Mountain Xpress 09.06.23

ALONG FOR THE RIDE

This year’s tourism numbers are down. Yet, local mobile tour companies say they’ve seen only a slight decline in ticket sales. Nevertheless, these enterprises continue to adjust their approaches to continue to attract riders.

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An elder’s brave bike venture

Since COVID, I have found myself thinking differently about my body. She has always been strong and supportive. Since COVID was a bandit of more than time, things are different now. And I’m sharing some of the differences because I know I’m not the only one taking note.

I walk or ride my bike all the way from the small parking lot at Karen Cragnolin Park to Hominy Creek River Park and back. Each way it’s about a 3-mile, almost level, paved path. I live about 4 miles from Carrier Park. So, taking my bike involves something of a production. I mount the bike rack, hoist the bike up and on each way, making sure the fits are as tight as I can get them. Unloading twice per trip makes for a total of four lifts. I’m still strong enough to safely handle lifting and loading, but it’s not as easy as it used to be. So, I’m grateful when someone in the parking lot kindly offers a hand.

Now I would describe the beautiful surroundings, lush greenery and open skies, and of course, folks kayaking and tubing in the French Broad, the many events on the park grounds — skaters, football practice, you name it — but for my safety, I pay close attention to what is going on in front of and all around me. (The best thing that could have happened is the new path at the small parking lot in Cragnolin Park, taking bikers at least for a few minutes off the sidewalk at Amboy Road!)

Once inside the main gate, my ride becomes even more about safety first. My coaster rides smoothly, so long as I make no sudden moves and transition well after a surprise! I find that people are generally not watching or anticipating the movement of others on this path. They’re just out there, doing what they do. That being the case, I come out earlier and earlier to have fewer surprise encounters and now see that sunup is probably the best time to avoid the meandering crowd. But wait.

There are numerous things to expect. The long, high, horizontal buckles in the pavement. Families with strollers and dogs stopped cold on the path, with no extra attention to pay to elders on bikes. Let’s not forget the kids riding electric scooters while on their phones Kids staring at their phones and seeing no oncoming traffic! Then, of course, you have the speeding bikers zipping silently around the rest of us

in a blur. Each time I ride safely round-trip feels like some kind of miracle! Yes, I’m describing the stress involved in solo biking in the park. (Perhaps with a riding buddy and no distractions, I’d enjoy this venture more …)

As it is, I love the fresh air, good exercise and time in nature. Thankfully, I react to surprises in time, but not without a choice four-letter word for the trouble! Why? Because my bike venture — responding with a quick swerve and avoiding accidents — suddenly feels like work. Because there was a time when such maneuvers were second nature, needing no extra thought, effort or recovery. After all, I’ve been riding a bike since my single digits, right?

But alas, that old saying “It’s just like riding a bike” doesn’t hold up anymore. Not because riding a bike is any different, as much as I am. Different.

That single-digits time of bike riding fun was the 1960s, long come and gone. Within the last 60 years, I’ve seen times, things and I, myself, naturally change. My depth perception, reflexes and focus are all changed. Some call it the one constant in life. Now, this cautious rider remembers that these infrequent trips are about more than just coming out, marveling at the natural beauty and enjoying the ride. Can she get a witness?

— Meta Commerse Asheville

Meta Commerse is founder of Story Medicine Worldwide, where she curates the Elder Women’s Writers’ Workshop, soon registering new members. Email her at wordmedicinewoman@mail.com.

How about a new auditorium on the South Slope?

The city tosses around figures of $100 million to $200 million like pocket change to remodel the aged Thomas Wolfe Auditorium [“City and Arts Leaders Discuss Renovation Options for Asheville’s Shuttered Auditorium,” Aug. 30, Xpress]. Why not buy the finished ghost garage on the South Slope from troubled developers for pennies on the dollar and use the balance of the land for a new Thomas Wolfe for what I am sure could be accomplished for half of what they are projecting on the remodel?

This would be a boon for South Slope breweries, and on nights that the center is used, I’m sure a private enterprise or even Asheville transit could run transport to the other city garages and downtown hotels to deliver and return guests if the South Slope garage is not big enough. Plus, the garage could be used for Tourists ballgames with a short walk, making the millions being invested in the stadium even more sensible.

— David Schulman Asheville

Spend public money on public schools

[Regarding “Public Money for Private Schools: N.C. Legislature Prioritizes Private Education,” Aug. 9, Xpress:]

I strongly believe that no public money should be spent on charter schools. Spend the money to improve

traditional public schools. Any public money to any religious school is completely and wholly unconstitutional.

— Greg Massey Hendersonville

North Asheville’s parking lot

Congratulations! To the City of Asheville and all the others involved in deciding and implementing the changes that have turned Merrimon Avenue into a parking lot! All day, every day. Proud of yourselves?

— Patricia Wald Asheville

City should provide public toilets and more in West Asheville

Thank you for your reporting on West Asheville public concerns! [“Moral Dilemma: West Asheville Struggles with the Impacts of Homelessness,” Aug. 23, Xpress]

It seems people are so eager to spend money on high-tech, behind-the-scenes surveillance, yet things that could/would really make a difference to the community, like the water fountains and public toilets, are neglected, year after year.

Yes, it takes manpower to install and maintain such services. Yes, we can and absolutely should provide these things to the community. The public toilets and drinking water access points are exactly what our tax dollars should support. No excuses, Mayor Esther Manheimer!

Thank you again for your reporting.

A supporter,

— Libi Libner Enka-Candler

CARTOON BY RANDY MOLTON

META COMMERSE

THE SHALLOT

The Annual Tearing Up of the Sidewalks Festival

Once again Asheville celebrated another raucous weekend of jackhammers, bulldozers and orange traffic cones disrupting all normal business operations. The annual Tearing Up the Sidewalks Festival was timed to coincide with Labor Day Weekend, traditionally one of the largest tourist weekends kicking off leaf season. While the festival has moved around in recent years, it seems to have found a permanent home at the tail end of Wall Street, although satellite venues are expected to be added to future gatherings, so check with ADA for updates. All funds from the ticketed festival benefited displaced buskers. X

CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN

Like The Onion, but purple

Reassessing the assessments

Questions persist about county property appraisals

BY GREG PARLIER

gparlier@mountainx.com

A little over a year after Buncombe County’s Ad Hoc Reappraisal Committee presented recommendations to the Board of Commissioners about how to make the county’s property valuations more equitable, Tax Assessor Keith Miller says he is “very confident” that the changes he’s implemented will improve the process used in the next reappraisal in 2025.

“Does mass appraisal and will mass appraisal always have inherent issues? Yes. But we have now identified what many of those inherent issues are in our community, and now how do we break those down and deal with them? We’re working through those every day,” says Miller.

However, consultant Joe Minicozzi of Asheville-based

Urban3, whose unsolicited, unpaid analysis was what prompted the commissioners to establish the reappraisal committee, says that those changes haven’t gone far enough and that the committee itself wasn’t given a sufficient opportunity to review his firm’s work. Minicozzi estimates that collectively, Urban3 volunteered about 300 hours of staff time to the project.

Presented to the county commissioners and tax assessment staff early in 2021, that analysis suggested that higher-valued properties tended to be underassessed and lower-valued properties overassessed, based on market value. Minicozzi maintains that this disproportionately affects historically Black neighborhoods.

Brownie Newman , chair of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, says that while he thinks the committee’s recommendations will greatly improve the overall reappraisal process, he’s disappointed that they didn’t directly address the fundamental

question of whether those inequities exist.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST?

Committee member Ori Baber, who worked for Urban3 at the time but is now an independent consultant, says that from the outset, county staff downplayed the firm’s conclusions during the committee’s discussions, starting with the hiring of consultant Syneva Economics to review the assessment data.

“In my opinion, [it was] not a goodfaith effort at finding a consultant to do this work,” he says. “My personal sticking point is that Syneva had, at the time, no prior experience evaluating tax assessment disparities — no track record whatsoever.”

Tom Tveidt, president of Syneva Economics, doesn’t dispute that point. During his March 9, 2022, presentation to the committee, he said: “When we were first looking at this project I was kind of grumpy because, believe me, I don’t know

anything about assessments at all, and I still don’t. I’m looking only at outcomes.” Tveidt’s Waynesvillebased firm specializes in regional economic analysis of localized data, but not property tax assessments specifically.

In a recent interview with Xpress, Tveidt explained that his work for the county consisted of a simple sales ratio analysis. Such studies compare assessed values with market values. He then compared those results with county demographic data to determine if there were inequities in the system along racial and financial lines.

Tveidt says he found the sales ratio formula by researching industry standards online, and when he told the county it was pretty straightforward data that it probably already had, the response was that they “just wanted another outside source.”

In December 2021, county staffer Burnett Walz had told the reappraisal committee that Syneva would be providing an independent

TAX ACCESS: One recommendation of the Ad Hoc Reappraisal Committee was to increase access for residents, especially minority residents, to county Tax Department personnel. Tax Assessor Keith Miller says anyone can come to his office at 155 Hilliard Ave. with questions anytime. Photo by Frances O’Connor

— Buncombe County Tax Assessor

analysis. According to county procurement manager Ron Venturella, state law does not require that bids be solicited for service contracts. Nonetheless, the county subsequently changed course and decided to issue a request for proposals.

Three bids were submitted, and Syneva was ultimately selected once again, after receiving higher marks than the Asheville-based Urban3 in grading by both Walz and Miller. Walz explained that Syneva was able to meet multiple times during the specified 10-week timeline for the work and was “a little more on target” with the final product criteria.

But Baber maintains that Miller’s involvement was a conflict of interest since the appraisal process that he oversees is precisely what was being reviewed.

STATISTICAL DIFFICULTIES

Baber also says Syneva’s analysis, which found a far lower level of possible inequities than Urban3 had, was problematic because of its approach to the data.

For starters, he takes issue with the way each firm acquired the data used in its analysis. Tveidt says the county gave it to him after “taking out a few exceptions.” He says he’s not sure what those exceptions were, but he didn’t think they would affect the results. Conversely, Urban3 downloaded the data from the county’s online portal, says Baber.

To conduct its analysis, Syneva divided the county into 27 “geographies,” areas larger than the 65 tracts used in the 2020 census. The larger the geographies used, the harder it is to identify trends in the data, says Baber.

In Syneva’s report, for example, the historically Black Shiloh neighborhood is spread across multiple geographies, making it hard to identify trends related to property values there. Tveidt says that in working with Miller to define the boundaries of chosen geographies, they tried to choose neighborhoods that people were familiar with to make the report easier to understand.

Baber, however, cites a 2022 analysis of Buncombe County’s reappraisal system by professor Christopher Berry of the University of Chicago’s Center for Municipal Finance. Baber says the study, which used census tracts rather than geographies and reached conclusions similar to Urban3’s, was never officially shared with the committee.

In addition, says Baber, the Syneva report is based on the premise that the county’s computer-assisted mass appraisal system is working with complete and accurate data. Urban3’s analysis, on the other hand, shows what happens with the inaccurate data the system actually gets, due in part to incomplete reporting by property owners.

MIXED REVIEW: Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Chair Brownie Newman says the committee’s recommendations will improve the reappraisal process but expressed disappointment that they didn’t address the fundamental question of whether there are inequities. Photo by Frances O’Connor

Tveidt acknowledges that there may be some validity to that argument but says he was hired just to conduct a sales ratio analysis using data the county provided and compare the results with demographic data.

The appeals process enables taxpayers unhappy with their appraisal to submit information that might lead to a more accurate result, but

“... will mass appraisal always have inherent issues? Yes. We’re working through those every day.”

Baber argues that the process favors wealthier homeowners who have more time and resources to devote to filing appeals.

One of the committee’s recommendations was that the county increase efforts to educate residents about the appeals process, and Miller says he’s reached out through several channels in an attempt to close that gap.

DUELING CONCLUSIONS

Urban3’s work was presented to the committee on April 20, more than seven weeks after Newman emailed committee members urging them to hear the firm’s concerns.

“I was very surprised that they were having difficulty getting some airtime in front of the committee,” Newman told Xpress . “They have a valuable perspective and should be heard, so I certainly advocated for them to be heard.” The Board of Commissioners chair went on to say that, from his perspective, some committee members had acted “pretty defensively around my encouragement.”

The delay frustrated Baber and Minicozzi, who say the commit -

tee should have heard the presentation much sooner. The contentious April meeting included several heated exchanges between Minicozzi and Miller, and in its wake, the committee was left with conflicting analyses of the same data.

The confusion came to a head during the committee’s May 4 meeting. Committee member Jonathan Hunter , a local real estate agent who also serves on the Board of Equalization and Review, said the group had reached “a fork in the road. ... Data is data. What the county and [Syneva] have shown us tells a completely different story than Urban3. Who has more credibility?” he asked his fellow members.

REACHING OUT TO RESIDENTS

After two more meetings hashing out potential recommendations, the committee finally reached consen-

Key Points in Reappraisal Dispute

January, 2021: Buncombe County Tax Department releases latest property reappraisal results.

sus on June 14 and presented its findings to the commissioners on July 18.

Committee member DeWayne McAfee says he’s proud of the recommendations the panel made, particularly the ones calling for increased outreach to the Black community concerning the appraisal and appeals processes.

Miller says he’s made diverse efforts to implement most of the committee’s recommendations, including partnering with the Land of Sky Regional Council and the Buncombe County Bar Association and holding educational sessions in various neighborhoods to help residents learn how to submit an appeal and improve their access to county tax personnel.

“I believe these efforts have started to make an impact, and we are seeing and hearing more residents empowered with the information they need. Our hope is to continue

July: Buncombe County’s Homeowner Grant Program (avl.mx/cyv) launches, allowing eligible residents to apply for funds that can be applied to property taxes on their primary residence.

April: Urban3 principal Joe Minicozzi holds separate meetings with county commissioners, one or two at a time, to share findings of an unpaid analysis they did on their own initiative, highlighting what they say are inequities in the county’s property valuations.

UNFAIR PROCESS? Ori Baber of the Ad Hoc Reappraisal Committee says county staff downplayed Urban3’s conclusions concerning inequities in the county’s reappraisals. Photo courtesy of Baber

Nov. 2: Commissioners unanimously reappoint (avl.mx/cyx) Keith Miller as county tax assessor.

Nov. 17: Ad Hoc Reappraisal Committee convenes first meeting.

Dec. 8: During the committee’s second meeting, Management Analyst Burnett Walz, a Buncombe County staffer, announces that Tom Tveidt of Syneva Economics has been chosen (avl.mx/cyy) to provide an independent equity analysis of property appraisal data. Committee member Melanie Pitrolo raises questions about the appointment.

Sept. 7: Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approves a resolution (avl.mx/cyw) to create an Ad Hoc Reappraisal Committee.

Dec. 15: In response to those questions, Buncombe County changes course and issues a request for proposals (avl.mx/cyz) to conduct an equity analysis, with a Jan. 7 deadline for submissions.

“What the county and [Syneva] have shown us tells a completely different story than Urban3. Who has more credibility?”

— Ad Hoc Reappraisal Committee member Jonathan Hunter

the appeal clinics on a yearly basis for the foreseeable future,” Miller explains. “Knowing the history of redlining and inequity of property rights and values in some of our historic neighborhoods, we will continue to prioritize outreach to these residents.”

Additionally, the Tax Department is working on redrawing the “neighborhood market areas” that help appraisers identify comparable properties. The update, he says, aims to more accurately represent market conditions.

Miller has also added an automated valuation tool, which reassesses all single-family residential property nightly, creating estimates appraisers can use to audit assessed values. Another new tool is MyValueBC, an app that enables people to access the property record portal on a smartphone.

Newman, meanwhile, says that a lot of good recommendations came out of the committee, and the attention on the issue has forced the department to think seriously about how its appraisals are conducted. “I’m confident there’s going to be a better process going forward,” he says.

The lone committee recommendation that Miller hasn’t endorsed is to perform reappraisals more frequently. The state requires counties to reappraise property at least once every eight years, but most, like Buncombe, operate on a fouryear schedule.

Miller thinks the improvements he’s made to the system may prove to be sufficient, though he expects to revisit the question after the next assessment is completed. Last October, he calculated that reappraising twice as often would cost roughly $1.2 million every two years, plus funds for additional staff to handle the increased workload.

“I do feel more confident that you are going to find in January 2025 that these concerns will be handled and they’re going to go away,” Miller told the commissioners during an Aug. 15 briefing.

Committee member McAfee, however, says he’s willing to reevaluate the Tax Department’s efforts at any time, whether it’s before or after the next reappraisal.

Newman, however, questions whether more frequent reapprais -

als would be worth the additional cost of conducting them. “We don’t want to be burdening our residents, who could pay higher taxes than they need to pay,” he says. “I, for one, just want us to get to this next revaluation process and make sure we’re getting it done really well.”

Minicozzi maintains that the increased tax revenue the county would receive if higher-value homes were more accurately assessed would more than make up for the cost of more frequent appraisals. He believes the county needs to more clearly acknowledge the issues his analysis has uncovered, and he sees no need to wait until 2025 to consider further changes to the process.

Miller counters, “Regardless of what critics may think, this is a complex task for a small staff of appraisers. Our team is focused on continuous improvement, and we appreciate the attention that’s been brought to the property assessment process. By working closely with the community, we have the privilege to serve, we’ll be partners in this process for the betterment of all involved.” X

Jan. 7, 2022: Three entities submit proposals by the deadline: the International Association of Assessing Officers, (avl.mx/cz0) Syneva Economics (avl.mx/cz1) and Urban3 (avl.mx/cz2)

Jan. 12: Based on scoring by Miller and Walz, Syneva Economics is chosen (avl.mx/cz3) to conduct the analysis, although Urban3’s quote is more than $2,500 lower.

Feb. 28: Board of Commissioners Chair Brownie Newman sends an email (avl.mx/cz4) to the committee members urging it to hear Urban3’s concerns.

March 9: Tveidt presents Syneva’s analysis (avl.mx/cz5) to the committee, explaining that while property assessment is not his area of expertise, reviewing sales ratio data has enabled him to assess fairness issues. After further discussion and input from County Manager Avril Pinder, it’s decided that the committee will hear Urban3’s analysis at a future meeting.

April 20: Minicozzi formally presents Urban3’s work to the committee. He and Miller argue about the latter’s attempts to clarify what Minicozzi is saying.

June 14: The committee finalizes its recommendations.

July 19: Committee members Brenda Mills, Bobbette Mays and Jonathan Hunter present the group’s recommendations (avl.mx/cz6) to the county commissioners. Miller presents additional staff recommendations. (avl.mx/cz7)

Oct. 18: Miller updates the commissioners (avl.mx/cz8) on his office’s plans (avl.mx/cz9) for addressing both the committee’s recommendations and additional improvements to the reappraisal process. He estimates that reappraising every two years, as the committee recommended, would cost an additional $1.4 million each time, including funds to hire additional staff.

Aug. 15, 2023: Miller updates the commissioners on his office’s progress on implementing the committee’s recommendations.

REACHING OUT: Tax Assessor Keith Miller has appeared at more than half a dozen neighborhood meetings, explaining how property reappraisals work and how to appeal an assessment. Photo courtesy of Buncombe County

Along for the ride

Asheville’s mobile tours adapt to tourism trends

BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN

To gauge the health of downtown Asheville’s tourism industry each weekend, LaZoom Tours General Manager Kyle Samples implements a highly scientific experiment: Can he find a parking spot close to his Biltmore Avenue employer?

“I can’t — ever,” he says.

In turn, Samples was surprised by Asheville Watchdog’s recent article on numerous local businesses reporting significant decreases in revenue compared with previous summers. He experienced a similar shock when he conducted his monthly check of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s most recent data and saw that May’s lodging sales were down 7.3% from the previous year.

“I just assumed maybe people are choosing alternative lodging or something like that because our little section of downtown is still seeing about the same level of no parking,” he says.

LaZoom and other mobile tour companies experiencing business as usual this summer — or seeing only slight decreases in sales — is a testament to the industry’s enduring appeal.

“Visitors to Asheville like to learn about the city they are vacationing to,” says Laban Carvell, manager at Tukit Tour Co.

However, such enterprises aren’t immune from the struggles facing their fellow Asheville employers. While buses, trolleys and even threewheeled tuk-tuks offer a street-level view of what’s happening across the city, various adjustments to operations are necessary to remain relevant and continue to attract customers.

HOP ON, HOP OFF

Founded in 2007, the same year LaZoom launched, Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville operates out of

the Asheville Visitor Center and takes riders across the city and into the River Arts District and Biltmore Village. Patrons can remain on the trolley and enjoy a full 90- to 100-minute narrative, or they can hop off at any of the tour’s 10 stops and hop back on when a different trolley swings by every half-hour.

“Since it’s an on/off tour, [most people are] going to experience multiple guides,” says General Manager Jonathan Helmken. “They’re all going to be great, but I want them all to be a little bit different, too, so you get different takes on things.”

Helmken describes the tour’s script as “kind of a living document” that changes a little bit each year to maintain up-to-date information and address Asheville’s various additions and subtractions. He notes that the full script would take roughly four hours to narrate and that a good tour guide is sharing about a third of it, adjusting to their personal interests and those of their riders.

“It’s structured where we have supplemental information about different topics,” Helmken says.

“With Grove Park [Inn], for example, there’s a section on E.W. Grove and one on Fred Seely. If they get a question about one of them, then they can dive into that.”

Guides also balance historical information with current news and city regulations. For example, updates on the Asheville Tourists normally make their way into a script. Also, drivers will let riders know how long graffiti tagged with its artist’s name is allowed to remain on the exteriors of Foundy Street businesses in the River Arts District before being painted over. Adapting to such developments — and recently adding a second stop in the increasingly popular RAD — has allowed Gray Line to remain an in-demand tour despite 2023 being somewhat of a down year for business. The company declined to offer exact figures, but Helmken says sales are roughly down overall in the mid-single digits.

“We’re not untouched by any of the changes that others are seeing. We see all of that,” Helmken says. “After all this pent-up demand from the pandemic that we’ve gone through, essentially I think it was kind of inevitable that things leveled out a little bit.”

Helmken adds that European tourism is significantly up. A recent study by the European Travel Commission notes numbers are nearly back to 2019’s pre-pandemic levels, and Samples thinks that increased draw may be impacting local numbers more than people may think.

“I have some relatives that had to use a lot of credits from overseas trips that they couldn’t use during COVID,” Samples says. “They’re expiring now, so some of my relatives had to take a lot of trips this summer out of the country just to use those up. And I imagine there’s a lot of other people that are in that same boat that maybe would have gone to Asheville that aren’t.”

CHARACTER STUDY

Though Samples frequently recommends Gray Line since it’s an all-ages tour and most of LaZoom’s are not, his company and its iconic purple buses have largely weathered the dip in tourism thanks to their quirky offerings. The company declined to offer exact figures.

Samples describes LaZoom’s flagship “Hey Asheville” city comedy

tour as “an elevated, absurd version of a history tour.” While the route stays consistent and guides work from a base script along the way, they’re also playing characters that they’ve created, which allows them

to take the jokes in whatever direction they want.

“The [history] stories basically stay the same from guide to guide,” Samples says. “But there’s so many factors. If there’s a bunch of red

lights, then there’s a lot more history. Or if there’s a crowd that’s a little bit more boisterous, then we might tone the history down and do more crowd work. It’s a lot of thinking on your feet because the crowd is part of the show.”

Samples says LaZoom’s adult customers are primarily locals entertaining visitors but that the “Lil Boogers” kids comedy tours on Saturdays have been the easiest to fill this summer. LaZoom also offers the “Fender Bender” tour, which includes live music by a local band and stops at local breweries. He says the company caters to and openly invites bachelorette parties on that tour “because it’s a great experience for them and for us.” That’s one area where numbers were slightly down in early summer but have picked back up in August.

“There was a backlog of weddings and bachelorette parties that had to get postponed for two years [due to pandemic restrictions], and then they all happened last summer,” Samples says. “We’re still seeing a lot of bachelorette parties, but not as many as we did then.”

SAME AS IT EVER WAS

Samples often works behind the bar at the LaZoom Room, which puts him in direct contact with many of the business’s customers. He says that feedback from visitors this summer about their general Asheville experience hasn’t been noticeably different from what he’s heard in previous years.

But development across the city has led to some minor changes in daily operations. Construction of the River Arts Apartments at 146 Roberts St. has resulted in some minor rerouting of tours that go through the River Arts District.

“We like to point at things outside and talk about them, and it’s tough to do that with the rebar sticking out,” Samples says.

And with the construction of the Moxy Hotel across Biltmore Avenue putting an additional strain on downtown parking, Samples says LaZoom has relaxed its cancellation policy “to better help those that couldn’t find parking or got stuck in traffic.” In turn, LaZoom has been doing more rescheduling than usual.

“It’s tough on business, but part of the equation is customer service, so we have to keep that in mind,” he says.

As long as finding parking remains tough to find, Samples isn’t worried about LaZoom’s continued success. X

PURPLE POWER: LaZoom Tours guides create and play original characters. Pictured is Jon Monastero. Photo by Franzi Charen

LOCAL EDUCATION: Retired teacher David Pressley is one of Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville’s guides. Photo by Edwin Arnaudin

The next chapter

BY JUSTIN M c GUIRE

A few weeks after Paul Heaton retired to West Asheville in May, he saw a sign at Banks Ave. Bar that grabbed his attention.

“It was for an event they described as ‘inclusive country-western dancing,’” says Heaton, who moved to the area after working in Washington, D.C., for 12 years. “I was looking for activities that would get me in touch with people in the gay community, so I went.”

Heaton got to know the organizers of Butts & Boots AVL and soon became a regular at the weekly line-dancing and two-stepping event.

“That’s how I’ve met most of the people I know in Asheville,” he says. “It’s very friendly, it’s men, it’s women, it’s gay, it’s straight, it’s just people who want to come and have fun. As I’ve gone to other things around town, I run into people who I met there. It’s been a wonderful introduction.”

Western North Carolina has long been a popular destination for retirees. Forbes.com and Money.com both listed Asheville among the best places in the country to retire in recent years, for instance.

But finding a sense of community and purpose can be a challenge for folks who are no longer working and have no ties to the area. Recent retirees and experts agree Heaton’s direct approach, while intimidating to some, is the best way to start meeting people.

“You have to be brave enough to do a few things by yourself,” says Catherine Frank, executive director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville. “You do have to take some of those first steps and recognize that it probably feels

a lot like middle school when you weren’t getting picked for the team. But there are other people out there who absolutely are also looking for that community.”

Retirees told Xpress they have made connections in a variety of ways, from social media sites like Facebook and Meetup to neighborhood breweries, fitness centers and volunteer organizations. But they admit it isn’t always easy and takes persistence to find your people.

IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED

While Heaton was able to connect with a group of like-minded people within a few weeks of moving to Asheville, others found the process took longer.

Shoshana Avree arrived in town from Florida during the early days of the pandemic in 2020 after retiring from her work as a massage therapist.

“I wouldn’t say it’s been supereasy to find community,” she says. “I was sequestered in my trailer like everybody else for a couple of years. It was like I was a hermit. I thought after a while I was going to go cuckoo if I didn’t find something to do.”

After trying a few other things, she says she recently found her “tribe” by getting involved with the local pottery community. An experienced potter, she became a member of Odyssey ClayWorks in the River Arts District, where she creates and sells works and does a monthly demonstration.

“That has brought my life to a really wonderful place of meeting other artists and having community,” she says. “I had to look around, but it finally all happened somehow.”

OLLI’s Frank says that kind of persistence and patience can be key to finding community for many retired people. She recommends saying yes to a variety of activities for a year or so before becoming more selective.

That was the approach Bruce Johnson and Cynthia Llanes took when they retired to Asheville from Southern California in 2017.

The married couple plunged right in, signing up for the Asheville Astronomy Club, the Sierra Club, MountainTrue and the Pisgah Conservancy. Llanes hosted a tea party for neighbors, created a Meetup group to teach painting and joined local arts groups. They also met people through Meetup hiking groups.

Llanes now displays her oil and acrylic paintings at New Morning Gallery in Biltmore Village and has gotten to know people in the arts community. Johnson volunteers at the Charles George VA Medical Center, teaching songwriting and music production.

“It took us at least five years to really acclimate completely and build community here,” Llanes says.

Adds her husband: “I think the West Coast is very easygoing, and people just like to get you involved. But when we

NEVER TOO LATE: The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville offers more than 200 classes, including tai chi. Photo courtesy of OLLI

How do recent retirees find a sense of community in WNC?

moved here, I found you have to get out there to introduce yourself and to say, ‘I’d like to be part of the community.’”

Valerie Owen and her husband, Jim, moved to Swanannoa from Chicago at the beginning of the pandemic. Owen is an Asheville native but hadn’t lived in the area for 50 years before moving back and found the lack of community ties made things difficult.

“Our godsend has been the Black Mountain YMCA,” she says. “We joined in the early fall of 2020. They had just opened the building to classes and the gym floor. The daytime is full of retirees. I met people in the pool and classes. Many of those people are now friends.”

Leonora Reiley and her husband, John, have split time between Waynesville and York, Va., since John retired in 2022. Reiley met people through a Waynesville women’s group she found on Facebook, and her husband has become a regular at Frog Level Brewing Co. in downtown Waynesville.

“It seems like I have more friends that I do things with there than I do in Virginia,” she says.

She says they have been impressed with how friendly people are in the area.

“When I go down to, say, Maggie Valley to shop, then I need to allot

myself an extra hour because I’m going to end up talking to somebody I’ve never met for a long time,” Reiley says. “There’s not that kind of distrust you have of people in other parts of the country.”

