Mountain Xpress 09.22.21 by Mountain Xpress

OUR 28TH YEAR OF WEEKLY INDEPENDENT NEWS, ARTS & EVENTS FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA VOL. 28 NO. 8 SEPT. 22-28, 2021

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM

C ONTENT S

FEATURES

PAGE 8

WELLNESS

ARCHIVES

FEATURE

NEWS

UP AND AT ’EM 12 NEWS BRIEFS Disaster relief available for victims of Tropical Storm Fred and other local news

14 Q&A WITH JASMINE SUMMERS The reigning Miss Blue Ridge Pride talks with Xpress.

Rock climbers in WNC will have two new destinations this fall with the opening of the McKinney Gap Boulders in Burnsville and Chimney Rock Village Boulders in Chimney Rock. An established climbing spot at Rumbling Bald is also the subject of a new documentary set to debut locally in spring. COVER PHOTO Nathalie DuPré

15 ‘A NEW STAR’ Asheville celebrates Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt’s birth, 1900

COVER DESIGN Scott Southwick

4 LETTERS 4 CARTOON: MOLTON

18 HEALTH ROUNDUP Pardee sees surge in demand for COVID-19 antibody infusions and other wellness news

7 CARTOON: BRENT BROWN 8 NEWS 10 BUNCOMBE BEAT

A&C

16 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 20 NORTH ASHEVILLE GLOW-UP Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. transitions to a first-run theater

18 WELLNESS 20 ARTS & CULTURE

A&C

28 CLUBLAND 22 PLAYING WELL WITH OTHERS Indigo De Souza, Katie Sachs and Alexa Rose release new albums

34 FREEWILL ASTROLOGY 34 CLASSIFIEDS 35 NY TIMES CROSSWORD

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OPINION

Send your letters to the editor to letters@mountainx.com.

Closing libraries will diminish our communities The library I grew up with: with shelves of books, oak tables and even that smell of books. It was a part of my life, and I understand why patrons of the Oakley, Swannanoa and Black Mountain libraries are resistant to change, especially changes to their “community.” Even the new East Asheville library leaves me cold: compartmentalized with small rooms for gathering. Google will only show what is popular, not what is the best. If I am allowed to quote Caitlan Moran, a British journalist, on libraries: “A library in the middle of a community is a cross between an emergency exit, a life raft and a festival. They are cathedrals of the mind; hospitals of the soul; theme parks of the imagination. … They are the only sheltered public spaces where you are not a consumer, but a citizen, instead. … A mall [or shopping on Amazon is] … where your money makes the wealthy wealthier. But a library is where the wealthy’s taxes pay for you to become a little more extraordinary, instead.” Oakley, Swannanoa and Black Mountain would be diminished by the disappearance of these public places — a refuge for many of us. — Roger Turner Asheville

Missing words from peace proclamation Perhaps there was a mistake, but Asheville City Mayor Esther Manheimer forgot to include an entire paragraph WNC4Peace submitted for an International Day of Peace proclamation, which will be observed here and around the world via Zoom.

C A RT O O N B Y R AN DY M O L T O N This paragraph, which went through five editors within our peace organizations, was the following: “Whereas, in this time of escalating Climate Change and the Covid pandemic, we lament that there have been political and economic actions taken by our elected representatives that threaten the health and well being of the people, of the environment, and of our Democratic process. We specifically call attention to Buncombe County Commissioners’ decision to provide millions in tax incentives and other inducements to Pratt-Whitney, part of Raytheon Technologies, one of the largest and most profitable weapons merchants in the world. We believe that it is not in the best interest of our community to align with industries with a record of environmental harm that choose profit over life.” Some may say our document was too long (190 words compared to 378 words last year). The omitted part

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Xpress is seeking freelance writers grounded in local happenings to contribute to our news section. Whether you're a development wonk, a politics junkie, an environmental authority or a wellness warrior, warrio we want you to share your expertise with Western North Carolina. Our coverage seeks to understand multiple perspectives, get the details right and help readers take action on the issues that matter to them. Prior experience with news writing, AP style, and photography skills are a all plusses. Rates start at 12 cents/word, with potential bonuses for more involved stories.

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SEPT. 22-28, 2021

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was 109 words. Last year we had 25 endorsers, compared to 27 this year. So more endorsers supported our proclamation this year than in 2020. My apologies to our endorsers this year. We’ll try to work closer with our elected officials next year. And let me say, we do appreciate the city of Asheville working with us on proclaiming peace every year since we started in 2010. In addition, Brownie Newman, chair of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, has just informed us that neither he nor the commission will sign our proclamation this year. We are disappointed. — Rachael Bliss Asheville

For peace, justice and sustainability, recruit green industries As we mark International Day of Peace this week, it is unfortunate that some of our community leaders do not support this year’s local resolution primarily because the peace proclamation references disappointment in the county commissioners’ support for the construction of a Pratt & Whitney (division of Raytheon) plant: “Whereas, in this time of escalating Climate Change and the Covid pandemic, we lament that there have been political and economic actions taken by our elected representatives that threaten the health and well being of the people, of the environment, and of our Democratic process. We specifically call attention to Buncombe County

Commissioners’ decision to provide millions in tax incentives and other inducements to Pratt-Whitney, part of Raytheon Technologies, one of the largest and most profitable weapons merchants in the world. We believe that it is not in the best interest of our community to align with industries with a record of environmental harm that choose profit over life.” Our city and county governments have a stated commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change. But they clearly do not yet recognize that the paradigm shift (or evolution in thinking) needed to achieve both the goals of climate resiliency and peace is counter to bringing industries here that, in real terms, do not support these goals. Fossil fuel intensive industries aren’t “green,” and industries contributing to the military/industrial complex are not peace promoting. Yes, our community needs good jobs that pay good wages. And we also need to think in new ways about how to successfully and sustainably maintain life on this planet. We live in a time of existential threats to human life — climate change, nuclear war and imperialism. We need to attract business and industry here that are on the cutting edge of sustainability. Our country’s investment of blood and treasure (thousands of service people killed or injured and trillions spent) in the military has not brought real security, but failed military interventions in Iraq and most recently Afghanistan. We did not make these countries any better or safer for those who live there. But huge amounts of money were made by the “defense” contractors. And thousands of citizens of those countries were killed or maimed with their infrastructures ruined. While our Pentagon receives more of our tax money (more than that of the next 10 nations combined) to build extravagant weapons systems that we don’t need to pursue an interventionist foreign policy that achieves nothing positive, citizens here lack the basics of a decent life — decent jobs, food, shelter, medical care, clean air, water and soil. The International Day of Peace calls for us to shift our old ways of thinking about security, war and the natural world. In these times, a true security system is one that includes transitioning to “green” energy production now, better and less violent ways of resolving conflict now, meeting basic human needs now, promoting justice here and abroad, now. It calls us to a paradigm change that is necessary for humanity to have a future.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 6

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SEPT. 22-28, 2021

OPINION

Send your letters to the editor to letters@mountainx.com.

Providing tax inducements and infrastructure to bring industries here that are not part of the real solution, but are actually part of the ongoing problem, is something that those who truly seek peace, justice and sustainability cannot support. — Anne Craig Asheville

Charlotte Street neighbors could learn from Charlotte There is something about the Charlotte Street development issue/ dialogue that is troubling to me, and it has to do with the signs the neighborhood is using to promote their cause. The “Charlotte St. Not Charlotte” signs are offensive and represent the kind of close-minded, self-righteous thinking and speech that turn people off to otherwise worthy causes. There are many thriving new businesses and neighborhoods being activated all across Charlotte, especially in the urban infill zones around downtown, like Midtown, NoDa and South Boulevard areas. Charlotte even has light rail, for crying out loud.

Share your words of wisdom with other women in business What did you wish you knew when you were starting out in business? For Xpress’ annual Women in Business issue, we’re asking local women to share insights they’ve gained through their work in WNC. Please tell us how you found your career, what challenges you faced along the way and what helpful tips or advice you could share with other women on the same path. Email your thoughts to

trose@mountainx.com by the end of the day

Friday, Sept. 24

for possible publication in Mountain Xpress. Aim for 300 words or less, and please include your name, address and phone number.

We can’t wait to hear what you’ve got to say! 6

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

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You will also find many examples of more attractive architecture for new developments in Charlotte than the kind of buildings going up in Asheville. To the witty sign makers in the Charlotte Street community: Open your eyes and learn to work with others in a constructive way. You might learn a thing or two from Charlotte. — Frank Balentine Asheville

but it would surely be cheaper for Asheville and possibly even more desirable to some of the homeless people themselves than many shelter or apartment arrangements. What if Asheville came up with a new and innovative model that could be utilized in other cities? Think of all the people who might be helped! — Diana Jurss Cullowhee

Improving the 101 Charlotte St. project

Mountain State Fair’s dress code makes no sense

As someone who drives this stretch of road every day, I understand both sides of this controversy. The houses seem to have been purposefully neglected, and yet they aren’t architecturally important. The worst part of the plan is losing the stone walls, the front line of mature trees and elevation above the sidewalk — all of which make Charlotte Street more interesting. If those three things could be incorporated into the development, the opposition would be a lot less. — Steve Woolum Asheville Editor’s note: The 101 Charlotte St. developer withdrew an application for conditional zoning for the project Sept. 17 and has submitted an application for a smaller project in its place, the Citizen Times reported last week.

How about a nice campground for the homeless? There was a recent letter printed regarding thoughts on the Asheville homeless shelter and how to best serve the homeless population. The writer suggested creating/building a campground [“More Thought Needed on Homeless Shelter,” Sept. 1, Xpress]. I think this idea warrants consideration. A campground, complete with bathrooms, showers, water pumps, maybe a covered pavilion and even a dog run, could provide much of what is needed. Include services such as trash pickup and some nighttime lighting. A campground that provides basic needs and also permits as much lifestyle freedom as possible is an option worth looking into. Other services could be added as needs and volunteers become available. Church groups would feel more safe and welcome dropping off sandwiches and food boxes. Perhaps eventually, mental health providers could have scheduled visits. All this might be viewed as a temporary solution or a summertime solution,

In 2011, after 17 years of treating all attendees with friendliness, dignity and respect, the N.C. Mountain State Fair installed a large sign at its gate reading, “Shirt and Shoes Required.” The reason for this unwelcoming sign, as I found out later, was as absurd as anyone could possibly imagine. When I inquired about why such a sign was installed, Matt Buchanan, the fair director, told me it was because they feared the recent “Go Topless Rally” in Asheville would influence women to come to the fair topless. (I still have his answer recorded from my answering machine.) … To add a shoe requirement, for no good reason, to a shirt requirement that had a ridiculous reason, made no logical sense whatsoever. In this time of the continued COVID pandemic, a business or public facility requiring a mask to be worn makes perfect logical sense, because such a requirement is based on legitimate scientific and medical reasons: helping prevent the spread of a deadly virus. Yet, inexplicably, the fair does not require anyone to wear a mask. Requiring shoes to be worn at such places — especially a public facility run by the state — has no logical scientific, medical or even legal basis and can only be based on the arbitrary personal prejudices and/or ignorance of those in control of such facilities. As a person who lives barefoot for medical and other reasons, the continued current arbitrary and unnecessary dress code sign prevents me from attending the fair, but I had with no problems being barefoot there during the many years prior to the sign being posted. This is a callous disregard of the rights of individuals to make harmless freewill choices of their lifestyle and/or personal attire. I wrote an article awhile back about this situation and my ongoing efforts to resolve it, which you can see here: [avl.mx/agh]. — Kriss Sands Mars Hill

CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN Editor’s note: Previous letters to the editor on the topic, published in 2011, “Topless-protest Paranoia Spreads to Mountain State Fair” and “‘Shoes Required’ Is About Safety, Not ‘Topless Paranoia’” can be found at mountainx.com. In addition, WLOS reports that fair officials are requesting mask-wearing indoors and social distancing; have installed hand-sanitizing stations; and are making masks and temperature checks available.

Families need reliable, sustainable child care system I applaud Kit Cramer from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce for calling attention to the need for increased funding for child care subsidy rates in North Carolina [“Legislation Would Help Working Parents, Businesses and Kids,” Sept. 1, Xpress]. As she points out, supporting working families is good for business. In order for our economy to recover and grow, families desperately need a reliable, sustainable child care system. If parents cannot find care for their children, they cannot effectively work in the many businesses in our community.

While the North Carolina legislature has worked in the short term to shore up child care during the pandemic, long-term investments are needed as outlined in HB 574. An increase in the subsidy rate formula will allow more centers to continue operating and to increase pay for the child care workforce. It is time for North Carolina to treat early childhood education and child care as essential infrastructure so that parents can participate fully in our economy. — Rachel Shelton Asheville

Plug-in electric vehicle events dispel misinformation

like BEVs when their batteries get low or continue driving as long as there’s gas in the tank, like conventional cars and plugless hybrids. Many people are dissuaded from buying PEVs by the clouds of mis- and disinformation that choke honest public discourse. But there’s an easy way to find the truth: Talk to people who actually drive PEVs. National Drive

Electric Week brings PEV owners together with other interested parties. Asheville’s NDEW event will be Friday, Oct. 1, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at A-B Tech. Blowing Rock’s will be Saturday, Oct. 2, 1-4 p.m., at Tanger Outlets. For more information, see driveelectricweek.org. — Dave Erb Asheville

Editor’s note Due to changing health recommendations related to COVID-19, readers are encouraged to check with individual businesses for the latest updates concerning upcoming events.

Most of the money spent for gasoline in WNC leaves the region. Most of Buncombe County’s air pollution comes from cars and trucks. Much of the dark money that perverts our political system comes from the oil industry. Plug-in electric vehicles address all of these problems. There are two types of PEVs. Battery electric vehicles run solely on electricity and must be recharged when their batteries get low, like cellphones. Plug-in hybrids run on electricity, too, but can either recharge MOUNTAINX.COM

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

NEWS

Up and at ’em

New climbing spots expand the sport in WNC

GET A GRIP: The Chimney Rock Village Boulders in Chimney Rock, which will celebrate its grand opening Wednesday, Nov. 17, features over 50 boulder problems for intrepid climbers. Photo courtesy of the Carolina Climbers Coalition

BY PAT BARCAS pbarcas@gmail.com To the uninitiated, Western North Carolina may seem an unlikely haven for rock climbers. The region’s Appalachian Mountains, smoothed by roughly 480 million years of erosion, lack the vast granite faces of the younger Rockies or Sierra Nevada. But to climbers, the secret is definitely out. Mike Reardon, executive director of the Carolina Climbers Coalition, has lived and climbed around Asheville for 20 years. He calls WNC a destination area with a variety of climbing not found elsewhere. “We have Laurel Knob, which at 1,300 feet is the tallest rock face on the East Coast. We have boulders, walls and ice climbing, and much of it is year-round,” Reardon says. “People walk away from here able to climb anything.” As one sign of the region’s burgeoning popularity, Chimney Rock State Park reported a big jump in climbing permits issued for day climbers in 2019 at Rumbling Bald in Lake Lure. Nearly 12,000 permits were issued that year, up from fewer 8

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

than 7,000 in 2018. Jane Clark, an administrative specialist for N.C. Parks and Recreation, notes that the 2019 expansion of the Rumbling Bald parking lot may have contributed to that jump. (Although climbing access has remained open during the pandemic, permits fell to less than 7,500 in 2020, a drop which Clark suggests may have been due to the closure of the privately owned Chimney Rock attraction at Chimney Rock State Park for several months.) To ease the burden of crowded climbing spots like Rumbling Bald, the CCC is helping to open two new areas later this year: the McKinney Gap Boulders in Burnsville and Chimney Rock Village Boulders in Chimney Rock. The new spots, Reardon says, further his organization’s goal of conserving the natural environment, promoting safe climbing and preserving access to areas in North and South Carolina.

NEW ROUTES

The Burnsville location is part of the 750-acre Bald Mountain Creek Preserve, managed by the Georgiabased Southeastern Trust for Parks

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and Land. Over 20 boulders are available for climbing, as are several rock overhangs. Oriented toward the north, away from the summer sun, and located at over 4,000 feet in elevation, Reardon says the McKinney Gap Boulders are particularly suitable for summer climbing. The CCC is currently working on a 1.5-mile hiking trail at the site, with some boulders found less than a quarter-mile from the parking area. And the Chimney Rock Village Boulders offer views of the surrounding Hickory Nut Gorge, more than 50 boulder problems (climbing routes), a small waterfall and plenty of parking. A half-mile hiking trail to the site on Round Top Mountain is almost complete, with a grand opening scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 17. Reardon says the rest of the Hickory Nut Gorge area is rife with climbing possibilities, rocks and crags. While most of the gorge’s climbing spots are currently private, he notes, the CCC will be focused on “peeling back the onion” of access in the years to come. “The troubling thing is, when land does come up for sale, people are asking too much. We can’t pay over market price,” Reardon says.

Properties in the area are often targeted for housing development or mineral exploration, he says, driving up costs beyond the CCC’s “shoestring budget.” But the network of knowledge and relationships that the CCC has accumulated over the past 25 years, Reardon continues, aids greatly in the group’s conservation work. For example, the coalition was able to learn almost immediately when Rumbling Bald property adjoining the state park became available and offer fair market value for the land. “The deal went through just like any other private buyer: We were the first buyers interested, we made an offer and were lucky enough to have it accepted,” Reardon explains. “It’s through our strong partnerships that we can quickly identify what land is important for both conservation and recreation.” The Chimney Rock boulder field is on Chimney Rock Village land, but the CCC was able to create an easement to provide access. Again, Reardon credits that success to his group’s reputation and the willingness of partners to help. “We have never completed a project such as this completely on our own,” he says.

ROCKS STAR

Those who take up climbing, Reardon says, often grow to care deeply about conserving the places they climb. That’s the case for Elaine Elliott, founder of Instagram climbing page and media production company Steep South. Elliott, who has been climbing for eight years, lives in Chattanooga, Tenn., but visits WNC to practice the hobby. Steep South’s second film, Filling the Void Chapter 2, focuses on Rumbling Bald and discusses how conservation and tourism, as well as justice, equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, all play a role in securing climbing access to areas currently unavailable to the public. She says a main goal of the film, set to premiere in spring at The Riveter climbing gym in Fletcher, is to show the unique biological features of the Hickory Nut Gorge — and the fragility of the flora and fauna that inhabit it. “Climbers are really good at respecting the land and keeping it maintained, but they may not know the specifics of the wildlife and ecosystem,” Elliott says. To this end, the film features stunning footage of Rumbling Bald’s cliff face, as well as

she says WNC is special in pairing a pristine environment with a strong leave-no-trace ethos. “We try to have a small impact, so you might not notice us, but as climbing becomes more apparent, the community grows with it,” Taft says. “I’m hoping that as the community grows, we’ll get more people to come out, get involved and come together as a community to open more spots.” X

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: In the forthcoming documentary, Filling the Void Chapter 2, director Elaine Elliott explores the links among climbing, conservation and tourism. This image was taken during a recent shoot for the documentary at Rumbling Bald. Photo by Nathalie DuPré information from biologists about the rare species that live there, including the Hickory Nut Gorge green salamander and the wildflower white irisette. “Because it’s warmer, because of the unique fissure caves and the way the rock was formed, because it’s a gorge, these unique systems combine to make a diverse ecosystem of plants and animals,” Elliott contines. “It’s cool to be aware of that and also to be aware of how quickly it could be gone

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through development or deforestation. Steep South is a place to gather excitement about these fun places, but the films are meant to remind people that they need to get involved to protect them.” Climber Liz Taft, who has lived in Asheville for four years and volunteers with the CCC trail crew, says the region’s growing climbing scene may help with that conservation. Having climbed all over the country, as well as in South America and Italy,

Blaze the trail The Carolina Climbers Coalition will host a volunteer weekend at Chimney Rock Village Boulders Friday-Sunday, Oct. 15-17, to help complete the spot’s hiking trail. No prior experience is required. Volunteers should meet at 9 a.m. each day at the parking lot on Main Street in Chimney Rock between Burntshirt Vineyards and Medina’s Restaurant. Those who would like to climb after the trail work should bring bouldering gear. Further information is available at CarolinaClimbers.org. X

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SEPT. 22-28, 2021

N EWS

BUNCOMBE BEAT

Council approves COVID relief spending categories October. Council is slated to vote on staff recommendations for funding awards in December.

Two weeks after Buncombe County began doling out $9.3 million from its nearly $51 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, the city of Asheville took the next step in spending its own $26.2 million allocation. During their meeting of Sept. 14, members of Asheville City Council voted unanimously to approve 11 categories for the pandemic relief spending, a move informed by a pair of work sessions and a public hearing on the matter. Local organizations can submit projects in the following categories for grants from the federal funds: affordable housing, care for aging residents, climate change, city infrastructure, domestic violence prevention and assistance, food systems, homelessness services, public engagement, revenue losses, small business recovery and workforce development. Before the vote, Council member Kim Roney asked that climate change, which had not been included among the categories listed in a staff

CLIMATE CONCERN: Asheville City Council member Kim Roney pushed to have climate change added to the city’s list of funding priorities for using its federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. Photo courtesy of Roney report prior to the meeting, be added to the funding priorities. She said the city was “experiencing overlapping emergencies” in regards to climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues; she has previously criticized other Asheville leaders for their slow action on climate. “While some of the categories may have other funding options, I’m concerned that we’re making a bet that federal infrastructure funds might get passed to the state and that they won’t be already absorbed at the state level,” Roney said. “I am appealing to my colleagues to consider our own climate justice initiatives by adding climate change to the categories as part of our Council goals for both an equitable recovery from the pandemic and reimagining public safety.” Around $4.97 million of the city’s ARPA money has already been allocated to fund emergency noncongregate homeless shelters, support pub10

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

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lic restrooms and assist Homeward Bound of WNC in creating an 85-unit permanent supportive shelter. Another $2.75 million has been earmarked for administering the funds and replacing city parking revenue lost during the pandemic. A proposal to spend another $9.2 million in ARPA funds toward the purchase and conversion of a Ramada Inn in East Asheville into a low-barrier homeless shelter would leave roughly $9.33 million for other initiatives. That proposal, however, stalled last month after Council members decided they needed more time to address some community members’ concerns about the location of the shelter. A request for proposals of projects to be supported through ARPA will open Friday, Sept. 24, and run through Monday, Nov. 1. The city also plans to conduct community outreach and hold an information session for applicants sometime in

IN OTHER NEWS

Council members unanimously approved a conditional zoning to allow a 72-unit condo complex off of Cedar Hill Road and Pisgah View Road in West Asheville. The 5.29acre site currently holds 10 individually owned townhomes. According to a staff report, seven of the new units will be deed-restricted to those earning 80% of area median income ($60,100 per year for a family of four) for 20 years. Council also voted to appoint three members to the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority and one member to the Planning and Zoning Commission after conducting public interviews of candidates earlier Sept. 14. The new BCTDA board members are Michael Lusick, vice president of the Hospitality at FIRC Group, Inc, which owns the Haywood Park Hotel; Matthew Lehman, who works as the general manager at Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville; and Larry Crosby, who manages The Foundry Hotel. The authority’s enabling legislation required all of the vacancies to be filled by professionals working in the lodging industry. Geoffrey Barton, director of real estate development at Mountain Housing Opportunities, was appointed to P&Z. One vacancy remains on the commission, for which Council will readvertise. Following the board appointments and public comment, Council went into closed session to discuss two lawsuits. The first was brought by the city against former Asheville Police Department Capt. Mark Byrd; the captain has previously sparred with the city over alleged discrimination and his firing by former APD Chief Tammy Hooper, which was overturned by the Civil Service Board in August 2019. The second lawsuit was brought by former Asheville Fire Department Division Chief Joy Ponder against the city, alleging harassment by AFD Chief Scott Burnette. The next formal meeting of the Asheville City Council will be held Tuesday, Sept. 28, at 5 p.m.

— Brooke Randle X

BUNCOMBE BEAT

TDA holds in-person annual meeting The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard for the hospitality sector, an industry based on personal touch and warm greetings. But on Sept. 15, Asheville’s tourism leaders enjoyed a bit of both as they gathered for the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s annual meeting. The event, hosted by the Explore Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau and held at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in downtown Asheville, was the first large-scale, in-person event the authority has held in almost two years. The evening’s theme, “The Heart of Hospitality,” aimed to highlight individual stories of locals working in Asheville’s tourism industry. The program opened with Asheville-based singer/songwriter Virtuous performing two songs on the auditorium’s stage, followed by remarks from Vic Isley, Explore Asheville’s president and CEO. Isley detailed to about 180 masked attendees how the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted the BCTDA, tasked with boosting overnight room sales in Asheville and Buncombe County and managing the county’s occupancy taxes. Average yearly hotel occupancy, which in 2019 reached 83%, plummeted by more than 30 percentage points in fiscal year 2020-21, she said. “We lost a decade in room demand growth,” Isley explained. “That means our hotel partners here with us today throughout the community dropped down to 2010 levels.” But due to the county’s explosive growth in vacation rentals — and their associated occupancy tax revenues — the BCTDA’s balance sheet has remained relatively healthy. Demand for vacation rentals jumped 450% from 2016 to 2020, Isley noted, and overall lodging sales have exceeded 2019 levels for every month in 2021 through June (the latest for which data is available). In fiscal year 202021, vacation rental sales accounted for over 37% of all occupancy tax revenue and lodging sales, more than double their 15% share in fiscal year 2017-18. “One of the reasons that our organization is on such a solid footing financially is the stellar performance of vacation rentals over the last year,” she said. “That’s good news for local residents who are earning incremental income from visitors returning to our area.” Isley commended the Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund, a one-time pot of $5 million from the authority’s Tourism Product Development Fund to sup-

DESTINATION OPTIMISM: Vic Isley, Explore Asheville’s president and CEO, spoke of both the hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential for brighter days ahead during the TDA’s annual meeting. Photo by Brooke Randle port emergency grants for local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, for helping retain thousands of service industry and creative jobs in the city. Those workers, she suggested, have helped Asheville’s

tourism sector recovered at a faster rate than that of other destinations around the country. Financial statements from an Aug. 25 BCTDA board meeting showed that occupancy tax revenue in June

broke an all-time monthly record, with nearly $3.4 million collected. Lodging sales, which include hotels, motels and short-term vacation rentals, also hit a record in June at more than $56.4 million; the previous high-water mark of $53.8 million was set in October 2020. In June, the BCTDA board approved a $20.3 million operating budget for fiscal year 2021-22, which included $15.3 million for advertising and public relations to draw visitors to the area. The allocation represents a 55% increase over the $9.7 million the agency spent on marketing during its previous budget cycle. Following Isley’s presentation, motivational speaker Kevin Brown shared his personal experience of the potential for hospitality workers to make decadeslong impressions on people they serve. The TDA’s chair, Kathleen Mosher, of The Biltmore Company, thanked the board’s former members and welcomed three newly appointed members ( for list, see “Council approves COVID relief spending categories” pg. 10). The evening concluded with the presentation of the William A.V. Cecil Award to Bhagwanji “Bob” Patel of Virtelle Hospitality. In his acceptance speech, Patel referred to himself as an “accidental hotelier” who migrated from India to New York City in 1969 to pursue a career in engineering. Patel said that he bought his first hotel in Pensacola, Fla., 1979 and then purchased a second hotel, this time in Asheville, in 1981.

— Brooke Randle X

Commemorate your win with an

official plaque

TIP OF THE HAT: Bhagwanji “Bob” Patel of Virtelle Hospitality was presented with the William A.V. Cecil Award. Photo by Brooke Randle

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SEPT. 22-28, 2021

N EWS

NEWS BRIEFS

Disaster relief available for Fred victims Unemployment insurance approved Temporary payments of Disaster Unemployment Assistance are available for residents whose income was impacted by Tropical Storm Fred in Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties. The N.C. Division of Employment Security announced the approval of DUA benefits on Sept. 10. The move follows a federal major disaster declaration Sept. 8 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and White House at the request of Gov. Roy Cooper. To be eligible for DUA payments, workers and business owners must have lost the job that provided their primary income due to Tropical Storm Fred; be unable to reach their place of employment; be unable to work because of an injury caused by the storm; have been unable to start a job or self-employment during the storm; or have become their household’s primary earner due to a storm-related death. All claimants must first file for state unemployment benefits at des. nc.gov. Once claimants have exhausted or been found ineligible for state unemployment benefits, they may file for DUA. The deadline to apply is Saturday, Oct. 10. More information is available at avl.mx/af8.

LGBTQ survey launches

The Campaign for Southern Equality, based in Asheville, and Campus Pride, based in Charlotte,

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announced a joint research project about the experiences of LGBTQ individuals in the South Aug. 30. The Survey of Southern Experiences is available in both English and Spanish and is open to any LGBTQ person over age 18. The questionnaire can be found online at avl.mx/af5 and takes roughly 20 minutes to complete. Bills to restrict the rights of LGBTQ people in recent state legislative sessions inspired many of the survey questions, explains Abigail Bowen, deputy director of the CSE’s Southern Equality Research and Policy Center. “It’s been particularly brutal this past year for trans and nonbinary youth,” she says. As an example, Bowen cites the March introduction in the N.C. General Assembly of House Bill 358, which would have prevented transgender middle school and high school students from playing on their gender’s sports teams. (The bill was withdrawn from the House Judiciary Committee on April 26 and is not currently under consideration.) The survey is expected to run through November, and results will inform future projects for the CSE. Bowen says investigators are hoping for as diverse a sample as possible, including participants from a variety of states, gender identities, races and other demographic categories. Previous CSE data collection projects include the Southern Trans Health Focus Group Project and the 2019 Southern LGBT Health Survey. CSE is also hiring survey ambassadors to conduct outreach about the questionnaire. The project will pay $150 for an estimated 10 hours of work. More information is available at avl.mx/af6.

