Mountain Xpress 08.06.14 (Best of WNC, Pt. 1)

BEST OF WNC FEATURING: ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SHOPPING KIDS HEALTH & WELLNESS PERSONAL SERVICES TOURISM UNIQUELY ASHEVILLE

PART ONE

2

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

Thanks for voting us one of the BEST again!

6 years in a row!

BE

ST OF

HALL OF FAME WNC 2014

come see our redesigned patio!

633 N. Main Street | Downtown Hendersonville Call for reservations | 828.698.8048 Outdoor Dining Available | www.umisushinc.com MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

3

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

‘14

BEST OF WNC DEAR READER,

You hold in your hand the results from Western North Carolina’s largest, most comprehensive poll about ourselves and our region. National pollsters ask us whom we will likely vote for president, but Xpress keeps it local.

Why? To counteract the glut of global voices telling us who we are! (We can formulate our own stereotypes, thank you.)

More than 12,000 people weighed in this year, with their ballots containing more than 450,000 individual votes that had to be sorted, checked and verified.

Did you know that there are at least 44 ways to spell Malaprop’s Bookstore?

Hanging chad, indeed.

We can now declare who and what our readers think is the best among us: In this first of two issues, you’ll learn about such winners as who’s the best punk band, where’s the best place to take your parents on a visit, what’s the best local government accomplishment, who’s the best chiropractor and much, much more. We also share the winners from our small-town categories, such as Waynesville’s Best New Business or Brevard’s Best Coffee House.

So there’s plenty to celebrate. Be sure to pick up next week’s Xpress to find out the second half of our Best Of WNC winners list, including the most heavily voted categories — all the best eats.

Sincerely, the Xpress staff

TABLE OF CONTENTS 06 | ENTERTAINMENT 24 | SHOPPING 38 | PERSONAL SERVICES 46 | KIDS 56 | UNIQUELY ASHEVILLE 60 | HEALTH & WELLNESS 70 | TOURISM

SMALL TOWNS 74 | HENDERSONVILLE 75 | BREVARD 76 | CULLOWHEE & SYLVA 78 | WAYNESVILLE & CANTON

LET US KNOW

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.

Some Best of WNC categories received inadequate votes to allow us to declare all first-, second- and third-place winners.

Cover photo: Tim Robison 4

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

1

#

Best Martial Arts Studio in WNC & Best Matrial Arts Studio for Kids

ST OF E B

14

20 WNC

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

5

‘14

BEST OF WNC

Arts & Enter tainment

AWARDS

LOCAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 1 LEAF Festival E a Lake Eden & Camp Rockmont, Black Mountain 686-8742 • theleaf.org

2 Moogfest Downtown Asheville 251-0090 • moogmusic.com

3 Bele Chere (discontinued)

LOCAL FESTIVAL TO CAMP OUT AT 1 LEAF Festival E a Lake Eden & Camp Rockmont, Black Mountain 686-8742 • theleaf.org

2 French Broad River Festival n a Hot Springs Campground & Resort, Hot Springs frenchbroadriverfestival.com

PLACE TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC 1 The Orange Peel d x 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 398-1837 • theorangepeel.net

Zombie Queen: Best Local Band (punk)

2 The Grey Eagle r

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

3 Isis Restaurant and Music Hall w c l 743 Haywood Road, Asheville 575-2737 • isisasheville.com

ICON KEY n ORTH s OUTH E AST w EST d OWNTOWN r IVER ARTS

DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA l GO LOCAL g APPALACHIAN GROWN

c AIR j JUST ECONOMICS f GREEN RESTAURANT x HALL OF FAME z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

6

BEST OF WNC

L

ast year’s winners held their own against a slew of up-and-coming newcomers. Electronic duo RBTS WIN, pop-noir act stephaniesid, photographer Micah Mackenzie and metal worker Steebo, among others, garnered Hall of Fame status for continuing to place four or more years in a row in their respective categories.

And, speaking of vote domination, The LEAF won not only best local music festival, but best local festival at which to camp. Not that everyone agreed: Bele Chere (1979-2013, may it rest in peace) garnered enough votes to take a third-place win and at least one voter griped, “Damn you, Asheville, for canceling it.”

But it’s hard to be sad for long when there’s so much to celebrate. Local voters named independent documentary My Toxic Backyard and its writer/director, Katie Damien, as best locally made film and filmmaker (over — surprise! — The Hunger Games). Damien and other members of Gorilla with a Mustache Films attended Cannes Film Festival this year, sending back daily email reports of yacht parties, red carpets and

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

celebrity sightings to Xpress. And American Idol winner Caleb Johnson, since he’s upsetting contests this year, walked away with the the best singer-songwriter nod while his pre-Idol band Elijah Hooker tied for third in the rock category.

Some of the love went to those who’ve gone away: Hall of Fame art-and-craft supplier True Blue recently shuttered and second-place busker Silver Drummer Girl will no longer be executing her snare rolls on the streets of downtown Asheville — she’s headed to Minnesota at the end of the year. “I’ll miss y’all Asheville,” she says. Drum roll, please.

But even as local favorites bow out of the picture, new champions are being minted. Soul and r&b singer-songwriter Lyric won (fittingly) both the soul and r&b categories. Sirius.B once again claimed top spot for rock and favorite all-around bands.

And, worth noting, rapper Philo Reitzel — who performs with Fist Fam — was also mentioned many times over for his solo work and his contributions to other groups such as Empire Strikes Brass. If there was a team player category (and perhaps there should be), Philo would’ve swept it. — Alli Marshall

Voted Best Antique Shop in WNC!

MON-THURS 10-6 • FRI-SAT 9-6 SUN 1-6 • Call for winter hours BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

With 70,000 square feet of shopping in a historic tobacco barn, we have the largest selection of antiques and collectables in North Carolina!

