 places like Boulder, Colorado and Austin, Texas for inspiration, Crown maintains that greenways should always be a product of the area they serve. In Asheville, leaders view greenways as not just an opportunity to improve access to recreation, but a viable means of establishing safe pedestrian and bicycle transportation options. The city’s River to Ridge network is a start, but it could someday be a small spoke in a much larger regional hub. Black Mountain, Asheville’s neighbor to the east, has plans for a 1.5-mile Riverwalk Greenway connecting existing footpaths. In the opposite direction, Waynesville citizens are looking to link the 4.8-mile Waynesville Greenway with a 3.8-mile path around Lake Junaluska. What do these two projects more than 40 miles apart have in common? They would both tie into the Hellbender Trail — a proposed system of almost 150 miles of greenway connecting existing infrastructure in five Western North Carolina counties. The Hellbender Trail is a concept spearheaded by the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization. As Director Tristan Winkler explained to the Asheville Citizen-Times, “Buncombe County has a plan, Henderson County has a plan, the town of Canton and Waynesville have plans. There's all this work that's been done by local staff and elected officials and advocates all over the region. Our job was really just starting to stitch them together.” The Hellbender Trail takes its name from North America’s largest aquatic salamander, which is native to the streams running through the North Carolina mountains. Its presence is an indication of pristine water quality and the overall health of the habitat, and someday, its namesake trail might be evidence of a thriving ecosystem of greenways connecting communities throughout the region.

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GUIDE

ADVENTURE & ATTRACTIONS AMAZING PUBCYCLE amazingpubcycle.com

ASHEVILLEHOTAIRBALLOONS

LAUNCH TRAMPOLINE PARK launchtrampolinepark.com

ashevillehotairballoons.com

LAZOOM

ASHEVILLE MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE

MOUNT MITCHELL STATE PARK

lazoomtours.com

ashevillegc.com

ncparks.gov/mount-mitchell-state-park

ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE

MOUNTAIN PLAY LODGE

ashevillescience.org

ASHEVILLE PINBALL MUSEUM

mountainplaylodge.com

NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER

ashevillepinball.com

noc.org

ASHEVILLE ROOFTOP BAR TOURS

NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES

ashevillerooftopbartours.com

ASHEVILLE WINE TOURS ashevillewinetours.com

navitat.com

NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM ncarboretum.org

OCONALUFTEE INDIAN VILLAGE

BEECH MOUNTAIN RESORT

visitcherokeenc.com/play/attractions/ oconaluftee-indian-village

BENT CREEK EXPERIMENTAL FOREST

THE OMNI GROVE PARK INN

beechmountainresort.com

srs.fs.usda.gov/bentcreek

BILTMORE biltmore.com

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY blueridgeparkway.org

BOTANICAL GARDENS AT ASHEVILLE ashevillebotanicalgardens.org

BROADMOOR GOLF LINKS broadmoorlinks.com

CATALOOCHEE SKI AREA cataloochee.com

CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK chimneyrockpark.com

THE GORGE ZIPLINE thegorgezipline.com

GRAY LINE TROLLEY TOURS graylineasheville.com

HOOD HUGGERS INTERNATIONAL TOURS hoodhuggers.com

HUNTER BANKS FLY FISHING

groveparkinn.com

PARKWAY PICNICS

parkwaypicnics.squarespace.com

RANGE URGENT CARE rangeurgentcare.com

SMITH-MCDOWELL HOUSE MUSEUM

wnchistory.org/smith-mcdowell-house

SKY TUBING skytubing.com

THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL wolfememorial.com

TREETOPS ADVENTURE PARK ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com

TUKIT TOUR COMPANY tukittourcoasheville.com

URBAN TRAIL bit.ly/avlurban

USA RAFT usaraft.com

WNC NATURE CENTER wildwnc.org

hunterbanks.com

WOLF RIDGE SKI RESORT

JUS’ RUNNING

ZEN TUBING

jusrunning.com

LAKEVIEW PUTT & PLAY lakeviewputtandplay.com

skiwolfridge.com zentubing.com

We Are Your Shoe Fitting Experts. WNC’s running and walking headquarters since 1998 Trail running, road running and walking footwear, gear and apparel, expert advice, custom shoe fittings, local knowledge Nestled in the heart of the WNC mountains, Jus’ Running is Asheville’s favorite running and walking store. Brands we carry include Brooks, Hoka, New Balance, Salomon, Altra, The North Face, Saucony, Nike, On, Adidas, Oiselle, and Rabbit.

Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm Sun: 1pm-5pm

828.252.7867 | 523 Merrimon Ave. | Asheville, NC 28804 | Located just 1 mile North of Downtown Asheville!

LUXURY POP-UP PICNICS IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! • Beautifully landscaped 18 hole mini golf course • Immersive virtual reality booths with over 60 games • Ice cream from The Hop Creamery • Summer 2021-Outdoor Laser Tag! 2245 Hendersonville Road | Arden, NC 28704 828-676-1746 | lakeviewputtandplay@gmail.com

parkwaypicnics@gmail.com

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124

ADVENTURE & ATTRATCTIONS PROFILE Grandfather Mountain

WRITTEN BY MICHAEL WELCH

PEAK EXPERIENCES It’s More Than Mountain Views at One of North Carolina’s Most Incredible Attractions

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rhododendrons at their most vibrant. To Frank Ruggiero, director of marketing and communications for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, that combination is the core of Grandfather Mountain’s mission. “What we do up here is connect outdoor fun with education,” says Ruggiero. “Folks may visit to see the sights, cross the bridge and meet our animals, but they wind up leaving with a sense of wonder and an entirely new appreciation for the natural world.”

GRANDFATHER MOUNATIN

2050 Blowing Rock Hwy., Linville, NC 28646 828.733.2013 grandfather.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: (All) Courtesy of Grandfather Mountain

INCE 1952, GRANDFATHER Mountain has been a standout attraction in a region known for its natural beauty, and not only because it towers above the surrounding landscape at almost 6,000 feet above sea level. The site's 720 acres are home to 73 rare or endangered species and 16 distinct ecological communities — more than any mountain east of the Rockies. This led the United Nations to label the destination as a Biosphere Reserve, designating it an area of immense ecological significance to the world. Twelve miles of hiking trails run the gamut from easy to intense. A few routes are even steep enough to require ladders and cables. For those who favor more accessible adventures, the mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge spans a 228-foot chasm between two peaks, offering a 360-degree panorama. The park also aims to educate visitors through a natural history museum and a variety of programs with some of the naturalists on staff, including animal encounters like a “Meet the Cougars” tour and the “Rhododendron Romp,” which showcases the park's blooming

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NUMBERS A Quick Look at Local Stats

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When you start digging into the history, geography and culture of Asheville and the surrounding towns, you can uncover some pretty impressive figures. In addition to providing a glimpse of what makes this such a singular place to visit and to live, these quick facts can be fun to toss out to friends and family. Yet if there's one thing that can't be quantified, it's the number of unforgettable experiences that await in the 828!

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NUMBERS

26 MOVIES FILMED HERE

MILES

of the French Broad River in North Carolina

200

WORKING ARTISTS IN THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT

• Masterminds • The Hunger Games • Richie Rich • Forrest Gump • Last of the Mohicans • Dirty Dancing • Being There and more.

JAMES BEARDNOMINATED CULINARY PROFESSIONALS IN ASHEVILLE

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BREWERIES

from nanobreweries to top names in craft ales

175,000

SQUARE

FEET

THE SIZE OF BILTMORE HOUSE, AMERICA'S LARGEST PRIVATELY OWNED HOME

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WITHIN A 50-MILE RADIUS

212

AVERAGE NUMBER OF SUNNY DAYS IN ASHEVILLE PER YEAR

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ADVERTISER

INDEX

2021-2022

ADVENTURE & ATTRACTIONS Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours.............121 Asheville Salt Cave....................................34 Biltmore Company, The....... Back Cover Claying Around...........................................87 Grandfather Mountain........................119 Hunter Banks Fly Fishing...................121 Jonas Gerard Fine Art Gallery............81 Lakeview Putt & Play............................ 123 LEAF Global Arts.......................................87 Moogseum....................................................87 Parkway Picnics....................................... 123 Rabbit Rabbit...............................................89 Range Urgent Care............................... 117 Shoji Spa......................................................... 41 Still Point Wellness...................................35 Valley Echo, The.........................................66