Heaton has had similar experiences.

“The thing I find that’s very different about Asheville is if you’re sitting in a bar or restaurant, the person sitting next to you talks to you,” he says. “And in D. C., that might happen, but usually one of the very first things you’ll talk about is what you do. ’Are you in the government? Are you in the military? Are you a lobbyist?’ And it’s so refreshing that that’s not what people talk about here.”

IDENTITY CRISIS

Making social connections is important for retirees, but finding meaning outside the workplace can be equally vital.

“It was hard not just for me, but for a lot of people that I knew my age,” Avree says. “We’re like, ‘OK, what’s going to be our purpose?’ I want to be of service to the community. That’s kind of what I do.”

That’s a sentiment OLLI’s Frank has heard from many of her orga-

NEW TO TOWN: Paul Heaton moved to Asheville in May and found a community at the weekly Butts & Boots AVL event at Banks Ave. Bar. Photo courtesy of Heaton

nization’s members over the years. OLLI offers a program called Paths to Creative Retirement.

“The biggest thing we find that people want to know more about is, ‘Who am I when I’m not a title on a business card? What’s my identity?’”

OLLI’s Frank says. “A lot of people,

especially early in retirement, are looking for a sense of purpose.”

Encouraging service in the community is one of the goals of OLLI, which was founded in 1988 to “enable members to thrive in life’s second half.” The organization offers numerous volunteer opportunities, including serving on its advisory council and teaching in its College for Seniors, which offers more than 300 courses.

“The more people get engaged in helping making things better here for themselves and their peers, the more engaged and connected and really just happy many of them feel,” Frank says. “And a lot of people say that just having a class or an event or a meeting to go to gives them a sense of schedule that they miss when they don’t have work anymore.”

Heaton agrees that having regular events, such as Butts & Boots AVL, built into your schedule is important.

“It was so serendipitous that I showed up the week before (Butts & Boots AVL) started and met the organizers,” he says. “And so, I actually now work the door at this event welcoming people. If I hadn’t found this dance community, I think my introduction to Asheville would have been very different.” X

TDA discusses concerns over the decline in tourism

Historically, July is the second-busiest month for tourism in Buncombe County, superseded only by October’s leaf season. Yet, this year’s downward trend in overall lodging revenue and occupancy continued into the summer. According to data from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, July lodging sales were down 2.4%, and hotel demand was down 0.9% from June.

Vic Isley, president and CEO of Explore Asheville and the BCTDA, called the decline “very concerning” during the organization’s Aug. 30 meeting.

“We are hearing from local business owners that this decline is negatively impacting their businesses,” she said. “We are very concerned about the trends and will continue to watch them very carefully. In the meantime, [Explore Asheville] is really working on what messaging we put out in the markets and how we’re adjusting markets to make sure that we are out there promoting our community.”

National trends, Isley continued, show a rise in international travel; meanwhile, domestic leisure travel is down.

Asheville Regional Airport, noted board member HP Patel, has been

an outlier amid recent trends, with growth up 25% compared with last year. Despite these numbers, Isley explained that many visitors who fly into Asheville stay in surrounding counties due to “the real or perceived safety issues that the community is having to deal with.”

Board member Elizabeth Putnam raised concerns about the city’s downtown safety initiative, which launched May 1 and ended June 30. Among its many features, the initiative increased police presence downtown and implemented a community responder pilot program to support people in crisis. City officials have previously stated that the increased police presence would continue beyond the initiative. But Putnam questioned this claim at the TDA meeting, stating that appearances suggested otherwise.

Isley agreed. “As a frequent user of downtown, both as a guest and a local resident, I can definitely see a decline in safety,” she said. “The city has said that they have continued the 60-day safety initiative, but visibly it doesn’t look like it. We are hearing more from downtown business owners again that they are worried for the safety of their employees as well as their guests.”

Asheville Vice Mayor Sandra Kilgore, who acts as the city’s representative to the TDA, was not at the meeting.

Despite the ongoing public safety concerns, Patel stressed that the TDA and local businesses could do more to make the city appealing to young families.

“Asheville has always been lacking as a family-friendly town, and there are not a lot of places for tourists to take their kids when they come to visit,” Patel said. “Also, if the hotel markets in downtown and Biltmore Village were able to adjust so that the rates go down, it would greatly help the surrounding markets.”

In other news

The BCTDA also recognized board member Andrew Celwyn as his term on the board ended. Celwyn, who has been on the board since 2017, will be replaced by Lucious Wilson, general manager of Wedge Brewing Co.

“It has been an honor to get to know all of you and to work with all of you,” Celwyn said. “I have been coming to the meetings long before I sat on the board, and I enjoyed my time here. Thank you all for listening and for everything that you all do, both on this board and off in the community. I am looking forward to seeing what the TDA does in the future.”

— Chase Davis X

NUMBERS DOWN: At its Aug. 30 meeting, members of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority discussed concerns over 2023’s drop in tourism. Photo by Chase Davis

Balancing act

When you spend as much time on a Onewheel as Finn Holcomb does, you crash a lot.

“I crashed last night,” says Holcomb, an Asheville High School senior and a nationally ranked competitor in the burgeoning sport of off-road Onewheel racing. “I’ve got a bandage on my left hand, and my right hand’s bleeding. You just get used to it.”

A Onewheel is a self-balancing, single-wheel electric board, often described as an electric skateboard. Future Motion, which manufactures the board, holds sanctioned races in North Carolina, Arkansas, California and other places through the Onewheel Racing League.

“All of us racers, we love competing on trails and seeing who can go the fastest,” Holcomb says. “But I’ll be honest, it’s not the most competitive sport. We’re all homies, we’re all friends and we all train together. I think a lot of us just do it for fun.”

Fun or not, Holcomb is a top competitor. He will be the No. 6 seed among 16 others on the men’s side in the Race for the Rail Onewheel World Championships. The two-day competition runs Friday-Saturday, Sept. 8-9, at Sky Tavern Resort in Reno, Nev. It’s the third time Holcomb has qualified for the championship, although he was unable to attend last year.

Xpress spoke with Holcomb about his experiences as a Onewheel racer. This interview has been condensed for length and edited for clarity.

Xpress: How did you get involved with Onewheel racing?

Holcomb: When I was younger, we used to go to the French Broad River Festival [in Hot Springs], and I would always see Onewheelers. I got a couple of opportunities to try them, and I always wanted one. Three years ago, on Thanksgiving, my grandmother gave me and my brother an early Christmas present, and it was a Onewheel. Within two weeks of owning it, my dad had bought two more so we could all ride together. And then it just grew from there.

Was it difficult to learn how to ride it?

It was not very difficult for me, but I have a lot of experience in different board sports like longboarding, wakeboarding, snowboarding. A lot of people struggle with balancing on it. And once you get going, you get the speed wobbles. Some people just catch on to it, and some don’t.

Asheville High School senior heads to Nevada for Onewheel competition

How did you go from doing it for fun to doing it competitively?

One of my buddies saw the Onewheel Racing League Instagram page announce all the sanctioned races, and one of those sanctioned races happened to be Wheel Scorcher, a downhill race at Fire Mountain [in Cherokee in 2021]. I signed up, and that was the first time I ever got to ride trails on my Onewheel.

We got there late [for the qualifying round]. I just climbed to the top. It was muddy, and I went for it. I got ninth place, which was the last qualifying place for finals the next day.

I was the first male racer to go in the finals. There was a 5-foot drop feature in the racecourse. I hit it, and that made my name big in Onewheel immediately. Those guys on the TV were screaming, “Finn Holcomb just hit the drop!” I got fourth place in the finals, and I got wild-card picked into Race for the Rail that year. Everybody was like, “Who is this kid Finn Holcomb?”

That’s what did it for me. That’s what really got me into it.

How did you do in the Race for the Rail that year?

It was the biggest year of the event up to that point, and they hadn’t really mapped the rules out too great. I was in second place at the very final two turns, and somebody grabbed a pole and pulled it to get around the turn, which is now against the rules. The pole yanked out and ran into my board and put me out of that race.

How did you qualify for this year’s Race for the Rail?

I went to Oak City Shred Fest in Raleigh. And then I went to Seek N Shred in California and DirtSurferz Enduro in Eureka Springs, Ark. I

made it to finals in all of those races. That got me enough points to qualify for Race for the Rail.

In the past, it’s only had racers from the USA because the sport hadn’t really expanded into other countries. But this is the first year that they’re actually bringing the top rider from Europe over, and he’s going to race. So that’s exciting.

What’s the best part about Onewheeling?

The community is amazing. I love going and hanging out with all the people and racing with everybody. It’s so fun. I go out and ride my Onewheel every day.

— Justin McGuire X

WHEEL OF FORTUNE: Asheville High School senior Finn Holcomb competes at Raleigh’s Oak City Shred Fest in May. Holcomb is currently the No. 6 seed in the upcoming Race for the Rail Onewheel World Championships in Reno, Nev.

Photo by Corey Boehne, Armor-Dilloz

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

SEPT. 6 - SEPT. 14, 2023

For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 828-251-1333, opt. 1.

Online-only events

Feature, page 29

More info, page 30-31

More info, page 32

WELLNESS

Tai Chi Fan

This class helps build balance and whole body awareness. All ages and ability levels welcome. Fans will be provided.

WE (9/6, 13), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Tai Chi for Balance

A gentle Tai Chi exercise class to help improve balance, mobility, and quality of life. All ages are welcome.

WE (9/6, 13), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Yoga In the Solarium Rooftop yoga series with Asheville Community Yoga. All experience levels welcome.

WE (9/6), 7:45pm, The Restoration Hotel Asheville, 68 Patton Ave

Nia Dance Fitness

A sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts and healing arts.

TH (9/7, 14), 9:30am,

TU (9/12), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Tai Chi for Beginners

A class for anyone interested in Tai Chi and building balance as well as body awareness.

TH (9/7, 14), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Dharma & Discuss People coming together in friendship to meditate, learn and discuss the Dharma. Beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome.

TH (9/7, 14), 7pm, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Qigong for Health

A part of traditional Chinese medicine that involves using exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind and spirit.

FR (9/8), TU (9/12) 9am, SA (9/9), 11am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

levels.

MO (9/11), 9:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Balance & Bones

In this class we will blend the best of Pilates, dance, and somatic movement practices to create a holistic workout.

MO (9/11), 1:30pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain

Metta Meditation

In-person guided meditation focused on benevolence & loving-kindness. This event is free to attend.

Free Meditation

All are welcome to this one-hour silent meditation practice.

SA (9/9), 10am, Ganesh Place, 594 Ray Hill Rd, Mills River

Therapeutic Slow Flow

Yoga

A blend of mediation, breathing and movement. All bodies, genders, and identities welcome. Bring your own mat.

SA (9/9), 10am, Mount Inspiration Apparel, 444 Haywood Rd, Ste 103

Yoga in the Park

All-levels welcomed, but bring your own props and mat. Pre-register at avl.mx/9n6.

SA (9/9), SU (9/10) 11am, 220 Amboy Rd

Wild Souls Authentic Movement Class

A conscious movement experience in a 100year old building with a community of women at all life stages.

SU (9/10), 9:30am, Dunn's Rock Community Center, 461 Connestee Rd, Brevard

Walking Meditation

Walking meditation to reduce stress, anxiety and increase health and wellbeing. Meditation instructions provided.

SU (9/10), 10am, Walk Jones Wildlife Sanctuary, Montreat

Gentle Yoga for Queer & GNC Folks

This class is centered towards creating an affirming and inclusive space for queer and gender non-conforming individuals.

SU (9/10), 1:30pm, W Asheville Yoga, 602 Haywood Rd

Skinny Beats Sound

Healing

This one hour sound healing class is free to all and hosted by

Skinny Beat’s Billy Zanski.

SU (9/10), 2pm, The Restoration Hotel Asheville, 68 Patton Ave

Barre Fusion

A high energy low impact practice that shapes, sculpts, and tones the body like a dancer. No experience necessary, open to all

Beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome.

MO (9/11), 7pm, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Morning Meditation

Everyone is most welcome to join the sit; however no meditation instructions are provided.

TU (9/12), 7:30am, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Zumba

Mask and social distancing required.

Registration not necessary. Por Favor usa tu cubre bocas antes de la clase.

TU (9/12), 6:30pm, St. James Episcopal Church, 424 W State St, Black Mountain Free Zumba Gold Fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance. Free, but donations for the instructor are appreciated. For more information please call (828) 350-2058.

WE (9/13), noon, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

ART

Romare Bearden: Ways of Working

This exhibition highlights works on paper and explores many of Romare Bearden's most frequently used mediums including screen-printing, lithography, hand colored etching, collagraph, monotype, relief print, photomontage, and collage. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through Jan. 22, 2024.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Western North Carolina Glass: Selections from the Collection Western North Carolina is important in the history of American glass art. A variety of techniques and a willingness to push boundaries of the medium can be seen in this selection of works. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday.

NEIGHBORHOOD GARDEN STROLL: The annual West Asheville Garden Stroll will take place on Saturday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the neighborhood between Hall Fletcher Elementary School and Hanover Street. This free community event will feature 15 diverse gardens, and local organizations will provide resources for gardeners as well. Photo courtesy of West Asheville Garden Stroll

Exhibition through April 15, 2024.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square Black Mountain College & Mexico Exhibition

The exhibition includes original visual works and sound installations by prominent contemporary Mexican artists alongside vintage works by BMC artists and relevant archival materials. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 11am, closed Sunday. Exhibition through September 9. Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St

Beyond the Lens: Photorealist Perspectives on Looking, Seeing, and Painting

This exhibition offersviewers an opportunity to explore a singular and still vigorous aspect of American painting. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed on Tuesday. Exhibition through Feb. 5, 2024.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square Spark of the Eagle Dancer: The Collecting Legacy of Lambert Wilson

This exhibition celebrates the legacy of Lambert Wilson, a passionate collector of contemporary Native American art. Over

140 works on view tell the story of the relationships he built and the impact that he made by dedicating himself to this remarkable collection. Gallery open Tuesday through Friday, 10am. Exhibition through Dec. 8.

WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee

Daily Craft Demonstrations

Two artists of different media will explain and demonstrate their craft with informative materials displayed at their booths, daily. These free and educational opportunities are open to the public. Open daily, 10am.

Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Pkwy

Rachel Meginnes: Snapshot Exhibition

A collection of deconstructed quilts and discarded textiles woven on a digital loom, utilizing images sourced from Rachel Meginnes’ surrounding environment. Gallery open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through September 9.

Tracey Morgan Gallery, 188 Coxe Ave

The Art of Food: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation

This exhibition explores

the many identities of food in daily life: whether a source of pleasure, a reason for gathering, a mass-produced commodity, or a reflection of social ideologies and divisions. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed on Tuesday. Exhibition through Oct. 22. Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Open Studio Art Tour

Participating resident artists at Grovewood Village will open up their studios to the public, allowing visitors to gain insight into their creative process and view their most recent works. Tours are free and self-guided. SA (9/9), noon, Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Rd

Artist Reception: New Paintings by Layton Hower View 20 new textured and chromatic paintings from this local artist. SA (9/9), 5pm, Pink Dog Creative Gallery, 348 Depot St

The Wool & The Wood

Featuring needle-felted wool landscapes by Jaana Mattson and fine furniture by Scott Kestel. Gallery open Monday through Sunday, 10am. Exhibition through Oct. 29. Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Rd

Onicas Gaddis: Homage to Miss Sarah

A collection of works by Onicas Gaddis dedicated to his first mentor and friend, Sarah Carlisle Towery. Gallery open Monday through Friday, 10am. Exhibition through Sept. 29. Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain

Public Tour: The Art of Food

A volunteer educator led tour of The Art of Food: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation. No reservations are required.

TH (9/14), 6pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Nick Raynolds: Externalities Reception

Each piece including “The Garden After the Rain”, “Confounding Fathers” and “Drawing Down the Moon” are abstract narratives which serve to elaborate on Raynolds’ idea of “introspective realism”. Exhibition through Sept. 29. See p29

TH (9/14), 1pm, Blowers Gallery in Ramsey Library

COMMUNITY MUSIC

The Monte Vista Summer Concert Series: The Big Deal Band A fun evening of live music. This week's summer music series features a performance by the Big Deal Band. WE (9/6), 6:30pm, The Monte Vista Hotel, 308 W State St, Black Mountain

Music to Your Ears Discussion Series w/ Dulci Ellenberger Bill Kopp, author and music journalist is joined by Dulci Ellenberger, for "Music To Your Ears" as they discuss and she plays songs from Carole King's Tapestry album. WE (9/6), 7pm, Asheville Guitar Bar, 122 Riverside Dr An Evening with Holly Near A live performance, accompanied by John Bucchino on piano. FR (9/8), 7pm, The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville Sanctuary, 1 Edwin Place Ballet Folklórico Raíces w/David LaMotte A program of Raíces Emma-Erwin, a local Latine cultural arts organization, will share the stage with musician

David LaMotte and the Indigenous Mä hñäkihu musical group.

FR (9/8), 7pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

An Intimate Evening

w/Jon Auer

An intimate evening with Jon Auer of Big Star, The Posies at a private home in West Asheville. Ticketing and location information at avl.mx/cyt.

FR (9/8), 8pm, West Asheville Private Home

Intro to Bluegrass

Banjo Workshop & Concert w/Wayne

Erbsen

Learn from expert Appalachian musician Wayne Erbsen how easy and fun it is to play the banjo. Concert after the lessons.

SA (9/9), 1pm, Black Mountain Public Library, 105 N Dougherty St, Black Mountain

AmiciMusic Presents:

Fantasies & Rhapsodies

Pianist Lura Johnson makes her AmiciMusic

debut performing with Daniel Weiser in this exciting ballet of twenty fingers on a single piano.

SA (9/9), 2pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Mark's House Jam & Beggar's Banquet

Weekly Sunday pot luck and musician's jam with acoustic and plug in players. It's a family friendly community day so bring a dish to share.

SU (9/10), 3pm, Asheville Guitar Bar, 122 Riverside Dr

An Afternoon of Song & Story w/David

Wilcox

An unforgettable blend of artistry, nature, and community with American folk singer David Wilcox.

SU (9/10), 4pm,

Chapel of The Transfiguration, 471 Kanuga Chapel Rd, Hendersonville

EarthCry Live w/Mike

Healy, Push/Pull & The Seed to Stage

Live showcase featuring many live electronic artists from around the globe.

SU (9/10), 7pm, AyurPrana Listening Room, 312 Haywood Rd

Guitar Club Meeting

Bring your acoustic guitar for this meeting with main presenter Jackson Grimm. After the presentation, break into groups based on

abilities to learn or jam.

All levels are welcome.

MO (9/11), 6pm, Groce Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Rd

Reuter Center Singers

Seasoned seniors that study and perform classical, popular, show tunes and other favorites.

MO (9/11), 6:15pm, UNC Asheville Reuter Center, 1 University Heights

Carolina Celtic Series: Robin Bullocks & the Reel Sisters

A monthly concert series which showcases Irish and Scottish musical traditions and often explores their commonality with the Appalachian ballads and stories of the Carolina mountains.

MO (9/11), 7:30pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Songs of The Music Tapes w/Orbitting

Human Circus

Julian Koster and Robbie Cucchiaro have spent the last four years bringing The Music Tapes’ legendary live shows to living rooms, opera house stages, and everywhere

in between.

TH (9/14), 6:00pm, Citizen Vinyl, 14 O’Henty Ave

LITERARY

Poetry Open Mic Hendo

A poetry-centered open mic that welcomes all kinds of performers every Thursday night.

18+

TH (9/6, 14), 7:30pm, Shakedown Lounge, 706 Seventh Ave E, Hendersonville

Small Magics w/H.

Byron Ballard

A book signing and Q&A with author H. Byron Ballard from her soon to be released book Small Magics: Practical Secrets from an Appalachian Village Witch. See p32-33

WE (9/6), 6pm, Malaprop's Bookstore and Cafe, 55 Haywood St

Joke Writing Workshop

Hosted by Disclaimer Stand Up Lounge and moderated by Cody Hughes, weekly. Bring 90 seconds of material that isn't working.

WE (9/6, 13), 6:30pm, Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave

Author Event: David Joy

Author David Joy of The Weight of This World and Where All Light Tends to Go will read and discuss his book

FR (9/8), 7pm, Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center, 450 Pigeon St, Waynesville

Wired for Dating Book Club

Discuss neurobiology and attachment styles in relationships, and apply lyrics of secure love songs in dating.

TH (9/14), 6pm, Firestorm Books & Coffee, 610 Haywood Rd

An Evening w/Donika

Kelly & Melissa Febos

Part of UNCA's Visiting Writers Series, this kickoff event will feature a reading by Poet Donika Kelly and Nonfiction Writer Melissa Febos. This event is free and open to the public.

TH (9/14), 7pm, Highsmith Student Union, 1 University Heights

Talk w/Jeremy B. Jones

Jeremy B. Jones will be leading a talk and featuring his memoir Bearwallow: A Personal History of a Mountain Homeland.

TH (9/14), 7pm, W Asheville Public Library, 942 Haywood Rd

J.R. McDowell Speaker Series: Annette

Gordon-Reed American Historian and Law Professor

Annette Gordon-Reed will be the Fall 2023 J. R. McDowell speaker. The speaker series is designed to present a wide array of viewpoints on challenging and thought-provoking topics.

TH (9/14), 7:30pm, free, Porter Center, Brevard College, 1 Brevard College Dr, Brevard

THEATER & FILM

What the Constitution Means to Me

In this achingly human new play, human Pulitzer Prize finalist Heidi Schreck resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives.

WE (9/6, 13), TH (9/7, 14), SA (9/12) 7:30pm, FR (9/7), SU 9/9), 2pm, North Carolina Stage Co., 15 Stage Ln

Newly Minted Storytellers Tell All Graduates of our storytelling workshop make their debuts as tellers.

TH (9/7), 7pm, Weaverville Community Center, 60 Lakeshore Dr, Weaverville

The Tempest

An audience favorite for its comedy, romance, and some fun stage trickery to showcase a massive shipwreck and some supernatural goings on.

FR (9/8), SA (9/9), SU (9/10), 7:30pm, Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St

New Works Series

Offers exciting scriptin-hand readings of new plays by emerging local playwrights. The readings are followed by a talk back with the playwright and actors to provide feedback to the playwright. SA (9/9), 3pm, Hendersonville Theatre, 229 S Washington St, Hendersonville

The Grimm's Tale: Riding Hood

A modern adaptation of the original Grimm's Tale, Little Red Riding Hood. The play features an all Black cast and utilizes Monica's hometown of Asheville, NC as a backdrop and supporting character. See p33 SA (9/9), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St

Music Movie Mondays: Have You Got It Yet?

Showcasing the best in new, classic and cult films about music, these special screenings feature an introduction by music journalist Bill Kopp followed by a screening of the film and then a moderated discussion about what we've just seen and heard MO (9/11), 7pm, Grail Moviehouse, 17 Foundy St

Monty Python's Spamalot

The Tony award winning Broadway musical that was "lovingly ripped off" of the cult classic movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Rated PG-13. FR (9/8), SA (9/9), TH (9/14), 7:30pm, SU (9/10), 2pm, Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville

MEETINGS & PROGRAMS

Asheville Museum of History 2023 Cemetery Series

The Asheville Museum of History invites you to explore the history of WNC as we tour several cemeteries and burial locations, learning about the people and the stories connected with these local sites. WE (9/6, 13), 10am, Various locations in western North Carolina Beginners Aerial Silks

Learn a new skill and be part of a supportive community. All bodies are welcome. Space is limited so registration is required.

WE (9/6, 13), 4pm, 5:30pm, Amethyst Realm, 244 Short Coxe Ave

Eightfold Path Study Group

A group will gather to study the Eightfold Path Program. Kris Kramer will host the group as a fellow participant and student.

WE (9/6, 13), 3pm, Black Mountain, Honeycutt St, Black Mountain

Intro to Ballroom

Dance

Explore the world of Latin and Ballroom dancing with such styles as swing, salsa, foxtrot, rumba, merengue, and more.

WE (9/6, 13), 6pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain

Peace Education Program

An innovative series of video-based workshops that help people discover their own inner strength and personal peace.

WE (9/6, 13), 5pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Bikes 'N Brews

A weekly group ride that takes in the views of Black Mountain and Old Fort and concludes at the WNC Outdoor Collective with your favorite beer or kombucha.

WE (9/6, 13), 5:30pm, WNC Outdoor Collective, 110 Black Mountain Ave, Black Mountain Free E-Bike Rental

A free one hour bike adventure to experience Asheville’s historic River Arts District, French Broad River Greenway, local breweries, restaurants and more.

WE (9/6, 13), 10am, Ace Bikes, 342 Depot St

Spanish Club

Spanish speakers of all ages and levels are welcome to join together for conversation to practice the language in a group setting.

WE (9/6, 13), 6pm, Black Mountain Brewing, 131 NC-9, Black Mountain

Swing Dance Lessons

A dance series class focused on the Lindy Hop.

WE (9/6, 13), 7pm, LEAF Global Arts, 19 Eagle St

The Art of Living: An Evening of Wisdom & Meditation w/Swamiji

Swamiji reveals valuable secrets for achieving happiness in a unique combination of deep spiritual knowledge, breathwork, music, and easy meditation.

WE (9/6), 6:30pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Midweek Showdown: Game Night

A game night extravaganza with live game show challenges for teams of five or less, as well as board games

and pinball galore. Each week brings fresh challenges.

WE (9/6, 13), 7pm, Dssolvr, 63 N Lexington Ave

Preserving Our Beautiful Views

Land Conservationist

Kyle Shute of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservance will outline conservation strategies and his organization's history of preserving Western North Carolina lands, including around the Blue Ridge Parkway.

WE (9/6), 7pm, OLLI/ Reuter Center, UNCA, 300 Campus View Rd

Teach Me How To

This seminar aims to empower home-owning widows by providing them with fundamental skills in handling basic home and automobile maintenance tasks. For more information contact Barbara@ BarbaraBothe.com.

TH (9/7), 9am, The Center for Art & Entertainment, 125 S Main St, Hendersonville Embroiderers' Guild of America: Laurel Chapter Judy Ketron will teach the Norwegian Smoyg pattern darning technique as the program. Chapter members will provide their own supplies to create a smoyg panel.

TH (9/7), 9:30am, Horse Shoe Community Church, 3 Banner Farm Rd, Mills River Kids & Teens Kung Fu Learn fighting skills as well as conflict resolution and mindfulness. First class is free to see if it's a good fit for you.

TH (9/7, 14), MO (9/11), TU (9/12), 4pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Change Your Palate Cooking Demo This free food demonstration is open to everyone but tailored towards those with type 2 diabetes or hypertension and/ or their caretakers. Our featured host is Change Your Palate's very own Shaniqua Simuel.

TH (9/7), 5:30pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave Free Prostate Cancer Screenings

In recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, UNC Health Pardee is offering free prostate cancer screenings with urologist Glover Little, M.D. Screenings are by appointment only.

TH (9/7), 5:30pm, Pardee Cancer Center, 805 6th Ave W, Hendersonville

Mount Mitchell: Stories of Nature & Human Nature

Environmental historian

Timothy Silver will discuss the ways in which a combination of people’s decisions and nature have created the physical Black Mountain landscape, including Mount Mitchell, that we see today. Register at avl.mx/b99.

TH (9/7), 6pm, Online

Seeds of Spirit

Free virtual meditation to grow, heal, and transform in a community of like-minded souls. Register at avl.mx/cya

TH (9/7), 7pm, Online

Swing Dance w/Matt & Caroline’s Curious Quintet

A night of swing dance fundamentals. No experience is needed.

TH (9/7), 7pm, Alley Cat Social Club, 797 Haywood Rd

French Broad River

Tour: Transylvania County

Land of Sky Regional Council will offer a tour of each county in our region with a focus on how we can work together to protect the French Broad River while supporting the growth and development of region. For more information and locations visit avl.mx/cyq.

FR (9/8), 9am, Multiple Locations, Citywide

BMC Campus Tours

Tours will cover the historic lower campus buildings including The Dining Hall, Lodges, The Quiet House, and The Studies Building as well as the iconic and recently conserved frescos painted by Jean Charlot and BMC students in the summer of 1944.

For more information visit avl.mx/cys.

FR (9/8), 10am, Camp Rockmont, 375

Lake Eden Rd, Black Mountain

Dirt Diggler Gravel Grinder

This gravel bike race will feature a backcountry/ gravel road tour

through DuPont State Forest, private property, and single track. Registration is open at avl.mx/cyu.

SA (9/9), 8am, Reeb Ranch, 315 Shoals Falls Rd, Hendersonville

West Asheville Garden Stroll

A free community event that features 12 to 16 diverse gardens in different walkable neighborhoods within West Asheville. Email wagardenstroll@gmail. com with questions or to volunteer at the Stroll.

SA (9/9), 10:30am, Hall Fletcher Elementary, 60 Ridgelawn Ave

Mosaic Serving Tray Workshop

This class will introduce you to the ancient art form of mosaics through the creation of your own, unique mosaic serving tray.

SA (9/9), SU (9/10), 2pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain

Ladies Sunday Cycles

This is a non drop ride, we have cue sheets via Ride with GPS, and there are options to either do the whole ride or head back when needed. Routes will be posted on the Ride My GPS app under WNC Outdoor Collective.

SU (9/10), 7:30am, WNC Outdoor Collective, 110 Black Mountain Ave, Black Mountain

Weekly Sunday Scrabble Club

No dues for the first three months.