Asheville, NC • minutes from the Biltmore Estate 75 Swannanoa River Rd (Hwy 81, Asheville) 828-252-7291 • www.atbarn.com

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BE

ST OF

HALL OF FAME WNC 2014

BEST OF WNC

7

8

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

A&E continued

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US # 1 PAWN SHOP AGAIN! Echo Mountain: Best Local Recording Studio

PHOTO BY TIM ROBISON

LOCAL RECORDING STUDIO 1 Echo Mountain Recording Studio d x

2 Highland Brewing Company s l 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite H, Asheville 299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

3 Biltmore Estate s

175 Patton Ave., Asheville 232-4314 • echomountain.net

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

2 Collapseable Studios w

LISTENING ROOM

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

1 Isis Restaurant and Music Hall w c l

3 Sound Temple Studios

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

Asheville 633-2149 • soundtemplestudios.com

OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE 1 Pisgah Brewing Co. E a j

150 Eastside Drive, Black Mountain 669-0190 • pisgahbrewing.com

2 The Altamont Theatre d 18 Church St., Asheville 348-5327 • thealtamont.com

3 The Grey Eagle r

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

LOCAL BAND: R&B/BLUES 1 Lyric 60 Logan Ave., Apt. 2, Asheville 702-1554 • lyricfans.com

2 Peggy Ratusz LOCAL BAND: ROCK 1 Sirius.B 337-0290 • siriusbmusic.com

2 Andrew Scotchie and the River Rats ashevilleriverrats.com

2 Floating Action

l GO LOCAL, a program created by the Asheville Grown Business Alliance, helps fund the Asheville City Schools Foundation and other area nonprofits (ashevillegrown.com). g APPALACHIAN GROWN, a branch of ASAP, helps the public identify locally harvested produce and strengthen the region’s agricultural economy (asapconnections.org). c AIR (Asheville Independent Restaurants) is a community of authentically local restaurants committed to preserving a culture of local food and local economy (airasheville.org).

JEWELRY & PAWN STORE IN ASHEVILLE! NOW OFFERING

Jewelry Financing

floatingaction.com

3 Elijah Hooker

OUR PARTNERS

LARGEST

reverbnation.com/peggyratusz

avl.mx/0cy

3 The Broadcast thebroadcastmusic.com

LOCAL BAND: OLD-TIME/ BLUEGRASS 1 Steep Canyon Rangers

j JUST ECONOMICS celebrates, certifies and recognizes local companies that pay a living wage (justeconomicswnc.org).

steepcanyon.com

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS is a U.S. Treasury-certified nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) that helps local businesses and entrepreneurs.

balsamrange.com

2 Balsam Range 3 Town Mountain townmountain.net MOUNTAINX.COM

3 LOCATIONS 1186 Patton Avenue 828-254-8681 M-S 9-7 • Sun 1-6

736 Tunnel Road 828-299-4440 M-S 9-7 • Sun 1-6

Cherokee • Open 24 Hours Across from the Casino (828) 554-0431 AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

9

A&E continued LOCAL BAND: ACOUSTIC/FOLK 1 Sirius.B 337-0290 • siriusbmusic.com

1 The Toothe thetoothe.bandcamp.com

2 The Honeycutters thehoneycutters.com

3 Red June z

Best

redjunemusic.com

locally owned pet store 3 years in a row!

3 Underhill Rose underhillrose.com

LOCAL BAND: AMERICANA/ COUNTRY BE

ST OF

1 The Honeycutters x thehoneycutters.com

14

20

2 Red June z redjunemusic.com

3 Underhill Rose

WNC

underhillrose.com

LOCAL BAND: JAZZ

now with 2 convenient locations:

downtown and west asheville www.pattonavenuepet.com

1 Firecracker Jazz Band firecrackerjazz.com

2 Big Nasty bignastyjazz.bandcamp.com

3 Empire Strikes Brass empirestrikesbrass.com

LOCAL BAND: ELECTRONIC 1 RBTS Win x

rbtswin.com

2 Paper Tiger papertigermusic.com

Swannanoa / Black Mountain Thanks for Voting Us #

1

3 Marley Carroll marleycarroll.com

LOCAL BAND: POP 1 Stephaniesid z x

Art Gallery BE

ST OF

56 Marlowe Drive, Asheville 626-242-2125 • stephaniesid.com

HALL OF FAME

LOCAL BAND: HIP-HOP

WNC 2014

Katie Damien: Best Filmmaker

1 Free Radio freeradio4all.com

2 Crazyhorse and Colston

PHOTO BY TIM ROBISON

crazyhorseandcolston.com

LOCAL BAND: SOUL 1 Lyric 117 Cherry St. • Blk. Mtn. NC 828.669.5107 sevensistersgallery.com Mon.-Sat. 10-6 • Sun. 12-5 10

BEST OF WNC

60 Logan Ave., Apt. 2, Asheville 702-1554 • lyricfans.com

2 Secret B-Sides thesecretb-sides.com

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

DANCE-OFF WNC knows how to accessorize any outfit with a pair of dancing shoes. The Best Place to Dance category elicited an array of creative answers — “anywhere” (well, duh), “street dance at the Rhododendron Festival,” “Aeriel Space” (for those of you who don’t want your moves limited to terra firma) and, specifically, “with Jim Arrendell at Isis.” You go, Jim.

HALL OF FAME Voted Best Of WNC Yoga Studio 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014!

Non-profit 501-C3 donation based yoga

“Yoga brought balance to my body, clarity to my mind and calm to my life. I’m grateful for the wonderful yoga teachers who give from their heart”

State of the Art Facility

~ JUDY DEHAVILLAND, ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY YOGA STUDENT

Congratulations to the 50 teachers who teach for free and over 5,000 students who make Asheville Community Yoga so special.

75+ Weekly Classes Experienced, Certified, Award-Winning Teachers

AshevilleCommunityYoga.com This ad sponsored by

Carolina Hand & Sports Medicine

Platinum Exchange

CAROLINA HAND & SPORTS MEDICINE mountainx.com

auGuSt 6 - auGuSt 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

11

A&E continued

Thanks for voting us #1 Neighborhood Pub, #2 Locals Bar & #2 Pub Grub!

