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X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
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X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
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rds a w A 2023-2024
xefinitive
The D
Guide
Curious and curiouser
In the spirit of this year’s Alice in Wonderland theme, we are taking the Mad Hatter’s lead and trying our hands at poetry. Sure, the mischievous madman knocked it out of the park with his poem, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Bat,” but our rendition has a Best of WNC twist! If you’ll indulge us, we’re including it here: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Best Of winners How I wonder what’s for dinner? Oh, I know, I’ll check the list Of top earners for the Bestest Dish. OK, that’s not an actual category, But rhyming is hard and that’s my story.” No matter, we present in these pages the 2023-2024 Best Of WNC … well, tea party of sorts. The celebration will require plenty of cups and mugs, though, seeing as we’ve got nearly 600 categories and most categories include first-, second- and third-place finishes. In addition to our annual winners, this year’s listings also welcome the latest set of Hall of Famers. This honor is earned by those who have held their spot at the head of the (tea party) table for their category for four or more years in a row. As always, we doff our Mad Hatter Wellington top hats to the thousands who voted, to the Mountain Xpress staff who tried valiantly to keep order as they tallied and judged thousands of ballots, and to the businesses that purchased thank-you ads in these pages. — Thomas Calder X
6
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
Contents 9 10 32 46
Area Map Small Towns Eats 131 Swannanoa & Black Mountain Drinks 134 Weaverville Arts & Entertainment & Woodfin 58 Outdoors 136 Marshall & Mars Hill 62 Shopping 74 Professional & 138 Hot Springs Home Services 139 Burnsville 88 Personal Services 140 Hendersonville, 90 Kids Flat Rock & 98 Pets Mills River 102 Uniquely Asheville 142 Brevard 106 Media 144 Waynesville, 108 Health & Wellness Maggie Valley & Canton 124 Work & Business 126 Farm, Yard & Garden
146 Sylva & Cullowhee
• PUBLISHER Jeff Fobes • BALLOT OFFICIALS Lisa Allen, Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Hinton Edgerton, Jeff Fobes, Andy Hall, Susan Hutchinson, Jamie Knox. Justin McGuire, Mark Murphy, Greg Parlier, Braulio Pescador-Martinez, Brooke Randle, Tracy Rose, Olivia Urban, Jessica Wakeman • BEST OF WNC SUPPLEMENT DESIGN Scott Southwick • DESIGNERS Scott Southwick, Tina Gaafary, Olivia Urban • LISTINGS EDITORS Hinton Edgerton, Mark Murphy, Lisa Watters • PHOTO COORDINATORS Hinton Edgerton, Mark Murphy • WRITERS Lisa Allen, Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Chase Davis, Andy Hall, Justin McGuire, Greg Parlier, Tracy Rose, Jessica Wakeman • AD SALES Sara Brecht, Vicki Catalano, Jamie Knox, Scott Mermel • IT & WEB Hinton Edgerton, Jeff Fobes, Mark Murphy, Scott Southwick, Brandon Tilley • FRONT OFFICE/ACCOUNTING Hinton Edgerton, Amie Fowler, Mark Murphy, Lisa Watters • DISTRIBUTION Susan Hutchinson, Cindy Kunst and a fantastic team of devoted drivers • COVER DESIGN Scott Southwick The Best of WNC Pocket Guide is published annually by Mountain Xpress P.O. Box 114 Asheville, NC 28802 828.251.1333 © 2023-2024 Mountain Xpress
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
7
Icon Key
x
THE HALL OF FAME ICON
The Hall of Fame designates winners who have come out on top four years in a row, including this year (2020 - 2023)
n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA
OUTLYING REGIONS:
n a NORTH: Mars Hill, Marshall, Burnsville, Hot Springs, Weaverville
s a SOUTH: Fletcher, Brevard, Saluda, Tryon,
Arden/Skyland, Hendersonville, Mills River, Flat Rock
e a EAST: Fairview, Swannanoa, Black Mountain w a WEST: Candler, Sylva, Cullowhee,
Bryson City, Canton, Waynesville, Maggie Valley
8
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
Area Map na
Weaverville
e Riv ad Bro
Ridg e Pa
ch
rkw a
y
n Fre 26
Blue
r
NORTH Woodfin
ea
EAST Black Mountain
WEST
26
240
40
240
Swannanoa
Fairview
40
Candler
SOUTH 26
Bent Creek
d
Ri
Lake Julian
Arden/Skyland Fletcher
r
ive
dR
roa
e
u Bl
Pa
ay
w
rk
ge
hB nc Fre
wa
sa
small towns Burnsville
40 26
Hot Springs 25
19E 19
Mars Hill
Marshall Weaverville Woodfin
Black Mountain 40
Maggie Valley 19
Swannanoa Canton Waynesville
40
74
Mills River
Sylva
26
280
Cullowhee
64
Hendersonville
Brevard
Flat Rock
64
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
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9
eats
PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST
12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE
Best Barbecue and Ribs; third place Restaurant in the River Arts District
T
HE Best Of Eats competition gets tougher every year, as new food spots pop up faster than you can say, “Bon appetit!” In the last 12 months, we’ve witnessed the opening of countless new restaurants, including Tall John’s in Montford, and Little Louie’s and Regina’s Westside on Patton Avenue, plus the resurrection of West Asheville’s Tastee Diner by chef/owner Steven Goff, Asheville’s first Filipino restaurant, Neng Jr.’s, new food counters Gourmand and Mikasa Criolla in downtown’s historic S&W Market, and Owen and Mindi McGlynn’s Little D’s in North Asheville — to name a very, very few. It’s no secret that Asheville is a culinary destination. From top rankings in national publications, to local chefs hosting their own televised shows, to the annual multiday Chow Chow Food + Culture Festival, our area delivers for foodies, whether you’re a visitor or a lucky local. And although we’re located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, we have our pick of an extraordinary range of cuisines — anything from Spanish tapas at Cúrate (Fine Dining/Upscale and Restaurant in Downtown, including South Slope) to wieners at one of The Hot Dog King’s several locations (Hot Dogs). For those seeking a taste closer to traditional WNC, head to 12 Bones Smokehouse (Ribs), Tupelo Honey (Southern) or HomeGrown (Local-Food Emphasis and Restaurant Comfort Food). Chef’s kiss to freshmen Hall of Fame winners 828 Family Pizzeria (Pizza), Green Tea Sushi Restaurant (Sushi), Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian (Restaurant in North Asheville), Mamacita’s Taqueria (Burrito), Wild Wing Café (Wings), Chow Chow Food + Culture Festival (Local Food Festival or Event) and Gypsy Queen Cuisine (Middle Eastern). And a warm welcome to the winners in this year’s new Eats categories: HomeGrown (Comfort Food) and Mother Ocean Seafood Market (Fresh Fish Seller). Bon appetit … y’all! — Andy Hall X
10
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
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eats RESTAURANT THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF ASHEVILLE
1 NINE MILE n w s x
233 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-505-3121 751 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9903 Biltmore Park Town Square, 33 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 828-676-1807 • ninemileasheville.com
2 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w
626 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com
3 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP r
388 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-1398 • whiteducktacoshop.com
FAVORITE RESTAURANT
1 NINE MILE n w s
233 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-505-3121 751 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9903 Biltmore Park Town Square, 33 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 828-676-1807 • ninemileasheville.com
2 CÚRATE d
13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com
3 LIMONES d
15 Eagle St., Asheville 828-252-2327 • limonesrestaurant.com
RESTAURANT IN DOWNTOWN (INCLUDING SOUTH SLOPE)
1 CÚRATE d x
13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com
2 CHESTNUT d
48 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-2667 • chestnutasheville.com
3 CHAI PANI d
22 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 828-254-4003 • chaipani.com
RESTAURANT IN THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT
1 VIVIAN r
348 Depot St., Suite 190, Asheville 828-225-3497 • vivianavl.com
2 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP r
388 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-1398 • whiteducktacoshop.com
3 12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE r 5 Foundy St., Suite 10, Asheville 828-253-4499 • 12bones.com
RESTAURANT IN WEST ASHEVILLE
1 NINE MILE (WEST) w x
751 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9903 • ninemileasheville.com
2 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w
626 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com
3 THE ADMIRAL w
400 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-2541 • theadmiralasheville.com
RESTAURANT IN NORTH ASHEVILLE
1 VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN n x 641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-1077 • vinniesitalian.com
2 NINE MILE n
233 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-505-3121 • ninemileasheville.com
3 828 FAMILY PIZZERIA n
946 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-285-0709 • 828pizzeria.com
RESTAURANT IN EAST ASHEVILLE
1 COPPER CROWN e x
1011 Tunnel Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-505-7531 • coppercrownavl.com
2 EAST VILLAGE GRILLE e 1177 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-299-3743 • avl.mx/cxo
3 RENDEZVOUS e
184 New Haw Creek Road, Asheville 828-348-0909 • ashevillerendezvous.com
RESTAURANT IN SOUTH ASHEVILLE
1 VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN (SOUTH) s
1981 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-630-8100 • vinniesitalian.com
2 WILD GINGER PHO NOODLE BAR s
1950 Hendersonville Road, Suite 12, Asheville 828-676-1827 • wildgingernoodle.com
3 POST 25 s
2155 Hendersonville Road, Arden 828-676-2577 • post25avl.com
n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row) 12
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
BREAKFAST
LUNCH
1 GREEN SAGE CAFÉ d n s
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
QUICK MEAL
626 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com
417 Biltmore Ave., Suite 4F, Asheville 828-505-3449 733 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-333-5145 • biscuitheads.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
3 ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK w
201 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-0088 • tacobillyasheville.com
1 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w x
8 Wall St., Asheville 828-259-9292 ext. 1 earlygirleatery.com
102 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-505-3701 • alldaydarlingavl.com
3 TACO BILLY w
BRUNCH
3 EARLY GIRL EATERY d
2 ALL DAY DARLING n
1455 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-2260 rockyshotchickenshack.com
8 Wall St., Asheville 828-259-9292 ext. 1 earlygirleatery.com
2 BISCUIT HEAD d w
5 Broadway, Asheville 828-252-4450 633 Merrimon Ave., Suite A, Asheville 828-417-7859 1800 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-4450 • greensagecafe.com
1 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP r d s ax
388 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-1398 12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-9191 16 Miami Circle, Arden 828-676-1859 • whiteducktacoshop.com
2 TACO BILLY w e a
201 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-0088 117 Cherry St., Black Mountain 828-419-6336 • tacobillyasheville.com
3 MAMACITAS d
77 Biltmore Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-255-8080 • mamacitastaqueria.com
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
13
eats
C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
ZAMBRA
Best Romantic Dining; second place Restaurant Wine Selection RESTAURANT TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS TO
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 CÚRATE d
13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com
3 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w
626 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com
PEOPLE-WATCHING RESTAURANT
1 MELLOW MUSHROOM d x
50 Broadway, Asheville 828-236-9800 • mellowmushroom.com
2 WICKED WEED BREWING d w a
91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-9599 145 Jacob Holm Way, Candler 828-365-7166 • wickedweedbrewing.com
3 RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE d
7 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-254-4993 • rankinvault.com
14
RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW
1 HEMINGWAY’S CUBA RESTAURANT & BAR d
15 Page Ave., 4th Floor, Asheville 828-417-6866 • hemingwayscuba.com
2 SUNSET TERRACE n
Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • avl.mx/3k8
3 PISGAH INN w a
Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 408.6, Canton 828-235-8228 • pisgahinn.com
OUTDOOR DINING
1 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP (RAD) r
388 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-1398 • whiteducktacoshop.com
2 SMOKY PARK SUPPER CLUB r 350 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-350-0315 • smokypark.com
3 RENDEZVOUS e
184 New Haw Creek Road, Asheville 828-348-0909 • ashevillerendezvous.com
3 UNIVERSAL JOINT w
784 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-7262 • ujasheville.com
NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS)
1 TALL JOHN’S n
152 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-782-5514 • talljohns.com
2 NENG JR.’S w
701 Haywood Road, Suite 102, Asheville 828-552-3880 • nengjrs.com
3 THE TRASHY VEGAN w
697 Haywood Road, Unit E, Asheville 828-412-3026 • thetrashyvegan.net
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
ROMANTIC DINING
RESTAURANT WINE SELECTION
1 ZAMBRA d x
1 LEO’S HOUSE OF THIRST w
85 W. Walnut St., Asheville 828-232-1060 • zambratapas.com
1055 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-8017 • leosavl.com
2 STRADA ITALIANO d
27 Broadway, Asheville 828-348-8448 • stradaasheville.com
791 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-350-8181 • avenuemavl.com
Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • avl.mx/3k8
3 CÚRATE d
13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com
3 CÚRATE d
13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com
1 CÚRATE d x
13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com
48 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-2667 • chestnutasheville.com
165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-258-7500 • plantisfood.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
RESTAURANT COCKTAIL SELECTION
1 RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE d
FINE DINING/UPSCALE
3 PLANT n
85 W. Walnut St., Asheville 828-232-1060 • zambratapas.com
3 AVENUE M n
2 SUNSET TERRACE n
2 CHESTNUT d
2 ZAMBRA d
7 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-254-4993 • rankinvault.com
2 SOVEREIGN REMEDIES d
29 N. Market St., Leicester 828-919-9518 • sovereignremedies.com
2 THE GOLDEN PINEAPPLE w
503 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-4458 • goldenpineapplebar.com
3 LIMONES d
15 Eagle St., Asheville 828-252-2327 • limonesrestaurant.com
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
15
eats
C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
HOMEGROWN
Best Local-Food Emphasis and Restaurant Comfort Food; second place Diner/Homestyle, Fried Chicken and Southern KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
1 ASHEVILLE PIZZA & BREWING CO. n d x
675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-1281 77 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-255-4077 • ashevillebrewing.com
2 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP r d
388 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-1398 12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-9191 • whiteducktacoshop.com
3 CREEKSIDE TAPHOUSE e
8 Beverly Road, Asheville 828-575-2880 • creeksidetaphouse.com
DINER/HOMESTYLE
1 5 POINTS RESTAURANT d
258 Broadway, Asheville 828-252-8030 • 5pointsasheville.com
2 HOMEGROWN n
371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com
3 TASTEE DINER & DIVE BAR w 575 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-2073 • tasteedineravl.com
RESTAURANT COMFORT FOOD
1 HOMEGROWN n
371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com
2 ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK w s a 1455 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-2260 3749 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-676-3222 rockyshotchickenshack.com
Thanks for voting us the
Best Restaurant for People-Watching
You rock! 50 Broadway 236-9800 mellowmushroom.com/ asheville 16
3 MOOSE CAFÉ w
570 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-255-0920 • eatatthemoosecafe.com
PUB GRUB
1 WESTVILLE PUB w
777 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-225-9782 • westvillepub.com
2 JACK OF THE WOOD d
95 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-252-5445 • jackofthewood.com
3 UNIVERSAL JOINT w
784 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-7262 • ujasheville.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
TAKEOUT
BEST SERVICE
1 ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK w s ax 1455 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-2260 3749 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-676-3222 rockyshotchickenshack.com
641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-1077 1981 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-630-8100 • vinniesitalian.com
2 CÚRATE d
2 GAN SHAN WEST w
285 Haywood Road, Suite 20, Asheville 828-417-7402 • ganshanwest.com
3 LITTLE BEE THAI d
45 S. French Broad Ave., Suite 190, Asheville 828-404-1370 • avl.mx/9my
13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com
3 CHESTNUT d
48 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-2667 • chestnutasheville.com
BARBECUE
1 12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE r s ax
LATE-NIGHT EATS
5 Foundy St., Suite 10, Asheville 828-253-4499 2350 Hendersonville Road, Arden 828-687-1395 • 12bones.com
1 PIE.ZAA d
46 Millard Ave., Asheville 828-440-0400 piezaapizzaasheville.com
2 LUELLA’S BAR-B-QUE n s
2 RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE d
501 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-505-7427 Biltmore Park Town Square, 33 Town Square Blvd., Suite 110, Asheville 828-676-3855 • luellasbbq.com
7 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-254-4993 • rankinvault.com
3 WAFFLE HOUSE e
3 MOE’S ORIGINAL BBQ s
171 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-258-0348 • wafflehouse.com
4 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-8282 • moesoriginalbbq.com
BEST VALUE
RIBS
1 NINE MILE n w s
233 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-505-3121 751 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9903 Biltmore Park Town Square, 33 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 828-676-1807 • ninemileasheville.com
2 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP r d
388 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-1398 12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-9191 • whiteducktacoshop.com
3 TACO BILLY w
1 VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN n s x
201 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-0088 • tacobillyasheville.com
1 12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE r s ax
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., Suite 110, Asheville 828-676-3855 • luellasbbq.com
3 MOE’S ORIGINAL BBQ s
4 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-8282 • moesoriginalbbq.com
Thank you Asheville! • Voted best Barbecue 13 years in a row • Voted best Ribs 10 years in a row
@12bonesribs @12bonesriver @12bonessouth River Arts Location
5 Foundy Street | Asheville, NC 28801 | 828-253-4499
South Asheville Location
12 Bones Brewing attached on the other side of the building
2350 Hendersonville Road | Arden, NC 28704 | 828-687-1395
12bones.com • 12bonesbrewing.com MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
17
eats BURGER
1 FARM BURGER d s x
10 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-348-8540 1831 Hendersonville Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-575-2393 • farmburger.com
2 BABY BULL r
1 Roberts St., Asheville babybullavl.com
3 RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE d
7 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-254-4993 • rankinvault.com
WINGS
1 WILD WING CAFÉ s ax
65 Long Shoals Road, Arden 828-691-9464 • wildwingcafe.com
2 ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK w s a 1455 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-2260 3749 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-676-3222 rockyshotchickenshack.com
3 MOE’S ORIGINAL BBQ s
4 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-8282 • moesoriginalbbq.com
FRENCH FRIES
1 BOUCHON d x
62 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-350-1140 • ashevillebouchon.com
C O N T I N UE D
FRIED CHICKEN
1 ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK w s ax 1455 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-2260 3749 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-676-3222 rockyshotchickenshack.com
2 HOMEGROWN n
371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com
3 SAND HILL KITCHEN w
491 Sardis Road, Asheville 828-633-6868 • sandhillkitchen.com
HOT BAR/BUFFET
1 MELA INDIAN RESTAURANT d x
70 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-225-8880 • melaasheville.com
2 ANDAAZ s
28 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-552-3200 • andaazasheville.com
3 WHOLE FOODS (TUNNEL ROAD) e
4 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-239-9604 wholefoodsmarket.avl.mx/bwlcom
HOT DOGS
2 FARM BURGER d s
10 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-348-8540 1831 Hendersonville Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-575-2393 • farmburger.com
3 FRENCH FRYZ s a
2109 Hendersonville Road, Arden 828-684-0416 • frenchfryz.net
1 THE HOT DOG KING e aw as a
1487 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 828-628-1036 2299 Smokey Park Highway, Candler 828-670-1199 2603 Hendersonville Road, Arden 828-676-2690 • thehotdogkings.com
2 HOT DOG WORLD s a
226 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 828-697-0374 • hotdogworld.net
3 CELEBRITY’S HOTDOGS w
THANK YOU!
1409 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-670-5954 • avl.mx/57f
Best Burger:
FRENCH
11 Years In A Row Veggie Burger 2nd Place
French Fries 2nd Place
100% Grassfed • 100% Asheville
1 BOUCHON d x
62 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-350-1140 • ashevillebouchon.com
2 RENDEZVOUS e
184 New Haw Creek Road, Asheville 828-348-0909 ashevillerendezvous.com
3 ISA’S FRENCH BISTRO d Downtown: 10 Patton Ave South: 1831 Hendersonville Rd
18
1 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 828-575-9636 • isasbistro.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
19
eats
C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
ASHEVILLE PIZZA & BREWING CO. Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant; second place Pizza; Arts & Entertainment section: third place Movie Theater ITALIAN
1 VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN n s x 641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-1077 1981 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-630-8100 • vinniesitalian.com
2 STRADA ITALIANO d
27 Broadway, Asheville 828-348-8448 • stradaasheville.com
3 CUCINA 24 d
24 Wall St., Asheville 828-254-6170 • cucina24restaurant.com
PASTA
1 VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN n s x 641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-1077 1981 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-630-8100 • vinniesitalian.com
2 STRADA ITALIANO d
27 Broadway, Asheville 828-348-8448 • stradaasheville.com
3 NINE MILE n
233 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-505-3121 • ninemileasheville.com
PIZZA
1 828 FAMILY PIZZERIA n x 946 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-285-0709 • 828pizzeria.com
2 ASHEVILLE PIZZA & BREWING CO. n d
675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-1281 77 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-255-4077 • ashevillebrewing.com 3 PIE.ZAA d 46 Millard Ave., Asheville 828-440-0400 piezaapizzaasheville.com
SUB SHOP
1 JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS w e s x
1341 Parkwood Road, Suite 103, Asheville 828-271-4612 104A River Hills Road, Asheville 828-298-6453 1816 Hendersonville Road, Suite 20, Asheville 828-277-1514 • jerseymikes.com 1 SILVERBALL SUBS w 347 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-412-5281 • silverballsubs.com 2 ASHEVILLE SANDWICH CO. w 794 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-8070 ashevillesandwichcompany.com 3 LENNY’S GRILL & SUBS s 645 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-350-1338 • lennys.com
n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row) 20
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
21
eats
C O N T I N UE D
SANDWICH SHOP
1 ASHEVILLE SANDWICH CO. w 794 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-8070 ashevillesandwichcompany.com
2 MONTFORD DELI n
1461 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-707-7362 • montforddeli.com
2 SILVERBALL SUBS w
347 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-412-5281 • silverballsubs.com
3 LORETTA’S CAFÉ d
114 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-253-3747 • lorettascafe.com
GREEK
1 APOLLO FLAME BISTRO s w x 485 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-3582 1025 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-665-0080 • apolloflamebistro.net
2 STONEY KNOB CAFÉ n a
TACO
1 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP r d s ax
388 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-1398 12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-9191 16 Miami Circle, Arden 828-676-1859 • whiteducktacoshop.com
2 TACO BILLY w e a
201 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-0088 117 Cherry St., Black Mountain 828-419-6336 • tacobillyasheville.com
3 TACO TEMPLE d
132 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-255-8098 • mamacitastacotemple.com
337 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-645-3309 • stoneyknobcafe.com
3 POMODOROS GREEK AND ITALIAN CAFÉ e
1070 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-299-3032 • pomodorositalian.com
MIDDLE EASTERN
1 GYPSY QUEEN CUISINE w x
807 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-2758 • gypsyqueencuisine.com
2 JERUSALEM GARDEN CAFÉ d 78 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-254-0255 jerusalemgardencafe.com
3 BABA NAHM d
Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 139, Asheville 828-575-2075 • babanahm.com
BURRITO
1 MAMACITAS d x
77 Biltmore Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-255-8080 • mamacitastaqueria.com
2 PAPA’S & BEER AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FAMILY RESTAURANT e 17 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-255-2204 papasandbeerdowntown.com
3 NEO BURRITO w
1341 Parkwood Road, Suite 106, Asheville 828-772-9602 • neoburrito.com
Voted #1
in WNC
Thanks for Voting Us #2 Sandwich Shop, WNC!
Easy Online Ordering Silverballsubs.com 347 New Leicester Hwy. 828-412-5281
22
montforddeli.com
1461 Merrimon Ave., Asheville (828) 707-7362 MontfordDeli Mon-Fri: 11-8pm • Sat: 11-4pm
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
MEXICAN
1 TAQUERIA MUÑOZ w
1438 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-412-3331 • taqueriamunoz.com
2 EL QUE PASA w
891 Patton Ave., Unit E, Asheville 828-407-1748 • elquepasa.net
3 PAPA’S & BEER AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FAMILY RESTAURANT e 17 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-255-2204 papasandbeerdowntown.com
Thank you for voting us one of the Best for 12 years in a row!
LATIN AMERICAN
Deli - Market - Food Truck - Catering
1 LA RUMBA e
105 River Hills Road, Suite C, Asheville 828-505-2128 • larumbaasheville.com
2 SALSA’S
807 Patton Avenue • 575-2758 www.gypsyqueencuisine.com
6 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-252-9805 • salsasnc.com
3 LIMONES d
15 Eagle St., Asheville 828-252-2327 • limonesrestaurant.com
RAMEN
1 ITTO RAMEN BAR & TAPAS d w s a
3 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-552-3288 630 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-0860 335 Airport Road, Suite 300, Arden 828-676-0558 • ittoramen.com
Thank you, Asheville!
2 GAN SHAN WEST w
285 Haywood Road, Suite 20, Asheville 828-417-7402 • ganshanwest.com
3 HEIWA SHOKUDO d
87 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-254-7761 • heiwashokudo.net
ittoramen.com •
WE LOVE YOU ASHEVILLE! THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1 AGAIN
77 BILTMORE AVE • ASHEVILLE 828-255-8080 MAMACITASTAQUERIA.COM
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
3 Biltmore Ave, Asheville (828) 552-3288 630 Haywood Rd, Asheville (828) 505-0860 335 Airport Rd #300, Arden (828) 676-0558 ittoramenbar
Heirloom Corn Tor tillas Ground Onsite Daily Slow Roas ted Chicken & Pork Pas tor Tacos Tor tas Tequila
ORDER ONLINE @
MAMACITASTACOTEMPLE.COM
132 CHARLOTTE ST, AVL, NC
828-255-8098
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
23
eats
C O N T I N UE D
SUSHI
1 GREEN TEA SUSHI RESTAURANT w x
2 Regent Park Blvd., Asheville 828-252-8300 • greenteasushinc.com
2 WASABI JAPANESE RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR d 19 Broadway, Asheville 828-225-2551 • wasabiasheville.com
2 ZEN SUSHI n
640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-225-6033 • zen-sushi-asheville.com
3 UMI JAPANESE FINE DINING s a
633 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-698-8048 • umihendersonville.com
For News & Happenings, Arts & Opinions Don’t forget to pick up
Mountain Xpress
JAPANESE
1 ICHIBAN JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR s 2 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-252-7885 • ichibanasheville.com
2 GREEN TEA SUSHI RESTAURANT w
2 Regent Park Blvd., Asheville 828-252-8300 • greenteasushinc.com
3 HEIWA SHOKUDO d
87 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-254-7761 • heiwashokudo.net
THAI
1 LITTLE BEE THAI d x
45 S. French Broad Ave., Suite 190, Asheville 828-404-1370 • avl.mx/9my
2 THAI PEARL RESTAURANT w
747 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-412-5905 • thaipearlasheville.com
3 SUWANA’S THAI ORCHID d
11 Broadway, Asheville 828-281-8151 • suwanasthaiorchid.com
INDIAN
1 CHAI PANI d
22 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 828-254-4003 • chaipani.com
2 MELA INDIAN RESTAURANT d
70 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-225-8880 • melaasheville.com
3 ANDAAZ s
FREE
28 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-552-3200 • andaazasheville.com
EVERY WEEK
3 MËHFIL d
5 Biltmore Ave., Suite B, Asheville 828-412-5151 • mehfilasheville.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
2 Hendersonville Road *Biltmore Station* Asheville, NC (828) 252-7885 • Order online at ichibanasheville.com
24
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
CHINESE
SEAFOOD
1 JETTIE RAE’S OYSTER HOUSE n
1 RED GINGER DIMSUM & TAPAS d x
143 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-505-4499 • jettieraes.com
82 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-505-8688 • redgingerasheville.com
2 ORIENTAL PAVILION w
48 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 828-236-3839 • orientalpavilionnc.com
3 CHINA TASTE w
202A State St., Asheville 828-252-7999 • chinatasteasheville.com
2 THE LOBSTER TRAP d
35 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-350-0505 • thelobstertrap.biz
3 MOTHER OCEAN SEAFOOD MARKET n
640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-231-5607 • momavl.com
CONGRATS!
to this year’s winners
SOUTHERN
1 TUPELO HONEY d s x
12 College St., Asheville 828-255-4863 1829 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-505-7676 • tupelohoneycafe.com
2 HOMEGROWN n
371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com
3 ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK w 1455 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-2260 rockyshotchickenshack.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
wnc’s largest & best reader survey
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
25
eats SALAD
1 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d x 40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com
2 NINE MILE n w
233 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-505-3121 751 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9903 • ninemileasheville.com
3 APOLLO FLAME BISTRO s
485 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-3582 • apolloflamebistro.net
RESTAURANT STILL NEEDED IN ASHEVILLE
1 AUTHENTIC CHINESE 2 VIETNAMESE
C O N T I N UE D
VEGGIE BURGER
1 THE TRASHY VEGAN w
697 Haywood Road, Unit E, Asheville 828-412-3026 • thetrashyvegan.net
2 FARM BURGER d s
10 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-348-8540 1831 Hendersonville Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-575-2393 • farmburger.com
3 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d
40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com
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
3 AUTHENTIC JEWISH DELI
2 PLANT n
SPECIAL DIET OPTIONS (GLUTEN-FREE, LACTOSE-FREE, ETC.)