ANTIQUES Estate Jewelry, Ltd. .. ................................69 ScreenDoor..................................................62

APPAREL & ACCESSORIES Asheville Grown Business Alliance ........ ........................................................................ 67 Asheville Yoga Center.............................34 Bellagio Art to Wear................................10 Bohemian Baby..........................................76 Caravans........................................................ 74 Country Casuals........................................63 C.W. Moose Trading Company...........66 Discount Shoes...........................................63 Ect. Consignment Shoppe.....................60 Embellish Asheville...................................56 Jus' Running.............................................. 123 L'optique......................................................... 41 maison mary.................................................56 Mast General Store.....................................1 Mora Jewelry..............................................58 Paul Taylor Custom Sandals & Belts ...... ................................................................ 58, 68 Roberto Coin...............................................75 Spicer Greene Jewelers.........................59

ART, POTTERY & MORE Alexander & Lehnert................................77 Artisans on Main........................................83 Blue Spiral 1....................................................9 Claying Around...........................................87 Dog & Pony Show......................................57 Jonas Gerard Fine Art Gallery............81 LEAF Global Arts.......................................87 Mangum Pottery........................................83 Miya Gallery.................................................83 Momentum Gallery..................................13 Moogseum....................................................87 New Morning Gallery..............................11 ScreenDoor..................................................62 Southern Highland Craft Guild..............7 Woolworth Walk.......................................68

CANDLES & SOAPS Element Tree Essentials.........................67 Sister Spa.......................................................39 Skin Spa Asheville .....................................38

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Spa at Biltmore Village............................39 Whist............................................................... 62

CHOCOLATE & CONFECTIONS Baked Pie Company.............................. 101 Chocolate Fetish, The........................ 3, 61 Rocket Fizz of Asheville, Inc. ...............60

DINING 12 Bones Smokehouse...........................98 828 Family Pizzeria..................................98 AIR Asheville................................................98 Asheville Grown Business Alliance ........ ....................................................................... 67 Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours.............121 Baked Pie Company.............................. 101 Biltmore Company, The....... Back Cover Cantina Biltmore, The ............................99 Cecilia's Kitchen...................................... 103 Hi-Wire Brewing.................................... 107 La Guinguette.......................................... 103 Lobster Trap, The.................................... 109 Luella's Bar-B-Que...................................97 Parkway Picnics....................................... 123 Pomodoros Greek & Italian Café............. ..................................................................... 107 Rabbit Rabbit...............................................89 Social Lounge............................................ 108 Strada Italiano.......................................... 108 Twisted Laurel.......................................... 111 White Labs Kitchen & Taps................108

GALLERYS Blue Spiral 1....................................................9 Jonas Gerard Fine Art Gallery............81 Mangum Pottery........................................83 Momentum Gallery..................................13 Southern Highland Craft Guild..............7 Woolworth Walk.......................................68

GIFTS Alexander & Lehnert................................77 Artisans on Main........................................83 Asheville Grown Business Alliance......... ........................................................................ 67 Baked Pie Company.............................. 101 Bohemian Baby..........................................76 Chocolate Fetish, The........................ 3, 61 C.W .Moose Trading Company...........66 Dog & Pony Show......................................57 Ect. Consignment Shoppe.....................60 Element Tree Essentials.........................67 Embellish Asheville...................................56 Enter the Earth...........................................76 Estate Jewelry, Ltd. ..................................69 Marthaler Jewelers ....................................... ....................................... Inside Back Cover Miya Gallery.................................................83 Moogseum....................................................87 New Morning Gallery..............................11 Roberto Coin...............................................75 Rocket Fizz of Asheville, Inc.................60 Rug & Home......................................... 53, 62 Southern Highland Craft Guild..............7 Spicer Greene Jewelers.........................59 Town Hardware & General Store......66 Whist............................................................... 62

