WNC Pocket Guide (2022-2023)

Cock-a-doodle-do, Western North Carolina!

Just as the rooster crows each dawn, each year Mountain Xpress hosts its Best Of WNC survey of readers, residents and people who know and love Western North Carolina. The annual balloting process invites voters to weigh in on a ballot containing about 600 categories, celebrating the local people, places and institutions that make WNC a unique and exceptional place to live.

For those new to the area or just visiting, each annual Best Of WNC has a theme. For 2022, we brought the rooster into the mix — a sort of wake-up call to residents and tourists alike that, despite the previous two years of uncertainty and caution, our communities are back at it!

Within this guide, you’ll find all first-, second- and thirdplace winners organized into a dozen-plus sections — cov ering Asheville proper, Buncombe County and towns in multiple surrounding counties. Having conducted the yearly Best of WNC survey for more than 25 years, we’ve also got a fair share of Hall of Fame winners — an honor earned by those who hold the top spot in a category four or more years in a row.

As always, we’d like to extend a thank-you to everyone who voted, to the Xpress staff who tallied and judged thousands of ballots and to the businesses that purchased thank-you ads in these pages. Their ads not only showcase them, they support WNC’s most widely read free newspaper, Mountain Xpress.

The next time someone asks you why the rooster crossed the road, let them know it was to strut his stuff! We hope all of this year’s winners do the same. When you’re out in the community, keep an eye out for X-Award certificates and store-window decals identifying those winners.

If you have any questions or comments about this year’s Best Of WNC, drop us a line at bestofwnc@mountainx.com. — Thomas Calder

THE HALL OF FAME ICON

ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK

Best Fried Chicken, Lunch and Takeout; second place Kid-Friendly Restaurant, Quick Meal, Wings, Southern and Restaurant in South Asheville; third place Best Value, Favorite Restaurant and Restaurant to Take Out-of-Towners to

THERE are more than 250 independent restaurants within Asheville city limits, according to the Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau. What’s more, factor in all of the unique culinary gems and time-honored favorites you’ll find throughout Western North Carolina, and mealtime options never looked better.

When it comes to finding the best of the best in Western North Carolina, listen up to the people who live here, who care about what’s on all those menus. Little wonder that the Best Of WNC Eats section draws the heaviest voting each year.

Competition in the section this year was fierce, featuring tight races and multiple ties: Buxton Hall Barbecue and Cúrate both tied for the best Restaurant in Downtown, while White Duck Taco Shop and 12 Bones Smokehouse also deadlocked for the top award in the best Restaurant in the River Arts District. And the award for New Restaurant had to be split between Andaaz and Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian–South.

Hats off a dozen times to these great establishments for winning first place 12 or more consecutive years: 12 Bones Smokehouse (Barbecue); Apollo Flame Bistro (Greek); Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. (Kid-Friendly Restaurant); Bouchon (French); French Broad Chocolates (Chocolate); HomeGrown (Diner/Homestyle); Katie Button (Chef); Posana (Special Diet Options); The Hop (Ice Cream); Sunny Point Café (both Breakfast and Brunch); Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian (Italian); and Zambra (Romantic Dining).

And in newcomer honors, please welcome to this year’s Hall of Fame: Hole Doughnuts (Doughnuts); Green Sage Café (Healthiest Food); Mela Indian Restaurant (Hot Bar/ Buffet); Franny’s Farmacy (Locally Made CBD Treats); Nine Mile (Restaurant That Best Represents the Spirit of Asheville); Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack (Takeout); and Plant (Vegan/Vegetarian).

— Brooke Randle X

PHOTO BY NEIL JACOBS

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

Road, Asheville 828-252-0055

MILE

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

ITALIAN n s 641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-1077 1981 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-630-8100

PHO NOODLE BAR s x

1950 Hendersonville Road, Suite 12, Asheville 828-676-1827 • wildgingernoodle.com 2 ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK s aw

3749 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-676-3222 rockyshotchickenshack.com 3 VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN (SOUTH) s 1981 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-630-8100 • vinniesitalian.com

Asheville 828-254-1398 12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-9191 • whiteducktacoshop.com

828-505-3449

Arden 828-676-1859 • whiteducktacoshop.com

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

St.,

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

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

Ave., Suite 129, Asheville 828-252-8730

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

Park Ave.,

Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800

Ave.,

Floor,

Parkway,

408.6,

828-235-8228

Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800

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

LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d 40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445

laughingseed.com

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

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

BURIAL BEER CO.

DESPITE local breweries slowly being sold to Big Beer and venture capitalists, Best Of WNC voters’ commitment to homegrown, unfettered independent business was in clear evidence this year: Asheville’s oldest craft brewery, Highland Brewing Co., took home nine wins, including each individual style except Lager and Sour. If that’s not true local love, I don’t know what is.

Elsewhere, the spirit of independent Asheville is alive and well in other corners of the alcoholic beverage industry.