3 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d
1 POSANA d x
1 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-505-3969 • posanarestaurant.com
2 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d
40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com
3 PLANT n
165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-258-7500 • plantisfood.com
VEGAN
1 PLANT n x
165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-258-7500 • plantisfood.com
2 THE TRASHY VEGAN w
697 Haywood Road, Unit E, Asheville 828-412-3026 • thetrashyvegan.net
3 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d
40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com
VEGETARIAN
1 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d
40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com
2 PLANT n
165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-258-7500 • plantisfood.com
3 ROSETTA’S KITCHEN d
68 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-232-0738 • rosettaskitchen.com
26
165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-258-7500 • plantisfood.com 40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com
LOCAL-FOOD EMPHASIS
1 HOMEGROWN n x
371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com
2 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w
626 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com
3 RHUBARB d
7 SW Pack Square, Asheville 828-785-1503 • rhubarbasheville.com
HEALTHIEST FOOD
1 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d
40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com
2 GREEN SAGE CAFÉ d n
5 Broadway, Asheville 828-252-4450 633 Merrimon Ave., Suite A, Asheville 828-417-7859 • greensagecafe.com
3 PLANT n
165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-258-7500 • plantisfood.com
DESSERTS
1 OLD EUROPE PASTRIES d
18 Broadway, Asheville 828-255-5999 • oldeuropepastries.com
2 FRENCH BROAD CHOCOLATES d r
10 S. Pack Square, Asheville 828-252-4181 821 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-348-5187 frenchbroadchocolates.com
3 CRAVE DESSERT BAR d
41 N. Lexington Ave., Suite 100, Asheville 828-254-1974 • cravedessertbar.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
We’re Honored to be Voted
Best Vegan Restaurant
1st place (Hall of Fame) Vegan 2nd place • Green/ Sustainability-Friendly Restaurant 2nd place • Vegetarian 3rd place • Healthiest Food 3rd place • Special Diet Options (Gluten-Free, Lactose-Free, etc.) 3rd place • Fine Dining/Upscale 165 Merrimon Ave. • plantisfood.com • (828) 258-7500
visit our breakfast/lunch sibling restaurant 2nd place • Smoothies/Juices 233 S. Liberty St. • pulpandsprout.com • (828) 412-5701
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
27
eats
C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
THE HOP ICE CREAM CAFÉ Best Ice Cream
ICE CREAM
1 THE HOP ICE CREAM CAFÉ n w d x
640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-2224 721 Haywood Road, Asheville 56 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-252-5155 • hopicecreamnc.com
2 ULTIMATE ICE CREAM e n
1070 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-296-1234 195 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-258-1515 • ultimateicecreamavl.com
DOUGHNUTS
1 HOLE DOUGHNUTS w x
168 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-774-5667 • hole-doughnuts.com
2 VORTEX DOUGHNUTS d
32 Banks Ave., Suite 106, Asheville 828-552-3010 • vortexdoughnuts.com
3 DUCK DONUTS n
182 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-575-2177 • duckdonuts.com
3 SUNSHINE SAMMIES d
99 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-505-2852 • sunshinesammies.com
FROZEN TREATS OTHER THAN ICE CREAM
1 WHIT’S FROZEN CUSTARD n s ax
565 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-575-2008 1840 Hendersonville Road, Suite B-103, Asheville 828-505-0639 602 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 828-595-2118 • whitscustard.com
2 JEREMIAH’S ITALIAN ICE n 705 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-505-4400 • jeremiahsice.com
BISCUITS
1 BISCUIT HEAD d w s x
417 Biltmore Ave., Suite 4F, Asheville 828-505-3449 733 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-333-5145 1994 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-585-2055 • biscuitheads.com
2 BLUE RIDGE BISCUIT CO. e a
601 W. State St., Suite 4, Black Mountain 828-357-8501 blueridgebiscuitcompany.com
3 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w
626 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com
3 PELICAN’S SNOBALLS s
2601 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-417-7776 • pelicanssnoballs.com
CHOCOLATE
1 FRENCH BROAD CHOCOLATES d r x
10 S. Pack Square, Asheville 828-252-4181 821 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-348-5187 • frenchbroadchocolates.com
2 THE CHOCOLATE FETISH d
36 Haywood St., Asheville 828-258-2353 • chocolatefetish.com
3 ASHEVILLE CHOCOLATE d
25 Broadway, Asheville 828-505-6609 • avlchocolate.com
28
BAGELS
1 BRUEGGER’S BAGELS n s
671 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-1560 160 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-277-1070 • brueggers.com
2 JOEY’S NEW YORK BAGELS s a 5829 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville 828-376-3692 1500 Haywood Road, Hendersonville 828-692-1220 • joeysnybagels.com
3 RISE ABOVE BAKEHOUSE s a 1207 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 828-222-2600 riseabovebakehouse.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
BAKERY (SWEETS/DESSERTS/COOKIES)
1 THE CHOP SHOP BUTCHERY n
100 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-505-3777 • chopshopbutchery.com
1 OLD WORLD LEVAIN (OWL) BAKERY w n
2 HICKORY NUT GAP FARM e a
295 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-318-5105 197 Charlotte St., Asheville owlbakery.com
57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview 828-628-1027 • hickorynutgap.com
3 107 MARKET & DELI e a
107 Black Mountain Ave., Black Mountain 828-357-9029 • avl.mx/cwz
2 OLD EUROPE PASTRIES d
18 Broadway, Asheville 828-255-5999 • oldeuropepastries.com
3 WELL-BRED BAKERY & CAFÉ n a
FOOD TRUCK
1 MELT YOUR HEART M
Asheville 828-989-6749 • avl.mx/3uo
26 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com
BAKERY (BREAD)
2 EL KIMCHI M
Asheville 828-551-6775 • avl.mx/4v3
3 THE SMOKIN’ ONION M
Asheville • thesmokinonion.com
1 OLD WORLD LEVAIN (OWL) BAKERY w n
CATERING COMPANY
295 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-318-5105 197 Charlotte St., Asheville owlbakery.com
1 THE RED RADISH M
Asheville 828-301-5999 • redradish.com
2 67 BILTMORE DOWNTOWN EATERY & CATERING d
2 CITY BAKERY CAFÉ n
88 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-254-4289 • citybakery.net
67 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-252-1500 • 67biltmore.com
3 EVERYDAY GOURMET n
3 MOTHER r
207 Weaverville Road, Asheville 828-773-0382 • cateringinasheville.com
20 Artful Way, Suite 102, Asheville 828-712-8914 • motheravl.com
LOCAL MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE
FRESH FISH SELLER
1 TAKEOUT CENTRAL AVL o
1 MOTHER OCEAN SEAFOOD MARKET n
828-252-1221 • takeoutcentral.com
640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-231-5607 • momavl.com
2 FAIRVIEW SEAFOOD CO. e a 1297 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 828-337-5190 • avl.mx/cvc
FRESH MEAT SELLER
2 KICKBACK AVL o
20 Battery Park Ave., Suite 807, Asheville 828-585-6903 • kickbackavl.com
3 DOORDASH o
Asheville 855-431-0459 • doordash.com
Thanks for voting us
One of the Best Seafood Joints two years straight!
Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm Saturday 10am-3pm Lunch: Tuesday-Friday 11am-4pm Saturday 11am-2pm
640 Merrimon Ave., Ste. 101, Asheville 828.231.5607 momavl.com MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
29
eats CHEESEMAKER/ CHEESE DAIRY
1 DARË VEGAN CHEESE o a
Herb Mountain Farm, 12 Locust Cove Road, Weaverville 828-484-8345 • darevegancheese.com
2 THREE GRACES DAIRY n a 335 Milky Way, Marshall 828-656-2195 • 3gracesdairy.com
3 LOOKING GLASS CREAMERY s a
115 Harmon Dairy Lane, Columbus 828-222-3730 • lookingglasscreamery.com
LOCALLY MADE CBD TREATS
1 FRANNY’S FARMACY n d s ax
211 Merrimon Ave., Suite 111, Asheville 828-505-7105 231 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-505-4717 128 Henderson Crossing Plaza, Hendersonville 828-697-7300 • frannysfarmacy.com
2 ASHEVILLE DISPENSARY w
919 Haywood Road, Suite 111, Asheville 828-335-2696 • avldispensary.com
LOCAL FOOD PRODUCT
1 LUSTY MONK MUSTARD o Candler 828-645-5056 • lustymonk.com
C O N T I N UE D
CHEF
1 KATIE BUTTON (CÚRATE) d x 13 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-239-2946 • katiebutton.com
2 J CHONG EATS o
Asheville • @jchong_eats
3 STEVEN GOFF (TASTEE DINER) w 575 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-2073 • tasteedineravl.com
PASTRY CHEF
1 KAREN DONATELLI CAKE DESIGNS s
1000 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-225-5751 karendonatellicakedesigns.com
LOCAL FOOD FESTIVAL OR EVENT
1 CHOW CHOW: AN ASHEVILLE CULINARY EVENT SERIES x Various Locations, Asheville chowchowasheville.com
2 ASHEVILLE VEGAN FEST d
Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville 984-900-6800 • ashevilleveganfest.com
3 ASHEVILLE GREEK FESTIVAL n
227 Cumberland Ave., Asheville 828-253-3754 • holytrinityasheville.com
NONPROFIT HELPING WITH HUNGER ISSUES
1 MANNA FOODBANK e x
627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 828-299-3663 • mannafoodbank.org
2 BOUNTY & SOUL e a
999 Old U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-419-0533 • bountyandsoul.org
2 HICKORY NUT GAP FARM e a
3 BELOVED ASHEVILLE e
Lusty Monk Mustard
A Vegan Event for the Community
57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview 828-628-1027 • hickorynutgap.com
32 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville 828-571-0766 • belovedasheville.com
Asheville Veganfest
Thank You, Asheville! Find your jar at: lustymonk.com 30
See you at Pack Square Park
ashevilleveganfest.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
CEL
12 Years EoBfRATING
Business
Specialty Cakes & Pastries
A SWEET Thank You Asheville!
Pick Up & Delivery • By Appointment Only 828.225.5751 • karen@donatellicakedesigns.com www.KarenDonatelliCakeDesigns.com
Thank you!
#1 Cheesemaker / Cheese Dairy
Cheese so good, it’s nuts!
Plant-Based Cheese made in Asheville, NC darevegancheese.com @darevegancheese MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
31
Drinks
PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST
THE ODD
Bar That Best Represents the Spirit of Asheville; Best LGBTQ+ Friendly Bar; third place Bloody Mary; Uniquely Asheville section: Best Place to Take Your Eccentric Friends
A
LICE in Wonderland famously samples a potion labeled “Drink Me,” which had the magical effect of shrinking her down to a miniature size. We can neither confirm nor deny that such Wonderlandesque elixirs exist in Asheville. And though acclaim for Little Jumbo (Cocktails) was unequaled once again this year, its storied mixologists have no such offering for us. But then, who knows what marvels await behind the counter at the Burger Bar (Dive Bar)? Now, if we broaden our search for any kind of magical experience with a drink or two or three, this city surely has much to offer. Let’s raise a glass to the winners of the new Drinks categories this year: Brittony Miller of Peaberry Press (Barista) and Devil’s Foot Classic Ginger Beer (Local Nonalcoholic Drink). The Drinks section had an exciting tie this year for best Bartender: Jennie Lou Nelson at Fleetwood’s, who held onto her title for the fourth year in a row and thus entered the Hall of Fame, tied with Mike Turner at The One Stop, as he moved in on her territory for the first time. Hmm. Is this town big enough for two top bartenders? Clearly, the only way we’re going to resolve this is over another round of drinks. While we’re at it, let’s toast the other new entrants (besides Jennie Lou Nelson) to this year’s Hall of Fame: Highland Brewing Co. (Bar or Brewery That Gives Back to the Community and Seasonal Beer for its Cold Mountain brew); Little Jumbo (Neighborhood Bar–North); Noble Cider’s Village Tart Cherry Hard Cider (Local Cider); Wicked Weed Brewing’s Black Angel (Local Sour Beer); and Asheville Dispensary (CBD Drinks/Health Elixirs). — Jess Wakeman X
32
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
33
Drinks BAR THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF ASHEVILLE
NEIGHBORHOOD BAR WEST
1 THE ODD w
1 WESTVILLE PUB w x
2 LITTLE JUMBO n
2 THE DOUBLE CROWN w
3 SOVEREIGN REMEDIES d
3 THE WHALE :: A CRAFT BEER COLLECTIVE w
1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • theoddasheville.com
241 Broadway, Asheville 828-417-4783 • littlejumbobar.com 29 N. Market St., Leicester 828-919-9518 • sovereignremedies.com
NEIGHBORHOOD BAR DOWNTOWN (INCLUDING SOUTH SLOPE)
1 RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE d
7 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-254-4993 • rankinvault.com
2 BURIAL BEER CO. d
40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 • burialbeer.com
3 FOGGY MOUNTAIN BREW PUB d 12 Church St., Asheville 828-254-3008 • foggymountainavl.com
NEIGHBORHOOD BAR RIVER ARTS DISTRICT
1 CRUCIBLE r
140A Roberts St., Asheville 828-575-9995 • avl.mx/9ww
2 WEDGE BREWING CO. r
37 Paynes Way, Suite 001, Asheville 828-505-2792 • wedgebrewing.com
3 BOTTLE RIOT r
37 Paynes Way, Suite 009, Asheville 828-505-8606 • bottleriot.com
NEIGHBORHOOD BAR SOUTH
1 SHILOH & GAINES s
700 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-412-5836 • shilohandgaines.com
2 HILLMAN BEER s
25 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-1312 • hillmanbeer.com
3 THIRSTY MONK BREWERY s
Biltmore Park Town Square, 2 Town Square Blvd., Suite 170, Asheville 828-687-3873 thirsty-monk-brewery.square.site
777 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-225-9782 • westvillepub.com 375 Haywood Road, Asheville avl.mx/9mu
507 Haywood Road, Suite 10, Asheville 828-575-9888 • thewhaleavl.com
NEIGHBORHOOD BAR NORTH
1 LITTLE JUMBO n x
241 Broadway, Asheville 828-417-4783 • littlejumbobar.com
2 FRAZIER’S TAVERN n
389 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-258-9828 • avl.mx/4wd
3 THE BARRELHOUSE n
1459 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-281-3613 • avl.mx/4s4
NEIGHBORHOOD BAR EAST
1 THE SOCIAL e x
1078 Tunnel Road, Suites A&B, Asheville 828-298-8780 • thesocialasheville.com
2 EAST VILLAGE GRILLE e 1177 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-299-3743 • avl.mx/cxo
3 CREEKSIDE TAPHOUSE e
8 Beverly Road, Asheville 828-575-2880 • creeksidetaphouse.com
BARTENDER
1 JENNIE LOU NELSON x 1 MIKE TURNER (ONE STOP) d
55 College St., Asheville 828-255-7777 • ashevillemusichall.com
2 JOSH MARCH (VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN) n
641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-1077 • vinniesitalian.com
3 JAY POE (THE JOINT NEXT DOOR) e a 1185 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 828-222-2012 • avl.mx/cwf
n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row) 34
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
HOW TO FIND WHATEVER YOU NEED while in Asheville
THANK YOU WNC!! #1 Neighborhood Bar in South Asheville Your neighborhood bar… no matter where you live.
Join us & enjoy our events from trivia to live music!
21+ ID REQUIRED • NO COVER CHARGE 700 Hendersonville Rd • shilohandgaines.com
Thank you,Asheville 1st Place
Pub Grub 1st Place
Neighborhood bar West Brand New Fall Menu!
10:30am-2am, 7 days a week Food 10:30am–1am (Lunch & Dinner) 777 Haywood Road Asheville www.westvillepub.com • 225-WPUB MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
35
Drinks BAR FOR LIVE MUSIC
1 THE GREY EAGLE r
185 Clingman Ave., Asheville 828-232-5800 • thegreyeagle.com
2 JACK OF THE WOOD d
95 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-252-5445 • jackofthewood.com
3 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. e
12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com
BAR WITH A VIEW
1 THE MONTFORD ROOFTOP BAR d x
199 Haywood St., Asheville 828-505-8750 • themontford.com
2 HEMINGWAY’S CUBA RESTAURANT & BAR d
15 Page Ave., 4th Floor, Asheville 828-417-6866 • hemingwayscuba.com
3 CAPELLA ON 9 d
AC Hotel, 10 Broadway, 9th Floor, Asheville 828-258-2522 • capellaon9.com
BAR WITH GAMES
1 ASHEVILLE RETROCADE w x
800 Haywood Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-575-9488 • ashevilleretrocade.com
2 WELL PLAYED BOARD GAME CAFÉ d
162 Coxe Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-412-5788 • wellplayedasheville.com
3 LEVEL 256 CLASSIC ARCADE BAR d
79 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-412-5537 • level256arcade.com
C O N T I N UE D
LGBTQ+ FRIENDLY BAR
1 THE ODD w
1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • theoddasheville.com 2 BANKS AVE. d 32 Banks Ave., Asheville 828-785-1458 • avl.mx/a82 3 SCANDALS NIGHTCLUB d 11 Grove St., Asheville 828-505-1612 • scandalsnightclub.com
HOTEL BAR
1 CAPELLA ON 9 d x
AC Hotel, 10 Broadway, 9th Floor, Asheville 828-258-2522 • capellaon9.com
2 HEMINGWAY’S CUBA RESTAURANT & BAR d
15 Page Ave., 4th Floor, Asheville 828-417-6866 • hemingwayscuba.com 3 THE MONTFORD ROOFTOP BAR d 199 Haywood St., Asheville 828-505-8750 • themontford.com
DIVE BAR
1 BURGER BAR r
1 Craven St., Asheville 828-424-7600 • avl.mx/9kq 2 THE DOUBLE CROWN w 375 Haywood Road, Asheville avl.mx/9mu 3 DESOTO LOUNGE w 504 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-255-1109 • desotolounge.com
SPORTS BAR
1 OLDE LONDON ROAD PUB r 270 Depot St., Asheville avl.mx/a6c
2 ASHEVILLE SPORTS CLUB d
137 Coxe Ave., Asheville ashevillesportsclub.com 3 THE BIER GARDEN d 46 Haywood St., Asheville 828-285-0002 • ashevillebiergarden.com
Thank you for voting us
#1 BAR WITH A VIEW 5 YEARS IN A ROW!
199 Haywood ST • 828-505-8750 • themontford.com 36
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
UPSCALE BAR
WINE BAR
1 5 WALNUT WINE BAR d x
1 SOVEREIGN REMEDIES d x
5 Walnut St., Asheville 828-253-2593 • 5walnut.com
29 N. Market St., Leicester 828-919-9518 • sovereignremedies.com
2 BOTTLE RIOT r
37 Paynes Way, Suite 009, Asheville 828-505-8606 • bottleriot.com
2 ANTIDOTE d
151 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-505-2882 • antidote.bar
3 LEO’S HOUSE OF THIRST w 1055 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-8017 • leosavl.com
3 THE TIMES BAR d
The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-774-5028 thetimesbarasheville.com
LOCAL WINERY
1 PLĒB URBAN WINERY r
289 Lyman St., Asheville 828-774-5062 • pleburbanwinery.com
2 BILTMORE WINERY s
BAR OR BREWERY THAT GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • avl.mx/9je
1 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. e d x 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-1500 • highlandbrewing.com
2 NEW BELGIUM BREWING w 21 Craven St., Asheville 828-333-6900 • newbelgium.com
3 WICKED WEED BREWING d 91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-9599 wickedweedbrewing.com
3 MARKED TREE s
623 Deep Gap Road, Flat Rock 828-513-3773 markedtreevineyard.com
WINE STORE
1 METRO WINES n x
169 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-575-9525 metrowinesasheville.com
2 APPALACHIAN VINTNER s
745 Biltmore Ave., Suite 121, Asheville 828-505-7500 • appalachianvintner.com
3 TABLE WINE s
1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, Asheville 828-505-8588 • tablewineasheville.com
shop dogs forever
Thank you Asheville!
BEST PRICES WELL CURATED SELECTION FRIENDLY, KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF WE’RE LOCAL
10
th BIG SHOP SELECTION
year SMALL SHOP SERVICE
in a row!
Free, Close Parking.
169 Charlotte St. • Asheville, NC 28801 • 828.575.9525
METROWINESASHEVILLE.COM MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
37
Drinks
C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST
THE WHALE :: A CRAFT BEER COLLECTIVE
Best Bar: Local Beer Selection (excluding breweries) and Bar: Unusual Beer Selection (excluding breweries); third place Neighborhood Bar - West COCKTAILS
1 LITTLE JUMBO n
241 Broadway, Asheville 828-417-4783 • littlejumbobar.com
2 ANTIDOTE d
151 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-505-2882 • antidote.bar
3 THE GOLDEN PINEAPPLE w
503 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-4458 • goldenpineapplebar.com
DISTILLERY
1 CHEMIST SPIRITS d x
151 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-263-6943 • chemistspirits.com
2 EDA RHYNE DISTILLING CO. s 101 Fairview Road, Suite A, Asheville 828-412-5441 • edarhyne.com
3 CULTIVATED COCKTAILS d
25 Page Ave., Suite 103, Asheville 828-338-9779 • cultivated-cocktails.com
BLOODY MARY
1 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w
626 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com
2 RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE d
7 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-254-4993 • rankinvault.com
3 THE ODD w
1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • theoddasheville.com
MARGARITA
1 MOUNTAIN MADRE MEXICAN KITCHEN & AGAVE BAR d
13 W. Walnut St., Asheville 828-251-8879 • mountainmadreavl.com
2 LIMONES d
15 Eagle St., Asheville 828-252-2327 • limonesrestaurant.com
3 PAPA’S & BEER AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FAMILY RESTAURANT e 17 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-255-2204 papasandbeerdowntown.com
CIDERY
1 BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER s ad
72 School House Road, Mills River 828-595-9940 39 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-552-3720 • boldrock.com
2 NOBLE CIDER d w
49 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-412-5064 356 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-575-9622 • noblecider.com
3 URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO. d
24 Buxton Ave., Asheville 828-505-7243 • urbanorchardcider.com
38
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
LOCAL CIDER
BAR: UNUSUAL BEER SELECTION (EXCLUDING BREWERIES)
1 THE VILLAGE TART CHERRY CIDER (NOBLE CIDER) w x
356 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-575-9622 • noblecider.com
2 SIDRA DEL DIABLO (URBAN ORCHARD) d w
24 Buxton Ave., Asheville 828-505-7243 210 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-774-5151 • urbanorchardcider.com
3 THE GOLDEN ARROW GINGER CIDER (NOBLE CIDER) w
356 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-575-9622 • noblecider.com
1 THE WHALE :: A CRAFT BEER COLLECTIVE w e 507 Haywood Road, Suite 10, Asheville 828-575-9888 2 Beverly Road, Asheville 828-505-1701 • thewhaleavl.com
2 BARLEY’S TAPROOM & PIZZERIA d
42 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-255-0504 • barleystaproom.com 46 Haywood St., Asheville 828-285-0002 • ashevillebiergarden.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
507 Haywood Road, Suite 10, Asheville 828-575-9888 2 Beverly Road, Asheville 828-505-1701 • thewhaleavl.com
2 THIRSTY MONK DOWNTOWN d 92 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-254-5470 thirsty-monk-brewery.square.site
LOCAL ALL-ROUND BREWERY (FOR ITS BEERS)
BAR: LOCAL BEER SELECTION (EXCLUDING BREWERIES)
3 THE BIER GARDEN d
1 THE WHALE :: A CRAFT BEER COLLECTIVE w e x
1 BURIAL BEER CO. d s
40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 10 Shady Oak Drive, Asheville 828-505-4452 • burialbeer.com
2 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. e d 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-1500 • highlandbrewing.com
3 HILLMAN BEER s
25 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-1312 • hillmanbeer.com
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
39
Drinks
C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE Best Neighborhood Bar - Downtown (including South Slope); second place Bloody Mary; Eats section: Best Restaurant Cocktail Selection; second place Late-Night Eats
BREWERY (FOR ITS TAPROOM & ATMOSPHERE)
1 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. e d 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-1500 • highlandbrewing.com
2 SIERRA NEVADA BREWING CO. s a
100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River 828-708-6242 • sierranevada.com
3 BURIAL BEER CO. d
40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 • burialbeer.com
FAMILY-FRIENDLY BAR OR BREWERY
1 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. e d x 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-1500 • highlandbrewing.com
2 NEW BELGIUM BREWING w 21 Craven St., Asheville 828-333-6900 • newbelgium.com
3 WHISTLE HOP BREWING CO. e a
1288 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 828-338-9447 • whistlehop.com
40
CREATIVE, EXPERIMENTAL BREWERY
1 BURIAL BEER CO. d s
40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 10 Shady Oak Drive, Asheville 828-505-4452 • burialbeer.com
2 DSSOLVR d
63 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville dssolvr.com
3 FUNKATORIUM d
147 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-552-3203 • avl.mx/9m8
LOCAL BEER (ANY STYLE)
1 GAELIC ALE (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) e x 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com
2 SURF WAX IPA (BURIAL BEER CO.) d
40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 • burialbeer.com
3 PERNICIOUS IPA (WICKED WEED BREWING) d
91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com
LOCAL DARK BEER
1 GREEN MAN PORTER (GREEN MAN BREWERY) d
27 Buxton Ave., Asheville 828-252-5502 • greenmanbrewery.com
2 SKILLET DONUT STOUT (BURIAL BEER CO.) d
40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 • burialbeer.com
3 OATMEAL PORTER (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) e
12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
LOCAL LAGER
BREWMASTER
1 HI-WIRE LAGER (HI-WIRE BREWING) s x
1 BRAD HILLMAN (HILLMAN BEER) s e ax
2A Huntsman Place, Asheville 828-738-2451 • hiwirebrewing.com
2 PILSNER (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) e
12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com
3 GREEN MAN LAGER (GREEN MAN BREWERY) d
27 Buxton Ave., Asheville 828-252-5502 • greenmanbrewery.com
3 HOUNDES OF HELLES (BOOJUM BREWING) w a
50 N. Main St., Waynesville 828-246-0350 • boojumbrewing.com
LOCAL SOUR BEER
1 BLACK ANGEL (WICKED WEED BREWING) d x 91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com
25 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-1312 78 Catawba Ave., Old Fort 828-668-6372 • hillmanbeer.com
2 CARL MELISSAS (WEDGE BREWING CO.) r
37 Paynes Way, Suite 001, Asheville 828-505-2792 5 Foundy St., Asheville 828-253-7152 • wedgebrewing.com
FAVORITE LOCAL BEER EVENT
1 COLD MOUNTAIN RELEASE (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) e
12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com
2 BURNPILE AT BURIAL BEER CO. d 40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 • burialbeer.com
2 DOMINGA MIMOSA SOUR (NEW BELGIUM BREWING) w
3 ASHEVILLE BEER WEEK
3 PASSIONFRUIT GUAVA GOSE (BOOJUM BREWING) w a
BEER STORE
21 Craven St., Asheville 828-333-6900 • newbelgium.com
50 N. Main St., Waynesville 828-246-0350 • boojumbrewing.com
Various Locations, Asheville avlbeerweek.com
1 APPALACHIAN VINTNER s x
745 Biltmore Ave., Suite 121, Asheville 828-505-7500 • appalachianvintner.com
LOCAL IPA
1 SURF WAX IPA (BURIAL BEER CO.) d
2 LOCAL 604 BOTTLE SHOP w
2 IRON RAIL IPA (WEDGE BREWING CO.) r
3 THE BLUE DOOR BOTTLESHOP & BEER HALL s a
604 Haywood Road, Suite 2, Asheville 828-417-7002 • local604avl.com
40 Collier Ave., Asheville 828-475-2739 • burialbeer.com
37 Paynes Way, Suite 001, Asheville 828-505-2792 • wedgebrewing.com
146 Third Ave. E., Hendersonville 828-290-4191 • thebluedoorhvl.com
3 AVL IPA (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) e
12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com
SEASONAL BEER
1 COLD MOUNTAIN (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) e x 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com
2 NINJABREAD MAN (ASHEVILLE BREWING CO.) d n 77 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-255-4077 675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-1281 • ashevillebrewing.com
3 CLAWHAMMER OKTOBERFEST (HIGHLAND BREWING CO.) e
12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
41
Drinks
C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST
DYNAMITE ROASTING CO. Best Coffee Roaster; third place Establishment With the Best Coffee; Regional: Swannanoa & Black Mountain: second place Coffee & Sweets
COFFEEHOUSE FOR ITS VIBE
1 BATTLECAT COFFEE BAR w 373 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-713-3885 • avl.mx/9ix
2 THE DRIPOLATOR COFFEEHOUSE e as
221 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-0999 20 Gala Drive, Asheville 828-505-0961 • avl.mx/3w7
3 ODD’S CAFE w
800 Haywood Road, Suite 110, Asheville 828-505-7776 • oddscafe.com
ESTABLISHMENT WITH THE BEST COFFEE
1 HIGH FIVE COFFEE d n x
13 Rankin Ave., Asheville 828-713-5291 190 Broadway, Asheville 828-398-0209 2000 Riverside Drive, Woodfin 828-785-8272 • highfivecoffee.com
2 PENNYCUP COFFEE CO. r d
362 Depot St., Asheville 828-575-9495 39 Market St., Asheville 828-505-3609 • pennycupcoffeeco.com
3 DYNAMITE ROASTING CO. e a 3198 U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-357-8555 • dynamiteroasting.com
BARISTA
1 BRITTONY MILLER (PEABERRY PRESS) e
802 Fairview Road, Suite 800, Asheville 828-772-0438 • avl.mx/cuo
42
COFFEE ROASTER
1 DYNAMITE ROASTING CO. e ax 3198 U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-357-8555 • dynamiteroasting.com
2 PENNYCUP COFFEE CO. r d
362 Depot St., Asheville 828-575-9495 39 Market St., Asheville 828-505-3609 • pennycupcoffeeco.com
3 COOPERATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS w
210 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-367-9330 cooperativecoffeeroasters.com
PLACE TO DRINK TEA
1 DOBRA TEA d w e
78 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-575-2424 707 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-4307 1011 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-774-5088 • dobrateanc.com
2 DOBRA TEA - WEST w
707 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-4307 • dobrateanc.com
3 HIGH CLIMATE TEA CO. d
12 S. Lexington Ave., Suite 1, Asheville 828-505-4771 • highclimatetea.com
SMOOTHIES/JUICES
1 SIMPLE CAFE & JUICE BAR w x 643 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-774-5410 • simpleasheville.com
2 PULP + SPROUT JUICE BAR AND VEGAN CAFE n
233 S. Liberty St., Asheville 828-412-5701 • pulpandsprout.com
3 MOUNTAIN JUICERY s
1863 Hendersonville Road, Suite 132, Asheville 828-277-6006 • mountainjuicery.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
@highfivecoffee
cafe & juice bar Thank you for voting us THE BEST 5 years in a row!