SU (9/10), 12:15pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Adaptive Dance Class

This free dance class is designed for teens on the autism spectrum, giving them space to express and explore movement. Open to all experience levels and ages 15 to 19.

SU (9/10), 1:30pm, WNC Dance Academy, 829 Riverside Dr

Game Day: Perspective Café

Traditional game day with board and card games as well as refreshments from the Perspective Cafe.

SU (9/10), 2pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Professional Headshots

These sessions are perfect for anyone looking to update their LinkedIn profile corporate website actor portfolio or even just capture a fun day out with family and pets.

SU (9/10), 2pm, Catawba Brewing S Slope, 32 Banks Ave, Ste 105

A Celebration of Life For Blais Bellenoit

A celebration of life for Blais Bellenoit with live music from JLloyd Mashup and art on display. See p33 SU (9/10), 3pm, Salvage Station, 468 Riverside Dr Sew Co./Rite of Passage Factory Tour

On this 30 minute microtour, learn about sustainable and transparent business practices and hear about production processes and client collaborations. Preregister at avl.mx/cec.

MO (9/11), 11am, Rite of Passage Clothing & Sew Co, 240 Clingman Ave Ext

Stitches of Love Meeting

A small group of stitchers who create a variety of handmade items which are donated to local charities. New members are always welcome to join.

MO (9/11), 3pm, Panera Bread, 1843 Hendersonville Rd

Chess Club

Open to all ages and any skill set. There will be a few boards available, but folks are welcome to bring their own as well.

MO (9/11), 4pm, Black Mountain Brewing, 131 NC-9, Black Mountain Leadership is Free Workshop: Growth & Development in 3

Areas

A free six week course that will enhance your growth development in three areas of leadership.

MO (9/11), 5pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

WNC Sierra Club MAP Series

The WNC Sierra Club launches a MAP (Music, Art and Policy) Series, featuring an evening of music, art and policy focused on turning inspiration into action.

MO (9/11), 6pm, Wedge Brewery at Foundation, 5 Foundy St

Black Men Monday

A local group that has stepped up in the community to advocate for and mentor students through academic intervention. Kids 7+ are welcome to join.

MO (9/11), 7pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Civil War Roundtable:

Boy Soldiers During the Civil War Dr. Plant’s presentation will look at how Americans responded to the unauthorized enlistment of minors in the Civil War and the implications that followed. The presentation is free and open to the public.

MO (9/11), 7pm, Waynesville Branch of Haywood County Public Library, 678 S Haywood St, Waynesville

World Tavern Poker Night

A free to play poker night every Monday. 21+

MO (9/11), 7pm, The Getaway River Bar, 790 Riverside Dr

Astronomy Club of Asheville: Public Star Gaze

A public star gaze at Grassland Mountain Observatory in Madison County. This event is free and open to everyone, and registration is not necessary to attend. A temporary gate code, required for entry, will be posted on their website by 5:00 pm on the day of

A fundraiser to benefit

Calling all singers, instrumentalists, poets, storytellers, dancers, and performance artists in the Asheville area!

Sunday, September 24, 2023 | New Belgium Brewery | 2-5pm (No admission charge - beer, wine, food truck available)

Use your talents to raise money for Beloved Asheville, an organization devoted to helping folks without shelter, with a focus on spirituality.

Food Trucks: The Hop, El Kimchi, Melt Your Heart, The Smokin’ Onion

Bands: Ashley Heath, Firecracker Jazz Band, DJ Lil Meow Meow

the star gaze. Sunset occurs at 8:24 p.m. Location directions at avl.mx/prxa

TU (9/12), 5pm, Grassland Mountain Observatory, 2890 Grassland Pkwy, Marshall

Tap into ASL w/Hope Free ASL classes, games, and socializing. All levels welcome.

TU (9/12), 6:30pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200

The History & Ecology of Fire in the Southern Appalachians

Stephen P. Norman, with the Southern Research Station (USDA), will discuss and illustrate how forests and forest ecology in the Blue Ridge Mountains have changed over time in response to fire. Free and open to the public.

TU (9/12), 7pm, OLLI/ Reuter Center, UNCA, 300 Campus View Rd

Walk Through History: YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly

A guided tour where participants will hear th story of Dr Willis D. Weatherford and his quest to combine his faith with his two passions, the development of young minds and the

inspiring beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

WE (9/13), 10:30am, YMCA, Blue Ridge Assembly, 84 Blue Ridge Assembly Rd, Black Mountain

Western North Carolina

Community Health Services Job Fair

An opportunity for job applicants to walk in and meet with hiring managers. Visit avl.mx/cza for more information.

WE (9/13), 4pm, Minnie Jones Health Center, 257 Biltmore Ave

MBBC Networking

Event w/Focus on Leadership

A networking meeting featuring a monthly guest speaker on Why Leadership is Key. There will be food, conversation and an opportunity to network.

TH (9/14), 11:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Guest Teacher: Noah Rasheta

A Buddhist philosopher, best-selling author, host of the Secular Buddhism Podcast, and creator of The Inner Peace Roadmap. Free to attend and donations are welcome.

TH (9/14), 7pm, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Swing Dance Lesson & Dance

Swing dancing lesson and dance, every Thursday.

TH (9/14), 7pm, Alley Cat Social Club, 797 Haywood Rd

LOCAL MARKETS

RAD Farmers Market

Providing year-round access to fresh local foods, with 25-30 vendors selling a variety of wares. Handicap parking available in the Smoky Park lot, free public parking available along Riverside Drive. Also accessible by foot, bike, or rollerblade via the Wilma Dykeman Greenway.

WE (9/6, 13), 3pm, Smoky Park Supper Club, 350 Riverside Dr Weaverville Tailgate Market

A selection of fresh, locally grown produce, grass fed beef, pork, chicken, rabbit, eggs, cheese, sweet and savory baked goods, artisan bread, fire cider, coffee, pickles, body care, eclectic handmade goodies, and garden and landscaping plants. Open year round.

WE (9/6, 13), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr Weaverville

Etowah Lions Club

Farmers Market

Fresh produce, honey, sweets, flowers, plant starts and locally crafted wares. Every Wednesday through Oct. 25.

WE (9/6, 13), 3pm, Etowah Lions Club, 447 Etowah School Rd, Hendersonville

Leicester Farmers Market

Farmers Market with over 30 vendors. Locally grown and sourced selection of meats, produce, eggs, plants and flowers, baked goods, cheese, honey, sauces, crafts, art, and more. Every Wednesday through Oct. 25.

WE (9/6, 13), 3pm, Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester

Farmer's Market

A weekly farmers market with a wide variety of fresh, local veggies, handsome oils and wines, and other vendors.

WE (9/6), 5pm, The Railyard Black Mountain, 141 Richardson Ave, Black Mountain

Enka-Candler Tailgate Market

A grand selection of local foods and crafts, everything from produce to pickles, baked goods to body care, with a hefty helping of made-to-order meals from our food trucks.

Every Thursday through Oct.

TH (9/7, 14), 3pm, A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler

Flat Rock Farmers Market

A diverse group of local produce and fruit farmers, craft-food makers, bread bakers, wild crafters, art-crafters, and merrymakers. Every Thursday through Oct. 26.

TH (9/7, 14), 3pm, Pinecrest ARP Church, 1790 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock

Bullington Gardens Fall Plant Market

Stock up on perennials, shrubs, trees and more while supporting the Bullington Gardens, a nonprofit horticultural learning center and botanical garden.

FR (9/8), 9am, Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville Book Market

A room-full of books, including those for children, young adults and adults. Both fiction and non-fiction will be included. All proceeds after taxes go to support South Buncombe Library.

FR (9/8), noon, Skyland/ South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Rd

Pack Square Artisan Market

This market will showcase local handcrafted goods in the heart of downtown Asheville.

Every Friday through Oct. 27.

FR (9/8), 1pm, 1 South Pack Square Park

Saluda Tailgate Market

With over a dozen vendors this agriculture-only market features an assortment of homegrown produce, meat, and eggs within a 25 mile radius.

FR (9/8), 4:30pm, W Main St, Saluda

Henderson County Tailgate Market

Seasonal fruits, fresh mushrooms, vegetables, local honey, meat, eggs, garden plant starts, perennials and much more. Every Saturday through Oct. 28.

SA (9/9), 8am, 100 N King St, Hendersonville

Hendersonville Farmers Market

A vibrant community gathering space with produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, coffee, crafts, food trucks, live music, kids' activities and more. Every Saturday through Oct. 28.

SA (9/9), 8am, 650 Maple St, Hendersonville

North Asheville Tailgate Market

The oldest Saturday morning market in WNC, since 1980. Over 60 rotating vendors offer fresh Appalachian grown produce, meats, cheeses and eggs - with a variety of baked goods, value added foods, and unique craft items. Weekly through Dec. 16.

SA (9/9), 8am, 3300 University Heights

Asheville City Market

Local food products, including fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, pastries, and other artisan products. Weekly through Dec. 17.

SA (9/9), 9am, 52 N Market St

Black Mountain Tailgate Market

Featuring organic and sustainably grown produce, plants, cut flowers, herbs, locally raised meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheeses, eggs and local arts and handcrafted items. Every Saturday through Nov. 18.

SA (9/9), 9am, 130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

WNC Farmers Market

High quality fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, jams, jellies, preserves, sourwood honey, and other farm fresh items. Open daily 8am, year-round.

570 Brevard Rd

Meadow Market

Browse goods and gifts from local makers and artisans with different vendors every week, you’ll find specialty items. Shop for handmade jewelry, housewares, vintage goods, and crafts.

SU (9/10), 1pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS

Chow Chow Food & Culture Festival

Opening Party

A party celebrating the evolution of barbecue across time, history and heritages from Indigenous traditions to cultural influences from around the world now calling Southern Appalachia home.

TH (9/7), 4:30pm, Salvage Station, 468 Riverside Dr

Mountain Xpress Best of WNC Party

An evening of live music and food trucks in the Meadow to celebrate the Best of Asheville. In the event of bad weather, music will be moved into the Taproom.

TH (9/7), 5pm, The Meadow at Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200 Chow Chow Food & Culture Festival

Tasting Bazaar

Main stage features talks, music, panel discussions, performances, games and more. 40+ rotating bites and sips will be available as well and there will be an artisan makers market that will feature locally made goods and products. See p30

FR (9/8), SA (9/9), SU (9/10), 11am, 1 South Pack Square Park

Carolina Mountains

Literary Festival

Literary festival offering over 50 free sessions and workshops from 29 authors in all genres. Featuring author, Jason Mott as the keynote speaker. Visit avl.mx/cs2 for the full schedule of the events and the workshops available.

FR (9/8), 7pm, Burnsville Town Center, 6 Main St, Burnsville

Third-Annual Vintage Radio Market

Browse many kinds of restored and restorable vintage radios, parts, accessories, and books. In addition, attendees can visit and tour the museum throughout the day. Parking and admission to the market and museum are free.

SA (9/9), 7am, Asheville Radio Museum, A B Tech, Elm Building Room 315 near 283 Victoria Rd

Kind of a Big Dill: Picklefest

A celebration of all things pickles with pickle and fermenting vendors that include Fermenti, DJs Pickles, Silas Sauce and a smallbatch of pickle beers.

SA (9/9), 1pm, The Whale: A Craft Beer Collective, 507 Haywood Rd, Ste 10

So Long to Summer Street Dance

2012 AGT finalist, Ulysses Long will perform live at this free event, which will feature beach-music favorites and past summertime hits.

SA (9/9), 4pm, Mountain Gateway Museum, 24 Water St, Old Fort Outpost: Avl Punk Fest This punk festival features six acts and supports musicians for overdose prevention.

SA (9/9), 6pm, The Outpost, 521 Amboy Rd

6th Anniversary Liquor Party

A celebration of Fleetwood's sixth anniversary and their full new bar with a vinyl DJ and drinks.

SA (9/9), 9pm, Fleetwood's, 496 Haywood Rd

Asheville Pride Month Celebration

A family-friendly pride celebration presented by Blue Ridge Pride and Beer City Sisters. This event will feature a Drag Queen story-time, craft corner, lawn games, face painting and more.

SU (9/10), noon, New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St

Fall Into Dance: An Artistic Harvest

A professional production of all original choreography by Western North Carolina's own Ballet Company, the Asheville Ballet. It will showcase exciting new work in a variety of styles, from classical to contemporary.

SU (9/10), 2pm, Pack Square Park

N.C. Mountain State Fair

The official state fair of WNC, celebrating agriculture, food and traditions of the region. For more information visit avl.mx/bya.

FR (9/8), SA (9/9), SU (9/10), 10am, MO (9/11), TU (9/12), WE (9/13), TH (9/14), 4pm, WNC Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd

WTF Week (Women to the Front)

In addition to the festival, a partnership with over 25 local venues that have committed to featuring women during the week leading up to the festival. You will see local and regional female artists at New Belgium, Salvage Station, Grey Eagle, The Outpost, Botanist & Barrell, Pisgah Brewing, Bush Farmhouse and more. See p32 MO (9/11), Multiple Locations, Citywide

Annual 9/11 Day of Observance

Navy office, Renee Taft, will be speaking at the this 9/11 remembrance. Other participants in the program include the Reuter Center Singers; invocation and benediction by Rebecca Gurney, pastor of Reems Creek Beech Presbyterian Church, and more. MO (9/11), 11am, Lake Louise Community Center, Weaverville, Weaverville

15th Annual Music Video Asheville Awards

An annual event that showcases the collaborations between filmmakers and musicians. Area bands submit their music videos and the best 90 minutes of videos are selected for a viewing and awards ceremony in Downtown Asheville. WE (9/13), 6:30pm, Salvage Station, 468 Riverside Dr

WTF Funk Project

A week long celebration leading up to the Women to the Front Music Festival. Venues across town will be celebrating all the talented women who help make Asheville such a wonderful place to live.

TH (9/14), 9pm, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd

BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING

17th Annual Mountain Song Festival

Hosted by Steep Canyon Rangers, featuring Sam Bush Band, Shannon Whitworth and Woody Platt, Larry and Joe, Nikki Talley and Jason Sharp, AJ Lee & Blue Summit and Big Richard. Benefitting the Cindy Platt Boys and

Girls Club of Transylvania County.

FR (9/8), 3pm, SA (9/9), noon, Brevard Music Center, 349 Andante Ln, Brevard

Silent Disco: Fundraiser

Supporting the Candace Pickens Memorial Park with DJ Drew.

FR (9/8), 5pm, Rabbit Rabbit, 75 Coxe Ave

Powder Horns, Socialist Anxiety, Bad Ties & Ever After

A benefit show for Geddi Monroe. Proceeds to go towards Transgender care.

FR (9/8), 7pm, The Odd, 1045 Haywood Rd

3rd Annual Warrior Challenge

A family-fun event to celebrate the anniversary of the fitness park with a Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course and a special superheroes race. A silent auction and raffle will be held to raise money for Jameson's Joy Memorial Service Foundation. SA (9/9), 10am, Jameson's Joy Memorial Fitness Park, TAC Playground, Brevard Wellness Expo

Yoga Nut in front of Nike at the Asheville Outlets will lead an afternoon of complimentary movement classes, health screenings, mini treatments, and more. All proceeds support Babies Need Bottoms, a local diaper bank. SA (9/9), 1pm, Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Rd Wine Walk Asheville Explore 10 small business in downtown Asheville while enjoying 20 wines hand selected by our wine sommelier. This event benefits Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. SU (9/10), 3pm, The Aventine, 95 Page Ave

Asheville DSA Presents: Carolina Abortion Fund Fundraiser

A fundraiser for the Carolina Abortion Fund with live music from Lavender Blue, Sweet Fiend and Places. See p31 SU (9/10), 8pm, The Odd, 1045 Haywood Rd

AVL Maui Relief Benefit Concert

An evening of music featuring Billy Cardine & CarolinAloha and Friends to benefit those impacted by the devastating Maui fire. All proceeds will be donated to The Maui Strong Fund. MO (9/11), 7pm, AyurPrana Listening Room, 312 Haywood Rd

Under the Stars 2023

A stellar evening of science, dinner, dancing, and a silent auction.

AMOS holds Under The Stars every year to help fund our mission of expanding access to STEM education all across WNC.

TH (9/14), 6pm, Highland Brewing Company, 12 Old Charlotte Hwy

Where’s my teacup?

Well, dear readers, since publishing last week’s Best of WNC, Part I, we’ve had a slew of guests pop in to our Alice in Wonderland tea party: Mad Hatter, March Hare and White Rabbit so far. And, my — what an exciting time! (Granted, I’ve yet to actually land a sip of tea.)

“Clean cup, clean cup; move down, move down!”

Oh, pipe down back there, Mad Hatter and March Hare!

Apologies for the interruption. Where was I?

Oh, yes — Best of WNC! We are back with Part II, which features the perennially popular Eats and Drinks sections. And given this year’s theme, I’d be remiss not to offer a shoutout to Dobra Tea, Dobra Tea–West and High Climate Tea Co. for earning first-, second- and third-place finishes, respectively, in this year’s Place to Drink Tea category.

“Clean cup, clean cup; move down, move down!”

Quiet!

Apologies, again.

Now, if by chance, you’re feeling like the White Rabbit — “Late, late for a very important Best Of date” — worry not, poor anxious soul. Your clock is far from being two days off; we need not stuff it with butter, tea, sugar, jam and mustard. (Mustard!?!)

In addition to Parts I and II being published over the course of two weeks of Xpress , we will also make available the complete list of winners come November in our most helpful 2023 pocket reference guide to the Best of WNC.

“Clean cup, clean cup; move down, move down!”

Oh, boy — I need to get going. They’re literally slicing our teacups in half!

— Thomas Calder X

Scott Southwick, Tina Gaafary, Olivia Urban • LISTINGS EDITORS Hinton Edgerton, Mark Murphy, Lisa Watters • PHOTO COORDINATORS Hinton Edgerton, Mark Murphy • WRITERS Lisa Allen, Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Chase Davis, Andy Hall, Justin McGuire, Greg Parlier, Tracy Rose, Jessica Wakeman

AD SALES Sara Brecht, Vicki Catalano, Jamie Knox, Scott Mermel • IT & WEB Hinton Edgerton, Jeff Fobes, Mark Murphy, Scott Southwick, Brandon Tilley

FRONT OFFICE/ACCOUNTING Hinton Edgerton, Amie Fowler, Mark Murphy, Lisa Watters • DISTRIBUTION Susan Hutchinson, Cindy Kunst and a fantastic team

EATS

RESTAURANT THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF ASHEVILLE

1 NINE MILE n w s x

233 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-505-3121

751 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9903

Biltmore Park Town Square, 33 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 828-676-1807 • ninemileasheville.com

2 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w 626 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com

3 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP r 388 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-1398 • whiteducktacoshop.com

FAVORITE RESTAURANT

1 NINE MILE n w s

233 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-505-3121

12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE

THE Best Of Eats competition gets tougher every year, as new food spots pop up faster than you can say, “Bon appetit!”

In the last 12 months, we’ve witnessed the opening of countless new restaurants, including Tall John’s in Montford, and Little Louie’s and Regina’s Westside on Patton Avenue, plus the resurrection of West Asheville’s Tastee Diner by chef/owner Steven Goff, Asheville’s first Filipino restaurant, Neng Jr.’s, new food counters Gourmand and Mikasa Criolla in downtown’s historic S&W Market, and Owen and Mindi McGlynn’s Little D’s in North Asheville — to name a very, very few.

It’s no secret that Asheville is a culinary destination. From top rankings in national publications, to local chefs hosting their own televised shows, to the annual multiday Chow Chow Food + Culture Festival, our area delivers for foodies, whether you’re a visitor or a lucky local.

And although we’re located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, we have our pick of an extraordinary range of cuisines — anything from Spanish tapas at Cúrate (Fine Dining/Upscale and Restaurant in Downtown, including South Slope) to wieners at one of The Hot Dog King’s several locations (Hot Dogs). For those seeking a taste closer to traditional WNC, head to 12 Bones Smokehouse (Ribs), Tupelo Honey

(Southern) or HomeGrown (LocalFood Emphasis and Restaurant Comfort Food).

Chef’s kiss to freshmen Hall of Fame winners 828 Family Pizzeria (Pizza), Green Tea Sushi Restaurant (Sushi), Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian (Restaurant in North Asheville), Mamacita’s Taqueria (Burrito), Wild Wing Café (Wings), Chow Chow Food + Culture Festival (Local Food Festival or Event) and Gypsy Queen Cuisine (Middle Eastern).

And a warm welcome to the winners in this year’s new Eats categories: HomeGrown (Comfort Food) and Mother Ocean Seafood Market (Fresh Fish Seller).

Bon appetit … y’all!

— Andy Hall X

751 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9903

Biltmore Park Town Square, 33 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 828-676-1807 • ninemileasheville.com

2 CÚRATE d 13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

3 LIMONES d 15 Eagle St., Asheville 828-252-2327 • limonesrestaurant.com

Best Barbecue and Ribs; third place Restaurant in the River Arts District

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

RESTAURANT IN DOWNTOWN (INCLUDING SOUTH SLOPE)

1 CÚRATE d x 13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

2 CHESTNUT d 48 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-2667 • chestnutasheville.com

3 CHAI PANI d 22 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 828-254-4003 • chaipani.com

RESTAURANT IN THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT

1 VIVIAN r 348 Depot St., Suite 190, Asheville 828-225-3497 • vivianavl.com

2 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP r 388 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-1398 • whiteducktacoshop.com

3 12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE r 5 Foundy St., Suite 10, Asheville 828-253-4499 • 12bones.com

RESTAURANT IN WEST ASHEVILLE

1 NINE MILE (WEST) w x 751 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9903 • ninemileasheville.com

2 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w 626 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com

3 THE ADMIRAL w 400 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-2541 • theadmiralasheville.com

RESTAURANT

IN

NORTH ASHEVILLE

1 VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN n x 641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-1077 • vinniesitalian.com

2 NINE MILE n 233 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-505-3121 • ninemileasheville.com

3 828 FAMILY PIZZERIA n 946 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-285-0709 • 828pizzeria.com

RESTAURANT IN EAST ASHEVILLE

1 COPPER CROWN e x 1011 Tunnel Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-505-7531 • coppercrownavl.com

2 EAST VILLAGE GRILLE e 1177 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-299-3743 • avl.mx/cxo

3 RENDEZVOUS e 184 New Haw Creek Road, Asheville 828-348-0909 • ashevillerendezvous.com

RESTAURANT IN SOUTH ASHEVILLE

1 VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN (SOUTH) s

1981 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-630-8100 • vinniesitalian.com

2 WILD GINGER PHO NOODLE BAR s 1950 Hendersonville Road, Suite 12, Asheville 828-676-1827 • wildgingernoodle.com

3 POST 25 s

2155 Hendersonville Road, Arden 828-676-2577 • post25avl.com

BREAKFAST

1 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w x 626 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com

2 BISCUIT HEAD d w

417 Biltmore Ave., Suite 4F, Asheville 828-505-3449

733 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-333-5145 • biscuitheads.com

3 EARLY GIRL EATERY d 8 Wall St., Asheville 828-259-9292 ext. 1 • earlygirleatery.com

BRUNCH

1 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w x 626 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com

2 BISCUIT HEAD d w 417 Biltmore Ave., Suite 4F, Asheville 828-505-3449

733 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-333-5145 • biscuitheads.com

3 EARLY GIRL EATERY d 8 Wall St., Asheville 828-259-9292 ext. 1 • earlygirleatery.com

LUNCH

1 GREEN SAGE CAFÉ d n s

5 Broadway, Asheville 828-252-4450

633 Merrimon Ave., Suite A, Asheville 828-417-7859

1800 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-4450 • greensagecafe.com

2 ALL DAY DARLING n 102 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-505-3701 • alldaydarlingavl.com

3 ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK w 1455 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-2260 • rockyshotchickenshack.com

3 TACO BILLY w

201 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-0088 • tacobillyasheville.com

QUICK MEAL

1 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP r d s ax

388 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-1398

PEOPLE-WATCHING RESTAURANT

1 MELLOW MUSHROOM d x 50 Broadway, Asheville 828-236-9800 • mellowmushroom.com

2 WICKED WEED BREWING d w a 91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-9599

145 Jacob Holm Way, Candler 828-365-7166 • wickedweedbrewing.com

3 RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE d 7 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-254-4993 • rankinvault.com

RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW

1 HEMINGWAY’S CUBA RESTAURANT & BAR d 15 Page Ave., 4th Floor, Asheville 828-417-6866 • hemingwayscuba.com

2 SUNSET TERRACE n Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • avl.mx/3k8

3 PISGAH INN w a Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 408.6, Canton 828-235-8228 • pisgahinn.com

OUTDOOR DINING

1 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP (RAD) r 388 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-1398 • whiteducktacoshop.com

2 SMOKY PARK SUPPER CLUB r 350 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-350-0315 • smokypark.com

3 RENDEZVOUS e

184 New Haw Creek Road, Asheville 828-348-0909 • ashevillerendezvous.com

3 UNIVERSAL JOINT w 784 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-7262 • ujasheville.com

NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS)

1 TALL JOHN’S n 152 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-782-5514 • talljohns.com

2 NENG JR.’S w 701 Haywood Road, Suite 102, Asheville 828-552-3880 • nengjrs.com

3 THE TRASHY VEGAN w 697 Haywood Road, Unit E, Asheville 828-412-3026 • thetrashyvegan.net

ROMANTIC DINING

1 ZAMBRA d x 85 W. Walnut St., Asheville 828-232-1060 • zambratapas.com

2 STRADA ITALIANO d 27 Broadway, Asheville 828-348-8448 • stradaasheville.com

2 SUNSET TERRACE n Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • avl.mx/3k8

3 CÚRATE d 13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

FINE DINING/UPSCALE

1 CÚRATE d x 13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

2 CHESTNUT d 48 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-2667 • chestnutasheville.com

3 PLANT n 165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-258-7500 • plantisfood.com

BEST OF EATS

RESTAURANT WINE SELECTION

1 LEO’S HOUSE OF THIRST w 1055 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-8017 • leosavl.com

2 ZAMBRA d 85 W. Walnut St., Asheville 828-232-1060 • zambratapas.com

3 AVENUE M n 791 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-350-8181 • avenuemavl.com

3 CÚRATE d 13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

RESTAURANT COCKTAIL SELECTION

1 RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE d 7 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-254-4993 • rankinvault.com

2 SOVEREIGN REMEDIES d 29 N. Market St., Leicester 828-919-9518 • sovereignremedies.com

2 THE GOLDEN PINEAPPLE w 503 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-4458 • goldenpineapplebar.com

3 LIMONES d 15 Eagle St., Asheville 828-252-2327 • limonesrestaurant.com

KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

1 ASHEVILLE PIZZA & BREWING CO. n d x

675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-1281

77 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-255-4077 • ashevillebrewing.com

2 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP r d

388 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-1398

12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-9191 • whiteducktacoshop.com

3 CREEKSIDE TAPHOUSE e 8 Beverly Road, Asheville 828-575-2880 • creeksidetaphouse.com

DINER/HOMESTYLE

1 5 POINTS RESTAURANT d 258 Broadway, Asheville 828-252-8030 • 5pointsasheville.com

2 HOMEGROWN n 371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com

3 TASTEE DINER & DIVE BAR w 575 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-2073 • tasteedineravl.com

ZAMBRA

Best

RESTAURANT COMFORT FOOD

1 HOMEGROWN n 371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com

2 ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK w s a 1455 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-2260 3749 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-676-3222 • rockyshotchickenshack.com

3 MOOSE CAFÉ w 570 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-255-0920 • eatatthemoosecafe.com

PUB GRUB

1 WESTVILLE PUB w 777 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-225-9782 • westvillepub.com

2 JACK OF THE WOOD d 95 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-252-5445 • jackofthewood.com

3 UNIVERSAL JOINT w 784 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-7262 • ujasheville.com

TAKEOUT

1 ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK w s ax 1455 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-2260 3749 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-676-3222 • rockyshotchickenshack.com

2 GAN SHAN WEST w 285 Haywood Road, Suite 20, Asheville 828-417-7402 • ganshanwest.com

3 LITTLE BEE THAI d 45 S. French Broad Ave., Suite 190, Asheville 828-404-1370 • avl.mx/9my

LATE-NIGHT EATS

1 PIE.ZAA d 46 Millard Ave., Asheville 828-440-0400 • piezaapizzaasheville.com

2 RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE d 7 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-254-4993 • rankinvault.com

3 WAFFLE HOUSE e 171 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-258-0348 • wafflehouse.com

PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR

BEST VALUE

1 NINE MILE n w s

233 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-505-3121 751 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9903

Biltmore Park Town Square, 33 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 828-676-1807 • ninemileasheville.com

2 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP r d 388 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-1398

12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-9191 • whiteducktacoshop.com

3 TACO BILLY w 201 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-0088 • tacobillyasheville.com

BEST SERVICE

1 VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN n s x

641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-1077

1981 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-630-8100 • vinniesitalian.com

2 CÚRATE d 13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

3 CHESTNUT d 48 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-2667 • chestnutasheville.com

BARBECUE

1 12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE r s ax

5 Foundy St., Suite 10, Asheville 828-253-4499

2350 Hendersonville Road, Arden 828-687-1395 •

2

1

RIBS

BURGER

1 FARM BURGER d s x 10 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-348-8540 1831 Hendersonville Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-575-2393 • farmburger.com

2 BABY BULL r 1 Roberts St., Asheville babybullavl.com

3 RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE d 7 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-254-4993 • rankinvault.com