Local love overflowed in the most-voted category in the Drinks section — Dive Bar — where voters gave a heaping of love to the Burger Bar. Area imbibers also ladled The Odd with accolades, feting the Haywood Road anchor with five wins: Bar That Best Represents the Spirit of Asheville, LGBTQ+ Friendly Bar, Bartender (Jennie Lou Nelson), Bloody Mary and, in an impressive tie with The Grey Eagle, Bar for Live Music.

On the nonalcoholic side, readers say the Establishment With the Best Coffee (High Five Coffee) isn’t necessarily the coffeehouse with the best vibe (BattleCat CoffeeBar), and Coffee Roaster (Dynamite Roasting Co.) is something else entirely.

Special lifetime achievement honors go to 5 Walnut Wine Bar for maintaining its Hall of Fame status as best Wine Bar for nine years running.

And welcome to these new Hall of Fame inductees: The Montford Rooftop Bar (Bar With a View); Chemist Spirits (Distillery); Sovereign Kava (Kava Bar); The Social (Neighborhood Bar–East); Wedge Brewing Co. (Neighborhood Bar–River Arts District); and Simple Cafe & Juice Bar (Smoothies/Juices).

— Edwin Arnaudin

Best Creative, Experimental Brewery and Neighborhood BarDowntown (including South Slope); second place Local All-Round Brewery (for its beers)

PHOTO BY ANDY HALL

1 THE GREY EAGLE d 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville 828-232-5800

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

ashevilleodditorium.com

JACK OF THE WOOD d 95 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-252-5445

jackofthewood.com

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL d 55 College St., Asheville ashevillemusichall.com

HIGHLAND BREWING CO. s 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370

JACOBS

BY THOMAS CALDER

1 HI-WIRE LAGER

(HI-WIRE BREWING) s x

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

2 PILSNER

(HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) s

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

3 GREEN MAN LAGER (GREEN MAN BREWERY) d 27 Buxton Ave., Asheville 828-252-5502 • greenmanbrewery.com LOCAL SOUR BEER

1 BLACK ANGEL

(WICKED WEED BREWING) d 91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com 2 THE GOOD FIGHT (BHRAMARI BREWING CO.) d 101 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-214-7981 • bhramaribrewing.com

3 WILD LITTLE THING

(SIERRA NEVADA BREWING CO.) s a 100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River 828-708-6242 sierranevada.com/visit/ north-carolina/taproom LOCAL IPA

1 AVL IPA

(HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) s

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

2 IRON RAIL IPA (WEDGE BREWING CO.) r 37 Paynes Way, Suite 001, Asheville 828-505-2792 • wedgebrewing.com 3 PERNICIOUS IPA (WICKED WEED BREWING) d 91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com

SEASONAL BEER

1 COLD MOUNTAIN (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) s 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com 2 NINJABREAD MAN HOLIDAY PORTER (ASHEVILLE

YO MAMA’S BIG FAT BOOTY BAND

WHILE Xpress readers are known to love music and movies, other aspects of the local arts scene proved nearly as popular in this year’s Best Of WNC results. Tunes and film are certainly represented with in the top-five vote-getters — including Place to Hear Live Music (The Orange Peel), Intimate Music Venue/Listening Room (Lounge at Isis Music Hall) and Movie Theater (Grail Moviehouse). But among the Top 10 vote-getters are other cultural highlights: Arts/Crafts Fair or Event (The Big Crafty), Photographer (Sheila Mraz) and Local Art Gallery (Blue Spiral 1). That variety is encouraging, since it suggests an expanding creative sector not reliant on just music and movies. In the broader Arts scene, notable stars shine brightly, with top spots going to Rob and Beth Mangum (Potter/Ceramic Artist), Southern Highland Craft Guild (Craft-Oriented Gallery) and Lauren Moody (Jewelry Artist/Designer). Humor honors went to LaZoom’s Hey Asheville! City Comedy Tour (Comedy Troupe or Series) and Hilliary Begley (Comedian), while Scott Treadway again proved to be readers’ favorite local Actor. Congratulations to Andrew Fletcher (Keyboardist/Pianist) and Cloud City Caskets (Punk/Metal/Garage artist) for win ning A&E’s new categories this year. And please welcome these new inductees to the Hall of Fame: Steep Canyon Rangers (All-Round Favorite Band; Old-Time/Bluegrass); Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band (Funk); Allan Wolf (Local Poet); Salvage Station (Outdoor Music Venue); Asheville Community Theatre (Theater Company); and Leeda “Lyric” Jones (Vocalist/Singer).

Special lifetime achievement honors go to the following mainstay businesses for retaining their Hall of Fame status for nine or more years running: The Orange Peel (Place to Hear Live Music); Blue Spiral 1 (Local Art Gallery); Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters (Americana/Country); and Echo Mountain Recording Studio (Recording Studio).