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
WOW! THANK YOU WNC FOR 10 YEARS AS YOUR FAVORITE!
highfivecoffee.com
know
AShEvILLE like a local
Hot Shaves, Cold Beer Thank You for Voting us Best Barbershop for 7 Years Straight! New West Asheville location!
Keeping WNC looking’ sharp since 2015 * 84 West Walnut St, Unit B * 828-232-7005 * barberandtap.com * thelocalbarberandtap *
Stores in Buncombe County 1141 Tunnel Road E
140 Weaver Blvd. N
225 Charlotte Highway E
1865 Hendersonville Road S 828-274-0804 • Asheville
828-259-9268 • Asheville
29 Tunnel Road E
780 Hendersonville Road #79 S
153 Smokey Park Highway W
550 Highway 9 E
301 Long Shoals Road S
7 New Leicester Highway W
2299 U.S. 70 E
352 Airport Road S
575 New Leicester Highway W
915 Merrimon Ave. N
2901 Hendersonville Road S
3338 Boylston Highway W
499 Weaverville Road N
1572 Sand Hill Road W
Starbucks = All Stores Have a Deli
828-298-3514 • Asheville 828-298-2160 • Asheville 828-253-1528 • Asheville
828-669-6700 • Black Mountain 828-686-5410 • Swannanoa 828-254-5654 • Asheville 828-645-4521 • Asheville
828-645-2902 • Arden
828-274-1174 • Asheville 828-681-5173 • Arden 828-684-6335 • Arden
828-684-2838 • Fletcher 828-665-2861 • Candler
863 Brevard Road W
828-665-0787 • Asheville
669 Haywood Road W
828-667-9306 • Asheville 828-253-2005 • Asheville 828-254-3496 • Asheville
828-891-3260 • Mills River
www.ingles-markets.com MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
43
Drinks MOCKTAILS OR NONALCOHOLIC OPTIONS
1 LITTLE JUMBO n
241 Broadway, Asheville 828-417-4783 • littlejumbobar.com
2 LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ d
40 Wall St., Asheville 828-252-3445 • laughingseed.com
thanks for voting!
C O N T I N UE D
LOCAL NONALCOHOLIC DRINK PRODUCT
1 CLASSIC GINGER BEER (DEVIL’S FOOT) s
131 Sweeten Creek Road, Suite 10, Asheville 828-357-7601 • devilsfootbrew.com
2 FUTURE’S SO BRIGHT SPARKLING LEMONADE (DEVIL’S FOOT) s 131 Sweeten Creek Road, Suite 10, Asheville 828-357-7601 • devilsfootbrew.com
CBD DRINKS/ HEALTH ELIXIRS
1 ASHEVILLE DISPENSARY w x
919 Haywood Road, Suite 111, Asheville 828-335-2696 • avldispensary.com
2 SHANTI ELIXIRS o
Asheville 828-351-4879 • shantielixirs.com
3 SOVEREIGN KAVA d
268 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-505-8118 • ashevillekava.com
KAVA BAR
1 SOVEREIGN KAVA d x
268 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-505-8118 • ashevillekava.com
2 ELEVATED KAVA LOUNGE w
747 Haywood Road, Suite 200, Asheville 828-412-3548 • elevatedkava.com
3 VINTAGE KAVA n a
141 Reems Creek Road, Weaverville 828-484-8186 • vintagekava.com
Keeping Asheville Weird Since 2010 #1 KAVA BAR (Hall of Fame) #1 OPEN MIC NIGHT VENUE #3 CBD DRINKS/HEALTH ELIXIRS
OPEN DAILY • 828.505.8118 • 268 Biltmore Ave • Asheville, NC
ASHEVILLEK AVA.COM
44
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
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Biggest opportunity Biggest opportunity for Asheville’s for Asheville’s * uniqueness uniqueness
e l b a d r o f f A singArts hou Invest in Preser ve natu re
mu Local
up Clean town and down homeless move away
rd it wei Keep it queer Keep it friendly K e ep
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local s busin mall esses r
o coostussing f p l e Realhh eless m o the H
t of t c o p m en Devel A rts Distri River creation for re
*According to 2023 Best of WNC voters MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
45
arts & entertainment
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
ECHO MOUNTAIN RECORDING STUDIO Best Recording Studio
W
E herewith submit to you the standout entrepreneurial efforts of WNC’s creative sector. From movie theaters (congrats once again, Grail Moviehouse) to music venues, both indoors (The Orange Peel reigns supreme) and out (Salvage Station stays on top), the voters have spoken with passion. Like any community, the Best of WNC survey is constantly evolving, and so adding and dropping categories each year is a must — all the better to represent our changing artistic landscape. As such, six categories debuted or were resurrected in 2023, starting with the breakout of last year’s general photographer category into three: Nathan Rivers Chesky winning Wedding/ Event Photographer; Carol Spagnuola taking Portrait/ Headshot Photographer; and Camilla Calnan prevailing in Still Life/Nature Photographer. The Lexington Glassworks team wins the new category for Glass Artist, and Paul Bonesteel lands the honors for Local Filmmaker. And with much pomp and flair, Divine Holeburn secures Drag Performer/Group. What might join these additions in 2024? We’ll keep those proverbial cards close to the chest, but it’s safe to say that the query “What category would you like to see added to this section next year?” offered some compelling suggestions, as well as a few laughs from voters who enjoy messing with the hardworking Xpress ballot judges. Until then, please welcome these new inductees to the 2023 Hall of Fame: Lauren Moody at Fox & Beaux Boutique (Jewelry Artist/Designer) and Hilliary Begley (Comedian). — Edwin Arnaudin X
46
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
47
arts & entertainment
PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST
SALVAGE STATION
Best Outdoor Music Venue; third place Indoor Music Venue LOCAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
1 LEAF FESTIVAL e ax
Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 828-686-8742 • theleaf.org
2 LEAF DOWNTOWN AVL d
Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville 828-686-8742 • theleaf.org
3 DOWNTOWN AFTER 5 d
100 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-251-9973 • ashevilledowntown.org
INDOOR MUSIC VENUE
1 THE ORANGE PEEL d x
101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-398-1837 • theorangepeel.net
2 THE GREY EAGLE r
185 Clingman Ave., Asheville 828-232-5800 • thegreyeagle.com
3 SALVAGE STATION r
468 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-407-0521 • salvagestation.com
OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE
1 SALVAGE STATION r x
468 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-407-0521 • salvagestation.com
2 RABBIT RABBIT d
75 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-398-1837 • rabbitrabbitavl.com
3 THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO. e
12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com
INTIMATE MUSIC VENUE/ LISTENING ROOM
1 FLEETWOOD’S ROCK-N-ROLL WEDDING CHAPEL w
496 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-5525 • fleetwoodschapel.com
2 ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR r
122 Riverside Drive, Suite D, Asheville 407-620-1871 • avl.mx/bra
3 STATIC AGE RECORDS d
110 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-254-3232 • avl.mx/69r
n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row) 48
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
RECORDING STUDIO
GUITARIST OR BASS GUITARIST
1 ECHO MOUNTAIN RECORDING STUDIO d x
1 ANDREW THELSTON
Asheville • andrewthelston.com
14 N. French Broad Ave., Asheville 828-232-4314 • echomountain.net
2 ERIC CONGDON
2 DROP OF SUN STUDIOS w
Asheville • ericcongdon.com
821 Haywood Road, Suite 121, Asheville 828-774-5083 • dropofsun.com
3 MARSHALL SOUND STUDIOS n a 9250 U.S. Highway 25, Marshall 828-776-7662 • avl.mx/cws
3 PATTON CARDWELL (THE GREYBIRDS)
Asheville • thegreybirdsband.com
PERCUSSIONIST-DRUMMER
OPEN-MIC-NIGHT VENUE
1 SOVEREIGN KAVA d
268 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-505-8118 • ashevillekava.com
1 RIVER GUERGUERIAN n
Odyssey Community School, 90 Zillicoa St., Asheville 828-301-6605 • guerguerian.com
1 SAM FRAME (LAZRLUVR)
Hendersonville • facebook.com/lazrluvr
2 THE ODD w
1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • theoddasheville.com
2 BEN WEAVER (CLOUD CITY CASKETS) Asheville • avl.mx/brs
3 WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN e a
3 JC MEARS
105 Montreat Road, Black Mountain 828-669-0816 whitehorseblackmountain.com
Asheville • @random_animals_music
3 JEFF SIPE
Asheville • jeffsipemusic.com
LYRICIST (SONGWRITER)
KEYBOARDIST/PIANIST
1 LEEDA “LYRIC” JONES x
1 BRAD CURTIOFF (LAZRLUVR)
2 HOPE GRIFFIN
2 ANDREW J. FLETCHER
Asheville • reverbnation.com/lyricfans
Asheville • hopegriffinmusic.com
Asheville 828-348-4672 • firecrackerjazz.com
3 MIKE MARTINEZ (MAD MIKE)
Asheville • madmikelives.bandcamp.com
3 CARRIE MORRISON
Asheville • carriemorrisonmusic.com
VOCALIST (SINGER)
ACOUSTIC/FOLK
1 LEEDA “LYRIC” JONES x
Asheville • reverbnation.com/lyricfans
1 HOPE GRIFFIN
Asheville • hopegriffinmusic.com
2 ASHLEY HEATH
Asheville 828-773-7865 • ashleyleeannheath.com
3 RAPHAEL MORALES (LAZRLUVR) Hendersonville • facebook.com/lazrluvr
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
Asheville • avl.mx/cv3
2 RISING APPALACHIA
Asheville • risingappalachia.com
3 THE RESONANT ROGUES
Asheville • theresonantrogues.com
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
49
arts & entertainment AMERICANA/COUNTRY
1 FANCY AND THE GENTLEMEN Asheville 828-222-0757 fancyandthegentlemen.com
2 ASHLEY HEATH AND HER HEATHENS
Asheville 828-773-7865 • ashleyleeannheath.com
3 AMANDA ANNE PLATT & THE HONEYCUTTERS
Arden 585-765-2083 • honeycutters.com
BLUES
1 ASHLEY HEATH AND HER HEATHENS
Asheville 828-773-7865 • ashleyleeannheath.com
2 MR. JIMMY
Asheville 312-953-2534 • mrjimmymusic.com
C O N T I N UE D
HIP-HOP
1 HORDE OF JORDAN
Asheville • @hordeofjordan
2 SPACEMAN JONES AND THE MOTHERSHIPS Asheville • avl.mx/7uu
3 FREE RADIO
Asheville • freeradio4all.com
ROCK
1 ANDREW THELSTON BAND Asheville • avl.mx/br7
2 LAZRLUVR
Hendersonville • lazrluvr.com
3 ANDREW SCOTCHIE & THE RIVER RATS
Asheville 828-707-2572 andrewscotchiemusic.com
PUNK/METAL/GARAGE
2 PEGGY RATUSZ
1 THE DEATHBOTS
3 THE MOJO BROTHERS BLUES BAND
2 CLOUD CITY CASKETS
Asheville • avl.mx/cy8
Brevard • avl.mx/cww
FUNK
1 YO MAMA’S BIG FAT BOOTY BAND x
Asheville • bootyband.com
2 EMPIRE STRIKES BRASS
Asheville 828-620-1606 • empirestrikesbrass.com
3 THE FRITZ
Asheville • thefritzmusic.com
JAZZ
1 FIRECRACKER JAZZ BAND
Asheville 828-628-9169 • firecrackerjazz.com
2 QUEEN BEE AND THE HONEYLOVERS
Asheville • queenbeeswing.com
3 ASHEVILLE JAZZ ORCHESTRA Asheville 828-273-9800 ashevillejazzorchestra.org
OLD-TIME/BLUEGRASS
Asheville • thedeathbots.com
Asheville • avl.mx/bts
3 BOMBAY GASOLINE avl.mx/cun
BUSKER/STREET GROUP
1 ABBY THE SPOON LADY x Asheville • spoonlady.com
2 ANDREW J. FLETCHER Asheville 828-348-4672 • avl.mx/cul
ALL-ROUND FAVORITE BAND
1 LAZRLUVR
Hendersonville • lazrluvr.com
2 EMPIRE STRIKES BRASS
Asheville 828-620-1606 • empirestrikesbrass.com
3 STEEP CANYON RANGERS Brevard • steepcanyon.com
DJ (NONRADIO)
1 LIL MEOW MEOW (ANNELISE KOPP)
Asheville 828-258-2999 • avl.mx/bx4
1 STEEP CANYON RANGERS x
2 DJ MOLLY PARTI
2 BALSAM RANGE
3 NEX MILLEN
Brevard • steepcanyon.com
Haywood 336-909-1921 • balsamrange.com
3 ASHEVILLE BLUEGRASS BAND Asheville
R&B/SOUL
1 LEEDA “LYRIC” JONES x
Asheville • reverbnation.com/lyricfans
2 RYAN RNB BARBER
Asheville 828-423-5637 • facebook.com/rnbnc
3 RHODA WEAVER & THE SOUL MATES Asheville • avl.mx/prtu
50
Asheville • mollyparti.com Asheville • @nexmillen
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT REPAIR COMPANY
1 THE GUITAR WITCH REPAIRS o Asheville 828-785-3794 • avl.mx/a75
2 MUSICIAN’S WORKSHOP n
319 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-252-1249 • musiciansworkshop.com
3 HEYDAY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS & REPAIR d 108 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-254-0402 • heydaymusic.net
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
MUSIC-RELATED NONPROFIT
1 LEAF GLOBAL ARTS d x
19 Eagle St., Suite 120, Asheville 828-686-8742 • theleaf.org
2 ASHEVILLE MUSIC SCHOOL w 10 Ridgelawn Road, Asheville 828-252-6244 ashevillemusicschool.org
CRAFT SCHOOL OR PLACE TO LEARN A CRAFT
1 PENLAND SCHOOL OF CRAFT n ax
67 Doras Trail, Bakersville 828-765-2359 • penland.org
2 ODYSSEY CENTER FOR CERAMIC ARTS r
236 Clingman Ave., Asheville 828-285-0210 • odysseyceramicarts.com
3 GIRLS ROCK ASHEVILLE Asheville girlsrockasheville.org
3 JOHN C. CAMPBELL FOLK SCHOOL w a
1 Folk School Road, Brasstown 828-837-2775 • folkschool.org
ARTS/CRAFTS FAIR OR EVENT
LOCAL ART GALLERY
1 THE BIG CRAFTY d x
1 BLUE SPIRAL 1 d x
Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St., Asheville thebigcrafty.com
38 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-251-0202 • bluespiral1.com
2 CRAFT FAIR OF THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS d
2 MARQUEE r
36 Foundy St., Asheville 828-989-1069 • marqueeasheville.com
Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St., Asheville 828-523-4110 southernhighlandguild.org
3 ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM d 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville 828-253-3227 • ashevilleart.org
3 LEAF FESTIVAL e a
CRAFT-ORIENTED GALLERY
Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 828-686-8742 • theleaf.org
1 SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS CRAFT GUILD e s x
STUDIO STROLL/ DRIVING TOUR
1 RIVER ARTS DISTRICT (RAD) STUDIO STROLL r x
Asheville 828-552-4723 • riverartsdistrict.com
Folk Art Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 382, Asheville 828-523-4110 930 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-630-6437 26 Lodge St., Asheville 828-575-5685 • southernhighlandguild.org
2 WEAVERVILLE ART SAFARI n a
2 MARQUEE r
3 SECOND SATURDAY AT RIVER ARTS DISTRICT (RAD) r
3 WOOLWORTH WALK d
Weaverville • weavervilleartsafari.com
Asheville 828-552-4723 • RiverArtsDistrict.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
36 Foundy St., Asheville 828-989-1069 • marqueeasheville.com 25 Haywood St., Asheville 828-254-9234 • woolworthwalk.com
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
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arts & entertainment
C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
TERPSICORPS THEATRE OF DANCE Best Performance Dance Company
FIBER ARTIST
1 JAN WESCOTT (JANI WOVENS) Asheville 828-767-9348
2 JUDE STUECKER
Asheville 828-215-3388 • judestuecker.com
3 ASHTON ZAGER
Asheville 214-450-0164 • ashtonzagerfiberart.com
JEWELRY ARTIST/DESIGNER
1 LAUREN MOODY (FOX & BEAUX BOUTIQUE) d x 56 Haywood St., Asheville 828-585-7230 • foxandbeaux.com
2 AMBER MAHLER
Asheville 510-332-1649 manidesignsjewelry.com
METAL ARTIST OR METALWORKER
1 DAVID EARL TOMLINSON (DYNAMIC METALWORK) Asheville 828-337-3241
2 KAYLA WOLHART & TINA COUNCELL (IRON MAIDEN STUDIOS) w 329 Emma Road, Asheville 828-712-8254 • avl.mx/cy6
3 CHUKK BRUURSEMA s
95 Thompson St., Unit 131, Asheville 828-680-0338 • chukkbruursema.com
GLASS ARTIST
1 BILLY GUILFORD & GEOFF KOSLOW (LEXINGTON GLASSWORKS) d 81 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-348-8427 lexingtonglassworks.com
2 PAULA DAWKINS (PAULA DAWKINS FINE JEWELRY) d
2 HAYDEN DAKOTA WILSON
3 SKRAP MONKEY STUDIO d
3 JENNA ASHCRAFT
65 Haywood St., Asheville 828-254-5088 • pauladawkins.com 244 Short Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-301-2243 • skrapmonkey.com
52
Asheville 828-208-4252 haydendakotawilson.com
Asheville 704-807-6426 • ashcraftglass.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
Thank you, Asheville! 1st Place: Best Jeweler / Jewelry Artist! Hall of Fame Winner!
Book your free custom jewelry consultation online today!