As a thank you, use this clipping as a buy 1, get 1 half off lunch coupon!

11:30am-2am Mon-Fri / 10:30am-2am Sat-Sun 777 Haywood road | 225-WPUB WWW.WESTVILLEPUB.COM

Blue Spiral 1: Best Local Art Gallery PHOTO BY TIM ROBISON

FAVORITE ALL-ROUND BAND

DID YOU KNOW?

Thank you, WNC, for voting us #1 Classical Ensemble!!!

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

Celebrating 15 years of beautiful and passionate music making!

Thomas Wolfe Memorial received a vote for “best listening room.” The voter probably meant the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, but the actual Thomas Wolfe Memorial, a state historic site located on N. Market Street, often does host concerts, many of which are by donation.

Join us for our new season beginning September 5.

337-0290 • siriusbmusic.com

2 Honeycutters thehoneycutters.com

3 Makayan makayan.net

CLASSICAL ENSEMBLE 1 Pan Harmonia n

PO Box 18342, Asheville 28814 254-7123 • pan-harmonia.org

2 Asheville Symphony Orchestra d LOCAL BAND: JAM/PROGRESSIVE 1 Makayan

Local, Authentic,World-Class Chamber Music

1 Sirius.B

PO. Box 2852, Asheville 28802 254-7046 • ashevillesymphony.org

LOCAL SINGER/SONGWRITER

makayan.net

1 Caleb Johnson

2 Phuncle Sam

facebook.com/IdolCalebJohnson

facebook.com/PhuncleSam

2 Jeff Thompson

LOCAL BAND: PUNK 1 Zombie Queen

reverbnation.com/jeffthompsonmusic

3 David LaMotte davidlamotte.com

avl.mx/0dh

2 Egg Eaters

Visit www.Pan-Harmonia.org or call 828.254.7123 Kate Steinbeck, Flutist/Artistic Director 12

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

theeggeaters.com

2 Pleasures of the Ultraviolent pleasuresoftheultraviolent.bandcamp.com

BEST OF WNC IS ALSO ONLINE BESTOFWNC.COM

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

T h a n k Yo u Asheville!

Quality Products & Services... There is A Difference.

(828) 253-5634 | 209 Patton Ave Downtown | www.jandavistire.com BE

ST OF

14

20

#1 TIRE STORE IN WNC

WNC

Thanks, Asheville!

For Voting Us #1 Again!

white duck taco shop

BRING YOUR CAR IN AND SEE WHY Great Selection of Quality Tires Alignment • Brake Service Oil Change • All Inspections jandavistire.com MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

13

A&E continued LOCAL BUSKER/STREET PERFORMER 1 Big Nasty bignastyjazz.bandcamp.com

2 Silver Drummer Girl silverdrummergirl.com

3 Robert “Bobby Sax” Hughes avl.mx/0db

OUTDOOR FAIR/EVENT SELLING ART/CRAFTS 1 The Big Crafty & Little Flea d l 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville thebigcrafty.com

2 The Big Love Fest d l Pack Square Park, Asheville loveasheville.org

3 Bele Chere (defunct) belecherefestival.com

INDOOR FAIR/EVENT SELLING ART/ CRAFTS 1 The Big Crafty d l 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville thebigcrafty.com

2 Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands d

Mr. K’s

U.S. Cellular Center, 87 Haywood St., Asheville 298-7928 • craftguild.org

Asheville’s lArgest Used Bookstore

New & USed: Books • Vinyl Records • CDs Comics • Video Games • Books on CD • DVDs Used Books, MUsic BUY • SeLL • TRAde and

More

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

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

Open Mon. - Sat. 9am-9pm • Sun. 12-6pm 800 Fairview Rd. • Asheville, NC River Ridge Shopping Center • Beside A.C. Moore • Hwy 240 exit #8

299-1145 • www.mrksusedbooks.com 14

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

STUDIO STROLL/DRIVING TOUR 1 River Arts District Studio Stroll r riverartsdistrict.com

2 Art Safari Weaverville weavervilleartsafari.com

3 LaZoom Tours d j z l 14 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 225-6932 • lazoomtours.com

CRAFT SCHOOL OR PLACE TO LEARN A CRAFT

3 Woolworth Walk d

25 Haywood St., Asheville 254-9234 • woolworthwalk.com

CRAFT-ORIENTED GALLERY 1 Folk Art Center E Milepost 382, Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville 298-7928 • craftguild.org

2 Grovewood Gallery n l 111 Grovewood Road, Asheville 253-7651 • grovewood.com

3 New Morning Gallery s l

7 Boston Way, Biltmore Village, Asheville 274-2831 • newmorninggallerync.com

ARTS/CRAFT SUPPLY STORE 1 True Blue Art Supply l x CLOSED trueblueartsupply.com

2 Michaels E s

111 River Hills Road, Asheville 299-0183 • michaels.com 5 McKenna Road, Arden 684-1961

3 AC Moore Arts & Crafts s

River Ridge Shopping Center, 800 Fairview Road, Suite JJ, Asheville 299-0777 • acmoore.com

PHOTOGRAPHER 1 Micah Mackenzie x

275-2636 • micahmack.com

2 Frank Zipperer 251-1330 • ishootlivemusic.com

3 Rodney Smith (Tempus Fugit Design) 273-4639 • tempusfugitdesign.com

PAINTER 1 Jonas Gerard r d z x

1 Penland School of Crafts n a 67 Doras Trail (P.O. Box 37), Penland 28765 765-2359 • penland.org

240 Clingman Ave., No. 144, Asheville 350-7711 • jonasgerard.com

2 John C. Campbell Folk School w a g

2 Adam Strange

1 Folk School Road, Brasstown 800-365-5724 • folkschool.org

3 Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts r 236 Clingman Ave., Asheville 285-0210 • odysseyceramicarts.com

LOCAL ART GALLERY 1 Blue Spiral 1 d x

38 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 251-0202 • bluespiral1.com

