Mountain Xpress 08.07.13 (Best of WNC, Pt. 1)

Best Of WNC PART 1

2013 Jonas Gerard: Best Painter

FEATURING: Eats, Entertainment, Media, Kids, Pets, Outdoors, Farm & Garden and Small Towns

white duck taco shop

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BEST OF WNC

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What we do is hard work. The commitment our crew gives daily is nothing short of amazing.

Yo u r v o t e s a r e ones of confidence in what we are able to achieve.

Yo u r f a v o r i t e little Taco Shop now has 5 salaried and 25 staff members, a l l L i v i n g Wa g e Certified. With your support this Locally Owned and Operated organization is beginning a growth phase soon.

So thank you, AGAIN.

mountainx.com

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Part OnE EATS .........................6 ENTERTAINMENT ....26 MEDIA ......................38 KIDS .........................46 PETS .........................58 OUTDOORS ..............65 FARM & GARDEN ....70

SMALL TOWNS: waynesville & canton .....................76 hendersonville & Flat rocK ..................77 cullowhee & sylva ....78 Brevard ........................79

dEar COmmunitY...

COVEr art BY: Jonas Gerard, Best Painter

We celebrate you this year with the biggest project Xpress has ever undertaken. In view of all the brilliance surrounding us, we expanded our annual readers’ poll to better honor your abundant visions, passions and hard work. We present here the first half of Xpress readers’ picks for the Best Of WNC. Sincerely, the Xpress staff

BEst OF WnC is brought to you by the entire staff of Mountain Xpress. Special thanks to everyone who made it happen — especially our readers. we have taken great care to ensure the accuracy of the Best of wnc listings, but if you have corrections, questions or suggestions, email us at listings@mountainx.com or call 251-1333.

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Experience Asheville’s Fresh, Fine Mediterranean Fare...

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Asheville’s Original Craft Cocktails Rooftoop Dining Mediterranean Tapas from Five Regions

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29 Broadway St. Asheville NC (828) 575-9005 • www.SocialLoungeAsheville.com Voted

Best

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Italian Home Cooking Breads & Desserts Made Fresh Daily

2012 2013

Rooftop Lunch Tuesday - Sunday • Event Catering Weekend Brunch • Spaghetteria Sundays 27 Broadway St. Asheville NC | (828) 348-8448 | www.StradaAsheville.com mountainx.com

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BEST OF WNC

Eats

Favorite restaurant 1 Cúrate D A 11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com 2 The Admiral W 400 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-2541 • theadmiralnc.com 3 Nine Mile N A 233 Montford Ave., Asheville 505-3121 • ninemileasheville.com

BarBecue 1 12 Bones R S B 5 Riverside Drive, Asheville 253-4499 • 12bones.com 3578 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 687-1395 • 12bones.com

2 Luella's Bar-B-Que N A 501 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 505-7427 • luellasbbq.com

3 Moe's Original Bar B Que S 4 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 505-8282 • moesoriginalbbq.com 114 N. Main St., Hendersonville 595-9200 • moesoriginalbbq.com

Biscuits 1 Tupelo Honey Café D A 12 College St., Asheville 255-4863 • tupelohoneycafe.com

Tupelo Honey Café Southside S 1829 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 505-7676 • tupelohoneycafe.com

2 Sunny Point Café W H A Farm Burger: Best Burger, New Restaurant PHoto by MAx CooPeR

I

f you see a line in Asheville, odds are, it’s food-related.

The crowds confirm: Our restaurants are worth the wait. For proof, just take a look at 12 Bones (Best Barbecue), White Duck Taco (Best Cheap Lunch, Best Taco) or Sunny Point Café (Best Breakfast/Brunch).

Just as diners surge into Asheville eateries, the restaurants are expanding into new spaces. Between Best Of 2012 and Best Of 2013, Asheville food has taken new towns as smoothly as Lusty Monk Mustard (Best Local Food Product, second place) takes to bread from City Bakery (Best Bakery – Bread).

(Hint: Pretty smoothly — and delectably.)

Tupelo Honey Café (Best Biscuits) and Chai Pani (Best Indian, Second Place) have opened locations in Greenville, S.C., and Atlanta, respectively.

Of course, the unparalleled good taste of Asheville diners (and Best Of WNC voters) has helped Asheville brands suc6

BEST OF WNC

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ceed in town and beyond. And that same good taste has forged new friendships. This year, Asheville welcomes out-of-towners, such as Farm Burger (Best Burger), that have already become crowd favorites.

So what’s the outlook for Asheville food in the year ahead?

More of our favorite good things: Expect new projects from Cúrate (Favorite Restaurant, Innovative/Creative), Rosetta’s Kitchen (Best Late-Night), Nine Mile (Best Undiscovered Restaurant, Favorite Restaurant, Third Place) and more in the coming year.

So if you’re one of those intrepid Asheville diners waiting for a table outside your favorite restaurant, remember: You’re not standing in line. That serpentine group of people is more like a party train boogying on into the dining room. Hop aboard.

— Emily Patrick

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

3 Bojangles’ Various locations bojangles.com

icon Key N ORTH • SOUTH • E AST W EST • R iver ArTS D OWNTOWN P OuTlyiNg AreA B HAll Of fAme H gO lOCAl A APPAlACHiAN grOWN

FRIES Merci beaucoup!

N FOOD Thank you, Mountain Xpress voters!

Our wine glass runneth over! #3 #3 #3 #2 #1 #1

Outdoor Dining Restaurant Wine List Best Restaurateur Romantic Dining French Fries European Food

to our terrific teamÑ in the biz!

e boss is just #3)

Un trés grand merci to our terrific team – the best in the biz! (even though the boss is just #3)

FRENCH COMFORT FOOD

you walk through our doors 62 N. Lexington Ave. • Downtown

ashevillebouchon.com • creperiebouchon.com We’re winners every time you walk through our doors! mountainx.com

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Eats

continued

BreaKFast/Brunch 1 Sunny Point Café W H A B

3 Mellow Mushroom D

2 Five Guys Burgers & Fries S

2 The Admiral W

50 broadway St., Asheville 236-9800 • mellowmushroom.com

Gerber Village, 1838 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 277-3894 • fiveguys.com

400 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-2541 • theadmiralnc.com

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

2 Early Girl Eatery D A

charcuterie 1 Cúrate D A

8 Wall St., Asheville 259-9292 • earlygirleatery.com

11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

3 Over Easy Café D

2 Table/The Imperial Life D A

32 broadway St., Asheville 236-3533 • overeasyasheville.com

Burger 1 Farm Burger D A

48 College St., Asheville 254-8980 • tableasheville.com

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

3 Universal Joint W 784 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-7262 • ujasheville.com

Burrito

Various locations • mcdonalds.com

green/sustainaBilityFriendly restaurant 1 The Green Sage D S A

3 The Chop Shop Butchery D

5 broadway St., Asheville 252-4450 • thegreensage.net

100 Charlotte St., Asheville 505-3777 • chopshopbutchery.com

1800 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-4450

10 Patton Ave., Asheville 348-8540 • farmburger.net/asheville

2 Burgermeister's (Closed) W A 3 Juicy Lucy's Burger Bar & Grill S

3 McDonald’s

diner/home-style 1 HomeGrown D H A 371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com

2 Moose Café W 570 brevard Road, Asheville 255-0920 • eatatthemoosecafe.com

3 Early Girl Eatery D A 8 Wall St., Asheville 259-9292 • earlygirleatery.com

2 HomeGrown D H A 371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com

2 Plant D H A

3 Plant D H A 165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 258-7500 • plantisfood.com

Kid-Friendly 1 Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. N B 675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-1281 • ashevillebrewing.com

2 Mellow Mushroom D 50 broadway St., Asheville 236-9800 • mellowmushroom.com

3 Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. (downtown) D

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

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

3 Rosetta's Kitchen D H A

3 McDonald's

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

healthiest 1 Laughing Seed Café D A

Various locations, Asheville mcdonalds.com

late-night

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

1 Rosetta's Kitchen D H A B 116 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 232-0738 • rosettaskitchen.com

facebook.com/elkimchi

2 Plant D H A

2 Gypsy Queen Cuisine A

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

2 51 Grill & Pizzeria D

1341 Parkwood Road #106, Asheville 225-4101 • neoburrito.com 2 town Square blvd. Suite 120, Asheville 676-2500

3 The Lowdown S H

Food trucK

1 Mamacita’s D H A B 77-A Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-8080 • mamacitasgrill.com

1 El Kimchi

2 Neo Burrito W S A

280-6647 • gypsyqueencuisine.com

3 Urban Burrito N

707-6929 • thelowdownfoodtruck.com

French Fries

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

chain-operated 1 Carrabba's Italian Grill E S 10 buckstone Place, Asheville 281-2300 • carrabbas.com 332 Rockwood Road, Arden 654-8411

2 Bonefish Grill E

1 Bouchon D A 62 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 350-1140 • ashevillebouchon.com

BEST OF WNC

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

innovative/creative 1 Cúrate D A 11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

did you Know?

For best People-Watching restaurant, one voter replied, “trees.” We can only wonder: What’s on the menu up there?

105-C River Hills Road, Asheville 298-6530 • bonefishgrill.com

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3 Rosetta's Kitchen D H A

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51 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 258-1670 • 51grill.com

3 Storm Rhum Bar & Bistro D 125 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 505-8560 • stormasheville.com

local-Food emphasis 1 HomeGrown D H A 371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com 2 Early Girl Eatery D A 8 Wall St., Asheville 259-9292 • earlygirleatery.com

3 Sunny Point Café W H A 626 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com

TAVERN

Business lunch

DOWNTOWN ON THE PARK

1 Chestnut D A

Eclectic Menu • Over 30 Taps • Patio • 13 TV’s Sports Room • 110” Projector • Event Space Shuffleboard • Darts • Open 7 Days 11am - Late Night

48 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-2667 • chestnutasheville.com

LIVE MUSIC... NEVER A COVER

1 Mela Indian Restaurant D A 70 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 225-8880 • melaasheville.com

Thank you Asheville for showing us the love & voting us #1

1 Pack's Tavern D H 20 S. Spruce St., Asheville 225-6944 • packstavern.com

2 Table D A 48 College St., Asheville 254-8980 • tableasheville.com

3 Posana Café D A 1 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 505-3969 • posanacafe.com

• Business Lunch • Bar for an Office Party

cheap lunch 1 White Duck Taco Shop R 1 Roberts St., Asheville 258-1660 • whiteducktacoshop.com 2 Mamacita’s D H A 77-A Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-8080 • mamacitasgrill.com

3 Chai Pani D A

20 S. SPRUCE ST. • 225.6944 PACKSTAVERN.COM

22 battery Park Ave., Asheville 254-4003 • chaipani.net

most reliaBle lunch

12 Bones: Best Barbecue

1 White Duck Taco Shop R 1 Roberts St., Asheville 258-1660 • whiteducktacoshop.com

2 Mela D A 70 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 225-8880 • melaasheville.com

3 Mamacita’s D H A 77-A Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-8080 • mamacitasgrill.com

outdoor dining 1 Universal Joint W 784 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-7262 • ujasheville.com

2 Mellow Mushroom D

PHoto by MAx CooPeR

2 The Southern Kitchen & Bar D A

2 Marco's Pizzeria N S

41 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 251-1777 • southernkitchenandbar.com

946 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 285-0709 • marcos-pizzeria.com

3 Carmel's Kitchen & Bar D A

1854 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 277-0004

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

pizza 1 Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. N D S B 675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-1281 • ashevillebrewing.com

50 broadway St., Asheville 236-9800 • mellowmushroom.com

77 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-255-4077

3 Bouchon D A

1850 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-277-5775

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

3 White Duck Taco Shop R 1 Roberts St., Asheville 258-1660 • whiteducktacoshop.com

people-watching 1 Mellow Mushroom D 50 broadway St., Asheville 236-9800 • mellowmushroom.com

2 Lexington Avenue Brewery D A 39 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 252-0212 • lexavebrew.com

icon Key N ORTH • SOUTH • EAST W EST • R iver ArTS D OWNTOWN P OuTlyiNg AreA B HAll Of fAme H gO lOCAl A APPAlACHiAN grOWN

3 Circle in the Square D N

Thanks for 10 great years as best of WNC.

12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 225-5554 • circleinthesquarepizza.com 640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 225-5442

3 Mellow Mushroom D 50 broadway St., Asheville 236-9800 • mellowmushroom.com

place to eat alone 1 The Green Sage D S A 5 broadway St., Asheville 252-4450 • thegreensage.net 1800 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-4450 • thegreensage.net

2 Rosetta's Kitchen D H A 116 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 232-0738 • rosettaskitchen.com

3 Home puB gruB 1 Jack of the Wood D A B 95 Patton Ave., Asheville 252-5445 • jackofthewood.com mountainx.com

828.252.8220 37 Biltmore Ave www.DocCheysAsheville.com auGuSt 7 - auGuSt 13, 2013

BEST OF WNC

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THANK YOU, ASHEVILLE! For Voting Jim Barkley Toyota #1 New Car Dealer #1 Used Car Dealer Proud to be WNCs #1 best destination for a Business Lunch

If you are looking for a new or used car or pickup, come and see us and find out why we are #1!

Thank you for voting us #2Lunch. best New Restaurant Brunch.

Dinner.

Service Daily

JimBarkleyToyota.com Over 800 vehicles in stock Exit 33 at I-26 • (828) 667-8888 10

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Eats

continued

2 Universal Joint W

3 The Admiral W

784 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-7262 • ujasheville.com

400 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-2541 • theadmiralnc.com

3 Wicked Weed Brewing D 91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com

QuicK meal 1 Mamacita’s D H A 77-A Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-8080 • mamacitasgrill.com 2 White Duck Taco R 1 Roberts St., Asheville 258-1660 • whiteducktacoshop.com

3 Urban Burrito N 640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 251-1921 • urbanburrito.com

3 VegHeads Drive-Thru N 705 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 505-8540 • vegheadsdrivethru.com

restaurant to taKe out-oF-towners to 1 Tupelo Honey Café D A 12 College St., Asheville 255-4863 • tupelohoneycafe.com

Tupelo Honey Café Southside S 1829 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 505-7676 • tupelohoneycafe.com

2 Cúrate D A 11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

3 12 Bones R S 5 Riverside Drive, Asheville 253-4499 • 12bones.com 3578 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 687-1395

restaurant still needed in asheville 1 Ethiopian B 2 Chinese 3 Vietnamese new restaurant

(opened in the last 12 months)

1 Farm Burger D A

WASABI Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Brought to you B y the owners of IchIBan Japanese s teakhouse

THANKS WINNER! BEST ASHEVILLE!

JAPANESE RESTAURANT 2010

10 Patton Ave., Asheville 348-8540 • farmburger.net

1 Wicked Weed Brewing D 91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com

2 Chestnut D A

2011 2012

48 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-2667 • chestnutasheville.com

3 Seven Sows Bourbon & Larder D A 77-B Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-2592 • sevensows.com

2013

restaurant wine list 1 Zambra D A 85 Walnut St., Asheville 232-1060 • zambratapas.com

WINNER!

2 Cúrate D A 11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

3 Bouchon D A

BEST SUSHI 2005-2009

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

2011-2013 Open 7 days for Lunch & Dinner 19 B r oa d wa y • d o w n to w n • 2 2 5 - 2 5 5 1

Voted One Of The Best Japanese Restaurants Located near Biltmore Village in Biltmore station mountainx.com

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Eats

continued

romantic dining 1 Zambra D A B 85 Walnut St., Asheville 232-1060 • zambratapas.com

2 Bouchon D A 62 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 350-1140 • ashevillebouchon.com

3 Cúrate D A 11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

icon Key NORTH • SOUTH • EAST WEST • River ArTS DOWNTOWN P OuTlyiNg AreA B HAll Of fAme H gO lOCAl A APPAlACHiAN grOWN

3 Limones D A 13 eagle St., Asheville 252-2327 • limonesrestaurant.com

salad 1 Laughing Seed Café D A 40 Wall St., Asheville 252-3445 • laughingseed.jackofthewood.com 2 Apollo Flame Bistro S W 485 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-3582 • apolloflamebistro.net 1025 brevard Road, Asheville 665-0080 • apolloflamebistro.net

3 Nine Mile N A 233 Montford Ave., Asheville 505-3121 • ninemileasheville.com

3 Plant D H A 165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 258-7500 • plantisfood.com

seaFood 1 The Lobster Trap D A B 35 Patton Ave., Asheville 350-0505 • thelobstertrap.biz

2 Bonefish Grill E 105-C River Hills Road, Asheville 298-6530 • bonefishgrill.com

3 Red Lobster E 139 tunnel Road, Asheville 350-7773 • redlobster.com

service 1 Cúrate D A

3 The Admiral W 400 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-2541 • theadmiralnc.com

special diet options

(gluten-Free, lactose-Free, etc.)