56 Haywood Street, 28801 (828) 585-7230 | foxandbeaux.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
53
arts & entertainment MURAL ARTIST
C O N T I N UE D
PORTRAIT/HEADSHOT PHOTOGRAPHER
1 GUS CUTTY x
Asheville 828-280-3592 • guscutty.com
1 CAROL SPAGNUOLA (CAROL SPAGS PHOTOGRAPHY)
2 DUSTIN SPAGNOLA (474 GALLERY STUDIO) w
474 Haywood Road, Suite 102, Asheville 315-436-1382 • dustinspagnola.com
3 KATHRYN CRAWFORD
Asheville • kathryncrawfordart.com
PAINTER/ILLUSTRATOR
1 NATALIE RAY (NATALIE RAY FINE ART)
Asheville • natalieonpaper.com
Asheville 828-713-4485 • carolspags.com
2 HEATHER BURDITT PHOTOGRAPHY
Asheville heatherburdittphotography.com
3 SHEILA MRAZ
Asheville 828-550-4663 • sheilamraz.com
STILL LIFE/NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER
2 GRANT PENNY r
123 Roberts St., Asheville 828-335-9225 • grantpenny.com
1 CAMILLA CALNAN PHOTOGRAPHY
POTTER/CERAMIC ARTIST
1 EAST FORK d
15 W. Walnut St., Asheville 828-575-2150 • eastfork.com
Asheville 828-242-2308 • camiphoto.com
WEDDING/EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER
2 MELISSA WEISS POTTERY e
1 NATHAN RIVERS CHESKY
2 ROB AND BETH MANGUM (MANGUM POTTERY) n a
2 SHEILA MRAZ
3 AKIRA SATAKE CERAMICS/ GALLERY MUGEN r
3 STEPHAN PRUITT d
3 Mulvaney St., Asheville melissaweisspottery.com
16 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-4929 • mangumpottery.com
191 Lyman St., Studio 165, Asheville 828-275-7612 • akirasatake.com
Asheville 828-776-3629 • nathanchesky.com Asheville 828-550-4663 • sheilamraz.com 22 S. Pack Square, Suite 302, Asheville 828-712-4669 stephanpruittphotography.com
n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row) d OWNTOWN AREA
THANK YOU FOR VOTING ME #1
Specializing in Headshots & Portrait Photography 10% OFF OF SESSION FEE! 828-713-4485 • photos@carolspags.com carolspags.com
54
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
NONPROFIT THAT SERVES THE ARTS
THEATER COMPANY
1 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE d x
1 ASHEVILLE AREA ARTS COUNCIL d
67 Broadway, Suite 217, Asheville 828-222-0436 • ashevillearts.com
35 E. Walnut St., Asheville 828-254-1320 • ashevilletheatre.org
1 OPEN HEARTS ART CENTER d
2 MONTFORD PARK PLAYERS n
217 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-505-8428 • openheartsartcenter.org
2 LEAF GLOBAL ARTS d
3 NORTH CAROLINA STAGE COMPANY d
19 Eagle St., Suite 120, Asheville 828-686-8742 • theleaf.org
15 Stage Lane, Asheville 828-239-0263 • ncstage.org
3 BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS e a
225 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-0930 • blackmountainarts.org
MOVIE THEATER
Flat Rock • avl.mx/a9f
17 Foundy St., Suite 20, Asheville 828-239-9392 • grailmoviehouse.com
2 FINE ARTS THEATRE d
36 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-1536 • fineartstheatre.com
2 THE CAROLINA CINEMARK ASHEVILLE s
1640 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-8811 • avl.mx/3n9
2 STEPHANIE HICKLING BECKMAN
Asheville 828-484-2014 • differentstrokespac.org
PERFORMANCE DANCE COMPANY
1 TERPSICORPS THEATRE OF DANCE w
3 ASHEVILLE PIZZA & BREWING CO. n
675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-1281 • ashevillebrewing.com
69 Cranford Road, Asheville 828-761-1371 • terpsicorps.org
2 THE ASHEVILLE BALLET n
4 Weaverville Highway, Asheville 828-252-4761 • ashevilleballet.com
LOCAL FILMMAKER
45 S. French Broad Ave., Suite 120, Asheville 828-236-0300 • bonesteelfilms.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
ACTOR (ANY GENDER)
1 SCOTT TREADWAY ax
1 GRAIL MOVIEHOUSE r x
1 PAUL BONESTEEL (BONESTEEL FILMS) d
92 Gay St., Asheville 828-254-5146 • montfordparkplayers.org
3 ASHEVILLE CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATRE n 20 Commerce St., Asheville 828-254-2621 • acdt.org
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
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arts & entertainment
C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
DIVINITY HOLEBURN (DIVINE THE BEARDED LADY) Best Drag Performer/Group;second place Comedian
PLACE TO TAKE DANCE CLASSES OR LESSONS
1 DANCECLUB ASHEVILLE n
9 Old Burnsville Hill Road, Suite 3, Asheville 828-423-0886 • danceclubasheville.com
2 UPHORA DANCE FITNESS w 1501 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-417-7171 • uphoradance.com
3 BALLET CONSERVATORY OF ASHEVILLE d 6 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 828-255-5777 balletconservatoryofasheville. wordpress.com
COMEDY TROUPE OR SERIES
LOCAL COMEDY SHOW/ NIGHT/EVENT
1 OPEN MIC COMEDY FREAKSHOW AT THE ODD w 1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • linktr.ee/theoddav
2 LAZOOM TOURS d
76 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-225-6932 • lazoomtours.com
3 LAZOOM: HEY ASHEVILLE! CITY COMEDY TOUR d
76 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-225-6932 • lazoomtours.com
COMEDIAN
1 HILLIARY BEGLEY x Asheville • avl.mx/cw4
1 LAZOOM: HEY ASHEVILLE! CITY COMEDY TOUR d x
2 DIVINITY HOLEBURN (DIVINE THE BEARDED LADY)
2 REASONABLY PRICED BABIES
2 PETEY SMITH-MCDOWELL (DISCLAIMER LOUNGE) d
76 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-225-6932 • lazoomtours.com Asheville • avl.mx/bxx
3 MODELFACE COMEDY & EVENTS Asheville • modelfacecomedy.com
56
Asheville 828-333-7247 facebook.com/divinity.holeburn
31 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-255-7777 facebook.com/disclaimerlounge
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
TRIVIA NIGHT EMCEE
LOCAL AUTHOR
1 CHARLES FRAZIER
1 ROBERT BENNETT (TOTALLY RAD TRIVIA)
Asheville • charlesfrazier.com
Asheville 828-280-5437 • robertsavltrivia.com
2 KIPPER SCHAUER (DJ KIPPER) Asheville • avl.mx/a8r
3 MITCH FORTUNE (MITCH’S TOTALLY RAD TRIVIA) e Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-239-9903 • avl.mx/bxy
DRAG PERFORMER/GROUP
1 DIVINITY HOLEBURN (DIVINE THE BEARDED LADY) Asheville 828-333-7247 facebook.com/divinity.holeburn
2 PRISCILLA CHAMBERS Asheville • avl.mx/cy7
3 ASHEVILLE DRAG BRUNCH Asheville 828-333-7247 ashevilledragbrunch.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
2 WILEY CASH
Asheville 541-797-2217 • wileycash.com
3 ROBERT BEATTY
Asheville • robert-beatty.com
LOCAL POET
1 ALLAN WOLF x
Asheville 828-772-7474 • allanwolf.com
x
THE HALL OF FAME ICON The Hall of Fame designates winners who have come out on top four years in a row, including this year (2020 - 2023)
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
57
Outdoors
PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST
NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES Best Canopy Tour/Zip Line
I
T’S been said that people visit WNC for their love of its mountains. Among locals, it’s fair to say a good number of people have also found personal romance while visiting the iconic locations that frequent the Best of WNC Outdoors section. One passionate tale depicts a man, Art Loeb, who “deeply loved these mountains,” and came to be memorialized on a plaque placed on the lengthy trail fondly named after him in 1969. The hiker’s namesake trail traverses Black Balsam Knob, a repeat winner as best Day Hike Trail for its expansive 360-degree views, and this year’s favorite for Backpacking/Overnight Trail as well. Additionally, the 30-mile-long Art Loeb trail — which runs from the Davidson River (best Camping Spot), near Brevard, to Cold Mountain in Haywood County — was built and named by members of the Carolina Mountain Club (Hiking Club, six years in a row). Among faster outdoor pursuits, Hall of Fame winners Cataloochee Ski Area (11 years straight) and Navitat Canopy Adventures (13 years running) maintained their respective grips on best Ski Resort and best Canopy Tour/ Zip Line. Bent Creek Experimental Forest (Mountain Bike Trail) remained the favorite among bikers for the second straight year. Looking Glass Falls (Waterfall), Craggy Gardens (Picnic Spot) and the French Broad River (Place to Relax on the Water) kept their Hall of Fame streaks alive as well in their respective categories. So make like Art Loeb and fall in love with the mountains he traversed decades ago. You’ll be in great company. — Greg Parlier X
58
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
THANK
S FO R VOT I NG
BEST OF WNC wnc’s largest & best reader survey
Thanks for Making Second Gear Your First Choice for Outdoor Gear in WNC! Serving Outdoor Adventurers Since 2004
99 Riverside Drive, Asheville | 828-258-0757 | secondgearwnc.com MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
59
Outdoors
PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST
ASHEVILLE GREENWORKS Best Environmental or Conservation Nonprofit; Uniquely Asheville section: third place Nonprofit That Improves Asheville
BACKPACKING TRAIL/ OVERNIGHT HIKE
1 BLACK BALSAM KNOB w
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 420, Balsam Grove avl.mx/bwo
2 APPALACHIAN TRAIL FROM HOT SPRINGS TO MAX PATCH n a
Hot Springs 828-254-3708 • appalachiantrail.org
DAY HIKE TRAIL
1 BLACK BALSAM KNOB w x Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 420, Balsam Grove avl.mx/bwo
2 CRAGGY GARDENS e a
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 367.6, Black Mountain 828-775-0976 • avl.mx/6cf
3 BEARWALLOW MOUNTAIN s a 4854 Bearwallow Mountain Road, Hendersonville conservingcarolina.org/ bearwallow-mountain
EASY HIKE TRAIL (FOR KIDS, ELDERS, LIMITED MOBILITY)
1 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM TRAILS w
100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 828-665-2492 • ncarboretum.org
WALK - IN OR NEAR ASHEVILLE
1 THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT r
Asheville 828-552-4723 • riverartsdistrict.com
2 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM TRAILS w
100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 828-665-2492 • ncarboretum.org
3 BEAVER LAKE n
1292 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-225-6648 • thelakeviewpark.org
OUTDOOR GEAR AND APPAREL SHOP
1 SECOND GEAR r
99 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-258-0757 • secondgearwnc.com
2 REI CO-OP s
Biltmore Park Town Square, 31 Schenck Parkway, Asheville 828-687-0918 • rei.com
3 BLACK DOME MOUNTAIN SPORTS e
140 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-251-2001 • blackdome.com
MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL
2 CRAGGY GARDENS TRAIL e a
1 BENT CREEK EXPERIMENTAL FOREST w
3 CATAWBA FALLS e a
2 RIDGELINE TRAIL s a
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 367.6, Black Mountain 828-775-0976 • avl.mx/6cf 3074 Catawba River Road, Old Fort 828-257-4200 • avl.mx//7uz
60
1577 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-667-5261 • avl.mx/7v1
DuPont State Forest, Cedar Mountain avl.mx/7v2
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
CANOPY TOUR/ZIP LINE
SWIMMING HOLE
1 NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES n ax
1 SLIDING ROCK s a
2 THE GORGE ZIPLINE s a
2 SKINNY DIP FALLS w a
242 Poverty Branch Road, Barnardsville 828-626-3700 • navitat.com 166 Honey Bee Drive, Saluda 828-383-0269 • thegorgezipline.com
3 ASHEVILLE TREETOPS ADVENTURE PARK w
85 Expo Drive, Asheville 828-225-2921 ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com
PICNIC SPOT
Pisgah National Forest, 7851 Pisgah Highway, Brevard adventurepisgah.com/sliding-rock Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 417, Canton avl.mx/7uy
WATERFALL
1 LOOKING GLASS FALLS s ax U.S. Highway 276, Brevard 828-877-3265 • avl.mx/wordcaop
2 TRIPLE FALLS s a
1 CRAGGY GARDENS e ax
DuPont State Forest, Cedar Mountain avl.mx/7v0
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 367.6, Black Mountain 828-775-0976 • avl.mx/6cf
3 CATAWBA FALLS e a
2 BILTMORE ESTATE s
Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com
3 MAX PATCH n a
3074 Catawba River Road, Old Fort 828-257-4200 • avl.mx//7uz
RAFTING COMPANY
1 NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER w an a
Spring Creek • avl.mx/7uw
CAMPING SPOT
13077 U.S. Highway 19 W., Bryson City 828-785-5082 9825 U.S. Highway 25, Marshall 828-348-1693 • noc.com
1 DAVIDSON RIVER CAMPGROUND s a
1 Davidson River Circle, Pisgah Forest 828-577-4558 • avl.mx/6df
HIKING CLUB OR GROUP
1 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN CLUB x
Asheville 704-451-5268 • carolinamountainclub.org
RUNNING EVENT/RACE ROAD OR TRAIL
2 ZEN TUBING n s
608 Riverside Drive, Asheville 855-936-8823 1648 Brevard Road, Asheville 855-936-8823 • zentubing.com
3 FRENCH BROAD ADVENTURES n a
12 Good Adventures Lane, Marshall 828-649-0486 • frenchbroadrafting.com
3 FRENCH BROAD OUTFITTERS r 704 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-505-7371 frenchbroadoutfitters.com
1 ASHEVILLE TURKEY TROT d Asheville • ashevilleturkeytrot.com
SKI RESORT
1 CATALOOCHEE SKI AREA w ax 1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley 828-926-0285 • cataloochee.com
2 WOLF RIDGE RESORT n a
578 Valley View Circle, Mars Hill 828-689-4111 • skiwolfridgenc.com
3 BEECH MOUNTAIN RESORT n
1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain 828-387-2011 • beechmountainresort.com
3 SUGAR MOUNTAIN RESORT n 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain 828-898-4521 • skisugar.com
PLACE TO ROLLER SKATE OR SKATEBOARD
1 CARRIER PARK w
220 Amboy Road, Asheville 828-259-5800 • avl.mx/a8b
2 FOUNDATION ASHEVILLE SKATEPARK (FOUNDY) r
47 Foundy St., Asheville 828-225-5509 • foundationasheville.com
3 RAD SKATEPARK r
37 Foundy St., Asheville 828-338-8830 • radskateparkavl.com
ENVIRONMENTAL OR CONSERVATION NONPROFIT
PLACE TO RELAX ON THE WATER
1 ASHEVILLE GREENWORKS w
2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville 828-254-1776 • ashevillegreenworks.org
1 FRENCH BROAD RIVER x Asheville riverlink.org/french-broad-river
2 LAKE JAMES e a
2 SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN HIGHLANDS CONSERVANCY n
3 LAKE LURE e a
3 CONSERVING CAROLINA s a
372 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-0095 • appalachian.org
Nebo 828-544-6800 • avl.mx/8by Lake Lure 828-625-9983 • townoflakelure.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
847 Case St., Hendersonville 828-697-5777 • conservingcarolina.org
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
61
Shopping
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
THE REGENERATION STATION
Store That Best Represents the Spirit of Asheville, Best Used Furniture Store (for-profit store) and Refurbished Or Upcycled Goods; second place Antique Store
W
ESTERN North Carolina’s admirers are drawn to the region’s natural beauty, its food and brewing scenes and the numerous downtowns that sprang up during the 19th century. But whichever WNC town you land in, a pleasant surprise reveals itself: Our local shops easily surpass what’s typically offered by corporate America. This is true in spades for Asheville, which promises unique shopping experiences no matter what neighborhood you choose to sample. West Asheville is known for its spunk, funk and vintage flair. Sometimes referred to as the up-cycling mecca of the region, it’s a hot spot for homemade entrepreneurial spirit and creative innovation. Biltmore Village offers a sense of old-school class. Pretend to be a time traveler from the year 1914. Buy a telescope and an evening gown, then have tea in an inviting shop. Asheville’s sprawling downtown caters to virtually every taste and fashion: There’s no shortage of unusual souvenirs to take back to your (very conventional) Aunt Louise, but you might also find the perfect Christmas gift for your weird Goth nephew. Cute shoes, cigars, bath salts, fossils, antiques and even yarn for a handmade winter cap can all be easily found by wandering in central Asheville. And because this is Asheville, you can buy crystals just about anywhere. This year, Xpress welcomes two stores into the esteemed Hall of Fame for having held the top spot in their categories for four consecutive years: Spicer Greene Jewelers (Jewelry Store) and Morgan’s Comics (Comics and Collectibles Store). Congratulations to all the winners who help make WNC a delightful place to shop and keep our communities unique. Remember to shop local, everybody! — Jessica Wakeman X
62
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
Local Independent Smoke Shop since 1993
octopusgardensmokeshops.com We procure the finest in functional glass art, glass and traditional pipes, vaporizers, premium cigars, CBD & hemp products, hookahs, incense and candles, home decor and art, gifts for everyone, and much more! Find everything from a mellow mood to a good laugh and turn your place into the right space.
Visit any of our nine locations in Asheville, Hendersonville, Arden, Brevard, or Weaverville MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
63
Shopping STORE THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF ASHEVILLE
1 THE REGENERATION STATION s
26 Glendale Ave., Asheville 828-505-1108 • regenerationstation.com
2 MAST GENERAL STORE d s a 15 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-1883 527 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-696-1883 • mastgeneralstore.com
3 MADAM CLUTTERBUCKETS NEURODIVERSE UNIVERSE d
21 Battery Park Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-552-3013 madamclutterbuckets.com
CLOTHING: DRESS-UP/STYLIN’
1 MINX BOUTIQUE d x
64 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-225-5680 • minxasheville.com
ASHEVILLE-STYLE CLOTHES
1 REVOLVE MERCANTILE BUY+SELL+TRADE w
697 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-412-3112 • revolvemerc.net 2 ELEMENTALITY e 4 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 220, Asheville 828-299-4751 • myelementality.com
SHOE STORE
1 TOPS FOR SHOES d x
27 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-254-6721 • topsforshoes.com
2 DISCOUNT SHOES OF ASHEVILLE w
1263 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-667-0085 discountshoesofasheville.com 3 GB SHOES e 83 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-808-2062 • housershoes.com
JEWELRY STORE
1 SPICER GREENE JEWELERS d x
1 REVOLVE MERCANTILE BUY+SELL+TRADE w
121 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-253-1805 • spicergreene.com 2 ELEMENTALITY e 4 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 220, Asheville 828-299-4751 • myelementality.com 3 MARTHALER JEWELERS s a 3578 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher 828-676-1625 • marthalerjewelers.com
2 RECIPROCITY w
1 MARQUEE r
CLOTHING: USED OR VINTAGE (FOR-PROFIT STORE)
697 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-412-3112 • revolvemerc.net
732 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-3980 • reciprocityasheville.com
3 HONEYPOT VINTAGE d
86 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-225-0304 • honeypotvintage.com
CLOTHING: USED OR VINTAGE (NONPROFIT STORE)
1 GOODWILL w e s x
1616 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-771-2192 86 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-299-3595 51 Mills Gap Road, Asheville 828-687-0057 • goodwillnwnc.org
2 SECOND CHANCES THRIFT STORE (BROTHER WOLF ANIMAL RESCUE) e 49 Glendale Ave., Asheville 828-505-3440 ext. 106 bwar.org/second-chances
3 ZEN & NOW n
Asheville Community Yoga8, 8 Brookdale Road, Asheville 828-255-5575 • avl.mx/bwm
MALL-STYLE MARKET
36 Foundy St., Asheville 828-989-1069 • marqueeasheville.com 2 ASHEVILLE OUTLETS w 800 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-667-2308 • shopashevilleoutlets.com 3 GROVE ARCADE d 1 Page Ave., Asheville 828-252-7799 • grovearcade.com
ALL-ROUND GROCERY STORE
1 INGLES MARKETS e n w s x
29 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-253-1528 915 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-1326 669 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-259-9268 See ad on page 43 for additional locations ingles-markets.com 2 PUBLIX SUPER MARKET s n a 1830 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-6287 165 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville 828-658-1020 • publix.com 3 TRADER JOE’S n 120 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-232-5078 • traderjoes.com
n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row) 64
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
THANK YOU #
#
#
1: Used Furniture
Best of WNC 10 years in a row!
Store
1: Refurbished or
upcycled goods
1: Store That Best
Represents the Spirit of Asheville
#
#
Come shop our warehouse of uniques, antiques and rarities! Over 90 Vendors
1: Junk Removal Service
2: Antique Store
26 Glendale Ave • 828.505.1108 • theregenerationstation.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
65
Shopping
C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
OCTOPUS GARDEN SMOKE SHOP Best Head Shop
LOCAL GROCERY DELIVERY OR CURBSIDE PICKUP
1 INGLES MARKETS e n w s
29 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-253-1528 915 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-1326 669 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-259-9268 See ad on page 43 for additional locations ingles-markets.com
2 MOTHER EARTH FOOD w
29 Hawk Hill Road, Asheville 828-275-3500 • motherearthfood.com
3 PUBLIX SUPER MARKET s
1830 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-6287 • publix.com
BUDGET-FRIENDLY GROCERY STORE
1 ALDI e w n ax
480 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 855-955-2534 1344 Patton Ave., Asheville 855-955-2534 58 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville 855-955-2534 • aldi.com
2 HOPEY AND CO. e s
800 Fairview Road, Suite 111, Asheville 828-255-5228 144 Caribou Road, Asheville 828-774-5432 • hopeyandcompany.com
3 TRADER JOE’S n
120 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-232-5078 • traderjoes.com
66
HEALTH FOOD STORE
1 WHOLE FOODS MARKET n e s 70 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-5440 4 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-239-9604 1856 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-378-0477 • wholefoodsmarket.com 2 FRENCH BROAD FOOD CO-OP d 90 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-255-7650 • frenchbroadfood.coop 3 EARTH FARE w 66 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 828-255-2999 • earthfare.com
INTERNATIONAL/ SPECIALTY FOOD STORE
1 YZ ASIAN MARKET w
22 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-785-1653 • avl.mx/9sn 2 RADHA INDIAN GROCERS w 813 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-505-1991 • avl.mx/prwr
3 KIM’S ORIENTAL FOOD & GIFTS w 5 Regent Park Blvd., Suite 110, Asheville 828-254-7235
CONVENIENCE/ CORNER STORE
1 GAS-UP w
405 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-5589 • avl.mx/6bv 2 THE HOT SPOT n 103 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-258-2619 110 Weaverville Highway, Asheville 828-645-5790 • hotspotcstore.com 3 MONTFORD CONVENIENCE n 231 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-258-1879 • montforddeli.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
NEW FURNITURE STORE
1 TYSON FURNITURE CO. e ax 109 Broadway, Black Mountain 828-669-5000 • tysonfurniture.com
USED FURNITURE STORE (FOR-PROFIT STORE)
1 THE REGENERATION STATION s x 26 Glendale Ave., Asheville 828-505-1108 • regenerationstation.com
2 DAVIS HOME FURNITURE s
100 Fairview Road, Asheville 828-785-1452 • davishomefurniture.com
2 ATOMIC FURNISHING & DESIGN e
124 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 828-774-5441 • atomicfurnishings.com
NC‘s Oldest
Pawn Shop
Est. 1903
21 BROADWAY • DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE
Open 7 Days • 253-7731 • www.FinkelsteinsPawn.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
67
Shopping
C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
ANTIQUE TOBACCO BARN Best Antique Store
USED FURNITURE STORE (NONPROFIT STORE)
1 ASHEVILLE AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE s n ax 33 Meadow Road, Asheville 828-254-6706 61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville 828-484-9432 ashevillehabitat.org/restore
BED AND MATTRESS STORE
1 COLTON MATTRESS s x
848 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-299-4445 • coltonmattress.com 2 MATTRESS MAN e s a 80 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-492-3185 229 Airport Road, Suite 2, Arden 828-827-9797 • mattressmanstores.com
ANTIQUE STORE
1 ANTIQUE TOBACCO BARN e x
75 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 828-252-7291 • atbarn.com 2 THE REGENERATION STATION s 26 Glendale Ave., Asheville 828-505-1108 • regenerationstation.com 3 SCREEN DOOR s 115 Fairview Road, Asheville 828-277-3667 • screendoorasheville.com
PAWN SHOP
1 ALAN’S JEWELRY & PAWN w e w ax
1186 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-248-0501 736 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-490-7787 510 Paint Town Road, Cherokee 833-228-3018 • alanspawn.com 2 FINKELSTEIN’S d 21 Broadway, Asheville 828-253-7731 • finkelsteinspawn.com
68
REFURBISHED OR UPCYCLED GOODS
1 THE REGENERATION STATION s
26 Glendale Ave., Asheville 828-505-1108 • regenerationstation.com
2 SCREEN DOOR s
115 Fairview Road, Asheville 828-277-3667 • screendoorasheville.com
PICTURE FRAMER
1 FRUGAL FRAMER d s ax
95 Cherry St. N., Asheville 828-258-2435 200 Julian Shoals Drive, Suite 20, Arden 828-687-8533 • frugalframer.com
2 BLACKBIRD FRAME & ART n
365 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-225-3117 • blackbirdframe.com
3 MICHAELS e
111A River Hills Road, Asheville 828-299-0183 • michaels.com
FLORIST/PLANT SHOP
1 FLORA & FORAGE w x
428B Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-8888 • florabotanicalliving.com
2 PALM + PINE w
178B Westwood Place, Asheville 828-505-2232 • palmandpine.com
3 POLLEN COFFEE & FLOWERS d 45 S. French Broad Ave., Suite 150, Asheville pollenavl.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
Thank you for voting us Hall of Fame for 11 years in a row!
#1 PAWN SHOP We LOVE Our Fans!
Alan’s West
Cherokee
1186 Patton Ave.
(Across from Casino)
Mon - Sat: 9 to 7 Sun: 1 to 6
alanspawn.com
828.254.8681
828.554.0431
Follow us on
Alan’s East
736 Tunnel Road
828.299.4440 Mon - Sat: 9 to 7
Thank you Asheville, for voting us #1! 95 Cherry St. North, (828) 258-2435 200 Julian Shoals Dr. #20, (828) 687-8533 frugalframer.com
Enjoy 70,000 sq ft of home decor, collectibles and antiques!
Open 7 Days a Week 10-5 atbarn.com MOUNTAIN XPRESS
75 Swannanoa River Rd 828.252.7291
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
69
Shopping
C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
MALAPROP’S BOOKSTORE/CAFE Best Bookstore - New
BOOKSTORE - NEW
1 MALAPROP’S BOOKSTORE/CAFE d x
55 Haywood St., Asheville 828-254-6734 • malaprops.com 2 BARNES & NOBLE e s Asheville Mall, 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-296-7335 Biltmore Park Town Square, 33 Town Square Blvd., Suite 100, Asheville 828-687-0681 • barnesandnoble.com
3 FIRESTORM BOOKSTORE CO-OP w
1022 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-255-8115 • firestorm.coop
BOOKSTORE - USED
1 MR. K’S USED BOOKS, MUSIC & MORE e x
800 Fairview Road, Asheville 828-299-1145 mrksusedbooksasheville.com
2 DOWNTOWN BOOKS & NEWS d 67 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-253-8654 • dbnbooks.com 3 BAGATELLE BOOKS w 428C Haywood Road, Asheville 828-774-5585 • bagatellebooks.com
RECORD/CD STORE
1 HARVEST RECORDS w x
415 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-258-2999 • harvest-records.com 2 STATIC AGE RECORDS d 110 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-254-3232 • avl.mx/69r 3 CITIZEN VINYL d 14 O’Henry Ave., Asheville citizenvinyl.com 3 EARTH RIVER RECORDS n 101 Stone Ridge Blvd., Asheville 828-519-9063 • earthriverproductions.com
70
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STORE
1 MUSICIAN’S WORKSHOP n x
319 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-252-1249 • musiciansworkshop.com
2 HEYDAY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS & REPAIR d 108 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-254-0402 • heydaymusic.net
3 GUITAR CENTER e
4 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 430, Asheville 828-298-0131 • guitarcenter.com
GAME STORE
1 ORBIT DVD w
781 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-251-1337 • orbitdvd.com
1 THE WYVERN’S TALE n
347 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-505-7887 • thewyvernstaleavl.com
2 MORGAN’S COMICS w
600 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-4003 • morganscomics.com
3 GAMERS HAUNT n
211 Merrimon Ave., Suite 241, Asheville 828-251-1500 • gamershaunt.com
3 GAMESTOP e
129 Bleachery Blvd., Suite H, Asheville 828-298-7720 • gamestop.com
COMICS & COLLECTIBLES STORE
1 MORGAN’S COMICS w x
600 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-4003 • morganscomics.com
2 COMIC ENVY n
333 Merrimon Ave., Suite A, Asheville 828-252-7600 • comicenvy.com
3 PASTIMES n
175 Weaverville Road, Suite Y, Asheville 828-658-0588 • comicshopasheville.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
CO n g rats! To This year’s winners
Thank You, Asheville!
600 Haywood Rd
NEW & USED: Books • Vinyl Records CDs • Comics • Video Games Graphic Novels • DVDs BUY • SELL • TRADE
Thank You for Voting Us
1 Used Book Store
#
11 Years in a Row!
800 Fairview Rd. • Asheville, NC River Ridge Shopping Center 828-299-1145 • mrksusedbooks.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
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Shopping
C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
VAVAVOOOM BOUDOIR BOUTIQUE Best Adult Toys, Lingerie & Naughty Things Store GIFT SHOP
BIKE SHOP
1 WHIST w x
1 LIBERTY BICYCLES s x
2 L.O.F.T. (LOST OBJECTS FOUND TREASURES) d
2 YOUNGBLOOD BICYCLES n
3 PROVISIONS MERCANTILE w
3 EPIC CYCLES e a
444 Haywood Road, Suite 102, Asheville 828-252-5557 • whistshop.com
53 Broadway, Asheville 828-259-9303 • loftofasheville.com
728 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-3900 provisionsmercantile.com
HEAD SHOP
1 OCTOPUS GARDEN SMOKE SHOP w e n s x 1062 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-232-6030 1269 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-299-8880 640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-2883 octopusgardensmokeshops.com
2 GARDEN PARTY w
315Haywood Road, Suite 113, Asheville 828-367-7738 • shopgardenparty.com
ADULT TOYS, LINGERIE & NAUGHTY THINGS STORE
1 VAVAVOOOM BOUDOIR BOUTIQUE d x
57 Broadway, Asheville 828-254-6329 • vavavooom.com
1378 Hendersonville Road, Suite G, Asheville 828-274-2453 • libertybikes.com 233 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-251-4686 • youngbloodbicycles.com 102 Sutton Ave., Black Mountain 828-669-5969 • epiccyclesnc.com
3 MOTION MAKERS BICYCLE SHOP w
878 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-633-2227 • motionmakers.com
AUTOMOBILE TIRE STORE
1 NEWBRIDGE TIRE CENTER n x
1475 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-255-8005 • newbridgetirecenter.com
2 JAN DAVIS TIRE STORE d
209 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-253-5634 • jandavistire.com
3 DISCOUNT TIRE e
105 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville 828-318-0949 • discounttire.com
AUTO DEALER NEW AND/OR USED
1 PRESTIGE SUBARU e x
585 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-786-3483 • prestigesubaru.com
2 BOUTIQUE ROYALE: LINGERIE & GIFTS s
2 APPLE TREE HONDA s a
3 BEDTYME STORIES s a
3 FRED ANDERSON TOYOTA OF ASHEVILLE w
117 Sweeten Creek Road, Suite 30, Asheville 828-505-1796 • boutique-royale.com
2334 Hendersonville Road, Arden 828-684-8250 bedtymestories.business.site
72
242 Underwood Road, Fletcher 828-585-3044 honda.appletreeautomobiles.com
777 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-585-5825 • ashevilletoyota.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! t
n epende cal, ind Your lo p since 1999 o bike sh
epiccyclesnc
Now offering three locations to better serve you: Asheville 1240 Brevard Rd 828.665.7744 MOUNTAIN XPRESS
Black Mountain 102 Sutton Ave 828.669.5969
Hendersonville 779 N Church St 828.696.1500
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
73
professional & home services
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
THE MATT & MOLLY TEAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) Best Real Estate Agent; Work & Business section: Best Business That Gives Back to the Community
W
E all know (or perhaps are) people who fire up YouTube and DIY it whenever possible. But can that really work for everything? Readers, I’m here to tell you, it cannot. Some things beyond our expertise are truly better left to the professionals. But choosing the right professionals — now that’s where the combined wisdom of the Best of WNC voters comes in. Throughout the many categories of Professional & Home Services, we can learn who’s been voted the best among local plumbers, financial advisers, real estate agents, house painters and many more specialties. Talk about excellence: Special lifetime achievement honors go to Charlotte Street Computers (Computer Repair); Henco Reprographics (Print Shop); and Liberty Bicycles (Bike Repair) for holding onto their Hall of Fame status for eight or more years. High-fives also are in order for these three new Hall of Famers: Ben Weaver–Leave it to Weaver (Handyperson); Verizon (Cellphone Service Provider for the WNC Mountains); and Goosmann Rose Colvard & Cramer, P.A. (Law Firm). And this year brings even more intel on the best with five new categories. Please give a warm welcome to the inaugural winners of best Junk Removal Service (Junk Recyclers); Flooring, Carpet or Tile Company (Wright’s Carpet & Flooring); Criminal Law Attorney (Barbara Bowers, Barbara Bowers Law); Equipment Rental Services (General Equipment Rental); and Place to Get Your Oil Changed (Valvoline Instant Oil Change) — Tracy Rose X
74
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
Local. Independent. Honest.
heartwood-realty.com 828-348-5720 West Asheville
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
75
professional & home services ACCOUNTANT/CPA FIRM
1 AUSTIN CPA, PC d x
301 W. Haywood St., Asheville 828-785-1556 austincpapc.com
2 LINDSAY MOODY CPA n 6 Arborvale Road, Asheville 828-505-3791 lindsaymoodycpa.com
3 MARIE YOUNG (ACCOUNTING SPECIALISTS OF ASHEVILLE) n 394 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-774-5455 acctspecialists.com
PLACE TO HAVE YOUR TAXES PREPARED
1 AUSTIN CPA, PC d x
301 W. Haywood St., Asheville 828-785-1556 austincpapc.com
2 H&R BLOCK w e
891 Patton Ave., Suite H, Asheville 828-232-6757 83 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 6, Asheville 828-232-6757 hrblock.com
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
1 KEVIN PASARILLA (NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO.) s 4 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Suite 350, Asheville 828-253-0712 kevinpasarilla.nm.com
2 CHRISTINA SIMPSON (OPPENHEIMER & CO.) s
10 Brook St., Suite 290, Asheville 828-225-3118 oppenheimer.com
3 ADAM STANFORD (MORGAN STANLEY) d 500 College St., Asheville 828-250-8770 advisor.morganstanley.com/ adam.stanford
LAW FIRM
1 GOOSMANN ROSE COLVARD & CRAMER, P.A. n s n ax
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
2 BARBARA BOWERS (BARBARA BOWERS LAW) d
70 Wall St., Asheville 828-412-5055 • barbarabowerslaw.com
2 THE VAN WINKLE LAW FIRM d s a
11 N. Market St., Asheville 828-484-1037 422 S. Main St., Hendersonville 828-844-7097 • vwlawfirm.com
3 MCGUIRE WOOD & BISSETTE LAW FIRM d 48 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-254-8800 • mwblawyers.com
CRIMINAL LAW ATTORNEY
1 BARBARA BOWERS (BARBARA BOWERS LAW) d
70 Wall St., Asheville 828-412-5055 • barbarabowerslaw.com
REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY
1 VERONICA H. COLVARD (GOOSMANN ROSE COLVARD & CRAMER, P.A.) n s n a
77 Central Ave., Suite H, Asheville 828-258-0150 Biltmore Park Town Square, 2 Town Square Blvd., Suite 340, Asheville 68 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-258-0150 • grcclaw.com
2 ELIZABETH “BETH” CRAMER (GOOSMANN ROSE COLVARD & CRAMER, P.A.) n s
77 Central Ave., Suite H, Asheville 828-258-0150 Biltmore Park, 2 Town Square Blvd., Suite 340, Asheville 828-258-0150 • grcclaw.com
3 GEORGE F. “GREG” GOOSMANN (GOOSMANN ROSE COLVARD & CRAMER, P.A.) n 77 Central Ave., Suite H, Asheville 828-258-0150 • grcclaw.com
3 JOHN ROSE (GOOSMANN ROSE COLVARD & CRAMER, P.A.) n 77 Central Ave., Suite H, Asheville 828-258-0150 • grcclaw.com
n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row) 76
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
REAL ESTATE COMPANY
1 KELLER WILLIAMS PROFESSIONALS d w as
REAL ESTATE AGENT
1 THE MATT & MOLLY TEAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) d x
86 Asheland Ave., Asheville 828-230-6580 100 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-5220 79 Turtle Creek Drive, Asheville 828-552-3776 kellerwilliamsasheville.com
86 Asheland Ave., Asheville 828-210-1697 themattandmollyteam.com
2 NEST REALTY ASHEVILLE n
339 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-318-8313 • nestrealty.com/asheville
3 BEVERLY-HANKS REALTORS d 300 Executive Park, Asheville 828-254-7221 • beverly-hanks.com
2 SONA MERLIN (APPALACHIAN REALTY ASSOCIATES) n 23 Arlington St., Asheville 828-255-7530 appalachianrealty.com
Thank you! 1 Financial Advisor
#
#1 Accountant/CPA Thanks for voting us #1 in WNC 10 years in a row!