2 Zapow d z l

21 Battery Park, Suite 100, Asheville 575-2024 • ZaPow.com

191 Lyman St., Asheville adamstrangeart.wordpress.com

JEWELRY ARTIST/DESIGNER 1 Joanna Gollberg (Joanna Gollberg Jewelry) d 216-8369 • joannagollberg.com

2 Chris Van Dyke, Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft d 29 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 281-4044 • vandykejewelry.com

3 Paula Dawkins (Jewels That Dance) d 63 Haywood St., Asheville 254-5088 • jewelsthatdance.com

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

15

A&E continued CERAMICS ARTIST/POTTER 1 Rob Mangum (Mangum Pottery) n a x

16 N. Main St., Weaverville 645-4929 • mangumpottery.com

2 Akira Satake (Akira Satake Ceramics) r

Cotton Mill Studios, 122 Riverside Drive, Studio C, Asheville 275-7612 • akirasatake.com

3 Gabriel Kline (Red Rising Moon Studios) d 77 Montview Drive, Asheville 253-2092 • redmoonrisingstudios.com

3 Julie Covington d

109 Roberts St., Asheville 775-6075 • covingtonpottery.com

METAL ARTIST OR METALWORKER 1 Stefan “Steebo” Bonitz (Steebo Sculptures) x

Near Asheville 712-4013 • steebo.com

2 David Earl Tomlinson (Dynamic Metal Work) z 337-3241 • dynamicmetalwork.com

3 Jason Lydic (The Nature of Metal) thenatureofmetal.com

16

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

MURAL ARTIST 1 Gus Cutty guscutty.com

2 Dustin Spagnola w 474 Haywood Road, Asheville 315-436-1382 • dustinspagnola.com

3 Gabriel Shaffer gabrielshaffer.com

MOVIE THEATER 1 Fine Arts Theatre d l x 36 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 232-0257 • FineArtsTheatre.com

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

3 Biltmore Grand Theater s 292 Thetford St., Asheville 684-4380 • avl.mx/vp

BEST OF WNC IS ALSO ONLINE BESTOFWNC.COM

Master your own health and well-being.

Empower others to do the same.

675 hr. 6 month Massage Certification starts every April & Oct. 600 hr. 1 year Ayurveda Wellness Counselor Certification (1 weekend a month) BE

Register online Program Discounts available CE hrs. for Massage Therapists

ST OF

14

20 WNC

7 07 Haywo od R o a d , Su ite 001 As h ev il l e , N C 2 8 8 0 6 8 28-252-7377 • w w w.As h ev illeMa s s a g e S c h o o l . o r g

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

17

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

fine food and live music

Thanks to all of you for your support in voting us your

#1 Listening Room

Concerts featuring Jazz, Americana, Bluegrass, Indie Pop, Rock, World and more

Jazz Every Sunday

•

Bluegrass every Tuesday

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

(828) 575-2737

•

ISISasheville.com

Extraordinary healing for a range of complex health issues s Focusing on the whole person rather than isolated symptoms and providing practical,

research based solutions to restore health with Chiropractic and Functional Medicine.

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

Thank you for voting!

18

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

Russel Sher, D.C. Asheville Center for Health Excellence 188 Charlotte Street, Suite One Asheville, NC 28803 828.253.1727 www.ashevillehealthcoach.com

The Matt & Molly Team says

THANK YOU to all of our raving fans who continue to make Real Estate fun!

AND CONGRATS TO ALL THE REST OF THE BEST!

828-210-1697 www.TheMattAndMollyTeam.com MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

19

A&E continued LOCAL FILMMAKER 1 Katie Damien

3 Montford Park Players d 92 Gay St., Asheville 254-5146 • montfordparkplayers.org

335-9547 • katiedamien.com

TRIVIA NIGHT

2 Chris Bower wewontbowdown.com

3 Paul Bonesteel (Bonesteel Films) d 161 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 236-0300 • bonesteelfilms.com

1 Jack of the Wood d g c z x

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

2 Kippers Totally Rad Trivia (Broadway’s) d

LOCALLY MADE FILM

120 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 285-0400

1 My Toxic Backyard, produced and directed by Katie Damien

42 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-0504 • barleystaproom.com

mytoxicbackyard.com

2 The Hunger Games, directed by Gary Ross thehungergamesmovie.com

THEATER COMPANY 1 North Carolina Stage Company d l

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

3 Barley's Taproom & Pizzeria d ACTOR (MALE OR FEMALE) 1 Scott Treadway d

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

2 Charlie Flynn-McIver d 15 Stage Lane, Asheville 239-0263 • ncstage.org

3 Tracey Johnston-Crum themagnetictheatre.org

2 Asheville Community Theatre d l

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

#

COMEDY TROUPE 1 The Feral Chihuahuas 280-0107 • feralchihuahuas.com

1 Dance Studio for Kids

Also Voted One of the Best Places to Take Dance

Fall dance begins August 18!

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

20

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

Pisgah Brewing Co.: Best Outdoor Music Venue

PHOTO BY ALICIA FUNDERBURK

2 LaZoom Tours d j z l 14 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 225-6932 • lazoomtours.com

3 LYLAS

2 Scandals Nightclub d

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

3 Asheville Movement Collective

lylas.org

ashevillemovementcollective.org

COMEDY SERIES OR EVENT 1 LaZoom Tours d j z l x

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

2 Laugh your Asheville Off laughyourashevilleoff.com

DANCE COMPANY 1 Terpsicorps Theater of Dance r x

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

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

PLACE TO DANCE 1 The Admiral w z

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

3 The Orange Peel d

101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 398-1837 • theorangepeel.net

PLACE TO TAKE DANCE CLASSES 1 Studio Zahiya d z l

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

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

2 Ballet Conservatory of Asheville d

6 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 255-5777 • balletconservatoryofasheville.com

3 Asheville Ballroom and Dance Center s 991-B Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 274-8320 • ashevilleballroom.net