1 Posana Café D A 1 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 505-3969 • posanacafe.com

2 Plant D H A 165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 258-7500 • plantisfood.com

3 Laughing Seed Café D A 40 Wall St., Asheville 252-3445 • laughingseed.jackofthewood.com

splurge restaurant 1 Cúrate D A 11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com 2 The Admiral W 400 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-2541 • theadmiralnc.com

3 Ruth's Chris Steak House S 26 All Souls Crescent, Asheville 398-6200 • ruths-chris.com/asheville

suB shop/deli/sandwiches 1 Jersey Mike's N S W E B

11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

674 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 255-5551 • jerseymikes.com

2 Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian N

1550 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-277-1514

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

3 Limones D A

1341 Parkwood Road, Asheville 828-271-4614

13 eagle St., Asheville 252-2327 • limonesrestaurant.com

104-A River Hills Road, Asheville 828-298-6453

chain gang this year, Xpress added best Chain-operated restaurant to the ballot. “Why not?” we thought. Hundreds voted a clear winner (Carrabba’s), and hundreds more voted for their multi-location faves. but this is Asheville, where everyone has an opinion. Some conveyed their dismay that such a category even existed. “Who eats at chain restaurants in Asheville,” wrote one voter. “No thank you! Local all the way!” responded another. the simple word “none” carried dozens of votes. Welcome to WNC. 12

BEST OF WNC

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mountainx.com

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Eats

continued 1 Stonebowl Korean S 1987 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 676-2172

2 Magnolia Ray N 72 Weaverville Highway, Asheville 258-5228 • magnoliaray.com

2 The Local Joint E P 1185-b Charlotte Highway, Fairview 338-0469 • avl.mx/w2

3 Tacos Jalisco W 1328 Patton Ave., Asheville 225-3889

mexican 1 Papas and Beer E W S B 17 tunnel Road, Asheville 255-2204 1000 brevard Road, Asheville 665-9070 1821 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville 692-9915

2 El Que Pasa W 891 Patton Ave., Asheville 255-2227

2 Mamacita’s D H A White Duck Taco Shop: Best Cheap Lunch, Most Reliable Lunch, Best Taco PHoto by ALySSA bARNeS

2 Subway D Various locations, Asheville 299-8999 • subway.com

3 Asheville Sandwich Co. W 202 State St., Asheville 252-0110 • ashevillesandwichco.com

taco 1 White Duck Taco Shop R

1000 brevard Road, Asheville 665-9070 1821 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville 692-9915

17 tunnel Road, Asheville 255-2204

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BEST OF WNC

48 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 236-3839 • orientalpavilion.com

3 Ole’s Guacamoles E P 401 e. State St., black Mountain 669-0550 • olesguacamoles.com

latin american (not mexican)

3 12 Bones R S

1 Salsa’s D A

3 Mamacita’s D H A

5 Riverside Drive, Asheville 253-4499 • 12bones.com

6 Patton Ave., Asheville 252-9805 • salsas-asheville.com

77-A Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-8080 • mamacitasgrill.com

3578 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 687-1395

2 Chorizo D A

taKe-out

1 Roberts St., Asheville 258-1660 • whiteducktacoshop.com

2 Papas and Beer E W S

2 Oriental Pavilion W

77-A Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-8080 • mamacitasgrill.com

1 Doc Chey's Noodle House D 37 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 252-8220 • doccheysasheville.com

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undiscovered restaurant 1 Nine Mile N A 233 Montford Ave., Asheville 505-3121 • ninemileasheville.com

Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 139, Asheville 350-1332 • grovearcade.com/ shopping-dining/chorizo

3 Limones D A 13 eagle St., Asheville 252-2327 • limonesrestaurant.com

OVER 200 BEERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

THANK YOU WNC! FOR VOTING BIER GARDEN

#1 BARTENDER JACKSON ZOELLER #2 SPORTS BAR

Come in and meet Jackson and enjoy all the big screen tvs and great sports packages.

(828) 285-0002

46 Haywood St. • Downtown Asheville www.ashevillebiergarden.com mountainx.com

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BEST OF WNC

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Eats

continued Best value 1 Papas and Beer E W S 17 tunnel Road, Asheville 255-2204

1 Mela D A B 70 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 225-8880 • melaasheville.com

1000 brevard Road, Asheville 665-9070

2 Chai Pani D A

1821 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville 692-9915

2 Doc Chey’s Noodle House D 37 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 252-8220 • doccheysasheville.com

2 White Duck Taco R 1 Roberts St., Asheville 258-1660 • whiteducktacoshop.com

3 Mamacita’s D H A 77-A Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-8080 • mamacitasgrill.com

vegetarian 1 Laughing Seed Café D A B 40 Wall St., Asheville 252-3445 • laughingseed.jackofthewood.com

2 Plant D H A

Laughing Seed Café: Healthiest, Best Salad, Vegetarian

16

BEST OF WNC

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PHoto by MAx CooPeR

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indian

22 battery Park Ave., Asheville 254-4003 • chaipani.net

3 India Garden Restaurant E 80 S. tunnel Road, Asheville 298-5001 • indiagardenasheville.com

Japanese 1 Wasabi D B 19 broadway St., Asheville 225-2551 • wasabiasheville.com

2 Heiwa Shokudo D 87 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 254-7761 • heiwashokudo.com

3 Ichiban S 2 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 252-7885 • ichibanasheville.com

sushi

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

1 Wasabi D 19 broadway St., Asheville 225-2551 • wasabiasheville.com

3 Rosetta’s Kitchen D H A

2 Green Tea Sushi W

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

2 Regent Park blvd., Asheville 252-8300 • greenteasushi.com

WOW!

Thanks to all of you for your amazing support, and for voting us one of the best!

202 State St. West Asheville

Thanks again Asheville & Western North Carolina...

We couldn’t have done it without YOU!

Best BBQ in WNC 2006 • 2007 • 2008 2009 • 2010 • 2011 2012 and 2013!

252-0110 ashevillesandwichco.com

Asheville Location 5 Riverside Drive in the River Arts District Mon-Fri 11am-4pm 253-4499

mountainx.com

Arden Location 3578 Sweeten Creek Rd. Near BB Barns Nursery Tues-Sat 11am-4pm Carry Out Till 6pm 687-1395

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BEST OF WNC

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Eats

continued

APOLLO FLAME - Hall of Fame Winner Voted best greek restaurant sixteen straight years!

Thank You

Please accept our appreciation & sincere thanks for letting us serve you for the past 26 years. Sometimes in the rush of business we fail to say “Thanks” loud enough. But be sure your patronage is never taken for granted, our aim is to Please & Satisfy you. “To Serve You Is A Real Privilege.”

Thanks, John & Susan Poulos

-and

-

# 2 S alad

Doc Chey’s: Best Take-Out and Other Asian PHoto by MAx CooPeR

2 Zen Sushi N

2 Stonebowl Korean S

640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 205, Asheville 225-6033 • zen-sushi-asheville.com

1987 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 676-2172

3 Heiwa Shokudo D

3 Pho ‘R’ Us S P

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

thai 1 Suwana's Thai Orchid D 11 broadway St., Asheville 281-8151 • suwanasthaiorchid.com

2 Thai Basil E P 227 W. State St., black Mountain 664-4322

3 Noi's Thai Kitchen N 535 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 251-1960

Best Quality, Best Prices, Best Food, Best Service

HOURS: 10:30 AM - 10 PM MONDAY THRU SATURDAY 1025 Brevard Rd 485 Hendersonville Rd In the Forrest Edge Shopping Ctr

274-3582

In the Centre At Biltmore Square

665-0080

chinese 1 Oriental Pavilion W 48 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 236-3839 • orientalpavilion.com

2 Asiana Grand Buffet S

BEST OF WNC

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italian 1 Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian N 641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-1077 • vinniesitalian.com

2 Nona Mia Italian Kitchen W 1050 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-2028 • nonamiaasheville.com

3 Strada D A 27 broadway St., Asheville 348-8448 • stradaasheville.com

greeK 1 Apollo Flame Bistro S W B 485 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-3582 • apolloflamebistro.net

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

1025 brevard Road, Asheville 665-0080

3 Doc Chey's Noodle House D

2 Pomodoros E S H

37 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 252-8220 • doccheysasheville.com

other asian

18

1950 Hendersonville Road, Suite 12, Asheville 676-2311 • pho-r-us.com

1070 tunnel Road, Asheville 299-3032 • pomodoroscafe.com 75 Long Shoals Road, Asheville 828-687-3884

1 Doc Chey's Noodle House D

3 Stoney Knob Café N P

37 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 252-8220 • doccheysasheville.com

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

Mountain Express 2013 Best of WNC Readers Poll Weaverville and Woodfin

Blue Mountain Pizza and Brew Pub

First Place • Best Restaurant • Business that gives back to the Community • Local Hero, our owner Matt

Second Place • Saturday Night Hangout • Neighborhood Gathering Spot • Bar • Local Colorful Character, our owner Matt

Thank you to the best staff around who work hard every day to make it happen Chris, Mike, Daniel, Kevin, Sam, Allyson, Danielle, Sammi, David, Randy, Adrienne, Lindsey, Ashley, Howard, Russell, Stephen, Michael, Nicole, Brandon H., Tim, Josh, Brandon G., Ian, and Brandon F To our customers who over the years have become our friends And to the Weaverville community who have embraced us Your support and recognition is appreciated more than you will ever know

Blue Mountain Pizza and Brew Pub • Extensive menu, Fresh local ingredients Live music every night from 7-9 • 55 N Main St downtown Weaverville or on the web at http://bluemountainpizza.com • Tuesday-Sunday 11am to 9pm with extended hours Friday and Saturday until 10pm • 828.658.8778 mountainx.com

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Eats

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THANK YOU

ASHEVILLE

VOTED #1 BURGER VOTED BEST NEW

RESTAURANT

100% GRASSFED www.farmburger.net 828.348.8540 • 10 patton ave • asheville, nc 28801

20

BEST OF WNC

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The Green Sage: Best Green/SustainabilityFriendly Restaurant, Place To Eat Alone PHoto by ALySSA bARNeS

european

(other than italian/greeK)

1 Bouchon D A 62 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 350-1140 • ashevillebouchon.com

2 Cúrate D A

The Hop West W 721 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-5155

2 Ultimate Ice Cream E D A 1070 tunnel Road, Asheville 296-1234 • ultimateicecreamasheville.com

11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

195 Charlotte St., Asheville 258-1515

3 Black Forest S P

3 Marble Slab D

2155 Hendersonville Road, Arden 687-7980 • blackforestasheville.com

14 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 225-5579 • marbleslab.com

ice cream 1 The Hop Ice Cream Café N H A 640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 103, Asheville 254-2224 • thehopicecreamcafe.com

texas-style In the top Chef category, Food Network star bobby Flay carried a vote.

Frozen yogurt/custard 1 YoLo Frozen Yogurt N 505 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 255-4515 • yolofroyo.com

2 TCBY W 5 Westgate Parkway and other locations, Asheville 225-5111 • tcby.com/westgate

3 Yaya's Frozen Yogurt S 27 Schenck Parkway, Suite 130, Asheville 676-2336 • yayasyogurt.com

chocolate 1 French Broad Chocolate Lounge D H A 10 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 252-4181 • frenchbroadchocolates.com

2 The Chocolate Fetish D A 36 Haywood St., Asheville 258-2353 • chocolatefetish.com

3 Kilwins D S PE P 26 battery Park Ave. and other locations, Asheville 252-2639 • kilwins.com/asheville

2 West End Bakery W H A 757 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-9378 • westendbakery.com

3 Dough D A 372 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 575-9444 • doughasheville.com

BaKery (savory) 1 City Bakery D W PA B 60 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 252-4426 • citybakery.net

506 N. Main St., Hendersonville 698-9794 • kilwins.com/hendersonville

18 N. Main St., Waynesville 452-3881

116 W. State St., black Mountain 669-6119 • kilwins.com/blackmountain

2 West End Bakery W H A

BaKery (Bread) 1 City Bakery D W PA B 60 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 252-4426 • citybakery.net 88 Charlotte St., Asheville 254-4289 • citybakery.net 18 N. Main St., Waynesville 452-3881 • citybakery.net

THANKS ASHEVILLE FOR VOTING PLANT

88 Charlotte St., Asheville 254-4289

“BEST OF”

IN 7 CATEGORIES!

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

3 Well-Bred Bakery & Café N P 26 N. Main St., Weaverville 645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com

BaKery

(sweets/desserts)

2 Farm & Sparrow W P A

1 French Broad Chocolate Lounge D H A

(wholesale and tailgate markets), Candler 633-0584 • farmandsparrow.com

10 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 252-4181 • frenchbroadchocolates.com

Thanks to Mountain Xpress readers for voting us the BEST IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA !

ASHEVILLE • 10 Buckstone Place • (704) 281-2300

Photo by Vickie Burick

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

ENJOY A TASTE OF TONIGHT

mountainx.com

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Eats

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Cúrate: Favorite Restaurant, Best Charcuterie, Innovative/ Creative, Service, Top Chef and Splurge Restaurant PHoto by MAx CooPeR

2 Well-Bred Bakery & Café N P 26 N. Main St., Weaverville 645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com

3 City Bakery D W P A 60 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 252-4426 • citybakery.net 88 Charlotte St., Asheville 254-4289 18 N. Main St., Waynesville 452-3881

3 West End Bakery W H A 757 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-9378 • westendbakery.com

Bagel 1 Bruegger's Bagels N S 671 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-1560 • brueggers.com 160 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 277-1070 • brueggers.com

2 City Bakery D W PA 60 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 252-4426 • citybakery.net 88 Charlotte St., Asheville 254-4289 • citybakery.net 18 N. Main St., Waynesville 452-3881 • citybakery.net

3 Joey's New York Bagels S P 1500 Haywood Road, Hendersonville 692-1220 • joeysnybagels.com 22

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top cheF 1 Katie Button, Cúrate D A 11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

2 Jason Sellers, Plant D H A 165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 258-7500 • plantisfood.com

3 Elliott Moss, Ben’s Tune-Up D A 195 Hilliard Ave., Asheville 424-7580 • benstuneup.com

Best restaurateur 1 Hector Diaz, Salsa’s D A 6 Patton Ave., Asheville 252-9805 • salsas-asheville.com

2 Eric Scheffer, Vinnie’s Italian N 641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-1077 • vinniesitalian.com

2 Katie Button, Cúrate D A 11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

3 Michel Baudouin, Bouchon D A 62 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 350-1140 • ashevillebouchon.com

Food event 1 Blind Pig Supper Club blindpigofasheville.com

feel more at home on the range Thank you for voting Hector #1 Restaurateur.

We want to thank the farms that bring us food and make HomeGrown...

Kendall at Whispersholler Matt & Liza at Leaning Willow Farm Erica at The Farm at Hidden River Zeke at Long Valley Organics Ricky Ramsey for all those Maters!

Taylor & the Dirty Boys at Old Ground Farm Claui & Justin at Wool Branch Bruce & Karen at Yellow Branch Farm That guy that brings us ramps ... and, so many more!!! Apple Brandy, Hickory Nut Gap, Sunburst....

Looking to sharpen your culinary skills?

Sign up for one of our cooking classes. doughasheville.com/class-schedule

A big thank you to the Amazing staff at HomeGrown Y’ALL ROCK!, to Lisa (& David!), to God, Goddess & Jah...

X

But, they’re starting to play the music, so I guess we have to go...

Oh! Thanks, MOM! We love you!!!!!

A huge thanks to all our friends and partners who helped make our first year such a great success.

3 7 1 M e r r i m o n Av e .

slowfoodrightquick.com b r e A k fA s t , l u n c h & d i n n e r Dough-MtXpress-BestOfAds.indd 1

7/25/13 10:22 AM

mountainx.com

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Thanks for your votes WNC!