— Edwin Arnaudin

Best Funk

PHOTO BY NEIL JACOBS

PHOTO

CINDY KUNST

Best

THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM TRAILS

and

WHILE the legendary Dutch painter never set foot in Western North Carolina, he certainly would have understood the area’s appeal. It’s not hard, after all, to find beauty everywhere in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains.

Just at the edge of Asheville’s city limits, the trails at The N.C. Arboretum earned two first-place honors this year, one for a Walk In or Near Asheville and the other in a new category on this year’s ballot, Easy Hike Trail (for kids, elders and those with limited mobility).

A little farther out, take advantage of the favored spot for campers and fishers: the Davidson River area of Pisgah National Forest, which ranked first once again as best place to camp or car camp, and retained its Hall of Fame status for Fishing Spot.

Other sure bets include repeat winners Black Balsam Knob (Day Hike), Craggy Gardens (Picnic Spot), the Art Loeb Trail (Backpacking Trail/Overnight Hike), Looking Glass Falls (Waterfall) and the French Broad River (Place to Relax on the Water).

And this year, we welcome three new Outdoors entrants to the Hall of Fame: Black Balsam Knob (Day Hike Trail), Carolina Mountain Club (Hiking Club or Group) and French Broad River (Place to Relax on the Water).

So what are you waiting for? Get outside and check out what Vincent missed.

“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.”

— Vincent van Gogh

— Justin McGuire

Easy Hike Trail (for kids, elders, limited mobility)

Walk - In or Near Asheville; second place Day Hike Trail; third place Kid-Friendly Hike

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM

&

REPORTS of the death of the mall, at least in Western North Carolina, have been greatly exaggerated. Best Of WNC voters eagerly took to the ballot’s new Shopping category of Mall-style Market, placing Asheville Outlets at the front of the pack — just ahead of The Regeneration Station, which itself earned top honors in the ballot’s other new Shopping category, Refurbished or Upcycled Goods. History buffs will know that an 11-block swath of downtown Asheville was slated to become a mall itself in the early 1980s, with much of the historic architecture along Lexington, Broadway and College streets to be razed to make room for a nearly 23-acre development. That plan was scuttled by local activists; instead, the city became a different type of shopping mecca, with a thriving collection of independent shops. The resulting variety is enough to match any mall. Downtown favorites atop their respective categories include Spicer Greene Jewelers (Jewelry Store), Minx Boutique (Clothing: Dress-Up/Stylin’), Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe (Bookstore–New) and Tops for Shoes (Shoe Store).

And outside of downtown Asheville, two establishments earned their first entrance in the Hall of Fame. Congrats to West Asheville’s Reciprocity (Clothing: Used or Vintage–for-profit store) and North Asheville’s Newbridge Tire Center (Automobile Tire).

Special lifetime achievement honors go to the follow ing enterprises for retaining their Hall of Fame status for nine or more consecutive years: Malaprop’s Bookstore/ Cafe (Bookstore–New); Tops for Shoes (Shoes); Antique Tobacco Barn (Antique Store); Harvest Records (Record/CD Store); Minx Boutique (Clothing: Dress-Up/Stylin’); Goodwill (Clothing: Used or Vintage–nonprofit store); Liberty Bicycles (Bike Shop); Musician’s Workshop (Musical Instrument Store); and Octopus Garden Smoke Shop (Head Shop).

— Daniel Walton X

FLORA

FORAGE Best Florist

PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO

PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

80 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-492-3185 229 Airport Road, Suite 2, Arden 828-827-9797 1900 4 Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville 828-744-0817

WHO manages to keep a little black book of professionals to call when Murphy comes a-knockin’?

If you’re lucky, it’s a problem you can tackle successfully yourself. And when it’s not, we typically fall back on call ing a friend to get a recommendation. But wait! There’s an alternative: Turn to Xpress’ Best Of WNC survey results and gain the wisdom of thousands of area residents, on the spot.

And since the Best Of listings show not just the firstplace winner, but also the second- and third-place win ners, you have even more options. What’s more, among this year’s champions, you’ll note that 15 have Hall of Fame status, having earned first-place honors for four or more years in a row. And among that group, two get special accolades for having been voted best in their category for 12 or more years in a row: Liberty Bicycles (Bike Repair) and Charlotte Street Computers (Computer Repair). Talk about a sustained

This year’s Professional Services section also gained two new categories. Join us in welcoming the inaugu ral winners of best Construction Firm for Design/Build (M.B. Haynes Construction) and Home Inspection Service (Farris Home Inspections).

reputation!