3 Center Stage Dance Studio s 38-L Rosscragon Road, Asheville 654-7010 • centerstage1.com

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

21

A&E continued

Musicians Workshop: Best Musical Instrument Store PHOTO BY TIM ROBISON

2 Warren Wilson College MFA program

LOCAL AUTHOR 1 Ron Rash x

wwcmfa.org

avl.mx/0dc

LOCAL DJ (NON-RADIO)

2 Allan Wolf allanwolf.com

1 Kipper Schauer (Broadway’s) d

3 Tommy Hays d

120 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 285-0400 • facebook.com/kipperisrad

44 Edgemont Road, Asheville 254-1389 • tommyhays.com

2 Marley Carroll

LOCAL POET

marleycarroll.com

1 Allan Wolf

3 Disc-Oh! (Johnny 2 Badd)

allanwolf.com

facebook.com/djdiscoh

2 Barbie Angell barbieangell.com

3 Glenis Redmond

ICON KEY

glenisredmond.com

3 Laura Hope-Gill d

36 Montford Ave., Lenoir-Rhyne University, Asheville laurahopegill.blogspot.com

CREATIVE WRITING SCHOOL OR ORGANIZATION 1 Great Smokies Writing Program n

n ORTH s OUTH E AST w EST d OWNTOWN r IVER ARTS

DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA l GO LOCAL g APPALACHIAN GROWN

c AIR j JUST ECONOMICS f GREEN RESTAURANT x HALL OF FAME z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

UNC Asheville , 1 University Heights, Asheville 251-6099 • agc.unca.edu/gswp

GO LOCAL, Y’ALL About 90 Best Of WNC winners are members of the Go Local initiative (look for the l symbol).

22

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

Serving victims of sexual assault and working to eliminating sexual violence since 1974. Join us on September 4 for our 40 Anniversary Celebration, 40 Years of Starting Conversations featuring keynote speaker Anita Hill, Brandeis University Professor of Law. th

th

Specialty gifts for all occasions!

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

Thanks for all the support!

33 N. Lexington Avenue • Asheville, NC duncanandyork.com • 828.575.2441

freshest authentic

Serving the and most Thai cuisine in Downtown Asheville

For more details call 828-252-0562 or visit: www.ourvoicenc.org

DANCING BEAR TOYS

Having Fun With Kids In WNC For Over 21 Years!

Thanks for voting us Best Toy Store 8 years in a row!

BE

ST OF

HALL OF FAME WNC 2014

VISIT OUR N

EW LOCATIO

BE

N!

• 100% ACCESSIBLE • AMAZING SELECTION OF TOYS • INCREDIBLE STAFF • FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

ST OF

14

20

518 KENILWORTH RD. ASHEVILLE • 255-8697

WNC

11 Broadway • Asheville • 828-281-8151

www.suwanathaiorchid.com

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

418 N. MAIN ST. HENDERSONVILLE • 693-4500

www.dancingbeartoys.com

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

23

BEST OF WNC AWARDS

Shopping

THANKS FOR MAKING US

ONE OF THE BEST!

WE ALWAYS OFFER 10% OFF OF LABOR TO: Teachers Thank you for educating our youth!

Hospital employees

BE

ST OF

14

20

Harvest Records: Best Record/CD Store

WNC

We are grateful for all that you do!

& Grove Park Inn and Biltmore employees We value you all!

We proudly recycle all shop products including oil, anti-freeze, cardboard, paper, all metal, and batteries.

Pet friendly (we have dog treats!)

Bring your sense of humor, and your Asian car: Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, Subaru, Mini Cooper (only exception) No European models LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

MOSTLY AUTOMOTIVE 253 Biltmore Ave. 828-253-4981 24

BEST OF WNC

PHOTO BY TIM ROBISON

W

hether it’s a bargain, day-to-day staples or a unique find, Best Of WNC voters love shopping — to the tune of more than $3 billion in retail sales in Buncombe County per year.

When it comes to bargains in what to wear and where to buy it, Goodwill earned hall-of-fame status in two clothing categories: Work (Men’s) and Consignment/Vintage. Founded in 1926 by the Centenary United Method Church in Winston-Salem, Goodwill is a retailer, textile recycler (22 million pounds in 2012), contractservices operation and workforce-development service (246 skills classes, including training partnerships with local businesses and A-B Technical Community College).

For unique custom finery, however, voters named R. Brooke Priddy as Best Local Fashion Designer once again. Known for her unique wedding and evening gowns, Priddy says, “Asheville

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

has a wonderfully large group of avant gardes and individualists who place value in authentically original design.”

If you’re scouting for 45 rpm records or other such hard-to-find audio recordings, try Harvest Records, winner of Best Record/CD Store. Consider the store’s most valuable sale since opening in 2004: a rare disk by the ’80s-era horror-punk subgenre group the Misfits (with songs like “Cough/Cool,” “Bullet” and “Horror Business”).

Store founders Mark Capon and Matt Schnable both hope shoppers “can find what they’re looking for [and] possibly in the meantime be introduced to something about which they normally wouldn’t know.” And although Harvest has been in business 10 years, Capon notes that he’s most surprised by how many customers stop in and say that “they didn’t know we were in the neighborhood.”

So get busy and look around: What you’re looking for might just be in a shop around the corner. — Grady Cooper

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

25

26

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

SHOP continued DRESS-UP/STYLIN' CLOTHES (WOMEN'S) 1 Minx d x

64 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 225-5680 • minxasheville.com

2 Virtue d l

58 N. Lexington Ave. 254-4200 • shopvirtue.com

3 Ad Lib d

23 Haywood St., Asheville 285-8838 • adlibonline.com

DRESS-UP/STYLIN' CLOTHES (MEN'S) 1 Old North d

82 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 505-6495 • oldnorthclothing.com

2 Union d l

18 Haywood St., Asheville 259-3300 • unionasheville.com

3 Hip Replacements d j z l

CLOTHING: WORK (MEN'S) 1 Goodwill w s E n x

1011 Patton Ave., Asheville 252-7680 • goodwillnwnc.org 51 Mills Gap Road, Asheville 687-0057 86 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-3595 1616 Patton Ave., Asheville 771-2192