WINGS

1 WILD WING CAFÉ s ax 65 Long Shoals Road, Arden 828-691-9464 • wildwingcafe.com

2 ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK w s a 1455 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-2260 3749 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-676-3222 • rockyshotchickenshack.com

3 MOE’S ORIGINAL BBQ s 4 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-8282 • moesoriginalbbq.com

FRENCH FRIES

1 BOUCHON d x 62 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-350-1140 • ashevillebouchon.com

2 FARM BURGER d s 10 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-348-8540 1831 Hendersonville Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-575-2393 • farmburger.com

3 FRENCH FRYZ s a 2109 Hendersonville Road, Arden 828-684-0416 • frenchfryz.net

FRIED CHICKEN

1 ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK w s ax 1455 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-2260 3749 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-676-3222 • rockyshotchickenshack.com

2 HOMEGROWN n 371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com

3 SAND HILL KITCHEN w 491 Sardis Road, Asheville 828-633-6868 • sandhillkitchen.com

HOT BAR/BUFFET

1 MELA INDIAN RESTAURANT d x 70 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-225-8880 • melaasheville.com

2 ANDAAZ s 28 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-552-3200 • andaazasheville.com

3 WHOLE FOODS (TUNNEL ROAD) e

4 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-239-9604 wholefoodsmarket.avl.mx/bwlcom

HOT DOGS

1 THE HOT DOG KING e aw as a 1487 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 828-628-1036

2299 Smokey Park Highway, Candler 828-670-1199 2603 Hendersonville Road, Arden 828-676-2690 • thehotdogkings.com

2 HOT DOG WORLD s a 226 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 828-697-0374 • hotdogworld.net

3 CELEBRITY’S HOTDOGS w 1409 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-670-5954 • avl.mx/57f

FRENCH

1 BOUCHON d x 62 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-350-1140 • ashevillebouchon.com

2 RENDEZVOUS e 184 New Haw Creek Road, Asheville 828-348-0909 • ashevillerendezvous.com

3 ISA’S FRENCH BISTRO d

1 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 828-575-9636 • isasbistro.com

ITALIAN

1 VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN n s x 641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-1077 1981 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-630-8100 • vinniesitalian.com

2 STRADA ITALIANO d 27 Broadway, Asheville 828-348-8448 • stradaasheville.com

3 CUCINA 24 d 24 Wall St., Asheville 828-254-6170 • cucina24restaurant.com

Merci Beaucoup Y’all

montforddeli.com

1 VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN n s x 641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-1077

1981 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-630-8100 • vinniesitalian.com

2 STRADA ITALIANO d 27 Broadway, Asheville 828-348-8448 • stradaasheville.com

3 NINE MILE n 233 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-505-3121 • ninemileasheville.com

PIZZA

1 828 FAMILY PIZZERIA n x 946 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-285-0709 • 828pizzeria.com

2 ASHEVILLE PIZZA & BREWING CO. n d

675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-1281 77 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-255-4077 • ashevillebrewing.com

3 PIE.ZAA d 46 Millard Ave., Asheville 828-440-0400 • piezaapizzaasheville.com

SUB SHOP

1 JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS w e s x 1341 Parkwood Road, Suite 103, Asheville 828-271-4612 104A River Hills Road, Asheville 828-298-6453 1816 Hendersonville Road, Suite 20, Asheville 828-277-1514 • jerseymikes.com

1 SILVERBALL SUBS w 347 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-412-5281 • silverballsubs.com

2 ASHEVILLE SANDWICH CO. w 794 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-8070 ashevillesandwichcompany.com

3 LENNY’S GRILL & SUBS s

645 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-350-1338 • lennys.com

SANDWICH SHOP

1 ASHEVILLE SANDWICH CO. w 794 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-8070 ashevillesandwichcompany.com

2 MONTFORD DELI n 1461 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-707-7362 • montforddeli.com

2 SILVERBALL SUBS w 347 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-412-5281 • silverballsubs.com

3 LORETTA’S CAFÉ d 114 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-253-3747 • lorettascafe.com

GREEK

1 APOLLO FLAME BISTRO s w x 485 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-3582 1025 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-665-0080 • apolloflamebistro.net

2 STONEY KNOB CAFE n a 337 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-645-3309 • stoneyknobcafe.com

3 POMODOROS GREEK AND ITALIAN CAFÉ e 1070 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-299-3032 • pomodorositalian.com

MIDDLE EASTERN

1 GYPSY QUEEN CUISINE w x 807 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-2758 • gypsyqueencuisine.com

2 JERUSALEM GARDEN CAFÉ d 78 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-254-0255 • jerusalemgardencafe.com

3 BABA NAHM d

Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 139, Asheville 828-575-2075 • babanahm.com

TACO

1 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP r d s ax 388 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-1398

12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-9191

16 Miami Circle, Arden 828-676-1859 • whiteducktacoshop.com

2 TACO BILLY w e a

201 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-0088

117 Cherry St., Black Mountain 828-419-6336 • tacobillyasheville.com

3 TACO TEMPLE d

132 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-255-8098 • mamacitastacotemple.com

BURRITO

1 MAMACITAS d x 77 Biltmore Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-255-8080 • mamacitastaqueria.com

2 PAPA’S & BEER AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FAMILY RESTAURANT e 17 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-255-2204 • papasandbeerdowntown.com

3 NEO BURRITO w 1341 Parkwood Road, Suite 106, Asheville 828-772-9602 • neoburrito.com

Our Subs are crafted with

produce from WNC Farmers Market, stacked on

MEXICAN

1 TAQUERIA MUÑOZ w 1438 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-412-3331 • taqueriamunoz.com

2 EL QUE PASA w 891 Patton Ave., Unit E, Asheville 828-407-1748 • elquepasa.net

3 PAPA’S & BEER AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FAMILY RESTAURANT e 17 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-255-2204 • papasandbeerdowntown.com

LATIN AMERICAN

1 LA RUMBA e

105 River Hills Road, Suite C, Asheville 828-505-2128 • larumbaasheville.com

2 SALSA’S

6 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-252-9805 • salsasnc.com

3 LIMONES d 15 Eagle St., Asheville 828-252-2327 • limonesrestaurant.com

RAMEN

1 ITTO RAMEN BAR & TAPAS d w s a 3 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-552-3288 630 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-0860 335 Airport Road, Suite 300, Arden 828-676-0558 • ittoramen.com

2 GAN SHAN WEST w 285 Haywood Road, Suite 20, Asheville 828-417-7402 • ganshanwest.com

3 HEIWA SHOKUDO d 87 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-254-7761 • heiwashokudo.net

SUSHI

1 GREEN TEA SUSHI RESTAURANT w x

2 Regent Park Blvd., Asheville 828-252-8300 • greenteasushinc.com

2 WASABI JAPANESE RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR d

19 Broadway, Asheville 828-225-2551 • wasabiasheville.com

2 ZEN SUSHI n

640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-225-6033 • zen-sushi-asheville.com

3 UMI JAPANESE FINE DINING s a 633 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-698-8048 • umihendersonville.com

JAPANESE

1 ICHIBAN JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR s

2 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-252-7885 • ichibanasheville.com

2 GREEN TEA SUSHI RESTAURANT w

2 Regent Park Blvd., Asheville 828-252-8300 • greenteasushinc.com

3 HEIWA SHOKUDO d 87 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-254-7761 • heiwashokudo.net

THAI

1 LITTLE BEE THAI d x 45 S. French Broad Ave., Suite 190, Asheville 828-404-1370 • avl.mx/9my

2 THAI PEARL RESTAURANT w 747 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-412-5905 • thaipearlasheville.com

3 SUWANA’S THAI ORCHID d 11 Broadway, Asheville 828-281-8151 • suwanasthaiorchid.com

PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR

Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm Saturday 10am-3pm Lunch: Tuesday-Friday 11am-4pm Saturday 11am-2pm

INDIAN

1 CHAI PANI d 22 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 828-254-4003 • chaipani.com

2 MELA INDIAN RESTAURANT d 70 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-225-8880 • melaasheville.com

3 ANDAAZ s 28 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-552-3200 • andaazasheville.com

3 MËHFIL d 5 Biltmore Ave., Suite B, Asheville 828-412-5151 • mehfilasheville.com

CHINESE

1 RED GINGER DIMSUM & TAPAS d x 82 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-505-8688 • redgingerasheville.com

2 ORIENTAL PAVILION w 48 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 828-236-3839 • orientalpavilionnc.com

3 CHINA TASTE w 202A State St., Asheville 828-252-7999 • chinatasteasheville.com

SOUTHERN

1 TUPELO HONEY d s x 12 College St., Asheville 828-255-4863

1829 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-505-7676 • tupelohoneycafe.com

2 HOMEGROWN n 371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com

3 ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK w 1455 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-2260 • rockyshotchickenshack.com

SEAFOOD

1 JETTIE RAE’S OYSTER HOUSE n 143 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-505-4499 • jettieraes.com

2 THE LOBSTER TRAP d 35 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-350-0505 • thelobstertrap.biz

3 MOTHER OCEAN SEAFOOD MARKET n 640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-231-5607 • momavl.com

SALAD

1 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d x 40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com

2 NINE MILE n w 233 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-505-3121 751 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9903 • ninemileasheville.com

3 APOLLO FLAME BISTRO s 485 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-3582 • apolloflamebistro.net

Best Local-Food Emphasis and Restaurant Comfort Food; second place Diner/Homestyle, Fried Chicken and Southern

RESTAURANT STILL NEEDED IN ASHEVILLE

1 AUTHENTIC CHINESE

2 VIETNAMESE

3 AUTHENTIC JEWISH DELI

SPECIAL DIET OPTIONS (GLUTEN-FREE, LACTOSE-FREE, ETC.)

1 POSANA d x 1 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-505-3969 • posanarestaurant.com

2 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d 40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com

3 PLANT n 165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-258-7500 • plantisfood.com

VEGAN

1 PLANT n x 165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-258-7500 • plantisfood.com

2 THE TRASHY VEGAN w 697 Haywood Road, Unit E, Asheville 828-412-3026 • thetrashyvegan.net

3 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d 40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com

VEGETARIAN

1 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d 40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com

2 PLANT n 165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-258-7500 • plantisfood.com

3 ROSETTA’S KITCHEN d 68 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-232-0738 • rosettaskitchen.com

VEGGIE BURGER

1 THE TRASHY VEGAN w 697 Haywood Road, Unit E, Asheville 828-412-3026 • thetrashyvegan.net

2 FARM BURGER d s 10 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-348-8540 1831 Hendersonville Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-575-2393 • farmburger.com

3 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d 40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com

PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR

GREEN/SUSTAINABILITYFRIENDLY RESTAURANT

1 GREEN SAGE CAFÉ d n s x

5 Broadway, Asheville 828-252-4450

633 Merrimon Ave., Suite A, Asheville 828-417-7859

1800 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-4450 • greensagecafe.com

2 PLANT n 165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-258-7500 • plantisfood.com

3 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d 40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com

LOCAL-FOOD EMPHASIS

1 HOMEGROWN n x 371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com

2 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w 626 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com

3 RHUBARB d 7 SW Pack Square, Asheville 828-785-1503 • rhubarbasheville.com

HEALTHIEST FOOD

1 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d 40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com

2 GREEN SAGE CAFÉ d n

5 Broadway, Asheville 828-252-4450

633 Merrimon Ave., Suite A, Asheville 828-417-7859 • greensagecafe.com

3 PLANT n

165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-258-7500 • plantisfood.com

DESSERTS

1 OLD EUROPE PASTRIES d 18 Broadway, Asheville 828-255-5999 • oldeuropepastries.com

2 FRENCH BROAD CHOCOLATES d r 10 S. Pack Square, Asheville 828-252-4181 821 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-348-5187 • frenchbroadchocolates.com

3 CRAVE DESSERT BAR d 41 N. Lexington Ave., Suite 100, Asheville 828-254-1974 • cravedessertbar.com

BEST OF EATS

THE HOP ICE CREAM CAF ´

Best Ice Cream

ICE CREAM

1 THE HOP ICE CREAM CAFÉ n w d x 640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-2224 721 Haywood Road, Asheville 56 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-252-5155 • hopicecreamnc.com

2 ULTIMATE ICE CREAM e n 1070 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-296-1234 195 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-258-1515 • ultimateicecreamavl.com

3 SUNSHINE SAMMIES d 99 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-505-2852 • sunshinesammies.com

FROZEN TREATS OTHER THAN ICE CREAM

1 WHIT’S FROZEN CUSTARD n s ax 565 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-575-2008 1840 Hendersonville Road, Suite B-103, Asheville 828-505-0639

602 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 828-595-2118 • whitscustard.com

2 JEREMIAH’S ITALIAN ICE n 705 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-505-4400 • jeremiahsice.com

3 PELICAN’S SNOBALLS s 2601 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-417-7776 • pelicanssnoballs.com

CHOCOLATE

1 FRENCH BROAD CHOCOLATES d r x 10 S. Pack Square, Asheville 828-252-4181 821 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-348-5187 • frenchbroadchocolates.com

2 THE CHOCOLATE FETISH d 36 Haywood St., Asheville 828-258-2353 • chocolatefetish.com

3 ASHEVILLE CHOCOLATE d 25 Broadway, Asheville 828-505-6609 • avlchocolate.com

DOUGHNUTS

1 HOLE DOUGHNUTS w x 168 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-774-5667 • hole-doughnuts.com

2 VORTEX DOUGHNUTS d 32 Banks Ave., Suite 106, Asheville 828-552-3010 • vortexdoughnuts.com

3 DUCK DONUTS n 182 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-575-2177 • duckdonuts.com

PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR

BISCUITS

1 BISCUIT HEAD d w s x 417 Biltmore Ave., Suite 4F, Asheville 828-505-3449

733 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-333-5145

1994 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-585-2055 • biscuitheads.com

2 BLUE RIDGE BISCUIT CO. e a 601 W. State St., Suite 4, Black Mountain 828-357-8501 blueridgebiscuitcompany.com

3 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w

626 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com

BAGELS

1 BRUEGGER’S BAGELS n s

671 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-1560

160 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-277-1070 • brueggers.com

2 JOEY’S NEW YORK BAGELS s a 5829 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville 828-376-3692

1500 Haywood Road, Hendersonville 828-692-1220 • joeysnybagels.com

3 RISE ABOVE BAKEHOUSE s a 1207 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 828-222-2600 • riseabovebakehouse.com

BAKERY (SWEETS/DESSERTS/COOKIES)

1 OLD WORLD LEVAIN (OWL) BAKERY w n

295 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-318-5105

197 Charlotte St., Asheville owlbakery.com

2 OLD EUROPE PASTRIES d 18 Broadway, Asheville 828-255-5999 • oldeuropepastries.com

3 WELL-BRED BAKERY & CAFÉ n a

26 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com

BAKERY (BREAD)

1 OLD WORLD LEVAIN (OWL) BAKERY w n

295 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-318-5105 197 Charlotte St., Asheville owlbakery.com

2 CITY BAKERY CAFÉ n 88 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-254-4289 • citybakery.net

3 MOTHER r 20 Artful Way, Suite 102, Asheville 828-712-8914 • motheravl.com

FRESH FISH SELLER

1 MOTHER OCEAN SEAFOOD MARKET n

640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-231-5607 • momavl.com

2 FAIRVIEW SEAFOOD CO. e a

1297 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 828-337-5190 • avl.mx/cvc

FRESH MEAT SELLER

1 THE CHOP SHOP BUTCHERY n 100 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-505-3777 • chopshopbutchery.com

2 HICKORY NUT GAP FARM e a 57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview 828-628-1027 • hickorynutgap.com

3 107 MARKET & DELI e a 107 Black Mountain Ave., Black Mountain 828-357-9029 • avl.mx/cwz

FOOD TRUCK

1 MELT YOUR HEART M Asheville 828-989-6749 • avl.mx/3uo

2 EL KIMCHI M Asheville 828-551-6775 • avl.mx/4v3

3 THE SMOKIN’ ONION M Asheville • thesmokinonion.com

CATERING COMPANY

1 THE RED RADISH M Asheville 828-301-5999 • redradish.com

2 67 BILTMORE DOWNTOWN EATERY & CATERING d 67 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-252-1500 • 67biltmore.com

3 EVERYDAY GOURMET n 207 Weaverville Road, Asheville 828-773-0382 • cateringinasheville.com

LOCAL MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE

1 TAKEOUT CENTRAL AVL o 828-252-1221 • takeoutcentral.com

2 KICKBACK AVL o 20 Battery Park Ave., Suite 807, Asheville 828-585-6903 • kickbackavl.com

3 DOORDASH o Asheville 855-431-0459 • doordash.com

CHEESEMAKER/ CHEESE DAIRY

1 DARË VEGAN CHEESE o a

Herb Mountain Farm, 12 Locust Cove Road, Weaverville 828-484-8345 • darevegancheese.com

2 THREE GRACES DAIRY n a

335 Milky Way, Marshall 828-656-2195 • 3gracesdairy.com

3 LOOKING GLASS CREAMERY s a

115 Harmon Dairy Lane, Columbus 828-222-3730 • lookingglasscreamery.com

LOCALLY MADE CBD TREATS

1 FRANNY’S FARMACY n d s ax 211 Merrimon Ave., Suite 111, Asheville 828-505-7105 231 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-505-4717

128 Henderson Crossing Plaza, Hendersonville 828-697-7300 • frannysfarmacy.com

2 ASHEVILLE DISPENSARY w

919 Haywood Road, Suite 111, Asheville 828-335-2696 • avldispensary.com

LOCAL FOOD PRODUCT

1 LUSTY MONK MUSTARD o Candler 828-645-5056 • lustymonk.com

2 HICKORY NUT GAP FARM e a 57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview 828-628-1027 • hickorynutgap.com

CHEF

1 KATIE BUTTON (CÚRATE) d x 13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-239-2946 • katiebutton.com

2 J CHONG EATS o Asheville • @jchong_eats

3 STEVEN GOFF (TASTEE DINER) w 575 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-2073 • tasteedineravl.com

PASTRY CHEF

1 KAREN DONATELLI CAKE DESIGNS s 1000 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-225-5751 karendonatellicakedesigns.com

LOCAL FOOD FESTIVAL OR EVENT

1 CHOW CHOW: AN ASHEVILLE CULINARY EVENT SERIES x Various Locations, Asheville chowchowasheville.com

2 ASHEVILLE VEGAN FEST d Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville 984-900-6800 • ashevilleveganfest.com

3 ASHEVILLE GREEK FESTIVAL n 227 Cumberland Ave., Asheville 828-253-3754 • holytrinityasheville.com

NONPROFIT HELPING WITH HUNGER ISSUES

1 MANNA FOODBANK e x 627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 828-299-3663 • mannafoodbank.org

2 BOUNTY & SOUL e a 999 Old U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-419-0533 • bountyandsoul.org

3 BELOVED ASHEVILLE e 32 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville 828-571-0766 • belovedasheville.com

ALICE in Wonderland

famously samples a potion labeled “Drink Me,” which had the magical effect of shrinking her down to a miniature size.

We can neither confirm nor deny that such Wonderland-esque elixirs exist in Asheville. And though acclaim for Little Jumbo (Cocktails) was unequaled once again this year, its storied mixologists have no such offering for us. But then, who knows what marvels await behind the counter at the Burger Bar (Dive Bar)? Now, if we broaden our search for any kind of magical experience

DrI nKS

BAR THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF ASHEVILLE

1 THE ODD w 1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • theoddasheville.com

2 LITTLE JUMBO n 241 Broadway, Asheville 828-417-4783 • littlejumbobar.com

3 SOVEREIGN REMEDIES d 29 N. Market St., Leicester 828-919-9518 • sovereignremedies.com

NEIGHBORHOOD BARDOWNTOWN (INCLUDING SOUTH SLOPE)

1 RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE d 7 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-254-4993 • rankinvault.com

2 BURIAL BEER CO. d 40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 • burialbeer.com

3 FOGGY MOUNTAIN BREW PUB d 12 Church St., Asheville 828-254-3008 • foggymountainavl.com

THE ODD

with a drink or two or three, this city surely has much to offer.

Let’s raise a glass to the winners of the new Drinks categories this year: Brittony Miller of Peaberry Press (Barista) and Devil’s Foot Classic Ginger Beer (Local Nonalcoholic Drink).

The Drinks section had an exciting tie this year for best Bartender:

Jennie Lou Nelson at Fleetwood’s, who held onto her title for the fourth year in a row and thus entered the Hall of Fame, tied with Mike Turner at The One Stop, as he moved in on her territory for the first time.

Hmm. Is this town big enough for two top bartenders? Clearly, the only

way we’re going to resolve this is over another round of drinks.

While we’re at it, let’s toast the other new entrants (besides Jennie Lou Nelson) to this year’s Hall of Fame: Highland Brewing Co. (Bar or Brewery That Gives Back to the Community and Seasonal Beer for its Cold Mountain brew); Little Jumbo (Neighborhood Bar–North); Noble Cider’s Village Tart Cherry Hard Cider (Local Cider); Wicked Weed Brewing’s Black Angel (Local Sour Beer); and Asheville Dispensary (CBD Drinks/Health Elixirs).

— Jess Wakeman X

NEIGHBORHOOD BARRIVER ARTS DISTRICT

1 CRUCIBLE r 140A Roberts St., Asheville 828-575-9995 • avl.mx/9ww

2 WEDGE BREWING CO. r 37 Paynes Way, Suite 001, Asheville 828-505-2792 • wedgebrewing.com

3 BOTTLE RIOT r 37 Paynes Way, Suite 009, Asheville 828-505-8606 • bottleriot.com

Bar That Best Represents the Spirit of Asheville; Best LGBTQ+ Friendly Bar; third place Bloody Mary; Arts & Entertainment section: second place Open-Mic-Night Venue; Uniquely Asheville section: Best Place to Take Your Eccentric Friends

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

(Winner four years or more in a row)

NEIGHBORHOOD BARSOUTH

1 SHILOH & GAINES s 700 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-412-5836 • shilohandgaines.com

2 HILLMAN BEER s 25 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-1312 • hillmanbeer.com

3 THIRSTY MONK BREWERY s Biltmore Park Town Square, 2 Town Square Blvd., Suite 170, Asheville 828-687-3873 thirsty-monk-brewery.square.site

NEIGHBORHOOD BARWEST

1 WESTVILLE PUB w x 777 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-225-9782 • westvillepub.com

2 THE DOUBLE CROWN w 375 Haywood Road, Asheville avl.mx/9mu

3 THE WHALE :: A CRAFT BEER COLLECTIVE w 507 Haywood Road, Suite 10, Asheville 828-575-9888 • thewhaleavl.com

NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

NORTH

1 LITTLE JUMBO n x 241 Broadway, Asheville 828-417-4783 • littlejumbobar.com

2 FRAZIER’S TAVERN n 389 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-258-9828 • avl.mx/4wd

3 THE BARRELHOUSE n 1459 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-281-3613 • avl.mx/4s4

NEIGHBORHOOD BAREAST

1 THE SOCIAL e x 1078 Tunnel Road, Suites A&B, Asheville 828-298-8780 • thesocialasheville.com

2 EAST VILLAGE GRILLE e

1177 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-299-3743 • avl.mx/cxo

3 CREEKSIDE TAPHOUSE e 8 Beverly Road, Asheville 828-575-2880 • creeksidetaphouse.com

BARTENDER

1 JENNIE LOU NELSON x

1 MIKE TURNER (ONE STOP) d 55 College St., Asheville 828-255-7777 • ashevillemusichall.com

2 JOSH MARCH (VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN) n 641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-1077 • vinniesitalian.com

3 JAY POE

(THE JOINT NEXT DOOR) e a 1185 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 828-222-2012 • avl.mx/cwf

BAR FOR LIVE MUSIC

1 THE GREY EAGLE r 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville 828-232-5800 • thegreyeagle.com

2 JACK OF THE WOOD d 95 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-252-5445 • jackofthewood.com

-

3 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. e 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

BAR WITH A VIEW

1 THE MONTFORD ROOFTOP BAR d x 199 Haywood St., Asheville 828-505-8750 • themontford.com

2 HEMINGWAY’S CUBA RESTAURANT & BAR d 15 Page Ave., 4th Floor, Asheville 828-417-6866 • hemingwayscuba.com

3

BAR WITH GAMES

1 ASHEVILLE RETROCADE w x 800 Haywood Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-575-9488 • ashevilleretrocade.com

2 WELL PLAYED BOARD GAME CAFÉ d 162 Coxe Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-412-5788 • wellplayedasheville.com

3 LEVEL 256 CLASSIC ARCADE BAR d 79 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-412-5537 • level256arcade.com

LGBTQ+ FRIENDLY BAR

1 THE ODD w 1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • theoddasheville.com

2 BANKS AVE. d

32 Banks Ave., Asheville 828-785-1458 • avl.mx/a82

3 SCANDALS NIGHTCLUB d

11 Grove St., Asheville 828-505-1612 • scandalsnightclub.com

HOTEL BAR

1 CAPELLA ON 9 d x AC Hotel, 10 Broadway, 9th Floor, Asheville 828-258-2522 • capellaon9.com

2 HEMINGWAY’S CUBA RESTAURANT & BAR d 15 Page Ave., 4th Floor, Asheville 828-417-6866 • hemingwayscuba.com

3 THE MONTFORD ROOFTOP BAR d 199 Haywood St., Asheville 828-505-8750 • themontford.com

DIVE BAR

1 BURGER BAR r 1 Craven St., Asheville 828-424-7600 • avl.mx/9kq

2 THE DOUBLE CROWN w 375 Haywood Road, Asheville avl.mx/9mu

3 DESOTO LOUNGE w 504 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-255-1109 • desotolounge.com

SPORTS BAR

1 OLDE LONDON ROAD PUB r 270 Depot St., Asheville avl.mx/a6c

2 ASHEVILLE SPORTS CLUB d 137 Coxe Ave., Asheville ashevillesportsclub.com

3 THE BIER GARDEN d 46 Haywood St., Asheville 828-285-0002 • ashevillebiergarden.com

UPSCALE BAR

1 SOVEREIGN REMEDIES d x 29 N. Market St., Leicester 828-919-9518 • sovereignremedies.com

2 ANTIDOTE d 151 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-505-2882 • antidote.bar

3 THE TIMES BAR d

The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-774-5028 • thetimesbarasheville.com

BAR OR BREWERY THAT GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

1 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. e d x 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370

The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-1500 • highlandbrewing.com

2 NEW BELGIUM BREWING w 21 Craven St., Asheville 828-333-6900 • newbelgium.com

3 WICKED WEED BREWING d 91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com

WINE BAR

1 5 WALNUT WINE BAR d x 5 Walnut St., Asheville 828-253-2593 • 5walnut.com

2 BOTTLE RIOT r 37 Paynes Way, Suite 009, Asheville 828-505-8606 • bottleriot.com

3 LEO’S HOUSE OF THIRST w 1055 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-8017 • leosavl.com

BEST OF DRINKS

THE WHALE :: A CRAFT BEER COLLECTIVE

Best Bar: Local Beer Selection (excluding breweries) and Bar: Unusual Beer Selection (excluding breweries); third place Neighborhood Bar - West

LOCAL WINERY

1 r 289 Lyman St., Asheville 828-774-5062 • pleburbanwinery.com

2 BILTMORE WINERY s Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • avl.mx/9je

3 MARKED TREE s 623 Deep Gap Road, Flat Rock 828-513-3773 • markedtreevineyard.com

WINE STORE

1 METRO WINES n x 169 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-575-9525 • metrowinesasheville.com

2 APPALACHIAN VINTNER s 745 Biltmore Ave., Suite 121, Asheville 828-505-7500 • appalachianvintner.com

3 TABLE WINE s 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, Asheville 828-505-8588 • tablewineasheville.com

COCKTAILS

1 LITTLE JUMBO n 241 Broadway, Asheville 828-417-4783 • littlejumbobar.com

2 ANTIDOTE d 151 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-505-2882 • antidote.bar

3 THE GOLDEN PINEAPPLE w 503 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-4458 • goldenpineapplebar.com

DISTILLERY

1 CHEMIST SPIRITS d x 151 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-263-6943 • chemistspirits.com

2 EDA RHYNE DISTILLING CO. s 101 Fairview Road, Suite A, Asheville 828-412-5441 • edarhyne.com

3 CULTIVATED COCKTAILS d 25 Page Ave., Suite 103, Asheville 828-338-9779 • cultivated-cocktails.com

BLOODY MARY

1 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w 626 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com

2 RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE d 7 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-254-4993 • rankinvault.com

3 THE ODD w 1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • theoddasheville.com

MARGARITA

1 MOUNTAIN MADRE MEXICAN KITCHEN & AGAVE BAR d 13 W. Walnut St., Asheville 828-251-8879 • mountainmadreavl.com

2 LIMONES d 15 Eagle St., Asheville 828-252-2327 • limonesrestaurant.com

3 PAPA’S & BEER AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FAMILY RESTAURANT e 17 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-255-2204 • papasandbeerdowntown.com

CIDERY

1 BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER s ad 72 School House Road, Mills River 828-595-9940 39 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-552-3720 • boldrock.com

2 NOBLE CIDER d w 49 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-412-5064 356 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-575-9622 • noblecider.com

3 URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO. d 24 Buxton Ave., Asheville 828-505-7243 • urbanorchardcider.com

LOCAL CIDER

1 THE VILLAGE TART CHERRY CIDER (NOBLE CIDER) w x 356 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-575-9622 • noblecider.com

2 SIDRA DEL DIABLO (URBAN ORCHARD) d w 24 Buxton Ave., Asheville 828-505-7243 210 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-774-5151 • urbanorchardcider.com

3 THE GOLDEN ARROW GINGER CIDER (NOBLE CIDER) w 356 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-575-9622 • noblecider.com

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

BAR: LOCAL BEER SELECTION (EXCLUDING BREWERIES)

1 THE WHALE :: A CRAFT BEER COLLECTIVE w e

507 Haywood Road, Suite 10, Asheville 828-575-9888

2 Beverly Road, Asheville 828-505-1701 • thewhaleavl.com

2 BARLEY’S TAPROOM & PIZZERIA d 42 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-255-0504 • barleystaproom.com

3 THE BIER GARDEN d 46 Haywood St., Asheville 828-285-0002 • ashevillebiergarden.com

BAR: UNUSUAL BEER SELECTION (EXCLUDING BREWERIES)

1 THE WHALE :: A CRAFT BEER COLLECTIVE w e x 507 Haywood Road, Suite 10, Asheville 828-575-9888

2 Beverly Road, Asheville 828-505-1701 • thewhaleavl.com

2 THIRSTY MONK DOWNTOWN d 92 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-254-5470 thirsty-monk-brewery.square.site

LOCAL ALL-ROUND BREWERY (FOR ITS BEERS)

1 BURIAL BEER CO. d s 40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 10 Shady Oak Drive, Asheville 828-505-4452 • burialbeer.com

2 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. e d 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370

The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-1500 • highlandbrewing.com

3 HILLMAN BEER s 25 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-1312 • hillmanbeer.com

BREWERY (FOR ITS TAPROOM & ATMOSPHERE)

1 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. e d

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370

The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-1500 • highlandbrewing.com

2 SIERRA NEVADA BREWING CO. s a 100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River 828-708-6242 • sierranevada.com

3 BURIAL BEER CO. d 40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 • burialbeer.com

FAMILY-FRIENDLY BAR OR BREWERY

1 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. e d x 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370

The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-1500 • highlandbrewing.com

2 NEW BELGIUM BREWING w 21 Craven St., Asheville 828-333-6900 • newbelgium.com

3 WHISTLE HOP BREWING CO. e a 1288 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 828-338-9447 • whistlehop.com

CREATIVE, EXPERIMENTAL BREWERY

1 BURIAL BEER CO. d s 40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 10 Shady Oak Drive, Asheville 828-505-4452 • burialbeer.com

2 DSSOLVR d 63 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville dssolvr.com

3 FUNKATORIUM d 147 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-552-3203 • avl.mx/9m8

JAMES COLVIN

We procure the finest in functional glass art, glass and traditional pipes, vaporizers, premium cigars, CBD & hemp products, hookahs, incense and candles, home decor and art, gifts for everyone, and much more!