Bomb threat at Hendersonville office of Sen. Tillis The Henderson County Historic Courthouse evacuated Sept. 7 following a bomb threat left on a voicemail for the office of U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis. Tillis’ Hendersonville field office is at 1 Historic Courthouse Square. The Hendersonville Police Department was notified of the bomb threat and evacuated approximately 20 people from the courthouse as a precaution. “The threat was nonspecific regarding the location, time or

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date,” according to a Sept. 7 statement from the HPD posted to Facebook. HPD collaborated with the FBI, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad, Hendersonville Fire Department and Henderson County Emergency Management on a sweep of the building. “The Hendersonville Police Department is continuing to work with federal agencies on the investigation,” said Allison Justus, a spokesperson for the city of Hendersonville. “There are no known threats to any Hendersonville facilities at this time. … [Due] to the ongoing investigation we do not have any details to provide.”

Mark your calendar • A Brake Light Clinic will be held Saturday, Sept. 25, from noon-4 p.m. at The Odditorium, 1045 Haywood Road. Broken brake lights will be fixed for all attendees. The clinic is hosted by the Asheville chapter of the Socialist Rifle Association, Western North Carolina AIDS Project and Asheville Survival Program. • Sankofa Market AVL, a platform for Black-owned businesses in Asheville, announced a series of events taking place at YMI Cultural Center, 39 S. Market Street. Black business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to showcase their products and services. The Saturday events will take place Oct. 2, 16 and 30. More information is available by contacting Nnweyna Smith at 828-338-8233. • The YWCA of Asheville will host a free, three-part racial justice training that will explore racial justice concepts and racism in Asheville and Buncombe County. Sessions take place Thursdays, Oct. 7, 14 and 21, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Registration is required at avl.mx/afn; more information is available by email at RacialJustice@YWCAofAsheville. org or phone at 828-254-7206. • The RAIL Memorial Project Committee will dedicate the RAIL Memorial on Sunday, Oct. 17, at 3:30 p.m. at the Andrews Geyser in Old Fort. The monument honors the more than 3,000 incarcerated laborers who built the Western North Carolina Railroad in the late 1800s. Historians with the project note that 95% of the forced laborers had been incarcerated at the N.C. State Penitentiary, and 98% were African American; at least 139

BE SEEN: Abigail Bowen, deputy director of the Campaign for Southern Equality’s Southern Equality Research and Policy Center, is helping conduct a new survey of LGBTQ experiences in the South. Photo courtesy of Bowen people died during the railroad’s construction. More information about the memorial is available at TheRAILProject.org.

Hats off

• The N.C. Association of County Commissioners recognized Buncombe County Commissioner Jasmine Beach-Ferrara with an Outstanding County Commissioner Award Aug. 14. The honor recognized her engagement in the statewide working group that developed an agreement for spending North Carolina’s share of a $26 billion national settlement against pharmaceutical companies involved in the opioid crisis. Buncombe County is expected to receive over $21 million from the settlement, to be dispersed over 18 years. • The N.C. Justice Center in Raleigh is honoring Jim Barrett, executive director of Asheville-based Pisgah Legal Services, as a 2021 Defender of Justice. Barrett is receiving a Lifetime Champion award for his work on housing policy and the prevention of homelessness. “Receiving this award from the N.C. Justice Center is the highest honor I can imagine,” Barrett wrote in a statement to Xpress. He credited his co-workers as “dedicated public servants who have amassed an amazing track record of accomplishments to help low-income people improve their lives.”

— Jessica Wakeman X

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SEPT. 22-28, 2021

FEA T U RE S

Q&A with Miss Blue Ridge Pride Jasmine Summers Being a queen is more than just wearing a crown. According to Jasmine Summers, who won the top honor during the 2019 Miss Blue Ridge Pride Pageant, it’s about honing her craft, competing with grace and being a role model to fellow queens and Asheville’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. The pageant coincides with the Blue Ridge Pride Festival, the weeklong celebration of Asheville’s LGBT community. It’s one of the region’s most prestigious drag queen tournaments, having vaulted Miss Blue Ridge 2011 and 2014 Eureka O’Hara to season nine of “Ru Paul’s Drag Race.” Competitors challenge gender norms through dazzling artistry and cheeky personas — and have a whole lot of fun. Summers, who originally hails from Greensboro, North Carolina, has been performing for 10 years. She is former Miss Charlotte Black Pride and Miss Chasers Sweetheart in Charlotte, among other awards, but maintains that Miss Blue Ridge is the most significant title she’s won. And she

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kills it on the drag stage while also working a full-time job as a medical billing specialist. Summers retained the honor last year after 2020’s pageant was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the Blue Ridge Pride Festival and pageant are canceled again in light of rising COVID-19 infections. While she awaits the opportunity to adorn Asheville’s next pageant winner, Summers sat down with Xpress to share what it takes to be the best in drag in Western North Carolina. How did you get started in drag? Before I did drag, I was super introverted. I didn’t like a lot of attention. I had never been around other LGBTQIA people. I had never been to a gay club before. I was dating someone who did drag and he [said], “Oh, you should let me put you in drag one day.” I was very resistant for awhile because I saw the process of what it took to get in drag, and it’s a several hour process. At that time, I thought there’s no way I can sit through all of that. But then I [said], “You know what, let’s just do it. It’s my 23rd birthday, why not?” We went out to several bars in Greensboro afterward. One of them was a straight bar. But surprisingly, the response was really good. No one was hostile. We didn’t get any funny looks or anything like that. It was a very empowering feeling. What’s your favorite thing about doing drag? You get to express yourself in ways that you don’t normally express yourself and you also get to play dress up. I also enjoy that you’re able to take on a different look or perspective — a different character, so to speak. I go into a complete zone when I perform. Nothing else matters at that point, I’m in my own little world. It’s an escape, too. A lot of queens and drag artists will say that doing drag is an escape from reality. When I’m in drag, I enjoy the attention, because I feel like a different person. I feel empowered. Doing drag has definitely helped me with my real, day-to-day life. I’m a little more extroverted and able to be more social as opposed to before when I was just very, very awkward. What inspires your drag looks? I’m a big nerd. I love comic books, I love superhero movies. I love Greek mythology. Anything that’s fantasy and or sci-fi, supernatural types of things. When I played video games as a kid, I was always drawn to female characters. They always looked amazing.

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SIMPLY THE BEST: Jasmine Summers won the Miss Blue Ridge Pride Pageant in 2019. Photo courtesy of Summers they had the best costumes, the best moves. They were very powerful, and I always try to emulate that in drag. For example, I’ve always been obsessed with the movie “Queen of the Damned.” [R&B singer] Aaliyah played the main character, Akasha, and as a kid, that was my favorite movie. I have done a look inspired by her and that was my favorite look ever. Another inspiration is Hella from the “Thor” movies. She’s a villain, which I always liked the villains as well because they were really badass What’s the most challenging part of doing drag? I do pageants as well and pageants can take a lot of money, time and dedication. It’s frustrating and a hard pill to swallow when you put a lot of effort into a pageant that you really want to win and you end up losing. It’s a gamble that we all know is there, but when you’re hit with it, it still hurts. You have to force yourself to look OK in the moment. It’s OK to feel bad about it when you’re alone in your car, or

away from people, but it always looks better the moment that you handle it with grace. Now me — being a person that when I’m upset, it visibly shows in the face — it’s very difficult for me to do that. I try my best to smile or look down, but that can be hard and gut-wrenching, especially if it’s something that [I’ve] been wanting. As far as etiquette, what is something people shouldn’t do at a drag show? One of my things that I get really annoyed about is if someone comes on stage unwarranted while I’m performing and tries to dance with me. That’s really disrespectful in my eyes. I will not entertain it. I will ignore it at first, but if you keep coming, I will politely direct you back into the crowd. How has the drag scene changed since the pandemic started? There’s been an unusually high demand for drag entertainers, especially here in Asheville. So many places all of the sudden want to do drag shows all the time. It’s been pretty hectic. I’ve recently just realized how tired I am from working a fulltime job, traveling, doing pageants, traveling and doing shows and doing shows here in town. I’ve had one Saturday off in months. Wow, that is a lot! Why do you think there’s such a high demand? [Audience members] want to escape just like we do. My purpose in my performance is to entertain people and to keep them smiling and cheering and enjoying what they see. I think it was packed when clubs started reopening because people have been cooped up all year. I especially enjoy seeing the reaction from nonqueer people to drag shows. I enjoy their reaction the most, because they’re the least exposed to it, so they’re reaction is magnified. It’s like they just saw someone walk a tightrope or something. They’re just so in awe. What would you say to someone who is considering performing in drag for the first time? Anyone who wants to get into drag, my recommendation is to go to drag shows and talk with whatever queen you gravitate towards the most. Here in Asheville, we are super accepting. You don’t have to be overly polished or perfect. They just want to see that you’re serious about what you’re doing and that you engage the crowd. That’s really what it comes down to in Asheville. If it shows that you love what you do, people will eat it up.

— Brooke Randle X

ASHEVILLE ARCHIVES

Women in Business

by Thomas Calder | tcalder@mountainx.com

‘A new star’ The city celebrates Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt’s birth

ISSUE

“Stork Comes to Biltmore,” read a front-page headline in the Aug. 23, 1900, edition of the Asheville Citizen. The previous evening, the article explained, Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt — daughter of George and Edith Vanderbilt — was born. Like a doting parent, the paper lavished generous praise on the new arrival, noting:

Publishes October 13

“The little stranger is a Buncombe baby — pretty as new babies go — but with the Buncombe birthright of the mountain’s health its days of baby hood will dot in dimpled sweetness and the fairy lines of beauty blend in a vision fitting to its home on the great estate.” The Asheville Citizen went on to reveal that the official announcement from the Vanderbilts arrived shortly after midnight. Because of this, many eager reporters were delayed in their coverage. “How the news was gathered and sent has a story with a smiling side to those who came in early possession,” the Aug. 23 article noted, “but some of the fraternity were asleep and for these there is no smile.” Among those present during the birth, the article continued, was Dr. Samuel Westray Battle, a prominent physician who first arrived in Asheville in 1885. (For more on Battle, see “Asheville Archives: ‘More Than a Citizen,’” Sept. 26, 2017, Xpress.) Cornelia’s arrival made headlines beyond Western North Carolina, as well. The Spartanburg Journal praised both baby and mother, declaring: “A new star has appeared at famous Biltmore, and the charming mistress of this most gorgeous home

BUNCOMBE BABY: On Aug. 22, 1900, Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt was born. The Asheville Citizen and other papers reported on the arrival of the newborn at the Biltmore Estate. Photo courtesy of The Biltmore Co. is smiling upon her first born, a tiny girl called Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt, and the world shares in her new found happiness, for the young mother is a gentle woman, highly cultivated, with lofty ideals and noble purposes.” Shortly after her birth, however, the young family headed north to New York before making their way across the Atlantic to attend the World’s Fair in Paris. The New York Sunday Journal ran a feature during their stint in the city, including a photo of Cornelia with her father in Central Park. Before their departure from Asheville, The Semi-Weekly Citizen published a poignant piece about the Vanderbilts planting a 12-foot magnolia acuminata

sapling near the estate’s bass pond. The tree, the paper noted, “is expected to be 60 feet above the ground when little Cornelia reaches the age of 20 years.” The brief article concluded:

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“The little girl placed her tiny hand upon the tree, and her parents gave expression to the hopes the child cannot yet express in words, that it may be always ‘fed by honied rains and delicate air and haunted by the starry head of her whose gentle will has changed their fate and made their life a perfumed altar flame.’” Sadly, the tree succumbed to decay and was removed in 2008. Editor’s note: Peculiarities of spelling and punctuation are preserved from the original documents. X

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SEPT. 22-28, 2021

COMMUNITY CALENDAR SEPT. 22-30, 2021 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 Events = Shaded WELLNESS Yoga in the Park Outdoor yoga group meets every Saturday and Sunday. SA (9/25), SU (9/26), 1:30pm, Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd Hip Hop Fitness Weekly outdoor lead-and-follow dance fitness class. SU (9/26), 10am, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy #200 Rona Psychic and Healing Expo Body, mind and spirit event with a range of practitioners and seminars. Children under 12 free. SU (9/26), 10am, Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall, 49 E. Campus Dr, Flat Rock Ben's Friends A local meeting of the national support group for people in the hospitality industry struggling with addiction. MO (9/27), 10am, Free, AB Tech Culinary Arts & Hospitality School, 30 Tech Dr Rise and Flow Outdoor Yoga Weekly. TU (9/28), 9am, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd Steady Collective Syringe Access Outreach Free naloxone, syringes and educational material on harm reduction. TU (9/28), 2pm, Firestorm Books & Coffee, 610 Haywood Rd Bend and Brew Restorative Yoga 45 minutes with Katie Wilson of Burning Sage Yoga. TU (9/28), 4pm, $5-15, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd Outdoor Dancing w/ Vivie Every Tuesday. TU (9/28), 6pm, $12, Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd

ART Coco Villa’s How to Turn Poison Into a Meal A multisensory exploration into family history and the body as archive, told through video, movement, installation,

textiles and participatory installation. WE (9/22, 29), TH (9/23, 30), FR (9/24) SA (9/25), MO (9/27), TU (9/28),10am, Elizabeth Holden Gallery, 701 Warren Wilson Rd, Swannanoa Olympics-themed Art Exhibitions Three exhibitions drawn from the Museum’s Collection in conjunction with the 2021 Summer Olympics. WE (9/22, 29), TH (9/23, 30), FR (9/24) SA (9/25), SU (9/6), MO (9/27), 11am, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Square Art of Emil Holzhauer A selection of work by noted German-American artist, and one-time Asheville resident, Emil Holzhauer (1887-1986). WE (9/22, 29), TH (9/23, 30), FR (9/24) SA (9/25), MO (9/27), TU (9/28), 10am, BlackBird Frame & Art, 365 Merrimon Ave Rural Avant-Garde: The Mountain Lake Experience Showcases selection of collaborative creative works from the Mountain Lake Workshop series, a program in rural southwestern Virginia. WE (9/22, 29), TH (9/23, 30), FR (9/24) SA (9/25), SU (9/6), MO (9/27), 11am, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Square Unearthing Our Forgotten Past Exhibit exploring the Spanish occupation of Fort San Juan and the native people who lived in the Joara area. Sponsored by the Western NC Historical Association. TH (9/23, 30), FR (9/24), SA (9/25), 10:30am, Smith-McDowell House Museum, 283 Victoria Rd Gallery Group Show: Haec Culti Grand re-opening of Continuum Arts Gallery. The show will run through Nov. 9. SA (9/18), Continuum Art, 147 ste C, 1st Ave E, Hendersonville Together/Apart: A year of pent up creativity unleashed A multimedia premiere focusing on inclusion of all sizes, races, ages and genders.

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

HORSIN’ AROUND: The fourth annual DuPont Forest Festival will be held at DuPont State Recreational Forest, Guion Farm Access Area, Saturday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The free event will feature horses, nature hikes, yoga, a fly-fishing demonstration, a kids bike clinic and more. Photo courtesy of Friends of DuPont Forest Interpretations about the divide of social distancing and its impact captured in photo. MO (9/20), ananda hair studio, 22 Broadway St

ART/CRAFT STROLLS & FAIRS Art on Main Sponsored by the the Arts Council of Henderson County, event will feature more than 100 local and regional juried artists selling paintings, works in clay, metal, wood and fiber, photographs, jewelry and more. SA (9/25), 10am, Downtown Hendersonville Haywood County Arts Council Studio Tour Two-day, self-guided tour where visitors can meet more than 40 artists in 24 studios. Opening reception with bluegrass music at HCAC Gallery Sept. 24, 5-7pm. SA (9/25), SU (9/26), 10am, Haywood County Arts Council, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville Midweek Market Weekly vintage and crafts market. WE (9/29), 4pm,

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Fleetwood's, 496 Haywood Rd

DANCE Heart & Soul Dance: Flesh & Conflict Interpretive dance presented by Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. SA (9/25), 7:30pm, avl.mx/886

COMMUNITY MUSIC Harvest Day w/ Bald Mountain Boys Live bluegrass from Asheville-area band as part of the market's annual special event. FR (9/24), 10am, WNC Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Rd Naomie April (singer-songwriter) FR (9/24), 6:30pm, Transylvania Community Arts Council, 349 S. Caldwell St, Brevard

SPOKEN & WRITTEN WORD Virtual Story Time w/Omileye Achikeobi-Lewis, author of My Heart Flies Open The author and illustrator discusses

her book. Sponsored by Malaprop's. WE (9/22), 10am, avl.mx/ag9 Book Discussion: What the Eyes Don't See Malaprop's bookseller Patricia Furnish discusses the book by Mona Hanna-Attisha. TH (9/23), 7pm, Registration required, avl.mx/adw Liane Moriarty presents Apples Never Fall in conversation with Leigh Haber The authors discuss Moriarty's new book. Sponsored by Malaprop's. TH (9/23), 7pm, $33.75, Registration required, avl.mx/aga The Problem of Alzheimer's A discussion with Dr. Jason Karlawish, internationally recognized speaker and author. FR (9/24), 2pm, avl.mx/afk Luncheon w/Author Wiley Cash Author will read and discuss When Ghosts Come Home. Sponsored by Blue Ridge Books. MO (9/27), 12pm, Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville

Malaprop's Science Fiction Book Club Participants will discuss The Book of Flying by Keith Miller. MO (9/27), 7pm, avl.mx/7on Connor Towne O'Neill presents Down Along with That Devil's Bone, in conversation with Caleb Johnson The authors discuss O'Neill's book. Sponsored by Malaprop's. TU (9/28), 6pm, Registration required. avl.mx/agb Montview StoryLane A complete book laid out on yard signs and posted among 14-17 homes on Montview Drive. On display for 2 weeks during daylight hours. WE (9/29), 5 Montview Dr James Tate Hill presents Blind Man's Bluff in conversation with Melissa Faliveno The authors discuss Hill's book. Sponsored by Malaprop's. TH (9/30), 7pm, Registration required, avl.mx/agc

THEATER Shakespeare's The Tempest Outdoor show pre-

sented by Shakespeare & Friends. TH (9/23), FR (9/24), SA (9/25), SU (9/26), 7pm, $10, Rogers Park, 55 W. Howard St., Tryon The Magnetic Theatre presents The Sparrow and the Whippoorwill: A Bluegrass Musical Written by local playwright and musician Tom Godleski. TH (9/23), FR (9/24), SA (9/25), 7:30pm, The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change A musical revue celebrating the mating game, with eight cast members playing around 60 different characters. TH (9/23), FR (9/24), SA (9/25), 7:30pm, SA (9/25), SU (9/26), 3pm, $25, Tryon Little Theater, 516 S. Trade St, Tryon Free Shakespeare: Macbeth A Montford Park Players production, directed by Jason Williams. Outdoors. FR (9/24), SU (9/26), 7:30pm, Free, Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St

Pericles by William Shakespeake A Montford Park Players Production. SA (9/25), 7:30pm, free, Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St David: The Faces of Love The stories of David and his relationships to biblical figures retold in spoken word, song and music. Written by Asheville native Fred Northup. TU (9/28), 7pm, $2028, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave Magnetic in the (Smoky) Park Outdoor variety show every Tuesday. Bring your own chair. TU (9/28), 7pm, $1520, Smoky Park Supper Club, 350 Riverside Dr

CLASSES, MEETINGS & EVENTS Choosing Your Business Structure Financial adviser Carol King will review four main business entity choices. WE (9/22), 11:30am, Free, Registration required, avl.mx/agf

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SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

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Mountain Xpress 27th Annual

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PART TWO 64 Small Towns 6 Eats 32 Drinks 64 Swannanoa & Black Mountain 46 Outdoors 66 Marshall & Mars Hill 50 Farm, Yard & Garden 67 Weaverville & Woodfin 52 Work & Business 68 Hot Springs 58 Media 69 Burnsville 60 Pets

All aboard for the final run Popular opinion would have you believe that sequels are never as good as the original. Well, here at Xpress, we’re prepared to prove that theory wrong with Part II of the 2021 Best of WNC. If you will, please step aboard and hold on tight, as the Best Of train is leaving the station. If you look out your window to the left, you’ll see this week’s issue includes winners in the ever-popular Eats and Drinks sections. Neither hungry nor thirsty, you say? Well, lucky for you, we’ve got voters’

favorite Pets, Outdoors, Work & Business, Media and Farm, Yard & Garden sections just around the bend. And of course, we’ll end the tour with regional winners in neighboring towns north of Asheville, along with the hot spots east of the city as well. Now, if you happened to miss last week’s ride, you’re still in luck. The winners of Part I can be found online at avl.mx/afj. What’s more, Xpress will also publish the complete list of winners come November in our helpful 2021 pocket guide to the Best of WNC. Once we conclude things on this here ride, keep an eye out for X-Award certificates and store-window decals on display in area businesses.

Again, we offer a whistle-sounding salute to all voters who participated in our annual poll, as well as to the Xpress staffers who helped deliver the results and to the local businesses that purchased thank-you ads. The ads not only showcase the winners, they support Western North Carolina’s most widely read free media outlet, Mountain Xpress. All right, readers and riders, we’re ready to start the final run. If you have any comments or suggestions about this year’s or next year’s Best of WNC survey, send us a telegram. Or better yet, drop us a line at bestofwnc@ mountainx.com. — Thomas Calder X

We have taken great care to ensure the accuracy of the Best of WNC listings, but if you have corrections, questions or suggestions, email us at bestofwnc@mountainx.com, or call 828-251-1333. Some Best of WNC categories received inadequate votes to allow us to declare first-, second- and third-place winners. PUBLISHER Jeff Fobes • BALLOT OFFICIALS Able Allen, Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Jennifer Castillo, Jeff Fobes, Madeline Forwerk, Andrea Hall, Susan Hutchinson, Olivia Urban • BEST OF WNC SUPPLEMENT DESIGN Scott Southwick • DESIGNERS Eleanor Annand, Scott Southwick, Olivia Urban • LISTINGS EDITORS Able Allen, Jennifer Castillo • PHOTO COORDINATOR Able Allen • WRITERS Able Allen, Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Susan Hutchinson, Justin McGuire, Brooke Randle, Tracy Rose, Daniel Walton, Jessica Wakeman, Kay West • AD SALES Liza Albright, Sara Brecht, David Furr, Tiffany Wagner • IT & WEB Bowman Kelley, Brandon Tilley • FRONT OFFICE/ ACCOUNTING Able Allen, Jennifer Castillo, Amie Fowler-Tanner • DISTRIBUTION Susan Hutchinson, Cindy Kunst and a fantastic team of devoted drivers • Copyright 2021 by Mountain Xpress • COVER PHOTO Asheville Brewers Supply & Winemaking Shop photo by Neil Jacobs • COVER DESIGN Scott Southwick

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

Eats RESTAURANT THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF ASHEVILLE 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 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w

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

3 CÚRATE d

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

FAVORITE RESTAURANT 1 NINE MILE n w s x

PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO

SUNNY POINT CAFÉ

Best Breakfast, Best Brunch; second place Bloody Mary, Restaurant That Best Represents the Spirit of Asheville, Restaurant in West Asheville; third place Biscuits, Local Food Emphasis (tie)

ONSIDERING the runaway COVID coaster that left the station in March 2020 and 18 months later is still taking its unwilling passengers on a psyche-rattling, body-bruising course, every restaurant in WNC deserves a medal for staying buckled in. In such uncertain times, the people’s choice for Favorite Restaurant stayed tried-and-true, giving Nine Mile, Cúrate and Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian first, second and third places, respectively — an eclectic trio that will also be celebrating gold, silver and bronze

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

rankings in several other categories as well. When faced with distressing times, most of us will choose comfort food, which, in its many iterations, drew voters like bees to honey, racking up big numbers in categories such as Breakfast and Brunch (ever-bright Sunny Point Café); Bakery/Sweets (Well-Bred’s irresistible confections); Biscuits (Biscuit Head’s enduring flour power); Pizza (family-style at 828 Family Pizzeria); Fried Chicken (Rocky’s Hot Chicken sizzles again); and Ice Cream (ever-innovative The Hop).

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

Restaurateurs with drive and a dream forged ahead with their plans, with Jettie Rae’s Oyster House scoring a double win in its debut for New Restaurant and Seafood. We salute three new entrants to the Hall of Fame: The Chop Shop Butchery (Butcher Shop) • Wild Ginger (Restaurant in South Asheville) • Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge (Late-Night Eats). Through a year laden with challenges, Asheville’s hospitality industry continued to set the table — in their buildings or in your home — with lavish generosity.

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

— Kay West 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 CÚRATE d

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

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

n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA OBILE-ONLY M o NLINE-ONLY HALL OF FAME x (Winner four years or more in a row)

CONTINUED RESTAURANT IN DOWNTOWN (INCLUDING SOUTH SLOPE)

RESTAURANT IN WEST ASHEVILLE 1 NINE MILE w x

1 CÚRATE d x

751 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9903 • ninemileasheville.com

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

• Voted best Barbecue 11 years in a row • Voted best Ribs 8 years in a row

2 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w

2 BUXTON HALL BARBECUE d

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

32 Banks Ave., Asheville 828-232-7216 • buxtonhall.com

Thank you Asheville!

3 JARGON w

3 CHAI PANI d

@12bonesribs

715 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-785-1761 • jargonrestaurant.com

22 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 828-254-4003 • capellaon9.com

RESTAURANT IN THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT

@12bonesriver @12bonessouth

RESTAURANT IN NORTH ASHEVILLE 1 VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN n

1 VIVIAN r

641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-1077 • vinniesitalian.com

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

5 Foundy Street | Asheville, NC 28801 | 828-253-4499

2 AVENUE M n

South Asheville Location

791 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-350-8181 • avenuemavl.com

12 Bones Brewing attached on the other side of the building

2350 Hendersonville Road | Arden, NC 28704 | 828-687-1395

3 NINE MILE n

3 12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE r

233 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-505-3121 • ninemileasheville.com

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

River Arts Location

12bones.com • 12bonesbrewing.com

Merci Beaucoup

Y’all

French Fries First place

French

First place Rendezvous

184 New Haw Creek Rd, AVL, NC 28805 (828) 348.0909

Bouchon

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

62 N Lexington Ave, AVL, NC 28801 (828) 350.1140

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

BEST OF EATS RESTAURANT IN EAST ASHEVILLE 1 COPPER CROWN e x

1011 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-505-7531 • coppercrownavl.com

2 EAST VILLAGE GRILLE e

1177 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-299-3743 • eastvillagegrille.com

3 RENDEZVOUS e

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

RESTAURANT IN SOUTH ASHEVILLE 1 WILD GINGER PHO NOODLE BAR s x

PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO

1950 Hendersonville Road, Suite 12, Asheville 828-676-1827 • wildgingernoodle.com

GREEN SAGE CAFÉ

Best Green/Sustainability-Friendly Restaurant, Best Healthiest Food; third place Smoothies/Juices

2 TUPELO HONEY s

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

3 12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE s a 2350 Hendersonville Road, Arden 828-687-1395 • 12bones.com

RESTAURANT THAT ADAPTED TO COVID RESTRICTIONS 1 ZIA TAQUERIA w

521 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9393 • ziataco.com

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

3 ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK w

1455 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-2260 • rockyshotchickenshack.com

RESTAURANT THAT CLOSED PERMANENTLY DUE TO COVID 1 NATIVE KITCHEN + SOCIAL PUB 2 OVER EASY CAFÉ 3 REZAZ RESTAURANT 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 • earlygirleatery.com

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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 • earlygirleatery.com

LUNCH 1 APPALACHIAN JAVA CAFE & DESSERTS n a

8 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-0120 appalachianjavaburnsville.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 ROMAN’S DELI d

75A Haywood St., Asheville 828-505-1552 • ieatlocal.com

QUICK MEAL 1 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP r d s x 388 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-1398 12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-9191 16 Miami Circle, Arden 828-676-1859 • whiteducktacoshop.com

2 APPALACHIAN JAVA CAFE & DESSERTS n a

8 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-0120 appalachianjavaburnsville.com

3 MAMACITAS d

77 Biltmore Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-255-8080 • mamacitastaqueria.com

1st

2nd

3RD

PLACE

FAVORITE RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT IN WEST ASHEVILLE

RESTAURANT THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF ASHEVILLE

SALAD

RESTAURANT TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS

RESTAURANT IN NORTH ASHEVILLE

BEST VALUE

(hall of fame)

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

Thank You WNC Voters for voting us

BEST OF EATS

#1 Restaurant with a View

PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

HEMINGWAY’S CUBA RESTAURANT & BAR

Best Restaurant With a View; second place Bar With a View; third place Latin American Restaurant, Hotel Bar RESTAURANT TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS TO 1 CÚRATE d x

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

2 NINE MILE n w

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

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

PEOPLE-WATCHING RESTAURANT 1 MELLOW MUSHROOM d x 50 Broadway, Asheville 828-236-9800 mellowmushroom.com/asheville

2 CARMEL’S KITCHEN & BAR d

• Rooftop Terrace with Blue Ridge Mountain Views

Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 129, Asheville 828-252-8730 • carmelsofasheville.com

3 APPALACHIAN JAVA CAFE & DESSERTS n a

• Serving Breakfast, Dinner, Small Plates & Brunch

8 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-0120 appalachianjavaburnsville.com

• Flexible Event Space

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 r d s 388 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-1398 12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-9191 16 Miami Circle, Arden 828-676-1859 • whiteducktacoshop.com

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

2 ZIA TAQUERIA w

521 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9393 • ziataco.com

3 RENDEZVOUS e

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

Thanks for voting us the best for people-watching and one of the best kid-friendly pizza joints in Asheville!