Eats

continued

Monday-Friday 7:30am-6:00pm Saturday & Sunday 8:00am-3:00pm

757 Haywood Road • West Asheville 828-252-9378 • www.WestEndBakery.com

Buchi: Best Local Food/Drink Product PHoto by MAx CooPeR

2 Asheville Food & Wine Festival D 33 Patton Ave., Asheville 210-5035 • ashevillewineandfood.com

3 A Taste of Asheville (A bele Chere event)

www.frenchbroadchocolates.com

cheesemaKer/cheese dairy 1 Three Graces Dairy N P A

chocolate lounge

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

2 Spinning Spider Creamery N P 4717 e. Fork Road, Marshall 206-5509 • spinningspidercreamery.com

3 Looking Glass Creamery E P H A

best chocolate 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 , 2013

and

best sweet bakery! artisan chocolates & desserts 10 s. lexington ave., downtown asheville 828.252.4181 sun-thur 11 am-11 pm, fri-sat 11 am-midnight 24

BEST OF WNC

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57 Noble Road, Fairview 458-0088 • ashevillecheese.com

caterer 1 Laurey's Café and Catering D A B 67 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 252-1500 • laureysyum.com

2 The Red Radish E P A 107 black Mountain Ave., black Mountain 669-5100 • redradish.com

3 Colorful Palate A 684-7470 • colorfulpalate.com

local Food/drinK product 1 Buchi D P.O. Box 1743, Asheville 28802 484-8229 • drinkbuchi.com

2 Highland Brewing Co. S H 12 old Charlotte Highway, Suite H, Asheville 299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

2 Lusty Monk Mustard N 29 Canoe Lane, Asheville 645-5056 • lustymonk.com

3 Roots Organic Gourmet D A 166 W. Haywood St., Asheville 232-2828 • rootsfood.com

culinary school or classes 1 A-B Tech D 340 Victoria Road, Asheville 254-1921 • abtech.edu 2 Dough D A 372 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 575-9444 • doughasheville.com

3 Ma Belle France N 1457 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 505-4379 • mabellefrance.com

Food dreams In response to Restaurant Still Needed, best of voters suggested Asheville expansions of balthazar, the French Laundry and Atlanta Fish Market. they longed for food from afar, including trinidadian roti (flat bread, sometimes stuffed with savory curries), Sri Lankan cuisine and a poutinerie (serving Canadian-style fries topped with gravy and cheese curds). one voter even hoped for a “topless buffet.”

Papas & Beer

freshest authentic

Serving the and most Thai cuisine in Downtown Asheville

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

BREVARD ROAD The first Papas & Beer in Asheville and still the best!

11 Broadway • Asheville • 828-281-8151

www.suwanathaiorchid.com

M-F 11:30-3 & 5-10 Sat Noon-10 | Sun Noon-9

1 Mexican Restaurant #1 Best Value #2 Taco #

Thank you Asheville!

Lunch & Dinner All ABC Permits Kmart Center

(Next to Biltmore Square Mall)

665-9070 mountainx.com

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BEST OF WNC

Enter tainment

music Festival 1 Lake Eden Arts Festival E P black Mountain 686-8742 • theleaf.org

2 Bele Chere D Downtown Asheville 259-5800 • belecherefestival.com

3 MoogFest D Downtown Ashevlle moogfest.com

Festival to camp out at 1 Lake Eden Arts Festival E P black Mountain 686-8742 • theleaf.org

2 French Broad River Festival N P Hot Springs frenchbroadriverfestival.com

3 Transformus transformus.com

KaraoKe night 1 Broadway's D 120 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 285-0400 • avl.mx/we 2 The Double Crown W 375 Haywood Road, Asheville 575-9060 • thedoublecrown.com

3 City Billiards D 124 College St., Asheville 575-2266 • citybilliardsavl.com

LaZoom: Best Comedy Troupe, Comedy Series/Event

place to hear live music 1 The Orange Peel D B 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 225-5851 • theorangepeel.net

2 The Grey Eagle R 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville 232-5800 • thegreyeagle.com

3 Isis Restaurant & Music Hall W 743 Haywood Road, Asheville 575-2737 • isisasheville.com

recording studio 1 Echo Mountain D B 14 N. French broad Ave., Asheville 232-4314 • echomountain.net 26

BEST OF WNC

W

NC is serious (and sometimes, according to this poll, downright Sirius) about entertainment. Often a mere three places weren’t enough to contain the local love for music, festivals, venues, comedians, theater, film, dance, trivia and drag nights. The 20 band categories alone turned up nine ties.

And there were a number of multiple wins in the section, with LEAF taking Best Local Music Festival and Best Music Festival at Which to Camp; Amanda Ann Platt and her band, The Honeycutters, together racked up the votes in the Singer/ Songwriter, Acoustic/Folk, Americana/Country and favorite All-Around Band categories; Sirius.B also placed a number of times, in favorite All-Around Band, World, Acoustic/Folk and Rock (there are few places in the world, beyond Asheville,

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PHoto by MAx CooPeR

where you can be both a rock star and a folkie). Big Nasty was named Best Jazz Outfit and Best Busker (upsetting long-time busk winner Silver Drummer Girl).

Trivia nights resulted in a tie too. And some passionate voting: “Anywhere where Bill was,” one fan said of Buffalo Wild Wings’ team trivia event.

But you, WNC, so adore the arts that you were willing to give shout-outs not only to the usual suspects, but to the lesser known, little known and completely off-the-radar (though no less deserving of mention): We, too, would love to see the “Hellbilly Hootenanny put on by the bootleggers” gets its due in the coming year. And as for “dude with the trumpet and the speakers,” here’s hoping he continues to play your tune. — Alli Marshall

Thank you for VOTING Kam

ParKer #1 Physical Trainer in WNC!

Join us for Kam’s seminar

Secrets To A Flat Belly

after

and learn why she’s #1 August 20th, 6:30 pm at The Fire Personal Training Studio This one hour seminar will reveal, The Fire Method, the best of Kam’s 26 years of personal training experience.

Stop struggling, wishing, hoping for a body transformation.

Get empowered and inspired as Kam shares the domino effect of healing your metabolism, shifting your mindset, increasing your energy, and loving your life!

FeeL The Fire Within IGNITe Inner Motivation rELEASE Guilt eMBRACE Success Kam ParKer Co-owner, Head Trainer

All Fitness Levels and Seniors Encouraged to Succeed!

before

Call 828-505-7080 Today!

736-C Tunnel Road, Asheville • www.HaveFunBurnFat.com

sa Vanes k s a Come y Kam wh ! is #1

www.unca.edu/gswp • 828.251.6099

Thank you for two Best of WNC Awards: Creative Writing Program, First Place and

Creative Writing Instructor Tommy Hays, First Place mountainx.com

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$5 Off

2-Topping Large Pie at downtown location, 1 Per Customer.

Serving you since 2004

Big Thanks to all our customers for voting us 3rd BEST PIZZA in WNC! New York Pizza & Signature Sandwiches Slices & Whole Pies • Featuring Boar’s Head Meats & Cheeses Homemade Italian specialties • Delivery Catering for parties & functions at restaurant or other venue 12 Biltmore Avenue Asheville 28801 • 225-5552 • 225-5554

#1 RESTAURANT SWANNANOA/BLACK MOUNTAIN

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Pan Harmonia Experience Local Authentic - World-Class Chamber Music Season 14 Highlights Chansons for flute and piano • Baroque Vibes • Stravinsky Octet • Brahms String Sextet • G e n e r a t i o N e x t • E L E G Y, H o l o c a u s t R e m e m b ra n c e • Shining Light Project, bringing beauty to underserved people J S B a c h B ra n d e n b u rg 5 • M u s i c o f Ko d a l y, P ro ko fi e v, Mendelssohn, Mozart

and MUCH more…

Kate Steinbeck Artistic Director www.Pan-Harmonia.org • 828.254.7123

where sounds of the world meet and

Sirius.B: Best Rock, Acoustic/Folk, All-Around Band

embrace

PHoto by MAx CooPeR

2 Collapseable Recording Studio W

2 The Grey Eagle R

3 Sanctum Sully

503 Haywood Road, Asheville 275-3709 • collapseablestudios.com

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

sanctumsully.com

3 Sound Temple Studios

3 Isis Restaurant & Music Hall W

Asheville • 633-2149 • soundtemplestudios.com

outdoor music venue

743 Haywood Road, Asheville 575-2737 • isisasheville.com

r&B/Blues

1 Pisgah Brewing Co. E P 150 eastside Drive, black Mountain 669-0190 • pisgahbrewing.com

2 Biltmore Estate S 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com

3 Highland Brewing Co. S H 12 old Charlotte Highway, Suite H, Asheville 299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

listening room

2 The Grey Eagle R

reverbnation.com/peggyratusz

2 Jeff Thompson

2 Lyric

jeffthompsonmusic.com

reverbnation.com/lyricfans

3 Underhill Rose

3 Kat Williams katwilliamsmusic.com

3 The Secret B-Sides thesecretb-sides.com

rocK 1 Sirius.B siriusbmusic.com

2 The Critters

3 Isis Restaurant & Music Hall W

3 Floating Action

venue that treats musicians the Best 1 The Orange Peel D 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 225-5851 • theorangepeel.net

1 The Honeycutters thehoneycutters.com

185 Clingman Ave., Asheville 232-5800 • thegreyeagle.com 743 Haywood Road, Asheville 575-2737 • isisasheville.com

1 Sirius.B siriusbmusic.com

1 Peggy Ratusz

1 The Altamont Theatre D 18 Church St., Asheville 348-5327 • thealtamont.com

acoustic/FolK

thecrittersmusic.com

underhillrose.com

americana/country 1 The Honeycutters thehoneycutters.com

2 Southbound Turnaround reverbnation.com/southboundturnaroundband

3 Underhill Rose underhillrose.com

Jazz

floatingaction.com

old-time/Bluegrass 1 Steep Canyon Rangers

1 Big Nasty Jazz Band bignastyjazz.bandcamp.com

steepcanyon.com

2 Firecracker Jazz Band

2 Balsam Range

firecrackerjazz.com

balsamrange.com

3 Hard Bop Explosion mountainx.com

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EntErtainmEnt

continued

BEST OF WNC is also online

BESTOFWNC.COM electronic 1 RBTS WIN Onca & Loredana

rbtswin.com

Serena Nox

2 Paper Tiger papertigermusic.com

3 Marley Carroll avl.mx/wn

3 Sonmi sonmiband.com

pop 1 stephaniesid stephaniesid.com Asheville’s Most Diverse Nightclub, Club Hairspray has been at the heart of downtown Asheville’s nightlife scene for 20 years. Home to Asheville’s hottest Drag Shows and dance parties. Check out Queens and Kings from our talented cast of A-list, plus awesome DJ’s.

The club features a full liquor bar, local and craft beers on tap, plus drink specials.

Open Tue - Sat 8pm - 2:30am • Sun 4pm - Midnight 38. N French Broad Ave Located above Metrosphere, Asheville, NC

2 Floating Action floatingaction.com

2 Lyric reverbnation.com/lyricfans

3 Kovacs and the Polar Bear facebook.com/kovacsandthepolarbearband

3 The Critters facebook.com/theCritters

metal

Winners!

Thank you for making WNC the best.

1 Kings Of Prussia B facebook.com/kingsofprussia

2 Shadow of the Destroyer reverbnation.com/shadowofthedestroyer

3 Ogre Throne avl.mx/us

3 Telic telicnc.com

hip-hop 1 Free Radio freeradio4all.com

2 Crazyhorse & Colston crazyhorseandcolston.com

3 Chachillie chachillie.com

Peggy Ratusz: Best R&B, Blues

we’re not perFect We have taken great care to ensure the accuracy of the best of WNC listings, but if you have corrections, questions or suggestions, email us at: listings@mountainx.com or call 251-1333.

30

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did you Know?

Favorite punk band third-place winner Just Die! has announced that Saturday, Sept. 28, will be its last show. Attend the last rites at the odditorium.

mountainx.com

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Asheville’s LOCAL Headshop

• • •

EntErtainmEnt

continued

Local Glass Local Art Local Fashion 426 Haywood Rd West Asheville 828-254-3332

w w w. t h e c i r c l e a s h e v i l l e . c o m Artwork by Hillary Frye

Orange Peel: Best Place To Hear Live Music, Venue That Treats Musicians The Best PHoto by MAx CooPeR

soul 1 The Secret B-Sides thesecretb-sides.com

2 Lyric reverbnation.com/lyricfans

3 The Business

Authentic Chinese Cuisine Dine in & Take Out

thebusinessmusic.com

3 WestSound

We Deliver!

48 Westgate Parkway, Asheville, NC 28806

Westgate Pkwy

www.orientalpavilion.com

rt

so Re Dr

ton Pat

32

BEST OF WNC

Ave

Jam/progressive

HOURS: Exit 3B

Sunday-Thursday: 11:00AM-10:00PM Friday & Saturday: 11:00AM-10:30PM

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2 Chalwa chalwaroots.com

3 Dub Cartel reverbnation.com/DubCartel2011

beStofwnc.com

world 1 Free Planet Radio

1 Makayan

freeplanetradio.com

reverbnation.com/makayan

2 Toubab Krewe

2 Brushfire Stankgrass stankgrass.com

2 Phuncle Sam phunclesam.com

3 Toubab Krewe toubabkrewe.com

Tel: (828) 236.3839 Fax: (828) 251. 1632

240

1 Common Foundation facebook.com/commonfoundation

westsoundproductions.net

Thank you for voTing #1 Chinese resTauranT!

Westgate Shopping Center

reggae

toubabkrewe.com

3 Sirius.B siriusbmusic.com

3 Zansa zansamusic.com

drone

punK 1 Pleasures of the Ultraviolent

1 Soft Opening

avl.mx/ur

avl.mx/wk

2 Zombie Queen

2 Villages

facebook.com/ZombieQueenAsheville

soundcloud.com/villages

3 Just Die!

3 Knives and Daggers

justdiehardcore.bandcamp.com

knivesanddaggers.com

Favorite all-around Band 1 Sirius.B

local FilmmaKer 1 Chris Bower

siriusbmusic.com

themap.org/chrisbower

2 Floating Action

2 Paul Bonesteel D

floatingaction.com

3 The Honeycutters thehoneycutters.com

161 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 236-0300 • bonesteelfilms.com

3 Katie Damien 335-9547 • katiedamien.com

classical ensemBle

3 Paul Schattel

1 Asheville Symphony Orchestra D

3 Rod Murphy W

thomas Wolfe Auditorium, 87 Haywood St., Asheville 254-7406 • ashevillesymphony.org

2 Pan Harmonia N P.O. Box 18342, Asheville 28814 254-7123 • pan-harmonia.org

3 Opal String Quartet facebook.com/opalstringquartet

local singer/songwriter 1 Aaron LaFalce aaronlafalce.com

2 Jeff Thompson jeffthompsonmusic.com

3 Amanda Platt thehoneycutters.com

local BusKer/street perFormer

harrowbeauty.com 775 Haywood Road, Asheville 423-0703 • industriousproductions.com

locally made Film 1 The Hunger Games, directed by Gary Ross thehungergamesmovie.com

2 We Won't Bow Down, directed by Chris Bower wewontbowdown.com

3 If I Had Wings To Fly, directed by Bruno Seraphin and Harrison Topp kazoofilms.org/if-i-had-wings-to-fly

3 Present, directed by Joe Chang ithappenedonehalloween.com

theater company 1 NC Stage Company D H 15 Stage Lane, Asheville 239-0263 • ncstage.org

2 Asheville Community Theatre D

1 Big Nasty

35 e. Walnut St., Asheville 254-1320 • ashevilletheatre.org

facebook.com/bignastyjazz

3 Montford Park Players D

2 Silver Drummer Girl D

Asheville 254-5146 • montfordparkplayers.org

P.O. Box 861, Asheville 28802 216-4476 • silverdrummergirl.com

3 Lyric reverbnation.com/lyricfans

movie theater 1 Fine Arts Theatre D H B 36 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 232-1536 • fineartstheatre.com

2 Carolina Cinemas S 1640 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-9500 • carolinacinemas.com

3 Regal Biltmore Grande S 292 thetford St., Asheville 684-4380 • avl.mx/vp

trivia night 1 Kipper's Totally Rad Trivia Night at Broadway’s D 120 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 285-0400 • kipperstrivia.com

2 Quizzo at Jack of the Wood D A 95 Patton Ave., Asheville 252-5445 • jackofthewood.com

3 Dr. Brown's Team Trivia at Barley's Taproom D 42 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-0504 • barleystaproom.com/asheville

3 Westville Pub W A 777 Haywood Road, Asheville 225-9782 • westvillepub.com

did you Know?