Kevin Pasarilla
Wealth Management Advisor
-George Austin CPA, Joel Chambers & Jonathan Thompson CPA 301 W Haywood St Asheville, NC 28801 828-785-1556
Marlowe Pasarilla Wealth Management Group 828-210-3806 Kevin.Pasarilla@nm.com
Looking for
Live Music? Check out
Clubland Listings for music around town
IN PRINT AND ONLINE AT mountainx.com/ calendar
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
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78
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
THANKS, ASHEVILLE! for voting me one of the Best for over a decade!
Sona Merlin Real Estate Broker Appalachian Realty
(828) 216-7908 sonamerlin.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
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professional & home services C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
CHARLOTTE STREET COMPUTERS Best Computer Repair
INSURANCE AGENT
1 CHAD MCKINNEY (MCKINNEY INSURANCE) s w a 5 Allen Ave., Asheville 828-684-5020 1390 Sand Hill, Suite 8, Candler 828-252-5560 • mckinneyagency.com
2 CAT CHAKALES (BRANK INSURANCE) n a
9 Georgia Ave., Weaverville 828-645-6300 • brankinsurance.com
PRINT SHOP
1 HENCO REPROGRAPHICS d n x 54 Broadway, Asheville 828-253-0449 1445 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-552-3671 • hencorepro.com
2 PRINTVILLE d
Grove Arcade, 9 O. Henry Ave., Suite 116, Asheville 828-225-3777 • printville.net
3 ALLEGRA MARKETING PRINT MAIL d 88 Roberts St., Asheville 828-236-0076 allegramarketingprint.com
80
CELLPHONE SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE WNC MOUNTAINS
1 VERIZON e w s x
242 Tunnel Road, Asheville 800-880-1077 159 Smokey Park Highway, Asheville 828-668-5811 1857 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-277-4055 • verizon.com
2 T-MOBILE w e
771 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-281-3229 129 Bleachery Blvd., Suite T, Asheville 828-296-0417 • t-mobile.com
3 AT&T e
4 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 17, Asheville 828-298-1833 • avl.mx/by2
COMPUTER REPAIR
1 CHARLOTTE STREET COMPUTERS n x
252 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-225-6600 charlottestreetcomputers.com
2 ONECLICKFIX COMPUTER REPAIR n
438 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-318-8558 • oneclickfix.com
3 THE ASHEVILLE COMPUTER CO. s
5 Miller Road S., Suite 1, Asheville 828-290-9092 ashevillecomputercompany.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
Thank you Asheville! Cat Chakales of Brank Insurance Agency We feel the love. Thanks for voting for us.
Cat Chakales, CPCU, AU • 828-645-6300 9 Georgia Ave. Weaverville Brankinsurance.com • @brankinsurance MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
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professional & home services C O N T I N UE D CAR REPAIR
GREEN BUILDER
1 XPERTECH CAR CARE e x
1295 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-298-3612 • xpertechcarcare.com
2 MONTEATH’S AUTO SERVICE e 600 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 828-298-2776 • monteathsauto.com
3 CURTIS HI-TECH AUTO SERVICE CENTER e
1225 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-298-1428 curtishitechautoservicecenter.com
PLACE TO GET YOUR OIL CHANGED
1 VALVOLINE INSTANT OIL CHANGE snw
1276 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-274-3085 663 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-251-2666 243 Sardis Road, Asheville 828-670-1645 • vioc.com
2 XPERTECH CAR CARE e
1295 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-298-3612 • xpertechcarcare.com
3 TAKE 5 OIL CHANGE w
285 Smokey Park Highway, Asheville 828-761-0906 • take5.com
1 JAG CONSTRUCTION e
33 Mineral Springs Road, Asheville 828-252-4205 • jaggreen.com
2 JADE MOUNTAIN BUILDERS r 362 Depot St., Suite 10, Asheville 828-216-3948 jademountainbuilders.com
PLUMBING COMPANY
1 T.P. HOWARD’S PLUMBING CO. s ax
90 Number 9 Road, Fairview 828-628-1369 • tphowardsplumbing.com
2 BLUE PLANET PLUMBING s
1131 Sweeten Creek Road, Suite 111, Asheville 828-423-6289 • blueplanetplumbing.com
3 ALL ABOUT PLUMBING & SEPTIC s a
5521 Old Haywood Road, Suite 1, Mills River 828-581-4073 • allaboutplumbingnc.com
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRICIAN COMPANY
BIKE REPAIR
1 LIBERTY BICYCLES s x
1378 Hendersonville Road, Suite G, Asheville 828-274-2453 • libertybikes.com
2 YOUNGBLOOD BICYCLES n
233 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-251-4686 • youngbloodbicycles.com
3 FIND YOUR LINE BICYCLES w 359 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-585-7289 • findyourline.bike
1 MB HAYNES ELECTRICAL w x 187 Deaverview Road, Asheville 828-254-6141 • mbhaynes.com
2 JACKSON ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS s a
6 Bagwell Mill Road, Arden 828-891-4335 • jacksonelect.com
THANK YOU, ASHEVILLE! for voting us
#1 Car Repair Shop!
1295 Tunnel Road, Asheville • 298-3612 82
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
HEATING/COOLING COMPANY
1 GENTRY SERVICE GROUP e ax 100 Buckeye Access Road, Swannanoa 828-581-4045 • gentryservice.com
2 MB HAYNES HEATING & COOLING w
x
THE HALL OF FAME ICON The Hall of Fame designates winners who have come out on top four years in a row, including this year (2020 - 2023)
187 Deaverview Road, Asheville 828-254-6141 • mbhaynes.com
3 WHITE & WILLIAMS e
514 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 828-296-0267 • whiteandwilliams.net
PEST CONTROL SERVICE
1 TERMINIX e w x
232 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 828-253-3816 396 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-232-1338 • trustterminix.com
2 GIBSON PEST CONTROL s 20 Rosscraggon Road, Asheville 888-483-6507 • gibsonpest.com
3 DODSON PEST CONTROL w a 1739 Smokey Park Highway, Candler 844-501-5088 • dodsonbros.com
Thank you WNC for voting us #1! Call 828-628-1369 for all your plumbing and underground water and sewer utility needs
90 Number Nine Rd., Fairview, NC 28730 MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
83
professional & home services C O N T I N UE D MOVING COMPANY
1 TWO MEN AND A TRUCK s ax 240 Rutledge Road, Fletcher 828-355-6058 twomenandatruckasheville.com
2 COLLEGE HUNKS HAULING JUNK & MOVING ASHEVILLE s a 6 Celtic Drive, Unit B1, Arden 828-439-0728 collegehunkshaulingjunk.com
ROOFING COMPANY
1 BALKEN ROOFING e a
101 W. Buckeye Road, Swannanoa 828-662-3027 • balkenroofing.com
2 JOHN MCCLUNG ROOFING w
10 Spring Creek Trail, Asheville 828-582-4165 • johnmcclungroofing.com
3 DLV ROOFING SYSTEMS s a 8 Brandy Branch Road, Mills River 828-654-0212 • dlvroofing.com
FLOORING, CARPET OR TILE COMPANY
HOUSE PAINTERS
1 BIONIC MAN PAINTING CO. w x 57 Salola St., Asheville 828-215-7772 • bionicmanpainting.com
#1 for 7 years
1 WRIGHT’S CARPET & FLOORING e a
1800 U.S. 70 Highway, Swannanoa 828-414-2792 • wrightscarpet.com
HANDYPERSON
1 BEN WEAVER (LEAVE IT TO WEAVER) n ax 29 Kelly Fields Drive, Weaverville 828-301-4725 • leaveittoweaver.net
HOME INSPECTION SERVICE
1 FARRIS HOME INSPECTIONS M Asheville 828-676-4419 farrishomeinspections.com
828-215-7772
bionicmanpainting.com
2 ECONOMY SERVICES INC. w a
1192 Smokey Park Highway, Candler 828-254-0691 • economy-services.com
HOME CLEANING SERVICE
#1 H a nd y m an!
1 GREEN HOME CLEANING d x
306 W. Haywood St., Asheville 828-505-7320 • greenhomecleaning.com
Thank You WNC! #1 Handyman! Small Repair & Carpentry LeaveItToWeaver.net 84
(828) 301-4725
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
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professional & home services C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST
SWANNANOA CLEANERS Best Dry Cleaner
JUNK REMOVAL SERVICE
1 JUNK RECYCLERS s
1 SWANNANOA CLEANERS d n s x
26 Glendale Ave., Asheville 828-707-2407 • junkrecyclers.net
2 COLLEGE HUNKS HAULING JUNK & MOVING ASHEVILLE s a 6 Celtic Drive, Unit B1, Arden 828-439-0728 collegehunkshaulingjunk.com
EQUIPMENT RENTAL SERVICES
1 GENERAL EQUIPMENT RENTAL n a
25 A-B Emblem Drive, Weaverville 828-658-2334 • generalrents.com
DRY CLEANER
165 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-253-3691 712 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-252-3676 780 Hendersonville Road, Suite 4, Asheville 828-274-7550 • swannanoacleaners.com
2 ASHEVILLE CLEANERS n
230 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-2364 • ashevillecleaners.com
3 QUICK AS A WINK CLEANERS s 750 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-253-2331
Thank you WNC, for voting us the best home inspection company! We are honored to have this award. We look forward to another great year serving your home inspection needs!
Joe Farris
Cody Johnson
Brandon Lemon
Bill Wescott
Joe Wright
We offer: ✓Home Inspections ✓Radon Inspections ✓Mold Inspections
Call or text 828-676-4419
farrishomeinspections.com
86
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
know
AShEvILLE like a local
Thank You!
For voting us one of the
Best Roofing Companies in WNC!
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
87
Personal Services
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
WINK SALON Best Hair Salon
B
ACK in the day, when the Best of WNC was young, as far back as 1995, Personal Services included a wider range of categories, including Place to Work Out, Yoga Studio, Dentist, Computer Repair and Alternative Healing Center. But those categories have since migrated to other ballot sections. What remains in Personal Services these days mostly pertains to how we express ourselves physically, displaying what’s inside us to the world outside — which seems to grow ever more, well, expressive around here. What do we perhaps obsess on? Well, the two most heavily contested categories — Hair Salon and Hairstylist or Barber — may tell the tale. This year, we reintroduced the Esthetician category due to popular demand. And with a hat tip to Go Local’s “Love Your Local” effort, this year, we asked voters to select the best Local Body-Products Maker. Check out who won. A bit of doffing of the cap is in order in recognition of this year’s Hall of Fame newcomers, who have racked up four consecutive first-place wins: Zen Ink (Tattoo Parlor) and American Nails AVL (Nail Salon). The Personal Services section also saw many repeat Hall of Famers, including The Local Barber & Tap (Best Barbershop for seven years), Bella Fine Jewelry and Piercing (Best Piercing Studio for six years running) and The Spa at Omni Grove Park Inn (enjoying its ninth year in the Hall of Fame). — Brooke Randle X
88
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
SPA
NAIL SALON
1 THE SPA AT OMNI GROVE PARK INN n x 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 omnihotels.com/hotels/ asheville-grove-park/spa
1 AMERICAN NAILS AVL w x
1341 Parkwood Road, Suite 104, Asheville 828-255-5525 • americannailsavl.com
2 LUCKY DICE NAIL STUDIO s
76 Glendale Ave., Suite 203, Asheville 828-505-2645 • luckydiceavl.square.site
3 ANGEL NAIL SPA s
2 SHOJI SPA & RETREAT e
1816 Hendersonville Road, Suite 50, Asheville 828-575-9588 • angelnailspaasheville.com
96 Avondale Heights, Asheville 828-299-0999 • shojispa.com
3 SAUNA HOUSE d
NAIL TECHNICIAN
230 Short Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-505-6393 • saunahouse.com
1 CHANCEY FURNAS (LUCKY DICE NAIL STUDIO) w
ESTHETICIAN
76 Glendale Ave., Suite 203, Asheville 828-505-2645 • luckydiceavl.square.site
1 MAJESTY BOSWELL (HUNNY ESTHETICS) s
2 CASEY MILLER (PRETTY TONY) w
76 Glendale Ave., Suite 302, Asheville 828-380-6610 • hunnyesthetics.com
2 SARAH YOUNG (EVOKE VITALITY) d
125 S. Lexington Ave., Suite 102A, Asheville 828-222-0281 • evokevitality.com
3 LYLLA DOMBOSKI d
70 Woodfin Place, Suite 325, Asheville 954-648-2547 • avl.mx/d1r
526 Haywood Road, Asheville @weloveprettytony
3 THANG CHU (AMERICAN NAILS AVL) w
1341 Parkwood Road, Suite 104, Asheville 828-255-5525 • americannailsavl.com
TATTOO PARLOR
1 ZEN INK r x
352 Depot St., Asheville 828-505-4456 • zeninkasheville.com
2 DIVINATION TATTOO & GALLERY d w
HAIR SALON
73 N. Market St., Asheville 828-412-3191 406 Johnston School Road, Asheville 828-365-8356 • divinationtattoo.com
1 WINK SALON s
18 Brook St., Suite 103, Asheville 828-277-4070 • ilovewink.com
3 SERPENT & THE RAINBOW TATTOO d
2 ANANDA HAIR STUDIO d r 22 Broadway, Asheville 828-232-1017 37 Paynes Way, Suite 5, Asheville 828-236-2444 • anandahair.com
46 Millard Ave., Asheville 828-412-3307 serpentandtherainbowtattoo.com
3 WILLOW’S DREAM d
TATTOO ARTIST
64 Broadway, Asheville 828-225-5922 • willowsdream.com
HAIRSTYLIST OR BARBER
1 RICHARD LAMOS (BLISS TATTOO) w
742 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-299-4147 • blisstattoo.org
1 AMY GROOMS ROSE (SALON ZHENYA) w
2 KRIS ROBERTS (SERPENT & THE RAINBOW) s
2 CAITLIN FRINK (SALON DRAGONFLY) d
3 RIVER DAWN (SPIRIT ALCHEMY) n
290 Haywood Road, Suite 102, Asheville 828-713-6921 • salonzhenya.com
959 Merrimon Ave.,Suite 5, Asheville spiritalchemytattoo.com
115 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-253-3977 • salondragonfly.net
PIERCING STUDIO
3 HEATHER HALSTEAD (ATLAS BEAUTY) n
257 Broadway, Suite 301, Asheville 828-707-3991 • atlasbeautyasheville.com
BARBERSHOP
1 THE LOCAL BARBER & TAP d x 84 W. Walnut St., Unit B, Asheville 828-232-7005 • barberandtap.com
1 BELLA FINE JEWELRY AND PIERCING d x
51 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-301-1711 • bellapiercing.com
2 DIAMOND THIEVES w
1060 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-225-3845 • diamondthieves.net
3 ZEN INK r
352 Depot St., Asheville 828-505-4456 • zeninkasheville.com
2 ASHEVILLE BARBER CO. n 839 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-575-9494 ashevillebarbercompany.com
3 THE CHOP SHOP BARBER SHOP w 606 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-412-5466 • wncbarber.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
46 Millard Ave., Asheville 828-412-3307 serpentandtherainbowtattoo.com
LOCAL BODYPRODUCTS MAKER
1 EVERYDAY OIL e a
104 Eastside Drive, Black Mountain everydayoil.com
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
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kids
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
WNC NATURE CENTER
Best Daytrip for Kids and Place for Outdoor Fun; Uniquely Asheville section: third place Place to Connect With Nature Within Asheville City Limits
A
S a parent who has monitored the Best of WNC Kids section for years, it’s heartening to see so many familiar names earning readers’ approval year after year. I take it as a sign that the folks who are teaching, taking care of and inspiring our community’s children continue to be committed to doing their very best — and are rightly being recognized for it. Some winners have quite a long history indeed. Asheville Museum of Science (Museum), for example, began as one man’s mineral collection, evolving into the Burnham S. Colburn Memorial Museum in 1960. Now it’s a regional home for exploratory science learning — and you can still marvel at Colburn’s sparkly rocks. However, if the names on these pages are not so familiar to you, then consider this collection of first-, second- and third-place winners as an avenue to discovering the cream of the crop of what our region has to offer in the kids arena. You may notice that 14 first-place winners are Hall of Famers, meaning they’ve won their category for four or more years in a row. Among them, lifetime achievement honors go to Dancing Bear Toys (Toy Store) for retaining its Hall of Fame status for nine years. And please give a warm round of applause to this year’s new Hall of Famers: The Littlest Birds (Kids Clothes); Center Stage Dance Studio (Dance Studio); and WNC Nature Center (Place for Outdoor Fun). — Tracy Rose X
90
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
Thank you for voting Asheville Museum of Science 1ST PLACE MUSEUM 2ND PLACE DAYTRIP FOR KIDS 3RD PLACE INDOOR FUN
New exhibit coming soon!
ASHEVILLESCIENCE.ORG
43 PATTON AVENUE, DOWNTOWN AVL
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
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kids SCHOOL (PRECOLLEGE)
1 ARTSPACE CHARTER SCHOOL e a
2030 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 828-298-2787 • artspacecharter.org
2 ODYSSEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL n 90 Zillicoa St., Asheville 828-259-3653 • odysseycommunity.org
3 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-258-9264 rainbowcommunityschool.org
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS e x
800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com
2 Y AFTERSCHOOL IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS (YMCA OF WNC)
828-251-5910 • ymcawnc.org/childcare
3 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-258-9264 rainbowcommunityschool.org
PRESCHOOL
ART EDUCATION PROGRAM
1 ARTSPACE CHARTER SCHOOL e ax
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
MUSIC TEACHER
1 MEG NOVAK (ARTSPACE CHARTER SCHOOL) e a
2030 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 828-298-2787 • artspacecharter.org
2 LAURA BLACKLEY (RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL) w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-258-9264 rainbowcommunityschool.org
3 RIVER GUERGUERIAN n
Odyssey Community School, 90 Zillicoa St., Asheville 828-301-6605 • guerguerian.com
DAYTRIP FOR KIDS
1 WNC NATURE CENTER e x 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 828-259-8080 • wildwnc.org
1 ODYSSEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL n
2 ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE (AMOS) d
2 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w
3 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM w
90 Zillicoa St., Asheville 828-259-3653 • odysseycommunity.org
574 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-258-9264 rainbowcommunityschool.org
3 THE ACADEMY OF ASHEVILLE s 1709 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-277-0062 theacademyofasheville.com
CHILD CARE OR DAY CARE SERVICE
1 SHALOM CHILDREN’S CENTER (ASHEVILLE JCC) n 236 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-253-0701 • jcc-asheville.org
2 THE ACADEMY OF ASHEVILLE s 1709 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-277-0062 theacademyofasheville.com
3 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS e
800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com
43 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-254-7162 • ashevillescience.org
100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 828-665-2492 • ncarboretum.org
KID-FRIENDLY HIKE
1 CATAWBA FALLS e a
3074 Catawba River Road, Old Fort 828-257-4200 • avl.mx//7uz
2 CRAGGY PINNACLE TRAIL e a Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 364, Black Mountain 828-775-0976 • avl.mx/bwy
3 BEARWALLOW MOUNTAIN s a 4854 Bearwallow Mountain Road, Hendersonville conservingcarolina.org/ bearwallow-mountain
OVERNIGHT CAMP
1 CAMP CEDAR CLIFF e x
5 Porters Cove Road, Asheville 828-450-3331 • campcedarcliff.org
2 YMCA CAMP WATIA a
5030 Watia Road, Bryson City 828-209-9600 • ymcacampwatia.org
n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row) 92
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
DAY CAMP
1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS e x
800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com 2 CAMP CEDAR CLIFF e 5 Porters Cove Road, Asheville 828-450-3331 • campcedarcliff.org
3 YMCA DAY CAMP
828-251-5910 • ymcawnc.org/programs
PLACE FOR INDOOR FUN
1 LAUNCH TRAMPOLINE PARK s a 24 Walden Drive, Arden 828-651-0280 launchtrampolinepark.com
2 MOUNTAIN PLAY LODGE s a
3389 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-676-2120 • mountainplaylodge.com
3 ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE (AMOS) d 43 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-254-7162 • ashevillescience.org
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
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kids
C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST
CARRIER PARK
Best Playground and third place Place for Outdoor Fun; Outdoors section: Best Place to Roller Skate or Skateboard PLACE FOR OUTDOOR FUN
PLACE FOR BIRTHDAY PARTIES
1 WNC NATURE CENTER e x
1 LAUNCH TRAMPOLINE PARK s a
2 ADVENTURE CENTER OF ASHEVILLE w
2 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS e
75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 828-259-8080 • wildwnc.org
85 Expo Drive, Asheville 828-225-2921 ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com
3 CARRIER PARK w
220 Amboy Road, Asheville 828-259-5800 • avl.mx/a8b
PLAYGROUND
1 CARRIER PARK w
220 Amboy Road, Asheville 828-259-5800 • avl.mx/a8b
2 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-258-9264 rainbowcommunityschool.org
3 BILL MOORE COMMUNITY PARK s a 85 Howard Gap Road, Fletcher 828-687-0751 • avl.mx/cx1
MUSEUM
1 ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE (AMOS) d 43 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-254-7162 • ashevillescience.org
24 Walden Drive, Arden 828-651-0280 • launchtrampolinepark.com
800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com 3 MOUNTAIN PLAY LODGE s a 3389 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-676-2120 • mountainplaylodge.com
3 THE LITTLE GYM OF ASHEVILLE s
10 Crispin Court, Suite 104, Asheville 828-785-4808 • tlgashevillenc.com
PLACE TO MAKE ART
1 FIRED UP! CREATIVE LOUNGE d s ax
26 Wall St., Asheville 828-253-8181 Blue Ridge Mall, 1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville 828-698-9960 • fireduplounge.com 2 CLAYING AROUND s 1378 Hendersonville Road, Suite D, Asheville 828-277-0042 • clayingaround.com
PARENTS NIGHT OUT PROGRAM
1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS e x
800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com
2 ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM d
2 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY MOVEMENT n
3 HANDS ON! CHILDREN’S MUSEUM s a
3 THE LITTLE GYM OF ASHEVILLE s
2 S. Pack Square, Asheville 828-253-3227 • ashevilleart.org
318 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-697-8333 • handsonwnc.org
94
812 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-6060 ashevillecommunitymovement.com
10 Crispin Court, Suite 104, Asheville 828-785-4808 • tlgashevillenc.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
95
kids
C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
FIRED UP! CREATIVE LOUNGE Best Place to Make Art
DANCE STUDIO
1 CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO s x
38 Rosscraggon Road, Asheville 828-654-7010 • centerstageavl.com
2 BALLET CONSERVATORY OF ASHEVILLE d 6 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 828-255-5777 balletconservatoryofasheville. wordpress.com
3 ASHEVILLE DANCE THEATER e 802 Fairview Road, Asheville 828-298-0258 ashevilledancetheater.com
GYMNASTICS PROGRAM
1 THE LITTLE GYM OF ASHEVILLE s
10 Crispin Court, Suite 104, Asheville 828-785-4808 • tlgashevillenc.com
2 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY MOVEMENT n
812 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-254-6060 ashevillecommunitymovement.com
3 OSEGA GYMNASTICS s a 260 Rutledge Road, Fletcher 828-665-0004 • osegagym.com
MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM
1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS e x
800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com
96
TEAM-SPORTS PROGRAM
1 ABYSA (ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION) e x 593 Azalea Road E., Asheville 828-299-7277 • abysa.org
2 HIGHLANDS FOOTBALL CLUB (HFC) e 593 Azalea Road E., Asheville 828-299-7277 • abysa.org
KIDS CLOTHES
1 THE LITTLEST BIRDS w x
Asheville Mall, 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-253-4747 • thelittlestbirds.com
2 CHILDREN’S TRADING POST n 633 Merrimon Ave., Suite F, Asheville 828-254-5432 childrenstradingpost.com
3 ONCE UPON A CHILD e
104 River Hills Road, Unit D&E, Asheville 828-707-8097 • onceuponachild.com
TOY STORE
1 DANCING BEAR TOYS e x
518 Kenilworth Road, Asheville 828-255-8697 • dancingbeartoys.com
2 SPARKY’S TOYS & GIFTS w 726 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-2711 facebook.com/sparkystoyshop
3 O.P. TAYLOR’S s a
16 S. Broad St., Brevard 828-883-2309 • optaylors.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
BAKERY FOR BIRTHDAY CAKES
1 SHORT STREET CAKES w
225 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-4822 • shortstreetcakes.com
2 PUBLIX SUPER MARKET s n a 1830 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-6287 165 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville 828-658-1020 • publix.com
3 GERALDINE’S BAKERY n
840 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-252-9330 • geraldinesbakeryavl.com
PEDIATRIC PRACTICE GENERAL MEDICINE
Thank you Asheville for voting us BEST Toy Store and for celebrating 30 years of FUN shopping!