— Jeff Fobes X

GOOSMANN ROSE COLVARD & CRAMER, PA, VERONICA H. COLVARD, ELIZABETH “BETH” CRAMER AND GEORGE F. “GREG” GOOSMANN Best Law Firm and Real Estate Attorney; third place Real Estate Attorney

PHOTO BY ANDY HALL

1 AUSTIN CPA, PC d x

301 W. Haywood St., Asheville 828-785-1556 • austincpapc.com

2 CHAD STORCK

(STORCK CPA, PC) d

8 Magnolia Ave., Suite 200, Asheville 828-505-3791 • storckcpa.com

FINANCIAL ADVISER

1 KEVIN PASARILLA (NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO.) s

4 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Suite 350, Asheville 828-210-3806 • kevinpasarilla.nm.com

3

MARIE YOUNG

(ACCOUNTING SPECIALISTS OF ASHEVILLE) n

Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-774-5455

1 AUSTIN CPA, PC d x

301 W. Haywood St., Asheville 828-785-1556 • austincpapc.com

2 CHAD STORCK

(STORCK CPA, P.C.) d 8 Magnolia Ave., Suite 200, Asheville 828-505-3791 • storckcpa.com

3 H&R BLOCK d

204 Executive Park, Asheville 828-254-0321 • hrblock.com

2 CHRISTINA SIMPSON (OPPENHEIMER & CO.) s 10 Brook St., Suite 290, Asheville 828-225-3118

77 Central Ave., Suite H, Asheville 828-258-0150 Biltmore Park, 2 Town Square Blvd., Suite 340, Asheville 68 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-258-0150 • grcclaw.com

THE VAN WINKLE LAW FIRM d s 11 N. Market St., Asheville 828-258-2991 422 S. Main St., Hendersonville 828-697-6196 • vwlawfirm.com

OUR MISSION To

IN addition to being masters of their crafts, pro fessionals such as tattoo artists, nail technicians, hairstylists and others in the Personal Services section often double as therapists or personal confidants to those they’re serving.

Workers in these fields wind up spending thousands of hours mastering the art of conversation, so it’s no wonder that while sitting in the client’s chair, you may find your self sharing your secret crushes, existential fears or your Aunt Marsha’s latest faux pas.

Yes, these professionals make us look better, but in the process, they also help us feel better about ourselves. By promoting a sort of confessional ambience, they help us get in touch with our inner selves. The process can create a personal connection between client and provider, which is evident in the passion and range of Personal Services votes.

As you peruse the winners in this section, keep in mind that there’s not only hard-earned respect on display here, there’s also plenty of emotional enthusiasm from voters, particularly for Thang Chu of American Nails AVL (Nail Technician), Caitlin Frink Cross of Salon Dragonfly (Hair Stylist) and Richard Lamos at Bliss Tattoo (Tattoo Artist).

And hats off to The Spa at Omni Grove Park Inn, which has been voted best Spa for 12 years running, maintaining its stay in the Hall of Fame for nine years.

The next time you settle into the client’s chair for some much-needed pampering and start to feel an urge to let it all out, remember you’re in good company. It happens to all of us.

— Brooke Randle

RICHARD LAMOS (BLISS TATTOO) Best Tattoo Artist

PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO

1 THE SPA AT OMNI GROVE PARK INN n x 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • avl.mx/554

2 SHOJI SPA & RETREAT s 96 Avondale Heights, Asheville 828-299-0999 • shojispa.com

3 SAUNA HOUSE d 230 Short Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-505-6393 • saunahouse.com 3 SENSIBILITIES DAY

SPA s

The Hilton at Biltmore Park Square, 43 Town Square Blvd., Suite 100, Asheville 828-687-8760 • self-help.org

HAIR SALON

1 WILLOW’S DREAM d 64 Broadway, Asheville 828-225-5922 • willowsdream.com 2 WINK SALON s 18 Brook St., Suite 103, Asheville 828-277-4070 • ilovewink.com 3 ANANDA HAIR STUDIO d 22 Broadway, Asheville 828-232-1017 • anandahair.com

HAIRSTYLIST OR BARBER

1 CAITLIN FRINK (SALON DRAGONFLY) d 115 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-253-3977 • salondragonfly.net

2 JENNA WILSON (ATLAS BEAUTY) d 257 Broadway, Suite 301, Asheville 828-707-3991 atlasbeautyasheville.com/jenna

3 AMY GROOMS ROSE (SALON ZHENYA) w 290 Haywood Road, Unit 102, Asheville 828-713-6921 • salonzhenya.com

BARBERSHOP 1 THE LOCAL BARBER & TAP d x 84 W. Walnut St., Unit B, Asheville 828-232-7005

ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE (AMOS)

Best Museum; second place Daytrip for Kids; third place Place for Indoor Fun

KIDS — and those who care for them — seem naturally drawn to positive people, places and experiences. So is it any wonder that the top three vote-getters in this section radiate good vibes?

Take multiple award-winner Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts (After-School Program, Day Camp, Martial Arts Program, Parents Night Out Program), which states on its website: “We offer a martial arts practice that is healthy on all levels, building a smart body, strong mind and soft heart.”