BEST OF DRINKS

RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE

Best Neighborhood Bar - Downtown (including South Slope); second place Bloody Mary; Eats section: Best Restaurant Cocktail Selection; second place Late-Night Eats; third place Burger and People-Watching Restaurant

LOCAL BEER (ANY STYLE)

1 GAELIC ALE (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) e x

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

2 SURF WAX IPA (BURIAL BEER CO.) d 40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 • burialbeer.com

3 PERNICIOUS IPA (WICKED WEED BREWING) d 91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com

LOCAL DARK BEER

1 GREEN MAN PORTER (GREEN MAN BREWERY) d 27 Buxton Ave., Asheville 828-252-5502 • greenmanbrewery.com

2 SKILLET DONUT STOUT (BURIAL BEER CO.) d 40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 • burialbeer.com

3 OATMEAL PORTER (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) e

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

LOCAL LAGER

1 HI-WIRE LAGER (HI-WIRE BREWING) s x

2A Huntsman Place, Asheville 828-738-2451 • hiwirebrewing.com

2 PILSNER (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) e 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

3 GREEN MAN LAGER (GREEN MAN BREWERY) d 27 Buxton Ave., Asheville 828-252-5502 • greenmanbrewery.com

3 HOUNDES OF HELLES (BOOJUM BREWING) w a 50 N. Main St., Waynesville 828-246-0350 • boojumbrewing.com

LOCAL SOUR BEER

1 BLACK ANGEL (WICKED WEED BREWING) d x 91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com

2 DOMINGA MIMOSA SOUR (NEW BELGIUM BREWING) w 21 Craven St., Asheville 828-333-6900 • newbelgium.com

3 PASSIONFRUIT GUAVA GOSE (BOOJUM BREWING) w a 50 N. Main St., Waynesville 828-246-0350 • boojumbrewing.com

LOCAL IPA

1 SURF WAX IPA

(BURIAL BEER CO.) d

40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 • burialbeer.com

2 IRON RAIL IPA (WEDGE BREWING CO.) r

37 Paynes Way, Suite 001, Asheville 828-505-2792 • wedgebrewing.com

3 AVL IPA

(HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) e

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

SEASONAL BEER

1 COLD MOUNTAIN (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) e x

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

2 NINJABREAD MAN (ASHEVILLE BREWING CO.) d n

77 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-255-4077 675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-1281 • ashevillebrewing.com

3 CLAWHAMMER OKTOBERFEST (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) e

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

BREWMASTER

1 BRAD HILLMAN (HILLMAN BEER) s e ax

25 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-1312

78 Catawba Ave., Old Fort 828-668-6372 • hillmanbeer.com

2 CARL MELISSAS (WEDGE BREWING CO.) r 37 Paynes Way, Suite 001, Asheville 828-505-2792

5 Foundy St., Asheville 828-253-7152 • wedgebrewing.com

FAVORITE LOCAL BEER EVENT

1 COLD MOUNTAIN RELEASE (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) e 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

2 BURNPILE AT BURIAL BEER CO. d 40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 • burialbeer.com

3 ASHEVILLE BEER WEEK Various Locations, Asheville avlbeerweek.com

BEER STORE

1 APPALACHIAN VINTNER s x 745 Biltmore Ave., Suite 121, Asheville 828-505-7500 • appalachianvintner.com

2 LOCAL 604 BOTTLE SHOP w 604 Haywood Road, Suite 2, Asheville 828-417-7002 • local604avl.com

3 THE BLUE DOOR BOTTLESHOP & BEER HALL s a 146 Third Ave. E., Hendersonville 828-290-4191 • thebluedoorhvl.com

PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR

highfivecoffee.com

DYNAMITE ROASTING CO.

Best Coffee Roaster; third place Establishment With the Best Coffee; Regional: Swannanoa & Black Mountain: second place Coffee & Sweets; third place Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Your Town

COFFEEHOUSE FOR ITS VIBE

1 BATTLECAT COFFEE BAR w

373 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-713-3885 • avl.mx/9ix

2 THE DRIPOLATOR COFFEEHOUSE e as

221 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-0999 20 Gala Drive, Asheville 828-505-0961 • avl.mx/3w7

3 ODD’S CAFE w

800 Haywood Road, Suite 110, Asheville 828-505-7776 • oddscafe.com

ESTABLISHMENT WITH THE BEST COFFEE

1 HIGH FIVE COFFEE d n x

13 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-713-5291

190 Broadway, Asheville 828-398-0209

2000 Riverside Drive, Woodfin 828-785-8272 • highfivecoffee.com

2 PENNYCUP COFFEE CO. r d

362 Depot St., Asheville 828-575-9495

39 Market St., Asheville 828-505-3609 • pennycupcoffeeco.com

3 DYNAMITE ROASTING CO. e a

3198 U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-357-8555 • dynamiteroasting.com

BARISTA

1 BRITTONY MILLER (PEABERRY PRESS) e

802 Fairview Road, Suite 800, Asheville 828-772-0438 • avl.mx/cuo

COFFEE ROASTER

1 DYNAMITE ROASTING CO. e ax 3198 U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-357-8555 • dynamiteroasting.com

2 PENNYCUP COFFEE CO. r d 362 Depot St., Asheville 828-575-9495 39 Market St., Asheville 828-505-3609 • pennycupcoffeeco.com

3 COOPERATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS w 210 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-367-9330 cooperativecoffeeroasters.com

PLACE TO DRINK TEA

1 DOBRA TEA d w e 78 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-575-2424 707 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-4307 1011 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-774-5088 • dobrateanc.com

2 DOBRA TEA - WEST w 707 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-4307 • dobrateanc.com

3 HIGH CLIMATE TEA CO. d 12 S. Lexington Ave., Suite 1, Asheville 828-505-4771 • highclimatetea.com

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

SMOOTHIES/JUICES

1 SIMPLE CAFE & JUICE BAR w x 643 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-774-5410 • simpleasheville.com

2 PULP + SPROUT JUICE BAR AND VEGAN CAFE n

233 S. Liberty St., Asheville 828-412-5701 • pulpandsprout.com

3 MOUNTAIN JUICERY s

1863 Hendersonville Road, Suite 132, Asheville 828-277-6006 • mountainjuicery.com

MOCKTAILS OR NONALCOHOLIC OPTIONS

1 LITTLE JUMBO n 241 Broadway, Asheville 828-417-4783 • littlejumbobar.com

2 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d 40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com

LOCAL NONALCOHOLIC DRINK PRODUCT

1 CLASSIC GINGER BEER (DEVIL’S FOOT) s

131 Sweeten Creek Road, Suite 10, Asheville 828-357-7601 • devilsfootbrew.com

2 FUTURE’S SO BRIGHT SPARKLING LEMONADE (DEVIL’S FOOT) s 131 Sweeten Creek Road, Suite 10, Asheville 828-357-7601 • devilsfootbrew.com

CBD DRINKS/ HEALTH ELIXIRS

1 ASHEVILLE DISPENSARY w x 919 Haywood Road, Suite 111, Asheville 828-335-2696 • avldispensary.com

2 SHANTI ELIXIRS o Asheville 828-351-4879 • shantielixirs.com

3 SOVEREIGN KAVA d 268 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-505-8118 • ashevillekava.com

KAVA BAR

1 SOVEREIGN KAVA d x 268 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-505-8118 • ashevillekava.com

2 ELEVATED KAVA

OutdooRs

BACKPACKING TRAIL/ OVERNIGHT HIKE

1 BLACK BALSAM KNOB w Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 420, Balsam Grove avl.mx/bwo

2 APPALACHIAN TRAIL FROM HOT SPRINGS TO MAX PATCH n a Hot Springs 828-254-3708 • appalachiantrail.org

DAY HIKE TRAIL

1 BLACK BALSAM KNOB w x Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 420, Balsam Grove avl.mx/bwo

2 CRAGGY GARDENS e a Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 367.6, Black Mountain 828-775-0976 • avl.mx/6cf

3 BEARWALLOW MOUNTAIN s a 4854 Bearwallow Mountain Road, Hendersonville conservingcarolina.org/bearwallow-mountain/

EASY HIKE TRAIL (FOR KIDS, ELDERS, LIMITED MOBILITY)

NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES

IT’S been said that people visit WNC for their love of its mountains. Among locals, it’s fair to say a good number of people have also found romance while visiting the iconic locations that frequent the Best of WNC Outdoors section.

One passionate thread tells of a man, Art Loeb, who “deeply loved these mountains,” according to a memorial plaque placed on the lengthy trail fondly named after him in 1969. The hiker’s namesake trail traverses Black Balsam Knob, a repeat winner as best Day Hike Trail for its expansive 360-degree

Best Canopy Tour/Zip Line

views, and this year’s favorite for Backpacking/Overnight Trail as well.

Additionally, the 30-mile-long Art Loeb trail, which runs from the Davidson River (best Camping Spot) near Brevard to Cold Mountain in Haywood County, was built and named by members of the Carolina Mountain Club (Hiking Club, six years in a row).

Among faster outdoor pursuits, Hall of Fame winners Cataloochee Ski Area (11 years straight) and Navitat Canopy Adventures (13 years running) maintained their grips on best Ski Resort and best

Canopy Tour/Zip Line, respectively. Bent Creek Experimental Forest (Mountain Bike Trail) remained the favorite among bikers for the second straight year.

Looking Glass Falls (Waterfall), Craggy Gardens (Picnic Spot) and the French Broad River (Place to Relax on the Water) kept their Hall of Fame streaks alive as well in their respective categories.

So make like Art Loeb and fall in love with the mountains he traversed decades ago. You’ll be in great company.

— Greg Parlier X

1 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM TRAILS w 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 828-665-2492 • ncarboretum.org

2 CRAGGY GARDENS TRAIL e a Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 367.6, Black Mountain 828-775-0976 • avl.mx/6cf

3 CATAWBA FALLS e a 3074 Catawba River Road, Old Fort 828-257-4200 • avl.mx//7uz

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

WALK - IN OR NEAR ASHEVILLE

1 THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT r Asheville 828-552-4723 • riverartsdistrict.com

2 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM TRAILS w 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 828-665-2492 • ncarboretum.org

3 BEAVER LAKE n 1292 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-225-6648 • thelakeviewpark.org

OUTDOOR GEAR AND APPAREL SHOP

1 SECOND GEAR r 99 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-258-0757 • secondgearwnc.com

2 REI CO-OP s Biltmore Park Town Square, 31 Schenck Parkway, Asheville 828-687-0918 • rei.com

3 BLACK DOME MOUNTAIN SPORTS e 140 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-251-2001 • blackdome.com

MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL

1 BENT CREEK EXPERIMENTAL FOREST w 1577 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-667-5261 • avl.mx/7v1

2 RIDGELINE TRAIL s a DuPont State Forest, Cedar Mountain avl.mx/7v2 CANOPY TOUR/ZIP LINE

1 NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES n ax 242 Poverty Branch Road, Barnardsville 828-626-3700 • navitat.com

2 THE GORGE ZIPLINE s a 166 Honey Bee Drive, Saluda 828-383-0269 • thegorgezipline.com

3 ASHEVILLE TREETOPS ADVENTURE PARK w 85 Expo Drive, Asheville 828-225-2921

ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com

BEST OF OUTDOORS

PICNIC SPOT

1 CRAGGY GARDENS e ax Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 367.6, Black Mountain 828-775-0976 • avl.mx/6cf

2 BILTMORE ESTATE s Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com

3 MAX PATCH n a Spring Creek • avl.mx/7uw

CAMPING SPOT

1 DAVIDSON RIVER CAMPGROUND s a

1 Davidson River Circle, Pisgah Forest 828-577-4558 • avl.mx/6df

HIKING CLUB OR GROUP

1 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN CLUB x Asheville 704-451-5268 • carolinamountainclub.org

RUNNING EVENT/RACE - ROAD OR TRAIL

1 ASHEVILLE TURKEY TROT d Asheville • ashevilleturkeytrot.com

SKI RESORT

1 CATALOOCHEE SKI AREA w ax 1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley 828-926-0285 • cataloochee.com

2 WOLF RIDGE RESORT n a 578 Valley View Circle, Mars Hill 828-689-4111 • skiwolfridgenc.com

3 BEECH MOUNTAIN RESORT n 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain 828-387-2011 • beechmountainresort.com

3 SUGAR MOUNTAIN RESORT n 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain 828-898-4521 • skisugar.com

PLACE TO RELAX ON THE WATER

1 FRENCH BROAD RIVER x Asheville riverlink.org/french-broad-river

2 LAKE JAMES e a Nebo 828-544-6800 • avl.mx/8by

3 LAKE LURE e a Lake Lure 828-625-9983 • townoflakelure.com

ASHEVILLE GREENWORKS

Best Environmental or Conservation Nonproft; Uniquely Asheville section: third place Nonproft That Improves Asheville

SWIMMING HOLE

1 SLIDING ROCK s a Pisgah National Forest, 7851 Pisgah Highway, Brevard adventurepisgah.com/sliding-rock

2 SKINNY DIP FALLS w a Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 417, Canton avl.mx/7uy

WATERFALL

1 LOOKING GLASS FALLS s ax U.S. Highway 276, Brevard 828-877-3265 • avl.mx/wordcaop

2 TRIPLE FALLS s a DuPont State Forest, Cedar Mountain avl.mx/7v0

3 CATAWBA FALLS e a

3074 Catawba River Road, Old Fort 828-257-4200 • avl.mx//7uz

RAFTING COMPANY

1 NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER w an a

13077 U.S. Highway 19 W., Bryson City 828-785-5082 9825 U.S. Highway 25, Marshall 828-348-1693 • noc.com

2 ZEN TUBING n s

608 Riverside Drive, Asheville 855-936-8823

1648 Brevard Road, Asheville 855-936-8823 • zentubing.com

3 FRENCH BROAD ADVENTURES n a 12 Good Adventures Lane, Marshall 828-649-0486 • frenchbroadrafting.com

3 FRENCH BROAD OUTFITTERS r 704 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-505-7371 • frenchbroadoutfitters.com

PLACE TO ROLLER SKATE OR SKATEBOARD

1 CARRIER PARK w

220 Amboy Road, Asheville 828-259-5800 • avl.mx/a8b

2 FOUNDATION ASHEVILLE SKATEPARK (FOUNDY) r

47 Foundy St., Asheville 828-225-5509 • foundationasheville.com

3 RAD SKATEPARK r 37 Foundy St., Asheville 828-338-8830 • radskateparkavl.com

ENVIRONMENTAL OR CONSERVATION NONPROFIT

1 ASHEVILLE GREENWORKS w 2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville 828-254-1776 • ashevillegreenworks.org

2 SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN HIGHLANDS CONSERVANCY n 372 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-0095 • appalachian.org

3 CONSERVING CAROLINA s a 847 Case St., Hendersonville 828-697-5777 • conservingcarolina.org

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

Farm, Yard & Gar den

TAILGATE/FARMERS MARKET

1 NORTH ASHEVILLE

TAILGATE MARKET n x UNCA, Parking Lot P28, 3300 University Heights, Asheville 828-484-6296 northashevilletailgatemarket.com

2 WNC FARMERS MARKET w 570 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-253-1691 • avl.mx/5br

3 WEST ASHEVILLE

TAILGATE MARKET w 718 Haywood Road, Asheville westashevilletailgatemarket.com

ROADSIDE FARM STAND

1 FLYING CLOUD FARM e ax 1860 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 828-768-3348 • flyingcloudfarm.net

2 HONEY MAN Asheville

3 JOHNSON FAMILY FARM s a 1202 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 828-484-2522 • johnsonfamilyfarmnc.com

COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA) FARM

1 HICKORY NUT GAP FARM e ax 57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview 828-628-1027 • hickorynutgap.com

2 FLYING CLOUD FARM e a 1860 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 828-768-3348 • flyingcloudfarm.net

SMART FELLER TREE WORKS

WHETHER you’re harvesting multiple acres of produce, tending a suburban garden, growing one tomato plant in a porch pot or frequently seeking the bounty grown by your neighbors, Best of WNC’s Farm, Yard & Garden section never fails to shine a light on the longtime titans of the growing game.

From supply stores to active growing spaces, landscapers to tailgate markets, no winner in this year’s Farm, Yard & Garden section is here for the first time.

If you’re starting from scratch, third-time winner Fifth Season Gardening Co. (Garden Supply Store) and 10-time winner Reems Creek Nursery (Nursery–Trees, Shrubs) might be the places to begin your agricultural Odyssey.

If you lack growing space yourself, check out the Peace Gardens & Market (Community Garden), a new entrant to the Hall of Fame, or 13-time winner Hickory Nut Gap Farm (Community Supported Agriculture) to satisfy your growing fix.

If you’re more in the market for some retail veggies, you might give

a try.

If it’s information you seek, the area’s eight-time favorite Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (Nonprofit Supporting Farms/Farmland Preservation) has the resources you need to connect you to farms and farm products in the region.

— Greg Parlier X

FARM TO VISIT

1 HICKORY NUT GAP FARM e ax 57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview 828-628-1027 • hickorynutgap.com

2 FLYING CLOUD FARM e a 1860 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 828-768-3348 • flyingcloudfarm.net

13-time winner North Asheville Tailgate Market (Tailgate/Farmers Market) or 11-time favorite Flying Cloud Farm (Roadside Farm Stand)

Best Tree Service

PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR

ORCHARD

1 GRANDAD’S APPLES ‘N SUCH s a 2951 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville 828-685-1685 • grandadsapples.com

2 SKY TOP ORCHARD s a 1193 Pinnacle Mountain Road, Zirconia 828-692-7930 • skytoporchard.com

3 JUSTUS ORCHARD s a 187 Garren Road, Hendersonville 828-974-1232 • justusorchard.com

COMMUNITY GARDEN

1 PEACE GARDENS & MARKET w x 47 Bryant St., Asheville 828-301-0166 • urbanpeacegardens.org

2 SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY GARDEN s 133 Livingston St., Asheville 828-280-0575 southsidecommunitygarden.org

3 DR. JOHN WILSON COMMUNITY GARDEN e a 99 White Pine Drive, Black Mountain 828-337-8932 • avl.mx/adq

GARDEN SUPPLY STORE

1 FIFTH SEASON GARDENING CO. e

4 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 450, Asheville 828-412-3200 • fifthseasongardening.com

2 B.B. BARNS s a

3377 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-650-7300 • bbbarns.com

3 JESSE ISRAEL & SONS NURSERY & GARDEN CENTER w 570 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-254-2671 • jesseisraelandsons.com

NURSERY (TREES, SHRUBS)

1 REEMS CREEK NURSERY n ax 76 Monticello Road, Weaverville 828-645-3937 • reemscreek.com

2 B.B. BARNS s a

3377 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-650-7300 • bbbarns.com

3 PAINTER’S GREENHOUSE e 734 Roy Moore Road, Old Fort 828-668-7225 • paintersgreenhouse.com

Bill Wescott Brandon Lemon Cody Johnson

Joe Farris Joe Wright

Work & Busi n ess

BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF ASHEVILLE

1 LAZOOM TOURS d 76 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-225-6932 • lazoomtours.com

2 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS e 800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com

3 EAST ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS BOUTIQUE e a 2296 U.S. Highway 70, Suite 2, Swannanoa 828-458-4139 • eastacupuncturewb.com

EMPLOYMENT SECTOR TO WORK IN

1 HEALTH CARE x

2 HOSPITALITY & TOURISM

3 NONPROFITS

BUSINESS THAT GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

1 THE MATT & MOLLY TEAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) d 86 Asheland Ave., Asheville 828-210-1697 • themattandmollyteam.com

FIRST BANK

Best Bank and Bank Services for Small Business

IN Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter’s watch shows the days of the week, not the time of day, because it’s always tea time. In Western North Carolina, it often can feel as if it’s always either hiking or beer time. But during the in-between hours, many of us are earning a living.

Sure, we have the traditional employers, such as health care (best Employment Sector to Work In) and education. But locals also can pay the bills here as outdoor guides, brewers (imagine telling your parents you wanted to do that for a living when

you were 8), artists, musicians or organic farmers — the latter being a key source of the goodness and popularity of the French Broad Food Co-op, which once again rose to the top this year in its fifth consecutive win in the Co-Op/Employee-Owned Business category.

Given we have so many small businesses, it’s fortunate they don’t have to go it alone, thanks to places like Mountain BizWorks (Support Organization for Entrepreneurs and New Businesses), which helps fledgling businesses fly, and lenders such as First Bank (Bank Services

for Small Businesses) that keep the dollars flowing.

Speaking of flowing dollars, kudos to The Matt & Molly Team at Keller Williams Realty for being named the best Business That Gives Back to the Community.

And how fitting is it that LaZoom Tours won the Business That Represents the Spirit of Alice in Wonderland … er, Asheville?

Well, would you look at that: It’s beer, uh, tea time — yes, tea time? Now, what day is it again?

— Lisa Allen X

2 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. e d 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370

The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-1500 • highlandbrewing.com

3 WICKED WEED BREWING d 91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

ME D Ia

LOCAL RADIO STATION (COMMERCIAL)

1 98.1 THE RIVER w 1190 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-259-9695 • 981theriver.com

2 99.9 KISS COUNTRY w 13 Summerlin Road, Asheville 828-257-2700 • 99kisscountry.com

3 105.9 THE MOUNTAIN w 1190 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-259-9695 • 1059themountain.com

LOCAL RADIO STATION (NONCOMMERCIAL)

1 103.3 ASHEVILLE FM w 864 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-348-0352 • ashevillefm.org

2 BLUE RIDGE PUBLIC RADIO (BPR NEWS AND BPR CLASSIC) d 73 Broadway, Asheville 828-210-4800 • bpr.org

3 88.7 WNCW s Isothermal Community College, 286 ICC Loop Road, Spindale 828-287-8000 • wncw.org

LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY/ANNOUNCER

103.3

Best Local Radio Station (noncommercial), third place Local Events Information Source

WHAT will future local historians remember about 2022 and early 2023? The largest share of this year’s voters singled out Asheville’s water crisis as the Most Important Local News Story — although it’s fairly easy to side with those who argued for the Canton mill closing, which came in third. Notably, there was a slew of other diverse votes, with one sporting plug put in for pickleball.

While there was a lot of agreement regarding the notability of some stories — such as crime, Asheville’s water crisis and homelessness — beyond that, voters were in complete

disagreement as to whether those stories had been underreported or overreported.

Typically, people get hooked on their favorite media heroes, like the perennial John Boyle, now working at the online media outlet Asheville Watchdog, who continues to be voted best Local Print Reporter (for the 12th year in a row). Maybe next year the Best Of category will have to be modified for him, to remove the word “Print.” Lest we shower too much acclaim on Boyle, let’s not forget Eddie Foxx (Local Radio Personality/Announcer, seven years running) and Jay Siltzer (Local TV

personality/Announcer, three years running, who took over after Darcel Grimes’ multiyear reign and then retired from WLOS in May).

Not all Best Of voters pick up a newspaper just to learn about the local happenings. Sometimes people need a break from news, often turning to the back of Xpress’ issues to test their minds with the challenges of the week’s crossword puzzle. It’s no surprise then, that for the third year in a row, WNC voters have chosen The New York Times crossword puzzle as the No. 1 feature in Xpress.

— Chase Davis and Jeff Fobes X

1 EDDIE FOXX (THE EDDIE FOXX SHOW, 99.9 KISS COUNTRY) w x 13 Summerlin Road, Asheville 828-257-2700 • 99kisscountry.com

2 COUSIN TL (ASHEVILLE FM) w 864 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-348-0352 • avl.mx/cv8

3 HELEN CHICKERING (BPR) d 73 Broadway, Asheville 828-210-4800 • bpr.org

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ASHEVILLE FM

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

JOHN BOYLE (AVL WATCHDOG)

Best Local Print Reporter

LOCAL TV PERSONALITY/ ANNOUNCER

1 JAY SILTZER (WLOS) s 110 Technology Drive, Asheville 828-684-1340 • wlos.com

2 JASON BOYER (WLOS) s 110 Technology Drive, Asheville 828-684-1340 • wlos.com

3 TAMMY WATFORD (WLOS) s 110 Technology Drive, Asheville 828-684-1340 • wlos.com

LOCAL PODCAST

1 THE OVERLOOK o Asheville • podavl.com

2 FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN o Asheville 828-384-5817 • avl.mx/bu1

LOCAL PRINT PUBLICATION OTHER THAN XPRESS

1 ASHEVILLE CITIZEN-TIMES d x 14 O. Henry Ave., Asheville 800-672-2472 • citizen-times.com

2 THE LAUREL OF ASHEVILLE n Elk Mountain Road, Woodfin 828-670-7503 • thelaurelofasheville.com

LOCAL PRINT REPORTER

1 JOHN BOYLE (AVL WATCHDOG) d x 14 O. Henry Ave., Asheville 828-423-0534 • avlwatchdog.org

LOCAL NEWS SOURCE

1 WLOS NEWS 13 s x 110 Technology Drive, Asheville 828-684-1340 • wlos.com

2 ASHEVILLE WATCHDOG (AVL WATCHDOG) n 825 Merrimon Ave., Suite C-175, Asheville 828-423-0534 • avlwatchdog.org

3 AVLTODAY o Asheville • avltoday.6amcity.com

3 MOUNTAIN XPRESS d 2 Wall St., Asheville mountainx.com

LOCAL EVENTS INFORMATION SOURCE

1 AVLTODAY o Asheville • avltoday.6amcity.com

2 MOUNTAIN XPRESS d 2 Wall St., Asheville mountainx.com

3 103.3 ASHEVILLE FM w 864 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-348-0352 • ashevillefm.org

LOCAL SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE TO FOLLOW FOR NEWS, EVENTS AND LOCAL HAPPENINGS

1 AVLTODAY o Asheville • avltoday.6amcity.com

2 ASHVEGAS o Asheville • ashvegas.com

3 WAX - WEST ASHEVILLE EXCHANGE (FACEBOOK) o facebook.com/groups/245020652269214

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

PE TS

VETERINARY SERVICES

1 ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF NORTH ASHEVILLE n x 1 Beaverdam Road, Asheville 828-944-4170 • ahna.net

2 CHARLOTTE STREET ANIMAL HOSPITAL n 208 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-232-0440 charlottestreetanimalhospital.com

3 PINNACLE ANIMAL HOSPITAL s a 200 Julian Lane, Suite 240, Arden 828-676-2332 • pinnacleanimalhospital.com

VETERINARIAN

1 TIM MCMULLAN (PINNACLE ANIMAL HOSPITAL) s a 200 Julian Lane, Suite 240, Arden 828-676-2332 • pinnacleanimalhospital.com

2 SUSAN WOOTTEN (ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF NORTH ASHEVILLE) n 1 Beaverdam Road, Asheville 828-253-3393 • ahna.net

3 KATHLEEN ALLISON (BROAD RIVER ANIMAL HOSPITAL) n a 121 Barnardsville Highway, Weaverville 828-484-7771 • broadrivervets.com

ALTERNATIVE PET HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

BROTHER WOLF ANIMAL RESCUE

Best Animal Shelter/Rescue Organization

YOU will not find the harried White Rabbit proclaiming, “Oh my fur and whiskers!” in Western North Carolina. Nor will you stumble upon the grinning Cheshire Cat or the raving mad March Hare. But you will find plenty of fur and whiskers. The region is home to pets of all varieties, and it abounds with veterinarians, supply stores, kennels and other services. You will also find in Western North Carolina an official

Dog Welcome Center, several public dog parks, at least one doggy bar and a cat museum.