1 ABC PEDIATRICS OF ASHEVILLE s x
64 Peachtree Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-277-3000 • abcasheville.com
2 FRENCH BROAD PEDIATRICS n
40 N. Merrimon Ave., Suite 117, Asheville 828-348-8232 • frenchbroadpeds.com
dancingbeartoys.com
3 MOUNTAIN AREA PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES, PA e
500 Centrepark Drive, Asheville 828-254-4337 • mountainareapeds.com
PEDIATRIC PRACTICE DENTISTRY
1 GREAT SMILES PEDIATRIC & ORTHODONTIC DENTAL SPECIALISTS s n w x 10B Yorkshire St., Asheville 828-274-9220 94 N. Merrimon Ave., Suite 102, Asheville 828-785-5825 50 Bowman Drive, Waynesville 828-454-9156 • greatsmiles.com
2 ASHEVILLE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY s
76 Peachtree Road, Suite 130, Asheville 828-277-6788 ashevillepediatricdentistry.com
3 BEST BITES DENTAL s
11 Yorkshire St., Asheville 828-274-4744 • drjoshdentistry.com
The Best Kids Clothes In Asheville! COME SEE OUR NEW LOCATION AT THE ASHEVILLE MALL! GRAND RE-OPENING PARTY SAT. 9/23 3 S Tunnel Rd Asheville, NC 253-4747 ~ thelittlestbirds.com
Thank You, Asheville! Count on us for all your kids’ clothing needs. 104 River Hills Rd, Ste D (next to Chuckie Cheese) Asheville, NC 28805 • Phone: 828-707-8097
www.onceuponachild.com/locations/asheville-nc @onceuponachild_asheville
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
Once Upon a Child - Asheville, NC
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
97
Pets
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
BROTHER WOLF ANIMAL RESCUE Best Animal Shelter/Rescue Organization
Y
OU will not find the harried White Rabbit proclaiming, “Oh my fur and whiskers!” in Western North Carolina. Nor will you stumble upon the grinning Cheshire Cat or the raving mad March Hare. But you will find plenty of fur and whiskers. The region is home to pets of all varieties, and it abounds with veterinarians, supply stores, kennels and other services. You will also find in Western North Carolina an official Dog Welcome Center, several public dog parks, at least one doggy bar and a cat museum. This year’s Best Of winners include many familiar names that keep winning year after year. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue once again claimed the title for best Animal Shelter/Animal Rescue, continuing a streak that stretches back more than a decade. Other pet allies have won at least six straight years: Animal Hospital of North Asheville (Veterinary Services); Patton Avenue Pet Co. (Pet Supply Store); and Happy Tails Country Club (Pet Kennel). New to the list, though, is Dr. Laurel Davis of Sunvet Animal Wellness Clinic. That’s because Davis is the winner in our new Pets category, Alternative Pet Health Care. All told, that’s a lot of fur and whiskers. — Justin McGuire X
98
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
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*According to 2023 Best of WNC voters MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
99
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 PINNACLE ANIMAL HOSPITAL s a
200 Julian Lane, Suite 240, Arden 828-676-2332 pinnacleanimalhospital.com
VETERINARIAN
1 TIM MCMULLAN (PINNACLE ANIMAL HOSPITAL) s a
200 Julian Lane, Suite 240, Arden 828-676-2332 pinnacleanimalhospital.com
2 SUSAN WOOTTEN (ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF NORTH ASHEVILLE) n
1 Beaverdam Road, Asheville 828-253-3393 • ahna.net
3 KATHLEEN ALLISON (BROAD RIVER ANIMAL HOSPITAL) n a
121 Barnardsville Highway, Weaverville 828-484-7771 • broadrivervets.com
ALTERNATIVE PET HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
1 LAUREL DAVIS (SUNVET ANIMAL WELLNESS) d 251 Haywood St., Suite A, Asheville 828-254-2221 sunvetanimalwellness.com
PET SUPPLY STORE
1 PATTON AVENUE PET CO. d w s x
109 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-255-7737 1388 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-505-8299 582 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-575-9282 • pattonavenuepet.com
2 ASHEVILLE PET SUPPLY n
1451 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-252-2054 • ashevillepetsupply.com
2 WEAVERVILLE PET PANTRY n a 1 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-484-9247 weavervillepetpantry.com
3 PETSMART e
150 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville 828-298-5670 • petsmart.com
PET KENNEL
1 HAPPY TAILS COUNTRY CLUB e aw ax 1984 Cane Creek Road, Fletcher 828-628-8510 2040 Sand Hill Road, Ext., Candler 828-628-8510 • happytailscc.com
2 RUFF LIFE DOG TRAINING SERVICES s
95 Thompson St., Asheville 828-365-8244 • rufflifeavl.com
3 BUCKEYE KENNELS e a
790 Buckeye Access Road, Swannanoa 828-299-9500 • ashevillekennels.com
PET DAY CARE FACILITY
1 HAPPY TAILS COUNTRY CLUB e aw a 1984 Cane Creek Road, Fletcher 828-628-8510 2040 Sand Hill Road, Ext., Candler 828-628-8510 • happytailscc.com
2 RUFF LIFE DOG TRAINING SERVICES s
95 Thompson St., Asheville 828-365-8244 • rufflifeavl.com
3 HAIR OF THE DOG PET SALON s 1451 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-274-4155 • hotdavl.com
GROOMING SERVICE
1 HAIR OF THE DOG PET SALON s 1451 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-274-4155 • hotdavl.com
2 PAWSITIVITY PET SPA w
1388 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-505-8278 • pawsitivitypetspa.com
3 SHAMPOODLES SALON n
51 N. Merrimon Ave., Suite 117, Woodfin 828-252-7171 • shampoodlessalon.com
3 SOMETHING TO BARK ABOUT e
875 Tunnel Road, Suite C, Asheville 828-298-0633 • somethingtobarkabout.co
TRAINER/TRAINING CENTER
1 TESSA STERNBACH (RUFF LIFE DOG TRAINING SERVICES) s
95 Thompson St., Asheville 828-365-8244 • rufflifeavl.com
2 HEATHER POLECHIO (MINDFUL MUTZ TRAINING & BEHAVIOR CONSULTING) M Asheville 828-230-6389 • mindfulmutz.com
3 THE DOG DOOR d
1 Battle Square, Suite A, Asheville 828-656-8305 dogdoorcanineservices.com
n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row) 100
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
PET SITTING/ DOG WALKING SERVICE
1 AUNTIE M PET CARE
Asheville 828-793-0565 • auntiem-petcare.com
ANIMAL SHELTER/ RESCUE ORGANIZATION
PET-FRIENDLY BAR OR BREWERY
1 WAGBAR n a
320 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-333-9765 • wagbar.com
2 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. e d 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-1500 • highlandbrewing.com
1 BROTHER WOLF ANIMAL RESCUE s x 31 Glendale Ave., Asheville 828-505-3440 • bwar.org
2 ASHEVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY w 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville 828-761-2001 • ashevillehumane.org
3 MOUNTAIN PET RESCUE w a
3 DOWN DOG - DOG BAR & YOGA STUDIO [Closed] s
7 Old Pisgah Highway, Suite 200, Candler MPRAVL.org
51 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-8618 • downdogavl.com
OUTDOOR PLACE TO TAKE YOUR PET
1 WAGBAR n a
320 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-333-9765 • wagbar.com
2 FRENCH BROAD RIVER PARK w 508 Riverview Drive, Asheville 828-259-5800 • avl.mx/a8b
3 FLETCHER DOG PARK s a 25 Howard Gap Road, Fletcher 828-687-3985 fletchernc.org/departments/ parks-and-recreation
PET-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
1 HILLMAN BEER s e a
25 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-1312 78 Catawba Ave., Old Fort 828-668-6372 • hillmanbeer.com
2 UNIVERSAL JOINT w
784 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-7262 • ujasheville.com
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MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
101
uniquely asheville
PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST
KEEP ASHEVILLE WEIRD
Best Bumper Sticker or Slogan About Asheville
“I
’M stranger. You’re stranger.
Together, we are … strangers.” — The Cheshire Cat
If Asheville is known for anything, it would be its unconventional and sometimes downright mad culture. While we may not have pink-and-purple cats that can disappear or potions that make you shrink, Asheville is still a weird wonderland in its own right. Locals pride themselves on their quirks and oddities, so it is no surprise then that “Keep Asheville Weird” has won the best Bumper Sticker or Slogan About Asheville category for 13 years in a row! As with any wonderland, there’s always an antagonist looking to crash the tea party. While maybe not as dastardly as the Queen of Hearts, the title of WNC’s Local Villain this year goes to former chairman of the Buncombe County GOP and president of Skyline News, Chad Nesbitt. Meanwhile, voters once again crowned Asheville City Council member Kim Roney as the best Local Hero, as well as best Local Politician. Also big congratulations are in order for the section’s newest Hall of Famer, BeLoved Asheville, which has for four years in a row won first place as Nonprofit That Improves Asheville and Nonprofit That Serves the Underprivileged. What’s more, this year, it won Activist Group for Civic/Political Action for the second year in a row. Keep up the great work! I’ll leave you with a personal take on the classic Alice in Wonderland quote: It’s true, Asheville is entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best places are! — Chase Davis X
102
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
NEIGHBORHOOD
PLACE TO PRETEND YOU’RE A TOURIST
1 WEST ASHEVILLE
1 BILTMORE ESTATE s
2 MONTFORD n
Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com
3 NORTH ASHEVILLE
2 DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE d
STREET FOR A STROLL
Asheville • ashevilledowntown.org
3 OMNI GROVE PARK INN n
1 HAYWOOD ROAD w
290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • avl.mx/3te
2 MONTFORD AVENUE n 3 KIMBERLY AVENUE n
PLACE TO CONNECT WITH NATURE WITHIN ASHEVILLE CITY LIMITS
LOCAL ASHEVILLE ATTRACTION
1 BOTANICAL GARDENS n x
1 BILTMORE ESTATE s x
Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com
2 LAZOOM TOURS d
76 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-225-6932 • lazoomtours.com
151 W.T. Weaver Blvd., Asheville 828-252-5190 ashevillebotanicalgardens.org
2 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM w
100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 828-665-2492 • ncarboretum.org
3 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM w
3 WNC NATURE CENTER e
100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 828-665-2492 • ncarboretum.org
75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 828-259-8080 • wildwnc.org
HISTORIC/INTERESTING BUILDING
LOCAL CITY TOUR
1 LAZOOM: HEY ASHEVILLE! CITY COMEDY TOUR d x
1 BILTMORE HOUSE s x
Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com
76 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-225-6932 • lazoomtours.com
2 GROVE ARCADE d
2 LAZOOM HAUNTED COMEDY TOUR d
1 Page Ave., Asheville 828-252-7799 • grovearcade.com
76 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-225-6932 • lazoomtours.com
3 GRAY LINE TROLLEY TOURS d
36 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-251-8687 • graylineasheville.com
GUIDED TOUR OF AREA BREWERIES/DISTILLERIES
1 LAZOOM FENDER BENDER BAND & BEER BUS d 76 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-225-6932 • lazoomtours.com
3 JACKSON BUILDING d 22 S. Pack Square, Asheville avl.mx/a8p
VENUE TO BOOK FOR A PARTY OR EVENT
1 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. EVENT CENTER e
12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com
PLACE TO GET MARRIED
PLACE TO TAKE YOUR ECCENTRIC FRIENDS
1 THE ODD w x
1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • theoddasheville.com
1 FLEETWOOD’S ROCK-N-ROLL WEDDING CHAPEL w
496 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-5525 • fleetwoodschapel.com
2 RIVER ARTS DISTRICT (THE RAD) r
2 BILTMORE ESTATE s
3 DRUM CIRCLE AT PRITCHARD PARK d
3 HAIKU I DO s
Asheville • riverartsdistrict.com
67 Patton Ave., Asheville
Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com
26 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-412-3939 • haikuido.com
n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row) MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
103
uniquely asheville
C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST
THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT
Second place: Place to Take Your Eccentric Friends; Arts & Entertainment section: Best Studio Stroll/Driving Tour; Outdoors section: Best Walk - In or Near Asheville HOTEL
1 OMNI GROVE PARK INN n x 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • avl.mx/3te
2 ALOFT ASHEVILLE DOWNTOWN d
51 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-2838 • aloftashevilledowntown.com
3 THE FOUNDRY HOTEL d
51 S. Market St., Asheville 828-552-8545 • foundryasheville.com
B&B OR SMALL BOUTIQUE HOTEL
1 THE WINDSOR BOUTIQUE HOTEL d
36 Broadway, Asheville 844-494-6376 • windsorasheville.com
HOLIDAY EVENT WINTER/SPRING
1 WINTER LIGHTS AT THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM w x
100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 828-665-2492 • ncarboretum.org
2 NATIONAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION n Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • avl.mx/7zx
3 CHRISTMAS AT BILTMORE s
Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com
104
HOLIDAY EVENT SUMMER/FALL
1 N.C. APPLE FESTIVAL s a
318 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-697-4557 • ncapplefestival.org
2 LEAF FESTIVAL e a
Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 828-686-8742 • theleaf.org
3 THE BIG CRAFTY d
Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St., Asheville thebigcrafty.com
LOCAL HERO
1 KIM RONEY w
30 Westgate Parkway, Suite 341, Asheville 828-771-6265 • kimroney4asheville.com
LOCAL VILLAIN
1 CHAD NESBITT
Asheville 828-515-0445 • skylinenewsonline.com
2 ESTHER MANHEIMER d
70 Court Plaza, Asheville 828-259-5600 • avl.mx/cvb 3 MADISON CAWTHORN 202-225-6401 • madisoncawthorn.com
LOCAL POLITICIAN
1 KIM RONEY w
30 Westgate Parkway, Suite 341, Asheville 828-771-6265 • kimroney4asheville.com
2 JASMINE BEACH-FERRARA avl.mx/cwe
3 ESTHER MANHEIMER d 70 Court Plaza, Asheville 828-259-5600 • avl.mx/cvb
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
NONPROFIT THAT IMPROVES ASHEVILLE
THING WEST ASHEVILLE NEEDS
1 BELOVED ASHEVILLE e x
32 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville 828-571-0766 • belovedasheville.com
2 MANNA FOODBANK e
627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 828-299-3663 • mannafoodbank.org
3 ASHEVILLE GREENWORKS w
2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville 828-254-1776 • ashevillegreenworks.org
3 HOMEWARD BOUND WNC d
AHOPE, 19 N. Ann St., Asheville 828-252-8883 • homewardboundwnc.org
NONPROFIT THAT SERVES THE UNDERPRIVILEGED
1 BELOVED ASHEVILLE e x
32 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville 828-571-0766 • belovedasheville.com
2 MANNA FOODBANK e
627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 828-299-3663 • mannafoodbank.org
3 HOMEWARD BOUND WNC d
AHOPE, 19 N. Ann St., Asheville 828-252-8883 • homewardboundwnc.org
ACTIVIST GROUP FOR CIVIC/POLITICAL ACTION
1 AFFORDABLE HOUSING 2 MORE PARKING 3 MORE POLICE PRESENCE
THING NORTH ASHEVILLE NEEDS
1 AFFORDABLE HOUSING 2 MORE RESTAURANTS 3 BIKE LANES
THING SOUTH ASHEVILLE NEEDS
1 AFFORDABLE HOUSING x 2 LESS TRAFFIC 3 BIKE LANES THING EAST ASHEVILLE NEEDS
1 AFFORDABLE HOUSING 2 MORE SIDEWALKS 3 MORE LOCAL RESTAURANTS THING THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT NEEDS
1 BELOVED ASHEVILLE e
1 AFFORDABLE HOUSING 2 MORE RESTAURANTS 3 MORE AND SAFER PARKING
2 RACIAL JUSTICE COALITION (RJC)
PROJECT YOU’D LIKE TO SEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT DO
32 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville 828-571-0766 • belovedasheville.com
Asheville • rjcavl.org
LOCAL FUNDRAISING EVENT
1 DINE TO BE KIND (ASHEVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY) w 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville 828-761-2001 • ashevillehumane.org
2 DINING OUT FOR LIFE (WNCAP) s
554 Fairview Road, Asheville 828-252-7489 • avl.mx/cva
3 EMPTY BOWLS (MANNA FOODBANK) e
627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 828-299-3663 • mannafoodbank.org
BUMPER STICKER OR SLOGAN ABOUT ASHEVILLE
1 KEEP ASHEVILLE WEIRD x 2 ASHEVILLE CAT WEIRDOS ashevillecatweirdos.org
3 STAY WEIRD THING DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE NEEDS
1 BETTER, MORE AND/ OR FREE PARKING x 2 MORE POLICE 3 AFFORDABLE HOUSING 3 LESS HOMELESSNESS MOUNTAIN XPRESS
1 HELP HOMELESS PEOPLE 2 AFFORDABLE HOUSING
WORST THING TO HAPPEN TO ASHEVILLE IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS
1 CHRISTMAS WATER OUTAGE 2 CRIME INCREASE 3 INCREASE IN HOMELESS POPULATION
BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO ASHEVILLE IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS
1 MADISON CAWTHORN DEPARTURE 2 NOTHING — KEEPS GETTING WORSE
BIGGEST THREAT TO ASHEVILLE’S UNIQUENESS
1 TOURISTS/TOURISM 2 HOTELS 3 HOMELESSNESS
BIGGEST OPPORTUNITY FOR ASHEVILLE’S UNIQUENESS
1 AFFORDABLE HOUSING 2 INVEST IN LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES 3 ARTS MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
105
media
PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST
103.3 ASHEVILLE FM
Best Local Radio Station (noncommercial), third place Local Events Information Source
W
HAT will future local historians remember about 2022 and early 2023? The largest share of this year’s voters singled out Asheville’s water crisis as the Most Important Local News Story — although it’s fairly easy to side with those who argued for the Canton mill closing, which came in third. Notably, there was a slew of other diverse votes, with one sporting plug put in for pickleball. While there was a lot of agreement regarding the notability of some stories — such as crime, Asheville’s water crisis and homelessness — beyond that, voters were in complete disagreement as to whether those stories had been underreported or overreported. Typically, people get hooked on their favorite media heroes, like the perennial John Boyle, now working at the online media outlet Asheville Watchdog, who continues to be voted best Local Print Reporter (for the 12th year in a row). Maybe next year the Best Of category will have to be modified for him, to remove the word “Print.” Lest we shower too much acclaim on Boyle, let’s not forget Eddie Foxx (Local Radio Personality/Announcer, seven years running) and Jay Siltzer (Local TV personality/ Announcer, three years running, who before retiring from WLOS in May had acceded to the throne after Darcel Grimes’ multiyear reign). Not all Best Of voters pick up a newspaper just to learn about the local happenings. Sometimes people need a break from news, often turning to the back of Xpress’ issues to test their minds with the challenges of the week’s crossword puzzle. It’s no surprise then, that for the third year in a row, WNC voters have chosen The New York Times crossword puzzle as the No. 1 feature in Xpress. — Chase Davis and Jeff Fobes X
106
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
LOCAL RADIO STATION (COMMERCIAL)
LOCAL NEWS SOURCE
1 WLOS NEWS 13 s x
1 98.1 THE RIVER w
1190 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-259-9695 • 981theriver.com 2 99.9 KISS COUNTRY w 13 Summerlin Road, Asheville 828-257-2700 • 99kisscountry.com 3 105.9 THE MOUNTAIN w 1190 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-259-9695 • 1059themountain.com
LOCAL RADIO STATION (NONCOMMERCIAL)
2 BLUE RIDGE PUBLIC RADIO (BPR NEWS AND BPR CLASSIC) d 73 Broadway, Asheville 828-210-4800 • bpr.org 3 88.7 WNCW s Isothermal Community College, 286 ICC Loop Road, Spindale 828-287-8000 • wncw.org
Asheville • avltoday.6amcity.com
2 MOUNTAIN XPRESS d
2 Wall St., Asheville • mountainx.com
3 103.3 ASHEVILLE FM w
864 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-348-0352 • ashevillefm.org
LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY/ANNOUNCER
1 EDDIE FOXX (THE EDDIE FOXX SHOW, 99.9 KISS COUNTRY) w x 13 Summerlin Road, Asheville 828-257-2700 • 99kisscountry.com 2 COUSIN TL (ASHEVILLE FM) w 864 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-348-0352 • avl.mx/cv8 3 HELEN CHICKERING (BPR) d 73 Broadway, Asheville 828-210-4800 • bpr.org
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
LOCAL SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE TO FOLLOW FOR NEWS, EVENTS AND LOCAL HAPPENINGS
1 AVLTODAY o
Asheville • avltoday.6amcity.com
2 ASHVEGAS o
Asheville • ashvegas.com
3 WAX - WEST ASHEVILLE EXCHANGE (FACEBOOK) o
facebook.com/groups/245020652269214
FAVORITE FEATURE IN XPRESS
1 NY TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE 2 CLUBLAND calendar.mountainx.com
3 BEST OF WNC
LOCAL NEWS WEBSITE
1 WLOS NEWS 13 s x
110 Technology Drive, Asheville 828-684-1340 • wlos.com
3 TAMMY WATFORD (WLOS) s 110 Technology Drive, Asheville 828-684-1340 • wlos.com
2 ASHEVILLE WATCHDOG (AVL WATCHDOG) n
825 Merrimon Ave., Suite C-175, Asheville 828-423-0534 • avlwatchdog.org 3 AVLTODAY o Asheville • avltoday.6amcity.com
LOCAL PODCAST
1 THE OVERLOOK o
MOST IMPORTANT LOCAL NEWS STORY (IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS)
Asheville • podavl.com
2 FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN o Asheville 828-384-5817 • avl.mx/bu1
LOCAL PRINT PUBLICATION OTHER THAN XPRESS
1 ASHEVILLE CITIZEN-TIMES d x
14 O. Henry Ave., Asheville 800-672-2472 • citizen-times.com 2 THE LAUREL OF ASHEVILLE n Elk Mountain Road, Woodfin 828-670-7503 • thelaurelofasheville.com
LOCAL PRINT REPORTER
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
825 Merrimon Ave., Suite C-175, Asheville 828-423-0534 • avlwatchdog.org 3 AVLTODAY o Asheville • avltoday.6amcity.com 3 MOUNTAIN XPRESS d 2 Wall St., Asheville • mountainx.com
1 AVLTODAY o
864 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-348-0352 • ashevillefm.org
14 O. Henry Ave., Asheville 828-423-0534 • avlwatchdog.org
2 ASHEVILLE WATCHDOG (AVL WATCHDOG) n
LOCAL EVENTS INFORMATION SOURCE
1 103.3 ASHEVILLE FM w
1 JOHN BOYLE (AVL WATCHDOG) d x
110 Technology Drive, Asheville 828-684-1340 • wlos.com
1 ASHEVILLE WATER CRISIS 2 HOMELESSNESS / COST OF HOUSING 3 CANTON MILL CLOSING MOST OVERREPORTED STORY (IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS)
1 CRIME DOWNTOWN 2 ASHEVILLE WATER CRISIS 3 COVID-19 PANDEMIC
MOST UNDERREPORTED STORY (IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS)
1 ASHEVILLE CRIME 2 HOMELESSNESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
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health & wellness
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS
Best Martial Arts Studio; third place Fitness Studio With Classes; Kids section: Best Parents Night Out Program, After-school Program, Martial Arts Program and Day Camp
C
ONSIDER all the places the Cheshire “We’re all mad here” Cat could have turned to in WNC for help with his disquietude: yoga studios, places to buy CBD products, acupuncture clinics, therapists, places to center yourself. In fact, the overflowing bounty of health care offerings in Western North Carolina — long a center for health and wellness — could be enough to put a smile on almost anyone’s face (or an ear-to-ear grin, if you’re a certain cat). Whether you’re looking for a top-notch health care professional (in whatever modality), hoping to get into shape or searching for healthy supplements, the region offers so many paths to your goal. So it makes sense that, for the fifth year in row, Best of WNC voters named health care the best Employment Sector to Work In. Let’s bring out the laurels for the five victors who joined the Hall of Fame this year, after winning their categories for four straight years: Gillespie Dental Associates (Dental Practice); Mark A. Knollman (Dentist); Dan Martin of Radius Chiropractic (Chiropractor); French Broad Food Co-op (Place to Buy Supplements, Vitamins & Herbs); and Givens Estates (Assisted-Living Community). And if the following folks seem familiar to you as you peruse this year’s roster of winners, it’s no wonder. They have winning streaks of 12 or more years: Asheville Community Yoga (Yoga Studio), Asheville YMCA (Gym or Place to Work Out) and Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts (Martial Arts Studio). And plaudits to Asheville Women’s Medical Center (Women’s Health Center) and Groce Funeral Home & Cremation Service (Mortuary/Funeral Services), which have both won more than 10 years in a row. — Justin McGuire X
108
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
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health & wellness PHYSICIAN (GENERAL PRACTICE)
1 KATE RASCHE (LANTERN HEALTH) d
84 Coxe Ave., Suite 240, Asheville 828-552-5757 • lanterndpc.com
2 MEREDITH POLANSKY (OUR FAMILY DOCTOR) d
43 Oakland Road, Asheville 828-252-2511 ourfamilydoctorasheville.com Sadly, Dr. Meredith Polansky passed away in May, 2023. We are sure that many are missing her presence.
3 CARLY BROWN (ASHEWELL MEDICAL GROUP) r 408 Depot St., Suite 150, Asheville 828-477-4077 • ashewell.com
3 MICHAEL WEIZMAN (OUR FAMILY DOCTOR) d 43 Oakland Road, Asheville 828-252-2511 ourfamilydoctorasheville.com
PEDIATRICIAN
FAMILY MEDICAL PRACTICE
1 THE FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS d w as a 206 Asheland Ave., Asheville 828-258-8681 1219 Smokey Park Highway, Candler 828-258-8681 2161 Hendersonville Road, Arden 828-258-8681 • fhconline.com
2 OUR FAMILY DOCTOR s 43 Oakland Road, Asheville 828-252-2511 ourfamilydoctorasheville.com
3 COMMUNITY FAMILY PRACTICE n
260 Merrimon Ave., Suite 200, Asheville 828-254-2444 communityfamilyonline.com
HOLISTIC MEDICAL PRACTICE
1 LAUREN KEELY CARLISLE (FRENCH BROAD PEDIATRICS) n x
1 ALCHEMY: TEAROOM, APOTHECARY, ACUPUNCTURE d
2 JOHN S. PASCHALL (ABC PEDIATRICS) s
2 EVOKE VITALITY d
3 BRIAN O’DONNELL (MOUNTAIN AREA PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES) e
2 INTEGRATIVE FAMILY MEDICINE OF ASHEVILLE r
40 N. Merrimon Ave., Suite 117, Asheville 828-348-8232 • frenchbroadpeds.com
64 Peachtree Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-277-3000 • abcasheville.com
500 Centrepark Drive, Asheville 828-254-4337 • mountainareapeds.com
62 Clayton St., Asheville 828-575-9419 • alchemyasheville.com 125 S. Lexington Ave., Suite 102A, Asheville 828-222-0281 • evokevitality.com
372 Depot St., Suite 10, Asheville 828-575-9600 • integrativeasheville.org
n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row)
110
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER
1 ASHEVILLE WOMEN’S MEDICAL CENTER d s ax
143 Asheland Ave., Asheville 828-258-9191 310 Long Shoals Road, Suite 202, Arden 828-687-2955 • ashevillewomens.com
2 LAUREL OB/GYN d
41 Oakland Road, Suite 200, Asheville 828-253-5381 • laurelobgyn.com
3 BILTMORE OB-GYN s
24 Medical Park Drive, Asheville 828-277-7727 • biltmoreob-gyn.com
MATERNITY CARE/SERVICE
1 BILTMORE OB-GYN s
24 Medical Park Drive, Asheville 828-277-7727 • biltmoreob-gyn.com
1 LAUREL OB/GYN d
41 Oakland Road, Suite 200, Asheville 828-253-5381 • laurelobgyn.com
HOSPITAL
1 ADVENTHEALTH HENDERSONVILLE s a
100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville 855-774-5433 • adventhealth.com
2 MISSION HOSPITAL (HCA) d e a
509 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-213-1111 430 Rankin Drive, Marion 828-659-5000 • missionhealth.org
3 PARDEE HOSPITAL s a
800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville 828-696-1000 • pardeehospital.org
URGENT CARE/ WALK-IN CLINIC
1 RANGE URGENT CARE
[now owned and operated by Novant Health-GoHealth Urgent Care] n e aw
674 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-348-7418 201 N.C. Highway 9, Black Mountain 828-419-1035 349 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-463-3238 • rangeurgentcare.com
2 MOUNTAIN AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER (MAHEC) s
2 MERCY URGENT CARE w e
3 ASHEVILLE WOMEN’S MEDICAL CENTER d
3 MISSION MY CARE NOW (MISSION HEALTH/HCA) s a
121 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-257-4400 • mahec.net
143 Asheland Ave., Asheville 828-258-9191 • ashevillewomens.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
1201 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-252-4878 1272 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-210-8325 • mercyurgentcare.org
310 Long Shoals Road, Suite 110, Arden 828-213-4444 • avl.mx/cwu
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
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112
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
113
health & wellness PLACE TO GET MEDICAL CARE WHEN UNDER- OR UNINSURED
1 WNC COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES (MINNIE JONES HEALTH CENTER) d w ax
257 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-285-0622 1914 Smokey Park Highway, Candler 828-285-0622 • wncchs.org
2 RANGE URGENT CARE
[now owned and operated by Novant Health-GoHealth Urgent Care] n e a
674 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-348-7418 201 N.C. Highway 9, Black Mountain 828-419-1035 • rangeurgentcare.com
3 MOUNTAIN AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER (MAHEC) s 121 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-257-4400 • mahec.net
THERAPIST OR COUNSELING CENTER
C O N T I N UE D
DENTAL PRACTICE
1 GILLESPIE DENTAL ASSOCIATES n x
36 Orange St., Asheville 828-252-9351 • drtimgillespie.com
2 MARKS FAMILY DENTISTRY n
94 N. Merrimon Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-255-8447 • northashevilledentist.com
3 ZOE DENTAL s
10-A Yorkshire St., Suite 110, Asheville 828-348-1275 • zoedental.com
DENTIST
1 MARK A. KNOLLMAN e x 600B Centrepark Drive, Asheville 828-254-5677 • drknollman.com
2 TIM GILLESPIE (GILLESPIE DENTAL ASSOCIATES) d
36 Orange St., Asheville 828-252-9351 • drtimgillespie.com
3 M. SCOTT PEELE (ASHEVILLE DENTAL WELLNESS) s
1087 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-4747 ashevilledentalwellness.com
ORTHODONTIST
1 SARAH WELLS d
1 TIMOTHY SCANLAN (TS ORTHODONTICS) s
2 JAMES COLVIN MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST d
2 KEITH BLACK (BLACK ORTHODONTICS) s
68 Grove St., Suite B4, Asheville 828-775-9555 • sarahwellscounseling.com
2524 Riceville Road, Asheville 828-424-7941 • jamesccolvin.com
3 ALL SOULS COUNSELING CENTER INC. d 35 Arlington St., Asheville allsoulscounseling.com
60 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-248-0582 76 Peachtree Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-270-7638 • tsorthodontics.com
5 Yorkshire St., Suite A, Asheville 828-742-4994 • kblacksmiles.com
3 LUKE ROBERTS (BLUE RIDGE ORTHODONTICS) s 1915 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-407-1417 blueridgeorthodontics.com
JAMES COLVIN
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Holistic Therapy for Individuals & Couples
THANK YOU for your votes ASHEVILLE!