You rock!

15 Page Ave., 4th Floor, Asheville, NC 828-417-6866 • www.hemingwayscuba.com 10

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

50 Broadway • 236-9800 mellowmushroom.com/asheville

Thank You Asheville!

Now Open at

All Three Locations! BE

ST OF

20 WNC

white duck taco shop MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

BEST OF EATS NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS)

1 CÚRATE d x

1 JETTIE RAE’S OYSTER HOUSE n

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

143 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-505-4499 • jettieraes.com

2 RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE s

2 THAI PEARL w

26 All Souls Crescent, Asheville 828-398-6200 • avl.mx/9oz

747 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-412-5905 • thaipearlasheville.com

3 THE MADNESS SUSHI, BURGER & BAR w

3 RED STAG GRILL s

275 Smokey Park Highway, Suite 251, Asheville 828-418-3166 • themadnessavl

ROMANTIC DINING 1 ZAMBRA d x

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

2 CÚRATE d

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

3 SUNSET TERRACE n

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

FINE DINING/UPSCALE

Grand Bohemian Hotel, 11 Boston Way, Asheville 828-398-5600 kesslercollection.com/red-stag-grill

RESTAURANT WINE SELECTION PHOTO BY NEIL JACOBS

1 ZAMBRA d

JETTIE RAE’S OYSTER HOUSE

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

Best Seafood, Best New Restaurant; second place Restaurant Cocktail Selection

2 CÚRATE d

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

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

RESTAURANT COCKTAIL SELECTION 1 SOVEREIGN REMEDIES d x

29 N. Market St., Asheville 828-919-9518 • sovereignremedies.com

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

KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT 1 ASHEVILLE PIZZA & BREWING CO. n d s x

675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-1281 77 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-255-4077 1850 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-277-5775 • ashevillebrewing.com

2 MELLOW MUSHROOM d

50 Broadway, Asheville 828-236-9800 mellowmushroom.com/asheville

3 APPALACHIAN JAVA CAFE & DESSERTS n a

8 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-0120 appalachianjavaburnsville.com

PUB GRUB 1 JACK OF THE WOOD d

95 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-252-5445 • jackofthewood.com

2 WESTVILLE PUB w

777 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-225-9782 • westvillepub.com

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

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

2 APPALACHIAN JAVA CAFE & DESSERTS n a

8 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-0120 appalachianjavaburnsville.com

3 CHAI PANI d

22 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 828-254-4003 • chaipaniasheville.com

DINER/HOMESTYLE 1 HOMEGROWN n x

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

2 TASTEE DINER w

575 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-417-7424 • tasteedinernc.com

3 FIVE POINTS RESTAURANT n

258 Broadway, Asheville 828-252-8030 • 5pointsasheville.com

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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 (2018 - 2021)

CONTINUED LATE-NIGHT EATS

BEST SERVICE

1 RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE d x

1 VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN n x

2 WAFFLE HOUSE e w

2 APPALACHIAN JAVA CAFE & DESSERTS n a

7 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-254-4993 • rankinvault.com

171 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-258-0348 210 Smokey Park Highway, Asheville 828-665-1500 • wafflehouse.com

3 PIE.ZAA d

46 Millard Ave., Asheville 828-440-0400 • piezaapizzaasheville.com

641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-1077 • vinniesitalian.com

8 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-0120 appalachianjavaburnsville.com

3 CÚRATE d

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

BEST VALUE 1 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP r d s 388 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-1398 12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-9191 16 Miami Circle, Arden 828-676-1859 • whiteducktacoshop.com

2 APPALACHIAN JAVA CAFE & DESSERTS n a

8 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-0120 appalachianjavaburnsville.com

3 NINE MILE n

233 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-505-3121 • ninemileasheville.com

Consistently Voted One of WNC’s Best Italian Restaurants in:

BEST PASTA • BEST ITALIAN Thank you for your support!

BARBECUE 1 12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE r s x 5 Foundy St., Suite 10, Asheville 828-253-4499 2350 Hendersonville Road, Arden 828-687-1395 • 12bones.com

2 LUELLA’S BAR-B-QUE n s

501 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-505-7427 Biltmore Park Town Square, 33 Town Square Blvd., Biltmore Park 828-676-3855 • luellasbbq.com

3 MOE’S ORIGINAL BBQ s

4 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-8282 • moesoriginalbbq.com

SEAFOOD FRESH PASTA

HAND-TOSSED PIZZA VEGAN

VEGETARIAN GLUTEN FREE

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

Thank you Asheville for voting us one of the

best new restaurants!

The Madness North Asheville West Asheville (Coming Soon) 275 Smokey Park Hwy, 1020 Merrimon Ave, ste 251 ste 106, Asheville, NC Asheville, NC 28806 (828) 505-1345 (828) 418-3166

Yum Sushi Burrito and Poke

themadnessavl.com MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

Downtown 45 Asheland Ave Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 505-2277 SEPT. 22-28, 2021

South Asheville 100 Julian Shoals Dr Arden, NC 28704 (828) 676-3800

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

BEST OF EATS RIBS

WINGS

1 12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE r s x

1 WILD WING CAFÉ s a

5 Foundy St., Suite 10, Asheville 828-253-4499 2350 Hendersonville Road, Arden 828-687-1395 • 12bones.com

65 Long Shoals Road, Arden 828-691-9464 • wildwingcafe.com

2 ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK w s

2 MOE’S ORIGINAL BBQ s n

1455 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-2260 3749 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-676-3222 • rockyshotchickenshack.com

4 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-8282 72 Weaverville Road, Woodfin 828-505-3542 • moesoriginalbbq.com

3 MOE’S ORIGINAL BBQ s

3 LUELLA’S BAR-B-QUE n

4 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-8282 • moesoriginalbbq.com

501 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-505-7427 • luellasbbq.com

BURGER

FRENCH FRIES

1 FARM BURGER d s x

1 BOUCHON d x

10 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-348-8540 1831 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-575-2393 • farmburger.com

62 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-350-1140 • ashevillebouchon.com

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

3 JUICY LUCY’S BURGER BAR AND GRILL s

620 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-277-0355 juicylucysburgerbarandgrill.com

2 FIVE GUYS BURGER AND FRIES n s

PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO

182 Merrimon Ave., Suite 60, Asheville 828-210-2800 1838 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-277-3894 • fiveguys.com

ASHEVILLE SANDWICH CO. Best Sandwich Shop

10 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-348-8540 • farmburger.com

FRENCH

FRIED CHICKEN

3 FARM BURGER d

1 ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK w s x 1 BOUCHON d x 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 BUXTON HALL BARBECUE d 32 Banks Ave., Asheville 828-232-7216 • buxtonhall.com

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 VIVIAN r

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

ITALIAN HOT BAR/BUFFET

THANK YOU! Best Burger:

2021

2 ASIANA GRAND BUFFET s

2 STRADA ITALIANO d

3 BLUE RIDGE ARTISANAL BUFFET n

3 CHIESA n

70 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-225-8880 • melaasheville.com

8 Years In A Row NEW WIN

1 MELA INDIAN RESTAURANT d

1 VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN n x

1968 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-654-8879 • asianagb.com

1st Place: Veggie Burger

Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • avl.mx/4uw

100% Grassfed • 100% Asheville

HOT DOGS

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

152 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-552-3110 • chiesaavl.com

PASTA 1 VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN n x

2 HOT DOG WORLD s a

2 STRADA ITALIANO d

3 THE BARKSDALE d

3 CHIESA n

226 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 828-697-0374 • hotdogworld.net

27 Broadway, Asheville 828-348-8448 • stradaasheville.com

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

Downtown | 10 Patton Ave • South | 1831 Hendersonville Rd

641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-1077 • vinniesitalian.com

42 Banks Ave., Asheville 828-424-7449 • avl.mx/a6w

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-1077 • vinniesitalian.com

27 Broadway, Asheville 828-348-8448 • stradaasheville.com

152 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-552-3110 • chiesaavl.com

Thank you Mountain Xpress readers for voting for us.

We appreciate your support! check our website for menu updates, operating hours & other important info:

 bluemountainpizza.com 

55 N Main Street, Weaverville, NC 28787 • 828-658-8778

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

BEST OF EATS PIZZA 1 828 FAMILY PIZZERIA n

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 PIZZA MIND w

285 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9181 • pizzamindavl.com

Thank you for voting us the Best for 10 years in a row!

SUB SHOP 1 JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS w e s x

Locally sourcing our meats & veggies to support our local economy & farmers.

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

Deli - Market - Food Truck - Catering

2 SILVERBALL SUBS w

807 Patton Avenue 575-2758 gypsyqueencuisine.com

3 FIREHOUSE SUBS e

PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO

GYPSY QUEEN CUISINE

Best Middle Eastern Restaurant; third place Food Truck (tie)

347 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-412-5281 • silverballsubs.com

168 Tunnel Road, Suite 10, Asheville 828-299-7552 • firehousesubs.com

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

2 ROMAN’S DELI d

Thank You WNC! We love you too! 521 Haywood Rd. • 828.575.9393 • www.ziataco.com

JAMES COLVIN

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Holistic Therapy for Individuals & Couples

THANK YOU for your votes ASHEVILLE! #1 Counselor / Counseling Center

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

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

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 TEMPLE n

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

3 TACO BILLY w

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

BURRITO 1 MAMACITAS d

77 Biltmore Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-255-8080 • mamacitastaqueria.com

2 STONEY KNOB CAFE n a

2 NEO BURRITO w e

3 POMODOROS GREEK AND ITALIAN CAFÉ e

3 URBAN BURRITO n

337 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-645-3309 • stoneyknobcafe.com

1070 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-299-3032 • pomodorositalian.com

1 GYPSY QUEEN CUISINE w

807 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-2758 • gypsyqueencuisine.com

2 JERUSALEM GARDEN CAFÉ d

36 Clayton Street, Asheville, NC 28801 • 828-424-7941 colvin3@gmail.com • JamesCColvin.com BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

3 LORETTA’S CAFÉ d

1 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP r d s x

1341 Parkwood Road, Asheville 828-772-9602 4 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 750, Asheville 828-772-9619 • neoburrito.com

640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 203, Asheville 828-251-1921 • urbanburrito.com

MIDDLE EASTERN

Check out video interview & radio podcasts on website!

75A Haywood St., Asheville 828-505-1552 • ieatlocal.com

TACO

78 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-254-0255 • jerusalemgardencafe.com

3 BABA NAHM d

Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 139, Asheville babanahm.com

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA OBILE-ONLY M o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row)

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

BEST OF EATS MEXICAN

RAMEN

1 PAPA’S & BEER AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FAMILY RESTAURANT e

17 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-255-2204 • papasandbeerdowntown.com

2 ZIA TAQUERIA w

521 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9393 • ziataco.com

3 EL QUE PASA w

891 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-407-1748 • elquepasa.net

3 PAPA’S & BEER MEXICAN RESTAURANT w

1 ITTO RAMEN BAR & TAPAS w d 630 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-0860 3 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-552-3288 • ittoramen.com

2 GAN SHAN w

285 Haywood Road, Suite 20, Asheville 828-417-7402 • ganshangroup.com

3 HEIWA SHOKUDO d

87 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-254-7761 • heiwashokudo.net

1000 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-536-0205 • papasandbeerasheville.net

SUSHI LATIN AMERICAN 1 SALSA’S d

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

2 LIMONES d

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

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

1 GREEN TEA SUSHI RESTAURANT w 2 Regent Park Blvd., Asheville 828-252-8300 • greenteasushinc.com

PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO

2 ZEN SUSHI n

ITTO RAMEN BAR & TAPAS

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

3 WASABI JAPANESE RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR d 19 Broadway, Asheville 828-225-2551 • wasabiashevillenc.com

Best Ramen

JAPANESE

THAI

1 GREEN TEA SUSHI RESTAURANT w

1 LITTLE BEE THAI d x

2 ICHIBAN STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR s

2 THAI PEARL w

3 WASABI JAPANESE RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR d

3 SUWANA’S THAI ORCHID RESTAURANT d

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

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

Thank you for voting us one of the best Japanese restaurants in Asheville. We appreciate the support during these hard times. Please also visit our sister restaurant, Wasabi, in downtown

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

Why I support Xpress:

45 S. French Broad Ave., Suite 190, Asheville 828-239-8808 • avl.mx/a36

747 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-412-5905 • thaipearlasheville.com

11 Broadway, Asheville 828-281-8151 • suwanasthaiorchid.com

“Local news is so important for the community. I want to make sure it keeps happening for me, my neighbors, my students and all.” – Sandra Pyeatt Join Sandra and become a member at SupportMountainX.com

LITTLE BEE THAI THANK YOU ASHEVILLE FOR VOTING US

BEST THAI FOOD 2 Hendersonville Road *Biltmore Station* Asheville, NC (828) 252-7885 Order online at ichibanasheville.com 20

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE 45 S. FRENCH BROAD AVE., SUITE 190 828.239-8808

CONTINUED

Greenteajapanese.com PHOTO BY NEIL JACOBS

STONEBOWL KOREAN RESTAURANT Best Korean Restaurant

INDIAN 1 CHAI PANI d

22 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 828-254-4003 • chaipaniasheville.com

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

SALAD 1 APPALACHIAN JAVA CAFE & DESSERTS n a

8 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-0120 appalachianjavaburnsville.com

1 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d x

40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com

2 CINNAMON KITCHEN INDIAN CUISINE s

2 NINE MILE n w

3 INDIA GARDEN e

3 APOLLO FLAME BISTRO s

1838 Hendersonville Road, Suite 103, Asheville 828-575-2100 • ckcuisine.com

80 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-298-5001 indiagardenonline.com/location

CHINESE 1 RED GINGER DIMSUM & TAPAS d x 82 Patton Ave., Suite 100, Asheville 828-505-8688 • redgingerdimsumtapas.com

2 ORIENTAL PAVILION w

48 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 828-236-3839 • orientalpavilionnc.com

3 CHINA TASTE w

202 State St., Asheville 828-252-7999 • chinatastenc.com

KOREAN 1 STONEBOWL KOREAN RESTAURANT s 1987 Hendersonville Road, Suite A, Asheville 828-676-2172 • stonebowlasheville.com

2 KOREAN HOUSE [Closed] 2 KOREANA [Closed]

233 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-505-3121 751 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9903 • ninemileasheville.com 485 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-3582 • apolloflamebistro.net

SEAFOOD 1 JETTIE RAE’S OYSTER HOUSE n

“Thank you for voting us the best for Japanese food and sushi”

143 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-505-4499 • jettieraes.com

2 THE LOBSTER TRAP d

35 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-350-0505 • thelobstertrap.biz

3 OYSTER HOUSE BREWING CO. w 625 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9370 • oysterhousebeers.com

SOUTHERN

- Tony

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

2 Regent Park Blvd. | 828-252-8300 Like us on facebook.com/greenteasushi

1455 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-2260 • rockyshotchickenshack.com

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

BEST OF EATS SPECIAL DIET OPTIONS (GLUTEN-FREE, LACTOSE-FREE, ETC.) 1 POSANA d x

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

2 BIMBERIBON w

697 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-0328 • bimberibon.com

3 PLANT n

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

VEGAN/VEGETARIAN 1 PLANT n

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

2 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d

40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com

3 ROSETTA’S KITCHEN d

116 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-232-0738 • rosettaskitchen.com

Local News • Events • Arts

We’re Honored to be Voted

Best Vegan Restaurant

1st place • Vegan/Vegetarian 2nd place • Green/ Sustainability-Friendly Restaurant 2nd place • Chef: Jason Sellers 3rd place • Special Diet Options 3rd place • Healthiest Food

165 merrimon avenue • (828) 258-7500 plantisfood.com 22

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

Know Asheville

VEGGIE BURGER 1 FARM BURGER d s

10 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-348-8540 1831 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-575-2393 • farmburger.com

2 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d

40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com

3 THE TRASHY VEGAN M Asheville • avl.mx/9oo

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 HOMEGROWN n

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

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

BEST OF EATS LOCAL-FOOD EMPHASIS 1 HOMEGROWN n x

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

2 RHUBARB d

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

3 APPALACHIAN JAVA CAFE & DESSERTS n a

8 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-0120 appalachianjavaburnsville.com

3 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w

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

HEALTHIEST FOOD 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 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

ICE CREAM 1 THE HOP ICE CREAM CAFÉ n w d x 640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-2224 721 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-5155 The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville 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

CHOCOLATE

HEAD d w s x 1 FRENCH BROAD CHOCOLATES d r x 1 BISCUIT 417 Biltmore Ave., Suite 4F, Asheville 10 S. Pack Square, Asheville 828-252-4181 821 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-348-5187 • frenchbroadchocolates.com

565 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-505-1771 1840 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-575-2455 • whitsasheville.com

828-505-3449 733 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-333-5145 1994 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-585-2055 • biscuitheads.com

2 THE CHOCOLATE FETISH d

2 BLUE RIDGE BISCUIT CO. e a

3 ASHEVILLE CHOCOLATE d

3 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w

36 Haywood St., Asheville 828-258-2353 • chocolatefetish.com

25 Broadway, Asheville 828-505-8596 • avlchocolate.com

FROZEN TREATS OTHER THAN ICE CREAM 1 WHIT’S FROZEN CUSTARD n s x

BISCUITS

DOUGHNUTS 1 HOLE DOUGHNUTS w

168 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-774-5667 • hole-doughnuts.com

601 W. State St., Suite 4, Black Mountain 828-357-8501 blueridgebiscuitcompany.com

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 PELICAN’S SNOBALLS s n

2 VORTEX DOUGHNUTS d

2 JOEY’S NEW YORK BAGELS s a

3 YOLO FROZEN YOGURT n

3 DUCK DONUTS n

3 ZIGGY’S BAKERY AND DELI s

2601 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-417-7776 235 Weaverville Highway, Asheville 828-484-8565 • pelicanssnoballs.com

505 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-255-4515 • avl.mx/4vc

32 Banks Ave., Suite 106, Asheville 828-552-3010 • vortexdoughnuts.com

182 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-575-2177 • duckdonuts.com

1500 Haywood Road, Hendersonville 828-692-1220 5829 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville 828-376-3692 • joeysnybagels.com

1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-505-1101 • avl.mx/5gc

We want to give a huge thank you to everyone in the community who have supported us over the last 8 years. This last year in particular has left us feeling humbled and grateful for all that we have:

A group of hardworking, smart, independent and inspiring employees A beautiful and thriving community filled with many passionate people A business that has weathered the storm thanks to you all.

We wouldn't be here without YOU! We go together like biscuits and gravy First Place (Hall of Fame) — Biscuits Second Place — Brunch Second Place — Breakfast 3 Locations to serve you

417 Biltmore Ave, #4F | 828-505-3449 • 733 Haywood Rd | 828-333-5145 • 1994 Hendersonville Rd | 828-585-2055

WWW.BISCUITHEADS.COM

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

CONTINUED BAKERY (SWEETS/DESSERTS) 1 WELL-BRED BAKERY & CAFÉ n ad s x

26 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-9300 Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 112G, Asheville 828-470-7700 6 Boston Way, Asheville 828-774-5307 • wellbredbakery.com

2 OLD EUROPE PASTRIES d

13 Broadway, Asheville 828-255-5999 • oldeuropepastries.com

3 OLD WORLD LEVAIN (OWL) BAKERY w 295 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-785-1770 • owlbakery.com

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

2 THE TRASHY VEGAN M Asheville • avl.mx/9oo

3 BUN INTENDED M

Asheville 919-260-5160 • bunintendedavl.com

3 GYPSY QUEEN CUISINE M

Asheville 828-575-2758 • gypsyqueencuisine.com

BAKERY (BREAD) 1 CITY BAKERY CAFÉ d n x 60 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-252-4426 88 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-254-4289 • citybakery.net

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

2 OLD WORLD LEVAIN (OWL) BAKERY w

2 FOOTHILLS e a

3 WEST END BAKERY w

3 NEW YORK BUTCHER SHOPPE s a

295 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-785-1770 • owlbakery.com

757 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-9378 • westendbakery.com

107 Black Mountain Ave., Black Mountain 828-357-9029 • foothillslocalmeats.com

200 Julian Shoals Drive, Suite 10, Arden 828-676-0594 • nybutcherwnc.com

THANK YOU WNC for voting us #1 Local Meal Delivery Service

~ Jennie and the Kickback Crew!

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

BEST OF EATS

Thank you for voting Duck Donuts as one of the best in WNC 182 Merrimon Ave. • 828- 575-2177 • duckdonuts.com

PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO

KICKBACK AVL Best Local Meal Delivery

LOCAL MEAL DELIVERY 1 KICKBACK AVL o

20 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 828-585-6903 • kickbackavl.com

West Village Market & Deli Thank you for naming us Best Corner Market, again! Our Deli Continues to Rock On! As a thank you please mention this ad to get 10% off our grab & go items

2 TAKEOUT CENTRAL AVL o 70 Woodfin Place, Asheville 828-252-1221 takeoutcentral.com/asheville

CATERING COMPANY 1 CELINE & COMPANY CATERING d 49 Broadway, Asheville 828-254-9902 • celineandcompany.com

2 THE RED RADISH e a

404 E. State St., Black Mountain 828-301-5999 • redradish.com

3 67 BILTMORE DOWNTOWN EATERY & CATERING d 67 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-252-1500 • 67biltmore.com

Hot and Cold Grab & Go Deli

CHEESEMAKER/ CHEESE DAIRY

Bulk & Eco Section Excellent, Expanded Selection of Vegan Foods All organic produce, supplements & body care, housewares 771 Haywood Rd., West Asheville • (828) 225-4949 9am to 8pm daily • www.westvillagemarket.com 26

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

1 LOOKING GLASS CREAMERY e a 57 Noble Road, Fairview 828-222-3730 • lookingglasscheese.com

2 THREE GRACES DAIRY n a 335 Milky Way, Marshall 828-656-2195 • 3gracesdairy.com

3 DARE VEGAN CHEESE o

Asheville • darevegancheese.com

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

LOCAL FOOD/ DRINK PRODUCT 1 BUCHI KOMBUCHA o x

Asheville 828-484-8229 • drinkbuchi.com

2 SHANTI ELIXIRS o

Asheville 828-351-4879 • shantielixirs.com

3 ROOTS HUMMUS s

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 5, Asheville 828-232-2828 • rootshummus.com

LOCALLY MADE CBD TREATS 1 FRANNY’S FARMACY n s a

211 Merrimon Ave., Suite 111, Asheville 828-505-7105 5 Miller Road, Suite 2, Asheville 828-676-0940 128 Henderson Crossing Plaza, Hendersonville 828-697-7300 • frannysfarmacy.com

CHEF 1 KATIE BUTTON (CÚRATE) d x

13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-239-2946 32 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-630-0330 • katiebuttonrestaurants.com

2 JASON SELLERS (PLANT) d 165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-258-7500 • plantisfood.com

PASTRY CHEF 1 LOGAN POLLARD (LIBERTY HOUSE COFFEE AND CAFÉ) d

221 S. Liberty St., Asheville 828-505-2236 • libertyhousecafe.com

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

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

BEST OF EATS LOCAL FOOD FESTIVAL OR EVENT 1 CHOW CHOW: AN ASHEVILLE CULINARY EVENT Asheville • chowchowasheville.com

2 ASHEVILLE GREEK FESTIVAL (HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH) d 227 Cumberland Ave., Asheville 828-253-3754 • avl.mx/a2g

RESTAURANT THAT GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY 1 ROSETTA’S KITCHEN d x

116 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-232-0738 • rosettaskitchen.com

2 APPALACHIAN JAVA CAFE & DESSERTS n a

8 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-0120 appalachianjavaburnsville.com

3 BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA n a

55 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-658-8778 • bluemountainpizza.com

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

NONPROFIT HELPING WITH HUNGER ISSUES 1 MANNA FOODBANK e x

627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 828-299-3663 • mannafoodbank.org

2 BELOVED ASHEVILLE n

1302 Patton Ave., Suite 6386, Asheville 828-571-0766 • belovedasheville.com

3 BOUNTY & SOUL e a

999 Old U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-419-0533 • bountyandsoul.org

RESTAURANT STILL NEEDED IN ASHEVILLE 1 TRADITIONAL CHINESE x 2 AUTHENTIC JEWISH DELI 3 THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY

Need to catch a show? Check out Xpress’ Clubland Listings for live music around town

IN PRINT & mountainx.com/ clubland

Thank you for voting Franny’s Farm

One of the Best of WNC 6 years in a row!

We couldn't have done it without you!

Karen Donatelli Pastry Chef \ Owner

ORGANIC FARM, WEDDING & EVENT VENUE

CEL

10 Years EoBfRATING

Business SEED TO SHELF, HEMP AND HEALTH

Specialty Cakes & Pastries

A SWEET Thank You Asheville!

special order pick up and delivery only 828.225.5751 • karen@donatellicakedesigns.com www.KarenDonatelliCakeDesigns.com

FrannysFarm.com FrannysFarmacy.com

Asheville • South AVL • Hendersonville

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

Thank you for voting us

Best of WNC! Martial Arts for Kids and Adults • After School Program • Kids Summer Camp • Kids Night Out

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

Art Education Program 1st place

Thanks for voting us #1 in WNC eight years in a row! Thanks, Asheville. Be audit you can be!

School & Music Teacher Meg Boerner 2nd place

-George Austin CPA, CVA, Joel Chambers & Jonathan Thompson CPA

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE!

Mr. K’s Used Books, MUsic and More

NEW & USED: Books • Vinyl Records CDs • Comics • Video Games Books on CD • DVDs BUY • SELL • TRADE

Thank You for Voting Us

#1 Used Book Store

9 Years in a Row!

#1 Accountant/CPA 301 W Haywood St Asheville, NC 28801 828-785-1556 Action Tax

Open Mon. - Sat. 10am-7pm • Sun. 12-6pm 800 Fairview Rd. • Asheville, NC River Ridge Shopping Center • Hwy. 240, exit #8

299-1145 • www.mrksusedbooks.com MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

Drinks BAR THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF ASHEVILLE 1 THE ODDITORIUM w

1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • ashevilleodditorium.com

2 SOVEREIGN REMEDIES d

29 N. Market St., Asheville 828-919-9518 • sovereignremedies.com

3 WICKED WEED BREWING d

91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com

NEIGHBORHOOD BAR - DOWNTOWN (INCLUDING SOUTH SLOPE) 1 BURIAL BEER CO. d

40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 • burialbeer.com

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

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

PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO

1 WEDGE BREWING CO. r

ASHEVILLE RETROCADE

37 Paynes Way, Suite 001, Asheville 828-505-2792 • wedgebrewing.com

Best Bar With Bar Games

2 CRUCIBLE r HAT a great time for

cider lovers in the mountains. With more cideries, increased offerings, cider crawls and cider fests, there’s much to toast. Plus, we have a veritable cider district in downtown Asheville, thanks to Bold Rock Hard Cider moving into the former CANarchy Collaboratory, Botanist & Barrel opening in early 2021 and, most recently, Noble Cider reinventing itself on Rankin Avenue. All that excitement is highlighted by a Best of WNC photo finish between Urban Orchard Cider Co. and Bold Rock tying for first place, with Noble just behind in second. On the beer front, Highland Brewing Co. and Burial Beer Co. each took home multiple wins, 32

NEIGHBORHOOD BAR RIVER ARTS DISTRICT

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

strengthening their status as two of voters’ favorite local breweries. Highland, Asheville’s oldest craft brewery, once again performed well across a range of categories, but it also demonstrated an impressive dominance this year of every individual beer style except Lager (which went to Hi-Wire Brewing Lager) and Sour (Wicked Weed Brewing Black Angel). Area bars and taprooms did laudable jobs adapting to COVID19 lockdowns, but so did nonalcoholic businesses such as perennial favorites Sovereign Kava, Dobra Tea and Dynamite Roasting Co. To honor enterprising beverage-based companies, two pandemic-specific categories were added, in which

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

Little Jumbo was feted for its To-Go Cocktails/Cocktail Kits and The Mothlight was mourned as the top Bar That Closed Permanently Due to COVID. On a happier note, we welcome new Hall of Fame inductees Hi-Wire Brewing Lager (Local Lager) • Highland Brewing Co. (FamilyFriendly Bar or Brewery) • Asheville Brewers Supply (Homebrewing/ Winemaking Supplies) • Appalachian Vintner (Beer Store) • The Whale :: A Craft Beer Collective (Bar: Unusual Beer Selection– excluding breweries) • Capella on 9 (Hotel Bar) • Asheville Retrocade (Bar With Games).