Or the colorful Dancing Bear Toys (Toy Store), which touts: “We want to give kids the tools to explore, collabo rate and create.”

And Asheville Museum of Science (Museum) — with its extensive gem and mineral collection, Little Explorers Club and more — which notes that it’s a “growing local science museum with interactive, hands-on exhibits for science lovers of all ages!”

Of course, the good feelings don’t stop there. Read on to discover the winners in all the Kids categories — from Day Trip to Gymnastics Program — including those that rose to the top in multiple categories (looking at you, ArtSpace Charter School, Mountain Play Lodge and WNC Nature Center).

Special lifetime achievement honors go to Dancing Bear Toys (Toy Store) for retaining its Hall of Fame status for at least nine years.

And please give high-fives to these new Hall of Famers: Camp Cedar Cliff (Overnight Camp); Rainbow Community School (Preschool); and Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association (Team-Sports Program).

— Tracy Rose

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

1 ARTSPACE

CHARTER SCHOOL e a

2030 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 828-298-2787 • artspacecharter.org 2 RAINBOW

COMMUNITY SCHOOL w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-258-9264 rainbowcommunityschool.org 3 EVERGREEN COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL e 50 Bell Road, Asheville 828-298-2173 • evergreenccs.org

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS s x 800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com 2 ARTSPACE CHARTER SCHOOL e a 2030 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 828-298-2787 • artspacecharter.org 3 Y AFTERSCHOOL IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS (YMCA OF WNC) n 40 N Merrimon Ave., Suite 309, Asheville 828-251-5910 • ymcawnc.org/childcare PRESCHOOL 1 RAINBOW

COMMUNITY SCHOOL w x 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-258-9264 rainbowcommunityschool.org 2 THE ACADEMY OF ASHEVILLE s 1709 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-277-0062 theacademyofasheville.com 3 SHALOM CHILDREN’S CENTER (ASHEVILLE JCC) n 236 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-253-0701 • jcc-asheville.org CHILD CARE OR DAY CARE SERVICE 1 THE ACADEMY OF ASHEVILLE s

1709 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-277-0062 theacademyofasheville.com 2 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS s

800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com 3 SHALOM CHILDREN’S CENTER (ASHEVILLE JCC)

Road, Asheville 828-258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org

ROOTS + WINGS SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN s 573 Fairview Road, Asheville 828-378-4140 • rootsandwingsarts.com

SURE, you might have actual human babies you need to feed, clothe and shelter. But we’re willing to bet you still spoil your fur babies rotten (or your feather or scale babies, if those critters are more your type). Amid the many parks, watering holes and pet shops in WNC, it’s easy to get carried away. We understand — we do it, too.

Did you put off travel during the pandemic? Do you have separation anxiety if you’re away from your domes ticated bearded dragon for too long? Good news! This year’s Best Of WNC introduced a new category in the Pets section: Pet Sitting Service. This could be just what you need. Consider letting a professional take over during your absence, like the ones at this year’s first-place win ner, WNC Pet Care.

We realize you might have stumbled on this section without a pint-sized member in your family. In that case, we highly recommend you check out Brother Wolf Animal Rescue (Animal Shelter/Animal Rescue), or one of the other winners among the area’s many resources for adoptable pets. And without a sidekick buddy, how else would you get to know the Wagbar (Pet-Friendly Bar and Outdoor Place to Take Your Pet)? Or the Animal Hospital of North Asheville, which has held its title for best Veterinary Services for 12-plus years.

— Jessica Wakeman

PATTON AVENUE PET CO.

Best Pet Supply Store

PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO

VETERINARY SERVICES

1 ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF NORTH ASHEVILLE n x

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

2

3

CHARLOTTE STREET

ANIMAL HOSPITAL n

208 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-232-0440

charlottestreetanimalhospital.com

PINNACLE

ANIMAL HOSPITAL s a

200 Julian Lane, Suite 240, Arden 828-676-2332 • pinnacleanimalhospital.com

VETERINARIAN

1 TIM MCMULLAN (PINNACLE ANIMAL HOSPITAL) s a

200 Julian Lane, Suite 204, Arden 828-676-2332 • pinnacleanimalhospital.com

2

3

SUSAN WOOTTEN (ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF NORTH ASHEVILLE) n

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

AMY PLANKENHORN (ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF NORTH ASHEVILLE) n

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

3 JIM EARLEY (ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF NORTH ASHEVILLE) n

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

PET SUPPLY STORE

1 PATTON AVENUE

PET CO. d w s x

109 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-255-7737

1388 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-505-8299 582 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-575-9282 • pattonavenuepet.com

2

ASHEVILLE PET SUPPLY n

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

3 WEAVERVILLE PET PANTRY n a

1 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-484-9247 weavervillepetpantry.com