This year’s Best Of winners include many familiar names that keep winning year after year.

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue once again claimed the title for best Animal Shelter/Animal Rescue, continuing a streak that stretches back more than a decade. Other pet allies have won at least six straight years: Animal Hospital of North

Asheville (Veterinary Services); Patton Avenue Pet Co. (Pet Supply Store); and Happy Tails Country Club (Pet Kennel).

New to the list, though, is Dr. Laurel Davis of Sunvet Animal Wellness Clinic. That’s because Davis is the winner in our new Pets category, Alternative Pet Health Care.

All told, that’s a lot of fur and whiskers.

1 LAUREL DAVIS (SUNVET ANIMAL WELLNESS) d 251 Haywood St., Suite A, Asheville 828-254-2221 • sunvetanimalwellness.com

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M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY

x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row)

— Justin McGuire X

PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR

PET SUPPLY STORE

1 PATTON AVENUE PET CO. d w s x 109 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-255-7737

1388 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-505-8299

582 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-575-9282 • pattonavenuepet.com

2 ASHEVILLE PET SUPPLY n 1451 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-252-2054 • ashevillepetsupply.com

2 WEAVERVILLE PET PANTRY n a

1 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-484-9247 • weavervillepetpantry.com

3 PETSMART e 150 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville 828-298-5670 • petsmart.com

PET KENNEL

1 HAPPY TAILS COUNTRY CLUB e aw ax

1984 Cane Creek Road, Fletcher 828-628-8510 2040 Sand Hill Road, Ext., Candler 828-628-8510 • happytailscc.com

2 RUFF LIFE DOG TRAINING SERVICES s 95 Thompson St., Asheville 828-365-8244 • rufflifeavl.com

3 BUCKEYE KENNELS e a 790 Buckeye Access Road, Swannanoa 828-299-9500 • ashevillekennels.com

PET DAY CARE FACILITY

1 HAPPY TAILS COUNTRY CLUB e aw a

1984 Cane Creek Road, Fletcher 828-628-8510 2040 Sand Hill Road, Ext., Candler 828-628-8510 • happytailscc.com

2 RUFF LIFE DOG TRAINING SERVICES s 95 Thompson St., Asheville 828-365-8244 • rufflifeavl.com

3 HAIR OF THE DOG PET SALON s

1451 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-274-4155 • hotdavl.com

GROOMING SERVICE

1 HAIR OF THE DOG PET SALON s 1451 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-274-4155 • hotdavl.com

2 PAWSITIVITY PET SPA w 1388 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-505-8278 • pawsitivitypetspa.com

3 SHAMPOODLES SALON n 51 N. Merrimon Ave., Suite 117, Woodfin 828-252-7171 • shampoodlessalon.com

3 SOMETHING TO BARK ABOUT e 875 Tunnel Road, Suite C, Asheville 828-298-0633 • somethingtobarkabout.co

TRAINER/TRAINING CENTER

1 TESSA STERNBACH (RUFF LIFE DOG TRAINING SERVICES) s

95 Thompson St., Asheville 828-365-8244 • rufflifeavl.com

2 HEATHER POLECHIO (MINDFUL MUTZ TRAINING & BEHAVIOR CONSULTING) M Asheville 828-230-6389 • mindfulmutz.com

3 THE DOG DOOR d

1 Battle Square, Suite A, Asheville 828-656-8305 • dogdoorcanineservices.com

PET SITTING/

DOG WALKING

SERVICE

1 AUNTIE M PET CARE Asheville 828-793-0565 • auntiem-petcare.com

ANIMAL SHELTER/ RESCUE ORGANIZATION

1 BROTHER WOLF ANIMAL RESCUE s x 31 Glendale Ave., Asheville 828-505-3440 • bwar.org

2 ASHEVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY w 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville 828-761-2001 • ashevillehumane.org

3 MOUNTAIN PET RESCUE w a 7 Old Pisgah Highway, Suite 200, Candler MPRAVL.org

OUTDOOR PLACE TO TAKE YOUR PET

1 WAGBAR n a

320 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-333-9765 • wagbar.com

2 FRENCH BROAD RIVER PARK w 508 Riverview Drive, Asheville 828-259-5800 • avl.mx/a8b

3 FLETCHER DOG PARK s a 25 Howard Gap Road, Fletcher 828-687-3985 fletchernc.org/departments/ parks-and-recreation

PET-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

1 HILLMAN BEER s e a 25 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-1312 78 Catawba Ave., Old Fort 828-668-6372 • hillmanbeer.com

2 UNIVERSAL JOINT w 784 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-7262 • ujasheville.com

PET-FRIENDLY BAR OR BREWERY

1 WAGBAR n a 320 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-333-9765 • wagbar.com

2 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. e d 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370

The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-1500 • highlandbrewing.com

3 DOWN

Small Towns

Swan nanoa & Black Mountain

BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN

1 TOWN HARDWARE & GENERAL STORE x 103 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-7723 • townhardware.com

2 EAST ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS BOUTIQUE 2296 U.S. Highway 70, Suite 2, Swannanoa 828-458-4139 • eastacupuncturewb.com

3 DYNAMITE ROASTING CO. 3198 U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-357-8555 • dynamiteroasting.com

BREAKFAST RESTAURANT

1 LOUISE’S KITCHEN x 115 Black Mountain Ave., Black Mountain 828-357-5446 • louisesblackmtn.com

2 BLUE RIDGE BISCUIT CO. 601 W. State St., Suite 4, Black Mountain 828-357-8501 blueridgebiscuitcompany.com

3 OPEN OVEN BRUNCH & BAKERY 102 Church St., Black Mountain 828-357-8553 • openovenblkmtn.com

LUNCH RESTAURANT

1 COUSINS CUBAN CAFÉ 108 Broadway Ave., Black Mountain 828-357-5513 • cousinscubancafe.com

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

Best Music/Entertainment Venue; Arts & Entertainment section, third place Open-Mic-Night Venue

THE Small Towns categories of the Best Of WNC poll may not receive a ton of votes each year, but they nevertheless provide important insights into how voters are living their lives in the far-flung corners of Xpress’ distribution area.

For example, what better way to gauge the best place to have breakfast in Burnsville (Pig & Grits, followed closely by Appalachian Java Cafe & Desserts) or the preferred place to hear live music

in Hot Springs (survey says: Big Pillow Brewing)? How about the prime local cause to support in the Swannanoa Valley (Black Mountain-based food nonprofit Bounty & Soul) or what Madison County citizens consider the best cultural or arts event in their neck of the woods (the Mermaid Parade and Festival in Marshall)?

It’s not every day that Ashevillearea residents get the chance to make it to these more moderately sized mountain enclaves, so having those local picks can prove valuable

in making the most of those visits. Even the short trip to northern Buncombe County can be enhanced by Woodfin and Weaverville voters recommending Lake Louise Park as the top spot to enjoy the outdoors.

While you’re planning that next excursion, please welcome these two new inductees to the Hall of Fame: Spring Creek Tavern (Lunch Restaurant in Hot Springs) and Star Diner (Dinner Restaurant in Marshall & Mars Hill).

— Edwin Arnaudin X

2 THE TRAILHEAD RESTAURANT & BAR 207 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-357-5656 • thetrailheadrestaurant.com

3 VERANDA CAFÉ & GIFT 119 Cherry St., Black Mountain 828-669-8864 • verandacafeandgifts.com

THE HALL OF FAME ICON

The Hall of Fame designation is reserved for winners who have won first place four years in a row (or more), including this year (2020 - 2023)

PHOTO BY STEVIE TOMBSTONE, COURTESY OF WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

DINNER

RESTAURANT

1 THE TRAILHEAD RESTAURANT & BAR 207 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-357-5656 • thetrailheadrestaurant.com

2 THE PURE & PROPER 114 E. State St., Black Mountain 828-230-7972 • thepureandproper.com

3 QUE SERA 101 Black Mountain Ave., Black Mountain 828-664-9472 • queserarestaurant.com

3 THE BUSH FARMHOUSE 15 S. Ridgeway Ave., Black Mountain 828-357-5367 • bushfarmhouse.com

COFFEE & SWEETS

1 THE DRIPOLATOR COFFEEHOUSE x 221 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-0999 • avl.mx/3w7

2 DYNAMITE ROASTING CO.

LOCAL BAR/BREWERY/ WATERING HOLE

1 LOOKOUT BREWING CO. 103 S. Ridgeway Ave., Black Mountain 828-357-5169 • lookoutbrewing.com

2 BLACK MOUNTAIN PIZZA & ALE HOUSE 117C Cherry St., Black Mountain 828-669-9090 • blkmtnpizza.com

3 THE TRAILHEAD RESTAURANT & BAR 207 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-357-5656 • thetrailheadrestaurant.com

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

1 WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN 105 Montreat Road, Black Mountain 828-669-0816 whitehorseblackmountain.com

FOR

YEARS

RETAIL STORE

1 TOWN HARDWARE & GENERAL STORE x 103 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-7723 • townhardware.com

2 EAST ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS BOUTIQUE

2296 U.S. Highway 70, Suite 2, Swannanoa 828-458-4139 • eastacupuncturewb.com

3 SASSAFRAS ON SUTTON 108 Sutton Ave., Black Mountain 828-419-0677 • sassafrasonsutton.com

ART GALLERY

1 SEVEN SISTERS CRAFT GALLERY x 119 Broadway Ave., Black Mountain 828-669-5107 • sevensistersgallery.com

2 BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS 225 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-0930 • blackmountainarts.org

3 RED HOUSE STUDIO AND GALLERY 310 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-0351 • svfalarts.org

CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT

1 LEAF FESTIVAL x Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 828-686-8742 • theleaf.org

2 BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS (EXHIBITIONS) 225 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-0930 • blackmountainarts.org

2 SOURWOOD FESTIVAL 102-108 Black Mountain Ave., Black Mountain 828-669-2300 • avl.mx/bw2

3 BLACK MOUNTAIN OLD DEPOT 207 Sutton Ave., Black Mountain 828-669-6583 • olddepot.org

LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS

1 MONTREAT TRAILS & PARK x Montreat 828-419-9844 • montreat.org

2 LAKE TOMAHAWK 401 Laurel Circle Drive, Black Mountain 828-669-2052 • avl.mx/bx6

3 WARREN WILSON COLLEGE CAMPUS TRAILS

701 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa 828-771-2000 • warren-wilson.edu

CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL LANDMARK

1 BLACK MOUNTAIN OLD DEPOT 207 Sutton Ave., Black Mountain 828-669-6583 • olddepot.org

2 CAMP ROCKMONT (BLACK MOUNTAIN COLLEGE) 375 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 828-686-3885 • rockmont.com

LOCAL CAUSE TO SUPPORT

1 BOUNTY & SOUL x 999 Old U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-419-0533 • bountyandsoul.org

2 BLACK MOUNTAIN HOME FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES 80 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 828-686-3451 • blackmountainhome.org

BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO YOUR TOWN IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS

1 FOOTHILLS GRANGE 120 Broadway Ave., Black Mountain 828-357-8499 • avl.mx/c6o

2 THE CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE / VISITBLACKMOUNTAINNC.ORG Black Mountain • visitblackmountainnc.org

marshall & Mars Hill

BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN

1 CAMDEN’S COFFEE HOUSE

40 N. Main St., Mars Hill 828-680-1246 • camdenscoffeehouse.com

2 ZUMA COFFEE

7 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-1617 • zumascoffee.com

3 OLD MARSHALL JAIL HOTEL & ZADIE’S MARKET

33 Bailey’s Branch Road, Marshall 828-649-5259 • oldmarshalljail.com

BREAKFAST RESTAURANT

1 ZUMA COFFEE

7 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-1617 • zumascoffee.com

2 THE WAGON WHEEL 390 Carl Eller Road, Mars Hill 828-689-4755 • avl.mx/a7c

3 STAR DINER 115 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-9900 • stardinerwnc.com

SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN REPERTORY THEATRE (SART) Best

LUNCH RESTAURANT

1 STACKHOUSE

AMERICAN EATERY & PUB x 37 S. Main St., Mars Hill 828-680-1213 • stackhouserestaurant.com

2 OLD MARSHALL JAIL HOTEL & ZADIE’S MARKET

33 Bailey’s Branch Road, Marshall 828-649-5259 • oldmarshalljail.com

2 STAR DINER 115 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-9900 • stardinerwnc.com

2 ZUMA COFFEE

7 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-1617 • zumascoffee.com

DINNER RESTAURANT

1 STAR DINER x 115 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-9900 • stardinerwnc.com

2 THE ORIGINAL PAPA NICK’S 15 College St., Mars Hill 828-689-8566 • theoriginalpapanicks.com

3 STACKHOUSE

AMERICAN EATERY & PUB 37 S. Main St., Mars Hill 828-680-1213 • stackhouserestaurant.com

COFFEE & SWEETS

1 ZUMA COFFEE 7 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-1617 • zumascoffee.com

2 CAMDEN’S COFFEE HOUSE 40 N. Main St., Mars Hill 828-680-1246 • camdenscoffeehouse.com

LOCAL BAR/BREWERY/ WATERING HOLE

1 MAD CO. BREW HOUSE x 45 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-8600 • madisoncountybrewing.com

2 MAL’S BAR 121 S. Main St., Marshall avl.mx/cwp

3 MARS THEATRE BREWING CO. 70 N. Main St., Mars Hill 828-680-1284 • avl.mx/cwq

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

1 SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN REPERTORY THEATRE (SART) 44 College St., Mars Hill 828-689-1232 • sartplays.com

2 MARS THEATRE BREWING CO. 70 N. Main St., Mars Hill 828-680-1284 • avl.mx/cwq

RETAIL STORE

1 THE WILD VIOLET 14 N. Main St., Mars Hill 828-680-1414 • thewildvioletwnc.com

CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT

1 MERMAID PARADE AND FESTIVAL x Main St., Marshall 828-649-7889 • avl.mx/cwt

2 BASCOM LAMAR LUNSFORD FESTIVAL Mars Hill University, 100 Athletic St., Mars Hill 828-689-1115 • mhu.edu

LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS

1 BLANNAHASSETT ISLAND Blannahassett Island Road, Marshall 828-680-9031 • avl.mx/a80

CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL LANDMARK

1 MADISON COUNTY COURTHOUSE 2 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-2200 • avl.mx/a8v

1 MARS HILL UNIVERSITY 100 Athletic St., Mars Hill 828-689-1307 • mhu.edu

PHOTO BY CHEYENNE DANCY, COURTESY OF SART

BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN

1 BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA x 55 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-658-8778 • bluemountainpizza.com

2 WELL-BRED BAKERY & CAFÉ 26 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com

3 YELLOW MUG COFFEE LOUNGE 113 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-484-8844 • yellowmugcoffeelounge.com

BREAKFAST RESTAURANT

1 YELLOW MUG COFFEE LOUNGE 113 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-484-8844 • yellowmugcoffeelounge.com

2 WELL-BRED BAKERY & CAFÉ 26 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com

3 STONEY KNOB CAFE 337 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-645-3309 • stoneyknobcafe.com

LUNCH RESTAURANT

1 WELL-BRED BAKERY & CAFÉ x 26 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com

2 TWISTED LAUREL (WEAVERVILLE) 10A S. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-2700 • twistedlaurel.com

3 STONEY KNOB CAFE 337 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-645-3309 • stoneyknobcafe.com DINNER

1 STONEY KNOB CAFE 337 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-645-3309 • stoneyknobcafe.com

2 GLASS ONION 18 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-8866 • glassonionasheville.com

3 BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA 55 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-658-8778 • bluemountainpizza.com

COFFEE & SWEETS

1 WELL-BRED BAKERY & CAFÉ x 26 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com

2 YELLOW MUG COFFEE LOUNGE 113 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-484-8844 • yellowmugcoffeelounge.com

3 ALLGOOD COFFEE 10 S. Main St., Weaverville 828-484-8663 • allgood.coffee

LOCAL BAR/BREWERY/ WATERING HOLE

1 ELUVIUM BREWING CO. 11 Florida Ave., Weaverville 828-484-1799 • eluviumbrewing.com

2 LEVELLER BREWING CO. 25 N. Main St., Weaverville levellerbrewing.com

2 ZEBULON ARTISAN ALES 8 Merchants Alley, Weaverville zebulonbrewing.com

3 TWISTED LAUREL (WEAVERVILLE) 10A S. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-2700 • twistedlaurel.com

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

1 BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA x 55 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-658-8778 • bluemountainpizza.com

2 VINTAGE KAVA 141 Reems Creek Road, Weaverville 828-484-8186 • vintagekava.com

3 WEAVER HOUSE 56 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-484-3110 • weaverhousenc.com

RETAIL STORE

1 5 LITTLE MONKEYS QUILT & SEW 32 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-484-7200 fivemonkeyquilts.comvisitweaverville. com/art-in-autumn

2 THE COTTAGE DOOR 155 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville 828-484-2518 thecottagedoorconsignment.com

3 HOBBY LOBBY 419 Airport Road, Arden 828-684-0900 • hobbylobby.com

ART GALLERY

1 MANGUM POTTERY 16 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-4929 • mangumpottery.com

2 MIYA GALLERY 20 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-658-9655 • miyagallery.com

CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT

1 WEAVERVILLE ART SAFARI x Weaverville • weavervilleartsafari.com

2 ART IN AUTUMN Main St., Weaverville visitweaverville.com/events/art-in-autumn

LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS

1 LAKE LOUISE PARK x Lake Louise Drive, Weaverville 828-645-7116 • avl.mx/6cc

2 MAIN STREET NATURE PARK 25 U.S. 19 Business, Weaverville 828-645-7116 • avl.mx/6cc

3 VINTAGE KAVA 141 Reems Creek Road, Weaverville 828-484-8186 • vintagekava.com

CULTURAL

1 VANCE BIRTHPLACE x 911 Reems Creek Road, Weaverville 828-645-6706 •

2 WEAVERVILLE TOWN

BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN

1 HOT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA x 315 Bridge St., Hot Springs 828-622-7676 • nchotsprings.com

2 BIG PILLOW BREWING 25 Andrews Ave. N., Hot Springs 828-539-1939 • bigpillowbrewing.com

3 SPRING CREEK TAVERN 145 Bridge St., Hot Springs 828-622-0187 • thespringcreektavern.com

BREAKFAST RESTAURANT

1 SMOKY MOUNTAIN DINER 70 Lance Ave., Hot Springs 828-622-7571 • avl.mx/a6s

LUNCH RESTAURANT

1 SPRING CREEK TAVERN x 145 Bridge St., Hot Springs 828-622-0187 • thespringcreektavern.com

2 THE GREY EAGLE TAQUERIA AT BIG PILLOW BREWING 25 Andrews Ave. S., Hot Springs 828-539-1939 greyeagletaqueria.com/hot-springs

DINNER RESTAURANT

1 IRON HORSE STATION RESTAURANT x 24 S. Andrew Ave., Hot Springs 828-622-9506 • theironhorsestation.com

2 SPRING CREEK TAVERN 145 Bridge St., Hot Springs 828-622-0187 • thespringcreektavern.com

LOCAL BAR/BREWERY/ WATERING HOLE

1 BIG PILLOW BREWING 25 Andrews Ave. N., Hot Springs 828-539-1939 • bigpillowbrewing.com

2 SPRING CREEK TAVERN 145 Bridge St., Hot Springs 828-622-0187 • thespringcreektavern.com

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

1 BIG PILLOW BREWING 25 Andrews Ave. N., Hot Springs 828-539-1939

BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN

1 HOMEPLACE BEER CO. 321 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-536-9068 • homeplacebeer.com

2 APPALACHIAN JAVA & CAFE 8 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-0120 appalachianjavaburnsville.com

3 FILL-MORE 225 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-380-3648 • fill-more.com

BREAKFAST RESTAURANT

1 PIG & GRITS 620 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-536-0010 • pigandgrits.com

2 APPALACHIAN JAVA & CAFE 8 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-0120 appalachianjavaburnsville.com

LUNCH RESTAURANT

1 APPALACHIAN JAVA & CAFE x 8 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-0120 appalachianjavaburnsville.com

1 GARDEN DELI 107 Town Square, Burnsville 828-682-3946 • garden-deli.com

2 PIG & GRITS 620 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-536-0010 • pigandgrits.com

DINNER RESTAURANT

1 PIG & GRITS 620 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-536-0010 • pigandgrits.com

2 HOG HOLLOW WOOD-FIRED PIZZA 321 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-536-9068 • hoghollowpizza.com

2 SNAP DRAGON 107 Town Square, Burnsville 828-682-3946 • garden-deli.com

COFFEE & SWEETS

1 APPALACHIAN JAVA & CAFE x 8 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-0120 appalachianjavaburnsville.com

LOCAL BAR/BREWERY/ WATERING HOLE

1 HOMEPLACE BEER CO. x 321 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-536-9068 • homeplacebeer.com

2 BIRDFOOT BEER AND GEAR 10 Orchard Drive, Burnsville birdfootllc.com

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

1 HOMEPLACE BEER CO. 321 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-536-9068 • homeplacebeer.com

2 PARKWAY PLAYHOUSE 202 Green Mountain Drive, Burnsville 828-682-4285 • parkwayplayhouse.com

RETAIL STORE

1 SOMETHING SPECIAL GIFT SHOP x 12 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-9101 • avl.mx/55a

CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT

1 MOUNT MITCHELL ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR Town Square, Burnsville 828-682-7413 • avl.mx/a3b

LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS

1 MOUNT MITCHELL STATE PARK 2388 N.C. Highway 128, Burnsville 828-675-4611 • avl.mx/7zo

The insider’s guide

Written complaints

Mission Hospital nurses say emergency department transfer procedures endanger patients’ lives

BY ANDREW R. JONES AND BARBARA DURR AN ASHEVILLE WATCHDOG REPORT

Editor’s note: The following is a condensed version of Asheville Watchdog’s Aug. 24 article, “Mission Patients Endangered by Emergency Department Transfer Procedures, Nurses Say.” For the full story, visit avlwatchdog.org.

Mission Hospital nurses wrote to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services beginning more than a year ago saying that staffing issues and communication procedures for transferring patients from the emergency department had jeopardized patient safety, but the state has yet to send an investigator to the hospital, citing staff shortages.

Asheville Watchdog obtained four complaint letters that were sent to

NCDHHS and conducted exclusive interviews with nurses who had expressed concerns that the transfer procedures, known as handoffs, lead to needless delays in care and sometimes endanger patients. In some cases, they said, patients have “disappeared,” showing up unexpectedly in other, sometimes incorrect, departments due to lack of communication.

“There is a dangerous practice pattern of bringing unstable patients to medical or stepdown floors or patient decline because of improper transport practices,” according to a May 18, 2022, letter signed by the Professional Practice Committee, nine unionized nurses at Mission designated to raise nursing concerns with hospital leadership. Step-down units are transitional areas where patients go between the intensive care unit and a general floor.

Four nurses said that handoff practices at Mission had resulted in

patients requiring urgent transfer to the ICU or being sent to floors where nurses were not equipped to care for them.

Mission has had a committee working on “process improvement related to hand-offs” for at least 15 months, according to emails from the hospital’s chief nursing officer to union nurses obtained by The Watchdog . But Mission’s policy remains unchanged, nurses say.

The policy requires phone calls between nurses for critical care and dialysis patients but not for others.

State and federal regulations do not require calls for handoffs, but Mission nurses and a former emergency department doctor said nurseto-nurse communication ensures a smoother transition and is best for the patient. And the region’s three other hospitals — UNC Health Pardee, AdventHealth and the Charles George VA Medical Center – require calls for all handoffs.

SIGNED AND SEALED: Mark Klein has been a nurse at Mission Hospital since 1999 and signed two of the complaint letters that

to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Watchdog photo by Starr Sariego bark@avlwatchdog.org

Mission allows a range of communication methods, including a review of electronic medical records. The hospital has invested in iMobile technology, a communication system that is accessible to all health care providers, Mission Hospital spokeswoman Nancy Lindell said.

“Handoff methods are dependent upon the acuity of the patient and what the caregiver deems as appropriate,” Lindell said. “These processes have been reviewed by both The Joint Commission and NCDHHS with no deficiencies found in scheduled or unannounced surveys and no citations given.”

The Joint Commission, the nation’s largest hospital accreditation organization, specifies that hospitals’ handoff procedures should allow “for the opportunity for discussion between the giver and receiver of patient information.” The organization recommends that staff communicate by telephone or video conference and not solely by electronic or paper methods.

Hannah Drummond, a Mission ED nurse and a National Nurses United union member, said the practice in the emergency department is to call handoff reports for ICU level, pediatric and trauma patients but not for other patients.

“There’s so much that can be given in nurse-to-nurse handoff that can’t be captured when you’re just reading the chart that it’s important to touch base about,” Drummond said. “It also leaves room for things to fall through the cracks.”

CALLS, VIDEO CONFERENCES RECOMMENDED

The PPC at Mission has been asking the state health care agency to investigate the hospital’s handoffs for more than a year.

In its May 18, 2022, letter to NCDHHS, the PPC requested an on-site investigation by the agency. The nurses received a response July 13, 2022, from an NCDHHS nurse consultant lead, Deborah

S. McCarty

“We regret that the care provided by this hospital has not been satisfactory,” McCarty wrote. “Your concerns have been reviewed and will be assigned for investigation by a member of our Acute Care Team. You will be contacted when the investigation is complete.”

McCarty also responded with identical wording in April 2023 to another nurse complaint letter.

No one from the state has visited the hospital to investigate the complaints, nurses say.

“DHSR [Division of Health Service Regulation] lacks sufficient staff to investigate the numerous complaints that it receives as timely as it would like,” NCDHHS spokeswoman Bailey Pennington wrote in an email to The Watchdog. “Governor [ Roy ] Cooper ’s Recommended Budget included additional positions that are desperately needed in DHSR to more timely investigate the increasing number of complaints about patient care in acute and psychiatric hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.”

Lindell did not respond to a question from The Watchdog about whether Mission or its owner, HCA Healthcare, were aware of nurses’ reports that patients were put at risk because of the hospital’s communication protocols, as the nurses say.

Lindell said Mission’s handoff procedures remain largely the same as they were before HCA bought Mission in 2019.

“HCA Healthcare has gone above the minimum standards and made a substantial investment in our iMobile technology” in 2021, Lindell said, referring to the hospital’s electronic communication system. “Once the patient’s information is in their electronic health record [EHR], it follows [the patient] and is accessible by any nurse, physician, pharmacy tech or other person who needs that realtime data.

“Because iMobile can be accessed via computers and handheld devices, staff and off-site providers can send this EHR information through secure messaging from anywhere,” Lindell said. “IMobile phones also allow staff to call or text to get an answer quickly, allowing for streamlined and efficient communications. This adds up to more time spent caring for patients.”

IMobile devices “are used to signal a heads up at best and not utilized to communicate in real time a proper nurse-to-nurse report,” said Mark Klein, a nurse who has worked at Mission since 1999, previously in the emergency department and intensive care unit, and since 2014 as a vascular access nurse inserting ports in patients. Klein sits on the PPC, which communicates concerns to Melanie Wetmore, Mission’s chief nursing officer.

COMPLAINT LETTER CITES SIX CASES

The nurses’ May 18, 2022, complaint letter to NCDHHS describes six emergency department patients

who ended up in the wrong area or didn’t receive proper care because of handoff communication problems.

“There have been multiple incidents of patient decline because, in many cases, there is no called report,” according to the letter. “The patient is often brought to the room on the incorrect oxygen delivery device and subsequently declines. At other times patients … are transported to a medical floor where implementation of the orders was not possible before subsequent transfer to a stepdown unit.”

The letter provided to The Watchdog redacted patient specifics for privacy purposes, but Klein said they included multiple incidents “where patients were transferred to non-ICU units inappropriately, and the patients required emergent intervention by the Rapid Response Team and transfer to the ICU. Frequently, there was no report or handoff.”

Some patients who should have gone to the ICU, for example, went to a general medical floor, two of the nurses said in a joint interview.

Each case “represents a patient we feel was harmed … because of the unsafe profit-centric system in place at HCA,” Klein said. None of

the letters provided to The Watchdog states that patients died.

Kerri Wilson, a cardiac nurse and a member of the PPC, told The Watchdog during the interview with Klein, “People are going to die,” if the hospital doesn’t change its handoff policy.

“Every day patients are transferred from the ER with no report and often to areas that are not the appropriate level of care, which then requires the resources of our rapid response nurse to care for these patients until they can be transferred to ICU,” Wilson said.

Another letter to the NCDHHS, dated Nov. 4, 2022, and signed by Klein, described how “many patients ‘disappear’ from the ER and unexpectedly show up on other floors.”

The Nov. 4 letter also raised concerns about a section of the emergency department for patients with especially acute medical needs, known as the orange pod, that was “grossly underresourced.”

Klein, Wilson and Drummond told The Watchdog the problems in the orange pod and elsewhere in the ED continue.