WNC apparently can’t get enough of Daniel Day Lewis in buckskins: though he most recently portrayed Abraham Lincoln, 1992’s Last of the Mohicans still received votes for best Locally Made Film. mountainx.com

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EntErtainmEnt

continued 2 Feral Chihuahuas

actor (male or Female)

feralchihuahuas.com

1 Scott Treadway, NC Stage Company D

3 LYLAS

15 Stage Lane, Asheville 239-0263 • ncstage.org

3 Reasonably Priced Babies

lylas.org avl.mx/wl

2 Charlie Flynn-McIver, NC Stage Company D

comedy series/event

15 Stage Lane, Asheville 239-0263 • ncstage.org

1 LaZoom Tours D H 14 battery Park Ave., Asheville 225-6932 • lazoomtours.com

3 Michael MacCauley, NC Stage Company D 15 Stage Lane, Asheville 239-0263 • ncstage.org

2 Laugh Your Asheville Off laughyourashevilleoff.com

3 Tracey Johnston-Crum

3 Disclaimer Stand-up D

comedian

disclaimercomedy.com

3 Slice of Life Comedy D

1 Pat Hinson

280-4314 • facebook.com/SliceofLifeComedy

soundcloud.com/pat-fudgin-hinson

2 Kelly Rowland

Thanks for voting us the BEST!

www.ashevillesymphony.org

Back to School...

35 th A 1 nn 97

ive

920 14

drag night

iamavl.com/tag/kelly-rowland

1 Scandals Nightclub D

2 Minori Hinds 3 Tom Chalmers

11 Grove St., Asheville 505-1612 • scandalsnightclub.net

https://www.facebook.com/tom.chalmers.37

2 Club Hairspray D H 38 N. French broad Ave., Asheville 258-2027 • clubhairspray.com

comedy troupe 1 LaZoom Tours D H

3 O.Henry’s D

14 battery Park Ave., Asheville 225-6932 • lazoomtours.com

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

who Knew?

rsa

ry

“your dad’s house” only received one vote in best Drag Night. our dad is already ramping up his performance of “It’s Raining Men” for next year’s best of.

BACK TO DANCING! fine food and live music

Now accepting new students for all classes

Fall dance begins August 19!

Join us! centerstage1 @DanceCtrStage 34

BEST OF WNC

auGuSt 7 - auGuSt 13, 2013

For more information visit

www.CenterStage1.com (828) 654-7010 38 L Rosscraggon Rd. • Asheville, NC beStofwnc.com

Concerts featuring a wide range of musical genres –Singer-Songwriter, Folk, Rock, Indiepop–

Jazz Every Sunday

•

Bluegrass every Tuesday

Tuesday-Sunday 5pm-Midnight, Saturday & Sunday Brunch 10-2pm

(828) 575-2737

•

ISISasheville.com

THANKS FOR VOTING US #1!

NC Stage is proud to produce theatre of the highest quality right in the heart of downtown Asheville.

for voting for your Asheville Art Museum as the ‘Best’ that WNC has to offer in so many ways!

Great Art and Great Experiences

www.ashevilleart.org

JOIN US DURING OUR 12TH SEASON! • Stalking the Bogeyman by Markus Potter September 18-October 13

• The Book Club Play by Karen Zacarías October 23-November 17

• Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol by Tom Mula

December 11-29 *Starring Best of Actor Michael MacCauley!

• Rounding Third by Richard Dresser • January 29-

February 23 *Starring Best of Actors Charlie Flynn-McIver and Scott Treadway!

• Venus in Fur by David Ives • March 19-April 13 • A Conversation with Edith Head by Paddy Calistro and Susan Claassen • May 14-June 15

Visit us at 15 Stage Lane, around the corner from Malaprop’s and across the street from Zambra! Find us online at www.ncstage.org.

mountainx.com

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35

EntErtainmEnt BEST OF WNC is also online

continued place to taKe dance classes

BESTOFWNC.COM

1 Studio Zahiya D H 90 1/2 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 242-7595 • studiozahiya.weebly.com 2 Eleven on Grove D

dance company

11 Grove St., Asheville 252-2838 • elevenongrove.com

1 Terpsicorps R B 339 old Lyman St., building 6, Asheville 231-8618 • terpsicorps.org

2 Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre D 20 Commerce St., Asheville 254-2621 • acdt.org

3 Asheville Ballet N

2 New Studio of Dance D 20 Commerce St., Asheville 254-2621 • acdt.org

3 Ballet Conservatory of Asheville D 6 e. Chestnut St., Asheville 255-5777 • balletconservatoryofasheville.com

4 Lynnwood Road, Asheville 258-1028 • ashevilleballet.com

place to dance

icon Key

1 The Admiral W B

N ORTH • S OUTH • E AST

400 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-2541 • theadmiralnc.com

W EST • River ArTS

2 Scandals Nightclub D 11 Grove St., Asheville 505-1612 • scandalsnightclub.net

3 The Grey Eagle R 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville 232-5800 • thegreyeagle.com

D OWNTOWN P OuTlyiNg AreA B HAll Of fAme H gO lOCAl A APPAlACHiAN grOWN

THANK YOU, ASHEVILLE! The family’s always welcome at Highland Brewing.

12 Old Charlotte Highway 12-H Asheville, NC 28803 (828)-299-3370 www.highlandbrewing.com 36

BEST OF WNC

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beStofwnc.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US ONE OF THE BEST “LINGERIE/ADULT” STORES IN WNC.

• • OPEN 7 DAYS • •

SUN-THUR 8 AM - MIDNIGHT FRI SAT 8 AM - 3 AM

(828) 684-8250

2334 Hendersonville Rd. (S. Asheville/Arden)

Where Adult Dreams Come True

www.bedtymestories.net mountainx.com

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BEST OF WNC

media

Water system saga: Most Important Local News Story

W

orking in local media is all about trying to connect with readers, viewers and listeners. And this year’s poll results helped reveal some of the people, outlets and stories that kept people most informed and interested.

Once again, longtime Asheville Citizen-Times writer John boyle won in the Local Print Reporter category for his funny “Answer Man” columns, as well as those that drive community debate on weightier subjects, such as the recent controversies surrounding the Asheville Police Department.

“It is gratifying to know I’m connecting with WNC readers, and they seem to appreciate what I’m doing,” he says.

An anchor/reporter at WLOS News 13 for three decades, Darcel Grimes responded to her win in the Local TV Personality/ Announcer category with similar appreciation. “I am so thankful to the people of Western North Carolina for inviting me into their homes for so many years,” she says. “It is always rewarding to know that you are connecting with your viewers.”

On the radio waves, WNCW 88.7 proved to be your favorite station, though KISS Country’s eddie foxx earned approval as the top Local Radio Personality.

38

BEST OF WNC

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In online media, the Ashvegas site (run by Citizen-Times staffer Jason Sandford) won big, praised as Best Local Blog and Website.

The honor of being your favorite Social Media Personality went to What Should AVL Call Me. The mystery woman/man behind the brand insists on anonymity, but wins followers with a playful attitude on Twitter (@wsavlcallme) and a Tumblr site that pokes fun at Asheville eccentricities.

In terms of stories, voters seem to have conflicting feelings about a state proposal to transfer control of the local water system from the city of Asheville to the Metropolitan Sewage District. As the measure sits in legal limbo, you simultaneously find it to be one of the most important local news stories, one of the most overreported and one of the most under-reported stories. Good luck to the editors trying to make sense of that.

Meanwhile, voters showed love to several Xpress staffers, including alli marshall, who won Best Local Print Arts Reporter for the third year in a row and max cooper, who won first place in the Local News Photographer or Photojournalist category after only a couple of years on the job. David forbes, Ken Hanke and I also earned accolades. Thank you! — Jake Frankel

Thanks for your vote for Best of WNC. (I hope youÕ ll vote for me again on November 5th!)

mountainx.com

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mEdia

continued

An Extraordinary Experience in Eye Care

The Envision Team would like to thank our fantastic patients for voting us #1 BEST EYE HEALTH CARE John Boyle: Best Local Print News Reporter

in WNC!

PHoto by MAx CooPeR

local radio station Our Team of experts pledges to deliver the finest in eye health care and client service.

1 WNCW 88.7 E P B Isothermal Community College, Spindale 287-8000 • wncw.org

www.myenvisioneyecare.com 180 Charlotte St | Asheville, NC | 828-254-6757

My sincere thanks for your votes for the #1 Best Holistic Practitioner for kids!

w w w. f a m i l y t o f a m i l y. o r g 40

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beStofwnc.com

2 Asheville water takeover 3 Nipple bill

73 broadway St., Asheville 210-4800 • wcqs.org

3 Women going topless

3 98.1 The River W 1190 Patton Ave., Asheville 259-9695 • 981theriver.com

Free puBlication other than Xpress 1 The Laurel of Asheville D 1 W. Pack Square, Asheville 670-7503 • thelaurelofasheville.com P.o. box 951, Marshall 28753 649-9555 • wncwoman.com

828-251-2700

1 Topless rally

2 WCQS 88.1 D H

2 WNC Woman N P

“It is an honor and a true joy to care for your amazing children. I love every moment of the work I do!

From my family to yours...

Thank you!”

-Dr. Susan, Liam and Yanna

most over-reported story

3 Asheville Scene (Asheville Citizen-Times) D 14 o.Henry Ave., Asheville 232-5953 • citizen-times.com/section/ ashevillescene

most important local news story 1 Asheville water takeover

most under-reported story 1 Asheville water takeover 2 Crime 2 Protest against Monsanto 3 Homelessness local radio personality 1 Eddie Foxx, The Eddie Foxx Show W 13 Summerlin Road, Asheville 257-2700 • 99kisscountry.com

2 Aaron LaFalce, 98.1 The River W 1190 Patton Ave., Asheville 259-9695 • aaronlafalce.com

3 Jeff Messer, The Jeff Messer Show W 13 Summerlin Road, Asheville 257-2700 • 880therevolution.com

in the Bag A perennial jokester, Asheville Citizen-Times columnist John Boyle seemed to be under the mistaken impression that being voted best Local Reporter would result in financial gain, responding to the initial news via email to Xpress: “It’s great to see those three straight days of voting for myself paid off. …Who knew the Answer Man column could pay off so handsomely one day? there is a cash prize with this, right?”

local print news reporter 1 John Boyle, Asheville Citizen-Times D 14 o.Henry Ave., Asheville 252-5610 • citizen-times.com

2 Jake Frankel, Mountain Xpress D 2 Wall St., Asheville 251-1333 • mountainx.com

3 David Forbes, Mountain Xpress D 2 Wall St., Asheville 251-1333 • mountainx.com

local print arts reporter 1 Alli Marshall, Mountain Xpress D 2 Wall St., Asheville 251-1333 • mountainx.com

2 Carol Motsinger, Asheville Citizen-Times D

2 Erin Brethauer, Asheville Citizen-Times D

Harmony Motors Loves WNC!

14 o.Henry Ave., Asheville 252-5610 • citizen-times.com

3 Bill Rhodes Asheville flickr.com/photos/ashevillein

local tv personality/ announcer 1 Darcel Grimes, WLOS S 110 technology Drive, Asheville 800-288-8813 • wlos.com

2 Julie Wunder, WLOS S 110 technology Drive, Asheville 800-288-8813 • wlos.com

3 Tammy Watford, WLOS S 110 technology Drive, Asheville 800-288-8813 • wlos.com

14 o.Henry Ave., Asheville 252-5610 • blogs2.citizen-times.com/carol

3 Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress D 2 Wall St., Asheville mountainx.com/movies

Thank you for voting us one of the BEST!

tune out

local news photographer or photoJournalist 1 Max Cooper, Mountain Xpress D

Mountain Xpress has been an integral part of our success.

We invite everyone to stop by Volkswagen Of Asheville and check out our classic 1964 VW Bus and more vintage Volkswagens!

Many best of WNC Voters indicated they’re sick of stories about topless rallies and nipple bills.

621 Brevard Rd • (828) 232-4000 • www.ashevillevw.com

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

Many, many thanks to our terrific customers •

“Improving the function of your body”

ThAnk you Western north Carolina for voting us BeST ChiRopRACToR!!!

• Celebrating 30 years in downtown Asheville

Cloisonné pendant

Focusing on Chiropractic Sports Medicine & Active Release Techniques (ART®) to improve performance and your overall quality of life.Targeted patient specific rehabilitation and nutritional counseling to enhance your road to a speedy recovery.

3106 Sweeten Creek Rd., Suite E Asheville, NC 28803

828-676-0963 www.bmyerschiro.com

FINE JEWELRY & DESIGN STUDIO

www.jewelsthatdance.com mountainx.com

63 Haywood Street • Downtown Asheville 828-254-5088 • Hours: Mon - Sat 10:30 - 6

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41

mEdia

continued

BEST OF WNC

Funny man Tom Scheve of the Asheville Disclaimer responds to the dubious honor of being voted Feature Xpress Needs to tweak or Drop: “this is especially pleasing since we were too busy producing award-losing satire to bother rigging the best of WNC vote, and the competition was so fierce this year.”

is also online BESTOFWNC.COM 2 News of the Weird newsoftheweird.com

3 Free Will Astrology freewillastrology.com

local Blog

Feature Xpress needs to add

1 Ashvegas H B ashvegas.com

1 More investigative reporting 1 Savage Love

2 What Should Avl Call Me whatshouldavlcallme.tumblr.com

savagelovecast.com

3 Scrutiny Hooligans

1 Theater reviews

scrutinyhooligans.us

Feature Xpress needs to tweaK or drop

local weBsite 1 ashvegas.com H 2 whatshouldavlcallme.tumblr.com 3 mountainx.com

1 Asheville Disclaimer mountainx.com/disclaimer

2 News of the Weird newsoftheweird.com

social media personality

Thanks, Asheville for voting us

3 Free Will Astrology

1 What Should Avl Call Me

freewillastrology.com

whatshouldavlcallme.tumblr.com

2 Jason Sandford, @ashvegas D H

#1

Frozen Yogurt/Custard

252-5610 • ashvegas.com

icon Key

3 Barbie Angell, @barbieangell

NORTH • SOUTH • EAST

barbieangell.com

WEST • River ArTS

3 Gary Charles, @GsocialMedia

DOWNTOWN

gsocialmedia.com

Again!

P OuTlyiNg AreA

Favorite Feature in Xpress

B HAll Of fAme H gO lOCAl

1 Cranky Hanke, Mountain Xpress D 2 Wall St., Asheville 251-1333 • mountainx.com/movies

A APPAlACHiAN grOWN

Located at 505 Merimon Ave. Next to Luella’s Barbeque.

Locally Owned & Operated 828-255-4515 Summer Hours: Mon-Sun: Noon - 10pm

MARK LAVIN BUY ONE AND GET THE SECOND (OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE) FOR $1 Expires 12/31/13

42

BEST OF WNC

auGuSt 7 - auGuSt 13, 2013

beStofwnc.com

BROKER

828-777-8085 “Thanks to my current and past clients for your support.”

AgentMarkLavin@gmail.com Check out AdvocateRealtyNC.com for VIP Buyer & Seller Programs!

WNC Dental J. Randall Latta, DDS & Associates, PA

Your Dental Destination in Western North Carolina

We Listen. We Look. We Talk. We Agree.

Give us a call today and we’ll talk about your dental concerns and suggest a plan that fits your needs.

828-684-1288 Ashley L Westmoreland, DMD J. Connor Ware, DDS Lauren W. Ludwig, DMD David A. Wilson, DMD J. Randall Latta, DDS 3179 Sweeten Creek Rd Asheville, NC 28803

www.wncdental.com

mountainx.com

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BEST OF WNC

area map

NP • Mars Hill • Spruce Pine • Marshall • Hot Springs • burnsville • Weaverville Weaverville

Fre dR

roa hB nc

ue

Bl

a eP

y

wa

rk

r

ive

26

dg

Ri

EP

NORTH

Woodfin

• Fairview • old Fort • Marion • Swannanoa • black Mountain • Chimney Rock

Grove Park Inn

EAST DOWNTOWN

Asheville

WP • Candler • Sylva • Murphy • Cherokee • Cullowhee • Nantahala • bryson City • Waynesville

WEST

26 240

Black Mountain River Arts District

Swannanoa 240

40

Biltmore Estate

Fairview 40

Candler

SOUTH Bent Creek

Lake Julian

ch ad Bro

e

er Riv

dg

Ri

n Fre

e

u Bl

ay

w

rk

Pa

26

Arden/Skyland Fletcher

SP • Fletcher • brevard • Saluda • tryon 44

BEST OF WNC

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beStofwnc.com

• Arden/Skyland • Hendersonville • Mills River • Flat Rock

map Key NORTH • S OUTH • E AST WeST DOWNTOWN River ArTS

OUTLYING AREAS: N P OuTer NOrTH S P OuTer SOuTH E P OuTer eAST W P OuTer WeST

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1

#1 AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM #1 PLACE TO WORK OUT #1 DAY CAMP YMCAWNC.ORG mountainx.com

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BEST OF WNC

Kids

Thanks for voting for us!