Recognized by Best of WNC for Seven Years 2524 Riceville Road, Asheville, NC • 828-424-7941 colvin3@gmail.com • JamesCColvin.com
114
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
Thank you for voting us Best of WNC!
knollmandental.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
115
health & wellness EYE CARE SPECIALIST/SERVICE
1 ASHEVILLE EYE ASSOCIATES s s ax
8 Medical Park Drive, Asheville 828-623-0186 2001 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-623-0186 2311 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville 828-623-0186 • 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 x
1011 Tunnel Road, Suite 110, Asheville 828-333-4447 • radiuschiropractic.com
C O N T I N UE D
ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC
1 ALCHEMY: TEAROOM, APOTHECARY, ACUPUNCTURE d 62 Clayton St., Asheville 828-575-9419 • alchemyasheville.com
2 EAST ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS BOUTIQUE e a
2296 U.S. Highway 70, Suite 2, Swannanoa 828-458-4139 • eastacupuncturewb.com
3 THE PEOPLE’S ACUPUNCTURE OF ASHEVILLE d 55 Grove St., Asheville 828-254-4098 peoplesacupunctureavl.com
ACUPUNCTURIST
1 ASHLEY KUPER (EAST ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS BOUTIQUE) e a
2296 U.S. Highway 70, Suite 2, Swannanoa 828-458-4139 • eastacupuncturewb.com
2 DEREK KASTEN (ONE LOVE CHIROPRACTIC) n
2 LIZ ROSEMAN (SUSTAINABLE HEALTH ACUPUNCTURE) n
3 J. ANYA HARRIS (CRYSTALIGN CHIROPRACTIC) d
3 LEX KEKLAK (ALCHEMY) n
959 Merrimon Ave., Suite 201, Asheville 828-505-1584 • onelovechiropractic.com
218 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-552-3111 • crystalignchiro.com
36 Clayton St., Asheville 828-333-4614 acupuncture-in-asheville.com
62 Clayton St., Asheville 828-575-9419 • alchemyasheville.com
n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row)
Thank You Asheville - One Love Chiropractic 116
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
Thank You!
Changing smiles. Changing lives. + Advanced, quality care for all ages + Free initial consultations + Flexible payment plans + Convenient hours & locations Asheville, Hendersonville, and Brevard
828.537.5338 | BROSMILE.COM
Thank you WNC!
Dr. Dan Martin
Hop e. H ealing. Answer s. ✓ Experienced, Professional & Friendly Staff ✓ Convenient Appointments & Hours 1011 Tunnel Road, Suite 110, Asheville, NC 28805 828-333-4447 • www.radiuschiropractic.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
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health & wellness
C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
THE FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS Best Family Medical Practice
ASSISTED-LIVING COMMUNITY
1 GIVENS ESTATES s x
2360 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-274-4800 • givensestates.org
2 DEERFIELD EPISCOPAL RETIREMENT COMMUNITY s 1617 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-1531 • deerfieldwnc.org
3 GIVENS HIGHLAND FARMS e a
200 Tabernacle Road, Black Mountain 828-669-6473 • givenshighlandfarms.org
HOSPICE
1 FOUR SEASONS s aw a 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock 828-692-6178 272 Maple St., Franklin 828-526-2552 fourseasons.teleioscn.org
2 CAREPARTNERS (MISSION HEALTH) s
68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-274-6179 • avl.mx/bwv
3 JOHN F. KEEVER WSOLACE CENTER HOSPICE (MISSION HEALTH/HCA) s 21 Belvedere Road, Asheville 828-210-3150 • avl.mx/cwh
MORTUARY/ FUNERAL SERVICES
How to find
1 GROCE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE w e s ax
1401 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-252-3535 856 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-299-4416 72 Long Shoals Road, Arden 828-687-3530 • grocefuneralhome.com
whatever
2 ASHEVILLE AREA ALTERNATIVE FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES r
while in Asheville
3 ANDERS-RICE FUNERAL HOME w
you need
702 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-258-8274 ashevilleareaalternative.com
1428 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-254-3511 • andersrice.com
118
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
Loca l ne ws • even ts • a rts
know
Asheville Thank to the readers for Voting Groce Favorite once again!
Asheville’s Local, Family-Owned Cremation & Funeral Service Lake Julian West Asheville East Asheville 72 Long Shoals Road 1401 Patton Avenue 856 Tunnel Road Arden Asheville Asheville 828-687-3530 828-252-3535 828-299-4416
www.grocefuneralhome.com
#2 Acupuncturist Liz Roseman
Thank you for a decade of recognition in the Acupuncturist category! I am deeply honored. I’m grateful every day that I get to help people align with their highest and best selves. Specializing in:
Women's Health Insomnia
Fertility Struggles Digestive Issues
Emotional Issues Pain
Sustainable Health Acupuncture | 828-216-3101 | 218 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
www.acupuncture-in-asheville.com | liz@acupuncture-in-asheville.com MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
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health & wellness
C O N T I N UE D
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY YOGA Best Yoga Studio, Place to Center Yourself and Health & Wellness-Focused Nonprofit
PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC
1 PHYSIO PHYSICAL THERAPY AND WELLNESS n w
660 Merrimon Ave., Suite C, Asheville 828-348-1780 1308 B Patton Ave., Asheville 828-348-1780 • physiownc.com
2 MOVEMENT FOR LIFE PHYSICAL THERAPY n s
858 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-552-4217 20 Gala Drive, Suite G-104, Asheville 828-484-4200 • movementforlife.com
3 CORNERSTONE PHYSICAL THERAPY & WELLNESS s
218 Elkwood Ave., Suite 103, Asheville 828-684-3612 • cornerstoneptnc.com
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PHYSICAL THERAPIST
1 JARED DAPKEVICH (PHYSIO PHYSICAL THERAPY AND WELLNESS) n w
660 Merrimon Ave., Suite C, Asheville 828-348-1780 1308 B Patton Ave., Asheville 828-348-1780 • physiownc.com
2 CLARA STROUD (SEPT PHYSICAL THERAPY) s 1256 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-412-5330 • avl.mx/cv7
3 MIRIAM SALLOUM (THE RUNNER’S MECHANIC) d 501 College St., Suite B, Asheville 828-713-0929 therunnersmechanic.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
FITNESS STUDIO WITH CLASSES
GYM OR PLACE TO WORK OUT
1 HOT YOGA ASHEVILLE e
1 ASHEVILLE YMCA d s x
802 Fairview Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-299-7003 • hotyogaasheville.com
30 Woodfin St., Asheville 828-210-9622 Biltmore Park Town Square, 3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 828-651-9622 ymcawnc.org
2 SCORCH FITNESS r
408 Depot St., Suite 160, Asheville 828-575-9010 • scorchfitavl.com
3 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS e
800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com
2 REUTER FAMILY YMCA s Biltmore Park Town Square, 3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 828-651-9622 ymcawnc.org
PHYSICAL TRAINER
1 JANE RAKES (MADABOLIC) d
3 HOT YOGA ASHEVILLE e
150 Coxe Ave., Suite 102, Asheville avl.mx/cwc
802 Fairview Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-299-7003 hotyogaasheville.com
2 PRESTON JEFFERSON (ASHEVILLE FIT TRIBE) w
Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Road, Asheville 984-204-0591 • ashevillefittribe.com
3 GRIFFIN WHITE (MIND MUSCLE FITNESS) w
11 Ridgeway Ave., Asheville 310-487-7886 • mindmusclefitness.com
MASSAGE THERAPIST
1 BRETT KENT (ALCHEMY ASHEVILLE) d
62 Clayton St., Asheville 828-575-9419 • alchemyasheville.com
2 MICAH HAINES (URBAN EXHALE MASSAGE) d
68 N. Lexington Ave., Suite 207, Asheville 828-301-2113 urbanexhalemassage.com
2 SHELBY FRANKLIN (NÉE BURNSED)
Asheville 904-624-4419 • avl.mx/cwx
10 Asheville
Waynesville
Sylva
Reynolds Mountain
Marion
DRS. B. CHAMBERS, PRATT, S. CHAMBERS, BLACKMAN, CHADWICK, WYBLE, HOGUE
www.greatsmiles.com MOUNTAIN XPRESS
828 274-9220
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
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health & wellness YOGA STUDIO
1 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY YOGA n x 8 Brookdale Road, Asheville 828-255-5575 ashevillecommunityyoga.org
2 HOT YOGA ASHEVILLE e
802 Fairview Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-299-7003 • hotyogaasheville.com
3 ASHEVILLE YOGA CENTER d 211 S. Liberty St., Asheville 828-254-0380 • youryoga.com
YOGA TEACHER
1 HEATHER PARKS (HOT YOGA ASHEVILLE) e
802 Fairview Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-299-7003 • hotyogaasheville.com
2 MICHAEL GREENFIELD (ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY YOGA) n
8 Brookdale Road, Asheville 828-255-5575 ashevillecommunityyoga.com
3 TARAH PLAVAC (HOT YOGA ASHEVILLE) e
802 Fairview Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-299-7003 • hotyogaasheville.com
MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO
1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS e x
800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com
HEALTH & WELLNESSFOCUSED NONPROFIT
1 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY YOGA n
8 Brookdale Road, Asheville 828-255-5575 ashevillecommunityyoga.org
2 MOUNTAIN AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER (MAHEC) s 121 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-257-4400 • mahec.net
3 ASHEVILLE YMCA d
30 Woodfin St., Asheville 828-210-9622 • ymcawnc.org
PLACE TO CENTER YOURSELF
1 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY YOGA n x 8 Brookdale Road, Asheville 828-255-5575 ashevillecommunityyoga.org
2 ALCHEMY: TEAROOM, APOTHECARY, ACUPUNCTURE d 62 Clayton St., Asheville 828-575-9419 • alchemyasheville.com
3 EAST ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS BOUTIQUE e a
2296 U.S. Highway 70, Suite 2, Swannanoa 828-458-4139 • eastacupuncturewb.com
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C O N T I N UE D
PHARMACY/DRUGSTORE
1 SONA PHARMACY + CLINIC e s e
805 Fairview Road, Asheville 828-298-3636 530 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-782-5571 1070 Tunnel Road, Building 3, Asheville 828-383-9689 • sonapharmacy.com
2 CVS PHARMACY n w
612 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-4350 505 Smokey Park Highway, Asheville 828-667-5457 • cvs.com
3 B&B PHARMACY w
462 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-2718 • bandbpharmacyavl.com
PLACE TO BUY SUPPLEMENTS, VITAMINS & HERBS
1 FRENCH BROAD FOOD CO-OP d x
90 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-255-7650 • frenchbroadfood.coop
2 EAST ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS BOUTIQUE e a
2296 U.S. Highway 70, Suite 2, Swannanoa 828-458-4139 • eastacupuncturewb.com
3 SONA PHARMACY + CLINIC e 805 Fairview Road, Asheville 828-298-3636 • sonapharmacy.com
PLACE TO BUY CBD PRODUCTS
1 FRANNY’S FARMACY n d s ax
211 Merrimon Ave., Suite 111, Asheville 828-505-7105 231 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-505-4717 128 Henderson Crossing Plaza, Hendersonville 828-697-7300 • frannysfarmacy.com
2 ASHEVILLE DISPENSARY w
919 Haywood Road, Suite 111, Asheville 828-335-2696 • avldispensary.com
3 TRINITY PHARMS HEMP CO. e a
112B Cherry St., Black Mountain 828-357-8295 trinitypharmshempco.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
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work & business
PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST
FIRST BANK
Best Bank and Bank Services for Small Business
I
N Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter’s watch shows the days of the week, not the time of day, because it’s always tea time. In Western North Carolina, it often can feel as if it’s always either hiking or beer time. But during the in-between hours, many of us are earning a living. Sure, we have the traditional employers, such as health care (best Employment Sector to Work In) and education. But locals also can pay the bills here as outdoor guides, brewers (imagine telling your parents you wanted to do that for a living when you were 8), artists, musicians or organic farmers — the latter being a key source of the goodness and popularity of the French Broad Food Co-op, which once again rose to the top this year in its fifth consecutive win in the Co-Op/Employee-Owned Business category. Given we have so many small businesses, it’s fortunate they don’t have to go it alone, thanks to places like Mountain BizWorks (Support Organization for Entrepreneurs and New Businesses), which helps fledgling businesses fly, and lenders such as First Bank (Bank Services for Small Business) and State Employees Credit Union (Credit Union) that keep the dollars flowing. Speaking of flowing dollars, kudos to The Matt & Molly Team at Keller Williams Realty for being named the best Business That Gives Back to the Community. And how fitting is it that LaZoom Tours won the Business That Represents the Spirit of Alice in Wonderland … er, Asheville? Well, would you look at that: It’s beer, uh, tea time — yes, tea time? Now, what day is it again? — Lisa Allen X
124
X Awards | Best Of WNC
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BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF ASHEVILLE
CREDIT UNION
1 STATE EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION d n s x
1 LAZOOM TOURS d
1 Oak Plaza, Suite 101, Asheville 828-225-2900 701 Broadway St., Asheville 828-253-8009 20 All Souls Crescent, Asheville 828-274-4200 • ncsecu.org
76 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-225-6932 • lazoomtours.com
2 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS e
800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com
3 EAST ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS BOUTIQUE e a
2296 U.S. Highway 70, Suite 2, Swannanoa 828-458-4139 • eastacupuncturewb.com
36 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-252-6458 710 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-252-6458 • telcoccu.org
3 SELF-HELP CREDIT UNION s 391 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville 828-255-0809 • self-help.org
EMPLOYMENT SECTOR TO WORK IN
BANK SERVICES FOR SMALL BUSINESS
1 HEALTH CARE x 2 HOSPITALITY & TOURISM 3 NONPROFITS
1 FIRST BANK d e
BUSINESS THAT GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
1 THE MATT & MOLLY TEAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) d 86 Asheland Ave., Asheville 828-210-1697 themattandmollyteam.com
2 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. e d 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-1500 • highlandbrewing.com
3 WICKED WEED BREWING d 91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-575-9599 wickedweedbrewing.com
11 Church St., Asheville 828-250-8430 10 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-298-8193 1012 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-254-1778 • localfirstbank.com
2 FIRST CITIZENS BANK d w 108 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-257-5700 1375 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-257-5870 • firstcitizens.com
3 HOMETRUST BANK d 10 Woodfin St., Asheville 828-254-8144 • htb.com
SUPPORT ORGANIZATION FOR ENTREPRENEURS AND NEW BUSINESSES
1 MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS d n ax
CO-OP/EMPLOYEEOWNED BUSINESS
1 FRENCH BROAD FOOD CO-OP d x
2 TELCO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION e w
153 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-253-2834 164 Depot St., Boone 828-253-2834 • mountainbizworks.org
90 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-255-7650 • frenchbroadfood.coop
2 FIRESTORM BOOKSTORE CO-OP w
1022 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-255-8115 • firestorm.coop
BANK
1 FIRST BANK d e w
11 Church St., Asheville 828-250-8430 10 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-298-8193 1012 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-254-1778 • localfirstbank.com
2 FIRST CITIZENS BANK d w 108 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-257-5700 1375 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-257-5870 • firstcitizens.com
3 HOMETRUST BANK d 10 Woodfin St., Asheville 828-254-8144 • htb.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
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farm, yard & garden
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
SMART FELLER TREE WORKS Best Tree Service
W
HETHER you’re harvesting multiple acres of produce, tending a suburban garden, growing one tomato plant in a porch pot or frequently seeking the bounty grown by your neighbors, Best of WNC’s Farm, Yard & Garden section never fails to shine a light on the longtime titans of the growing game. From supply stores to active growing spaces, landscapers to tailgate markets, no winner in this year’s Farm, Yard & Garden section is here for the first time. If you’re starting from scratch, third-time winner Fifth Season Gardening Co. (Garden Supply Store) and 10-time winner Reems Creek Nursery (Nursery–Trees, Shrubs) might be the places to begin your agricultural Odyssey. If you lack growing space yourself, check out the Peace Gardens & Market (Community Garden), a new entrant to the Hall of Fame, or 13-time winner Hickory Nut Gap Farm (Community Supported Agriculture) to satisfy your growing fix. If you’re more in the market for some retail veggies, you might give 13-time winner North Asheville Tailgate Market (Tailgate/Farmers Market) or 11-time favorite Flying Cloud Farm (Roadside Farm Stand) a try. If it’s information you seek, the area’s eight-time favorite Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (Nonprofit Supporting Farms/Farmland Preservation) has the resources you need to connect you to farms and farm products in the region. — Greg Parlier X
126
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
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127
farm, yard & garden
PHOTO BY FRANCES O’CONNOR
NORTH ASHEVILLE TAILGATE MARKET Best Tailgate/Farmers Market
TAILGATE/FARMERS MARKET
FARM TO VISIT
1 NORTH ASHEVILLE TAILGATE MARKET n x
1 HICKORY NUT GAP FARM e ax
3 WEST ASHEVILLE TAILGATE MARKET w
1 GRANDAD’S APPLES ‘N SUCH s a
UNCA, Parking Lot P28, 3300 University Heights, Asheville 828-484-6296 northashevilletailgatemarket.com 2 WNC FARMERS MARKET w 570 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-253-1691 • avl.mx/5br 718 Haywood Road, Asheville westashevilletailgatemarket.com
ROADSIDE FARM STAND
1 FLYING CLOUD FARM e ax 1860 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 828-768-3348 • flyingcloudfarm.net
2 HONEY MAN Asheville
3 JOHNSON FAMILY FARM s a 1202 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 828-484-2522 johnsonfamilyfarmnc.com
COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA) FARM
1 HICKORY NUT GAP FARM e ax
57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview 828-628-1027 • hickorynutgap.com 2 FLYING CLOUD FARM e a 1860 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 828-768-3348 • flyingcloudfarm.net
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
ORCHARD
2951 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville 828-685-1685 • grandadsapples.com 2 SKY TOP ORCHARD s a 1193 Pinnacle Mountain Road, Zirconia 828-692-7930 • skytoporchard.com 3 JUSTUS ORCHARD s a 187 Garren Road, Hendersonville 828-974-1232 • justusorchard.com
COMMUNITY GARDEN
1 PEACE GARDENS & MARKET w x
47 Bryant St., Asheville 828-301-0166 • urbanpeacegardens.org
2 SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY GARDEN s
133 Livingston St., Asheville 828-280-0575 southsidecommunitygarden.org
3 DR. JOHN WILSON COMMUNITY GARDEN e a
99 White Pine Drive, Black Mountain 828-337-8932 • avl.mx/adq
n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row) 128
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
GARDEN SUPPLY STORE
1 SMART FELLER TREE WORKS M
1 FIFTH SEASON GARDENING CO. e
4 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 450, Asheville 828-412-3200 fifthseasongardening.com 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 REEMS CREEK NURSERY n ax 76 Monticello Road, Weaverville 828-645-3937 • reemscreek.com
2 B.B. BARNS s a
3377 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-650-7300 • bbbarns.com
3 PAINTER’S GREENHOUSE e
734 Roy Moore Road, Old Fort 828-668-7225 • paintersgreenhouse.com
MULCH SUPPLIER
1 ASHEVILLE MULCH YARD s ae an ax 9 Frito Way, Arden 828-687-2792 2425 U.S. 70 Highway, Swannanoa 828-707-1615 326 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-484-8131 • ashevillemulchyard.com
2 THE MULCH LADY/ RIVERSIDE STUMP DUMP n s a
89 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-299-3788 • lowes.com
2 ROYCE’S TREE SERVICE M 3 HEARTWOOD TREE e
1315 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-231-6008 • heartwoodtree.com
LANDSCAPING SERVICE (OTHER THAN LAWN CARE)
1 B.B. BARNS s ax
NURSERY (TREES, SHRUBS)
620 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-251-5777 5055 Old Haywood Road, Mills River 828-712-4758 • themulchlady.com
Asheville 828-545-5503 smartfellertreeworks.com
Asheville 828-768-2747 • roycestreeservice.com
2 B.B. BARNS s a
3 LOWE’S e
TREE SERVICE
3377 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-650-7300 • bbbarns.com
NONPROFIT SUPPORTING FARMS/FARMLAND PRESERVATION
1 APPALACHIAN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROJECT (ASAP) d x
306 W. Haywood St., Asheville 828-236-1282 • asapconnections.org
2 SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN HIGHLANDS CONSERVANCY n 372 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-253-0095 • appalachian.org
3 BOUNTY & SOUL e a
999 Old U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-419-0533 • bountyandsoul.org
x
THE HALL OF FAME ICON The Hall of Fame designates winners who have come out on top four years in a row, including this year (2020 - 2023)
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Small Towns
PHOTO BY STEVIE TOMBSTONE, COURTESY OF WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN
WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN
Best Music/Entertainment Venue; Arts & Entertainment section, third place Open-Mic-Night Venue
T
HERE’S been a lot of talk about small towns in pop culture lately. Whether you were born in one or just like visiting, we can all agree that Western North Carolina is home to some unique gems. 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 a memorable daytrip itinerary, try some of the voters’ favorites offered here. Knowing the local picks can prove valuable in making the most of your visit. For example, there’s no better way to get to know a town than to have a truly local breakfast, see the cultural or historical landmarks, and later in the day head over to where the locals go to belly up to the bar or hear live music. — Andy Hall and Edwin Arnaudin X
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130
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
Swannanoa & Black mountain BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN
COFFEE & SWEETS
1 THE DRIPOLATOR COFFEEHOUSE x
221 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-0999 • avl.mx/3w7
1 TOWN HARDWARE & GENERAL STORE x
2 DYNAMITE ROASTING CO.
103 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-7723 • townhardware.com
3198 U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-357-8555 • dynamiteroasting.com
3 DOUGH HOUSE VEGAN DONUTS
2 EAST ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS BOUTIQUE
2296 U.S. Highway 70, Suite 2, Swannanoa 828-458-4139 • eastacupuncturewb.com
3 DYNAMITE ROASTING CO.
3198 U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-357-8555 • dynamiteroasting.com
BREAKFAST RESTAURANT
1 LOUISE’S KITCHEN x
115 Black Mountain Ave., Black Mountain 828-357-5446 • louisesblackmtn.com
2 BLUE RIDGE BISCUIT CO.
601 W. State St., Suite 4, Black Mountain 828-357-8501 blueridgebiscuitcompany.com
3 OPEN OVEN BRUNCH & BAKERY 102 Church St., Black Mountain 828-357-8553 • openovenblkmtn.com
LUNCH RESTAURANT
601 W. State St., Suite 3, Black Mountain 828-357-8312 thetrashyvegan.net/doughhouse
LOCAL BAR/BREWERY/ WATERING HOLE
1 LOOKOUT BREWING CO.
103 S. Ridgeway Ave., Black Mountain 828-357-5169 • lookoutbrewing.com
2 BLACK MOUNTAIN PIZZA & ALE HOUSE
117C Cherry St., Black Mountain 828-669-9090 • blkmtnpizza.com
3 THE TRAILHEAD RESTAURANT & BAR
207 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-357-5656 thetrailheadrestaurant.com
MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
1 WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN 105 Montreat Road, Black Mountain 828-669-0816 whitehorseblackmountain.com
1 COUSINS CUBAN CAFÉ
108 Broadway Ave., Black Mountain 828-357-5513 • cousinscubancafe.com
2 THE TRAILHEAD RESTAURANT & BAR
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
207 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-357-5656 thetrailheadrestaurant.com
3 VERANDA CAFÉ & GIFT
119 Cherry St., Black Mountain 828-669-8864 verandacafeandgifts.com
DINNER RESTAURANT
1 THE TRAILHEAD RESTAURANT & BAR
207 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-357-5656 thetrailheadrestaurant.com
2 THE PURE & PROPER
114 E. State St., Black Mountain 828-230-7972 • thepureandproper.com
3 QUE SERA
101 Black Mountain Ave., Black Mountain 828-664-9472 • queserarestaurant.com
3 THE BUSH FARMHOUSE
15 S. Ridgeway Ave., Black Mountain 828-357-5367 • bushfarmhouse.com
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Small Towns RETAIL STORE
1 TOWN HARDWARE & GENERAL STORE x
103 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-7723 • townhardware.com
2 EAST ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS BOUTIQUE
2296 U.S. Highway 70, Suite 2, Swannanoa 828-458-4139 • eastacupuncturewb.com
3 SASSAFRAS ON SUTTON
108 Sutton Ave., Black Mountain 828-419-0677 • sassafrasonsutton.com
ART GALLERY
1 SEVEN SISTERS CRAFT GALLERY x
119 Broadway Ave., Black Mountain 828-669-5107 • sevensistersgallery.com
2 BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS
225 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-0930 • blackmountainarts.org
3 RED HOUSE STUDIO AND GALLERY
310 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-0351 • svfalarts.org
CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT
1 LEAF FESTIVAL x
Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 828-686-8742 • theleaf.org
2 BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS (EXHIBITIONS)
225 W. State St., Black Mountain 828-669-0930 • blackmountainarts.org
C O N T I N UE D
LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS
1 MONTREAT TRAILS & PARK x Montreat 828-419-9844 • montreat.org
2 LAKE TOMAHAWK
401 Laurel Circle Drive, Black Mountain 828-669-2052 • avl.mx/bx6
3 WARREN WILSON COLLEGE CAMPUS TRAILS
701 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa 828-771-2000 • warren-wilson.edu
CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL LANDMARK
1 BLACK MOUNTAIN OLD DEPOT 207 Sutton Ave., Black Mountain 828-669-6583 • olddepot.org
2 CAMP ROCKMONT (BLACK MOUNTAIN COLLEGE) 375 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 828-686-3885 • rockmont.com
LOCAL CAUSE TO SUPPORT
1 BOUNTY & SOUL x
999 Old U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-419-0533 • bountyandsoul.org
2 BLACK MOUNTAIN HOME FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES 80 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 828-686-3451 • blackmountainhome.org
BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO YOUR TOWN IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS
2 SOURWOOD FESTIVAL
1 FOOTHILLS GRANGE
3 BLACK MOUNTAIN OLD DEPOT
2 THE CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE / VISITBLACKMOUNTAINNC.ORG
102-108 Black Mountain Ave., Black Mountain 828-669-2300 • avl.mx/bw2 207 Sutton Ave., Black Mountain 828-669-6583 • olddepot.org
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120 Broadway Ave., Black Mountain 828-357-8499 • avl.mx/c6o
Black Mountain visitblackmountainnc.org
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
THANK YOU FOR 7 BEST OF WNC WINS! #1 Acupuncturist
#2 Acupuncture Clinic #2 Place to buy supplements & herbs #2 Biz that represent Swannanoa/Blk Mountain #2 Retail store in Swannanoa/Blk Mountain #3 Place to center yourself #3 Biz that represents the spirit of Asheville
2296 US-70, SWANNANOA NC 828.458.4139 EASTACUPUNCTUREWB.COM
Loca l ne ws • even ts • a rts
For 19 years the heart of Weaverville Check website for additional details on hours and live music
bluemountainpizza.com
55 N Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787 828-658-8778 MOUNTAIN XPRESS
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Small Towns
C O N T I N UE D
weaverville & . woodfin .