“The orange pod is designated for those patients who are hold-

ing to be admitted,” Lindell said. “Sometimes there is a wait for beds to be available, and we understand that anytime waiting is involved it can be frustrating for patients, family members, and the teams that care for them. We take concerns brought directly to Mission Hospital leadership very seriously, implementing changes in process and workflow as needed.”

PPC’S LETTER TO MISSION’S CHIEF NURSING OFFICER

The PPC also sent a letter to Wetmore, dated May 18, 2022, saying it had previously raised concerns to her and others about the risks related to Mission’s transferring of patients.

According to the letter, union nurses invited her to a resolution meeting, but she did not attend. Klein told The Watchdog that she sent two representatives.

“The significant issue about patient safety regards the emergency department … not calling [a handoff] report on all patients,” the letter to Wetmore said. “Numerous ED [emergency department] patients are being transported to floors and stepdown units inappropriately.”

At the meeting, the PPC showed the two representatives details about the six patients’ cases listed in the NCDHHS complaint, Klein said.

The Watchdog obtained an email, written by Wetmore to a PPC nurse after the meeting on May 18 that said Mission had a committee “working on process improvement related to hand-offs. … [A]ny significant process change requires much thought and consideration, which is why we have had a team working on this.”

Wetmore said in the email she was told that “our leaders had great dialogue with the committee members during the meeting and have taken the committee’s suggestions into consideration.”

Also in the May 18 email, Wetmore addressed the six patient cases, Klein said.

“These patient charts were thoroughly reviewed by our quality team,” Wetmore said in her email. “As is the case with any patient complaint/grievance, they fall under the heading of patient safety work product and any specific findings would not be shared in this venue. However, what I can share, is that in these cases any system opportunities are addressed as appropriate.”

Lindell did not respond to a request from The Watchdog to interview the two representatives.

Two months later, on July 20, 2022, a PPC nurse emailed Wetmore, saying, “Despite having brought this up

multiple times in PPC suggestions and also within the PPC Resolution Process, patients continue to be sent to medical floors without [a] report being called from ED nurses. ED nurses report even being told not to call [a] report.”

Wetmore replied in an Aug. 11, 2022, email, writing, “As was shared already, we have a team reviewing handoff process improvement strategies.” She requested the nurses to alert their supervisors of issues with “following the procedures that are in place.”

A year later, on Aug. 9, 2023, Wetmore sent an email to a PPC nurse, saying, “We have a joint team of ER and inpatient leaders who continually evaluate this process and are looking at process improvements for handoff communication between caregivers. In the meantime, we will continue to follow the guidelines set forth by the Joint Commission.”

When asked if Wetmore would comment for this story, Lindell issued the following statement:

“Mission Hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer regularly responds to communications from staff, including concerns from the nursing union. In addition, she regularly attends staff meetings and meets with all nursing areas in the hospital on a rotating basis.”

Allen Lalor, an emergency department doctor who retired last year after 27 years at Mission, said that nurses are the experts on these types of handoffs, but based on his experience, “there’s nothing quite like having a conversation with people so they can get the subtle nuances of the other parts of conversation, and it gives the accepting nurse a chance to ask questions and get a sense of how sick this person is.

“I liken it to what happens in the military when people change guard duty — I’m going off duty, you are now responsible for the people you are guarding and watching. So much of medicine is based on experience, and what you’ve seen before and your sort of inside knowledge and insight about how sick the patient in front of you looks.”

Reporter Sally Kestin contributed to this story.

Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. Andrew R. Jones is a Watchdog investigative reporter. Email arjones@ avlwatchdog.org. Barbara Durr is a former correspondent for The Financial Times of London. Contact her at bdurr@avlwatchdog.org. To show your support for this vital public service go to avlwatchdog.org/ donate. X

Instrumental hustle

BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN

Franklin Keel fondly remembers the moment when he devoted his life to music.

From a young age, the Asheville native loved listening to records but found practicing a chore, even after switching from violin to cello at the age of 6. However, his parents insisted that he take music lessons and practice until he got to a place in his life where he could make a more informed decision about whether or not to quit.

That moment arrived in high school when Keel discovered Antonio Vivaldi’s Concerto for Four Violins in B Minor. From there, he took what he calls “a pretty deep dive into the music of Vivaldi and other baroque giants,” and made his way to Johann Sebastian Bach’s six Cello Suites. Through this exploration, Keel spent hours each day with his instrument, and his interest was further piqued by friends and relatives giving him CDs and sheet music as Christmas and birthday gifts.

He then joined the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra and met his teacher, Ron Clearfield, who helped him get into the prestigious Brevard Music Center the following summer. There, Keel performed his first full-length symphony, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky ’s Symphony No. 4.

“At the end of that performance, we all stood to receive the audience applause, and I made my decision then and there that this was a career move,” Keel says.

For many artists like Keel, pursuing classical music professionally often means moving to a larger

Classically trained musicians carve out varied careers

ed taking private lessons. Around this time, she also joined a local community orchestra and a youth orchestra.

“I saw my friends going off to college, and a lot of them were pursuing music education degrees,” she says.

“It was then that I was like, ‘Oh, I guess people can do this as a career. That’s what I want to do’ — even though I had really no idea kind of what that entailed. I just knew that I loved playing cello and wanted to keep doing it.”

At St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Durst logged significant hours performing orchestral and chamber music as well as playing out in the community. But she also gained plentiful arts administration experience working for the school’s summer classical music festival, where she got a behind-the-scenes understanding of the industry. This insight, she notes, led to her efforts in breaking down barriers within her field.

“I was able to learn more about how to make the arts more accessible to people and also how to support organizations who are doing work to make arts accessible,” Durst says. “It never felt like it had to be an either-or thing. It’s been a thing that, throughout the course of my career, has grown in tandem and the two things have supported each other, which has been really cool.”

metropolitan area. But in Keel’s case, he wanted to stay in Western North Carolina. To make it work, he had to cobble together a career that embraced opportunities beyond a full-time orchestra gig.

Twenty-six years later, the decision is panning out. Today, Keel is the associate principal cello with the Asheville Symphony. To supplement his income, he also teaches music and plays in a number of rock bands.

Keel says what he and other classically trained musicians have discovered is that Asheville is an ideal location for creatives open to a multifaceted approach.

“All the ingredients are here,” he explains. “And they have enabled me to cover a vast amount of music over the years.”

THE MOTHER OF INVENTION

Amanda Durst, cellist for the Blue Ridge Orchestra volunteer ensemble, echoes Keel’s observations.

“There is no full-time orchestra around here,” she says. This reality, Durst adds, is not unique to WNC. But what separates the region from other places, she continues, is the number of opportunities for other types of creative collaborations.

A native of Maryland, Durst moved to Asheville in 2018 after playing with various ensembles in the Washington and Baltimore areas. Growing up, Durst studied recorder and piano and enjoyed what she calls “a really robust string program” in her elementary school. She switched from violin to cello at age 10, and in high school start-

Locally, Durst puts those passions into practice as the assistant director of MusicWorks! Asheville, an after-school music program based at Leicester Elementary School. The program is rooted in teaching life skills through music and prioritizing low-income kids who otherwise wouldn’t have access to the arts.

Durst says giving a new generation of youths those opportunities is “near and dear to my heart.” And Keel feels a similar motivation in his classroom work, teaching string orchestra courses at Asheville Middle School, Asheville High School and the School of Inquiry and Life Sciences at Asheville.

“Teaching helps me stay grounded in the basics. I also need to keep my technique in good condition,” he says. “And it fulfills what feels like a karmic duty to pass on the gifts that were given to me in the arena where I found my passion.”

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE

These professionals agree, however, that this burning desire for music

STRING THEORY: A classically trained harpist, Tori Parrish earns the majority of their living composing custom music experiences for weddings. Photo by Connie Henshaw

must be stoked by regular practice and performance. And few local musicians ascribe to this notion more thoroughly than Keel, who, in addition to his role with the Asheville Symphony, is a member of the chamber music group Opal String Quartet and plays electric cello in rock bands Sirius.B and Upland Drive, each of which appeals to different sides of his creativity.

“Symphonic and chamber music represents some of the most beautiful literature ever written, but it’s all by people who existed in a different time, place and culture,” Keel says. “Rock music and session work allow me to immerse myself in the music that is actively being created now in our time, our place and our culture. It’s based on our ideas and our lives’ experiences. Who knows? Maybe our music will be played in concert halls in 250 years.”

During the orchestra season, which typically runs September-May, Durst will travel within a 50-mile radius of Asheville to play with “any orchestra that will have me.” But by season’s end, she stays busy playing for weddings, as does her friend and fellow Blue Ridge Orchestra member Tori Parrish

A harpist since the age of 6, Parrish (who uses they/them pronouns) began

performing at nuptials by 16. Classically trained at Stanford University, they later played at various tech company events in Silicon Valley. Burned out by the demands of orchestral life, the Cary native later shifted to modern impressionist painting. But over time,

the harp beckoned, and they gradually discovered a renewed interest in their instrument via composing and arranging custom pieces for couples’ wedding days.

To kick off that process, Parrish holds a 15-minute call with prospec-

tive clients, asking them questions about the couple’s shared interests, as well as the ceremony and its vibe. Parrish then gets to work, eventually performing a preview of her set for the couple’s approval. The harpist notes that the results, which creatively weave in memorable melodies from the pair’s relationship, often elicit tears of happiness.

“I like to do a little digging on that first call and then take whatever the essence is of the things that they love to watch and the things they like to consume that they might not necessarily think would lend themselves to a wedding — or might sound weird or be cheesy — but finding a way to make it beautiful and flow with the rest of the wedding,” Parrish says.

These assignments provide Parrish’s main source of income and introduce the gregarious artist to a steady stream of “really cool couples” to bond with. In turn, they’ve also fallen back in love with playing harp and have found a new kind of joy playing with the Blue Ridge Orchestra.

“I love it, actually,” Parrish says. “So now I’m like, ‘OK, maybe I’ll play some more orchestras. This is actually kind of fun.’” X

BOW KNOWS: Asheville-based cellists Franklin Keel, left, and Amanda Durst combine symphony and classroom work to cobble together a living. Keel photo by Ken Voltz; Durst photo courtesy of the artist

Screen success

The Actor’s Center of Asheville turns 10

BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN

When Kevin Patrick Murphy launched The Actor’s Center of Asheville 10 years ago, he had no way of knowing the obstacles he and his colleagues would face. Like many businesses, he weathered the challenges COVID-19 presented and made it through the global health crisis. But just as things settled and started to feel normal again, his industry went on strike.

Despite these obstacles and frustrations, Murphy remains proactive, offering classes and launching a podcast. And with the center’s 10-year milestone, he’s also been reflecting on its past and what the space has meant for local performers as well as himself.

LET NO DUST SETTLE

The most immediate issue The Actor’s Center must navigate is the ongoing Screen Actors Guild –American Federation of Television and Radio Artists strike. Murphy is a SAG member with credits on Netflix ’s “Stranger Things” and AMC’s “The Walking Dead.” But

since the strike began on July 14, this part of his life has been on hold.

“As a working actor in the Southeast, booking five-10 jobs a year ... significantly adds to my annual income,” he says. “I’ve been acting my entire life, and nothing’s harder for me than to say ‘no’ to work.”

He continues, “I’m running an acting school geared toward TV and film work when there’s no TV and film work. So, the way we’ve been dealing with it is I go back to basics. I go back to process.”

Murphy has been using the black box theater at the studio to run his three weekly acting classes, each of which is at capacity. The lack of work is frustrating, he notes, but the downtime has its advantages. It gives actors — particularly ones new to the craft — an opportunity to focus on their work without the potential distraction of “the industry at full speed,” he says.

And while some within the field are using the time off as a break from their craft, students at The Actor’s Center are keeping their professional muscles sharp. “For me and my students, we’ve got to stay plugged in,” he says. “When the strike is over, we’ll be ready to hit the ground run-

ning and not need any time to blow the dust off.”

NO BARKING, PLEASE

Murphy’s confidence in The Actor’s Center persevering through the SAG-AFTRA strike stems from the school surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. When lockdown hit in March 2020, he and his wife, Kellin Watson — who handles the administrative side of the business — had to think fast to keep their education offerings going.

“I did 16 months of Zoom classes, and I’m absolutely the last person who would have thought acting classes would work in this format,” Murphy says. “I had three classes a

week. Every night, I would set up in my living room and put up a backdrop and quiet down my kids and get into work.”

In addition to classes, the center offers studio space for actors to shoot high-quality auditions. Early in the pandemic, with the space no longer available, Murphy pivoted.

“It was more important to me to give my students independence. I taught them all how to shoot auditions at home with lamps and their phones and taking pictures off the wall and quieting their dogs,” he says. “I was happy to do it, but I gave away basically a big piece of my business because I thought it was more important for these actors to be able to take control of their careers. And we got through it.”

Once pandemic conditions improved to the point that The Actor’s Center classes could meet in person, Murphy began offering private coaching. He wore a mask, opened the building’s widows, turned the fan on and kept a distance from his students.

“That was our first kind of baby steps into safely getting into the room and looking at each other and talking with each other,” he says.

ONE MORE PIVOT

Looking back on the past 10 years, Murphy is encouraged by the success of students like Alphie Hyorth The veteran local theater actor came to The Actor’s Center shortly after it started but was concerned that he was too old to transition to film and TV.

Today, Murphy notes with pride, Hyorth has a recurring role in the Disney+/Marvel Studios series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” as well as “Secret Invasion.”

The Actor’s Center has also had students book roles on “Stranger Things,” FX’s “Atlanta” and additional Marvel Studios projects.

But with the industry at a standstill until the strike is resolved, Murphy’s pivoting yet again and starting a podcast. Titled “Head in the Box” — a reference to his work on “The Walking Dead” and the prosthetic body part that was nearly sent to his wife as a practical joke — the interview-based production will feature insights from casting directors and actors.

“I know all these people are on strike, so I’m calling them up and I’m like, ‘I know when you’re not on the picket line, you’re trying to figure out what to do with your time — be on my podcast,’” Murphy says.

For more information, visit avl.mx/cxu. X

UNION MAN: Kevin Patrick Murphy, The Actor’s Center of Asheville owner/operator, is weathering the SAG-AFTRA strike through creative solutions. Photo courtesy of Murphy

New direction

BY ARNOLD WENGROW

a.wengrow@yahoo.com

For decades, Nick Raynolds considered himself a classical artist, meticulously capturing the world around him on paper and canvas.

But with his latest exhibition, Externalities, he is changing direction. Despite the show’s title, the works do not depict the external world. Instead, they explore Raynolds’ inner vision, combining surrealism with elements of sci-fi and fantasy.

The exhibit runs through Friday, Sept. 29, at D. Hiden Ramsey Library’s Blowers Gallery on the UNC Asheville campus. Raynolds will host an artist’s talk at the gallery on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 1 p.m.

While viewers can enjoy the work without knowing Raynolds’ biography, understanding his past will likely enhance appreciation for his works’ new direction.

ARTIST’S JOURNEY

“I’ve always wanted to be an artist of one sort or another,” Raynolds says.

Growing up on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, he remembers watching his German-born grandfather painting watercolors and collecting images, reproductions and variety of other things. “I’ve still got a box of this stuff,” Raynolds says.

After high school, he spent time with family in Germany. “My uncle is a graphic designer in Düsseldorf,” he says. “He arranged for me to take some figure drawing classes at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, the design academy there.”

In 1998, Raynolds returned to Vancouver to get a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design. But he left the experience dissatisfied. “I was studying late modernist/early conceptualist kind of stuff,” he says. “I didn’t learn what I wanted to learn.”

Relocating to California, Raynolds began screen printing and painting sets for movie studios. “Somewhere along the way,” he says, “I hit this turning point where I asked myself, ‘What do you really want to be doing?’”

The answer: “I want to learn how to draw the figure really well.”

This led Raynolds to Gage Academy of Art in Seattle, where he studied under Anthony Ryder from

Local artist Nick Raynolds embraces the surreal

1999 to 2000. Next, he headed east to New York City to continue his study at the Water Street Atelier, where he later taught. “You learn how to paint and you pass the information on to the younger generation,” he says.

By the early 2000s, Raynolds had works in galleries in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

ENTER THE FANTASTICAL

Raynolds and his family relocated to Western North Carolina amid the recession.

“We came to Asheville to re-create ourselves,” Raynolds says. “It was this beautiful, interesting little town. It wasn’t a grid like New York City.”

He began teaching at A-B Tech and earned a master’s degree in fine art from East Tennessee State University. But after about three years, he says, “I started to become pretty unsatisfied.”

During this period, he notes, his childhood interest in monsters began to resurface. “It was almost literally bubbling up,” he says.

Raynolds began to paint still lifes filled with cells and nooks, little humanoids and magical figures

from medieval alchemy. Some of his friends, he adds, were confused by his shift. “Suddenly, I was not painting from observation,” he says. “I was making things up and it was becoming fantastical.”

The transition, Raynolds says, “is probably one of the hardest things to do.” And it’s ongoing, he adds. “I’m still trying to figure it out.”

A NEW WAY OF WORKING

For fellow Asheville artist John Diamond-Nigh, Raynolds’ transition is more an evolution than a break. “Nick’s a phenomenal artist,” he says. “In terms of his skill, he’s maybe the best artist I’ve ever known. He can draw like Raphael.”

But now, Diamond-Nigh says, Raynolds is applying his 16th-century realist skills to scenes from his imagination. “He has a keen sense of the crisis in this country. His current paintings are allegorical, working through that sense of a really traumatized moment.”

Raynolds adds that his new direction draws heavily from comic book art and what he calls low-brow pop. “But there’s something very highart in the ideas of it,” he continues,

citing the man-beast chimeras of the ancient world, the phantasmagorical panoramas of Pieter Bruegel the Elder and Hieronymus Bosch, and the dreamscapes of William Blake and Salvador Dali.

Diamond-Nigh also finds a similar line of continuity from the Middle Ages to what Raynolds is creating now. “It’s a recurrent fascination that we have with the grotesque,” he says. “It goes back to gargoyles on gothic cathedrals.”

Along with his new direction in subject matter, Raynolds is also changing his creative approach. Years of training developed an intensity “that was driving me crazy,” he says. Instead of obsessing over preliminary studies for each composition, he’s now embracing the unknown.

“That’s been part of the progression he’s made to become more expressionistic,” says DiamondNigh. “There actually are elements of abstract painting now in his work.”

But wherever Raynolds’ art may take him next, his mindset hasn’t changed. “My basic rule is that you’ve got to do something every single day,” he says. “That’s how you get good.” X

SOMETHING DIFFERENT: Nick Raynolds’ new exhibit, Externalities, marks a shift in his artistic approach. After decades creating works of realism, he’s now embracing elements of the surreal and abstract. Photo by Myriah Strivelli

What’s new in food

Food Connection, a local 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to fighting regional food insecurity and food waste, celebrates the return of its signature fundraising event, Chefs in Action, on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 6-9 p.m. at Wicked Weed Brewing’s Funkatorium.

First held in 2018, Chefs in Action began as a celebration of food resourcefulness wherein local chef partners would prepare a variety of small plates using surplus food that typically goes to waste from commercial kitchens around town. With the third annual Chefs in Action fully geared up and ready to go in March 2020, the pandemic emerged and precipitated a quick pivot.

“After selling out the event, we had to cancel the gathering, but we were actually able to take prepared meals in insulated Food Connection bags right to the doorsteps of our ticket holders,” says Flori Pate, co-founder of the organization. “This showed that we truly are experts at moving food, but it was a lot of work and not necessarily the most sustainable method for fundraising. I’m excited to see the familiar faces of supporters we’ve not seen in a long time and those who have recently learned about Food Connection’s work.”

Ten chef partners, representing local restaurants and venues such as Pack’s Tavern, Tastee Diner, Omni Grove Park Inn and UNC Asheville, will have stations set up throughout the venue offering unique dishes composed of food rescued by Food Connection. “This is delicious food that was once ending up going to waste, which will now go directly to working families, seniors, kids at after-school programs, veterans and more thanks to Food Connection,” says Pate.

While the full menu remains a secret, plates such as blackberry barbecue brisket, elote mac and cheese, and fresh bao buns offer a glimpse of the diverse selections awaiting attendees. “We promise our guests will be stuffed by the time they leave,” adds Pate.

In addition to the food, there will be beer and wine from Wicked Weed Brewing, live music, guest speakers, a raffle and a silent auction with unique items such as original paintings, spa packages, local gift cards and more.

“In our 8 1/2 years as an organization, we’ve never seen such an urgency for meals in and around Buncombe County, so this fundraiser for Food Connection has never been

Chefs take action for Food Connection

more important as we continue to meet the need,” says Pate.

The Funkatorium is at 147 Coxe Ave. Visit avl.mx/cyc to purchase tickets starting at $100 per person and for additional information.

Chow Chow returns

Chow Chow, the annual food and culture festival showcasing Asheville’s creative culinary community, returns Thursday, Sept. 7, with an opening barbecue party held at Salvage Station.

The festival will run for four days and feature a cavalcade of gastronomical programming, from marquee dinners and tasting events to in-depth seminars and hands-on cooking classes.

“Chow Chow was built to foster community, support a healthier and more resilient regional food system and industry, and convey a rich sense of place,” says Chow Chow Executive Director Melissa Scheiderer

To that end, the festival is offering a variety of pay-what-you-can tick-

eted and open-to-the-public options to ensure everyone has a seat at the table.

“We’ve taken steps to create a more equitable economic festival model by creating many access points for attendees at any budget and increasing our budget for compensation to the incredible presenters that make the programming so engaging, interesting and fun,” says Scheiderer.

Visit avl.mx/cyl for the event schedule, tickets, volunteer sign-ups and additional information.

Fair fare

For the first time ever, Got to Be NC, an initiative promoting North Carolina agricultural products and goods, will be at the Mountain State Fair, taking place Friday, Sept. 8-Sunday, Sept. 17, at the WNC Agricultural Center.

“We have a similar pavilion at the N.C. State Fair, but this marks the first year that the pavilion will be part of the Mountain State Fair,” says Andrea E. Ashby, director of the

N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Public Affairs Division. “This is an exciting addition, as it allows these North Carolina food companies to showcase their products, and it also gives fair visitors an opportunity to sample products made right here in North Carolina.”

Over 20 Got to Be NC member companies will display their products at the Got to Be NC Pavilion in the Davis Event Center during the fair. At a chef stage within the pavilion, several of the culinary creators will perform live cooking demonstrations that educate as well as satiate hungry fairgoers.

A variety of foods and products running the gamut of sweet, savory, spicy and sumptuous will be offered at the pavilion to complement traditional fair foods such as hamburgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes and fried Oreos.

The WNC Agricultural Center is at 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher. Visit avl.mx/cxz for a full list of Got to Be NC vendors and additional information.

CULINARY CONNECTION: Ten chefs will partner with Food Connection for a fundraising event highlighting gourmet dishes made from rescued food. Photo courtesy Food Connection

Funding vital care

The Asheville chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America will hold a fundraiser benefiting the Carolina Abortion Fund at The Odd on Sunday, Sept. 10, beginning at 7 p.m.

Food specials from The Odd’s in-house kitchen, as well as a number of drink specials created specifically for the event, will be available. A trio of musical guests — Lavender Blue (solo), Sweet Fiend and Places — will provide the soundtrack for the fundraiser beginning at 8 p.m.

Attendees will be asked for a suggested donation of $10 per person at the door or to become a Carolina Abortion Fund sustainer for $5 per month. All proceeds will support the Carolina Abortion Fund sustainer campaign. Representatives will be on-site to spread awareness and education.

“We want folks to come away feeling like they are part of something bigger than themselves,” says Asheville DSA Socialist Feminist Working Group member Aislinn Sterling. “We want to come together in community and cultivate joy, kindness, strength, resilience and hope. Becoming a sustainer for Carolina Abortion Fund means fighting back and taking care of each other.”

The Odd is at 1045 Haywood Road. Visit avl.mx/cyd for additional information and avl.mx/cyb to learn more about the CAF Sustainer Program.

Birds and bagels

Asheville’s area chapter of the Audubon Society, Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter, will host an early morning birding and breakfast event at Ridge Junction Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 8 a.m.

“Ridge Junction Overlook is one of the best spots in the Blue Ridge to experience the fall migration of warblers and other passerines,” says Tom Tribble, at-large director and past president of the Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter. “Hundreds of birds can pass through the gap in the mountains here over the course of a morning, and numbers tallied have included over 25 species of warblers along with vireos, tanagers, grosbeaks and other species.”

The Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter will provide bagels and coffee. This event is open to anyone, and there is no fee or registration required to participate. Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars, chairs and warm clothes.

Ridge Junction Overlook is at Milepost 355.3 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visit avl.mx/prxl for additional information.

Morsel migrates

Morsel Cookie Co. has moved its retail space from 45 Rankin Ave. downtown to 175 Weaverville Highway, Suite D, in Woodfin.

“We are moving,” the company announced on social media. “This news may seem sudden, but we have been mulling this over for a while and believe this is the best decision for Morsel and our customers in the long run.”

This move unites the cookie company’s retail and kitchen operations. While the Woodfin location will facilitate counter service purchases and add on-site parking, it’s also where Morsel Cookie Co. was founded and where each cookie is concocted.

To celebrate the migration, Morsel has revamped its original peanut butter cup cookie to feature a peanut butter cookie base, chocolate chips, chocolate glaze and a salted peanut butter cup placed on top.

“Thank you for your continued support in our tiny operation of notso-tiny cookies,” says the company in the same social media announcement. Visit avl.mx/89s for additional information.

City Bakery’s downtown departure

After nearly two decades in business, City Bakery’s 60 Biltmore Ave. downtown location has ceased operation.

“While we love the location and building that we have been fortunate enough to serve our neighbors and visitors in for almost 20 years, it is more space than we require for our current needs,” says the business in an announcement made on social media. “It doesn’t make sense for us to continue to rent and maintain it as we make plans for our future.”

The operations at City Bakery’s original cafe location at 88 Charlotte St., as well as the production bakery in Fletcher, will continue uninterrupted. “For now, we plan on focusing on operating those spaces to their fullest potential, but who knows, maybe one day we will return to a different space downtown,” says the bakery in the same announcement.

For more information, visit avl.mx/cym.

— Blake Becker X

with friends tastes so much better!

Around Town

Musician Melissa McKinney was running Stages Music School in West Virginia when her daughter’s all-female teenage “positive message” funk band was invited to play at the LEAF Festival in Black Mountain. Their participation in the festival was McKinney’s introduction to the music scene in Asheville, and she fell in love.

Now she and her daughter are hosting the second annual Women to the Front Festival. This year’s festival will include a weeklong celebration during WTF Week, Sunday, Sept. 10-Saturday, Sept. 16, during which shows will take place across the city at venues such as The Grey Eagle, The Outpost, Botanist & Barrel Tasting Bar + Bottle Shop and Pisgah Brewing Co. The week will culminate in an all-day, family-friendly festival at New Belgium Brewing Co. on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m.

Since moving to the area four years ago, McKinney has laid a strong foundation in Asheville’s music industry, including leading her band Mama and the Ruckus, serving as a LEAF resident artist and maintaining the youth artist development program One Voice Project, which she founded while running Stages.

The idea for WTF was born one evening while chatting with fellow musician Rachel Waterhouse at One World Brewing West about “strug-

A weeklong celebration of women musicians

gles that women face by just being a woman, as well as being a woman in the music industry,” she says.

“We discussed how we could better support each other, and I ended up having this big get-together at my house where around 30 female musicians showed up. Dani Cox said she

had always wanted to do a music festival, and I said that I had always wanted to, too.”

McKinney and Cox began planning immediately, with a focus on community building and connection as well as fair pay. Last year’s festival, held at New Belgium Brewing Co., was a well-attended success. McKinney says the only complaint was that it wasn’t long enough, and that was part of the inspiration for the weeklong celebration.

Cox is taking a step back from planning this year but is still involved and will perform during WTF Week. Other musicians include April B, Ashley Heath, Gill Knott, Kasey Horton and Peggy Ratusz. Sunday will also include a collaboration band, WTF Funk Project, made up of Lyric, Rebekah Todd, Whitney Mongé, Kla Zuskin, Waterhouse, McKinney and her daughter, who goes by the name McKinney — and others. On Saturday, a panel composed of musicians and other members of the music industry will hold a discussion at Salvage Station.

“Next year as we grow, we want to include more panel opportunities for people to talk, share and learn,” says McKinney. “Our focus right now is on musicians, but in the future, we really want to be able to include visual artists, dancers, theater professionals, women in businesses — women in the world, you know?”

For more information, visit avl.mx/cyf.

Magical book release

Author, teacher and folklorist H. Byron Ballard, known locally as “The Village Witch,” is debuting her newest book, Small Magics: Practical Secrets from an Appalachian Village Witch, at a hybrid event at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe on Wednesday, Sept 6, at 6 p.m.

Ballard says the book is based on a class on practical magic, which she’s been teaching at Asheville Raven and Crone, as well as on the festival circuit, for over six years.

“I started teaching that class because there were so many people who were new to witchcraft who thought they could just buy a big stack of books, say two rhyming couplets and add a little garbled Latin on the end — and that’s what magic was,” she says. “But I learned a deeper practice that was more building blocks about how you do magic.”