We love you all!

Call Today!

277-0042

378 Hendersonville Rd Suite D - Asheville, NC Across the street from Carolina Day School

www.clayingaround.com

              



Jewish Community Center: Best Preschool, Daycare, Place to Take the Kids Swimming

26 Wall Street Downtown Asheville, NC

828.253.8181 and 433 N. Church Street Hendersonville, NC

828.698.9960 Thank You WNC for voting us BEST PLACE TO MAKE ART!

We want to share the FUN with kids of all ages.

Mention this ad and get 1/2 price studio fees.

Not valid with any other offers/discounts. Expires 10/31/13.

46

BEST OF WNC

PHoto by ALySSA bARNeS

M

ake believe is that magic potion adults would pay a premium for if it meant less work, more play and a nap time. In the formative Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, viewers had to hop aboard a model trolley just to get to the trippy kingdom of “Make-Believe.” In Western North Carolina, however, no such fantasy transportation is required to access all the fun — both real and imagined — that the area has to offer.

In fact, when you think about it, there really aren’t that many boundaries separating the kid world from the adult one. Sure, they can’t drive cars or hold down 9-to-5 jobs, but children are just as capable of hiking, biking and enjoying the multitude of outdoor activities as their parents. Tots are as regular a fixture at local breweries as their imbibing, Chaco-wearing parents. And when parents and kids need a break from one another, there are

auGuSt 7 - auGuSt 13, 2013

beStofwnc.com

dozens of camps ready and willing to harbor kid refugees during the summer (Tekoa, Rockamount, YMCA, to name a few).

In short, this is a great place to be a wee one. No imagination required.

The winners of these kid-friendly categories understand creativity and imagination. They also know it’s as important to playcate adults as it is their offspring. Of course, even the adult world can sometimes interfere with fun. One multiple-category winner, The Health Adventure, announced in July it would be closing down after 45 years of providing youth-friendly health education.

In a statement, Executive Director Paige Wheeler said, “We can only hope that someday the right combination of partners can come together to fill this void with another interactive science and health center worthy of our community.” — Julia Ritchey

museum 1 Asheville Art Museum D 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville 253-3227 • ashevilleart.org

2 The Health Adventure (Closed) 3 Colburn Earth Science Museum D 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville 254-7162 • colburnmuseum.wordpress.com

aFter-school program 1 YMCA of WNC D S N 30 Woodfin St., Asheville 210-9622 • ymcawnc.org 3 town Square blvd., Asheville 651-9622 810 W. 6th Ave., Hendersonville 697-9622 40 N. Merrimon Ave., Woodfin 505-3990

2 Asheville Jewish Community Center D 236 Charlotte St., Asheville 253-0701 • jcc-asheville.org

2 YWCA of Asheville D 185 S. French broad Ave., Asheville 254-7206 • ywcaofasheville.org

3 IRL at Asheville Middle School D 197 S. French broad Ave., Asheville 350-6270 • acsf.org/irl.php

recreation center For Kids 1 WNC Nature Center E 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 259-8092 • wildwnc.org

2 Mountain Play Lodge S P 3389 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 676-2120

2 YMCA of WNC D S N Various locations

3 Fun Depot S 7 Roberts Road, Asheville 277-2386 • ashevillesfundepot.com

day trip For Kids

Best place For Birthday parties 1 Fun Depot S 7 Roberts Road, Asheville 277-2386 • ashevillesfundepot.com 2 Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. N 675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-1281 • ashevillebrewing.com

2 Mountain Play Lodge S P 3389 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 676-2120 • mountainplaylodge.com

3 The Hop Ice Cream Café N H A 640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 103, Asheville 254-2224 • thehopicecreamcafe.com

The Hop West W 721 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-5155

indoor play area 1 Mountain Play Lodge S P 3389 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 676-2120 • mountainplaylodge.com

2 Asheville’s Fun Depot S 7 Roberts Road, Asheville 277-2386 • ashevillesfundepot.com

3 The Health Adventure (Closed) place to maKe art 1 Fired Up Creative Lounge D

433 N. Church St., Hendersonville 828-698-9960 • fireduplounge.com 1378 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 277-0042 • clayingaround.com

3 Canvas Paint and Mingle W 735-C Haywood Road, Asheville 254-4486 • paintandmingle.com

restaurant with the Best Kids-eat-Free (or cheap) night

75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 259-8092 • wildwnc.org

1856 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 210-0100

2 North Carolina Arboretum W

2 Urban Burrito N S 640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 203, Asheville 251-1921 • urbanburrito.com

3 The Health Adventure (Closed)

1 Mountain Play Lodge S P 3389 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 676-2120 • mountainplaylodge.com

2 The Health Adventure (closed) 3 Fun Depot S 7 Roberts Road, Asheville 277-2386 • ashevillesfundepot.com

St ore

2 Claying Around S

1 Earth Fare W S A 66 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 253-7656 • earthFare.com

Best rainy day destination

Ba by

Fired Up Hendersonville S

1 Western North Carolina Nature Center E

100 Frederick Law olmsted Way, Asheville 665-2492 • ncarboretum.org

N at u ra l

26 Wall St., Asheville 253-8181 • fireduplounge.com

day trippin’ the WNC Nature Center pulled off a strong first in the best Day trip category, though someone also voted for LSD. Not that kind of trip, buddy ...

Thank You! for voting us #1

Six years in a row!

Your Cloth Diaper and Baby Carrier headquarters We are excited to announce a new expansion to our store! More of the area’s best selection of Organic Kids Clothing, shoes, cloth diapers, Baby carriers and accessories!

Grand Re-Opening Celebration and Sale Saturday August 17th!

647 Haywood Rd. ~ West Asheville ~ 253-4747 mountainx.com

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47

THANKS THE BESTfor Voting Us #1 SIX YEARS IN A ROW! JUST GOT JOIN US BETTER! OCT. 8-14

FOR OUR MOVED ANNUAL WE HAVE CUSTOMER TO THE CORNER OF APPRECIATION KENILWORTH RD. & TUNNEL RD. SALE!

#1 Recreation Center for Kids

DANCING BEAR TOYS

518 Kenilworth Rd., Asheville, NC • 255-8697 418 N. Main St., Hendersonville, NC • 693 -4500

BEST OF WNC

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#1 Day Trip for Kids #1 Nature Camp

*BIGGER *BETTER PARKING *100% ACCESSIBLE *OPEN 7 DAYS/WEEK

48

Thanks for your votes!

You put a smile on our face!

beStofwnc.com

Gather your pack and visit soon!

Open Daily 10-5 • 828-259-8080 www.wncnaturecenter.com

Kids

continued

129 bleachery blvd., Suite M, Asheville 298-9802

3 Fuddruckers D 130 Charlotte St., Asheville 254 2161 • fuddruckers.com

restaurant with the Best children's menu 1 Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. N D S 675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-1281 • ashevillebrewing.com

icon Key NORTH • S OUTH • EAST WEST • River ArTS DOWNTOWN P OuTlyiNg AreA B HAll Of fAme H gO lOCAl A APPAlACHiAN grOWN

77 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-255-4077

3 Rock Academy W

1850 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-277-5775

1408 Patton Ave., Suite e, Asheville 252-1888 • rockacademync.com

2 Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian N 641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-1077 • vinniesitalian.com

3 Tupelo Honey Café D A 12 College St., Asheville 255-4863 • tupelohoneycafe.com

Tupelo Honey Café Southside S 1829 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 505-7676

Kids entertainer

child actor 1 Aislin Freya Pax imdb.com/name/nm4447758

young musician 1 Sarah Tucker sarahtuckermusic.com

Balloon artist/ Face painter

1 Secret Agent 23 Skidoo B 337-6002 • secretagent23skidoo.com

1 Marcie the Balloon Fairy

2 Professor Whizzpop (Tom Hughes)

2 Mr. Twister

506-3198 • themagictomshow.com

3 Billy Jonas billyjonas.com

Festival For Kids 1 Lake Eden Arts Festival E P black Mountain 686-8742 • theleaf.org

2 LAAFF Festival (Arts2People) D Lexington Avenue, Asheville 216-8815 • lexfestasheville.com

3 YMCA Healthy Kids Day D Pack Square Park, Asheville 210-9622 • ymcawnc.org/healthykidsday

Band For Kids 1 Secret Agent 23 Skidoo B secretagent23skidoo.com

2 Billy Jonas billyjonas.com

423-2030 • balloonFairyMagic.com 337-5174 • twistertheater.com

3 Tom Hughes (Professor Whizzpop) 506-3198 • professorwhizzpop.com

volunteer opportunity 1 Brother Wolf Animal Rescue S H 31 Glendale Ave., Asheville 505-3440 • bwar.org

2 MANNA FoodBank E A 627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 299-3663 • mannafoodbank.org

3 Asheville Habitat for Humanity S 31 Meadow Road, Asheville 254-6706 • ashevillehabitat.org

youth puBlic service initiative 1 YouthOutright D P.O. Box 1893, Asheville 28802 772-1912 • youthoutright.org

Birthday Bash birthday-party planning can be stressful, so maybe that’s why several bars (and restaurants with bars) popped up in the best Place for birthday Parties category, including Scandals, the Vault and second-place winner Asheville Pizza and brewing Co. (tied with Mountain Play Lodge). No judging.

mountainx.com

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49

Best of WNC Winner 1st place Youth Public Service Initiative

Youth OUTright WNC, Inc .... making life better for LGBTQ youth in WNC. Make a difference .... support THE DANCE: Motown to Gaga,

October 26

at Renaissance Asheville Hotel 828.772.1912 info@youthoutright.org

www.youthoutright.org

Kids

continued Kids race

1 Girls on the Run 5k D 50 S. French broad Ave., Suite 249, Asheville 713-4290 • gotrwnc.org

school (pre-college) 1 Evergreen Community Charter School E 50 bell Road, Asheville 298-2173 • evergreenccs.org

2 ArtSpace Charter School E P 2030 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 298-2787 • artspacecharter.org

3 Rainbow Mountain Children’s School W 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rmcs.org

preschool 1 Asheville Jewish Community Center D

Used Books, MUsic and More

New & USed: Books • CDs Video Games • Books on CD • DVDs BUY • SeLL • TRAde

Thank You for Voting Us The Best of WNC! Large Selection of New and Used Children and Young Adult Books at Great Prices!

River Ridge Shopping Center • Beside A.C. Moore • Hwy 240 exit #8

299-1145 • www.mrksusedbooks.com 50

BEST OF WNC

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1 West Willmore-Dickinson, Rainbow Mountain Children’s School W 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rmcs.org

2 Tony Mele at Evergreen Community Charter School E 50 bell Road, Asheville 298-2173 • avl.mx/wq

3 Jan Busey, Buncombe County Schools W 175 bingham Road, Asheville 255-5921 • buncombe.k12.nc.us

coach/Band director 1 Will Talley, Asheville High School S

2 Rainbow Mountain Children’s School W

2 Andrew Shelton, North Buncombe High School

2586 Riceville Road, Asheville 298-0808 • macfc.org Montmorenci UMC, 89 old Candler town Road, Candler• 670-7300

daycare 1 Asheville Jewish Community Center D B 236 Charlotte St., Asheville 253-0701 • jcc-asheville.org

2 YWCA of Asheville D 185 S. French broad Ave., Asheville 254-7206 • ywcaofasheville.org

3 Children's Center at Gracelyn N 789 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-0542 • childrenscenteratgracelyn.org

3 Mountain Area Child and Family Center E W 2586 Riceville Road, Asheville 298-0808 • macfc.org Montmorenci UMC, 89 old Candler town Road, Candler • 670-7300

we’re not perFect Open Mon. - Sat. 9am-9pm • Sun. 12-6pm 800 Fairview Rd. • Asheville, NC

50 bell Road, Asheville 298-2173 • evergreenccs.org

419 McDowell St., Asheville 350-2500 • ashevillecityschools.net

3 Mountain Area Child and Family Center E W

Mr. K’s

1 Chris Weaver, Evergreen Community Charter School E

236 Charlotte St., Asheville 253-0701 • jcc-asheville.org

574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rmcs.org

Asheville’s lArgest Used Bookstore

teacher

We have taken great care to ensure the accuracy of the best of WNC listings, but if you have corrections, questions or suggestions, email us at: listings@mountainx.com or call 251-1333.

blackhawkband.com

3 Clif Dodson, Cane Creek Middle School S P 570 Lower brush Creek Road, Fletcher 628-0824 • avl.mx/ws

music teacher 1 Gabrielle Tee, Asheville Music School D 126 College St., Asheville 252-6244 • gabrielletee.com

2 Sue Ford, Evergreen Community Charter School E 50 bell Road, Asheville 298-2173 • evergreenccs.org

3 Anne Coombs, The Music Academy of Asheville W 1408 Patton Ave. Suite F, Asheville 252-1888 • musicacademyasheville.com

3 River Guerguerian, Odyssey Community School D 90 Zillicoa St., Asheville 259-3653 • guerguerian.com

art education program 1 ArtSpace Charter School E P 2030 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 298-2787 • artspacecharter.org

2 Asheville Art Museum D 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville 253-3227 • ashevilleart.org

2 Roots + Wings School of Art & Design S H 91 Shady oak Drive, Asheville 545-4827 • rootsandwingsarts.com

3 Rainbow Community School W 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rmcs.org

Revolutionary

 in as little as 2 minutes!

• Fast Acting • No Drugs • No Side-Effects • No Surgery

• Arthritis • Back Pain • Heel Spur/Plantar Fasciitis • Bursitis/Tendonitis • Carpal Tunnel • Fibromyalgia • Migraines • TMJ/Jaw Pain and much more!

640 Merrimon Ave. Suite 107, Asheville, NC 28804



mountainx.com

F R E Scre E

www.PhysioWNC.com

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Call For A

ening

(regular p

rice $79)

BEST OF WNC

51

Kids

continued

www.glazerarchitecture.com

Thanks! Best Architect for voting us

Mountain Play Lodge: Best Rainy Day Destination, Indoor Play Area PHoto by MAx CooPeR

Kid-Friendly yoga studio

Thanks for voting us the BEST in:

1 Asheville Community Yoga N 8 brookdale Road, Suite A, Asheville ashevillecommunityyoga.com

2 West Asheville Yoga W H

Best Green-Sustainable Restaurant Best Place for Smoothies & Raw Juices

South Asheville 1800 Hendersonville Rd 828.274.4450

Downtown Asheville 5 Broadway Street 828.252.4450

live healthy!

11/1/11 – 11/30/11

auGuSt 7 - auGuSt 13, 2013

116 Montreat Road, black Mountain 669-2939 • blackmountainyoga.com

1 Center Stage Dance Studio S

2nd Best Place to Drink Tea

BEST OF WNC

3 Black Mountain Yoga E P

dance studio

Best Place to Dine Alone

52

602 Haywood Road, Asheville 350-1167 • westashevilleyoga.com

SAVE

beStofwnc.com

2 Ballet Conservatory of Asheville D 6 e. Chestnut St., Asheville 255-5777 • balletconservatoryofasheville.com

3 Asheville Dance Theater S 802 Fairview Road, Asheville 298-0258 • ashevilledancetheater.com

3 New Studio of Dance D 20 Commerce St., Asheville 254-2621 • acdt.org

gymnastics program 1 Asheville Community Movement N

38-L Rosscragon Road, Asheville 654-7010 • centerstage1.com

812 Riverside Drive, Asheville 254-6060 • ashevillecommunitymovement.com

1 Studio Zahiya D H

2 OSEGA Gymnastics E P

90 1/2 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 242-7595 • studiozahiya.weebly.com

1800A U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 665-0004 • osegagym.com

food made with natural, playGreat-tasting station local, and organic ingredients.

the top vote-getter overall among the kid categories was Dancing bear toys. these Hall of Famers have won the best toy Store category for five years in a row.