PET KENNEL

1 HAPPY TAILS

COUNTRY CLUB e w ax

1984 Cane Creek Road, Fletcher 828-628-8510

1164 Sand Hill Road, Candler 828-628-8510 • happytailscc.com 2 HAIR OF THE DOG PET SALON s 1451 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-274-4155 • hotdavl.com 3

BUCKEYE KENNELS e a 790 Buckeye Access Road, Swannanoa 828-299-9500 • ashevillekennels.com

PET DAY CARE FACILITY

1

RUFF LIFE DOG TRAINING SERVICES s

95 Thompson St., Asheville 828-365-8244 • rufflifeavl.com

HAPPY TAILS COUNTRY CLUB e aw 1984 Cane Creek Road, Fletcher 828-628-8510 1164 Sand Hill Road, Candler 828-628-8510 • happytailscc.com

THE PET VET ON PATTON w 2 Hansel Ave., Asheville 828-232-9990 • petvetonpatton.com

GROOMING

SERVICE

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

DINE TO BE KIND (ASHEVILLE

SOCIETY)

Best Local Fundraising Event

OH, how things have changed. In 2020, voters named COVID-19 quarantines and lockdowns as the Best Thing to Happen to Asheville in the Last 12 Months. At the time, Xpress’ Thomas Calder hypothe sized that voters may have been celebrating the drop in tourism driven by those stringent measures.

Fast-forward two years, and WNC’s now stir-crazy voters placed the removal of COVID restrictions atop the same category. Local readers seem eager to get out and explore their city, while also voting tourism as the Biggest Threat to Asheville’s Uniqueness.

Many residents value driving to get to their goal, as evidenced by better parking being named to the Hall of Fame for Thing Downtown Asheville Needs. Readers also care about where they drive back to: Outside the urban core, affordable housing topped the list of needs for every part of Asheville.

But the more things change, the more some stay the same. Keep Asheville Weird remains the best Bumper Sticker or Slogan About Asheville. What’s more, it has held that title for 12 years running! Three other entrenched winners, for 10 years in a row, are: the Biltmore Estate (Local Asheville Attraction), the Omni Grove Park Inn (Hotel), and LaZoom–Comedy Tour (Local City Tour).

P.S.: Congratulations to Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum for joining the Hall of Fame as WNC’s best Holiday Event–Winter/Spring. It’s a pleasant remind er that summer doesn’t last forever!

— Daniel Walton X

HUMANE

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASHEVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY

FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN Best Local Podcast

IT’S no secret that Xpress is, at best, dubious about social media as a trustworthy news source. And we aren’t alone. A November 2021 Gallup poll found that while youths and oldsters alike tend to use social media to stay abreast of current events (it was the the most popular method for 15- to 24-year-olds) — they don’t necessarily trust such sources. Social media in the same poll ranked lowest when pollsters asked which institutions respon dents trust to provide accurate information.

Yet given the popularity of social media for getting a quick look at goings-on, this year saw a new category in the Media section: Local Social Media Page to Follow for News, Events and Local Happenings. Congratulations to AVL Today’s Instagram/Facebook pages for earning the top honor in that category as well as a win for AVL Today’s website (Local Events Information Source).

Keeping in mind that traditional news media retain more trust for accuracy, we welcome some venerable and trusted institutions to the Hall of Fame this year: News 13 WLOS for both Local News Source and Local News Website; and Asheville Citizen Times for best Local Print Publication Other Than Xpress.

When it comes to trust, incidentally, it seems that localism reigns supreme. A 2019 study by the Knight Foundation and Gallup found that “six in 10 Americans believe local news organizations are accomplishing most of the key tasks of informing communities.” The same study reported that local journalists are seen as more caring, trustworthy and neutral or unbiased. And while we at Xpress are likely biased on this front, we couldn’t agree more. So here’s to all the local media folks helping keep our local media ecosystem strong.

—

PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO

KEELY CARLISLE (FRENCH BROAD PEDIATRICS)

ASHEVILLE’S reputation as the land of breweries, barbecue and bears has a tendency to overshadow other reasons this area is beloved — such as: a place where people care about feeling good. Whether you’re into CrossFit or cycling or circus arts, there are plenty of ways to achieve your goals. And if peace of mind is what you’re after, Asheville has plenty of trained coun selors and meditation practices to choose from.

To keep pace with these changing times, this year’s ballot included four new Wellness categories: Physical Therapy Clinic; Urgent Care/Walk-In Clinic; Medical Practice That Supports Holistic Health; and last, Health & Wellness-Focused Nonprofit.

And speaking of what’s new, please welcome Franny’s Farmacy to the Hall of Fame as the best place to buy CBD products.

Special lifetime achievement honors go to these two enterprises for retaining their Hall of Fame status for nine or more consecutive years: Asheville Downtown YMCA (Gym or Place to Work Out) and Asheville Community Yoga (Yoga Studio).