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

— Edwin Arnaudin X

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

3 BOTTLE RIOT r

37 Paynes Way, Suite 009, Asheville 828-505-8606 • bottleriot.com

3 BURGER BAR r

1 Craven St., Asheville 828-424-7600 • avl.mx/a3d

n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA OBILE-ONLY M o NLINE-ONLY HALL OF FAME x (Winner four years or more in a row)

CONTINUED NEIGHBORHOOD BAR SOUTH 1 THIRSTY MONK BREWERY s

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

2 HILLMAN BEER s

25 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-1312 • hillmanbeer.com

3 VILLAGE WAYSIDE BAR AND GRILLE s 30 Lodge St., Asheville 828-277-4121 • villagewayside.com

NEIGHBORHOOD BAR WEST 1 WESTVILLE PUB w x

777 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-225-9782 • westvillepub.com

2 THE ODDITORIUM w

1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • ashevilleodditorium.com

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

NEIGHBORHOOD BAR NORTH 1 LITTLE JUMBO n

241 Broadway, Asheville 828-417-4783 • littlejumbobar.com

NEIGHBORHOOD BAR EAST 1 THE SOCIAL e

1078 Tunnel Road, Suites A&B, Asheville 828-298-8780 • thesocialasheville.com

2 CREEKSIDE TAPHOUSE e

8 Beverly Road, Asheville 828-575-2880 • creeksidetaphouse.com

3 EAST VILLAGE GRILLE e

1177 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-299-3743 • eastvillagegrille.com

BAR THAT CLOSED PERMANENTLY DUE TO COVID 1 THE MOTHLIGHT 2 AUX BAR 3 EN LA CALLE 3 THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE BARTENDER 1 JENNIE LOU NELSON (THE ODDITORIUM) w

1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • ashevilleodditorium.com

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

3 JACKSON ZOELLER (THE BIER GARDEN) d

46 Haywood St., Asheville 828-285-0002 • ashevillebiergarden.com

BAR FOR LIVE MUSIC 1 THE GREY EAGLE d

185 Clingman Ave., Asheville 828-232-5800 • thegreyeagle.com

2 AVENUE M n

791 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-350-8181 • avenuemavl.com

3 FRAZIER’S TAVERN n

389 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-258-9828 • avl.mx/4wd

2 JACK OF THE WOOD d

95 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-252-5445 • jackofthewood.com

3 SALVAGE STATION r

468 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-707-8902 • salvagestation.com

Specializing in Headshots & Portrait Photography

Thank you so much WNC Voters! 10% OFF your first session! 828-713-4485 • photos@carolspags.com • carolspags.com MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

BEST OF DRINKS BAR WITH A VIEW 1 THE MONTFORD ROOFTOP BAR d 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 CAPELLA ON 9 d

AC Hotel, 10 Broadway, 9th Floor, Asheville 828-258-2522 • capellaon9.com

BAR WITH BAR GAMES 1 ASHEVILLE RETROCADE w x

800 Haywood Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-575-9488 • ashevilleretrocade.com

2 BARLEY’S TAPROOM & PIZZERIA d 42 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-255-0504 • barleystaproom.com

LGBTQ+ FRIENDLY BAR 1 THE ODDITORIUM w

1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • ashevilleodditorium.com

2 BANKS AVE d

PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

32 Banks Ave., Asheville 828-785-1458 • avl.mx/a82

3 O.HENRY’S d

BURGER BAR

Best Dive Bar; third place Neighborhood Bar - River Arts District (tie)

237 Haywood St., Asheville 828-254-1891 • ohenrysofasheville.com

HOTEL BAR

SPORTS BAR

1 CAPELLA ON 9 d x

1 THE BIER GARDEN d x

2 THE MONTFORD ROOFTOP BAR d

2 OLDE LONDON ROAD ENGLISH PUB r

AC Hotel, 10 Broadway, 9th Floor, Asheville 828-258-2522 • capellaon9.com

199 Haywood St., Asheville 828-505-8750 • themontford.com

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

46 Haywood St., Asheville 828-285-0002 • ashevillebiergarden.com

270 Depot St., Asheville avl.mx/a6c

3 WILD WING CAFÉ s a

65 Long Shoals Road, Arden 828-691-9464 • wildwingcafe.com

UPSCALE BAR DIVE BAR

1 SOVEREIGN REMEDIES d x

29 N. Market St., Asheville 828-919-9518 • sovereignremedies.com

1 BURGER BAR r

1 Craven St., Asheville 828-424-7600 • avl.mx/a3d

2 ANTIDOTE d

151 Coxe Ave., Suite 20, Asheville 828-505-2882 • antidote.bar

2 THE DOUBLE CROWN w

375 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-412-5491 • avl.mx/9mu

3 CAPELLA ON 9 d

AC Hotel, 10 Broadway, 9th Floor, Asheville 828-258-2522 • capellaon9.com

3 THE ODDITORIUM w

1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • ashevilleodditorium.com

CONGRATS!

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

TO THIS YEAR'S WINNERS

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 (2018 - 2021)

Hot Shaves, Cold Beer Thank You for Voting us Best Barbershop for Five Years Straight! It’s a real honor Asheville!

Keeping WNC looking’ sharp since 2015 84 West Walnut St, Unit B * 828-232-7005 thelocalbarberandtap barberandtap.com *

www.NorthAshevilleDentist.com 94 North Merrimon, Suite 101 (828) 255-8447

Celebrating 27 Years!

Can’t thank the locals enough for voting us again! We couldn’t do it without our local support!!

1ST PLACE - SPORTS BAR 3RD PLACE - BARTENDER: JACKSON ZOELLER 3RD PLACE - BAR: LOCAL BEER SELECTION (EXCLUDING BREWERIES)

46 HAYWOOD ST. • MON-SUN 11AM-12AM • (828) 285-0002 • WWW.ASHEVILLEBIERGARDEN.COM MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

BEST OF DRINKS BAR OR BREWERY THAT GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY 1 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. s d

COCKTAILS 1 SOVEREIGN REMEDIES d x

29 N. Market St., Asheville 828-919-9518 • sovereignremedies.com

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville highlandbrewing.com

2 WICKED WEED BREWING d w

91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-9599 145 Jacob Holm Way, Candler 828-365-7166 • wickedweedbrewing.com

2 LITTLE JUMBO n

241 Broadway, Asheville 828-417-4783 • littlejumbobar.com

3 ANTIDOTE d

151 Coxe Ave., Suite 20, Asheville 828-505-2882 • antidote.bar

TO-GO COCKTAILS/ COCKTAIL KITS

3 NEW BELGIUM BREWING r 21 Craven St., Asheville 828-333-6900 • newbelgium.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 PLĒB URBAN WINERY r

1 LITTLE JUMBO n

241 Broadway, Asheville 828-417-4783 • littlejumbobar.com

2 CULTIVATED COCKTAILS d

25 Page Ave., Suite 103, Asheville 828-338-9779 • cultivated-cocktails.com

2 THE GOLDEN PINEAPPLE w

503 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-4458 • goldenpineapplebar.com 521 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9393 • ziataco.com

1 CHEMIST SPIRITS d

2 PLĒB URBAN WINERY r

2 CULTIVATED COCKTAILS d

289 Lyman St., Asheville 828-774-5062 • pleburbanwinery.com

3 BURNTSHIRT VINEYARDS s a

2695 Sugarloaf Road, Hendersonville 828-685-2402 • burntshirtvineyards.com

151 Coxe Ave., Asheville chemistspirits.com

25 Page Ave., Suite 103, Asheville 828-338-9779 • cultivated-cocktails.com

3 DALTON DISTILLERY d

251 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-785-1499 • dalton-distillery.com

BLOODY MARY

WINE STORE 1 METRO WINES n x

1 THE ODDITORIUM w

2 APPALACHIAN VINTNER s

2 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w

3 ASHEVILLE WINE MARKET d

3 RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE d

169 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-575-9525 • metrowinesasheville.com 745 Biltmore Ave., Suite 121, Asheville 828-505-7500 • appalachianvintner.com

65 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-253-0060 • ashevillewine.com

1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • ashevilleodditorium.com

7 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-254-4993 • rankinvault.com

Tattoo & Piercing

* Largest selection of Implant Grade Body Jewelry in WNC * Clean, Professional & Individualized Service * Private Environment * Practicing COVID safe measures * Custom Tattooing * All Female Staff

1085 Tunnel Rd-AV L 828 -253-6660 By Appointment Only

W W W.M A NSRUINTATTOOS.COM 36

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

MARGARITA 1 ZIA TAQUERIA w

521 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9393 • ziataco.com

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

LOCAL CIDER 1 THE VILLAGE TART CHERRY CIDER (NOBLE CIDER) w 356 New Leicester Highway, Asheville

2 LIMONES d

828-575-9622 • noblecider.com

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

3 MOUNTAIN MADRE MEXICAN KITCHEN & AGAVE BAR d 13 Walnut St., Asheville 828-251-8879 • mountainmadreavl.com

CIDERY

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

Mans Ruin

Voted “Best Of” For 19 Years!

Best To-Go Cocktails/ Cocktail Kits, Best Neighborhood Bar - North; second place Cocktails

DISTILLERY

1 BILTMORE WINERY s x

Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • avl.mx/9je

LITTLE JUMBO

3 ZIA TAQUERIA w

289 Lyman St., Asheville 828-774-5062 • pleburbanwinery.com

LOCAL WINERY

PHOTO BY THOMAS CALDER

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

1 URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO. w d 210 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-774-5151 24 Buxton Ave., Asheville 828-505-7243 • urbanorchardcider.com

2 NOBLE CIDER d w

49 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-412-5064 356 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-575-9622 • noblecider.com

3 BLACK MOUNTAIN CIDER + MEAD e a

104 Eastside Drive, Suite 307, Black Mountain 828-419-0089 blackmountainciderworks.com

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

2 THE SPICE MERCHANT HARD CIDER WITH CHAI (NOBLE CIDER) w

356 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-575-9622 • noblecider.com

3 GINGER CAMPAIGN (URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO.) w 210 Haywood Road, Asheville

828-774-5151 • urbanorchardcider.com

BAR: LOCAL BEER SELECTION (EXCLUDING BREWERIES) 1 THE WHALE :: A CRAFT BEER COLLECTIVE w 507 Haywood Road, Asheville

828-575-9888 • 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

ST OF

20 WNC

Thank you Asheville for keeping us in the Hall of Fame!

BEST PRICES

Internet competitive & nearly always lowest in town

WELL CURATED SELECTION

from well known to hard to fifind

FRIENDLY, KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF Take home wine you’ll enjoy

shop dogs forever

WE’RE LOCAL

Wages, proffiits and taxes are spent or invested right here

BIG SHOP SELECTION • SMALL SHOP SERVICE Free, Close Parking. 169 Charlotte Street • Asheville, NC 28801 • 828.575.9525

metrowinesasheville.com • ashevilleschoolofwine.com • blindtastingleague.com MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

Thank you WNC!

Dr. Dan Martin Affordable Chiropractic Care is Our Mission. ✓

Experienced, Professional & Friendly Staff

✓

Convenient Appointments & Hours

1011 Tunnel Rd., Ste. 110, Asheville, NC 28805 • 828-333-4447 • radiuschiropractic.com

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

BEST OF DRINKS BAR: UNUSUAL BEER SELECTION (EXCLUDING BREWERIES)

BREWERY (FOR ITS TAPROOM & ATMOSPHERE) 1 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. s

1 THE WHALE :: A CRAFT BEER COLLECTIVE w x

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

507 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9888 • thewhaleavl.com

2 SIERRA NEVADA BREWING CO. s a 100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River 828-708-6242 • sierranevada.com

2 THIRSTY MONK BREWERY s d

Biltmore Park Square, 2 Town Square Blvd., Suite 170, Asheville 828-687-3873 92 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-254-5470 thirsty-monk-brewery.square.site

40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 • burialbeer.com

FAMILY-FRIENDLY BAR OR BREWERY

LOCAL ALL-ROUND BREWERY (FOR ITS BEERS) 1 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. s d x

3 BURIAL BEER CO. d

1 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. s d x

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville highlandbrewing.com

2 BURIAL BEER CO. d

2 NEW BELGIUM BREWING r

3 HILLMAN BEER s

3 SIERRA NEVADA BREWING CO. s a

40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 • burialbeer.com

25 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-1312 • hillmanbeer.com

PHOTO BY NEIL JACOBS

WEDGE BREWING CO.

21 Craven St., Asheville 828-333-6900 • newbelgium.com

100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River 828-708-6242 • sierranevada.com

Best Neighborhod Bar - River Arts District CREATIVE, EXPERIMENTAL BREWERY 1 BURIAL BEER CO. d

40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 • burialbeer.com

2 WICKED WEED BREWING d w

91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-9599 145 Jacob Holm Way, Candler 828-365-7166 • wickedweedbrewing.com

3 DSSOLVR d

63 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville dssolvr.com

LOCAL BEER (ANY STYLE) 1 GAELIC ALE (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) s 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 IRON RAIL IPA (WEDGE BREWING CO.) r

37 Paynes Way, Asheville 828-505-2792 • wedgebrewing.com

n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA OBILE-ONLY M o NLINE-ONLY HALL OF FAME x (Winner four years or more in a row)

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

LOCAL DARK BEER 1 OATMEAL PORTER (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) s

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

2 GREEN MAN PORTER (GREEN MAN BREWERY) d

27 Buxton Ave., Asheville 828-252-5502 • greenmanbrewery.com

2 NINJA PORTER (ASHEVILLE BREWING CO.) d

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

3 BED OF NAILS BROWN ALE (HI-WIRE BREWING) d

2A Huntsman Place, Asheville 828-738-2451 • hiwirebrewing.com

LOCAL LAGER 1 HI-WIRE LAGER (HI-WIRE BREWING) s x

2 Huntsman Place, Asheville 828-738-2452 • hiwirebrewing.com

2 HIGHLAND PILSNER (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) s

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370

3 COWBOY POET (ARCHETYPE BREWING) w

265 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-4177 • archetypebrewing.com

LOCAL SOUR BEER 1 BLACK ANGEL (WICKED WEED BREWING) d

91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com

VOTED WNC’S #1 K AVA BAR

Keeping Asheville Weird Since 2010 NORTH CAROLINA’S 1ST KAVA BAR

Commemorate your

win with an

official plaque

Open Daily • Noon~Late 828.505.8118 268 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC

ASHEVILLEKAVA.COM

To purchase, contact advertise@mountainx.com MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

BEST OF DRINKS LOCAL IPA 1 AVL IPA (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) s

cafe & juice bar

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

Thank you for voting us THE BEST 3 years in a row!

2 IRON RAIL IPA (WEDGE BREWING CO.) r

37 Paynes Way, Asheville 828-505-2792 • wedgebrewing.com

3 SURF WAX IPA (BURIAL BEER CO.) d

40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 • burialbeer.com

SEASONAL BEER 1 COLD MOUNTAIN (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) s

We are a locally owned cafe & juice/smoothie bar proudly serving organic fruits & veggies so we can all feel good! 828-774-5410 simpleasheville.com 643 Haywood Rd. AVL, NC 28806

ASHEVILLE BREWERS SUPPLY & WINEMAKING SHOP

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

2 NINJABREAD MAN (ASHEVILLE BREWING CO.) d

Best Homebrewing/Winemaking Supplies

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

BREWMASTER 1 BRAD HILLMAN (HILLMAN BEER) s

25 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-1312 • hillmanbeer.com

FAVORITE LOCAL BEER EVENT 1 COLD MOUNTAIN RELEASE (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) s

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

2 BREWGRASS FESTIVAL d

T hank you for helping us be the best!

Memorial Stadium, 32 Buchanan Place, Asheville avl.mx/a83

BEER STORE

As a token of our appreciation

712-B Merrimon Ave, Asheville (828) 285-0515 Mon-Sat 10-6 & Sun 11-4 AshevilleBrewers.com Family Owned Living Wage Certified

PHOTO BY NEIL JACOBS

$ 5 OFF all purcha ses over $ 25 Expires 09/30/21

ASHEVILLE BREWERS SUPPLY The area’s largest selection of ingredients and equipment for making beer, wine, cider and mead Now stocking high grade hemp and cbd oil!

1 APPALACHIAN VINTNER s x

745 Biltmore Ave., Suite 121, Asheville 828-505-7500 • appalachianvintner.com

2 INGLES MARKETS e n s w 29 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-253-1528 915 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-1326 • ingles-markets.com

3 LOCAL 604 BOTTLE SHOP w

604 Haywood Road, Suite 2, Asheville 828-417-7002 • local604avl.com

HOMEBREWING/ WINEMAKING SUPPLIES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

373 Haywood Road, Asheville avl.mx/a3o

2 ODD’S CAFE w

800 Haywood Road, Suite 110A, Asheville 828-505-7776 • oddscafe.com

3 GRIND r

346 Depot St., Asheville 828-505-0722 • grindavl.club

3 HIGH FIVE COFFEE n

2000 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-785-8272 • highfivecoffee.com

ESTABLISHMENT WITH THE BEST COFFEE 1 HIGH FIVE COFFEE d n x

13 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-713-5291 190 Broadway, Asheville 828-785-8272 2000 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-398-0209 • highfivecoffee.com

2 DYNAMITE ROASTING CO. e a 3198 U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-357-8555 • dynamiteroasting.com

3 PENNYCUP COFFEE CO. r

362 Depot St., Asheville 828-575-9495 • pennycupcoffeeco.com

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

2 FIFTH SEASON GARDENING CO. e

3 COOPERATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS w

4 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-412-3200 • fifthseasongardening.com

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

1 BATTLECAT COFFEE BAR w

1 ASHEVILLE BREWERS SUPPLY & WINEMAKING SHOP n x

712B Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-358-3536 • ashevillebrewers.com

COFFEEHOUSE FOR ITS VIBE

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

362 Depot St., Asheville 828-575-9495 39 Market St., Asheville 828-505-3609 • pennycupcoffeeco.com

210 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-707-2975 cooperativecoffeeroasters.com

CONTINUED

The Regeneration Station thanks you Asheville and beyond! #1 USED FURNITURE STORE #2 ANTIQUE STORE

Asheville’s oldest Junk Removal service, since 2010

Come shop our warehouse of uniques, antiques and rarities! Over 75 Vendors

26 Glendale Ave

• 828.505.1108 • theregenerationstation.com

PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO

ASHEVILLE DISPENSARY Best CBD drinks/heatlh elixirs; second place Place to Buy CBD Products

PLACE TO DRINK TEA 1 DOBRA TEA d x

78 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-575-2424 • dobrateanc.com

2 DOBRA TEA w

707 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-4307 • dobrateanc.com

3 HIGH CLIMATE TEA CO. d

12 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-505-4771 • highclimatetea.com

SMOOTHIES/JUICES 1 SIMPLE CAFE & JUICE BAR w 643 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-774-5410 • simpleasheville.com

2 PULP + SPROUT JUICE BAR AND VEGAN CAFE d 233 S. Liberty St., Asheville 828-412-5701 • pulpandsprout.com

3 GREEN SAGE CAFÉ d

5 Broadway, Asheville 828-252-4450 • greensagecafe.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

MOCKTAILS OR NONALCOHOLIC OPTIONS 1 THE ODDITORIUM w

1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • ashevilleodditorium.com

CBD DRINKS/ HEALTH ELIXIRS

#1 FOR 8 YEARS! Celebrate your intimate moments with a carefully curated selection of:

Body-safe adult toys Organic oils & lubricants

1 ASHEVILLE DISPENSARY w

Sexy lingerie with inclusive sizing

2 SHANTI ELIXIRS o

Eco-conscious silk, bamboo & cotton apparel

919 Haywood Road, Suite 111, Asheville 828-335-2696 • avldispensary.com Asheville 828-351-4879 • shantielixirs.com

3 FRANNY’S FARMACY n

211 Merrimon Ave., Suite 111, Asheville 828-505-7105 • frannysfarmacy.com

KAVA BAR 1 SOVEREIGN KAVA d

268 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-505-8118 • ashevillekava.com

2 VINTAGE KAVA n a

141 Reems Creek Road, Weaverville 828-484-8186 • vintagekava.com

INDEPENDENT & LOCALLY WOMAN OWNED SINCE 2008 Located in the heart of Downtown Asheville at

57 Broadway Street

VaVaVooom.com 828.254.6329

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

THANKS, ASHEVILLE! for voting me one of the Best!

9 years in a row! Sona Merlin

Real Estate Broker Appalachian Realty

(828) 216 -7908 www.sonamerlin.com

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

Thank you, Asheville! We couldn't do what we LOVE without YOU and our amazing TEAM!

Responsible Automotive Service & Repair

Thank you for letting us LOVE your vehicle!

We truly appreciate all of our amazing customers and your votes for

1st Place: Best Jeweler / Jewelry Artist! 3rd Place: Best Jewelry Store!

Voted one of the BEST OF WNC for 16 years in a row. Thank you!

Call us!

255.2628

organic-mechanic.com • 568 Haywood Rd • West Asheville

Thank you to the Mountain Xpress readers for voting

DIAMOND THIEVES

BODY PIERCING AND TATTOO

one of the Best of WNC for 13 years!

1st Place: Piercing Studio 3rd Place: Tattoo Parlor Lauren Merrell of LM Photography

Book your free custom jewelry consultation online today!

56 Haywood Street, 28801 (828) 585-7230 foxandbeaux.com

• 13 YEARS IN BUSINESS •

Bring this ad in and get

$10 OFF your next piercing or tattoo MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

Outdoors BICYCLE CLUB OR GROUP 1 ASHEVILLE ON BIKES x

Asheville • ashevilleonbikes.com

HIKING CLUB OR GROUP 1 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN CLUB

Asheville 704-451-5268 • carolinamountainclub.org

RUNNING CLUB OR GROUP 1 JUS’ RUNNING n

523 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-252-7867 • jusrunning.com

DAY HIKE 1 BLACK BALSAM KNOB w a

Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 418.8 avl.mx/prun

2 CATAWBA FALLS s a

3074 Catawba River Road, Old Fort avl.mx/7uz

2 CRAGGY GARDENS e a

Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 364.4 – 367.6, Black Mountain 828-775-0976 • avl.mx/6cf

PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

3 GRAVEYARD FIELDS w a

Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 418.8 avl.mx/7uv

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN CLUB Best Hiking Club or Group

OLKS spent much of 2020

hoping to be able to get back to indoor spaces such as bars, breweries, restaurants, movie theaters and concert venues. But while that’s been possible this year, many Western North Carolina residents could be forgiven if they preferred to just stay outside. After all, this is an area where you can easily find great streams for fishing, trails for hiking, rivers for rafting and mountains for skiing. Whether it’s backpacking, cycling or just taking a leisurely stroll, options abound. Want to go on a day hike? Black Balsam Knob (a repeat winner) edged out Catawba Falls, Craggy

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

Gardens and Graveyard Fields among voters. But Craggy Gardens came out on top again as the choice for best picnic spot. For those seeking extended getaways, the Art Loeb Trail (Backpacking) and the Davidson River (Car Camping) were picked by voters as the best sites to pitch a tent and spend a night or two in nature. Looking for a more urban setting for your outdoor adventure? Foundation Skatepark in Asheville’s River Arts District comes with the highest recommendation, as do the Greenways on the French Broad River, the top choice for taking a walk in or near Asheville.

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

You can take in nature from above with Navitat Canopy Adventures, a decadelong winner in the Canopy Tour/Zip Line category, or from the water with the help of Zen Tubing, voted once again top Rafting Company. This year, we welcome three new entrants to the Hall of Fame: The Foundation (Skate Park) • Looking Glass Falls (Waterfall) • Skinny Dip Falls (Swimming Hole). So enjoy those indoor spaces, but remember, nature is always calling when you live in the mountains.

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

— Justin McGuire X

BACKPACKING TRAIL/ OVERNIGHT HIKE 1 ART LOEB TRAIL avl.mx/3s7

2 APPALACHIAN TRAIL (AT) n

828-254-3708 • appalachiantrail.org

n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA OBILE-ONLY M o NLINE-ONLY HALL OF FAME x (Winner four years or more in a row)

CONTINUED 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 828-373-2539 • thegorgezipline.com

3 ASHEVILLE TREETOPS ADVENTURE PARK (ADVENTURE CENTER OF ASHEVILLE) w 85 Expo Drive, Asheville 877-247-5539 ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com

RUNNING EVENT/RACE ROAD OR TRAIL 1 SHUT-IN RIDGE RUN w

Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 828-252-7867 • avl.mx/a9g

BE A PART OF THE

ASHEVILLE GROWN NETWORK ASHEVILLEGROWN.COM

RAFTING COMPANY 1 ZEN TUBING r s

608 Riverside Drive, Asheville 855-936-8823 1648 Brevard Road, Asheville 855-936-8823 • zentubing.com

2 NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER w n a

13077 U.S. Highway 19 W.Bryson City 828-785-5120 9825 U.S. Highway 25, Marshall noc.com

3 FRENCH BROAD OUTFITTERS r

704 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-505-7371 • frenchbroadoutfitters.com

OUTDOOR GEAR AND APPAREL SHOP 1 REI CO-OP s

Biltmore Park Town Square, 31 Schenck Parkway, Asheville 828-687-0918 • rei.com

2 SECOND GEAR w

444 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-258-0757 • secondgearwnc.com

3 BLACK DOME MOUNTAIN SPORTS e 140 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-251-2001 • blackdome.com

Thanks for voting us #2 Pharmacy/Drugstore in 2021 • • • • •

Locally owned in West Asheville since 1953 Full Service Pharmacy Accept All Medicare, Medicaid and Most Private Insurance Offer Covid-19/Flu Vaccines Large Selection of Medical Equipment

VOTED BEST BIKE SHOP 15+ YEARS

Thank You for Voting Us Best Bike Service & Best Bike Shop! Open M-F 9am-7pm • Sat 9am-5pm 828-252-2718 bandbpharmacyavl.com

41 Years Serving the Asheville Cycling Community 1378 Hendersonville Rd. Asheville, NC 28803 828-274-2453 • libertybikes.com MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

BEST OF OUTDOORS

PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL FORESTS IN NORTH CAROLINA

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZEN TUBING

ZEN TUBING

DAVIDSON RIVER

Best Rafting Company

SKI RESORT

ENVIRONMENTAL OR CONSERVATION NONPROFIT

1 CATALOOCHEE SKI AREA w ax 1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley 828-926-0285 • cataloochee.com

1 ASHEVILLE GREENWORKS w

578 Valley View Circle, Mars Hill 828-689-4111 • skiwolfridgenc.com

1 MOUNTAINTRUE d s a

1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain 828-898-4521 • skisugar.com

ASHEVILLE-AREA

EATS & DRINKS GUIDE 2021 Pick up your copy today!

NEW

29 N. Market St., Suite 610, Asheville 828-258-8737 121 Third Ave. W., Suite 1, Hendersonville 828-692-0385 • mountaintrue.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

SKATE PARK

PLACE TO CAR CAMP 1 DAVIDSON RIVER s a Pisgah Forest avl.mx/6df

2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville 828-254-1776 • ashevillegreenworks.org

2 WOLF RIDGE SKI RESORT n a 3 SUGAR MOUNTAIN RESORT n a

Best Fishing Spot, Best Place to Car Camp

FISHING SPOT 1 DAVIDSON RIVER s ax Pisgah Forest avl.mx/6df

1 FOUNDATION ASHEVILLE SKATEPARK (FOUNDY) d x 47 Foundy St., Asheville 828-225-5509 • foundationasheville.com

2 RAD SKATEPARK r

37 Foundy St., Asheville 828-338-8830 • radskateparkavl.com

PICNIC SPOT

PLACE TO RELAX ON THE WATER

1 CRAGGY GARDENS e ax

Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 364.4 – 367.6, Black Mountain 828-775-0976 • avl.mx/6cf

2 BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

828-670-1924 • blueridgeparkway.org

3 BILTMORE ESTATE s

1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com

Our Customers Are The Best!