Breakfast Served All Day! South Asheville 1800 Hendersonville Road 828.274.4450

Downtown Asheville 5 Broadway Street 828.252.4450

3 Hahn's Gymnastics S P 18 Legend Drive, Arden 684-8832 • hahnsgymnastics.com

martial arts program 1 Asheville Sun Soo Tae Kwon Do W 1009 Patton Ave., Asheville 505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com

2 Kasumi Mountain Martial Arts N 640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 207, Asheville 280-0624 • ashevilleninjas.com

3 Dojoku Martial Arts S 32 Rosscraggon Road, Asheville 681-5023 • dojoku.com

shoe store For Kids 1 Tops for Shoes D B 27 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 254-6721 • topsforshoes.com 2 Discount Shoes W 1263 brevard Road., Asheville 667-0085

3 Rack Room Shoes S P 6 McKenna Road, Arden 684-8591 • rackroomshoes.com

3 The Littlest Birds W 647 Haywood Road, Asheville 253-4747 • thelittlestbirds.com

Empowering Kids & Building Community through Solid Martial Arts Education

BEST OF WNC is also online

BESTOFWNC.COM toy store 1 Dancing Bear Toys E S P H B 518 Kenilworth Road, Asheville 255-8997 • dancingbeartoys.com 418 N. Main St., Hendersonville • 693-4500

2 The Toy Box N 793 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-8697 • toyboxasheville.com

3 O.P. Taylor's S P 2 S. broad St., brevard 883-2309 • optaylors.com

NinjaKidsClub.com • (828) 280-0624 Central location at Merrimon Ave. and Edgemont

THANKS FOR VOTING EVERGREEN

Best School

2 town Square blvd., Asheville 681-1865

Kids' clothes 1 The Littlest Birds W

CHECK US OUT - Special “Playshop” for interested Students on Saturday, September 7th.

Mention this ad for 3 FREE CLASSES! Start Anytime.

1

st

EVERGREEN COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL

647 Haywood Road, Asheville 253-4747 • thelittlestbirds.com

Best Teacher 1

st

BEST TEACHER CHRIS WEAVER BEST TEACHER TONY MELE 2nd

2 Children's Trading Post N

2 nd

BEST MUSIC TEACHER SUE FORD

633 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-5432 • childrenstradingpost.com

3 Goodwill W Various locations

mountainx.com

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BEST OF WNC

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Kids

continued

Hospice • Palliative Care • Research • Elizabeth House

T h a n k s f o r Yo u r Vo t e !

Winner: Best Art Education Program 2nd place: Best School

Hospice • Palliative Care • Research • Elizabeth House

THANK YOU WNC! 828.692.6178 www.FourSeasonsCFL.org

Thank you for voting us #1

WNC Nature Center: Best Recreation, Day Trip, Center For Kids, Nature Camp PHoto by MAx CooPeR

day camp 1 YMCA of WNC D S N 30 Woodfin St., Asheville 210-9622 • ymcawnc.org 3 town Square blvd., Asheville 651-9622 810 W. 6th Ave., Hendersonville 697-9622 40 N. Merrimon Ave., Woodfin 505-3990

2 Camp Ruach, Asheville Jewish Community Center D Sally Robinson-

Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist

THANK YOU FOR LETTING www.FourSeasonsCFL .org US SHINE! Acupuncture • Herbs • Essential Oils Sacred Space in which to thrive.

Now Offering Tai Qi, Yoga, Qi Gong and meditation classes in our New Sky Room!

828-545-2288 www.whitepineacupuncture.com/blog.html 54

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3 Hickory Nut Gap Farm Camp E P A 1858 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 628-2616 • hickorynutgapfarmcamp.com

overnight camp 1 Camp Tekoa S P 211 thomas Road, Hendersonville 692-6516 • camptekoa.org 2 Camp Rockmont E P 375 Lake eden Road, black Mountain 686-3885 • rockmont.com

3 Camp Celo N P

236 Charlotte St., Asheville 253-0701 • jcc-asheville.org

775 Hannah branch Road, burnsville 675-4323 • campcelo.com

3 Brother Wolf Animal Rescue Critter Camp S H

3 Camp Pisgah S P

31 Glendale Ave., Asheville 575-2699 • bwar.org/crittercamp

BEST OF WNC is also online BESTOFWNC.COM

570 Girl Scout Road, brevard 862-4435 • camppisgah.org

science camp 1 Colburn Earth Science Museum D 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville 254-7162 • colburnmuseum.wordpress.com

visual- or perForming-arts camp 1 Tanglewood (Asheville Community Theatre) D 35 e. Walnut St., Asheville 254-1320 • ashevilletheatre.org

RiverLink is RiverCentric— working for your French Broad River Watershed

JUMP IN! Join RiverLink We would like to thank board members past our donors for

Today! all our 1700 volunteers, and present and all voting us the...

BEST ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP 8 years in a row The Wilma Dykeman RiverWay and all its many spokes in the wheel are happening!

mountainx.com

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Kids

continued

BEST OF WNC is also online BESTOFWNC.COM 2 Flat Rock Playhouse YouTheatre S P 1855 Little River Road, Flat Rock 693-3517 • ytrocks.com

Thank you for voting ABC Pediatrics of Asheville as the “Best of WNC”.

We value each of you and appreciate your votes.

3 Asheville Art Museum Camps D 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville 253-3227 • ashevilleart.org/education/childrens-programs

nature camp 1 WNC Nature Center E 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 259-8092 • wildwnc.org

2 North Carolina Arboretum W 100 Frederick Law olmsted Way, Asheville 665-2492 • ncarboretum.org

3 Green River Preserve S P 301 Green River Road, Cedar Mountain 698-8828 • greenriverpreserve.org

Kid's hiKing trail 1 North Carolina Arboretum W Providing high quality medical care to infants, children and adolescents in an environment of trust, respect and compassion.

Peter Chu, MD Derek Dephouse, MD Robert Errico, MD

Scott Love, MD Hope Mustoe, MD John Paschall, MD

Nettlewood Professional Park 64 Peachtree Rd, Suite 100 Asheville, NC 28803 www.ABCasheville.com 828-277-3000 • Fax: 277-3636

3 Pisgah National Forest avl.mx/wh

outdoor activity spot (urBan)

Ira b. Jones elementary 544 Kimberly Ave., Asheville avl.mx/x0

3 Avery's Little Corner N 90 elk Mountain Road, Woodfin

Best pediatrician

1 Splashville D Pack Square Park, 121 College St., Asheville avl.mx/wx

2 Carrier Park W 220 Amboy Road, Asheville avl.mx/wx

1 ABC Pediatrics S 64 Peachtree Road, Suite 100, Asheville 277-3000 • abcasheville.com 2 All Kids Pediatrics D

3 WNC Nature Center E 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 259-8080 • wildwnc.org

parK For Kids 1 Carrier Park W 220 Amboy Road, Asheville avl.mx/wx

2 Fletcher Community Park S P 85 Howard Gap Road, Fletcher 687-0751 • fletcherparks.org

3 Roberts Lake Park in Montreat place to taKe the Kids swimming 1 Asheville Jewish Community Center D 236 Charlotte St., Asheville 253-0701 • jcc-asheville.org

131 McDowell St., Suite 100, Asheville 350-5437 • allkidspediatrics.com

3 Mountain Area Pediatric Associates E 500 Centrepark Drive, Asheville 254-4337 • mountainareapediatrics.com

holistic practitioner specializing in Kids 1 Jennifer Liming, Blue Ridge Wellness Center D 31 College Place, Suite D-120, Asheville 252-7553 • blueridgechirowellness.com

1 Susan Bradt, Family to Family D 207 Charlotte St., Asheville 251-2700 • familytofamily.org

pediatric dentist

185 S. French broad Ave., Asheville 254-7206 • ywcaofasheville.org

3 Malvern Hills Park W

2 Dennis Campbell D

srs.fs.usda.gov/bentcreek

75 Rumbough Place, Asheville 253-1164 • avl.mx/wv

172 Asheland Ave, Asheville 254-7291 • babytoothdoc.com

outdoor activity spot (country)

3 YMCA of WNC D S N

2 William L. Chambers S

2 Warren Wilson College trails 3 Bent Creek Experimental Forest

1 Blue Ridge Parkway blueridgeparkway.org

2 Bent Creek Experimental Forest

OurFamilyDoctorAsheville.com

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2 YWCA of Asheville D

Various locations

playground 1 Carrier Park W

10b yorkshire St., Asheville 274-9220 • greatbeginningpedo.com

3 Jenny Jackson, Asheville Pediatric Dentistry S 76 Peachtree Road, Suite 100, Asheville 277-6788 • ashevillepedo.com

220 Amboy Road, Asheville avl.mx/wv

Thank you WNC!

(from left to right) Michael Weizman MD, Jodi Schwab MD, Andrea Leigh Preston MD, Meredith Polansky MD

BEST OF WNC

avl.mx/xl

2 Jones Park N

1 Joshua Paynich S 11 yorkshire St., Asheville 274-4744 • drjoshdentistry.com

100 Frederick Law olmsted Way, Asheville 665-2492 • ncarboretum.org

srs.fs.usda.gov/bentcreek

56

2 DuPont State Recreational Forest

Thanks for voting us to the top! beStofwnc.com

The best primary care doctors under one roof.

Now taking new patients! 828.252.2511

PHONE: 828.232.2879 EMAIL: info@townandmountain.com

Thank YOU Asheville for voting us one of the Best Real Estate ofďŹ ces in Asheville!

As your local real estate office, we are proud to have obtained #3 in Market Share for June and #4 Year-to-Date.

Some companies have branches, we have roots! www.townandmountain.com

mountainx.com

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BEST OF WNC

Pets

veterinarian 1 Animal Hospital of North Asheville N B 1 beaverdam Road, Asheville 253-3393 • ahna.net

2 Charlotte Street Animal Hospital D 208 Charlotte St., Asheville 232-0440 • charlottestreetanimalhospital.com

3 Pet Vet on Patton W 2 Hansel Ave., Asheville 232-9990 • petvetonpatton.com

animal acupuncturist 1 Andrea Fochios, People & Pets Acupuncture D 16 Harris St., Asheville 254-2773 • peopleandpetsacupuncture.com

2 Beth Jones, Asheville Animal Acupuncture & Pain Relief N 959 Merrimon Ave., Suite 102, Asheville 450-0851 • ashevilleanimalacupuncture.com

3 Erin Husted, Charlotte Street Animal Hospital D 208 Charlotte St., Asheville 232-0440 • charlottestreetanimalhospital.com

pet supply store 1 PetSmart E S 150 bleachery blvd., Asheville 298-5670 • stores.petsmart.com 3 McKenna Road, Arden 828-681-5343 • stores.petsmart.com

2 Patton Avenue Pet Co. W H 1388 Patton Ave., Asheville 505-8299 • pattonavenuepet.com

3 Asheville Pet Supply N 1451 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 252-2054 • ashevillepetsupply.com

Anything But Alligators!: Best Pet-Sitting

pet Kennel 1 The Sleepy Dog R

PHoto by ALySSA bARNeS

E

very dog has its day in Asheville, along with cats, chickens, goats and, well, just about any other feathered, fluffy or furry friend you can imagine. Around here, pets are not only part of the family — they’re part of the city. Man’s best friend can be found sitting alongside his pals at The Bywater, cats get their own special waiting area at North Asheville Animal Hospital and city-dwelling chickens have their own special clique. (Or should that be cluck?)

What would the Blue Ridge Parkway be without seeing a corgi trying to take on a hill that’s comically larger than the dog’s 58

BEST OF WNC

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down-to-earth stature? What would a Thursday afternoon at Earth Fare be without stopping to see cute kittens mewing for your affection? Even our bumper stickers tell us to “Praise Dog.” And, just like their owners, local pets enjoy creature comforts with an Asheville flair — from funky hotels with rooftop dog walks to holistic acupuncture centers for pets and people alike.

Read on to find out what readers recommend for all creatures great and small, including where you can find or foster your next furry friend. — Caitlin Byrd

beStofwnc.com

270 Depot St., Asheville 350-0333 • thesoapydog.com

1 You Work, I'll Play Dog Daycare & Training W 677-A brevard Road, Asheville 665-1010 • ywipdogdaycare.com/�

2 Happy Tails Country Club S P 1984 Cane Creek Road, Fletcher 628-8510 • happytailscc.com

3 Bed & Biscuit E P 1420 N. Fork Road, black Mountain 669-6578 • bedandbiscuitpetspa.com

Best of WNC First Place Winner Your Holistic Veterinarian in Asheville, NC We provide holistic healthcare for the entire family.

Call us at 828-254-2773 Dr. Andrea Fochios 16 Harris Ave Asheville, NC 28806

FIRST PLACE PET KENNEL SECOND PLACE BEST PET DAYCARE FACILITY THIRD PLACE BEST GROOMER

drandrea@peopleandpetsacupuncture.com

Around Town Hound PET CARE SERVICE VOTED ONE OF

THE BEST!

Pet Sitting & Dog Walking by Maripage Grubic.

Serving: South Asheville, Arden, Biltmore Park, Biltmore Forest, Fletcher, Cane Creek, Fairview & Oakley

www.aroundtownhound.com | 828-216-0161

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1 * Internal Medicine and AVBP Specialists * Gentle 24 Hour Nursing Care for Hospitalized Patients * Advanced Dental Care * Dental suite with Digital Xray * Asheville’s First AAHA Certified Hospital * Endoscopy * Color Flow Doppler Ultrasound * Eklin Digital Xray * Laparoscopic Minimally Invasive Surgery and Biopsies * Advanced Ear Diagnostics with MedRx Video Otoscopy * Therapeutic K-Laser for Arthritis and Wound Healing * Gentle Cat Care and Separate Facilities Decrease Stress * Thorough Wellness Exams and Preventative Yearly Care * Continuous Pain Control Post Surgery * Extended Hours * Lots of Hugs and Treats

1 Beaverdam Road at Merrimon Ave.

828-253-3393

ahna.net • Join us on Facebook

Unsurpassed in Caring State-of-the-Art Affordable, Serving all WNC mountainx.com

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Runner Up Pet Sitting Service Thank

PEts

continued

L! you AV

828.545.0679

MissJanesPetSitting.com

“Quality care for your pets... and for you!“

Brother Wolf: Best Animal Shelter, Rescue Organization

422 McDowell Street Asheville, NC www.canineshearheaven.com

THANK YOU for voting us one of the best pet groomers in WNC! Asheville’s premier pet salon since 1979.

Gentle, professional, experienced.

PHoto by MAx CooPeR

pet daycare Facility 1 You Work, I'll Play Dog Daycare & Training W 677-A brevard Road, Asheville 665-1010 • ywipdogdaycare.com

2 The Soapy Dog R H 270 Depot St., Asheville 350-0333 • thesoapydog.com

3 Pet Vet on Patton W 2 Hansel Ave., Asheville 232-9990 • petvetonpatton.com

groomer 1 Waggers Dog Depot N 1020 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 271-4741 • waggersdogdepot.com

2 Canine Shear Heaven S H 422 McDowell St., Asheville 254-3386 • canineshearheaven.com

3 The Soapy Dog R H 270 Depot St., Asheville 350-0333 • thesoapydog.com

trainer/training center 1 Dog Door Behavior Center D 15-b broadway St., Asheville 656-8305 • dogdoorcanineservices.com

2 A Good Dog's Life S 33 Hidden Acres Drive, Asheville 667-3221 • agooddogslife.com

3 Dog-Ed Asheville • 989-1883 • dog-ed.net

pet-sitting service 1 Anything But Alligators! D H 407-0764 • anythingbutalligatorsAVL.com 2 Miss Jane's Pet Sitting 545-0679 • missjanespetsitting.com

dog-day calm two people told us that the best place to take their dog is to work. According to a study from Virginia Commonwealth University, that’s not such a farfetched idea: employees who bring their dogs to work produce lower levels of the stress-causing hormone cortisol.

60

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#1 Three Years in a Row!

That’s something to celebrate!

Thank you for voTing, WnC! 10,000+ Ballots cast

400,000+

Thanks to all of our loyal customers who have entrusted us with their pets.

individual voTes

Call Us To Experience the Waggers Difference Today 1020 Merrimon Ave., Ste. 102 Asheville, NC 28804 (828) 271-4741 www.waggersdogdepot.com

Where a dog can be a dog Thank you for voting us one of the best!

828.628.8510 1984 CANE CREEK ROAD FLETCHER, NC 28732 www.happytailscc.com

mountainx.com

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green home cleaning

PEts

continued

detailed cleaning with earth friendly productsTM

Thanks for voting us one of the best greenhomeavl.com • 828.582.2080

You Work I’ll Play: Best Kennel and Daycare PHoto by MAx CooPeR

3 Around Town Hound S P 216-0161 • aroundtownhound.com

rescue organization 1 Brother Wolf Animal Rescue S H B BEST OF WNC 2013 ONE OF THE BEST ANIMAL ACUPUNCTURISTS

2 Animal Compassion Network (now part of Asheville Humane Society) W

3 Animal Haven E

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

animal shelter 1 Brother Wolf Animal Rescue S H B 31 Glendale Ave., Asheville 505-3440 • bwar.org

2 Asheville Humane Society W 14 Forever Lane, Asheville 761-2001 • ashevillehumane.org

3 Animal Compassion Network (now part of Asheville Humane Society) W 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville 761-2001 • ashevillehumanesociety.org

DR. BETH JONES

Licensed veterinarian with 20 years experience.