..
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PHOTO COURTESY OF MANGUM POTTERY
MANGUM POTTERY Best Art Gallery
BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN
1 BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA x
55 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-658-8778 • bluemountainpizza.com
2 WELL-BRED BAKERY & CAFÉ
26 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com
3 YELLOW MUG COFFEE LOUNGE 113 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-484-8844 yellowmugcoffeelounge.com
BREAKFAST RESTAURANT
1 YELLOW MUG COFFEE LOUNGE 113 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-484-8844 yellowmugcoffeelounge.com
2 WELL-BRED BAKERY & CAFÉ
26 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com
3 STONEY KNOB CAFÉ
337 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-645-3309 • stoneyknobcafe.com
LUNCH RESTAURANT
DINNER RESTAURANT
1 STONEY KNOB CAFÉ
337 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-645-3309 • stoneyknobcafe.com
2 GLASS ONION
18 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-8866 • glassonionasheville.com
3 BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA
55 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-658-8778 • bluemountainpizza.com
COFFEE & SWEETS
1 WELL-BRED BAKERY & CAFÉ x 26 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com
2 YELLOW MUG COFFEE LOUNGE 113 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-484-8844 yellowmugcoffeelounge.com
3 ALLGOOD COFFEE
10 S. Main St., Weaverville 828-484-8663 • allgood.coffee
LOCAL BAR/BREWERY/ WATERING HOLE
1 ELUVIUM BREWING CO.
11 Florida Ave., Weaverville 828-484-1799 • eluviumbrewing.com
1 WELL-BRED BAKERY & CAFÉ x
2 LEVELLER BREWING CO.
2 TWISTED LAUREL (WEAVERVILLE)
2 ZEBULON ARTISAN ALES
3 STONEY KNOB CAFÉ
3 TWISTED LAUREL (WEAVERVILLE)
26 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com
10A S. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-2700 • twistedlaurel.com
337 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 828-645-3309 • stoneyknobcafe.com
134
25 N. Main St., Weaverville levellerbrewing.com
8 Merchants Alley, Weaverville zebulonbrewing.com
10A S. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-2700 • twistedlaurel.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS
1 BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA x
1 LAKE LOUISE PARK x
2 VINTAGE KAVA
2 MAIN STREET NATURE PARK
3 WEAVER HOUSE
3 VINTAGE KAVA
55 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-658-8778 • bluemountainpizza.com
Lake Louise Drive, Weaverville 828-645-7116 • avl.mx/6cc 25 U.S. 19 Business, Weaverville 828-645-7116 • avl.mx/6cc
141 Reems Creek Road, Weaverville 828-484-8186 • vintagekava.com 56 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-484-3110 • weaverhousenc.com
141 Reems Creek Road, Weaverville 828-484-8186 • vintagekava.com
CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL LANDMARK
RETAIL STORE
1 5 LITTLE MONKEYS QUILT & SEW 32 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-484-7200 fivemonkeyquilts.com
1 VANCE BIRTHPLACE x
911 Reems Creek Road, Weaverville 828-645-6706 • avl.mx/7zi
2 THE COTTAGE DOOR
2 WEAVERVILLE TOWN CLOCK
155 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville 828-484-2518 thecottagedoorconsignment.com
N. Main St., Weaverville
3 HOBBY LOBBY
419 Airport Road, Arden 828-684-0900 • hobbylobby.com
ART GALLERY
WNC’s Premiere Fabric Store
1 MANGUM POTTERY
Thanks for voting us
2 MIYA GALLERY
The #1 Retail Store
16 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-4929 • mangumpottery.com
20 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-658-9655 • miyagallery.com
in Weaverville
CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT
1 WEAVERVILLE ART SAFARI x
Weaverville • weavervilleartsafari.com
2 ART IN AUTUMN
Main St., Weaverville visitweaverville.com/ events/art-in-autumn
Wed - Fri: 10:30am - 5pm Sat: 11am - 4pm | Sun - Tues: Closed 32 N. Main Street, Weaverville, NC 28787 828-484-7200 | fivemonkeyquilts.com
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Small Towns
C O N T I N UE D
marshall & mars hill
.. .
...
PHOTO BY CHEYENNE DANCY, COURTESY OF SART
SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN REPERTORY THEATRE (SART) Best Music/Entertainment Venue
BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN
1 CAMDEN’S COFFEE HOUSE 40 N. Main St., Mars Hill 828-680-1246 camdenscoffeehouse.com
2 ZUMA COFFEE
LUNCH RESTAURANT
1 STACKHOUSE AMERICAN EATERY & PUB x 37 S. Main St., Mars Hill 828-680-1213 stackhouserestaurant.com
2 OLD MARSHALL JAIL HOTEL & ZADIE’S MARKET 33 Bailey’s Branch Road, Marshall 828-649-5259 • oldmarshalljail.com
7 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-1617 • zumascoffee.com
2 STAR DINER
3 OLD MARSHALL JAIL HOTEL & ZADIE’S MARKET
2 ZUMA COFFEE
33 Bailey’s Branch Road, Marshall 828-649-5259 • oldmarshalljail.com
BREAKFAST RESTAURANT
1 ZUMA COFFEE
7 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-1617 • zumascoffee.com
2 THE WAGON WHEEL
390 Carl Eller Road, Mars Hill 828-689-4755 • avl.mx/a7c
3 STAR DINER
115 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-9900 • stardinerwnc.com
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115 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-9900 • stardinerwnc.com
7 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-1617 • zumascoffee.com
DINNER RESTAURANT
1 STAR DINER x
115 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-9900 • stardinerwnc.com
2 THE ORIGINAL PAPA NICK’S 15 College St., Mars Hill 828-689-8566 theoriginalpapanicks.com
3 STACKHOUSE AMERICAN EATERY & PUB 37 S. Main St., Mars Hill 828-680-1213 stackhouserestaurant.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
COFFEE & SWEETS
LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS
1 ZUMA COFFEE
7 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-1617 • zumascoffee.com
1 BLANNAHASSETT ISLAND
2 CAMDEN’S COFFEE HOUSE
Blannahassett Island Road, Marshall 828-680-9031 avl.mx/a80
40 N. Main St., Mars Hill 828-680-1246 camdenscoffeehouse.com
LOCAL BAR/BREWERY/ WATERING HOLE
CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL LANDMARK
1 MAD CO. BREW HOUSE x 45 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-8600 madisoncountybrewing.com
1 MADISON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
2 MAL’S BAR
2 N. Main St., Marshall 828-649-2200 avl.mx/a8v
121 S. Main St., Marshall avl.mx/cwp
3 MARS THEATRE BREWING CO. 70 N. Main St., Mars Hill 828-680-1284 • avl.mx/cwq
MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
1 MARS HILL UNIVERSITY 100 Athletic St., Mars Hill 828-689-1307 mhu.edu
1 SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN REPERTORY THEATRE (SART) 44 College St., Mars Hill 828-689-1232 • sartplays.com
2 MARS THEATRE BREWING CO. 70 N. Main St., Mars Hill 828-680-1284 • avl.mx/cwq
RETAIL STORE
1 THE WILD VIOLET
14 N. Main St., Mars Hill 828-680-1414 • thewildvioletwnc.com
CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT
1 MERMAID PARADE AND FESTIVAL x
Main St., Marshall 828-649-7889 • avl.mx/cwt
2 BASCOM LAMAR LUNSFORD FESTIVAL
Mars Hill University, 100 Athletic St., Mars Hill 828-689-1115 • mhu.edu
CONGRATS!
to this year’s winners
wnc’s largest & best reader survey
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
137
Small Towns
C O N T I N UE D
.. . hot Springs . . .
PHOTO BY STEPHANIE YONTZ, COURTESY OF BIG PILLOW BREWING
BIG PILLOW BREWING
Best Local Bar/Brewery/Watering Hole and Music/Entertainment Venue, second place Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Your Town BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN
1 HOT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA x 315 Bridge St., Hot Springs 828-622-7676 • nchotsprings.com
2 BIG PILLOW BREWING
25 Andrews Ave. N., Hot Springs 828-539-1939 • bigpillowbrewing.com
3 SPRING CREEK TAVERN
145 Bridge St., Hot Springs 828-622-0187 • thespringcreektavern.com
BREAKFAST RESTAURANT
1 SMOKY MOUNTAIN DINER 70 Lance Ave., Hot Springs 828-622-7571 • avl.mx/a6s
LUNCH RESTAURANT
LOCAL BAR/BREWERY/ WATERING HOLE
1 BIG PILLOW BREWING
25 Andrews Ave. N., Hot Springs 828-539-1939 • bigpillowbrewing.com
2 SPRING CREEK TAVERN
145 Bridge St., Hot Springs 828-622-0187 • thespringcreektavern.com
MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
1 BIG PILLOW BREWING
25 Andrews Ave. N., Hot Springs 828-539-1939 • bigpillowbrewing.com
RETAIL STORE
1 BLUFF MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS 152 Bridge St., Hot Springs 828-622-7162 • avl.mx/7zl
LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS
1 SPRING CREEK TAVERN x
1 HOT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA x
2 THE GREY EAGLE TAQUERIA AT BIG PILLOW BREWING
2 HOT SPRINGS CAMPGROUND
145 Bridge St., Hot Springs 828-622-0187 • thespringcreektavern.com
25 Andrews Ave. S., Hot Springs 828-539-1939 greyeagletaqueria.com/hot-springs
DINNER RESTAURANT
1 IRON HORSE STATION RESTAURANT x
24 S. Andrew Ave., Hot Springs 828-622-9506 • theironhorsestation.com
2 SPRING CREEK TAVERN
145 Bridge St., Hot Springs 828-622-0187 • thespringcreektavern.com
138
315 Bridge St., Hot Springs 828-622-7676 • nchotsprings.com
315 Bridge St., Hot Springs 828-622-7676 nchotsprings.com/accommodations
3 SECTION 9 OF THE FRENCH BROAD RIVER Barnard River Park to Hot Springs Nantahala Outdoor Center Access, Marshall avl.mx/6dg
CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL LANDMARK
1 HOT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA 315 Bridge St., Hot Springs 828-622-7676 • nchotsprings.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
Small Towns
C O N T I N UE D
.. . Burnsville . . .
PHOTO BY JOHN SILVER, COURTESY OF HOMEPLACE BEER CO.
HOMEPLACE BEER CO.
Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Your Town, Best Local Bar/Brewery/Watering Hole and Music/Entertainment Venue BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN
COFFEE & SWEETS
1 APPALACHIAN JAVA & CAFÉ x
1 HOMEPLACE BEER CO.
321 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-536-9068 • homeplacebeer.com
2 APPALACHIAN JAVA & CAFÉ 8 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-0120 appalachianjavaburnsville.com
321 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-536-9068 • homeplacebeer.com 2 BIRDFOOT BEER AND GEAR 10 Orchard Drive, Burnsville birdfootllc.com
225 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-380-3648 • fill-more.com
BREAKFAST RESTAURANT
1 PIG & GRITS
321 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-536-9068 • homeplacebeer.com 2 PARKWAY PLAYHOUSE 202 Green Mountain Drive, Burnsville 828-682-4285 • parkwayplayhouse.com
2 APPALACHIAN JAVA & CAFÉ 8 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-0120 appalachianjavaburnsville.com
RETAIL STORE
LUNCH RESTAURANT
1 APPALACHIAN JAVA & CAFÉ x 8 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-0120 appalachianjavaburnsville.com
1 GARDEN DELI
1 SOMETHING SPECIAL GIFT SHOP x
12 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-9101 • avl.mx/55a
CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT
107 Town Square, Burnsville 828-682-3946 • garden-deli.com
1 MOUNT MITCHELL ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR
2 PIG & GRITS
Town Square, Burnsville 828-682-7413 • avl.mx/a3b
620 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-536-0010 • pigandgrits.com
LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS
DINNER RESTAURANT
1 PIG & GRITS
1 MOUNT MITCHELL STATE PARK
620 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-536-0010 • pigandgrits.com
2 HOG HOLLOW WOOD-FIRED PIZZA 321 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-536-9068 • hoghollowpizza.com
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
1 HOMEPLACE BEER CO.
620 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-536-0010 • pigandgrits.com
107 Town Square, Burnsville 828-682-3946 • garden-deli.com
LOCAL BAR/BREWERY/ WATERING HOLE
1 HOMEPLACE BEER CO. x
3 FILL-MORE
2 SNAP DRAGON
8 W. Main St., Burnsville 828-682-0120 appalachianjavaburnsville.com
2388 N.C. Highway 128, Burnsville 828-675-4611 • avl.mx/7zo
CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL LANDMARK
1 TOWN SQUARE (BURNSVILLE) 101 Town Square, Burnsville yanceychamber.com
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
139
Small Towns
C O N T I N UE D
Hendersonville, Flat rock & . mills river .
..
..
PHOTO COURTESY OF OKLAHAWA BREWING CO.
OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.
Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Your Town, Best Local Bar/Brewery/Watering Hole and Music/Entertainment Venue BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN
1 OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.
147 First Ave. E., Hendersonville 828-595-9956 • oklawahabrewing.com
2 FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE
2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 828-693-0731 • flatrockplayhouse.org
3 SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY
822 Locust St., Hendersonville 828-684-1235 • sabrewery.com
BREAKFAST RESTAURANT
1 ARABELLA BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
536 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-595-2449 arabellabreakfastandbrunch.com
2 HENDOUGH CHICKEN & DONUTS 532 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 828-595-2885 • hendough.com
3 POP’S DINER
860 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-693-1035 • pops-diner.business.site
140
LUNCH RESTAURANT
1 MOUNTAIN DELI
343 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-693-0093 • mountaindelinc.com
2 ARABELLA BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
536 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-595-2449 arabellabreakfastandbrunch.com
3 FLAT ROCK VILLAGE BAKERY
2710 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 828-693-1313 • villagebakerync.com
DINNER RESTAURANT
1 SHINE
202 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-692-0062 • shinehvl.com
2 POSTERO
401 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-595-9676 • postero-hvl.com
3 WEST FIRST WOOD-FIRED
101B 1st Ave. W., Hendersonville 828-693-1080 • westfirstwoodfired.com
COFFEE & SWEETS
1 BLACK BEAR COFFEE CO. x 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-692-6333 • blackbear.coffee
2 FLAT ROCK VILLAGE BAKERY
2710 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 828-693-1313 • villagebakerync.com
3 THE 2ND ACT
101 E. Allen St., Suite 101, Hendersonville 828-513-0045 • the2ndacthendo.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
LOCAL BAR/BREWERY/ WATERING HOLE
LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS
1 OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.
147 First Ave. E., Hendersonville 828-595-9956 • oklawahabrewing.com 2 MILLS RIVER BREWING CO. 336 Banner Farm Road, Mills River 828-483-0480 • millsriverbrewingco.com 3 BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER 72 School House Road, Mills River 828-595-9940 • boldrock.com
MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
1 OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.
147 First Ave. E., Hendersonville 828-595-9956 • oklawahabrewing.com 2 FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 828-693-0731 • flatrockplayhouse.org 3 BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER 72 School House Road, Mills River 828-595-9940 • boldrock.com
RETAIL STORE
1 CARL SANDBURG HOME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE x 1800 Little River Road, Flat Rock 828-693-4178 • nps.gov/carl
2 THE PARK AT FLAT ROCK
55 Highland Golf Drive, Flat Rock 828-697-8100 flatrockparkfoundation.org
3 JUMP OFF ROCK
4501 Laurel Park Highway, Laurel Park 828-693-4840 • laurelpark.org/jumpoff
CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL LANDMARK
1 CARL SANDBURG HOME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE x 1800 Little River Road, Flat Rock 828-693-4178 • nps.gov/carl
2 OLD HENDERSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE 1 Historic Courthouse Square, Hendersonville 828-694-1619 hendersoncountymuseum.com
1 MAST GENERAL STORE (HENDERSONVILLE) x
527 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-696-1883 • mastgeneralstore.com
ART GALLERY
1 CONTINUUM ART COLLECTIVE
147 First Ave. E., Suite C, Hendersonville 828-435-3300 • continuumartnc.com 2 THE GALLERY AT FLAT ROCK 2702A Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 828-698-7000 • galleryflatrock.com
CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT
1 N.C. APPLE FESTIVAL x
318 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-697-4557 • ncapplefestival.org 2 RHYTHM & BREWS South Main St., Hendersonville 828-233-3216 • avl.mx/9pu 3 FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 828-693-0731 • flatrockplayhouse.org
3 JUMP OFF ROCK
4501 Laurel Park Highway, Laurel Park 828-693-4840 • laurelpark.org/jumpoff
LOCAL CAUSE TO SUPPORT
1 BLUE RIDGE HUMANE SOCIETY x
88 Centipede Lane, Hendersonville 828-692-2639 • blueridgehumane.org
2 HENDERSONVILLE PRIDE
Hendersonville • hendersonvillepride.org
BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO YOUR TOWN IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS
1 ECUSTA TRAIL (BETWEEN HENDERSONVILLE & BREVARD) Hendersonville 828-490-1854 • ecustatrail.org
How to find whatever you need
while in Asheville
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
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141
Small Towns
C O N T I N UE D
.. . brevard . . .
PHOTO COURTESY OF BREVARD MUSIC CENTER
BREVARD MUSIC CENTER
Best Cultural or Historical Landmark; second place Music/Entertainment Venue; second place Cultural or Arts Event (for Summer Music Festival) BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN
1 185 KING STREET
185 King St., Brevard 828-877-1850 • 185kingst.com
2 THE HUB AND PISGAH TAVERN 11 Mama’s Place, Pisgah Forest 828-884-8670 • thehubpisgah.com
3 BREVARD MUSIC CENTER
349 Andante Lane, Brevard 828-862-2100 • brevardmusic.org
BREAKFAST RESTAURANT
1 MORNING SOCIAL
170 King St., Suite C, Brevard 828-877-3773 morningsocialbrevard.com 2 THE SUNRISE CAFE 273 N. Broad St., Brevard 828-884-3331 thesunrisecafebrevard.com
3 GRAMMY’S RESTAURANT 20 McClean Road, Brevard 828-862-8353 • avl.mx/a53
LUNCH RESTAURANT
1 MAYBERRY’S
30 W. Main St., Brevard 828-862-8646 • mayberrys.co 2 THE SQUARE ROOT 33 Times Arcade Alley, Brevard 828-884-6171 squarerootrestaurant.com 3 MORNING SOCIAL 170 King St., Suite C, Brevard 828-877-3773 morningsocialbrevard.com 3 PESCADOS BURRITOS 265 N. Broad St., Brevard 828-884-5559 • pescadosburrito.com
DINNER RESTAURANT
Veronika Hart, artist Lake
Thanks for voting us 1st Place BEST of WNC
828.884.5151 LUCYCLARKGALLERY.COM 51 W. Main St, Brevard Mon-Sat, 11-5; Sun, 12-4
142
1 THE SQUARE ROOT x
33 Times Arcade Alley, Brevard 828-884-6171 squarerootrestaurant.com 2 FALLS LANDING EATERY 18 E. Main St., Brevard 828-884-2835 • thefallslanding.com 3 185 KING STREET 185 King St., Brevard 828-877-1850 • 185kingst.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
COFFEE & SWEETS
ART GALLERY
1 CUP & SAUCER
36 E. Main St., A, Brevard 828-884-2877 • cupandsaucernc.com
2 BRACKEN MOUNTAIN BAKERY 42 S. Broad St., Brevard 828-883-4034 brackenmountainbakery.weebly.com
3 BLUE RIDGE BAKERY
86 W. Main St., Brevard 828-883-8444 • blueridgebakery.com
1 ECUSTA BREWING
451 Ecusta Road, Brevard 828-966-2337 • ecustabrewing.com
2 OSKAR BLUES BREWERY
342 Mountain Industrial Drive, Brevard 828-883-2337 • oskarblues.com
3 185 KING STREET
MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
1 185 KING STREET
349 Andante Lane, Brevard 828-862-2100 • brevardmusic.org 342 Mountain Industrial Drive, Brevard 828-883-2337 • oskarblues.com
2 THEOPHILUS
44 E. Main St., Brevard 828-884-2994 • theophilusnc.com
Downtown Brevard, Brevard 828-884-3278 • avl.mx/bwl
349 Andante Lane, Brevard 828-862-2105 brevardmusic.org/festival
LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS
1 PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST x 2 DUPONT STATE FOREST
Staton Road, Cedar Mountain 828-877-6527 dupontstaterecreationalforest.com
1 Davidson River Circle, Pisgah Forest 828-577-4558 • avl.mx/6df
2 BREVARD MUSIC CENTER
60 E. Main St., Brevard 828-862-4700 • ddbullwinkels.com
1 WHITE SQUIRREL FESTIVAL x
3 DAVIDSON RIVER CAMPGROUND
185 King St., Brevard 828-877-1850 • 185kingst.com
1 D.D. BULLWINKEL’S OUTDOORS x
CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT
Pisgah Highway, Pisgah Forest 828-257-4200 • avl.mx/6aw
185 King St., Brevard 828-877-1850 • 185kingst.com
RETAIL STORE
51 W. Main St., Brevard 828-884-5151 • lucyclarkgallery.com
2 BREVARD MUSIC CENTER SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
LOCAL BAR/BREWERY/ WATERING HOLE
3 OSKAR BLUES BREWERY
1 LUCY CLARK GALLERY & STUDIO
CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL LANDMARK
1 BREVARD MUSIC CENTER
349 Andante Lane, Brevard 828-862-2100 • brevardmusic.org
LOCAL CAUSE TO SUPPORT
1 ECUSTA TRAIL (BETWEEN HENDERSONVILLE & BREVARD) Hendersonville 828-490-1854 • ecustatrail.org
Want to support Asheville’s unique small business economy? Pick up a Go Local guide to local businesses GoLocalAsheville.com MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
143
Small Towns
C O N T I N UE D
waynesville, Maggie valley & . Canton .
..
..
PHOTO COURTESY OF BOOJUM BREWING CO.
BOOJUM BREWING CO.
Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Your Town, Best Lunch Restaurant, Dinner Restaurant and Local Bar/Brewery/Watering Hole BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN
1 BOOJUM BREWING CO.
50 N. Main St., Waynesville 828-246-0350 • boojumbrewing.com
2 PAPERTOWN COFFEE
119 Main St., Canton 828-492-0993 • papertown.coffee
3 EVERGREEN PAPER MILL [Closed] 175 Main St., Canton
BREAKFAST RESTAURANT
1 THE BUTTERED BISCUIT
1226 Dellwood Road, Waynesville 828-246-6446 • avl.mx/9wl
LUNCH RESTAURANT
1 BOOJUM BREWING CO. x
50 N. Main St., Waynesville 828-944-0888 • boojumbrewing.com
2 CLYDE’S RESTAURANT
2107 S. Main St., Waynesville 828-456-9135 • avl.mx/a4a
3 J-RO’S BURGERS AND SUBS 384 Main St., Canton 828-492-0015 • jrosburgers.com
DINNER RESTAURANT
1 BOOJUM BREWING CO.
50 N. Main St., Waynesville 828-944-0888 • boojumbrewing.com
2 JOEY’S PANCAKE HOUSE
2 SOUTHERN PORCH
3 BEACH MOUNTAIN DINER
3 THE SWEET ONION RESTAURANT
4309 Soco Road, Maggie Valley 828-926-0212 • joeyspancake.com 429 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville 828-246-6800 beachmountaindiner.com
144
117 Main St., Canton 828-492-8006 • southern-porch.com
39 Miller St., Waynesville 828-456-5559 sweetonionrestaurant.com
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
COFFEE & SWEETS
RETAIL STORE
119 Main St., Canton 828-492-0993 • papertown.coffee
1 MAST GENERAL STORE (WAYNESVILLE) x
1 PAPERTOWN COFFEE 2 ORCHARD COFFEE
63 N. Main St., Waynesville 828-452-2101 • mastgeneralstore.com
39 Depot St., Waynesville 828-246-9264 orchardcoffeeroasters.com
CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT
3 PANACEA COFFEE CO.
66 Commerce St., Waynesville 828-452-6200 • panaceacoffee.com
LOCAL BAR/BREWERY/ WATERING HOLE
1 BOOJUM BREWING CO.
50 N. Main St., Waynesville 828-944-0888 • boojumbrewing.com
2 BEARWATERS BREWING CO.
101 Park St., Canton 828-492-0220 4352 Soco Road, Maggie Valley 828-944-0009 • bearwatersbrewing.com
3 FROG LEVEL BREWING CO.
56 Commerce St., Waynesville 828-454-5664 • froglevelbrewing.com
MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
1 THE GEM BAR AT BOOJUM BREWING
112 Virginia Ave., Waynesville 828-452-2997 • folkmoot.org
LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS
1 LAKE JUNALUSKA x
91 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska 828-452-2881 • lakejunaluska.com
2 BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
828-670-1924 • blueridgeparkway.org
LOCAL CAUSE TO SUPPORT
1 REACH OF HAYWOOD COUNTY 828-456-7898 facebook.com/reachofhaywood
50 N. Main St., Waynesville 828-246-0350 • boojumbrewing.com
2 FROG LEVEL BREWING CO.
1 FOLKMOOT USA x
56 Commerce St., Waynesville 828-454-5664 • froglevelbrewing.com
1 SARGE’S ANIMAL RESCUE FOUNDATION
256B Industrial Park Drive, Waynesville 828-246-9050 • sarges.org
Going out tonight?
See what’s happening down the road IN PRINT AND ONLINE AT mountainx.com/calendar
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES
145
Small Towns
C O N T I N UE D
Sylva & Cullowhee
PHOTO COURTESY OF MAD BATTER KITCHEN
MAD BATTER KITCHEN
Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Your Town, Best Dinner Restaurant; second place (tie) Lunch Restaurant BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN
1 MAD BATTER KITCHEN
617 W. Main St., Sylva 828-586-3555 • madbatterkitchen.net
2 CITY LIGHTS BOOKSTORE
3 E. Jackson St., Sylva 828-586-9499 • citylightsnc.com
BREAKFAST RESTAURANT
1 LUCY IN THE RYE
612 W. Main St., Sylva 828-586-4601 • lucyintherye.com
LUNCH RESTAURANT
1 GUADALUPE CAFÉ
606 W. Main St., Sylva 828-586-9877 • guadalupecafe.com
2 CITY LIGHTS CAFÉ
3 E. Jackson St., Sylva 828-587-2233 • citylightscafe.com
2 MAD BATTER KITCHEN
617 W. Main St., Sylva 828-586-3555 • madbatterkitchen.net
DINNER RESTAURANT
1 MAD BATTER KITCHEN
617 W. Main St., Sylva 828-586-3555 • madbatterkitchen.net
2 ILDA
462 W. Main St., Sylva 828-307-2036 • ildainsylva.com
COFFEE & SWEETS
1 WHITE MOON CAFE
545 Mill St., Sylva 828-331-0111 • whitemoonnc.com
2 BAXLEY’S CHOCOLATES
628 W. Main St., Sylva 828-631-3379 • baxleyschocolates.com
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LOCAL BAR/BREWERY/ WATERING HOLE
1 INNOVATION BREWING x
414 W. Main St., Sylva 828-586-9678 40 Depot St., Dillsboro 828-226-0262 732 Centennial Drive, Cullowhee 828-882-3035 • innovation-brewing.com 2 LAZY HIKER BREWING CO. 617 W. Main St., Sylva 828-349-2337 • lazyhikerbrewing.com 3 BALSAM FALLS BREWING 506 W. Main St., Sylva 828-631-1987 • balsamfallsbrewing.com
MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
1 LAZY HIKER BREWING CO.
617 W. Main St., Sylva 828-349-2337 • lazyhikerbrewing.com
RETAIL STORE
1 CITY LIGHTS BOOKSTORE
3 E. Jackson St., Sylva 828-586-9499 • citylightsnc.com
CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT
1 GREENING UP THE MOUNTAINS West Main St., Sylva 828-554-1035 greeningupthemountains.com
LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS
1 CULLOWHEE GREENWAY (JACKSON COUNTY GREENWAY, TUCKASEGEE GREENWAY) 342 Old Cullowhee Road, Cullowhee 828-293-3053 • avl.mx/cv9
CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL LANDMARK
1 JACKSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
310 Keener St., Sylva 828-586-2016 • fontanalib.org/jackson
X Awards | Best Of WNC
2023/2024
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147