SWIMMING HOLE

1 FRENCH BROAD RIVER Asheville

2 LAKE JAMES e a

Nebo 828-584-7728 • avl.mx/8by

3 LAKE LURE e a

Lake Lure 828-625-9983 • townoflakelure.com

1 SKINNY DIP FALLS w ax

Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 417 avl.mx/7uy

WATERFALL 1 LOOKING GLASS FALLS s ax

Thank you for voting us

#1 Nursery in WNC 48

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

76 Monticello Rd. Weaverville, NC I-26/Exit 18 828-645-3937 www.reemscreek.com

U.S. Highway 276, Brevard avl.mx/wordcaop

2 CATAWBA FALLS s a

3074 Catawba River Road, Old Fort avl.mx/7uz

3 TRIPLE FALLS s a

Dupont State Forest, Cedar Mountain avl.mx/7v0

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

WALK - IN OR NEAR ASHEVILLE 1 GREENWAYS ALONG THE FRENCH BROAD RIVER 2 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM w 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 828-665-2492 • ncarboretum.org

3 BILTMORE ESTATE s

1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

Farm, Yard & Garden TAILGATE/FARMERS MARKET 1 NORTH ASHEVILLE TAILGATE MARKET n x

3300 University Heights, Parking Lot P28, Asheville northashevilletailgatemarket.com

2 WEST ASHEVILLE TAILGATE MARKET w

718 Haywood Road, Asheville westashevilletailgatemarket.com

3 WNC FARMERS MARKET w 570 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-253-1691 • avl.mx/a7o

ROADSIDE FARM STAND 1 FLYING CLOUD FARM e ax 1860 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 828-768-3348 • flyingcloudfarm.net

2 JOHNSON FAMILY FARM s a

1202 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 828-202-1745 • johnsonfamilyfarmnc.com

FARM TO VISIT FOR EVENTS 1 HICKORY NUT GAP FARM e ax 57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview 828-628-1027 • hickorynutgap.com

2 FRANNY’S FARM n a

22 Franny’s Farm Road, Leicester 828-708-5587 • frannysfarmacy.com

PHOTO BY NEIL JACOBS

REEMS CREEK NURSERY

Best Nursery (Trees, Shrubs); second place Retail Store, Garden Supply Store (tie)

HERE can you find

what you need to know to manage your outdoor environs? Why, this section of this year’s Best of WNC! Say, when that big tree next to the house has to come down, you want someone with a solid reputation to do the work (Smart Feller Tree Works). And with the current home-sales craze, whether you’re buying or selling, nothing spiffs up the yard like a load of fresh mulch (Asheville Mulch Yard will deliver). For some of us, after a year of being mostly at home, communing 50

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

with our yard has become more than a hobby — it’s been a blessed oasis from the anxiety of the times, and maybe it added value to our real estate as well. Many of us wondered if our tiny garden plots would be able to reduce our trips to the grocery store (and lower our blood pressure). And so it is that this year’s Farm, Yard & Garden section takes on new dimensions. The winners in this go-round do not disappoint; the section offers a veritable who’s who of the regional botanical scene. More than half of this year’s winners have earned Hall

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

of Fame status, and all are household names. Notably, the top vote-getter in the section (North Asheville Tailgate Market) has also been the people’s choice for Farmers Market for more than a decade in a town that values farm-fresh goodies. If you are new to Asheville and want to fit in, what follows is your crib list. Visit these veritable institutions and you will learn much of what you need to know to live like a (well-versed) local.

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

— Susan Hutchinson X

COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA) FARM 1 HICKORY NUT GAP FARM e a 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

n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA OBILE-ONLY M o NLINE-ONLY HALL OF FAME x (Winner four years or more in a row)

CONTINUED ORCHARD 1 SKY TOP ORCHARD s ax

1193 Pinnacle Mountain Road, Flat Rock 828-692-7930 • skytoporchard.com

2 GRANDAD’S APPLES N’ SUCH s a 2951 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville 828-685-1685 • grandadsapples.com

3 JUSTUS ORCHARD s a

187 Garren Road, Hendersonville 828-974-1232 • justusorchard.com

COMMUNITY GARDEN 1 BURTON STREET COMMUNITY PEACE GARDENS w 47 Bryant St., Asheville

828-301-0166 • urbanpeacegardens.org

2 DR. JOHN WILSON COMMUNITY GARDEN e a

99 White Pine Drive, Black Mountain 828-337-8932 • avl.mx/adq

GARDEN SUPPLY STORE

MULCH SUPPLIER

1 FIFTH SEASON GARDENING CO. e

4 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-412-3200 • fifthseasongardening.com

2 B. B. BARNS s a

3377 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-650-7300 • bbbarns.com

2 REEMS CREEK NURSERY n a 76 Monticello Road, Weaverville 828-645-3937 • reemscreek.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 JESSE ISRAEL & SONS NURSERY & GARDEN CENTER w

570 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-254-2671 • jesseisraelandsons.com

1 ASHEVILLE MULCH YARD s e n ax

9 Frito Way, Arden 828-687-2792 2425 U.S. 50 Highway, Swannanoa 828-707-1615 326 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-484-3731 • ashevillemulchyard.com

LANDSCAPING SERVICE 1 B. B. BARNS s a

3377 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-650-7300 • bbbarns.com

NONPROFIT SUPPORTING FARMS/ FARMLAND PRESERVATION

2 THE MULCH LADY/ RIVERSIDE STUMP DUMP r s a 620 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-251-5777 5055 Old Haywood Road, Mills River 828-712-4758 • themulchlady.com

3 THE LONGEST YARD MULCH & MORE n a

1 APPALACHIAN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROJECT (ASAP) r x 306 W. Haywood St., Asheville 828-236-1282 • asapconnections.org

60 Monticello Road, Asheville 828-658-0034 • avl.mx/a78

TREE SERVICE

2 SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN HIGHLANDS CONSERVANCY n

1 SMART FELLER TREE WORKS M

Asheville 828-545-5503 • smartfellertreeworks.com

2 ROYCE’S TREE SERVICE w

156 Hanover St., Asheville 828-768-2747 • roycestreeservice.com

372 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-0095 • appalachian.org

CONGRATS!

TO THIS YEAR'S WINNERS

3 ASHEVILLE ARBORISTS M

Asheville 828-778-8733 • ashevillearborists.com

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

Work & Business BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF ASHEVILLE 1 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. s d

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville highlandbrewing.com

EMPLOYMENT SECTOR TO WORK IN 1 HEALTH CARE 2 HOSPITALITY & TOURISM BUSINESS THAT GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY 1 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. s d

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville highlandbrewing.com

2 THE MATT & MOLLY TEAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) d

86 Asheland Ave., Asheville 828-210-1697 • themattandmollyteam.com

CO-OP/WORKEROWNED BUSINESS PHOTO BY NEIL JACOBS

GRIND

Best Minority-Owned Business; third place Coffeehouse for Its Vibe (tie)

OFFEE,

tea, beer. Whatever your choice of brew, Best of WNC voters have you covered. Coffee shop Grind AVL was named best Minority-Owned Business, while Alchemy Tearoom was selected as top Woman-Owned Business. Highland Brewing Co., meanwhile, was a repeat winner in two categories (Business That Represents the Spirit of Asheville, Business That Gives Back to the

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

Community) and came in second for Woman-Owned Business. And even though restaurants and bars have struggled to find adequate staffing, readers voted Hospitality as the second-best Employment Sector to Work In. The top sector was once again health care, despite many health care workers being on the front lines of the ongoing fight against COVID-19. Overall, the employment picture in the Asheville area looks much

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

better than it did a year ago. In June 2020, the unemployment rate was north of 10% as businesses struggled to stay afloat during the pandemic. By June 2021, it was down to 4.4%. Kudos to Mountain BizWorks, State Employees’ Credit Union and the French Broad Food Co-Op: All three have placed first in their categories for nine straight years.

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

— Justin McGuire X

1 FRENCH BROAD FOOD CO-OP d x 90 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-255-7650 • frenchbroadfood.coop

2 FIRESTORM BOOKSTORE CO-OP w 610 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-255-8115 • firestorm.coop

n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA OBILE-ONLY M o NLINE-ONLY HALL OF FAME x (Winner four years or more in a row)

CONTINUED BANK

CREDIT UNION 1 STATE EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION d n s x

1 HOMETRUST BANK d e s 10 Woodfin St., Asheville 828-254-8144 1011 Tunnel Road, Suite 180, Asheville 828-259-8000 1825 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-277-4300 • htb.com

2 FIRST CITIZENS BANK d w 108 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-257-5700 1375 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-257-5870 • firstcitizens.com

3 FIRST BANK d

11 Church St., Asheville 828-250-8430 • localfirstbank.com

Why I support Xpress:

1 Oak Plaza, Suite 101, Asheville 828-225-2900 701 N. Broadway, Asheville 828-253-8009 20 All Souls Crescent, Asheville 828-274-4200 • ncsecu.org

2 TELCO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION e w

36 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-252-6458 1141 Smokey Park Highway, Candler 828-252-6458 • telcoccu.org

3 SELF-HELP CREDIT UNION d 391 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville 828-255-0809 • self-help.org

“I’ve relied on Mountain Xpress for real local news and announcements for 20 years.”

– Becca Hall

Join Becca and become a member at SupportMountainX.com

Thank you WNC for voting us BEST in the region for 8 years in a row

Thanks for voting us

best Green Builder in WNC 5 Ravenscroft Dr. Suite 300, Asheville • 828.252.1841 www.lobobuilders.com MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

BEST OF WORK & BUSINESS BANK SERVICES FOR SMALL BUSINESS 1 FIRST BANK d e n

11 Church St., Asheville 828-250-8430 10 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-298-8193 778 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-5402 • localfirstbank.com

2 FIRST CITIZENS BANK d w 108 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-257-5700 1375 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-257-5870 • firstcitizens.com

WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS 1 ALCHEMY: TEAROOM, APOTHECARY, ACUPUNCTURE d 62 Clayton St., Asheville 828-575-9419 • alchemyasheville.com

2 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. s d

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville highlandbrewing.com

3 HOMETRUST BANK d 10 Woodfin St., Asheville 828-254-8144 • htb.com

Wow! So honored, humbled & grateful ❤ Thank you Asheville! ❤

WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS #1 ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC

ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO CENTER YOURSELF & BEST ACUPUNCTURIST, LEX KEKLAK

62 Clayton St, Asheville • alchemyasheville.com • 828.575.9419

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

SUPPORT ORGANIZATION FOR ENTREPRENEURS AND NEW BUSINESSES 1 MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS d x

153 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-253-2834 • mountainbizworks.org

MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS 1 GRIND r

346 Depot St., Asheville 828-505-0722 • grindavl.club

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

MountainX.com/Newsletters

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

Celebrating over 40 years of Excellence in Women’s Health Care FIRST PLACE Women’s Health Center (Hall of Fame) FIRST PLACE Maternity Care/Service (Hall of Fame) (828) 258-9191 • www.ashevillewomens.com

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

Media LOCAL RADIO STATION (COMMERCIAL) 1 98.1 THE RIVER w x

1190 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-259-9695 • 981theriver.com

2 99.9 KISS COUNTRY w

13 Summerlin Road, Asheville 828-257-2700 • 99kisscountry.iheart.com

3 MIX 96.5 WOXL w

1190 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-259-9695 • mymix965.com

LOCAL RADIO STATION (NONCOMMERCIAL) 1 BLUE RIDGE PUBLIC RADIO (BPR NEWS AND BPR CLASSIC) d x 73 Broadway, Asheville 828-210-4800 • bpr.org

2 88.7 WNCW e a

Isothermal Community College, 286 ICC Loop Road, Spindale 828-287-8000 • wncw.org

3 ASHEVILLE FM 103.3 w

864 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-348-0352 • ashevillefm.org

LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY/ANNOUNCER PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

EDDIE FOXX (THE EDDIE FOXX SHOW, 99.9 KISS COUNTRY) Best Local Radio Personality/Announcer; second place Local Radio Station(Comercial) — 99.9 Kiss Country

OTS of Mountain Xpress readers love doing the weekly New York Times Crossword puzzle at the back of each issue. It’s cathartic and meditative to take time away from screens, pick up a pencil (or a pen, if you dare) and ferret through the old noggin in search of the elusive answer to, for example, 45 across, ending in “y”: “Title detective of 1970s TV.” Well, finally, at long last, this year, the crossword emerged as the No. 1 Favorite Feature in Xpress, beating out even this year’s truly outstanding crop of letters to the editor.

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

As many prior years have demonstrated, when the votes are tallied, the Most Important Local News Story in the Last 12 Months is the same as the Most Over-Reported Local News Story. The COVID-19 pandemic has now proved that maxim true two years running. But when it comes to selecting the Most Under-Reported Local News Story in the Last 12 Months, voters this year split their votes among too many clamoring calamities and calls for good news. So, in accordance with the rules, no story gets to claim victory.

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

13 Summerlin Road, Asheville 828-257-2700 • 99kisscountry.iheart.com

2 KIPPER SCHAUER (MIX 96.5 FM) w

1190 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-259-9695 • mymix965.com

Speaking of news, a hearty congratulations to John Boyle, voters’ favorite print reporter for 10 straight years. And for the first time in ... maybe ever, after her retirement in May 2020, Darcel Grimes is absent from the roster of winners of Local TV Personality/Announcer. You’re missed, Darcel! And for those of you who never figured out the name of the elusive ’70s detective whose name ends in “y,” at 45 across in the crossword of last year’s Best of WNC Week 2 (Sept. 23, 2020), the answer is “Starsky.”

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

1 EDDIE FOXX (THE EDDIE FOXX SHOW, 99.9 KISS COUNTRY) w x

— Able Allen X

3 BLAINE GREENFIELD (BLAINESWORLD WPVM 103.7) d 34 Wall St., Suite 407, Asheville 828-542-0060 • wpvmfm.org

n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA OBILE-ONLY M o NLINE-ONLY HALL OF FAME x (Winner four years or more in a row)

CONTINUED 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

2 TAMMY WATFORD (WLOS) s 110 Technology Drive, Asheville 828-684-1340 • wlos.com

LOCAL PRINT PUBLICATION OTHER THAN XPRESS 1 ASHEVILLE CITIZEN TIMES d 14 O.Henry Ave., Asheville 800-672-2472 • citizen-times.com

2 THE LAUREL OF ASHEVILLE n

604 Elk Park Drive, Woodfin 828-670-7503 • thelaurelofasheville.com

LOCAL PRINT REPORTER 1 JOHN BOYLE (ASHEVILLE CITIZEN-TIMES) d x 14 O. Henry Ave., Asheville 828-232-5847 • citizen-times.com

2 MACKENSY LUNSFORD (ASHEVILLE CITIZEN TIMES) d

103.3 Asheville FM Our mission is to provide diverse and eclectic programming that inspires our listeners to build connections across our communities and to discover new music and ideas. Unlike other stations, we do that with volunteer DJs who know and love our community. During this pandemic we are here to keep you informed about what’s happening; provide you with music and entertainment while you stay home; and keep us all connected as a community when we cannot do so physically. Thanks for listening!

LOCAL NEWS WEBSITE 1 NEWS 13 WLOS s

110 Technology Drive, Asheville 828-684-1340 • wlos.com

2 AVLTODAY o

Asheville • avltoday.6amcity.com

3 ASHVEGAS

Asheville • ashvegas.com

info@ashevillefm.org ashevillefm.org | 828.348.0352 864 Haywood Rd., Asheville

MOST IMPORTANT LOCAL NEWS STORY (IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS) 1 COVID-19 PANDEMIC

DARREN C. CADWELL

2 BLACK LIVES MATTER DEMONSTRATIONS

REVITALIFE MASSAGE & WELLNESS Improving lives, one massage at a time

3 VANCE MONUMENT REMOVAL

2021 has been an amazing year for RevitaLife as the business has relocated and the WNC community has once again stepped up to the plate and pushed Darren back up to the top. He is beyond grateful to have received the support displayed by his family, friends and clientele. RevitaLife will continue to grow, expand our treatment methods, and work even harder to improve lives one massage at a time. We deeply appreciate everyone who has supported us along this journey.

MOST OVER-REPORTED STORY (IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS) 1 COVID-19 PANDEMIC 2 VANCE MONUMENT REMOVAL 3 BLACK LIVES MATTER DEMONSTRATIONS

417 Biltmore Ave., Doctors Park, Suite 5G2, Asheville, NC 28801 828-777-3882 • revitalifemassagenc.com

14 O. Henry Ave., Asheville 828-232-5922 • citizen-times.com

LOCAL NEWS SOURCE 1 NEWS 13 WLOS s

110 Technology Drive, Asheville 828-684-1340 • wlos.com

2 ASHEVILLE CITIZEN TIMES d 14 O.Henry Ave., Asheville 800-672-2472 • citizen-times.com

3 AVLTODAY o

LOCAL, NATURAL, NEW, CONSIGNMENT.

Asheville • avltoday.6amcity.com

LOCAL EVENTS INFORMATION SOURCE 1 MOUNTAIN XPRESS d

Best selection of wooden toys, cloth diapers, baby carriers, and more!

2 Wall St., Asheville 828-251-1333 • mountainx.com

2 AVLTODAY o

Asheville • avltoday.6amcity.com

3 NEWS 13 WLOS s

110 Technology Drive, Asheville 828-684-1340 • wlos.com

FAVORITE FEATURE IN XPRESS

647 Haywood Road West Asheville 253-4747 thelittlestbirds.com

1 NY TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE 2 OPINION SECTION 3 CLUBLAND

calendar.mountainx.com/cal

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

Pets 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 THE PET VET ON PATTON w

2 Hansel Ave., Asheville 828-232-9990 • petvetonpatton.com

VETERINARIAN 1 DR. TIM MCMULLAN (PINNACLE ANIMAL HOSPITAL) s a 200 Julian Lane, Suite 204, Arden 828-676-2332 • pinnacleanimalhospital.com

2 AMY PLANKENHORN (ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF NORTH ASHEVILLE) n

1 Beaverdam Road, Asheville 828-944-4170 • ahna.net/site/home

3 KATHLEEN ALLISON (BROAD RIVER ANIMAL HOSPITAL) n a

121 Barnardsville Highway, Weaverville 828-484-7771 • broadrivervets.com

PHOTO BY NEIL JACOBS

THE WAGBAR

Best Pet-Friendly Bar, Best Outdoor Place to Take Your Pet, Best Thing to Happen to Your Town in the Last 12 Months; third place Local Place to Enjoy the Outdoors

UDGING by the ubiquity of dogs in WNC, you might think man’s best friend runs this place. We love our pets and we take them everywhere we go: drinking at breweries, hiking in the woods, tubing on the river. (OK, maybe not tubing, but you get the point.) If our cats, reptiles and feathered friends would just take direction, we might take them on fun adventures, too.

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

As of 2020, Weaverville even has its own watering hole-slash-dog park. Not surprisingly, Wagbar topped Xpress voters’ 2021 lists for best pet-friendly bar and best outdoor place to take your pet. We can only hope in years to come that more dog park bars open up around here. Folks came out in droves for the top veterinary practice in WNC. The Animal Hospital of North Asheville is where the majority of voters take

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

their fur babies. That’s no surprise here: AHNA is a longtime Hall of Famer ’round these parts. New to the Hall of Fame is Happy Tails Country Club, the doggie day care and boarding kennel that WNC pet parents turn to when they need to be away. Read on for even more top choices that get those tails wagging.

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

— Jessica Wakeman X

ALTERNATIVE PET HEALTH CARE PROVIDER 1 BETH HAMPTON JONES (ASHEVILLE ANIMAL ACUPUNCTURE & WELLNESS CLINIC) d 70 Woodfin Place, Suite 6, Asheville 828-450-0851 ashevilleanimalacupuncture.com

n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA OBILE-ONLY M o NLINE-ONLY HALL OF FAME x (Winner four years or more in a row)

CONTINUED PET SUPPLY STORE 1 PATTON AVENUE PET CO. d w s x 109 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-255-7737 1388 Patton Ave., Asheville 282-505-8299 582 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-575-9282 • pattonavenuepet.com

PET DAY CARE FACILITY 1 HAPPY TAILS COUNTRY CLUB s w a 1984 Cane Creek Road, Fletcher 828-628-8510 1164 Sand Hill Road, Candler 828-628-8510 • happytailscc.com

2 RUFF LIFE DOG TRAINING SERVICES s 95 Thompson St., Asheville 828-365-8244 • rufflifeavl.com

Thank you voters!!!

3 CAMP BOW WOW s a

2 PETSMART e s a

5 Airport Road, Arden 828-676-0444 • campbowwow.com

150 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville 828-298-5670 3 McKenna Road, Arden 828-681-5343 • petsmart.com

3 YOU WORK I’LL PLAY DOG DAYCARE AND TRAINING w

3 ASHEVILLE PET SUPPLY n

1451 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-252-2054 • ashevillepetsupply.com

PET KENNEL 1 HAPPY TAILS COUNTRY CLUB s w ax

1984 Cane Creek Road, Fletcher 828-628-8510 1164 Sand Hill Road, Candler 828-628-8510 • happytailscc.com

677A Brevard Road, Asheville 828-665-1010 • ywipdogdaycare.com

Y’all are the best! We shih Tzu not!

GROOMING SERVICE 1 WAGGERS DOG DEPOT n x

1020 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-271-4741 • waggersdogdepot.com

2 CANINE SHEAR HEAVEN s

422 McDowell St., Asheville 828-254-3386 • canineshearheaven.com

1451 Sweeten Creek Rd 828-274-4155 hotdavl.com

3 HAIR OF THE DOG PET SALON s 1451 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-274-4155 • hotdavl.com

Thank you for

10 Years as WNC’s

FAVORITE PET SUPPLY STORES!

PattonAvenuePet.com 109 Patton Avenue, Downtown AVL 1388 Patton Avenue, West AVL • 582 Hendersonville Road, South AVL MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

BEST OF PETS TRAINER/TRAINING CENTER 1 MINDFUL MUTZ TRAINING & BEHAVIOR CONSULTING (HEATHER POLECHIO) M Asheville 828-230-6389 • mindfulmutz.com

2 THE DOG DOOR (KIM BROPHEY) d

1 Battle Square, Suite A, Asheville 828-656-8305 • dogdoorcanineservices.com

3 RUFF LIFE DOG TRAINING SERVICES s 95 Thompson St., Asheville 828-365-8244 • rufflifeavl.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

OUTDOOR PLACE TO TAKE YOUR PET 1 WAGBAR n a

320 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-337-4964 • wagbar.com

2 AZALEA ROAD DOG PARK e 395 Azalea Road, Asheville 828-259-5800 • avl.mx/a7x

2 FRENCH BROAD RIVER PARK w 508 Riverview Drive, Asheville 828-259-5800 • avl.mx/a8b

3 MILLS RIVER PARK s a

124 Town Center Drive, Mills River 828-890-2901 • millsriver.org

PET-FRIENDLY BAR 1 WAGBAR n a

320 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-337-4964 • wagbar.com

2 HILLMAN BEER s e a

14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville 828-761-2001 • ashevillehumane.org

25 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-1312 78 Catawba Ave., Old Fort 828-668-6372 • hillmanbeer.com

3 MOUNTAIN PET RESCUE w a

3 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. s

7 Old Pisgah Highway, Suite 200, Candler mountainpetrescueavl.org

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

d • Fre ha

r yo s fo u

ay pas ed

og wit rd

If I Had A Tail It’d Be Waggin’

First Place — Pet-Friendly Bar First Place — Outdoor Place to Take Your Pet First Place — Best Thing to Happen to Your Town in the Last 12 Months — in Regional: Weaverville & Woodfin Third Place — Local Place to Enjoy the Outdoors — in Regional: Weaverville & Woodfin

See wagbar.com for entry requirements 320 Merrimon Ave • Weaverville, NC • 828-337-4964 62

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

Thank you to all who voted! You're PAW-SOME! 95 Thompson St, Asheville, NC (828) 365-8244 • rufflifeavl.com rufflifeavl rufflifeavl@gmail.com •

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

Small Towns . . . SWANNANOA & . . . . . . 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 SEVEN SISTERS CRAFT GALLERY 119 Broadway Ave., Black Mountain 828-669-5107 • sevensistersgallery.com

3 THE DRIPOLATOR COFFEEHOUSE 221 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-0999 • avl.mx/3w7

BREAKFAST RESTAURANT 1 LOUISE’S KITCHEN x

115 Black Mountain Ave., Black Mountain 828-357-5446 • louisesblackmtn.com

2 BLUE RIDGE BISCUIT CO.

BLACK MOUNTAIN OLD DEPOT

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OLD DEPOT GALLERY

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

Best Cultural or Historical Landmark

LUNCH RESTAURANT S it just me, or do you also start

humming John Mellencamp’s 1985 song “Small Town” whenever you come to this section of the Best of WNC? Like the story told in Mellencamp’s single, many of our readers also live, breathe and have a blast in small towns. In this week’s Best of WNC winner listings, we look north of Asheville, exploring the popular spots in Burnsville, Hot Springs, Marshall, Mars Hill, Weaverville and Woodfin. We also turn our attention east to see what’s cooking in Black Mountain and Swannanoa. Speaking of cooking, Best Dinner Restaurant was one of the most heavily voted categories in the small town races. This year’s winners include Iron Horse Station (Hot Springs), Star Diner (Marshall), Appalachian Java & Café (Burnsville), Trailhead

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

Restaurant (Black Mountain) and Glass Onion (Weaverville). The Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Your Town spotlights the iconic Hot Springs Resort and Spa (Hot Springs), Zuma Coffee (Marshall) and Blue Mountain Pizza (Weaverville). Yes, there was plenty of love this year for Asheville’s neighboring small towns. Like Mellencamp, voters seemed unable to forget where it is that they come from (or, in some cases, moved to). Before you dive into the section, we’d like to give a shoutout to this year’s new Hall of Fame winners: Homeplace Beer Co. (Local Bar/ Brewery/Watering Hole–Burnsville) • Something Special Gift Shop (Retail Store–Burnsville) • Appalachian Java & Café (Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Your Town, Coffee and

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

Sweets, Dinner Restaurant, Lunch Restaurant, Breakfast Restaurant – all for Burnsville) • Hot Springs Resort and Spa (Local Place to Enjoy the Outdoors–Hot Springs) • Weaverville Art Safari (Cultural or Arts Event– Weaverville & Woodfin) • Lake Louise Park (Local Place to Enjoy the Outdoors–Weaverville & Woodfin) • Mermaid Festival (Cultural or Arts Event–Marshall & Mars Hill) • Mad Co. Brew House (Local Bar/Brewery/ Watering Hole–Marshall & Mars Hill) • Bounty & Soul (Local Cause to Support–Swannanoa & Black Mountain) • Montreat Trails & Park (Local Place to Enjoy the Outdoors– Swannanoa & Black Mountain) • Pisgah Brewing Co. (Local Bar/ Brewery/Watering Hole–Swannanoa & Black Mountain).

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

— Thomas Calder X

1 VERANDA CAFE x

119 Cherry St., Black Mountain 828-669-8864 • verandacafeandgifts.com

2 THE TRAILHEAD RESTAURANT & BAR 207 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-357-5656 • thetrailheadrestaurant.com

3 MY FATHER’S PIZZA & PASTA 110 Cherry St., Black Mountain 828-669-4944 • myfatherspizza.com

DINNER RESTAURANT 1 THE TRAILHEAD RESTAURANT & BAR 207 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-357-5656 • thetrailheadrestaurant.com

2 MY FATHER’S PIZZA & PASTA 110 Cherry St., Black Mountain 828-669-4944 • myfatherspizza.com

3 QUE SERA

101 Black Mountain Ave., Black Mountain 828-664-9472 • queserarestaurant.com

CONTINUED COFFEE & SWEETS 1 THE DRIPOLATOR COFFEEHOUSE x 221 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-0999 • avl.mx/3w7

2 DYNAMITE ROASTING CO.

3198 U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-357-8555 • dynamiteroasting.com

3 FOUR SISTERS BAKERY

136 N. Dougherty St., Black Mountain

CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL LANDMARK 1 BLACK MOUNTAIN OLD DEPOT 207 Sutton Ave., Black Mountain 828-669-6583 • olddepot.org

2 MONTE VISTA HOTEL

308 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-8870 • mvhotel.com

LOCAL BAR/BREWERY/ WATERING HOLE

CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT

1 PISGAH BREWING CO. x

1 LEAF FESTIVAL x

2 LOOKOUT BREWING CO.

2 SOURWOOD FESTIVAL

2948 U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-669-0190 • pisgahbrewing.com

103 S. Ridgeway Ave., Black Mountain 828-357-5169 • lookoutbrewing.com

3 BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

131 Broadway Ave., Black Mountain 828-357-5010 • blackmountainbrewing.com

377 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 828-686-8742 • theleaf.org

201 E. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-2300 • sourwoodfestival.com

3 ART IN BLOOM

225 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-0930 • avl.mx/9nw

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS

1 WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN 105 Montreat Road, Black Mountain 828-669-0816 whitehorseblackmountain.com

2 PISGAH BREWING CO.

2948 U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-669-0190 • pisgahbrewing.com

3 SILVERADOS

2898 U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-357-8592 • silveradoswnc.com

RETAIL STORE

1 MONTREAT TRAILS & PARK x Montreat townofmontreat.org

2 LAKE TOMAHAWK PARK

401 Laurel Circle Drive, Black Mountain 828-669-2052 • avl.mx/7xb

3 CHARLES D. OWEN PARK

875 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa 828-250-4260 • avl.mx/a8c

1 TOWN HARDWARE & GENERAL STORE x

103 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-7723 • townhardware.com

2 SASSAFRAS ON SUTTON

108 Sutton Ave., Black Mountain 828-419-0677 • sassafrasonsutton.com

3 SEVEN SISTERS CRAFT GALLERY 119 Broadway Ave., Black Mountain 828-669-5107 • sevensistersgallery.com

LOCAL CAUSE TO SUPPORT 1 BOUNTY & SOUL x

999 Old U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-419-0533 • bountyandsoul.org

2 SWANNANOA VALLEY CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

101 N. Ridgeway Ave., Black Mountain 828-669-9404 • svcmblackmountain.org

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

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 (2018 - 2021)

BE A PART OF THE

ASHEVILLE GROWN NETWORK SIGN UP NOW AT ASHEVILLEGROWN.COM TO BE INCLUDED IN THE 2022 GO LOCAL DIRECTORY

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

BEST OF SMALL TOWNS BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

MARSHALL & . . . MARS HILL . . .