Usually people make a resolution at the beginning of the new year. But we want to propose that you make a resolution a few months early to try something new in the health and wellness community. Maybe you take that martial arts class you’ve always dreamed about. Or maybe you just schedule that dental cleaning you’ve been putting off. This year, find a new way to feel fabulous.

— Jessica Wakeman X

LAUREN

Best Pediatrician; second place Pediatric Practice - General Medicine (in Kids section)

PHOTO CINDY KUNST

PHYSICIAN (GENERAL PRACTICE)

1 MEREDITH POLANSKY (OUR FAMILY DOCTOR) d x

43 Oakland Road, Asheville 828-252-2511 ourfamilydoctorasheville.com

2 ANANDA VIEAGES (OUR FAMILY DOCTOR) d 43 Oakland Road, Asheville 828-252-2511 ourfamilydoctorasheville.com

3

MICHAEL WEIZMAN (OUR FAMILY DOCTOR) d 43 Oakland Road, Asheville 828-252-2511 ourfamilydoctorasheville.com

PEDIATRICIAN

1 LAUREN KEELY CARLISLE (FRENCH BROAD PEDIATRICS) n x 40 N. Merrimon Ave., Suite 117, Asheville 828-348-8232 • frenchbroadpeds.com

2

SAMUEL M. KOHN (ASHEVILLE CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER) s

7 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Suite 100A, Asheville 828-258-0969 • ashevillechildrens.com

3 JOHN S. PASCHALL (ABC PEDIATRICS) s 64 Peachtree Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-277-3000 • abcasheville.com

FAMILY MEDICAL PRACTICE

1

MEDICAL PRACTICE THAT SUPPORTS HOLISTIC HEALTH

INTEGRATIVE FAMILY MEDICINE OF ASHEVILLE r

372 Depot St., Suite 10, Asheville 828-575-9600 • integrativeasheville.org 2

LANTERN HEALTH d

84 Coxe Ave., Suite 240, Asheville 828-552-5757 • lanterndpc.com 3 ADVANCED REGENERATIVE THERAPY ASHEVILLE s 264 Thetford St., Suite 120, Asheville 828-385-4644 advancedregenerativetherapies.com

WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER

ASHEVILLE WOMEN’S

MEDICAL CENTER d s x

143 Asheland Ave., Asheville 828-258-9191 310 Long Shoals Road, Suite 202, Arden 828-687-2955 • ashevillewomens.com 2

1

2

OUR FAMILY DOCTOR d

43 Oakland Road, Asheville 828-252-2511 ourfamilydoctorasheville.com

THE FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS d w

206 Asheland Ave., Asheville 828-258-8681

1219 Smokey Park Highway, Candler fhconline.com 3

COMMUNITY FAMILY PRACTICE n

260 Merrimon Ave., Suite 200, Asheville 828-254-2444 communityfamilyonline.com

674 Merrimon Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-412-0327 201 N.C. Highway 9, Black Mountain 828-820-8266 349 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-463-4093

1201 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-252-4878 1272 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-210-8325

2695 Hendersonville Road, Arden 828-694-2350

257 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-285-0622 1914 Smokey Park Highway, Candler 828-285-0622

674 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-412-0327 201 N.C. Highway 9, Black Mountain 828-820-8266

Thank you for voting us

1 KEITH BLACK (BLACK ORTHODONTICS) s x 5 Yorkshire St., Suite A, Asheville 828-277-7103 • kblacksmiles.com 2 JEFFREY ROEDER (ROEDER ORTHODONTICS) s 22 Medical Park Drive, Asheville 828-274-2500 • roederorthodontics.com 3 TIMOTHY SCANLAN (TS ORTHODONTICS) s 4 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Suite 110, Asheville 828-254-4602 • tsorthodontics.com

1 LIZ ROSEMAN (SUSTAINABLE HEALTH ACUPUNCTURE) n x 36 Clayton St., Asheville 828-333-4614 acupuncture-in-asheville.com

ASHLEY KUPER (EAST ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS BOUTIQUE) e a 2296 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 828-458-4139 • eastacupuncturewb.com

LEX KEKLAK (ALCHEMY) n 62 Clayton St., Asheville 828-575-9419 • alchemyasheville.com

1 ASHEVILLE EYE ASSOCIATES s x 8 Medical Park Drive, Asheville 828-348-1542 2001 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 2311 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville ashevilleeye.com 2 ENVISION EYECARE n 181 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-254-6757 • myenvisioneyecare.com 3 TUNNEL VISION e 4 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-298-6500 tunnelvisionasheville.com

CHIROPRACTOR

1 DAN MARTIN (RADIUS CHIROPRACTIC) e 1011 Tunnel Road, Suite 110, Asheville 828-333-4447 • radiuschiropractic.com 2 J. ANYA HARRIS (CRYSTALIGN CHIROPRACTIC) d 218 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-552-3111 • crystalignchiro.com 3 DEREK KASTEN (ONE LOVE CHIROPRACTIC) n 959 Merrimon Ave., Suite 201, Asheville 828-505-1584 • onelovechiropractic.com

SAM SOEMARDI (THE PEOPLE’S ACUPUNCTURE OF ASHEVILLE) d 55 Grove St., Asheville 828-254-4098 peoplesacupunctureavl.com ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC

NOBODY wants to work anymore, the usual scolds complain. But that’s clearly not the case in Asheville, which recently ranked fourth in Realtor. com’s analysis of the “Top 10 Cities Job Seekers Are Now Flocking To.”