For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

2 Mast General Store d s w 15 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 232-1883 • mastgeneralstore.com 527 N. Main St., Hendersonville 696-1883 63 N. Main St., Waynesville 452-2101

3 Belk E w

72 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 255-7573 • hipreplacementsclothing.com

5 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 838-298-4970 • belk.com

3 JoS. A. Bank s

800 Brevard Road, Asheville 667-1800

1 Boston Way, Asheville 274-2630

CLOTHING: WORK (WOMEN'S) 1 Minx d

64 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 225-5680 • minxasheville.com

2 Goodwill w s E n

For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

3 Old North d

82 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 505-6495 • oldnorthclothing.com

1011 Patton Ave., Asheville 252-7680 • goodwillnwnc.org

ICON KEY

51 Mills Gap Road, Asheville 687-0057

n ORTH s OUTH E AST w EST d OWNTOWN r IVER ARTS

86 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-3595 For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

3 Belk E w

5 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 838-298-4970 • belk.com 800 Brevard Road, Asheville 667-1800

DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA l GO LOCAL g APPALACHIAN GROWN

c AIR j JUST ECONOMICS f GREEN RESTAURANT x HALL OF FAME z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

DID YOU KNOW?

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

27

Hospice • Palliative Care • Research • Elizabeth House

Hospice • Palliative Care • Research • Elizabeth House

Thanks for making us feel fancy, Asheville!

Local Care. Your Way.

Hospice • Palliative Care • Research • Elizabeth House

THANK YOU WNC! BE

for choosing the nonprofit services www.FourSeasonsCFL .org of Four Seasons!

ST OF

14

20 WNC

828.545.5503 28

BEST OF WNC

smartfellertreeworks.com

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

828.692.6178 www.FourSeasonsCFL.org

SHOP continued CLOTHING: CONSIGNMENT OR VINTAGE 1 Goodwill w s E n x

1011 Patton Ave., Asheville 252-7680 • goodwillnwnc.org 51 Mills Gap Road, Asheville 687-0057

LINGERIE/ADULT STORE 1 VaVaVooom d z 57 Broadway, Asheville 254-6329 • vavavooom.com

2 BedTyme Stories s a 2334 Hendersonville Road, Arden

86 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-3595

684-8250 • bedtymestories.com

1616 Patton Ave., Asheville 771-2192

3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville

3 Victoria's Secret E

#1

298-0760 • victoriassecret.com

PET KENNEL

For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

2 Lulu’s Consignment Boutique s a

3461 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher 687-7565 • ilovelulus.net

2 Reciprocity, A Resale Boutique w z

732 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-3980 • reciprocityofwnc.com

2 The Enchanted Forest d

235 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 236-0688 • theenchantedforrest.com

3 Honeypot d l

ICON KEY n ORTH s OUTH E AST w EST d OWNTOWN r IVER ARTS

DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA l GO LOCAL g APPALACHIAN GROWN

c AIR j JUST ECONOMICS f GREEN RESTAURANT x HALL OF FAME z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

86 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 225-0304 • etsy.com/shop/honeypot

BE

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

Thank you WNC for your loyalty and continued support. We look forward to many more years of providing you and your pup with excellent care and service.

828-350-0333

THESOAPYDOG.COM

ST OF

14

20 WNC

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

29

SHOP continued LOCAL FASHION DESIGNER 1 R. Brooke Priddy (Ship to Shore Clothier) d z x

43 Rankin Ave. (by appointment only), Asheville 242-1378 • shiptoshoreshop.com

2 Daniella Miller (Royal Peasantry) d l 80 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 559-1835 • royalpeasantry.com

SHOE STORE

45 S.French Broad Ave., Asheville 255-5228 • hopeyandcompany.com 3018 U.S. Highway 70W, Black Mountain 669-8988 121 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 277-0805

3 ALDI n w E s a

58 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville aldi.us 1334 Patton Ave., Asheville

1 Tops for Shoes d x

For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

2 Discount Shoes w

GROCERY FOR LOCAL FARM GOODS AND LOCAL FOODS

27 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 254-6721 • topsforshoes.com 1282 Brevard Road, Asheville 667-0085

ALL-ROUND GROCERY STORE 1 Ingles g

Various locations - See page 34 669-2941 • ingles-markets.com

2 Earth Fare w s g

1 Earth Fare w s g x 66 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 253-7656 • EarthFare.com

1856 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 210-0100

2 Greenlife Grocery (Whole Foods) d g

66 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 253-7656 • EarthFare.com

70 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-5440 • wholefoodsmarket.com

1856 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 210-0100

3 Katuah Market s g l

3 Trader Joe's d

120 Merrimon Place, Asheville 232-5078 • traderjoes.com

BUDGET-FRIENDLY GROCERY STORE 1 Trader Joe's d

120 Merrimon Place, Asheville 232-5078 • traderjoes.com

MEGA-CLOSET? One voter told us his wife’s closet was the Best Lingerie / Adult store in WNC. We have to wonder about the size of that closet.

2 Hendersonville Road Suite D, Asheville 676-2882 • katuahmarket.com

HEALTH FOOD STORE 1 Earth Fare w s g x 66 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 253-7656 • EarthFare.com

1856 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 210-0100

2 Greenlife Grocery (Whole Foods) d g 70 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-5440 • wholefoodsmarket.com

3 French Broad Food Co-op d g j l

90 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-7650 • frenchbroadfood.coop

Thank you WNC!

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

BE

2 Hopey & Co. d E s

ST OF

14

20 WNC

OurFamilyDoctorAsheville.com

30

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

Thanks for voting us to the top!

BESTOFWNC.COM

The best primary care doctors under one roof.