Ballard, a native of Buncombe County whose local lineage traces to the 17th century, says she has been a writer “forever.” She grew up writing short stories and later founded the Smoky Mountain Repertory Theater. Her first full-length book, Staubs and Ditchwater: A Friendly

WOMEN TO THE FRONT: Nicole Nicolopoulos, Anastasia Marie, Ashley Heath and Kim Jade perform at last year’s WTF Festival. This year’s performances will culminate on Sunday, Sept. 17, at New Belgium Brewing Co. after a weeklong celebration at various venues around town. Photo by Heather Burditt

and Useful Introduction to Hillfolks’ Hoodoo, was published in 2012.

With Small Magics, Ballard hopes to instill confidence in beginners. So many early practitioners, she notes, are scared they’ll do something wrong “because they read about calling demons and all this other stuff.”

Her book, she continues, is about helping readers find what they need. “So, if you live in Asheville, you better have a parking spell that works,” she says. “Because if you don’t, you’ll never get parking.”

Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café is at 55 Haywood St. For more information, visit avl.mx/cyg.

The Rhapsodist

A-B Tech’s student and faculty literature and art publication, The Rhapsodist, is accepting submissions for the 2024 issue.

The booklet, which is published annually in the spring, was the brainchild of A-B Tech English department instructor Erik Moellering in 2012. “The community college gets folks from all different types of backgrounds and walks of life, and that’s proven really interesting in the process of showcasing their work,” he says.

The publication’s staff and faculty group will begin reading the submissions in September, with the final deadline being Wednesday, Jan. 31.

Current copies of The Rhapsodist are available in the lobby of the school’s Don C. Locke Library, as well as the Elm Building.

For more information, visit avl.mx/cyh.

New McDaniel play debuts at UNCA

Asheville native and playwright Monica McDaniel’s newest original

play, Riding Hood, debuts Friday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. at UNC Asheville’s Carol Belk Theatre. A second performance will follow on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m., at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center.

The production honors legendary blues singer Big Mama Thornton and reimagines the classic Grimms’ tale “Little Red Riding Hood” with an all-Black cast and set in McDaniel’s hometown — which plays a role as a supporting character.

“Through the lens of Riding Hood, audiences will embark on a journey of self-discovery and connection, as the play explores themes of Black identity, young love and familial bonds,” according to a press release.

The Carol Belk Theatre at UNC Asheville is at 1 University Heights. The Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center is at 285 Livingston St. For more information, visit avl.mx/cyi.

Event memorializes artist Bellenoit

A celebration of life will be held for visionary artist Blais Bellenoit, who passed away unexpectedly in June, on Sunday, Sept. 10, 3-9 p.m., at Salvage Station.

Bellenoit, who lived on and off in Asheville for around 20 years, was known for his magical realist portraits, murals, one-of-a-kind canvases and sought-after prints, according to a press release.

The all-ages, indoor event has a $10 entry free and includes free parking. Proceeds will support the family with final costs.

The celebration will begin with a memorial service, followed by an art showcase with works by Bellenoit for sale. From 7-9 p.m., the JLloyd Mashup will perform some of Bellenoit’s favorite songs, as well as a song written by Bellenoit.

“Creativity ran deep in the roots of my family,” Bellenoit said in his biography, according to a press release. He grew up in Massachusetts and was a student at Rochester (N.Y.) Institute of Technology, where he majored in illustration. “The art hustle was very challenging at times but allowed me to share a lot of art with my community.”

Salvage Station is at 468 Riverside Drive. For more information, visit avl.mx/cyj.

TEDxAsheville returns

After a yearlong hiatus, TEDxAsheville announces the return of their flagship TEDx event to the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, March 15. The independently organized event will feature local voices for a day of multidisciplinary TED talks, demonstrations and performances around the theme “Meet the Moment.”

“As we collectively emerge from the events of the last several years — a global pandemic; a much-needed racial reckoning; ongoing political divisiveness; accelerating climate

MOVIE REVIEWS

THE ELEPHANT 6 RECORDING CO.: This documentary on Athens, Ga., musicians offers a beautiful celebration of creativity and community. Grade: B

— Edwin Arnaudin

change; the emergence of generative AI; and so much more — we are all grappling with how to navigate the uncertainty and opportunity provided by the seemingly intractable challenges of our time,” says Brett A. McCall, lead organizer of TEDxAsheville, in a press release.

In addition to the March event, TEDxAsheville will host two events this fall, with the next one on Thursday, Sept. 21, 5:30-9:30 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn downtown.

“We are excited for TEDxAsheville to bring ideas worth spreading back to downtown Asheville,” says Stephanie Swepson-Twitty, president and CEO of Eagle Market Streets Development Corp., in the same press release. “As our community wrestles with the tensions of growth and sustainability; inequality and prosperity; divisiveness and reconciliation; more than ever, we need diverse, leading-edge voices to bring big ideas, inspiring conversations, and innovative solutions to Western North Carolina.”

The Hilton Garden Inn is at 309 College St. For more information, visit avl.mx/cyk.

— Andy Hall X

NOMAD ROCKER: On Friday, Sept. 8, American punk rocker Jerry Joseph and The Jackmormons will perform at Shiloh & Gaines at 8 p.m. The Oregon Music Hall of Famer plays more than 150 shows a year across America and sometimes in Europe, Mexico, Central America and even the Middle East. Photo courtesy of Jerry Joseph

For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic, 8pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

Jay Brown (roots, blues, jazz), 6pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY

Bluegrass Jam w/The Saylor Brothers, 6:30pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Songwriter Series w/ Matt Smith, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Old Time Jam, 5pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE

Wednesday Bike Night & Music, 6pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

FBVMA: Mountain Music Jam, 6pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Latin Night w/DJ Mtn Vibez, 8:30pm

SHILOH & GAINES Trivia Night, 7pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA Poetry Open Mic, 8pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Reggie Watts, 8pm

THE RAILYARD BLACK MOUNTAIN

Dan's Jam (bluegrass), 7pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Irish Music Circle, 7pm

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR

The MGB's (acoustic), 8pm

BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE

Mike Kenton & Jim Tanner (jazz), 5:30pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

Ashley Heath (blues, Americana), 6pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY

Jerry's Dead (Grateful Dead & JGB Tribute), 6pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN TAPROOM

Not Rocket Science Trivia, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7:30pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE

Iggy Radio (Southern-rock), 7pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

J. Dunks (pop, rock, folk), 7pm

ONE WORLD

BREWING

Alma Russ (country, folk, Appalachian), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Jake Burns & Jason Hazinski (reggae, rock, folk), 8pm

OUTSIDER BREWING

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

Dave Zoll Trio (R&B), 6:30pm

SHILOH & GAINES Karaoke Night, 8pm

SIERRA NEVADA

BREWING CO. Sold Out: Ismo, 8pm

THE DFR LOUNGE

Steve Simon & The Kings of Jazz (Latin, jazz), 7pm

THE GREY EAGLE Of Montreal (indie, pop), 8pm

THE ORANGE PEEL American Football w/ Hello Mary (emo, rock, post-rock), 8pm

THE RAILYARD BLACK MOUNTAIN DJ Chase, 5pm

THE ROOT BAR

Kendra & Friends (multiple genres), 6pm

THE STATION BLACK

MOUNTAIN Mr Jimmy (blues), 5pm

URBAN ORCHARD

Trivia Thursday, 7pm

WNC OUTDOOR

COLLECTIVE Trivia, 6:30pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK

MOUNTAIN

Ben Krakauer, Julian

Pinelli & Kevin Kehrberg (jazz, bluegrass, old-time), 7:30pm

WRONG WAY

CAMPGROUND

Don't Tell Comedy: West Asheville, 7pm

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

27 CLUB

Sacrilege: Goth Dance Party, 10pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY

ACADEMY

Live Music Sessions, 7:30pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR

Mr Jimmy's Friday Night Blues, 8pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Rohan Solo w/DJ

McNice (experimental, dubstep, electro-funk), 11:30pm

BEN'S TUNE UP

EK Balam (reggaeton, hip-hop), 8pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN

BREWING

Jack Miller Duo (acoustic), 6pm

BURGER BAR

Bellizia, Colossal & Bad Sleepers (punk-grass), 9pm

CATAWBA BREWING

CO. SOUTH SLOPE

ASHEVILLE

• Comedy at Catawba: Ryan Singer, 7pm

• Comedy at Catawba: Naomi Karavani, 9:30pm

CORK & KEG

The Easy Chairs (country), 8pm

FLEETWOOD'S

Call The Next Witness, Bronson Arm, John Kirby Jr & the New Seniors (rock'n'roll, sludge, punk), 8:30pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

• Honky-Tonk Fridays w/Jackson Grimm, 4pm

• The Jackson Grimm

Band (Appalachian, Americana, folk-pop), 9pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE

Open Mic Night w/ Hamza, 8pm

MARS HILL BREWING

CO.

Shed Bugs (rock, blues, funk), 6pm

OKLAWAHA

BREWING CO.

Circuit Breakers (rock'n'roll), 8pm

ONE WORLD

BREWING WEST

Bottleneck Jett (Americana, rock, blues), 7pm

PISGAH BREWING

CO.

Mia Rhodes Fellowship (multiple genres), 6:30pm

POINT LOOKOUT VINEYARDS

The Tams (R&B, soul), 7:30pm

RABBIT RABBIT

Silent Disco: Spring Break 2008, 9pm

SALVAGE STATION

STS9 (psychedelic-dub, electronic), 7:30pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Jerry Joseph & The Jackmormons w/Travis Shallow (rock, country, blues), 7pm

SIERRA NEVADA BREWING CO.

Who's Bad (Michael Jackson tribute), 8:30pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

The Build (electronic, synth-wave, hip-hop), 9pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: We Have Ignition (surf, punk), 6pm

• Deafheaven w/Dirty

Art Club (post-metal), 9pm

THE MEADOW AT

HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Mojohand (rock, Americana), 7pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Paul Thorn (country, blues, rock), 8pm

THE OUTPOST

JLloyd MashUp (acidjazz, funk, soul), 7pm

THE RAD BREW CO.

Mitch McConnell & the Senators (folk, bluegrass, indie), 7pm

THE RAILYARD BLACK MOUNTAIN

DJ Chase, 5pm

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

27 CLUB Disco Night, 9pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY

• Live Music Sessions, 7:30pm

• ...Like it's 1999 (dance party), 9pm

ASHEVILLE CLUB

Mr Jimmy (blues), 7pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR

Sal Landers Party Rx (rock'n'roll), 8pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

• Nobody's Darling String Band, 4pm

• Mitch McConnell & The Senators (Appalachian, old-time), 9pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE

Karaoke Night, 9pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

The Feels (soul, R&B, Americana), 8pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

Krispee Biscuits (electronic), 10pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Bring Out Yer Dead (Grateful Dead tribute), 9pm

RABBIT RABBIT

First Aid Kit w/Courtney Marie Andrews (folk, alt-indie), 7pm

SALVAGE STATION STS9 (psychedelic-dub, electronic), 6:30pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Reggie & Keefunk (R&B, funk, rock), 9pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

DJ Uncle Ralph's Music Box (punk, new wave, rock), 8pm

SWEETEN CREEK

BREWING

Mr Jimmy (blues), 5pm

THE BURGER BAR Best Worst Karaoke, 9pm

THE GREY EAGLE Asheville Vaudeville, 8pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Justin Cody Fox Band (blues, rock), 6pm

THE ODD Party Foul Drag, 8pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Colony House (indie, surf-rock), 8pm

THE RAILYARD BLACK MOUNTAIN

Detective Blind & Izzi Hughes (alt-pop, rock, indie), 7pm

URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO. SOUTH

SLOPE

Latin DJ Night w/DJ Mtn Vibes, 9pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

Rick Dilling & Time

Check (Buddy Rich Tribute), 8pm

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

Gin Mill Pickers (Americana, folk, blues), 2pm

CATAWBA BREWING CO. SOUTH SLOPE

ASHEVILLE

Comedy at Catawba: Matt Taylor, 6pm

GREEN MAN BREWERY

Alexis Drag Brunch, 2pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Traditional Irish Jam, 3:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Emily Bodley (jazz, pop), 4pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Sunday Jazz Jam, 1:30pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

Pisgah Sunday Jam, 6:30pm

S & W MARKET

Mr Jimmy (blues), 1pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Kathryn O'Shea, Keturah Allgood & Ashli Rose (folk, funk, Americana), 6pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Aaron Woody Wood (Appalachia, soul, Americana), 7pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: Country Brunch w/Heavenly Vipers, 12pm

• Patio: Hannah Bethel (Americana, country, folk), 5pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Chris Jamison’s Ghost (Americana), 2pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

The Lazy Birds (blues, jazz, Americana), 7:30pm

ZILLICOAH BEER CO PubSing, 5pm MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

27 CLUB Karoke Monday, 10pm FLEETWOOD'S Best Ever Karaoke, 9pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Totally Rad Trivia w/ Mitch Fortune, 6pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Quizzo! Pub Trivia w/ Jason Mencer, 7:30pm NOBLE CIDER DOWNTOWN Freshen Up Comedy Open Mic, 6:30pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Mashup Band, 8pm STATIC AGE RECORDS

Dorthia Cottrell, Shadowcloak & The Jesus Casino (doom, folk, country), 8pm THE GREY EAGLE Djunah w/Lung & Harriers of Discord (rock, noise), 8pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Tangerine Dream (electronic, synth-rock), 8pm

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

FLEETWOOD'S

Juniper Willow w/ Creare: Suite for the

Milk Rat (post-punk, goth, industrial), 9pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Team Trivia, 7pm

ONE WORLD

BREWING WEST

The Grateful Family Band Tuesdays (Grateful Dead tribute), 6pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Songwriters Night, 7pm SILVERADOS

Dark City Comedy Night, 8pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Weekly Open Jam

hosted by Chris Cooper & Friends, 6:30pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Model/Actriz w/ Well Yells (electronic, industrial, post-punk), 8pm

THE BURGER BAR

C U Next Tuesday Late Night Trivia, 9:30pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Kassi Valazza w/Camille

Wind Weatherfood (country, psych), 8pm

THE ODD

Open Mic Comedy, 8pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Alkaline Trio w/Teen

Mortgage (punk-rock, alternative), 7:30pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

White Horse Open Mic, 7pm

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

27 CLUB Get Down With The Sickness (dance party), 10pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

• Chat Pile w/The Holy

Ghost Tabernacle

Choir (grunge, sludge, industrial), 8pm

• Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic, 8pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

Jay Brown (roots, blues, jazz), 6pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

Jerry's Dead (Grateful Dead & JGB Tribute), 6pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Well-Crafted Music w/ Amy Ray, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Old Time Jam, 5pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE

Bike Night w/Connor

Hunt (Appalachian, country), 6pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

FBVMA: Mountain Music Jam, 6pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Latin Night w/DJ Mtn Vibez, 8:30pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Trivia Night, 7pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Poetry Open Mic, 8pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Deerhoof w/Flynt

Flossy & Turquoise

Jeep (indie, punk-pop, experimental), 8pm

THE ODD

Cherokee Social, Fun

Machine, Mary's Letter & Father Figures (indiepop), 8pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK

MOUNTAIN

Irish Music Circle, 7pm

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY

ACADEMY Perreo 828, 9pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL Crowbar w/Primitive

Man, Bodybox & Tombstone Highway (doom, sludge, death-metal, 7pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN

BREWING

Hunter Begley (alt-country, folk), 6pm

CROW & QUILL

Black Sea Beat Society (Balka, rock'n'roll, Turkish-psych), 8pm

FLEETWOOD'S Cold Choir, Bruschetta

Delorean, Public Circuit & Machine 13 (industrial, synth, postpunk), 9pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN

TAPROOM

Not Rocket Science Trivia, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Collin Cheek (covers), 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING Blase (indie), 8pm

OUTSIDER BREWING

Robert's Totally Rad

Trivia, 7pm

PULP

Carly Taich & Hannah Kaminer (folk, Americana), 8pm

PISGAH BREWING

CO.

WTF Blues Project, 6:30pm

SALVAGE STATION

Dopapod (funk, rock, jazz), 8pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Karaoke Night, 8pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Django Jazz Jam, 7pm

THE DFR LOUNGE

Steve Simon & The Kings of Jazz (Latin, jazz), 7pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: Kathryn O’Shea (indie, folk), 6pm

• The Nude Party w/ Lady Apple Tree & Good Trauma (melodic, garage-rock), 8:30pm

THE ODD

Basically Nancy, Cam Girl & Yawni (punk), 8pm

THE OUTPOST

The Old Futures (Americana, blues, indie), 7pm

THE RAILYARD BLACK MOUNTAIN

DJ Chase, 5pm

THE ROOT BAR

Kendra & Friends (multiple genres), 6pm

THE STATION BLACK MOUNTAIN

Mr Jimmy (blues), 5pm

URBAN ORCHARD

Trivia Thursday, 7pm

WNC OUTDOOR COLLECTIVE Trivia, 6:30pm

VOTED WNC #1 KAVA BAR

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov says war is “more like a game of poker than chess. On a chess board, the pieces are face up, but poker is essentially a game of incomplete information, a game where you have to guess and act on those guesses.” I suspect that’s helpful information for you these days, Aries. You may not be ensconced in an out-an-out conflict, but the complex situation you’re managing has resemblances to a game of poker. For best results, practice maintaining a poker face. Try to reduce your tells to near zero. Here’s the definition of “tell” as I am using the term: Reflexive or unconscious behavior that reveals information you would rather withhold.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Raised in poverty, Taurus-born Eva Peron became a charismatic politician and actor who served as First Lady of Argentina for six years. The Argentine Congress ultimately gave her the title of “Spiritual Leader of the Nation.” How did she accomplish such a meteoric ascent? “Without fanaticism,” she testified, “one cannot accomplish anything.” But I don’t think her strategy has to be yours in the coming months, Taurus. It will make sense for you to be highly devoted, intensely focused and strongly motivated—even a bit obsessed in a healthy way. But you won’t need to be fanatical.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini author Ben H. Winters has useful counsel. “Every choice forecloses on other choices,” he says. “Each step forward leaves a thousand dead possible universes behind you.” I don’t think there are a thousand dead universes after each choice; the number’s more like two or three. But the point is, you must be fully committed to leaving the past behind. Making decisions requires resolve. Second-guessing your brave actions rarely yields constructive results. So are you ready to have fun being firm and determined, Gemini? The cosmic rhythms will be on your side if you do.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Journalist Alexandra Robbins was addressing young people when she gave the following advice, but you will benefit from it regardless of your age: “There is nothing wrong with you just because you haven’t yet met people who share your interests or outlook on life. Know that you will eventually meet people who will appreciate you for being you.” I offer this to you now, Cancerian, because the coming months will bring you into connection with an abundance of like-minded people who are working to create the same kind of world you are. Are you ready to enjoy the richest social life ever?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Author Kevin Kelly is a maverick visionary who has thought a lot about how to create the best possible future. He advocates that we give up hoping for the unrealistic concept of utopia. Instead, he suggests we empower our practical efforts with the term “protopia.” In this model, we “crawl toward betterment,” trying to improve the world by 1% each year. You would be wise to apply a variation on this approach to your personal life in the coming months, Leo. A mere 1% enhancement is too modest a goal, though. By your birthday in 2024, a 6% upgrade is realistic, and you could reach as high as 10%.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In honor of the Virgo birthday season, I invite you to be exceptionally distinctive and singular in the coming weeks, even idiosyncratic and downright incomparable. That’s not always a comfortable state for you Virgos to inhabit, but right now it’s healthy to experiment with. Here’s counsel from writer Christopher Morley: “Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to continually be part of unanimity.” Here’s a bonus quote from Virgo poet Edith Sitwell: “I am not eccentric! It’s just that I am more alive than most people.”

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Do you sometimes wish your life was different from what it actually is? Do you criticize yourself for not being a perfect manifestation of your ideal self? Most of us indulge in these fruitless energy drains. One of the chief causes of unhappiness is the fantasy that we are not who we are supposed to be. In accordance with cosmic rhythms, I authorize you to be totally free of these feelings for the next four weeks. As an experiment, I invite you to treasure yourself exactly as you are right now. Congratulate yourself for all the heroic work you have done to be pretty damn good. Use your ingenuity to figure out how to give yourself big doses of sweet and festive love.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio novelist Kurt Vonnegut testified, “I want to stay as close on the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge, you see all kinds of things you can’t see from the center. Big, undreamed-ofthings — the people on the edge see them first.” I’m not definitively telling you that you should live like Vonnegut, dear Scorpio. To do so, you would have to summon extra courage and alertness. But if you are inclined to explore such a state, the coming weeks will offer you a chance to live on the edge with as much safety, reward, and enjoyment as possible.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “Where there is great love, there are always miracles,” wrote Sagittarian novelist Willa Cather (1873–1947). In accordance with upcoming astrological aspects, I encourage you to prepare the way for such miracles. If you don’t have as much love as you would like, be imaginative as you offer more of the best love you have to give. If there is good but not great love in your life, figure out how you can make it even better. If you are blessed with great love, see if you can transform it into being even more extraordinary. For you Sagittarians, it is the season of generating miracles through the intimate power of marvelous love.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn author Alexander Woollcott (1187–1943) could be rude and vulgar. He sometimes greeted cohorts by saying, “Hello, Repulsive.” After he read the refined novelist Marcel Proust, he described the experience as “like lying in someone else’s dirty bath water.” But according to Woollcott’s many close and enduring friends, he was often warm, generous and humble. I bring this to your attention in the hope that you will address any discrepancies between your public persona and your authentic soul. Now is a good time to get your outer and inner selves into greater harmony.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In 1963, Aquarian author Betty Friedan published The Feminine Mystique, a groundbreaking book that became a bestseller crucial in launching the feminist movement. She brought to wide cultural awareness “the problem that has no name”: millions of women’s sense of invisibility, powerlessness and depression. In a later book, Friedan reported on those early days of the awakening: “We couldn’t possibly know where it would lead, but we knew it had to be done.” I encourage you to identify an equivalent quest in your personal life, Aquarius: a project that feels necessary to your future, even if you don’t yet know what that future will turn out to be.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: All of them make me laugh.” Piscean poet W. H. Auden said that. After analyzing the astrological omens, I conclude that laughing with those you love is an experience you should especially seek right now. It will be the medicine for anything that’s bothering you. It will loosen obstructions that might be interfering with the arrival of your next valuable teachings. Use your imagination to dream up ways you can place yourself in situations where this magic will unfold.

BY ROB BREZSNY

EATS & DRINKS

Pick up your print copy today in boxes everywhere!

10th

Saturday, Sept 16

Starting at 1pm Charley King’s

Live handpan music

Galactic Maya frequencies readings from the Zuvuya Crew

Scrumpy cider pressing demonstration and tasting Special cider and mead releases

MARKETPLACE

Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 advertise@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds

RENTALS APARTMENTS FOR RENT

HUMAN SERVICES

A THERAPIST LIKE ME EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION

CAREGIVERS/ NANNY

GOT AN UNWANTED CAR?

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MID-SEPTEMBER Newly renovated 800sq ft apartment available mid-Sept. Ground level, wooded lot; one bedroom, one bath; new washer/ dryer; private drive/entrance. Water and wi-fi included in rent. Granite kitchen countertops/sink coming soon. Email clabbergirl57@gmail.com

HOMES FOR RENT

COUNTRY CABIN FOR RENT Country setting on a pond. Furnished. $1500 all included. 10mins from Downtown Asheville. Call Wayne on 828380-6095

EMPLOYMENT

SKILLED LABOR/ TRADES

IMOCO INC. IN FLETCHER, NORTH CAROLINA IS HIRING! IMOCO Inc. IS HIRING. We are looking for experienced Millwrights workers, HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical Technicians, Welders, along with CDL Drivers to perform industrial projects in WNC and the Upstate SC. Jobs may require overtime and occasional out of town travel. Go to our website, imocoinc. net/employment, to fill out an application or come see us at 111 Guaranteed Way, Fletcher, NC 28732. (828) 684-2000 imocoinc.net/employment/

MEDICAL/ HEALTH CARE

IN HOME CAREGIVER A New Hope Home Care is looking for in home caregivers to care for adult clients in and around Asheville. We have an immediate need in West Asheville - looking for an active, compassionate caregiver that has some weekday and every other weekend available. Pay is $20/hr. Please call us for more information. 828255-4446 or email: info@ anewhopehomecare.com or visit anewhopehomecare.com

OPEN “A Therapist Like Me” fue establecido en el 2019, es una organización sin fines de lucro, dedicada a conectar a clientes singularmente diversos con terapeutas singularmente diversos, ambos de comunidades históricamente marginadas, elevando a los terapeutas de raza de color, proporcionando vales de psicoterapia a clientes históricamente marginados, reduciendo el estigma social que rodea a la salud mental y apoya a nuestra comunidad. La tarifa de pago durante la capacitación es de $40 por hora al comienzo de la contratación con un aumento a $50 por/ hora luego de completar la capacitación. Esperamos que la oportunidad de pagar una tarifa más alta llegue a medida que la organización crezca y revisaremos esta tarifa de pago trimestralmente. Esta posición se basa en la financiación del año en curso y depende de la disponibilidad de los fondos. De tiempo parcial (10 a 20 horas por semana); Las horas de trabajo son tanto en persona como a distancia. Las horas pueden fluctuar dependiendo de las necesidades de la organización. Esto se decidirá en cooperación con las iniciativas actuales de la organización, la junta, los objetivos de la comunidad y el Director Ejecutivo. A Therapist Like Me, established in 2019, is a non-profit dedicated to connecting uniquely diverse clients to uniquely diverse therapists both from historically marginalized communities, elevating therapists of color, providing psychotherapy vouchers to historically marginalized clients, reducing societal stigma surrounding mental health, and supporting our community. $40/hour training rate at the start of hire with an increase to $50/hour after training is complete. We hope the opportunity to pay a higher rate comes as the organization grows and we will review this rate of pay quarterly. This position is based on funding from the current year and is contingent upon funding availability. Part-time (10-20 hours per week); hours are both in-person and remote work. Hours may fluctuate depending on organizational needs. This will be decided in co-operation with current initiatives of the organization, board, community goals and Executive Director.

Full job description: https:// www.atherapistlikeme. org/apply-to-be-our-nextexecutive-director Por favor, postule con una carta de presentación o introducción y un currículum vitae a/Please apply with a cover letter or introduction and resume to: atlmsearchcommittee@gmail

CAREGIVER FOR SENIORS/ HOME COMPANION

SERVICES Senior caregiver seeking part-time hours as an in-home caregiver/companion for female clients only. I have recent, local references. My hourly rate is $18 an hour. Jennifer Elliott 828-641-1277 / Jseavlnc@gmail.com

SERVICES

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My Story

FOUR MEMOIRS BY WNC AUTHORS

Monthly Events, September - December

Thursday, September 14, 7-8pm

Talk by Jeremy B. Jones, Associate Professor of Creative Nonfiction at Western Carolina University, featuring his memoir Bearwallow: A Personal History of a Mountain Homeland

A hybrid event: In-person at West Asheville Public Library AND Zoom Accessible

Register for Zoom at: mystory@wilmadykemanlegacy.org

ACROSS

1 A hot one might lead to an embarrassing moment

4 Shelled out

8 November imperative

12 Two-term presidencies, say

14 College attendee in “Toy Story 3”

15 Autobiographical heroine of the “Little House” series

16 Starting with an X in the corner, say?

19 Billionaires’ homes, often

20 Name with Slim or Diamond

21 “Stupid me!”

22 Excel (at)

23 Formula 1 Grand Prix locale

25 Rocket launcher that makes a whimsical buzzing sound?

30 Informal garb for working from home, informally

33 Cry like a baby

34 It may be marked with an X

35 Feels remorse about

37 Part of a bad trip, maybe

40 “Winning ___ everything”

41 Ran in place

43 Store whose products often come with Allen wrenches

45 “Woo-hoo!”

46 Become a leading citizen of North Dakota?

50 Activist Abrams

51 “Wouldn’t that be nice!”

55 Feeling in Yosemite Valley, say

57 Used to be

58 Italian dish similar to grits

60 Disrespected adviser?

63 One who might check all the boxes?

64 ___ Rachel Wood of “Westworld”

65 Ship or mail

66 It goes downhill fast

67 Lucy’s “I Love Lucy” co-star

68 Daisy Ridley’s role in “Star Wars”

DOWN

1 Hands (out)

2 Like everyone on March 17, it’s said

3 Prickly pears, e.g.

4 Unit in a duel

5 Life study of the biologist

E. O. Wilson

6 Possible response to “Who wants ice cream?!”

7 What might get to the root of a problem?

8 Shop ___ (article of cleaning equipment)

9 Like hiking, bird-watching and similar activities

10 The Ronettes, e.g.

11 A pop

13 Reeked

15 Some breathing lessons

17 Starters

18 Fey who wrote “Bossypants”

23 Placate

24 ___ Bush, Missouri representative and Black Lives Matter activist

26 End of the London Blitz?

27 Be beholden to

28 Coffee-growing region of the Big Island

29 Affected, in a way

30 Strait-laced sort

31 Sport whose name means “way of gentleness”

32 Kind of gas station that’s illegal in New Jersey

36 Goal for a politician

38 Alias letters

39 “___ out!” (ump’s cry)

42 Part of a chest

44 Able to bend over backward, say

47 Volunteer’s statement

48 Like matryoshka dolls

49 Jesse who won four Olympic gold medals in 1936

52 Bury

53 Diamond, e.g.

54 Like pansies, but not touchme-nots

55 Bread boxes?

56 Ewe got it!

58 Smartphone ancestors, in brief

59 Prefix with -vore

61 Word after Club or before school

62 Time of preparation, maybe

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS NY TIMES PUZZLE