HIP DYSPLASIA SPINAL ARTHRITIS DISK DISEASE CHRONIC PAINFUL CONDITIONS

ALLERGIES ANXIETY INCONTINENCE

959 MERRIMON AVE. SUITE 102 • 828-450-0851 • ASHEVILLEANIMALACUPUNCTURE.COM

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ashevillecitychickens.com

2 Asheville Kennel Club

3 Asheville Humane Society W

CONDITIONS RESPONSIVE TO ACUPUNCTURE:

1 Asheville City Chickens

31 Glendale Ave., Asheville 505-3440 • bwar.org

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

ANIMAL ACUPUNCTURE AND PAIN RELIEF CLINIC

animal cluB

(For particular type animals, e.g., chicKens, goats)

258-4833 • ashevillekennelclub.com P.O. Box 9697, Asheville 28815 299-1635 • animalhaven.org

place to taKe your dog 1 Carrier Park / French Broad River Dog Park W 220 Amboy Road, Asheville avl.mx/wx

2 Bent Creek Experimental Forest srs.fs.usda.gov/bentcreek

3 Biltmore Estate S 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com

dog parK 1 Carrier Park / French Broad River Dog Park W 220 Amboy Road, Asheville avl.mx/wx

2 Azalea Dog Park E 395 Azalea Road, Asheville avl.mx/wx

did you Know? brother Wolf Animal Rescue is the state’s second-largest no-kill shelter and rescue.

3 Mills River Dog Park S P Hooper Lane, Mills River millsriver.org/park.html

3 Morris Broadband Dog Park at Fletcher Park S P 85 Howard Gap Road, Fletcher avl.mx/wi

BEST OF WNC

pet-Friendly Bar 1 The Bywater R

is also online

796 Riverside Drive, Asheville 232-6967 • bywaterbar.com

BESTOFWNC.COM

2 Altamont Brewing Co. W 1042 Haywood Road, Asheville 575-2400 • altamontbrewingcompany.com

pet-Friendly restaurant

2 Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar D Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 252-0020 • batteryparkbookexchange.com

3 Wedge Brewing Co. R

1 Universal Joint W 784 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-7262 • ujasheville.com

2 Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. D

125-b Roberts St., Asheville 505-2792 • wedgebrewing.com

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

3 Sunny Point Café W H A 626 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com

we’re not perFect We’ve tried to make our best of WNC information as accurate as possible, but if you have corrections, questions or suggestions, email us at: listings@mountainx.com or call 251-1333.

pet-Friendly hotel 1 Aloft Asheville D 51 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 232-2838 • aloftashevilledowntown.com

2 Hotel Indigo D 151 Haywood St., Asheville 877-846-3446 • avl.mx/vu

3 Hilton Biltmore Park S 43 town Square blvd., Asheville 209-2715 • avl.mx/vl

Anything But Alligators!

Dog Walking & Pet Sitting

Thank you for voting us #1 BEST PET SITTING SERVICE! Call to join our furry family

(828) 407-0764

www.anythingbutalligatorsAVL.com

THANKS FOR VOTING!

advertise@mountainx.com

JULY 20th BLACK MOUNTAIN SEPTEMBER 28th SANDY MUSH BEAUTIFUL CYCLING EXPERIENCES Blue Ridge Parkway Day Tours

Asheville-based Tours

Blue Ridge Parkway End to End Tours

Small Group Cycle to Farm® Tours

Cycl e. Eat. Repeat.

You’ve ear ned it.

VeloGirlRides.com mountainx.com

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Outdoors

Bicycle cluB or group 1 Asheville on Bikes ashevilleonbikes.com

2 Blue Ridge Bicycle Club blueridgebicycleclub.org

3 Pisgah Area SORBA S P pisgahareasorba.org

hiKing cluB or group 1 Carolina Mountain Club D P.O. Box 68, Asheville 28802 carolinamountainclub.org

2 Outward Hounds Hiking Club S 31 Glendale Ave., Asheville 575-2699 • bwar.org

3 Hiking with Cameras meetup.com/Hiking-with-cameras

running cluB or group 1 Asheville Track Club D P.O. Box 7334, Asheville 28802 AshevilletrackClub.org

2 Jus’ Running N 523 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 252-7867 • jusrunning.com

3 Girls on the Run of WNC D 50 S. French broad Ave., Suite 249, Asheville 713-4290 • gotrwnc.org

hiKing trail 1 Mountains-to-Sea Trail ncmst.org

2 Art Loeb Trail avl.mx/xf

3 Appalachian Trail nps.gov/appa

hiKe with a view 1 Craggy Gardens

Asheville on Bikes: Best Bicycle Club or Group

Milepost 364, blue Ridge Parkway avl.mx/wt

PHoto by MAx CooPeR

N

atural beauty may be the defining characteristic of WNC, and we can thank those stunning views and accessible natural areas for the thriving community that is Asheville.

From soaring peaks to crystal-clear streams, the mountain region boasts a landscape nearly as diverse as its populace.

And this year’s voting reflects the stunning range of opportunities to connect with that environment. From paddles to wheels, races to leisure areas and clubs to tours, we celebrate the beauty and magnitude of the breathtaking terrain Ashevilleans call home, along with the shops that keep us prepared to enjoy it and the athletes who brave its most challenging elements.

Whether you’re a professional competitor, occasional car camper or afternoon dog walker, you’re sure to recognize many of this year’s winners. With any luck, you may even discover a new favorite swimming hole, hike with a view, mountain bike trail or club of like-minded nature lovers. Campsites in Pisgah Forest and Hot Springs are no secret to locals, but swimming holes like Hooker Falls may be a revelation. Similarly, Olympic silver medalist Lauren Tamayo is well known in the community, but did you realize that Asheville is also home to highly decorated, internationally known ultra marathoner Anne Lundblad?

Luckily, there’s still time to enjoy this year’s winners while it’s warm, so read carefully and be sure to experience the Best of WNC outdoors for yourself. — Dane Smith mountainx.com

2 Max Patch avl.mx/x8

3 Looking Glass Rock Trail avl.mx/x7

canopy/zip-line tour 1 Navitat N P H 242 Poverty branch Road, barnardsville 855-628-4828 • navitat.com 2 French Broad Rafting & Ziplines N P 9800 U.S. Highway 25/70, Marshall 800-570-7238 • frenchbroadrafting.com

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OutdOOrs

continued

2 The Gorge S P 166 Honey bee Drive, Saluda 749-2500 • thegorgezipline.com

3 Asheville Treetops Adventure Park & Asheville Zipline W 1 Resort Drive, Asheville 713-3475 • avl.mx/wu

place to camp

Thank you for voting LYLE ROBERSON WNC’s best Physical Trainer!

1 Pisgah National Forest avl.mx/wh

2 Davidson River avl.mx/xi

Offering strength and conditioning for all ages and fitness levels.

2 Hot Springs avl.mx/xj

3 Mills River

Specializing in:

Group Classes Personal Training • Fat Loss Running Programs & Coaching

swimming hole 1 Skinny Dip Falls, Mile Marker 417, Blue Ridge Parkway 2 Sliding Rock avl.mx/xk

3 Hooker Falls S P

(828) 508-9885

lyle@animatefitness.com

Lauren Tamayo: Best Road Biker

Dupont State Recreational Forest, Cedar Mountain avl.mx/xl

PHoto by MAx CooPeR

3 Not telling

tuBing 1 French Broad River 2 Green River 3 Deep Creek, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

2 Max Patch avl.mx/x8

3 Craggy Gardens Milepost 364, blue Ridge Parkway avl.mx/wt

Flatwater paddling

avl.mx/xm

BiKing trail 1 Bent Creek Experimental Forest B

1 French Broad River 2 Fontana Lake 3 Lake James

srs.fs.usda.gov/bentcreek

THANK YOU WNC! We’re Proud to be Your Favorite Bicycle Shop for the Seventh Year In A Row!

Your Hometown Bicycle Shop Since 1980 66

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1378 Hendersonville Road Asheville NC 28803 828-274-2453 LIBERTYBIKES.COM

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2 DuPont State Recreational Forest

whitewater paddling

avl.mx/xl

1 French Broad River

3 Squirrel Gap S P

2 Nantahala River

Pisgah National Forest, Mills River avl.mx/xg

3 Green River

3 Tsali Recreation Area, Nantahala National Forest avl.mx/b2

place to watch a sunrise

Foot race 1 Asheville Citizen-Times Half Marathon B blogs2.citizen-times.com/marathon/half-marathon

1 Blue Ridge Parkway

2 Shut-In Ridge Trail Run

blueridgeparkway.org

jusrunning.com

can you Keep a secret?

Not surprisingly, locals are protective of their favorite outdoor hangs.

Almost every category for favorite outdoor locations included heavy voting tallies for some variation of “I’m not telling.”

®

Reems Creek Nursery Thanks for voting us one of the best Garden Center & Landscaping companies!

Happy Plants Since 1979

70 Monticello Rd. • Weaverville, NC • 828-645-3937 • www.reemscreek.com

Congratulations David Hollinshead for being voted one of the best trainers Did you know that working with a personal trainer gets results and reDuces dropout rate by 75%?

Bring in this ad for 25% discount on a Personal Training Session. www.trainingpartnersinc.com • 828-252-0920 • 863 Merrimon Ave.

mountainx.com

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OutdOOrs

continued 3 Ramble Run 691-0797 • ramblerun.com

road BiKe race 1 Fletcher Flyer, Blue Ridge Bicycle Club fletcherflyer.com

2 French Broad Cycling Classic frenchbroadcyclingclassic.com

3 Assault on the Carolinas assaultonthecarolinas.com

3 Cycle to Farm cycletofarm.org

mountain BiKe race 1 Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race S P blue Ridge Adventures, P.o. box 1701, Pisgah Forest 28768 606-5107 or 384-1494 • blueridgeadventures. net/stage

2 Off-Road Assault on Mount Mitchell blueridgeadventures.net/oramm

3 Sycamore Cycles Swank 65 Pisgah National Forest blueridgeadventures.net/swank

rocK climBer 1 Joshua Smith 2 Matt Gentling 3 Bruce Burgess whitewater enthusiast 1 Pat Keller teamdagger.com/profile/PatKeller

2 Andrew Holcombe 3 Anna Levesque 333-4482 • watergirlsatplay.com

Pat Keller: Best Whitewater Enthusiast PHoto by MAx CooPeR

3 Leland Davis long distance runner 1 Anne Lundblad

nowhere road though it got nowhere near enough votes to register as best Hike with a View, the abandoned road (and trails that surround it) locally referred to as “the Road to Nowhere,” located just above the UNCA campus, is an excellent option for hikers seeking an in-town destination that feels remote.

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2 Scott Williams 3 Aaron Saft, FootRX Running S 687-2825 • footrxasheville.com/aaron.php

road BiKer 1 Lauren Tamayo laurenfranges.com

2 Taylor Little 3 Mike Sule ashevilleonbikes.com

mountain BiKer 1 Sam Koerber blueridgeoutdoors.com/author/sam-koerber

2 Brad Kee D 111 Central Ave., Asheville 645-8275 • keemapping.com

3 Daniel Conner paddle/KayaK/raFting eQuipment company 1 Nantahala Outdoor Center W P

3 Green River Adventures S P 111 e. Main St., Saluda 749-2800 • greenriveradventures.com

3 USA Raft N P 3 Jones branch Road, erwin, tenn.

outdoor-gear shop 1 Diamond Brand Outdoors S P 2623 Hendersonville Road, Arden 684-6262 • diamondbrand.com

2 REI S 31 Schenck Parkway, Asheville 687-0918 • rei.com/stores/asheville

3 Second Gear W D H 444 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-0757 • secondgearwnc.com 15 W. Walnut St., Asheville 505-8160

outdoor/adventure instruction programs 1 Nantahala Outdoor Center W P 13077 Highway 19-W, bryson City 888-905-7238 • noc.com

2 Diamond Brand Outdoors S P

2 REI S

3 Asheville Adventure Rentals R 704 Riverside Drive, Asheville 505-7371 • ashevilleadventurerentals.com

whitewater treKKing/ guide service 1 Nantahala Outdoor Center W P 13077 Highway 19 W., bryson City 888-905-7238 • noc.com

advertise@mountainx.com

13490 U.S. Highway 25/70, Marshall 866-872-7238 • myusaraft.com

13077 Highway 19-W, bryson City 888-905-7238 • noc.com 2623 Hendersonville Road, Arden 684-6262 • diamondbrand.com

LOVE YOUR LOCAL

Thank you Asheville area families for your amazing support and for voting us #1 Gymnastics program in our first year!

Offering Gymnastics classes and Competitive Team, After-school Care, Summer Camp, Toddler Play, Friday and Saturday Fun Nights.

www.AshevilleCommunityMovement.com

31 Schenck Parkway, Asheville 687-0918 • rei.com/stores/asheville

828-254-6060 • 812 Riverside Dr., Asheville, NC 28804

3 Diamond Brand Outdoors S P

Locally Owned and Operated since 1986

2623 Hendersonville Road, Arden 684-6262 • diamondbrand.com

BiKe shop 1 Liberty Bicycles S B 1378 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-2453 • libertybikes.com

2 Motion Makers Bicycle Shop W

2 French Broad Rafting and Ziplines N P

876 brevard Road, Asheville 633-2227 • motionmakers.com

9800 U.S. Highway 25/70, Marshall 800-570-7238 • frenchbroadrafting.com

552 W. Main St., Sylva 586-6925

3 Blue Heron Whitewater N P

3 Pro Bikes W H

35 Little Pine Road, Marshall 888-426-7238 • blueheronwhitewater.com

610 Haywood Road, Asheville 253-2800 • pro-bikes.com

Thanks everyone in Asheville who voted for us.

Offering the best brands and service to keep you in motion.

We love you for voting us one of the best bike shops and bike repair centers in WNC!

THANK YOU for voting me one of the top yoga teachers in WNC for OVER 10 YEARS! Please join me & the other experienced teachers for Body-Wise Yoga.

878 Brevard Rd. Asheville • 828.633.2227 552 W. Main St. Sylva • 828.586.6925 MotionMakers.com • Follow Us! Stocking Bicycles from

ww w. O n eC enterYo ga. co m|8 2 8 . 2 2 5 . 1 9 0 4 mountainx.com

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BEST OF WNC

Farm & Garden W

estern North Carolina loves its farms. Our vegetable growers, livestock raisers, roadside stands, tailgate markets and family orchards make the region stand out in our country’s burgeoning local food movement. Organizations like the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project help farmers and consumers connect in ways that benefit everyone, whether they carry a fork or a pitchfork. Anyone who loves a fresh tomato and the farmer who grew it has a stake in WNC’s food economy. That’s reflected in the winners of this year’s readers’ poll.

Our region’s commitment to local and organic food has flourished over the past few decades. This dedication shines through in our Farm & Garden category. Voters used their keyboards to stand behind their favorite farms and products, proving our community’s devotion to our growers.