Now taking new patients! 828.252.2511

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

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

Where Adult Dreams Come True • • OPEN 7 DAYS • •

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

(828) 684-8250

2334 Hendersonville Rd. (S. Asheville/Arden)

www.bedtymestories.net MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

31

Offering hand tossed pizza with fresh local ingredients, our own craft-brewed beer and selection of homemade gourmet ice cream

Mountain Xpress 2014 Best of WNC Readers Poll Weaverville and Woodfin

Blue Mountain Pizza and Brew Pub ST OF E B

14

20 WNC

First Place, Regional Weaverville and Woodfin: • Best Music Venue • Neighborhood Gathering Spot • Saturday-Night Hangout • Bar • Business that Gives Back to the Community

Second Place, Regional Weaverville and Woodfin: • Dinner Restaurant

Third Place, Regional Weaverville and Woodfin: • Lunch Restaurant

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 Thank you to the best staff around who work hard every day to make it happen 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

32

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

Thanks

SHOP continued IMPORT/ETHNIC FOOD STORE 1 Kim’s Oriental Food & Gifts w 5 Regent Park Blvd., No. 110, Asheville 254-7235

2 Foreign Affairs Oriental Market E l 611-A Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-0333

3 Trader Joe's d

120 Merrimon Place, Asheville 232-5078 • traderjoes.com

CONVENIENCE STORE 1 Gas-Up w x

405 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-5589 • thegasup.com

2 Hot Spot d w n s 79 Asheland Ave., Asheville 253-0425 • hotspotcstore.com 1118 Brevard Road, Asheville 110 Weaverville Road, Asheville For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

3 Citi Stop w s

760 Haywood Road, Asheville 774-5550 266 Charlotte Highway, Asheville 298-5512 For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

FURNITURE STORE 1 Tyson Furniture E a 109 Broadway St., Black Mountain 669-5000 • tysonfurniture.com

2 Mobilia d

107C River Hills Road, Asheville 281-8172 • havertys.com

3 Penland's Furniture E a 2700 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 686-5561 • PenlandsFurniture.com

BEDDING AND BATH STORE 1 Bed Bath & Beyond E 83 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-8446 • bedbathandbeyond.com

2 Porter & Prince s

6 Brook St., Asheville 277-2337 • porterandprince.com

HARDWARE STORE 1 Ace Hardware n s E w 812 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 505-3672 • ashevilleace.com

1888 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 676-0047 • ashevilleace.com 61 Weaver Blvd., Suite A, Weaverville 645-8811 • ashevilleace.com

Best Musical Instrument Shops

For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

2 Lowe's 89 S.Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-3788 • lowes.com

BE

95 Smokey Park Highway, Asheville 255-9113

ST OF

14

20

24 Northridge Commons Parkway, Weaverville 782-9020

WNC

For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

3 Town Hardware and General Store E a

(828) 669-5162 • 105-F Montreat Road, Black Mountain, NC

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

FLEA MARKET 1 Smiley's Flea Market s a 5360 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher 684-3532 • smileysfleamarkets.com

2 The Downtown Market d

45 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville 255-8858 • downtownmarketasheville.net

ANTIQUE STORE 1 Antique Tobacco Barn E l x

75 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 252-7291 • ATBarn.com

WOW!

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 • 2013 and 2014!

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

Asheville Location 5 Riverside Drive in the River Arts District Mon-Fri 11am-4pm 253-4499 Arden Location 3578 Sweeten Creek Rd. Near BB Barns Nursery Tues-Sat 11am-4pm Carry Out Till 6pm 687-1395

2 Screen Door s

115 Fairview Road, Asheville 277-3667 • screendoorasheville.com

3 Oddfellows Antiques E 124 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 350-7800 • oddfellowsasheville.com

43 Haywood St., Asheville 252-8322 • mobilianc.com

3 Havertys E

for voting us , once again, one of the

2319 US Highway 70, Swannanoa 581-0299

GIFT SHOP 1 L.O.F.T. d x

53 Broadway, Asheville 259-9303 • loftofasheville.com

2 Whist w

428-A Haywood Road, Asheville 252-5557 • whistshop.com

3 Duncan and York d

32 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 575-2441 • duncanandyork.com

ICON KEY n ORTH s OUTH E AST w EST d OWNTOWN r IVER ARTS

DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA l GO LOCAL g APPALACHIAN GROWN

c AIR j JUST ECONOMICS f GREEN RESTAURANT x HALL OF FAME z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

33

SHOP continued Stores in Buncombe County 1141 Tunnel Rd.

 E 828-298-3514 Asheville

225 Charlotte Hwy E

828-298-2160 Asheville

29 Tunnel Rd.

 E 828-253-1528 Asheville

863 Brevard Rd. W

828-665-0787 Asheville

669 Haywood Rd. W

828-259-9268 Asheville

550 Highway 9

153 Smoky Park Hwy

2299 U.S. 70

7 New Leicester Hwy

 E 828-669-6700 Black Mtn

E

828-686-5410 Swannanoa

W

W

(828) 236-0688 up to 75% off Summer Sale

828-667-9306 Asheville 828-253-2005 Asheville

525 New Leicester Hwy 915 Merrimon Ave.

 W 828-254-3496 Asheville

499 Weaverville Rd.

W

 N 828-254-5654 Asheville

N

828-645-4521 Asheville

3338 Boylston Hwy 828-891-3260 Mills River

140 Weaverville Blvd.  N 828-645-2902 Arden

1865 Hendersonville Rd. 1865  S 828-274-0804 Asheville

780 Hendersonville Rd. #79 S 828-274-1174 Asheville 301 Long Shoals Rd.  S 828-681-5173 Arden

All stores Have a Deli Starbucks=

www.ingles-markets.com

or ks f r us! n a T h i n g fo vot

Mon - Sat 10:00 - 5:30 235 Merrimon Ave.