The employment picture in the Asheville metro area has improved, too, since 2020’s nightmarish April-August unemployment spike (hitting 18% in April that year), as businesses struggled to stay afloat during the early days of the lockdowns. But by June 2021, it was down to 4.9%, and by June 2022, it was 3.4%.

Health care is projected to be the fastest-growing employment sector in North Carolina between 2022 and 2026, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce. That’s fortunate, since this year’s voters named it the best Employment Sector to Work in for the fourth year in a row, giving the health care sector Hall of Fame status.

Other repeat winners in the Work & Business section include French Broad Food Co-Op (Co-Op/Worker-Owned Business), Mountain BizWorks (Support Organization for Entrepreneurs and New Businesses) and the State Employees’ Credit Union, which was voted best Credit Union by a substantial margin.

Also, bring out the laurels this year for longtime Asheville presence M.B. Haynes Corp. The employee-owned con struction firm earned three first places, as Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Asheville, Business That Gives Back to the Community and Business With the Best Customer Service.

— Justin McGuire

MB HAYNES CORP.

Best Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Asheville, Business That Gives Back to the Community and Business With Best Customer Service; second place Co-Op/Worker-Owned Business

PHOTO BY NEIL JACOBS

FOR all of us with our green thumbs hooked in our bib overalls, if you want to know how to keep your home ecosystem thriving, start here in the Farm, Yard & Garden section.

Western North Carolinians seem to love all things local, especially Tailgate Markets, the top vote-getter among the Farm, Yard & Garden categories. And we have so many thriving farmers markets in WNC! But the gold-embroidered blue ribbon goes to the North Asheville Tailgate Market, which has held onto its firstplace status for 12 years in a row.

Since the best food is arguably what we grow ourselves, be sure you give your “homegrown” the best chance possible by heading over to Fifth Season Gardening Co. (Gardening Supplies) for expert advice, great tools and supplies, and a draft beer if you’re feeling thirsty.

For those of us without that special gardening gene, a great landscaping service (B.B. Barns) can make you look as if your thumbs are deep green. Not to mention, some of this mountainous terrain can make it nearly impossible to take care of your yard single-handedly. In that case, let the Best Of WNC voters help you find great lawn and yard care (The Grounds Guys).

This year, the Farm, Yard & Garden section welcomes an old favorite to the Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Hickory Nut Gap Farm (Community Supported Agriculture), which should also be crowing about its 12th consecutive year winning the Farm to Visit For Events category.

If you’re new to the area and still putting down roots, be sure to get some help, courtesy of the Best of WNC voters.

— Flora Konz X

FIFTH SEASON GARDENING CO. Best Garden Supply Store

PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO

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

YOU may be, like me, from a small town (and proud of it!). And while us “country folk” may lack all the choices of restaurants, shops, festivals and, well, excitement that the “city slickers” enjoy, we appreciate the relaxed lifestyle, the longer, friendlier conversations and the realization that less is almost always more. Anyway, what’s more exciting than the perfect small-town day?

Every year, the Best Of WNC awards shine a spotlight on towns within an hour’s drive of Asheville. So when you’re ready to build your own legendary daytrip itiner ary, try some of the voters’ favorites offered here.

And then, when you find yourself meandering down a sidewalk in one of Western North Carolina’s small towns, you may notice the locals smiling knowingly at you: yet another tourist come to town. Just smile back. They, too, appreciate the need to get away and move at a slower pace.

— Ben Williamson X

SEVEN SISTERS CRAFT GALLERY

Best Art Gallery

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEVEN SISTERS CRAFT GALLERY

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 MOMENTS

COFFEE BAR & EATERY

2304 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 828-686-5679 momentscoffeebareatery.com

LOCAL BAR/BREWERY/ WATERING HOLE

1 TOWN PUMP TAVERN

135 Cherry St., Black Mountain 828-357-5075 • avl.mx/bk4

2 LOOKOUT BREWING CO.

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

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

3 BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

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

MUSIC/ ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

1 WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

105 Montreat Road, Black Mountain 828-669-0816 whitehorseblackmountain.com

2 SILVERADOS

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

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

1 TOWN HARDWARE & GENERAL STORE x

103 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-7723 • townhardware.com 2 EAST ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS BOUTIQUE

2296 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 828-458-4139