Take a minute to celebrate WNC’s favorite farmers, whether you spend your Saturdays picking berries, visiting one of our area’s many tailgate markets or simply choosing local products at the grocery store. Our community has declared these markets, farms and CSAs as their favorites, so slow down and take a gander the next time you drive past their fields. — Jen Nathan Orris

gardening cluB 1 Men's Garden Club of Asheville

3 Hickory Nut Gap Farm E P A 57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview 628-1027 • hickorynutgapfarm.com

mensgardenclubasheville.org

2 French Broad Garden Club S 1000 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-1626 • fbrgc.org

3 Master Gardeners D 94 Coxe Ave., Asheville 255-5522 • buncombemastergardener.org

tailgate/Farmers marKet 1 North Asheville Tailgate Market N A B

Favorite Farm to visit 1 Hickory Nut Gap Farm E P A 57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview 628-1027 • hickorynutgapfarm.com

2 Flying Cloud Farm E P A 1860 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 768-3348 • flyingcloudfarm.net

3 Warren Wilson College Farm E P A 701 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa 771-3014 • warren-wilson.edu/farm

u-picK Farm

UNCA, 1 University Heights, Asheville 776-6286 • northashevilletailgatemarket.org

2 Asheville City Market D

1 Hickory Nut Gap Farm E P A

161 S. Charlotte St., Asheville 348-0340 • avl.mx/x1

57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview 628-1027 • hickorynutgapfarm.com

3 West Asheville Tailgate Market W A

2 Sky Top Orchard S P A

718 Haywood Road, Asheville westashevilletailgatemarket.com

roadside Farm stand 1 Flying Cloud Farm E P A 1860 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 768-3348 • flyingcloudfarm.net

1193 Pinnacle Mountain Road, Zirconia 692-7930 • skytoporchard.com

3 Flying Cloud Farm E P A 1860 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 768-3348 • flyingcloudfarm.net

community supported agriculture (csa) Farm

2 Farside Farms N A

1 Flying Cloud Farm E P A

83 Weaverville Highway, Asheville 683-3255

1860 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 768-3348 • flyingcloudfarm.net

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North Asheville Tailgate Market: Best Tailgate/Farmers Market PHoto by MAx CooPeR

mountainx.com

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Farm & GardEn

continued

icon Key NORTH • S OUTH • EAST WEST • River ArTS DOWNTOWN P OuTlyiNg AreA B HAll Of fAme H gO lOCAl A APPAlACHiAN grOWN

2 Cane Creek Valley Farm S P A 1448 Cane Creek Road, Fletcher 338-0188 • canecreekorganics.com

3 Ivy Creek Family Farm N P A 390 North Fork Road, barnardsville 626-2447 • ivycreekfamilyfarm.com

orchard 1 Sky Top Orchard S P A 1193 Pinnacle Mountain Road, Zirconia 692-7930 • skytoporchard.com

2 Justus Orchard S P A 187 Garren Road, Hendersonville 243-7235 • justusorchard.com

3 Barber Orchard W P 2855 old balsam Road, Waynesville 456-3598 • facebook.com/barberorchardFruitstand

3 The Orchard at Altapass N P A 1025 orchard Road, Spruce Pine 765-9531 • altapassorchard.org

uniQue Branded Farm product 1 Hickory Nut Gap Meats E P A 57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview 628-2616 • hickorynutgapfarm.com

2 Imladris Farms Jams E P A 45 Little Pond Road, Fairview 628-9377 • imladrisfarm.com

3 Sunburst Trout W P A 128 Raceway Place, Canton 648-3010 • sunbursttrout.com

Villagers (formerly Small Terrain): Homesteading-Supply Shop PHoto by MAx CooPeR

Farm vet 1 Appalachian Equine N P 68 N. Main St., Weaverville 658-8989 • appalachiananimalhospital.wordpress.com

2 Fox Run Veterinary Services N

Leah B. Noel CPA, PC Thank you for voting me one of the Best CPA’s in WNC. 828.333.4529 • lbnoelcpa.com 72

BEST OF WNC

garden supply/nursery 1 B.B. Barns Garden Center S P B 3377 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 650-7300 • bbbarns.com

130 Weaverville Road, Asheville 645-2908 • avl.mx/wc

92 Crayton Road, Asheville 684-9190 • bbbarns.com

3 Ted Wright S

1 Market Street Center, brevard 551-5467 • bbbarns.com

184 Charlotte Highway, Asheville 575-2430 • cedarridgevet.com

eQuine Facility 1 Biltmore Estate S A 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com

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2 Reems Creek Nursery N P 70 Monticello Road, Weaverville 645-3937 • reemscreek.com

3 Jesse Israel & Sons W 570 brevard Road, Asheville 254-2671 • jesseisraelandsonsnursery.com

spelling Jam Does a blueberry by any other name smell as sweet? Whether you spell Imladris Farms starting with an ‘I’ or an ‘e’ or even a ‘U,’ there’s no denying that this historic farm’s jams are beloved. our clever vote counters found many variations on this unusual name, but they all add up to one thing: WNC adores its blueberry, raspberry and blackberry jams.

mountainx.com

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Farm & GardEn

continued

homesteading-supply shop 1 Villagers (formerly Small Terrain) W H 278 Haywood Road, Asheville 215-9569 • forvillagers.com

2 Fifth Season Gardening Co. D 45 banks Ave., Asheville 253-4112 • fifthseasongardening.com

3 Tractor Supply Co. W N E S Various locations

landscaping company 1 B.B. Barns Garden Center S P 3377 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 650-7300 • bbbarns.com

2 Reems Creek Nursery N P 70 Monticello Road, Weaverville 645-3937 • reemscreek.com

3 Mantis Gardens 582-0016 • mantisgardens.com

tree/yard service 1 Smart Feller Tree Works D 42 Highland St., Asheville 545-5503 • smartfellertreeworks.com 2 Wagner Tree Experts E P

B.B. Barns: Best Garden Supply/Nursery, Landscaping Company

381 Avena Road, black Mountain 450-0038 • wagnertreeexperts.com PhOtO By hAlimA Flynt

Farm lovers unite!

Xpress’ new Farm & Garden section has received a tremendous response. beekeepers, goat herders, home gardeners and nursery owners have reached out to say how much they appreciate the coverage. As we explore Western North Carolina’s flourishing community gardens, unique farms and interesting classes, we strive to share our own enthusiasm for the natural world with our readers. We are constantly on the prowl for unusual and compelling farm-and-garden news. Let us know about your curiosities and passions by emailing your ideas to garden@mountainx.com.

3 Asheville Arborcare E

3 Bulldog Lawn Care W

565-1984 • egltree.webs.com

P.O. Box 16614, Asheville 28816 280-4959

lawn service 1 Wilson's Lawn & Landscape W P 8 Moores Valley Road, Leicester 280-3370

2 Greco Landscaping and Lawn Service 2 InDemand Landscape Management 669-5478 • indemandlandscaping.com

3 French Broad Lawn and Landscaping W P P.o. box 845, enka 28728 230-2987 • frenchbroadlawn.com

BEST OF WNC is also online BESTOFWNC.COM

THANK YOU WNC FOR VOTING US #1 HOME CLEANING SERVICE

Thank you, WNC! • 30 years of experience • One hour appointments Residential and Commercial Services • Window and Gutter Cleaning greenbeeclean.com • 828.450.0846 74

BEST OF WNC

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• hands on individual sessions • follow up home instruction

Located in Biltmore Village • 828.273.9078 • lindaaemerickpt.com

Leicester Carpet Thanks Xpress Readers For Voting Us No. 1 Flooring Company Experience the ‘Leicester Difference’

Through www.myprh.com, you have the ability to explore Park Ridge Health’s

- All Products Made in America - Lifetime Installation Warranty - 42-year-old family owned business - Area’s finest most complete showrooms

comprehensive team of primary care physicians and specialists who work closely to coordinate your care in the most integrated provider network in Western North Carolina. Search by specialty, location or name, and request appointments, all in one place.

it begins

ASHEVILLE

(828) 254-8937

here...

119 New Leicester Highway

HENDERSONVILLE (828) 233-0500

1229 7th Avenue East

myPRH.com t 855.PRH.LIFE

www.leicestercarpet.com

PROVIDING HEALING, HEALTH AND HOPE TO OUR COMMUNITY FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

Thank you for voTing wncchs #1 in wnc visit us at wncchs.org First Place: Best Place to Get Medical Care When Under or Uninsured mountainx.com

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BEST OF WNC

small towns Waynesville & Canton saturday-night hangout 1 Tipping Point Brewery & Tavern W P 2 Frog Level Brewing Co. W P 3 BearWaters Brewing Co. W P local musician/group 1 BalsamRange B 2 Soldier'sH eart neighBorhood gathering spot 1 Frog Level Brewing Co. W P 2 Panacea Coffee House W P 2 Tipping Point Tavern W P 3 Downtown 3 Sid's on Main W P art gallery 1 Twigs & Leaves W P B 2 Gallery Two Six Two W P 3 EarthworksGal leries W P Bar 1 Tipping Point Brewery & Tavern W P

2 Frog Level Brewing Co. W P 3 BearWaters Brewing Co. W P Business that gives BacK to the community 1 Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation W P restaurant 1 Frog's Leap Public House W P 1 The Sweet Onion Restaurant W P B 2 Sid's on Main W P

Tipping Point Brewery & Tavern: Best Bar, Saturday-Night Hangout Waynesville & Canton

3 ThaiSpi ce W P sweets/dessert place 1 CityB akery W P 2 The Chocolate Bear W P 3 Pheasant Hill Café and Gallery W P dentist 1 EricMor rison W P 2 BradMor gan W P 2 JohnH ighsmith W P 2 MichaelGi llespie W P

PHoto by SARAH RIDDLe

local colorFul character 1 Donnie (at the Frog Level bridge) W P law enForcement oFFicer/FireFighter 1 Chief Bill Hollingsed, Waynesville PD W P politician 1 Rep. Joe Sam Queen reason to live in your town

more small-town charm

1 Small-townf eel

Learn more about these best of WNC communities in our oct. 9 and 16 small-towns issues.

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reason to visit your town 1 MainSt reet 2 Haywood Arts Regional Theatre W P

architectural Feature/ Building 1 Waynesville Courthouse street or road 1 Main Street W P car repair 1 Walker Service W P veterinarian 1 Junaluska Animal Hospital W P 2 Brian Birthright, Maple Tree Veterinary Hospital W P 2 Canton Animal Hospital W P

Hendersonville & Flat rock 2 Carl Sandburg Home S P

politician

2 The Square Root Hendersonville S P

1 Rep. Chuck McGrady reason to live in your town

1 Main Street S P

1 Small-town feel / Friendliness 2 Quiet 3 It’s beautiful 3 It’s cheaper than Asheville

car repair 1 Church Street Automotive S P

reason to visit your town

2 Dale’s Auto Service S P

Business that gives BacK to the community

KeNDALL WeAVeR

saturday-night hangout

2 Never Blue S P

3 Umi S P 1 Southern Appalachian Brewery S P sweets/dessert place 2 Black Rose Public House S P 2 Hannah Flanagan's S P 1 Kilwins S P local musician/group 1 Letters to Abigail 2 Aaron Burdett 3 The Stipe Brothers neighBorhood gathering spot

Bar

hair stylist

1 Christine Audiss, Lux Salon S P 1 Flat Rock Playhouse S P 2 Four Seasons Hospice S P veterinarian 2 Hendersonville Community Co-op S P 3 The Square Root Hendersonville S P 1 Animals R Us Veterinary Clinic S P 2 Hendersonville Veterinary architectural Hospital S P Feature/Building 3 Kevin McKisson, All Saints Animal Hospital S P 1 Old Courthouse S P

2 McFarlan Bake Shop S P 3 Flat Rock Village Bakery S P health care practitioner 1 Clara Kim, Internal Medicine, Park Ridge Health S P 1 Daniel Veazey S P

dentist 1 Southern Appalachian Brewery S P 2 Main Street 1 Matthew Young S P 3 Jackson Park S P 2 Pete Richards S P 3 The Square Root Hendersonville S P 3 William Garrison, Garrison Family Dentistry S P art gallery 1 Silver Fox Gallery S P 2 Wickwire S P 3 The Conn-Artist Studios & Art Gallery S P

1 Clear Creek Automotive S P 2 Complete Auto Repair Zone (CARZ) S P

1 Downtown 2 Flat Rock Playhouse S P 3 Carl Sandburg Home S P

West First Wood-Fired Pizza: Best Restaurant, Hendersonville & Flat Rock

street or road

local colorFul character 1 Jose “J.C.” Case S P school teacher

Christine Audiss of LUX SALON would like to extend sincere gratitude to her community for voting her number 1 stylist in the region!!

1 Carlee Smith, Apple Valley Middle School S P

1 Hannah Flanagan's 2 Lisa Vierra-Moore, Pub & Eatery S P Apple Valley Middle School S P 2 Black Rose Public House S P law enForcement 3 Southern Appalachian Brewery S P oFFicer/FireFighter restaurant 1 Tim Griffin, Hendersonville Fire Department S P 1 West First Wood-Fired Pizza S P B

(828) 338 - 2468

121 West Barnwell St. Hendersonville mountainx.com

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A Unique Farm to Fork Experience:

Innovative southern cuisine with a local backbone & home-grown libations

Cullowhee & sylva

Thanks for voting FLPH the

#1 Restaurant in Waynesville/Canton!

Lulu’s on Main: Best Restaurant, Cullowhee & Sylva

We have had a great second year and look forward to being your #1 in 2014!

FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE

44 Church Street . Downtown Waynesville 828-456-1930 . frogsleappublichouse.com

PHoto by ALySSA bARNeS

saturday-night hangout 1 Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro W P 2 Guadalupe Café W P 3 O'Malley’s Pub & Grill W P local musician/group 1 Ian Moore 2 Balsam Range neighBorhood gathering spot 1 City Lights Bookstore W P 1 Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro W P 2 O'Malley's Pub & Grill W P art gallery 1 Western Carolina University W P Bar 1 Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro W P 2 O'Malley's Pub & Grill W P 3 No Name Sports Pub W P restaurant 1 Lulu’s on Main W P B 2 Guadalupe Café W P 2 Sazón Mexican Cuisine W P 3 Bogart’s W P 3 Nick & Nate's Pizza W P

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sweets/dessert place 1 Jack the Dipper W P 2 Mad Batter Bakery & Café W P 3 City Lights Café W P local colorFul character 1 Adam Bigelow reason to live in your town 1 Western Carolina University W P reason to visit your town 1 Western Carolina University W P Business that gives BacK to the community 1 City Lights Café W P 1 Western Carolina University W P architectural Feature/ Building 1 Jackson County Public Library W P street or road 1 Main Street veterinarian 1 Tami Shearer, Shearer Pet Health Hospital and Western Carolina Animal Pain Clinic W P

Brevard

tHe square root – Best of Wnc Regional Winner - Brevard & Hendersonville Come visit us at both locations!

The Square Root: Best Restaurant, Neighborhood Gathering Spot, Brevard PHoto by JULIA RItCHey

saturday-night hangout 1 Oskar Blues Brewery S P 2 Jordan Street Café S P 2 The Square Root Brevard S P 3 The Phoenix S P local musician/group 1 Steep Canyon Rangers B 2 Jeff Sipe Trio 3 Shannon Whitworth neighBorhood gathering spot 1 Oskar Blues Brewery S P 1 The Square Root Brevard S P 2 Dugan's Irish Pub S P art gallery 1 Red Wolf Gallery S P B 2 Bluewood Gallery S P 2 The Haen Gallery in the Brevard Lumberyard Arts District S P Bar 1 Oskar Blues Brewery S P 2 The Square Root Brevard S P 3 Brevard Brewing Co. S P restaurant 1 The Square Root Brevard S P 2 Hobnob Restaurant S P 3 Jordan Street Café S P 3 Marco Trattoria S P sweets/dessert place 1 Dolly's Dairy Bar S P 1 Kiwi Gelato S P 2 Blue Ridge Bakery S P 2 Bracken Mountain Bakery S P

health care practitioner 1 Ora Wells, Hendersonville Pediatrics S P dentist 1 Sim Cozart S P local colorFul character 1 White squirrels

Brevard

Hendersonville Second Place Architectural Feature/Building

First Place Neighborhood Gathering Spot

Third Place Business that gives back to the community

First Place Restaurant Second Place Bar

Third Place Neighborhood Gathering Spot

Second Place Business that gives back to the community

Make a reservation for our chefs table for a behind the scenes dining experience.

s q u a r e r o o t r e s tau r a n t . c o m 3 3 t i m e s a r c a d e a l l e y B r e va r d , n c 28712 • 828.884.6171

s q u a r e r o o t r e s tau r a n t . c o m 111 s. main st. Hendersonville, nc 28792 • 828.693.7758

politician 1 Jimmy Harris

Thank you for voting us one of the best in the region!

reason to live in your town 1 Pisgah National Forest 2 Small town 3 Outdoor activities

Please come visit us in beautiful Yancey County. We’re located on Burnsville’s Historic Town Square — just 40 minutes from Asheville.

Serving NY deli style sandwiches, extravagant salads, and much more since 1987.

Celebrating our 26th year!

reason to visit your town 1 Waterfalls 2 Pisgah National Forest 3 White squirrels Business that gives BacK to the community 1 Oskar Blues Brewery S P 2 The Square Root Brevard S P street or road 1 Main Street 2 U.S. 276 3 Times Arcade Alley S P

Excellent wine selection, bottled beer, and 6 taps of the finest most highly rated craft beer available.

OPEN FOR LUNCH Monday – Saturday, 11-2, AND DINNER Thurs, Fri, and Sat. 5-8

garden-deli.com like us on facebook (828) 682-3946

car repair 1 Charlie's Tire Center S P veterinarian 1 Brevard Animal Hospital S P 2 Riversong Veterinary Clinic S P mountainx.com

auGuSt 7 - auGuSt 13, 2013

BEST OF WNC

79

Thanks for voting us one of the BEST again!

5 years in a row!

633 N. Main Street | Downtown Hendersonville Call for reservations | 828.698.8048 Outdoor Dining Available | www.umisushinc.com