HEALTH, WELLNESS & SELF CARE Asheville Pet Supply.................................60 Asheville Salt Cave....................................34 Asheville Yoga Center ............................34 Dr Loop OMD - Chinese & Ayurvedic Medicine Clinic .....................................38 Element Tree Essentials.........................67 L'optique......................................................... 41 Range Urgent Care............................... 117 Shoji Spa......................................................... 41 Sister Spa.......................................................39 Skin Spa Asheville .....................................38 Spa at Biltmore Village............................39 Still Point Wellness...................................35

HOME: FURNITURE, DÉCOR & ACCESSORIES Artisans on Main........................................83 Asheville Pet Supply.................................60 Blue Spiral 1....................................................9 Dog & Pony Show......................................57 Enter the Earth...........................................76 Jonas Gerard Fine Art Gallery............81 Mangum Pottery........................................83 Momentum Gallery..................................13 New Morning Gallery..............................11 Rug & Home ........................................ 53, 62 ScreenDoor..................................................62 Southern Highland Craft Guild..............7 Town Hardware & General Store......66

JEWELRY Alexander & Lehnert................................77 Bellagio Art to Wear................................10 Caravans........................................................ 74 Embellish Asheville...................................56 Enter the Earth...........................................76 Estate Jewelry, Ltd. ..................................69 L'optique......................................................... 41 Marthaler Jewelers........................................ ....................................... Inside Back Cover Miya Gallery.................................................83 Mora Jewelry..............................................58 Paul Taylor Custom Sandals & Belts....... ................................................................ 58, 68 Roberto Coin...............................................75 Spicer Greene Jewelers.........................59 Woolworth Walk.......................................68

OUTDOOR APPAREL Hunter Banks Fly Fishing...................121 Jus' Running.............................................. 123 L'optique......................................................... 41 Mast General Store.....................................1

REAL ESTATE Beverly-Hanks & Associates, REALTORS....................................... 44-45 GreyBeard Realty.....................................47 Kaizen Homes ............................................49 Private Mountain Communities............... ......................................Inside Front Cover Realty ONE Group Pivot..........................8 Walnut Cove Realty.................................12

SHOES Caravans........................................................ 74 Discount Shoes...........................................63 Ect. Consignment Shoppe.....................60 Jus' Running.............................................. 123 Paul Taylor Custom Sandals & Belts....... ................................................................ 58, 68

SHOPPING CENTERS Grove Arcade, The ...........................72-73

SPAS & SALONS Asheville Salt Cave....................................34 Asheville Yoga Center.............................34 Dr Loop OMD - Chinese & Ayurvedic Medicine Clinic .....................................38 Shoji Spa......................................................... 41 Sister Spa.......................................................39 Skin Spa Asheville .....................................38 Spa at Biltmore Village............................39 Still Point Wellness...................................35

TOYS & THINGS FOR KIDS Asheville Pet Supply.................................60 Bohemian Baby..........................................76 Claying Around...........................................87 C.W. Moose Trading Company...........66 Lakeview Putt & Play............................123 Mast General Store.....................................1 Rocket Fizz of Asheville, Inc.................60 Town Hardware & General Store......66 Whist............................................................... 62

WINE, BEER & DISTILLERIES 12 Bones Brewing.....................................98 AIR Asheville................................................98 Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours.............121 Biltmore Company, The....... Back Cover Cantina Biltmore, The ............................99 Cecilia's Kitchen...................................... 103 Hi-Wire Brewing.................................... 107 Pomodoros Greek & Italian Café............. ..................................................................... 107 Rabbit Rabbit...............................................89 Social Lounge............................................ 108 Strada Italiano.......................................... 108 Twisted Laurel.......................................... 111 White Labs Kitchen & Taps................108

JEWELE RS

YOUR RELATIONSHIP HAS A STORY, YOUR JEWELRY SHOULD TOO.