1 ZUMA COFFEE x

7 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-1617 • zumascoffee.com

1 ZUMA COFFEE

7 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-1617 • zumascoffee.com

2 MAD CO. BREW HOUSE

BREAKFAST RESTAURANT

45 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-8600 • madisoncountybrewing.com

1 ZUMA COFFEE

7 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-1617 • zumascoffee.com

RETAIL STORE

2 CAMDEN’S COFFEE HOUSE

1 PENLAND & SONS DEPARTMENT STORE x

40 N. Main St., Mars Hill 828-680-1246 • camdenscoffeehouse.com

50 S. Main St., Marshall 828-649-2811 • avl.mx/2sc

3 THE WAGON WHEEL

390 Carl Eller Road, Mars Hill 828-689-4755 • avl.mx/a7c

ART GALLERY

LUNCH RESTAURANT

1 FLOW BODY + HOME

1 STACKHOUSE AMERICAN EATERY & PUB

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DOWNTOWN MARSHALL ASSOCIATION

37 S. Main St., Mars Hill 828-680-1213 • stackhouserestaurant.com

STAR DINER

2 ZUMA COFFEE

3 THE SWEET MONKEY

133 S. Main St., Marshall 828-649-2489 • thesweetmonkey.com

win with an

official plaque

1 STAR DINER

1 ZUMA COFFEE x

2 STACKHOUSE AMERICAN EATERY & PUB

2 CAMDEN’S COFFEE HOUSE

37 S. Main St., Mars Hill 828-680-1213 • stackhouserestaurant.com

3 THE ORIGINAL PAPA NICK’S

15 College St., Mars Hill 828-689-8566 • theoriginalpapanicks.com

Check out Xpress’ Clubland Listings for live music around town

IN PRINT & mountainx.com/ clubland

Downtown, Marshall 828-649-7889 downtownmarshallnc.com/events

7 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-1617 • zumascoffee.com

40 N. Main St., Mars Hill 828-680-1246 • camdenscoffeehouse.com

3 THE SWEET MONKEY

885 Forest St., Mars Hill 828-689-1381 • baileymountainpark.org

45 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-8600 • madisoncountybrewing.com

2 HICKORY NUT GORGE BREWERY 70 Main St., Mars Hill 828-771-8330 • hickorynutbrewery.com

1 BLANNAHASSETT ISLAND 2 BAILEY MOUNTAIN PRESERVE

LOCAL BAR/BREWERY/ WATERING HOLE 1 MAD CO. BREW HOUSE x

LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS Marshall • avl.mx/a80

133 S. Main St., Marshall 828-649-2489 • thesweetmonkey.com

Need to catch a show?

To purchase, contact advertise@mountainx.com

1 MERMAID PARADE AND FESTIVAL x

COFFEE & SWEETS

DINNER RESTAURANT 115 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-9900 • stardinerwnc.com

Commemorate your

CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT

Best Dinner Restaurant

7 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-1617 • zumascoffee.com

14 Main St., Marshall 828-649-1686 • flowmarshall.com

CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL LANDMARK 1 MADISON COUNTY COURTHOUSE 2 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-2200 • avl.mx/a8v

Thank to the readers for Voting Groce Favorite once again!

Asheville’s Local, Family-Owned Cremation & Funeral Service Lake Julian 72 Long Shoals Road Arden 828-687-3530

West Asheville 1401 Patton Avenue Asheville 828-252-3535

www.grocefuneralhome.com 66

BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

East Asheville 856 Tunnel Road Asheville 828-299-4416

CONTINUED MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

WEAVERVILLE & . . . WOODFIN . . .

1 BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA x

55 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-658-8778 • bluemountainpizza.com

RETAIL STORE 1 5 LITTLE MONKEYS QUILT & SEW 32 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-484-7200 • fivemonkeyquilts.com

2 REEMS CREEK NURSERY

76 Monticello Road, Weaverville 828-645-3937 • reemscreek.com

3 CURTIS WRIGHT OUTFITTERS

24 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-8700 • curtiswrightoutfitters.com

ART GALLERY 1 MIYA GALLERY x

20 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-658-9655 • miyagallery.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF GLASS ONION

GLASS ONION Best Dinner Restaurant

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 STONEY KNOB CAFE

337 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-645-3309 • stoneyknobcafe.com

BREAKFAST RESTAURANT 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 TOMMY’S FAMILY RESTAURANT 247 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-658-3221 • avl.mx/4ve

LUNCH RESTAURANT

Weaverville • avl.mx/7zg

3 MUSIC ON MAIN WEAVERVILLE

337 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-645-3309 • stoneyknobcafe.com

30 S. Main St., Weaverville avl.mx/7zh

3 TWISTED LAUREL

10A S. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-2700 • twistedlaurel.com

LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS 1 LAKE LOUISE PARK x

COFFEE & SWEETS

Lake Louise Drive, Weaverville 828-645-7116 • avl.mx/6cc

1 WELL-BRED BAKERY & CAFÉ x 26 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com

2 MAIN STREET NATURE PARK 25 U.S. 19 Business, Weaverville 828-645-7116 • avl.mx/6cc

2 ALLGOOD COFFEE

10 S. Main St., Weaverville 828-484-8663 • allgood.coffee

3 WAGBAR

320 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-337-4964 • wagbar.com

113 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-484-8844 • yellowmugcoffeelounge.com

2 STONEY KNOB CAFE

2 ZEBULON ARTISAN ALES

3 TWISTED LAUREL

10A S. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-2700 • twistedlaurel.com

2 ART IN AUTUMN

2 STONEY KNOB CAFE

1 ELUVIUM BREWING CO.

337 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-645-3309 • stoneyknobcafe.com

Weaverville • weavervilleartsafari.com

18 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-8866 • glassonionasheville.com

1 WELL-BRED BAKERY & CAFÉ x 26 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com

1 WEAVERVILLE ART SAFARI x

1 GLASS ONION

LOCAL BAR/BREWERY/ WATERING HOLE

14 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-658-9617 • avl.mx/7yu

CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT

DINNER RESTAURANT

3 YELLOW MUG COFFEE LOUNGE

2 ARTISANS ON MAIN

10A S. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-2700 • twistedlaurel.com

Thanks for voting us

The #1 Retail Store in Weaverville

CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL LANDMARK 1 VANCE BIRTHPLACE x

911 Reems Creek Road, Weaverville 828-645-6706 • avl.mx/7zi

11 Florida Ave., Weaverville 828-484-1799 • eluviumbrewing.com

8 Merchants Alley, Weaverville zebulonbrewing.com

WNC’s Premiere Fabric Store

BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO YOUR TOWN IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS 1 WAGBAR

320 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-337-4964 • wagbar.com

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

32 N. Main Street Weaverville, NC 28787 828-484-7200

fivemonkeyquilts.com Tuesday-Saturday 11-4 BEST OF WNC - PART TWO

BEST OF SMALL TOWNS

. . . HOT SPRINGS . . .

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 BLUFF MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS 152 Bridge St., Hot Springs 828-622-7162 • avl.mx/7zl

BREAKFAST RESTAURANT

LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS 1 HOT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA x 315 Bridge St., Hot Springs 828-622-7676 • nchotsprings.com

2 APPALACHIAN TRAIL FROM HOT SPRINGS TO MAX PATCH

828-254-3708 • appalachiantrail.org

1 SMOKY MOUNTAIN DINER x 70 Lance Ave., Hot Springs 828-622-7571 • avl.mx/a6s

LUNCH RESTAURANT 1 SPRING CREEK TAVERN

145 Bridge St., Hot Springs 828-622-0187 • thespringcreektavern.com

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Eco-Grief Circles Seven-week session will explore grief and sorrow, anxiety and fear, guilt and shame, anger and despair. Sponsored by the Creation Care Alliance. WE (9/22, 29), 12pm, avl.mx/aey Introduction to Medicare - Understanding the Puzzle Class explains how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties, and ways to save money. To register, visit the Council on Aging of Buncombe County’s website or call the Council on Aging at 828-277-8288. WE (9/22), 2pm, avl.mx/9hz A-B Tech Workforce Career Fair Block Prty Career fair featuring grand opening of the Workforce Readiness Resource Lab, a satellite lab of NCWorks. . TH (9/23), 4pm, A-B Tech Advanced Manufacturing Center, 41 Fernihurst Dr Expand Your Circle: Speed Connecting for Women Entrepreneurs This project, which invites women to network and connect, receives support from NC IDEA. TH (9/23), 5:30pm, $10, Registration required, Focal Point Coworking, 125 South Lexington Ave Suite 101 Fall Plant Sale The Playhouse Gardeners hold their annual two-day plant sale. FR (9/24), SA (9/25), 9am, Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Hwy 225, Flat Rock Ridgefield Toastmasters Open House Ridgefield Toastmasters sponsors session on how to structure and develop an effective process for changing thinking or behavior. Zoom Meeting ID 854 5701 5028. FR (9/24), 12pm, avl.mx/agp Aurora Studio & Gallery's Fun on Friday Arts/fundraising activity for Asheville visitors. To register, text Lori Greenberg at 828335-1038. Suggested donation. FR (9/24), 2:30pm, $20, The Refinery, 207 Coxe Ave Fridays at the Folk Art Center A Parkway ranger discusses odd illnesses and even odder remedies, from turpentine to axes under the bed. FR (9/24), 6:30pm, Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Parkway Edible Park Community Work Day Mulching, pruning and clearing invasive plants. FR (9/24), 2:30pm, Dr.

George Washington Carver Edible Park, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Homeward Bound’s Annual Pop-Up Thrift Store Proceeds will benefit Homeward Bound’s consumables program, which supplies basic necessities for housed clients. SA (9/25), 8am, Homeward Bound Welcome Home Donation Center, 205 Elk Park Dr, Woodfin Rumsey | French Art Collaborative Benefiting Serve Haiti Old-time music from Honey Holler Band and Free Flow Funk Band, plus beverages, hors d’oeuvres, children’s activities and face painting. SA (9/25), 4pm, Rumsey | French Art Collaborative, 70 W. Avon Parkway Community Yard Sale Dozens of sellers at twice-annal event. SA (9/25), 8am, Free, Ingles parking lot, 2299 US-70, Swannanoa Doll Show and Sale Shop-quality vendors from across Southeast and Midwest selling antique, vintage, artist and modern dolls, toys and more. SA (9/25), 9:30am, $5, WNC Ag Center’s Davis Event Center, 765 Boylston Hwy, Fletcher WNCHA Outdoor Experiences: Big Ivy Hike Group tour of the Big Ivy Historical Park and hike to the nearby Little Snowball Mountain. SA (9/25), 11am, Big Ivy Historical park, 550 Dillingham Rd, Barnardsville Walk to Wintergreen Falls Friends of DuPont Forest board member Ericka Berg leads roughly 3.4-mile hike. SU (9/26), 9am, DuPont State Recreational Forest Guion Access Area, 3045 Sky Valley Rd, Hendersonville Online Baha'i Sunday Devotional Virtual gathering with readings, music, prayers, and conversation. All are welcome. A Zoom link will be sent in advance to those who register. SU (9/26), 10am, avl.mx/a9m Haywood Road CleanUp and Grill & Chill Meet in the parking lot. Free beer provided by Archetype and a raffle for a local non-profit tba. SU (9/26), 11am, Archetype Brewing, 265 Haywood Rd Better Together Discussion Group Group's goal is "to empower a racial awakening through building relationships and deepening our

understanding of our true connection." Meets second and fourth Sunday of every month. SU (9/26), 12:30pm, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science Mind Way Guided Tree Walk Arborist Bill Leatherwood leads a walk to identify trees along Main Street and discuss the special care and maintenance they require. Reservation required by Sept. 23. Call Mac Bracket at (828)692-3026. SU (9/26), 2pm, Downtown Hendersonville WNC History Café: Black Mountain College in the Community (online) A lecture on the historic relationship between Black Mountain College and the local WNC community. Attendees will receive a Zoom link. MO (9/27), 10:30am, $8-12, avl.mx/afq Social Contract Bridge Group For more info, contact Stefano 727-481-8103. MO (9/27), 12:30pm, free, Senior Opportunity Center, 36 Grove St One Material Miniature Arrangements Ikebana International of Asheville hosts a demonstration focusing on creating a grouping of miniature ikebana arrangements. TU (9/28), 10:30am, Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Parkway How to Prevent and Handle Bear Interactions Black bear biologist Ashley Hobbs will teach how to prevent and handle interactions. To register or for more info, email Sarah Oram, at oramsarah@gmail. com by 9/23.. TU (9/28), 6pm, avl.mx/ag2 Arbor Evenings Stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens and experience the Wild Art outdoor sculpture showcase as live music plays. TH (9/23, 29), FR (9/24), 5:30pm, Free$16, NC Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way WNCHA Presents: Native American Resistance to 16th-Century Spanish Invasion Dr. David Moore will explore the history and the modern archaeology behind the travelling exhibit Unearthing Our Forgotten Past: Fort San Juan, now on display at the Smith-McDowell House Museum. TH (9/30), 6:30pm, free, avl.mx/agm Swift Night Out The Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter sponsors annual chimney swift viewing event. Meet

on the top floor of the Civic Center parking deck. TH (9/30), 6:45pm, Harrah's Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St

FOOD & BEER RAD Farmers Market Weekly market featuring 30+ local farmers, makers and bakers. WE (9/22, 29), 3pm, Pleb Urban Winery, 289 Lyman St

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Les-ter Farmers Market Weekly event WE (9/22, 29), 3:30pm, Leicester Community Center, 711 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester

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Jus' Runnin' Pub Run Rain or shine, all ages and experience levels welcome. WE (9/22), 6:15pm, Archetype Brewing, 265 Haywood Rd Flat Rock Farmers Market Weekly market. TH (9/23, 30), 3pm, Flat Rock Farmers Market, 1790 Greenville Hwy, Hendersonville Hendersonville Farmers Market Weekly farmers market. SA (9/25), 8am, Historic Hendersonville Train Depot, 650 Maple St

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Jackson Arts Market Weekly event every Saturday through Dec. 18. SA (9/25), 1pm, 533 W Main St, Sylva Meadow Market at Highland Brewing Every Sunday. SU (9/26), 12pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy #200

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FESTIVALS Mountain Heritage Day Annual festival of Southern Appalachian traditions and culture showcases bluegrass, old-time and traditional music, as well as family activities, vendors and the region’s arts and crafts. SA (9/25), Western Carolina University, Cullowhee DuPont Forest Festival Fourth annual festival features nature hikes, yoga, kids' bike clinic and ride, meet the horses, fly-fishing demonstration and more. SA (9/25), 10am, DuPont State Recreational Forest Guion Access Area, 3045 Sky Valley Rd Hendersonville Asheville Greek Festival Drive-through only for Greek specialities and pastries. SA (9/25), 11am, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 227 Cumberland Ave

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SEPT. 22-28, 2021

WELLNESS HEALTH ROUNDUP

by Jessica Wakeman | jwakeman@mountainx.com

Pardee administers 430 COVID antibody infusions in a month Pardee UNC Health Care in Hendersonville has expanded its monoclonal antibody infusion clinic to address the increase of COVID-19 patients in the region. From February through early August, the Emergency Department at Pardee administered 400 infusions of the Regeneron antibody therapy, says chief nursing officer Carol Stefaniak. But following the infusion clinic’s relocation to an outpatient facility in Hendersonville Aug. 11, another 430 infusions were administered, reflecting high demand for the drug. The Henderson County Board of Commissioners voted to allocate $250,000 from the county’s American Rescue Plan Act funds to support the expansion Aug. 18. Regeneron is designed to target the coronavirus and lower the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms. “Of the patients receiving an infusion, we continue to see strong outcomes with only 1% of those patients requiring hospitalization and 0% mortality,” says Erica Allison, spokesperson for Pardee. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not formally approved Regeneron, but the drug is authorized for emergency use in patients over 12 years old with mild to moderate COVID-19. Patients must have a positive COVID-19 test and a referral from Pardee Urgent Care to be scheduled for a monoclonal antibody infusion. The procedure takes 20 minutes, plus an additional 60 minutes for observation afterwards. More information is available at 828-694-8222 or avl.mx/agd.

A-B Tech accepting applications for nursing program The Nursing Education Program at A-B Tech is accepting applications

PUMP UP THE VOLUME: Carol Stefaniak, chief nursing officer of Pardee UNC Health Care in Hendersonville, says demand for infusions of the Regeneron antibody therapy has spiked due to increasing COVID-19 cases in the region. Photo courtesy of Pardee for its spring 2022 cohort through Wednesday, Oct. 20. Two tracks are available to earn an associate degree in nursing: a traditional five-semester program and a three-semester advanced placement program. The first program is open to students who have a current, unrestricted Nurse Aide I credential from the N.C. Nurse Aide Registry. Fifty spots are available. Applicants to the advanced placement track must have an unrestricted licensed practical nurse credential valid in North Carolina. The program traditionally accepts 15 students per cohort, according to Christy Andrews, chair of A-B Tech’s nursing department.

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Early application is encouraged. More information is available at ABTech.edu/Nursing or by calling 828-398-7900.

YWCA of Asheville debuts new fitness app The YWCA of Asheville has debuted a new fitness app, available for both iPhone and Android users. The free app, powered by VirtuaGym, will allow local YWCA members to make reservations, track progress and access workouts online. The program will replace Daxko, the YWCA of Asheville’s previous app, Friday, Oct. 1. More information about how to download and make reservations with the app is available at avl.mx/afe. Assistance is available through YWCA Membership Coordinator Macie Murphy at Macie.Murphy@YWCAofAsheville. org or 828-254-7206 ext. 105.

Save the date

• The Alzheimer’s Association — Western Carolina Chapter is hosting the Walk to End Alzheimer’s — Asheville in Park Square Park on Saturday, Oct. 9. Onsite registration for the 2-mile walk begins at 9 a.m., and the event begins at 10:30 a.m. Online registration is available at Alz.org/NorthCarolina. More information is available through Kelly Stoner at 828-3985780 or KSStoner@alz.org. • The Trick or Trail 5K and 1 Mile Spooky Sprint take place 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, at Guion Farm, 3045 Sky Valley Road, Hendersonville. Runners are advised to wear headlamps as they traverse the trails of the DuPont State Recreational Forest. The 1 Mile Spooky Sprint is family-friendly, and Halloween costumes are encouraged. More information is available at avl.mx/aet.

• Blue Ridge Community College will host guest speaker Christy Baker, a nurse at AdventHealth Hendersonville, to share “Telling Her Story: The Importance of Mental Health.” The talk takes place Thursday, Sept. 30, 6-7:30 p.m. in the Thomas Auditorium in the Sink Building on the college’s Henderson County campus and is also available on Zoom at avl.mx/age. No registration is required. • The E.W. Pearson Project Collaboration, a collaboration between historically Black organizations in Asheville, will hold a webinar, “COVID’s Impact on the African-American Community,” Thursday, Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. Local health officials and community members will share information about COVID-19 and efforts to curb the spread of the virus. The webinar is free; participants must register in advance at avl.mx/ag4. • Blue Ridge Community College will hold a mental health resource fair Saturday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the parking lot of the BRCC Health Sciences Center, 805 Sixth Avenue West, Hendersonville. The family-friendly event will highlight resources for residents of Henderson and Transylvania counties. • The Black Bear Half-Marathon runs Saturday, Oct. 9, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. in Jackson Park, 100 Jackson Park Road, Hendersonville. More information is available at avl.mx/aes.

Community kudos • Aspen Dental is open at 59 Highlands Square Drive in Hendersonville, led by Cody James Labelle and his dental team. More information is available at AspenDental.com. • Pardee UNC Health Care announced Aug. 20 that Steve Heatherly will join the organization as chief operating officer. He is currently serving as CEO of Swain Community Hospital in Bryson City and Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva. Heatherly will join Pardee Monday, Oct. 11. X

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ARTS & CULTURE

North Asheville glow-up

Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. transitions to a first-run theater

SUNSET BOULEVARD: Asheville Pizza & Brewing’s 20-plus year legacy as a second-run and repertory theater will end when it reopens as a first-run house on Oct. 7. Photo courtesy of Asheville Pizza & Brewing

BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN earnaudin@mountainx.com The rise in on-demand digital streaming services over the past decade has changed the way people consume entertainment — for better and for worse. The amount of original and curated content available on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and numerous other platforms provides subscribers with a staggering range of selections, all accessible from the comforts of home at the literal push of a button. But the impatience of film distributors to get their products from movie theaters to living rooms has also resulted in new contracts with vastly shorter waiting windows, making it nearly impossible for second-run and repertory cinemas like Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. to survive. “It used to be six months or even longer sometimes, so that gave second-runs an opportunity to fill in that gap,” says company President Mike Rangel. “But now with stream20

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

ing, the movie companies have their own platforms. They don’t need to discount what they’ve got by sending it to a bunch of little independent, second-run theaters.” Without sufficient second-run titles to rely on from a financial standpoint, and with distribution contracts not allowing single-screen establishments to show a combination of repertory and first-run films, Asheville Pizza & Brewing will follow the path of many fellow second-run theaters across the U.S. and become a first-run business. The inaugural offering in this new chapter will be the latest James Bond film, No Time to Die, which opens Thursday, Oct. 7 — “At 007 p.m.,” Rangel says with a laugh, swearing he just thought of the pun. And to say farewell to its long-running model, the theater will screen crowd favorites Mad Max: Fury Road — in its Black & Chrome (Thursday, Sept. 23, and Sunday, Sept. 26) and theatrical color editions (Friday and Saturday, Sept. 24- 25). Shaun of the

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Dead will also be part of the sign-off (Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 3). “We wanted to go out with a bang,” Rangel says. “Fury Road is phenomenal and should only be watched on a movie screen. And Shaun of the Dead is my personal pick. It’s October, so a zombie movie is appropriate, and I love [stars] Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.”

UPSCALED VIEWING

Instead of its usual lineup of a daytime children’s film, evening blockbuster and late-night cult/ experimental fare, the theater will show one movie at a time for two to three weeks. Programming will lean toward the more popular offerings, with Denis Villeneuve’s star-studded adaptation of Dune (Oct. 21) likely following No Time to Die. Rangel says the decrease in titles shown will make life easier on his booker, but he’ll miss the ability to program older titles for special

occasions. He says the hardest thing for him and his colleagues will be not playing Elf around Christmas or Groundhog Day on the film’s namesake holiday. Rangel will also miss the opportunity to honor stars who has died by running one of their past works. Tributes to Leslie Nielsen (Airplane), Burt Reynolds (Smokey and the Bandit) and Levon Helm from The Band (The Last Waltz) rank among his most memorable nights at the theater. New rates will also be in the mix. Tickets will go from $5 to $7 matinees and $10 evening shows. To help justify the increase, which is still several dollars lower than what Asheville’s chain theaters charge, the space has undergone multiple improvements. The digital projector was recently serviced and outfitted with a new bulb, resulting in a crisper image. Rangel has also added more lighting and installed a door that, he says, cuts down roughly 90% of noise from the in-theater bar. By essentially soundproofing the space, he aims to all

Commemorate your but eliminate the interruptions and potential irritants that are acceptable in bargain settings but less so when paying double-digit amounts. “There’s a different level of expectation when you come into a $3 movie,” Rangel says of the theater’s long-running, pre-pandemic rate. “But now we understand we’re in a much, much more competitive arena. We’re up against the amazing luxury seats and the auditorium seating. So, like anything, we’re going to try to make up for it by overwhelming people with great service and being creative.” As such, the theater’s menu will feature new items, an enhanced wine list and a focus on adult beverages, including alcoholic slushies. There will also be martini specials and a Bond-themed pizza for No Time to Die, and Rangel jokes that the staff may even dress as giant sandworms for Dune — all to provide an appealing atmosphere, especially for nearby residents who currently lack such big-screen options in the vicinity. “If you live in North Asheville or Weaverville, it’s a pretty good drive to Biltmore Grande or the Carolina [Cinemark],” Rangel says. “We feel like as long as we’re putting out a competitive product, we’ll be set.”

BARGAIN BEGINNINGS

The switch to first-run takes the theater into the latest chap-

ter of its storied existence. In 1997, Rangel and his then-wife, Leigh Oder, purchased the Two Moons Brew-N-View less than a year after the Merrimon Twin theater had rebranded as a brewpub. Following significant renovations, the business reopened Jan. 1, 1998, as Asheville Pizza & Brewing, and has shown second-run and rep titles ever since. “We kind of felt like that was our role as an independent movie theater,” Rangel says. “So, we tried to be quirky, tried to be cult, tried to be independent — tried everything. For a movie guy, it’s been the most fun, amazing thing to be involved with.” In addition to the aforementioned tribute screenings, Rangel’s favorite moments from the theater’s rep days include showing one of his favorite films, Better Off Dead, to a sold-out crowd. Another highlight involved local musician Gary Jules performing his celebrated, strippeddown cover of Tears for Fears’ “Mad World” from Donnie Darko before a screening of the film. “I would like to think that we were one of the best and funnest second-run theaters anywhere. And partly what made us strong is we listened to our staff, and we listened to our guests, and we’re going to continue to do that,” Rangel says. “Now we have the challenge of being the best one-screen, independent first-run.” X

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PROFESSIONALLY CASUAL: Asheville Pizza & Brewing president Mike Rangel vows to keep his theater fun while providing an atmosphere that can compete with local chains. Photo courtesy of Asheville Pizza & Brewing MOUNTAINX.COM

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

ARTS & C U L T U R E

MUSIC

Playing well with others

Indigo De Souza, Katie Sachs and Alexa Rose release new albums BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN earnaudin@mountainx.com With her second LP, Any Shape You Take, Asheville-based artist Indigo De Souza has vaulted into the Album of the Year conversation — not just on the local scene, but on a national level as well. Written over what she calls “a hodgepodge of years,” ranging from the same stretch leading up to her 2018 debut, I Love My Mom, through 2020, the eclectic, 10-song collection showcases significant sonic growth. Whereas I Love My Mom was “more or less a bedroom recording,” Any Shape You Take was made with far more resources and collaborators than her previous work. “I wanted to go to the other end of the spectrum to see what it was like to create a fully formed thing with a lot of resources, and then learn from that,” she says. “The next thing I make will probably be somewhere in between — still pulling from the DIY world and also from the full-on. I really love the big, clean pop/grunge sound that’s very hi-fi but also lo-fi, so I think it’s just finding a balance.” De Souza credits executive producer Brad Cook (Bon Iver, The War on Drugs) with providing essential guidance and encouraging her to follow her intuition as the album’s producer. During their time at Betty’s, the Chapel Hill-based studio owned by esteemed rock band Sylvan Esso, De Souza says she gained tremendous confidence on the recording front but didn’t go into the process thinking she’d be in such a central leadership position. “I was expecting to let other people do most of the producing, but then once I was in that scenario, I realized that I was actually very specific about what I wanted. And I don’t think I knew that before — I didn’t have enough confidence in myself to believe that I knew exactly what needed to be done,” she says. “Once I was there, I was like, ‘Oh, these are my songs. I wrote these songs, and I have a vision for them.’” De Souza’s foresight is particularly evident on “Real Pain.” Inspired by the collective experience of the pandemic that was prompting people to connect with one another on a deeper level, she recruited recordings of “screams, yells and anything else” 22

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

FEMMES FANTASTIQUES: Clockwise from left, Asheville-based singer-songwriters Indigo De Souza, Katie Sachs and Alexa Rose each released excellent new albums over the past month. Photo of De Souza by Charlie Boss; photo of Sachs by Scott Sturdy; photo of Rose by Kendall Bailey Atwater from her fans, then turned them into a sonic collage. But when she played the sounds for her collaborators in the studio, the raw emotions brought the mood down, prompting De Souza to layer the additions herself, resulting in a raw yet cathartic stretch in the middle of the album. “It felt like a cool secret to reach out to people ... and get those recordings of their voices and stack them on each other and kind of create one animal,” she says. Along with the audio files, many of the participants sent De Souza messages telling her why they chose to participate in the project, as well as what they were going through at the time. Though “Real Pain” allowed De Souza to remotely interact with people from various locations, the bulk of her creative activities remain decidedly local. She planned to kick off her current tour in late August with a pair of record release shows at The Grey Eagle but had to resched-

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ule them for Monday, Nov. 15, and Tuesday, Nov. 16, due to a positive COVID-19 test within her tour party. Meanwhile, the video for her single “Hold U” was made with the Different Wrld collective, which seeks to provide creative opportunities for all community members. The collaboration was all the more meaningful since the collective is based in the former Mothlight music venue space on Haywood Road, which De Souza says “birthed her” as a musician by allowing her to perform there often in her formative years. All of the above provide a firm foundation from which to combat De Souza’s own sense that humankind has always represented a “very dark, horrible plague on the world.” Any Shape You Take conveys the artist’s widespread woes while also serving as an antidote, and there’s likely more positivity on the horizon from one of Asheville’s brightest talents.

“If you listen to the demos that I wrote during the pandemic, I don’t think you would feel very sad,” De Souza says. “They’re not depressing and dark — well, maybe to some.”

JUKEBOX INTERPRETER

Variety likewise defines fellow Asheville-based artist Katie Sachs’ The Factory of Almosts. The Western Massachusetts native’s range of musical influences are evident across the album’s 11 tracks, yet her impressive vocals and themes of love and aging tie it all together. “It’s so easy as a female singer with an acoustic instrument to be labeled as a folk singer. And I’ve never felt like one,” she says. “This project definitely feels like a divergence for me, especially with other things I’ve put out that were more jazz/indie folk. It was fun to have an opportunity to bring out more of my rock ’n’ roll side — and my inner punk rocker.”

Quick to clarify that she’s no true punk, Sachs is nevertheless a big fan of New Order and the Sex Pistols. But it was her favorite band, Talking Heads, that served as a major guiding force for the record, as well as The Pixies. “It’s more just a reflection of what I enjoy listening to,” she says. “Good music is good music, and I’m less concerned about genre. I’ll listen to the Dixie Chicks all day, but I don’t really like country. I appreciate artists that are being raw and putting it out there.” Though Sachs’ undergraduate degree is in creative writing, she reveals that she’s not a voracious reader, a trait that many people believe is necessary to be a good writer. But Sachs feels that listening to so much music compensates for her lack of print media consumption and enhances her writing in more organic ways. “I have to have music playing, no matter what,” she says. “Then [the song] just comes out. I get out of the way and let it come through.” Sachs’ reliance on her subconscious went to a new level in The Factory of Almosts when two songs came to her in dreams. In adding instrumentation, she starts with a baritone ukulele and sees where the songs go, looking for opportunities to collaborate whenever possible. The approach led to numerous local artists playing on the latest collection: All drums are courtesy of JC Mears, and his Get Right Band colleague Silas Durocher contributes guitar on five tracks. Other local musicians featured on the album include Lenny Pettinelli (organ) of Empire Strikes Brass, plus Hustle Souls frontman Billy Litz (synths). Additional instrumentalists were recruited remotely, which allowed for Sachs to work with players from across the country whom she’d met while in New England and Texas. A massage therapist by trade, Sachs moved to Asheville nearly four years ago from Austin, where she’d found a musical home with the Kerrville Folk Festival crowd. While she finds comparing the three music scenes somewhat difficult, especially since they represent three distinct phases in her life, she says Asheville is basically in the middle of her two prior homes when it comes to size and attitude. “It’s small enough but not competitive in a mean way. And people are supportive and it’s fun, but it’s definitely bigger than Western Mass., whereas Austin has a hundred music scenes,” she says. “I’m also trying to do different things now. My focus isn’t on trying to necessarily earn money through playing music or to ‘make it.’ So, I have different

goals, which makes me have a different perspective.”

’THOSE MEMPHIS CATS’

While De Souza and Sachs found inspiration in working with new collaborators, Alexa Rose doubled down on a tried-and-true team for her new album, Headwaters — resulting in a comparably liberating experience. The Asheville-based artist headed back to Memphis and reunited with many of the same musicians who helped record her 2019 debut LP, Medicine for Living. Though she jokes that she “really went back for the barbecue,” her positive memories of working with producer Bruce Watson in Delta Sonic Sound studio made a second round appealing, even if it wasn’t initially what she had in mind. “Originally, I was like, ‘I just am going to make a stripped-down record, and I want to do it in North Carolina,’” she says. “But when I sent the songs to [Bruce] he was like, ‘This is a band record.’ And it’s true.” As a singer-songwriter, Rose notes that she usually starts with her voice and a single instrument, then takes each song to her band or the studio. There, sonic dimensions are woven in that feel inspired by and rooted in collaboration but may be more built into the bare-bones track than she realizes. “I think after making [Medicine for Living] in Memphis and having the band arrangements, it got in my ear a little bit. And I think, without realizing it, I was writing songs for a band,” she says. “And at the end of 2019, I had gone out with my [Asheville-based] band and I was just used to playing with them. And I was hearing new space in the songs I was writing, for more things going on in the arrangement.” The established rapport with Watson and revered studio musicians Will Sexton (guitar), Mark Stuart (bass), George Sluppick (drums) and Al Gamble (organ/piano) made the Headwaters sessions far more comfortable for all involved than the first time. Whereas Medicine for Living was tracked and mixed over the course of one week, Rose’s follow-up was spread across five sessions between July and December 2020, resulting in plentiful advantages. “I was less nervous about time and having to finish it and having to make quick calls because of the fact that we had to do it right then and there,” she says. “It’s really a luxury to have the time to make sure that the decisions you make are right and that you really feel like they serve the song.”

Rose also felt more connected to the tunes as the album took shape, adding new ones as they came about. The most immediate instance occurred with “Human,” which she wrote while stopped overnight on the way to Memphis, alone in a cabin “in the middle of nowhere in Tennessee.” She recorded the song via voice memo, sent it to Watson and, two days later, was tracking it with the band. “It was very in the moment. And I think when it’s that fresh, it helps you [capture] that spark of that moment,” she says. “Sometimes, even though you haven’t been playing the song for years, you can almost see it more clearly because it’s in that spark place.” The extra time also allowed Rose to realize her long-held dream of using strings on her songs, though sisters Krista Wroten (violin) and Elen Wroten (cello) also wound up providing Rose and the band with a fascinating lesson in efficiency. “They just have that way of playing together that siblings do,” she says. “It’s really cool to watch. Then they’ll be discussing how they need to alter an arrangement, but you can tell it takes up 8% of the time that it would take two strangers meeting in a studio.” X

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New singles spotlight No time to hear a full album? Give these standout singles by local artists a spin. Alex Krug Combo, “My Best” Tracked at Echo Mountain Recording, the latest release from the Asheville rockers finds Krug’s powerful vocals presiding over a bed of instrumental bliss. Along with Bill Berg’s driving drum beat, the string work of Kyle Samples (guitar) and Zack Page (upright bass) nicely complement each other, while lap steel maestro Jackson Dulaney contributes another memorable solo. Topping it off is the band’s newest member, Tina Collins (Tiny and Her Pony), on vocal harmony. avl.mx/aen Y.E., “What Chu Mad For (Home Run)” Local MC CJ Harrison’s moniker is short for Yung Energy and, true to form, the dozen tracks on his new album, Asheville’s Best Kept Secret, have vitality to spare. On the LP’s second track, Y.E brings his lyrical swagger (complete with the titular Barry Bonds reference) to a fiery beat rooted in a catchy piano sample and a bouncing bass line destined to give stereo systems a workout. avl.mx/aeq Jesse Frizsell, “The King of Wishful Thinking” The Asheville native spent the last year and a half writing and recording Americana/bluegrass songs for his new album, Back to Carolina. Capping off the collection of originals is a charming cover of British band Go West’s hit single, made popular by its use in the film Pretty Woman. Frizsell imbues the breakup song with confident vocals and mandolin and banjo picking, putting his own spin on a familiar track while firmly anchoring it to the rest of the record. Look for the full project on Friday, Oct. 1. avl.mx/aep X

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SEPT. 22-28, 2021

ARTS & C U L T U R E

FOOD ROUNDUP

What’s new in food

Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian sets to open in South Asheville

Before closing Dec. 31, 2019, Iannucci’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant served the South Asheville community for over 40 years. The bulk of that service took place at 1981 Hendersonville Road. So, when Eric Scheffer, owner of Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian on Merrimon Avenue and Jettie Rae’s Oyster House on Charlotte Street, purchased the building and began the extensive renovation in January 2020, he says he wouldn’t have been surprised to find tomato sauce running through the pipes. “It was an institution,” Scheffer says of Iannucci’s. “It’s not easy to take on something that’s been part of the community for so long. But what we have going for us [is] we are also an Italian restaurant with a great reputation.” Scheffer plans to open Vinnie’s second location at the site in the final week of September. He and his wife, Heidi, designed the space to evoke old-school New York and Brooklyn Italian restaurants, with

SECOND TIME AROUND: Chef Eric Scheffer, owner of the original Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian on Merrimon Avenue, poses in front of the restaurant’s new second location on Hendersonville Road. Photo by Wilder Shaw

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lots of deep reds, dark wood, elaborate chandeliers, wall sconces, a semiopen kitchen and a 16-stool bar. “Everything is brand new but looks old,” Scheffer says. The menu is the same as the restaurant’s Merrimon location, and some employee faces may also be familiar to Vinnie’s regulars. “We had staff who live closer to this location and wanted to move,” Scheffer explains. “And we were able to offer people who have been with us awhile new opportunities to move up. That’s a big benefit for our whole team in opening a second location.” Additional Vinnie’s are a strong possibility, Scheffer adds, as long as the location is right. “It’s all about the neighborhood.” Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian is at 1981 Hendersonville Road. For hours and menu, visit avl.mx/aeg.

Harvest Pizza eyes October opening When Kelly and Jon Leu first visited Asheville from their home-

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town of Columbus, Ohio, in 2007, they were so enamored with the city that they looked at residential real estate. With every subsequent visit, they expanded their search to include commercial properties. In late 2018, the couple spied the ghost of a century-old brick industrial building on the South Slope — a roofless structure adorned with a Wonder Woman mural by local artist Dustin Spagnola. Unfazed by the inherent structural challenges, the couple decided to love it back to life as a restaurant. Harvest Pizzeria — with a total capacity of 258 seats spread over the main, mezzanine and rooftop level — is scheduled to open in October at 39 Banks Ave. “Where other people saw problems, we saw potential,” Kelly Leu says. “It has been a true labor of love for all of us — every contractor, metalworker and craftsperson.” After such a heavy lift, the menu design seemed simple in comparison. Restaurateur Chris Crader, a close friend of 20 years, launched the original Harvest Pizzeria in Columbus in 2011. Since that time

three more stores have opened in Ohio. The Asheville location, independently owned by the Leus, is the only eatery operating outside the Buckeye State. Among the signature wood-fired pizzas is the Spicy Yuma with chipotle-spiked tomato sauce, chorizo, jalapeño, corn, roasted red pepper and cilantro. Another staple, the Almond Pesto, combines spinach, fresh mozzarella and artichokes. The restaurant also offers gluten-free and vegan options, as well as sandwiches, salads and seasonal bruschetta. Wine choices will lean small-batch and Italian, and local beers will be on tap. Meanwhile, the eatery’s new roof is equipped for live music. Diners, Leu says, can expect to find her, Jon and their kids on-site. “It’s definitely a family affair,” she says. “It’s been a long project, and we are excited to see the building vital again and bring our vision to fruition.” Harvest Pizzeria, 39 Banks Ave., will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Hours and menu items can be found at avl.mx/aee.

Chow down

With just three events remaining before the Summer of Chow Chow 2021 says ciao for now, the nonprofit’s board president, Jess Reiser, applauds the team effort — led by Executive Director Rebecca Lynch and festival director Shay Brown — to smoothly execute the multiple parts. After canceling last year’s weekend gathering due to COVID-19, the nonprofit transformed its former model into a series of programs stretched across three months. While food and drink were at the heart of all events, featured topics also addressed racial justice, food justice and climate change. “The intention that informed planning for 2021 really came through in so many beautiful, engaging, impactful and long-term ways,” Reiser reflects. “We saw community members, chefs, nonprofits, organizers, speakers, farmers and makers connect. We created a ‘both/and’ model: you can have fun, indulge in delicious food and drink and be engaged, intentional, honest and brave in those spaces.” She notes that after a long and arduous 18 months in the hospitality industry, the different events provided platforms for workers in their individual bubbles to reconnect and be together. She believes the new model that provided more intimacy and immediacy left presenters and attendees with experiences that will linger. “In 2019, we wondered if people were walking away from the events changed or inspired,” Reiser recalls. “I can confidently say in 2021 guests and participants did.” For more information and to purchase tickets for remaining events, visit avl.mx/6gm.

Clucked up

Chef Meherwan Irani believes in giving the people what they want and not hanging on to what they don’t. So, in early summer, noting that Nani’s Rotisserie Chicken was selling the piri-piri spiced chickens 5-to-1 over the herbes de Provence option, he went all in on the former. In September, he doubled down on the piri-piri, adding menu items that expanded ways for people to spread their love for the deep red spice. New menu items include Nani’s chicken burger, which combines ground Joyce Farms chicken mixed with Spicewalla piri-piri spice, served on a toasted brioche bun with Duke’s mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato and onion. “It’s a sleeper hit,” Irani says. “We had no idea it would take off so quickly.”

Another new flavor bomb on the new menu is the chicken salad melt with havarti cheese and applewood bacon. Seating is now available both indoors and out. The Chai Pani Restaurant Group will be opening a second location of Nani’s in Atlanta’s Ponce City Market this fall. Nani’s Rotisserie Chicken is at 1 Page Ave. No. 147. To learn more, visit avl.mx/prv4 .

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Grey area

The Grey — co-founded by chef Mashama Bailey and entrepreneur John O. Morisano — is one of Savannah’s most acclaimed restaurants. Bailey, a Black woman originally from Queens, N.Y., and Morisano, a white businessman originally from Staten Island, N.Y., also co-authored the bestselling dual memoir Black, White and The Grey, exploring their unexpected friendship. On Thursday, Oct. 7, they will discuss all of it over a prix fixe tasting menu inspired by the book and prepared by the Cúrate culinary team at Cúrate, 13 Biltmore Ave. Tickets are $110 and include dinner and a signed copy of the book, with cocktails from The Grey and wine pairings available for additional purchase. To reserve a seat, call 828-239-2946 or by email at reservations@curatetapas.com

Cúrate at Home

Speaking of Cúrate, on Sept. 1, owners Katie Button and Felix Meana launched a new website, Cúrate at Home. The site offers a selection of prepared foods, Spanish specialty items, imported ingredients, cooking equipment and serving dishes. To shop Cúrate at Home, visit avl.mx/ada.

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SEPT. 22-28, 2021

ARTS & C U L T U R E

ROUNDUP

Around Town

WCU’s Mountain Heritage Day returns Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Day focuses on the area’s rich cultural past, but to Geoff Cantrell, the annual event also is about looking to the future. “During one of our long, rambling conversations about the local music scene, ‘Uncle Ted’ White of Whitewater Bluegrass Company recently told me that for him, an important aspect of Mountain Heritage Day is how it includes children and keeps traditions alive, and that creates a legacy for coming generations,” says Cantrell, WCU’s media relations manager. After going virtual last year, Mountain Heritage Day returns Saturday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The 47th annual event, which takes place at various locations on WCU’s Cullowhee campus, includes bluegrass and traditional music performances, as well as clogging demon-

strations, family activities, vendors, arts and crafts and a 5K race. “I describe Mountain Heritage Day as equal measures of a harvest festival, a family reunion and a musical jamboree,” Cantrell says. “While the stereotype is hillbillies of Scots-Irish ancestry, there is and always has been so much diversity in the region.” That diversity, he says, will be reflected with a Cherokee youth stickball game, Native American arts and crafts, and an African American history and storytelling session by author and artist Ann Miller Woodford. For kids, there also will be singalongs, a community square dance and play-party activities. Musical acts on the bill include the bluegrass sister/brother duo Summer Brooke & Brayden, who get things started at 10 a.m., Whitewater Bluegrass Company, The Queen Family, Phil and Gaye Johnson, The Grascals and Merle Monroe. The day also includes a classic car and truck show, a mule-drawn wagon and antique tractor rides. Additionally, Sylva’s Calliope Stage troupe will present a short theater piece, A Singer Needs a Song, about Ethel Brown, a blind ballad singer from Jackson County. The play begins at 12:15 p.m. at the Shape Note Tent. For more details, go to avl.mx/aeh.

Blazing a trail

Explore Asheville is seeking public input on the African American Heritage Trail, which is expected to be completed in late 2022 with the installation of up to 19 physical markers in and around downtown Asheville. Organizers have hosted a series of in-person and online viewing sessions throughout September to let people know what topics the trail could highlight. A final Zoom session takes place Tuesday, Sept. 28, 6-7 p.m. You can register at avl.mx/aej. Additionally, people can complete an online survey at avl.mx/aek. The survey provides an opportunity for community members to share information on what sites, stories and figures from local history they think should be included on the trail. “They can weigh in on the story samples presented as well as suggest new ones,” says Pat Kappes, vice 26

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

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HILLTOP HOOFERS: The Bailey Mountain Cloggers from Mars Hill University will perform at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, on the Blue Ridge Stage at Mountain Heritage Day in Cullowhee. Photo courtesy of Western Carolina University president of community engagement at Explore Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Story topics so far include the first Black labor union, Black student activism in the 1960s, the Asheville Royal Giants baseball team and the Allen High School for girls. Based on the feedback, the collection of stories will be further refined and presented in another round of community input opportunities in early to mid-2022, Kappes says. The trail ultimately will include markers in the East End/Valley Street neighborhood, downtown, The Block, Southside/South Slope area and the Depot Street/River Arts District area. There also will be a digital version of the project available. “[The trail] is part of our collective effort to engage and invite more diverse audiences to Asheville, and importantly, connect those guests to local neighborhoods, diverse businesses and entrepreneurs,” says Vic Isley, president and CEO of the Explore Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information, go to avl.mx/ael.

King for a day

Decades ago, Fred Northup started thinking about writing an epic drama based on the life of King David, the legendary Old Testament figure. Now that the musical is a real-

ity, he is thrilled it will have its world premiere in his native Asheville. “I like to think I’m adding to the cultural tradition that has always been a part of this city,” Northup says. He’s also pleased to help put actors and musicians to work — two segments of the community particularly hard-hit during the pandemic. David: The Faces of Love will be performed Tuesday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m. at The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave. More than 25 local choir singers, musicians and actors will be featured in the play, directed by Mike Yow. Northup, former dean of St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle, wrote the script along with musical partner Drew Banzhoff, a student at UNC School of the Arts in Winston-Salem. “David is the greatest king and ruler in the history of Israel, revered in the Jewish tradition,” Northup says. “He was a poet, charismatic leader, fighter [and] musician, but he was also an adulterer, a murderer and, in his own eyes, a failed father to one of his sons.” The production explores choices and their consequences, and the joy and pain of love, Northup continues. The event will also serve to raise awareness of the needs of people who are experiencing homelessness in Asheville. Audience members will have a chance to designate 20% of the cost of their tickets to either Homeward Bound or BeLoved

David Silver of the University of San Francisco will give an online talk about “famously radical” Black Mountain College and its relationship with its neighbors Monday, Sept. 27, 10:30-11:45 a.m. The experimental college was founded in 1933 and operated in various locations in Black Mountain and Asheville until 1957. It was known for its progressive arts-based curriculum, early racial integration and liberal takes on gender and sexuality. Silver will discuss how the college, contrary to popular misconception, often collaborated with its neighbors and local organizations such as the Asheville Farm School (today’s Warren Wilson College). The Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, which hosts the talk, is seeking input about what kinds of lectures people would like to see in 2022 for the WNC History Café and Appalachian Experience series. To take the survey, visit avl.mx/aex. For more information or to register for the Black Mountain talk, go to avl.mx/aew.

Something to fret about

Asheville-based Aluminati Guitar Co. will hold a ribbon-cutting event for its new showroom at 53-A Shiloh Road on Friday, Oct. 1, 5-8 p.m. The event will feature food and refreshments, live discussions, a raffle and live music performances featuring the company’s instruments. Aluminati says it uses nontraditional and sustainable materials to build its guitars, replacing wood and organic materials with more consistent, durable and sonically resonant metals and synthetic materials. It recently unveiled its Orion series of guitars and basses, which feature “a sleek offset-style, black Lucite acrylic body and a gleaming, mirror-polished hollowcore aluminum neck,” according to a company press release. The Orions, along with the Aluminati’s flagship Nebula series guitars, will be available for people to try out at the event. For more information, see avl.mx/af0.

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The Art on Main festival returns to downtown Hendersonville Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 25-26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sponsored by the the Arts Council of Henderson County, the 62nd annual event will feature more than 100 local and regional juried artists selling paintings, works in clay, metal, wood and fiber, photographs, jewelry and more. More information is available at avl.mx/aez.

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Asheville’s Premier Professional Ballet Academy

— Justin McGuire X

MOVIE LISTINGS Bruce Steele’s and Edwin Arnaudin’s latest critiques of new films available to view in local theaters and via popular streaming services include: COPSHOP: Co-writer/director Joe Carnahan’s second actionpacked, darkly funny feature of 2021 involves an FBI informant (Frank Grillo) trapped in a jail cell while hitmen attempt to break in. Grade: B-plus. Rated R DEAR EVAN HANSEN: Director Stephen Chbosky shows little interest in taking advantage of the cinematic medium in this unimaginative adaptation of the Tony-winning musical. The creepy de-aging of star Ben Platt doesn’t help. Grade: D. Rated PG-13

Find full reviews and local film info at ashevillemovies.com patreon.com/ashevillemovies

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SEPT. 22-28, 2021

CLUBLAND

DOWN BY THE RIVER: Cascade Lounge will host its weekly Open Bluegrass Jam Wednesday, Sept. 22, and Wednesday, Sept. 29, 6-9 p.m., near the banks of the French Broad River. The event is organized by Sam Wharton, right, of Songs From The Road Band. Also pictured is Cam Williams of Supper Break. Photo by Andy Hall

The featured icon indicates which venues or artists require proof of vaccination for upcoming shows. Due to the evolving nature of the matter, the list may not be comprehensive. Before heading out, please check with all venues for complete information on any vaccine or negative COVID-19 requirements. For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER Trivia Night, 6pm

12 BONES BREWERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

CASCADE LOUNGE Open Bluegrass Jam, 6pm

185 KING STREET Trivia Night, 7pm

CATAWBA BREWING SOUTH SLOPE General Themed Trivia Night w/Bingeable, 7pm

305 LOUNGE & EATERY Mark Fisher (solo acoustic), 1pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Move On Up: Soul/R&B Night, 9pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Disclaimer Stand Up Comedy (open mic), 8pm BEN'S TUNE UP Big Blue (jam), 8pm BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING Jay Brown (roots), 6pm

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

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CITIZEN VINYL Kathryn O’Shea (Americana), 4pm HANDLEBAR & GRILL Ladies Night Karaoke, 7pm HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Well-Crafted w/Matt Smith (singer-songwriter), 6pm ICONIC KITCHEN & DRINKS Marc Keller (acoustic), 6pm

MYSTIC DOME STUDIO Open Jam in the Dome (open mic), 6:30pm

THE 2ND ACT Round Robin Open Mic w/Letters to Abigail, 6pm

305 LOUNGE & EATERY Bob Sherill (singer-songwriter), 1pm

OFF THE WAGON All Request Piano Show, 8pm

THE DUGOUT Open Bluegrass Jam w/ The Well Drinkers, 8pm

ASHEVILLE CLUB Mr Jimmy (blues), 5pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Phursdays w/Gunslinging Parrots (Phish tribute), 9:30pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Will Ray and the Space Cooties (rock), 7:30pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Phuncle Sam (Grateful Dead tribute), 6pm

BEN'S TUNE UP Offended! Open Mic (comedy), 9:30pm

PISGAH BREWING COMPANY High Blue Heron (Americana, rock), 6:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. French Broad Valley Mountain Music Jam, 6pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Free Anesthesia (psychedelic power trio), 9pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST •Blooming Bass w/DJ Ephcto (cultural bass), 6:30pm •Latin Night, 9pm RENDEVOUS Albi (vintage jazz), 7pm SALVAGE STATION Good Vibes Summer Tour 2020: Rebelution w/Special Guests, 5pm SILVERADOS Open Mic Night, 7pm SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY Jazz Night w/Jason DeCristofaro, 5:30pm SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Witty Wednesday Trivia, 6:30pm

THE GREY EAGLE •Vintage Pistol (rock) k 5pm •The Schizophonics (rock)k 8pm THE OMNI GROVE PARK INN The B's (jazz, standards), 7pm THE ORANGE PEEL Son Volt (alt country) k 8pm THE SOCIAL Karaoke w/DJ Lyric, 8pm TRISKELION BREWING CO. TriskaTrivia, 7pm WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Irish Music Circle, 7pm

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

CASCADE LOUNGE Team Trivia, 7:30pm FLEETWOOD'S Wreckless Eric w/JD Pinkus (punk), 8pm

RENDEVOUS Gin Mill Pickers (folk, blues, Americana), 6:30pm

GINGER'S REVENGE CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM Gluten-Free Comedy (open mic), 6pm

RYE KNOT KITCHEN BREWERY DISTILLERY Chris Flanders (acoustic), 6pm

ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Dori Freeman w/Kenny Roby (Americana), 7:30pm

SILVERADOS The Lads AVL (classic rock, blues), 7pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Bluegrass Jam w/Drew & the Boys, 7pm

131 MAIN Aaron LaFalce (soul, rock, pop), 6pm

MILLS RIVER BREWING Funky Ass Trio Jam (funk), 6pm

185 KING STREET Josh Daniel (singer-songwriter), 9:30pm

OFF THE WAGON All Request Piano Show, 8pm

SLY GROG LOUNGE Clementine Was Right, PINKNEY w/Lines Taking Shape (hypnotic post-rock), 8pm SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Open Mic, 6pm THE FOUNDRY HOTEL The Foundry Collective (jazz, acoustic), 8pm

THE GREENHOUSE MOTO CAFE Marvin King Revue, Jeff Sipe's Kaizen (blues, fusion), 6:30pm THE JOINT NEXT DOOR Rod Sphere (rock), 5:30pm THE ODDITORIUM Minka w/Daydream Creatures & Her Pilots (funk, syth), 7pm THE ORANGE PEEL Houndmouth (alternative blues)k 8pm TRISKELION BREWING CO. Open Mic Night, 7pm WAGBAR Open Mic Night, 7pm WHISTLE HOP BREWING CO. Jazz and Wine Night w/ Mattick Frick, 6pm

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 185 KING STREET Peyton Gilliland Band (singer-songwriter), 8pm

BURNTSHIRT VINEYARDS Jim Tatum (acoustic), 3pm

THE GREENHOUSE MOTO CAFE Awake in the Dream (classic rock), 8pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Paper Crowns (Americana), 6pm

BURNTSHIRT VINYARDS CHIMNEY ROCK Cat and Crow (acoustic duo), 5pm

THE GREY EAGLE •Rich Nelson Band (rock)k 6pm •The Connells (rock) k 8pm

FLEETWOOD'S Chew, Sang Sarah (psych rock), 8pm

THE ORANGE PEEL Here Come The Mummies (funk)k 9pm

ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 •Maia Sharp (acoustic, folk, blues), 7pm •Kat Williams w/Free Planet Radio (blues, jazz, rock, soul)k 8:30pm

GETAWAY RIVER BAR Getaway Comedy w/ Anthony DeVito, 8pm

WILD WING CAFE SOUTH Commodore Fox (rock, dance), 8:30pm

GINGER'S REVENGE CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM Eliza Thorn (blues), 7pm ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 •Todd Albright (acoustic, blues), 7pm •Stillhouse Junkies (Americana, country-western), 8:30pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Sons of Ralph (bluegrass), 7:30pm

ALOFT ASHEVILLE DOWNTOWN Members of Blaze the City (acoustic), 7pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Free Dead Friday w/ Gus & Phriends and Generous Electric Duo, 10pm

AMERICAN VINYL CO. Free Radio (cosmic Appalachian hip-hop), 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Uncle JuJu's Trio (rock), 6pm

ARCHETYPE TAP LOUNGE + VENUE Patio Sessions w/Moog (house funk), 5pm

SALVAGE STATION Joe Russo's Almost Dead (Grateful Dead tribute)k 7pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Everybody Free Dance Party, 10pm

SAWYER SPRINGS VINEYARD Myron Hyman (classic rock, blues), 2:30pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Mr Jimmy (blues), 7:30pm

ST. PAUL MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS IN FLAT ROCK Friday Night Jams w/ Wiregrass (bluegrass), 6pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL 10 Year Anniversary Party w/Me and Yo Mama Too (funk), 9pm BEN'S TUNE UP DJ Kilby Spinning Vinyl (throwback dance party), 10pm BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Acoustic Swing (acoustic duo), 7pm

SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs (Americana, fusion, folk), 6pm

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 ASHEVILLE CLUB Kyle Corbett (acoustic), 6:30pm ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Vince Junior Band (soul, blues), 4:30pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Steely Dead (Grateful Dead/Steely Dan tribute), 10pm BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE Dinah's Daydream (jazz), 5pm BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS Laura Boswell (folk), 7pm BURNTSHIRT VINEYARDS Marc Keller (acoustic), 2pm BURNTSHIRT VINYARDS CHIMNEY ROCK Roots and Dore (roots), 2pm CASCADE LOUNGE Rock n’ Roll Cajun Food Saturday w/My Man Henry, 5-9pm CONTINUUM A. Lee Edwards (alt-country, Americana), 7pm CORK & KEG Zydeco Ya Ya (Cajun) k 8pm

THE DUGOUT Ricky Gunter Band (country), 8pm

DRY FALLS BREWING CO. 3 Cool Cats (oldies), 7pm

THE FOUNDRY HOTEL Hot Club of Asheville (jazz), 8pm

GETAWAY RIVER BAR Slasher: Hard Dance (tecno, electro), 10pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Supper Break (bluegrass), 8pm

Women in Business ISSUE

Publishes October 13

JIMMY'S ON THE RIVER Lucky James (Americana), 7pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Into the Fog (acoustic/ newgrass), 10pm ORCHARD AT ALTAPASS Buffalo Cove (acoustic), 2:30pm SALVAGE STATION Joe Russo's Almost Dead (Grateful Dead tribute)k 7pm

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SILVERADOS WestSound (funk), 8pm SLY GROG LOUNGE Death Nebula, Primordial Tides, Systematic Devastation, Safety Coffin (metal), 8pm SWEETEN CREEK BREWING 40 20 10s (Americana), 6pm THE BARN AT PAINT FORK Colt Ford (country), 6pm THE DUGOUT Marsha Morgan Band (soul, oldies), 8pm THE FOUNDRY HOTEL Jazz Soul Trio, 8pm THE GREENHOUSE MOTO CAFE Plywood's Band of Gypsies, The Rich Nelson Band (rock), 6:30pm THE GREY EAGLE •Christy Lynn Band (Americana)k 6pm •Christopher Paul Stelling w/Sophia Corinne (folk)k 9pm THE ODDITORIUM BoySetsFire w/Be Well & All Else Failed (post-hardcore)k 8pm

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SEPT. 22-28, 2021

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C LU BL A N D THE ORANGE PEEL Ani DiFranco (singer-songwriter)k 8pm THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM AT HARRAH'S CHEROKEE CENTER - ASHEVILLE Thompson Square w/Joe Lasher (country) k 8pm TRISKELION BREWING CO. Denis Coleman (acoustic), 2:30pm TURGUA BREWING CO Old Sap (indie folk, Americana), 5pm WAGBAR Seth and Sara (Americana), 5pm WICKED WEED BREWING Pridetoberfest

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 185 KING STREET Open Electric Jam w/ the King Street House Band ft. Howie Johnson, 6:30pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Sunday Dance Party w/ DJ RexxStep, 10pm ASHEVILLE CLUB Vaden Landers (country blues, honky tonk), 3pm BEN'S TUNE UP Good Vibes Sunday (reggae), 6pm BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING Dark City Kings (rock), 2pm

ICONIC KITCHEN & DRINKS The Knotty G’s (Americana, soul), 1pm

THE OMNI GROVE PARK INN Bruce Lang (guitar, vocals), 7pm

ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 An Evening w/John McCutcheon (Americana, folk)k 7pm

TRISKELION BREWING CO. The Baggage Brothers (acoustic duo), 3pm TURGUA BREWING CO Emily Schaad & Cecil Gurganus (bluegrass), 4pm

OFF THE WAGON All Request Piano Show, 8pm

URBAN ORCHARD Westside DJ Bruch w/ Erik Maddox, 12pm

ANTIDOTE The Little Posey Trio (jazz, swing), 6pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Seth and Sara (pop folk, Americana), 3pm

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Aquanet: Goth Night, 9pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST •Sunday Jazz Brunch, 1pm •Community Drum Circle, 4:30pm ORCHARD AT ALTAPASS Slight Departure (Americana, folk, old-time), 2:30pm PISGAH BREWING COMPANY The Pisgah Sunday Jam w/Spiro & Nicole (rock, jam, Americana), 6pm RABBIT RABBIT Trey Anastasio (rock, jam, jazz)k 5:30pm RIVERSIDE RHAPSODY BEER CO. Drinkin' & Thinkin' Trivia w/Allie & Alex, 5:30pm

BURNTSHIRT VINEYARDS Roots and Dore (roots), 2pm BURNTSHIRT VINYARDS CHIMNEY ROCK J. Stephens (singer-songwriter), 2pm

SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Gin Mill Pickers (folk, blues, Americana), 4pm

HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Phuncle Sam (Grateful Dead tribute), 3pm HOME GROUND COFFEE BAR & DELI Bluegrass Brunch Shindig w/Supper Break, 11:30am

185 KING STREET Travis Book & Friends w/Tim Gardner, Tommy Maher, Bill Kubilius (Americana, bluegrass), 6:30pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Bluegrass Brunch w/ Supper Break, 12pm

ST. PAUL MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS IN FLAT ROCK Geriatric Jukebox (60s & 70s), 2:30pm

GETAWAY RIVER BAR Drag Show, 9pm

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

ARCHETYPE BREWING Trivia Mondays w/Jess, 6:30pm ASHEVILLE CLUB Freshen Up (comedy, open mic), 7pm HAYWOOD COUNTRY CLUB Open Mic Mondays w/ Taylor Martin, 6:30pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Totally Rad Monday Night Trivia w/Mitch Fortune, 6pm HIGHLAND DOWNTOWN TAPROOM Cheers to Chess!, 5pm

305 LOUNGE & EATERY Bob Sherill (singer-songwriter), 1pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm GETAWAY RIVER BAR Turntable Tuesday, 10pm HAYWOOD COUNTRY CLUB Grass at the Club (bluegrass), 8pm MAD CO. BREW HOUSE Team Trivia Tuesday, 6pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Team Trivia, 7pm

LITTLE JUMBO Jay Sanders' Sinfonietta (jazz)k 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Grateful Family Band Tuesdays, 6pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. House of SYNth, 6:30pm

SALVAGE STATION Flogging Molly (rock), 6:30pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Trivia Night, 6pm

THE ORANGE PEEL The Allman Betts Band (rock, Southern rock) k 8pm

SILVERADOS Monday Bike Night w/ Contagious (rock), 6pm

WAGBAR Tuesday Night Trivia, 7pm

THE FOUNDRY HOTEL Daniel Shearin (acoustic), 6pm

THE GOLDEN PINEAPPLE Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 8pm

WHISTLE HOP BREWING CO. Trivia Tuesdays, 6pm

THE GREENHOUSE MOTO CAFE Myron Hyman (classic rock, blues), 3pm

THE JOINT NEXT DOOR Mr Jimmy and Friends (blues), 7pm

THE GREY EAGLE Jesse Daniel Edwards (singer-songwriter)k 5pm

WHISTLE HOP BREWING CO. Mike Martinez (Americana), 6pm

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 12 BONES BREWERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm 185 KING STREET Trivia Night, 7pm

Jesse Daniel Edwards Live in Concert 9/26/21 | 5pm

“Full of courage and catharsis.” —American Songwriter “The kind of passion that demands attention.” —Associated Press

The Grey Eagle All Ages Welcome

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SEPT. 22-28, 2021

CLU B LA N D 305 LOUNGE & EATERY Mark Fisher (solo acoustic), 1pm ARCHETYPE TAP LOUNGE + VENUE Bluegrass & Brews w/ Knob Creek Incident, 6pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Move On Up: Soul/R&B Night, 9pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic, 8pm BEN'S TUNE UP Big Blue (jam), 8pm BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING Jay Brown (roots), 6pm BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER Trivia Night, 6pm

MYSTIC DOME STUDIO Open Jam in the Dome (open mic), 6:30pm

THE SOCIAL Karaoke w/DJ Lyric, 8pm

OFF THE WAGON All Request Piano Show, 8pm

TRISKELION BREWING CO. TriskaTrivia, 7pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. French Broad Valley Mountain Music Jam, 6pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Irish Music Circle, 7pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Free Anesthesia (psychedelic power trio), 9pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST •Blooming Bass w/DJ Ephcto (cultural bass), 6:30pm •Latin Night, 9pm RENDEVOUS Albi (vintage jazz), 7pm SILVERADOS Open Mic Night, 7pm

CASCADE LOUNGE Open Bluegrass Jam, 6pm CATAWBA BREWING SOUTH SLOPE General Themed Trivia Night w/Bingeable, 7pm DIANA WORTHAM THEATRE Jorma Kaukonen (roots, blues, rock), 7pm HANDLEBAR & GRILL Ladies Night Karaoke, 7pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Well-Crafted Wednesdays w/ Matt Smith, 6pm

SLY GROG LOUNGE Charming Disaster (goth folk), 8pm SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY Jazz Night w/Jason DeCristofaro, 5:30pm SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Witty Wednesday Trivia, 6:30pm THE 2ND ACT Round Robin Open Mic w/Letters to Abigail, 6pm THE DUGOUT Open Bluegrass Jam w/ The Well Drinkers, 8pm

ICONIC KITCHEN & DRINKS Marc Keller (acoustic), 6pm

THE ODDITORIUM Busy Weather w/ Bombay Gasoline & CAM GIRL (rock), 7pm

ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Leslie Mendelson (indie, folk rock), 7:30pm

THE OMNI GROVE PARK INN The B's (jazz, standards), 7pm

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 131 MAIN Aaron LaFalce (soul, rock, pop), 6pm 185 KING STREET The Well Drinkers (bluegrass, American), 7pm 305 LOUNGE & EATERY Bob Sherill (singer-songwriter), 1pm AMERICAN VINYL CO. Bowerbirds w/Daniel Shearin (folk)k 8pm ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Robert Thomas Band (progressive jazz), 7:30pm

ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Dan Houghton & Rachel Clemente (Celtic, folk), 7:30pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Bluegrass Jam w/Drew & the Boys, 7pm MILLS RIVER BREWING Funky Ass Trio Jam (funk), 6pm OFF THE WAGON All Request Piano Show, 8pm RENDEVOUS Gin Mill Pickers (folk, blues, Americana), 6:30pm RYE KNOT KITCHEN BREWERY DISTILLERY Chris Flanders (acoustic), 6pm SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Open Mic, 6pm THE FOUNDRY HOTEL The Foundry Collective (jazz, acoustic), 8pm THE GREY EAGLE Aaron "Woody" Wood (blues, Americana)k 5pm

BEN'S TUNE UP Offended! Open Mic (comedy), 9:30pm

THE GROCERY The Blushin' Roulettes (modern old-time), 7pm

CASCADE LOUNGE Team Trivia, 7:30pm

THE JOINT NEXT DOOR Rod Sphere (rock), 5:30pm

DOUBLE CROWN Gospel Night w/Tony Bush & The Deacsk 8pm FLEETWOOD'S Fortezza w/ Crumbsnatchers (postpunk), 8pm GINGER'S REVENGE CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM Gluten-Free Comedy (open mic), 6pm

THE ORANGE PEEL Watkins Family Hour (bluegrass)k 8pm TRISKELION BREWING CO. Open Mic Night, 7pm WAGBAR Open Mic Night, 7pm WHISTLE HOP BREWING CO. Jazz and Wine Night w/ Adi the Monk, 6pm

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SEPT. 22-28, 2021

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries author Steve Maraboli says, “The best way to love someone is not to change them, but instead, help them reveal the greatest version of themselves.” If that strategy appeals to you, the next eight weeks will be an excellent time to put it to maximum use. You’re entering a phase when you can have an especially beneficial effect on people you care for. You’ll be at peak power to help them unleash dormant potentials and access untapped resources. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): It’s a good time to ruminate about things you wish could be part of your life but aren’t. You will be wise to develop a more conscious relationship with wistful fantasies about impossible dreams. Here’s one reason why this is true: You might realize that some seemingly impossible dreams aren’t so impossible. To get in the mood for this fun exercise, meditate on a sample reverie: “I wish I could spend a whole day discovering new music to love. I wish I owned a horse and a boat and a vintage brown-andorange-striped bohemian cardigan sweater from the 1970s. I wish I knew the names of all the flowers. I wish I felt more at ease about revealing my hidden beauty. I wish I could figure out how to eliminate unnecessary stress from my life.” GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Poet, essayist, and translator Anne Carson calls her husband Robert Currie the “Randomizer.” His role in her life as a creative artist is to make quirky recommendations that help her avoid being too predictable. He sends her off in directions she wouldn’t have imagined by herself. Here’s an example: At one point in her career, Carson confessed she was bored with her writing. The Randomizer suggested, “Let’s put dancers into it.” In response, she repurposed the sonnets she had been working on into a live theatrical performance featuring many dancers. I think you would benefit from having a Randomizer in your life during the coming weeks. Know anyone who could serve? If not, look for one. Or be your own Randomizer. CANCER (June 21-July 22): If you so desired, you could travel to Munich, Germany and eat beer-flavored ice cream. Or you could go to Rehoboth, Delaware and get bacon-flavored ice cream. If you were in Taiwan, you could enjoy pineapple shrimp ice cream, and if you were in London, you could sample haggis-flavored ice cream, made from sheep innards. But my advice right now is to stick with old reliables like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream — which are still delicious even if they’re not exotic. What’s my reasoning? In general, the astrological aspects suggest that during the coming weeks, you’re most likely to thrive on trustworthy standbys and experiences you know and trust. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Celebrated novelist Jane Austen (1775–1817) wrote, “Sometimes I have kept my feelings to myself, because I could find no language to describe them in.” People who aren’t as articulate as Austen experience that problem even more often than she did. But the good news, Leo, is that in the coming weeks, you’ll be extra skillful at expressing your feelings and thoughts — even those that in the past have been difficult to put into words. I invite you to take maximum advantage of this grace period. Communicate with hearty poise and gleeful abandon. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “When you know what’s important, it’s a lot easier to ignore what’s not,” writes author and life coach Marie Forleo. Let’s make her thought the basis of your work and play in the coming weeks. Get vibrantly clear on what is of supreme value to you, which influences bring out the best in you, and which people make it easy for you to be yourself. Then compose a second list of trivial situations that are of minor interest, influences that make you feel numb and people who don’t fully appreciate you. Next, Virgo, formulate long-term plans to phase out the things in the second list as you increasingly emphasize your involvement in the pleasures named in the first list.

SEPT. 22-28, 2021

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Happy birthday sometime soon, Libra! As gifts, I have collected six useful mini-oracles for you to meditate on during the rest of 2021. They’re all authored by Libran aphorist Yahia Lababidi. 1. Hope is more patient than despair and so outlasts it. 2. Miracles are proud creatures; they will not reveal themselves to those who do not believe. 3. A good listener is one who helps us overhear ourselves. 4. One definition of success might be refining our appetites, while deepening our hunger. 5. With enigmatic clarity, life gives us a different answer each time we ask her the same question. 6. Temptation: seeds we are forbidden to water, that are showered with rain. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Pioneering psychologist Carl Jung wrote, “I must also have a dark side if I am to be whole.” But it’s important to add that some dark sides tend to be destructive and demoralizing, while other dark sides are fertile and interesting. Most of us have a share of each. My reading of the planetary omens suggests that you Scorpios now have extra power to upgrade your relationship with the fertile and interesting aspects of your dark side. I hope you will take advantage! You have a ripe opportunity to deepen and expand your wholeness. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian poet Rainer Maria Rilke was a complicated person with many mysterious emotions and convoluted thoughts. And yet, he once wrote that life occasionally brought him “boundless simplicity and joy.” I find it amazing he could ever welcome such a state. Kudos to him! How about you, dear Sagittarius? Are you capable of recognizing when boundless simplicity and joy are hovering in your vicinity, ready for you to seize them? If so, be extra alert in the next two weeks. I expect there’ll be a visitation or two. Maybe even three or four. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Baltasar Gracián was not a 21st-century New Age self-help teacher. He was a 17th-century Jesuit philosopher born under the sign of serious, diligent Capricorn. I hope you will be extra receptive to his advice in the coming weeks. He wrote, “Know your key qualities, your outstanding gifts. Cultivate them. Redouble their use.” Among the key qualities he gave as examples were disciplined discernment and resilient courage. I bring his thoughts to your attention because the coming weeks will be a rousing time to heed his counsel. It’s time for you to identify and celebrate and give abundant expression to your key qualities. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): After studying the genes that create feathers in birds, scientists found that humans have all the necessary genes to grow feathers. (I read about it in National Geographic magazine.) So why don’t we grow feathers, then? Well, it’s complicated. Basically, the feather-making genes are not fully activated. Who knows? Maybe someday, there’ll be technology that enables us to switch on those genes and sprout plumage. I bet my Aquarian friend Jessie, whose body has 30 tattoos and 17 piercings, would take advantage. In the coming weeks, it might be fun for you to imagine having bird-like qualities. You’re entering a high-flying phase — a time for ascension, expansion, soaring, and seeing the big picture from lofty vantage points. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Are there sensual and erotic acts you’ve never tried and are curious about? Are there experimental approaches on the frontier of your desires that would be intriguing to consider? Might there be lusty experiences you’ve barely imagined or don’t know about — but that could be fun to play with? According to my analysis of the astrological omens, the coming weeks will be a favorable time to explore such possibilities. Be safe and prudent, of course. Don’t be irresponsible or careless. But also be willing to expand your notions of your sexuality.

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REAL ESTATE & RENTALS | ROOMMATES | JOBS | SERVICES ANNOUNCEMENTS | CLASSES & WORKSHOPS | MIND, BODY, SPIRIT MUSICIANS’ SERVICES | PETS | AUTOMOTIVE | XCHANGE | ADULT Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 advertise@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember the Russian proverb: “Doveryai, no proveryai,” trust but verify. When answering classified ads, always err on the side of caution. Especially beware of any party asking you to give them financial or identification information. The Mountain Xpress cannot be responsible for ensuring that each advertising client is legitimate. Please report scams to advertise@mountainx.com REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ASSISTED LIVING Seven facilities with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths on 20 acres of property. Close to town. Would make excellent retreat. Call Wayne at Purcell Realty at 828-279-8562 for more information.

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EMPLOYMENT GENERAL HOUSEKEEPER WANTED Reliable and Professional Housekeeper wanted to take care of general cleaning, willing to pay $535/week, contact me at alicemcmillan764@gmail.com PART TIME EVENING POSITIONS AVAILABLE NOW Asheville and Arden area: Sunday-Thursday starting at 7pm or 8pm depending on location/10-15 hours per week. Collect trash bags within a local apartment community. Pickup truck or trailer required for most locations. Earn up to $800/month! If interested, please contact Kristy @ (828) 301-3570. https:// valet.wd1.myworkdayjobs. com/Career_Site/job/ AshevilleNC/Part-Time-Night-Trash-Collector--Truck-Required_R0016666

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ADMINISTRATIVE/ OFFICE A B TECH IS HIRING A-B Tech is currently taking applications for a Full-Time position HR Data Management Technician. For more details and to apply: https://abtcc. peopleadmin.com/postings/5780 CLERICAL/PERSONAL ASSISTANT WANTED We seek an energetic, enthusiastic, and well-organized person for the position of Office Administrator/

Clerical part-time. This is part-time position of 20 to 25 hours per week at $680, depending on workload. Need to be detail-oriented, possess good customer service skills, some cash & items handling skills. Apply Email: angelitadavie@gmail. com ONTRACK WNC IS HIRING A CLIENT SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE OnTrack is seeking a new Client Service Representative to join our team. Position is full-time and includes benefits. Please visit our website for more details: www.ontrackwnc. org

RESTAURANT/ FOOD BREWERY SUPPORT WORKER The Brewery Support Worker 1 is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the brewery and restaurants to the highest standard of quality. Reporting to the Brewery Support Supervisor, the core responsibility of the role is to perform facility wide housekeeping and sanitation duties to ensure the facility is orderly and hygienic. This is an entry-level position into a production facility with internal growth opportunities. https://sierranevada. com/careers/ DISHWASHERS PT AND FT SIERRA NEVADA BREWING $1000 SIGN ON BONUS + BENEFITS The Dishwasher, who reports to the BOH Supervisor, is a member of the kitchen team who will receive and organize products; wash and sanitize equipment, plates, utensils, and spaces; stock equipment as needed in order to maintain proper BOH operations for the continuity of the guest experience. https://sierranevada.com/careers/ OPEN HOUSE Holeman & Finch is opening and Hiring all Positions. Email: Manager@holeman-finch-avl. com for more detail. SIERRA NEVADA BREWING $1000 SIGN ON BONUS + BENEFITS The Line Cook is a member of the kitchen team, who will work closely with all other positions in the Back of the House operations to prep, cook, and expedite food to the guests ordering onsite, delivery, and to-go. The Line Cook, who reports to the BOH Supervisor Team, operates grills, fryers, broilers, and other commercial cooking equipment to prepare and serve food. TO APPLY: Please visit our website: https://sierranevada.com/careers/ SODA JERK WANTED AT DOWNTOWN DINER We are hiring at the Soda Fountain! Drop by our

location inside Woolworth Walk at 25 Haywood St. in downtown. FT or PT. See you soon!

MEDICAL/ HEALTH CARE VETERINARY TECHNICIAN/ASSISTANT Veterinary Technician/Assistant. Holistic, Sunvet Animal Wellness. Downtown Asheville. Needed ASAP. Train $15 x 4 weeks. $16 start. Motivated, efficient, great blood draws. Inventory: supplements/pharmaceuticals. We welcome you in! sunvetanimalwellness.com

PROFESSIONAL/ MANAGEMENT

more information! apply@ ourvoicenc.org https:// www.ourvoicenc.org/ employment-opportunities/

XCHANGE MEDICAL SUPPLIES HEAVY DUTY POWER WHEELCHAIR I have a heavy duty power wheelchair for sale. No text e-mails or calls after 6:00pm. My phone number is 828-335-9038. HEAVY DUTY POWER WHEELCHAIR I have a heavy duty power wheelchair for sale. No text emails or calls after 6:00pm. My phone number is 828-3359038.

YARD SALES

Helpmate, the domestic violence organization in Buncombe County, NC seeks a full-time LGBTQ+ Services Specialist to oversee and implement Helpmate's role as Western Regional Hub for the LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Response Initiative. This position will assist with advancing the capacity of Helpmate staff in order to deliver safe, effective and culturally relevant services to LGBTQ+ survivors. Job also includes forming community partnerships, providing healthy relationship education to youth and adults and providing training to local organizations that serve LGBTQ+ individuals. Qualified candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree or 2 years' experience in social work or related field, with preference for experience in domestic violence or related field, or a commensurate combination of work and experience. Qualified candidates must also have experience working within LGBTQ+ communities. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. Email resume and cover letter by 5:00pm on October 6 to hiring@helpmateonline. org with "LGBTQ+ Services Specialist" in the subject line. No phone or in person inquiries, please. https:// helpmateonline.org/

TEACHING/ EDUCATION SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION COORDINATOR Our VOICE is hiring for a Sexual Violence and Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinator! Please visit https://www. ourvoicenc.org/employment-opportunities/ for

ART STUDIO CLOSING YARD SALE Art studio closing. Oil, acrylic, paints and brushes, canvas, porcelain, wood, ink, pencils, conte, palettes, easels, frames, stencils, books, plus more stuff. Sept. 25 & 26, 9am to 5:30pm. 89 Washington Rd.

WANTED BUYING ANTIQUES Vintage, cast iron, pottery, advertising signs, primitives, old collections, estates, old tools, taxidermy, rifles, decoys, wood carvings, signs, clocks, and much more! 828-582-6097 • steadyaim1@yahoo.com.

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THE N EW Y OR K TI M ES C ROSSWORD P UZ Z LE ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE. $200.00 OFF + 2 FREE Months! 1-877-6730511 | Hours Mon-Thu, Sun: 9:30 am to 8:00 pm Fri: 9:30 am to 2:00 pm (all times Eastern) (AAN CAN) PAINT-A-ROOM PAINTING COMPANY On average to paint a 12’x15' wall only, $495 includes labor and materials using a lifetime warranty one coat quality paint, call 828-273-3556.

LEGAL NOTICE TO CREDITORS RE: THE ESTATE OF CHARLOTTE JEAN BEACHBOARD Notice to creditors, having qualified as the Executor of the Estate of Charlotte Jean Beachboard, aka Jean C. Beachboard, deceased late of Buncombe County, North Carolina. The undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned a the address below. This will run six consecutive weeks. If indebted by the mentioned deceased all debts need to be sent to Patricia Ann Beachboard, Executor of the Estate. Please mail all claims owned by Charlotte Jean Beachboard with marked debt and account numbers. If debts are owed they will be accepted by Patricia Ann Beachboard at 89 Winston Avenue, Asheville, NC 28803. This is an address change that is current from 25 Harmony

Lane, Asheville, NC 28803 (old address). Please be sure and use attention: Patricia Ann Beachboard. Written this day, August 23, 2021.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS BATH & SHOWER UPDATES In as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 1-877-649-5043 (AAN CAN) BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR! We edit, print and distribute your work internationally. We do the work… You reap the Rewards! Call for a FREE Author’s Submission Kit: 844-511-1836. (AAN CAN) COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available

for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! 1-855-554-4616 (AAN CAN) DONATE YOUR CAR TO KIDS Your donation helps fund the search for missing children. Accepting Trucks, Motorcycles & RV’s , too! Fast Free Pickup – Running or Not - 24 Hour Response - Maximum Tax Donation – Call 877-266-0681 (AAN CAN) LONG DISTANCE MOVING Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America’s Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 855-947-2919 (AAN CAN) STILL PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR MEDICATION? Save up to 90% on RX refill! Order today and receive free shipping on 1st order - prescription required. Call 1-855-750-1612 (AAN CAN)

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS CLASSES & WORKSHOPS PIANO LESSONS PIANO LESSONS now available for children and adults. Over 35 years experience. (828) 407-9552 Please see www. pianobill.com for more information.

edited by Will Shortz | No. 0818 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT BODYWORK FEELING WHACKED? Let Kaye's revive you back! Incall/Outcall 280-8182

COUNSELING SERVICES ASTRO-COUNSELING Licensed counselor and accredited professional astrologer uses your chart when counseling for additional insight into yourself, your relationships and life directions. Stellar Counseling Services. Christy Gunther, MA, LCMHC. (828) 258-3229.

SPIRITUAL ROMANIAN HEALER I am from Romania certified in Introspective Hypnosis, Theta Healing, Reiki, Thai Yoga, Tarot Card and an intuitive healer. I can help identify and resolve blockages affecting your present self and help discover a new self. Ramona Manea 214-684-7178

AUTOMOTIVE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES CASH FOR CARS! We buy all cars! Junk, high-end, totaled – it doesn’t matter! Get free towing and same day cash! NEWER MODELS too! Call 866-535-9689 (AAN CAN)

ACROSS 1 Breaded and topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella, for short 5 “Holy mackerel!” 9 Instrument played by indie rock’s Sufjan Stevens 13 Black-and-white item in a sleeve 14 V.I.P. on base 15 Winter bugs 16 With 26-Across, game that uses a blindfold 18 Part of the food pyramid 19 Gardening tool 20 Fruit in the William Carlos Williams poem “This Is Just to Say” 22 Edward Snowden’s former employer, in brief 23 Black History Mo. 26 See 16-Across 29 “Why?” 31 Puts up 32 Bird that had no natural predators until humans arrived 33 Tick (off) 35 Babe Zaharias was the first woman to compete on its tour, in brief 36 Item exchanged in a so-called “yankee swap” 41 John Lewis was born here: Abbr. 42 Org. that oversees O.T.C.s 43 Campaign expense 45 Get situated 48 Pacify 50 Frequent reveler, or a hint to 16-/26- and 36-Across 53 Hit the slopes 54 “___ be my pleasure” 55 Lots 56 Hearty laugh 58 Tidy 60 Cartoonist suggested by this puzzle’s theme 65 Brand in the ice cream aisle

28 31

35 38

43 48

18 20

PUZZLE BY ALINA ABIDI

55 59

56 60

66 Aches (for) 67 Words after a gasp 68 Its underside might be covered in gum 69 The first cloned mammals 70 Yarn

DOWN 1 Dad 2 “Midsommar” director Aster 3 ___ faire (historical re-enactment event, for short) 4 Fly-by-night type? 5 Fuel up, in a way 6 Visual in an annual report 7 Nimble 8 Hornswoggle 9 Toggle option 10 Artist’s starting place 11 Get-go 12 Guest ___, what The New York Times calls op-eds 14 What an asterisk might suggest 17 Centaur’s foot 21 Transform 23 Repeated string in a chain letter subject line

24 Website with articles like “10 Surprising Ways to Use Mayonnaise Around Your Home” 25 Things best kept under one’s hat? 27 Data structure with a root node 28 Undo 30 Half of a half-bathroom 34 Tiny toymaker 37 Tucker who had her first hit in 1972 and won her first Grammys in 2020 38 Cheese used in Babybels 39 Fruits whose seeds can act as a substitute for black peppercorns

40 Something to do 44 Latin gods 45 Shared one’s views 46 For all ages, as a video game 47 Tell 49 Also 51 At all, in dialect 52 Combined 57 Pretzel, basically 59 Shaming syllable 61 Drug dosages: Abbr. 62 Light bulb moment sound 63 Show with the recurring character Target Lady, in brief 64 “Piggy”

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS NY TIMES PUZZLE

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A L C O V E R M R E D I N A M I M B R E S E E N E R V O S T E V E R E T D A B L A E R W E D N O E V O L Y D W E

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O P N T O S P I A B L D E L W E A E R R E K L O B U E M O T V O R E B E

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