R. Brooke Priddy: Best Local Fashion Designer

PHOTO BY ALICIA FUNDERBURK

HEAD SHOP 1 Octopus Garden Smoke Shop w d s n x 1062 Patton Ave., Asheville 232-6030

80 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 254-4980 1269 Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-8880

420 Haywood Road, Asheville 253-9420 • image420.com

3 Printville s d z

2 Town Square Blvd., Suite 100, Asheville 225-3777

33 Patton Ave., Asheville 225-5037

BEST OF WNC IS ALSO ON YOUR PHONE BESTOFWNC.COM BESTOFWNC.COM

2 Image 420 Screenprinting w z

For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

3 Wonderland d

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

54 Broadway, Asheville 253-0449 • hencorepro.com

1 Page Ave., Suite 107, Asheville 348-5121 • printville.net

426 Haywood Road, Asheville 254-3332 • thecircleasheville.com

BEST OF WNC

1 Henco Reprographics d

660 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-2883

2 The Circle Asheville w l

34

PRINT SHOP

PAWN SHOP 1 Alan's Jewelry & Pawn w E

1186 Patton Ave., Asheville 254-8681 • alanspawn.com 736 Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-4440 • alanspawn.com

10 Paint Town Road, across from casino, Cherokee 554-0431 • alanspawn.com

2 Leicester Pawn and Gun Shop w 142 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 285-0040 • leicesterpawn.com

The

THANK YOU FOR 21 YEARS OF SUPPORT

Octopus GardenThe Octopus Garden has all Smoke Shop

BE

ST OF

HALL OF FAME WNC 2014

of your E-Cigarette and other Smoking Needs covered!

200 Rosman Hwy. Suite C • Brevard • (828)884-8796 2000 Spartanburg Hwy. Suite 300 • Hendersonville • (828) 697-1050 140 Airport Rd. Suite M • Arden • (828) 654-0906 1269 Tunnel Rd. Suite B • Asheville • (828) 299-8880 600 Merrimon Ave. • Asheville • (828) 253-2883 80 N. Lexington Ave. • Asheville • (828) 524-4980 1062 Patton Ave. • Asheville • (828) 232-6030

100% Locally Owned and Operated We want to thank our customers for writing us in on the ballots. #2 based on write-in votes is awesome!

Thanks for your loyalty. We love you too!

just good Food

Serving homemade & specialty soups, sandwiches, & dinner entrees 30 W. Main St. Brevard, NC Phone: (828) 862-[ToGo] 8646 Hours: Mon - Thurs 11am to 9pm • Fri - Sat 8am to 9pm • Sun 8am to 3pm MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

35

#1 Best Locally-Owned Store in Sylva & Best Business that gives back to the Community in Sylva

GROWING COMMUNITY

BE

405 Haywood Road west asHeville NC

ST OF

Thank You WNC! We Keep You Rolling!

14

20 WNC

Thank You WNC for 11 Great Years!

• Rolling Tobacco • High Blend Biodiesel • Huge selection of wine & local microbrews

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

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

36 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PLATINUM CERTIFIED AND NET ZERO HOMES VISIT

36

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

SHOP continued MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STORE 1 Musician's Workshop d x 319 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 252-1249 • musiciansworkshop.com

2 Acoustic Corner E a 105-F Montreat Road, Black Mountain 669-5162 • acoustic-corner.com

3 Sherwood's Music d

180 Patton Ave., Asheville 254-0402 • sherwoodsmusic.com

RECORD/CD STORE 1 Harvest Records w l x 415 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-2999 • harvest-records.com

2 Static Age Records d

Goodwill of Northwest NC: Best Clothing (Consignment or Vintage) and Best Clothing (Work - Men’s)

110 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 254-3232

3 Karmasonics d

19 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 259-9949 • alv.mx/prpm

AUTOMOBILE TIRE STORE 1 Jan Davis Tire Store d

209 Patton Ave., Asheville 253-5634 • jandavistire.com

2 Newbridge Tire Center n 1475 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 255-8005 • newbridgetirecenter.com

3 Discount Tires E s

105 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville 318-0949 • discounttire.com 54 Airport Road, Arden 708-6022

AUTO DEALER - NEW 1 Jim Barkley Toyota w

777 Brevard Road, Asheville 667-8888 • jimbarkleytoyota.com

2 Prestige Subaru E 585 Tunnel Road, Asheville 877-300-1447 • prestigesubaru.com

3 Apple Tree Honda s a

195 Underwood Road, Fletcher 684-4400 • honda.appletreeautos.com

AUTO DEALER - USED 1 Jim Barkley Toyota w

777 Brevard Road, Asheville 667-8888 • jimbarkleytoyota.com

2 Apple Tree Honda s a

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

BOOKSTORE - NEW 1 Malaprop's Bookstore/ Café d l x

55 Haywood St., Asheville 254-6734 • malaprops.com

2 Barnes & Noble E 3 S. Tunnel Road, Ashevillle 296-7335 • barnesandnoble.com

BOOKSTORE - USED 1 Mr. K’s Used Books & More s

800 Fairview Road, Asheville 299-1145 • mrksusedbooks.com

2 Downtown Books & News d l 67 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 253-8654 • downtownbooksandnews.com

3 Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar d 1 Page Ave., Asheville 252-0020 • batteryparkbookexchange.com

USED FURNITURE STORE 1 Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore j h

33 Meadow Road, Asheville 251-5702 • ashevillehabitat.org

2 The Regeneration Station s 26 Glendale Ave., Asheville 505-1108 • avl.mx/0e3

3 Nothing New Inc. E 811-A Tunnel Rd, Asheville 298-2707 • avl.mx/0da

195 Underwood Road, Fletcher 684-4400 • honda.appletreeautos.com

3 Auto Advantage s a

5998 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville 888-464-1757 • myautoadvantage.com

FLORIST 1 Flora w

428-B Haywood Road, Asheville 252-8888 • floraevents.com

2 Blossoms at Biltmore Park s l

2 Town Square Blvd., Suite 140, Asheville 650-6464 • blossomsatbiltmorepark.com

2 Merrimon Florist d

329 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 974-4474 • merrimonflorist.com

3 Bloomin' Art d

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

60 Haywood St., Asheville 254-6447

TOBACCO SHOP 1 B&B Tobacconists d

377 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-8822 • bbtobacconists.com

2 Octopus Garden Smoke Shop w d s n 1062 Patton Ave., Asheville 232-6030

80 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 254-4980 1269 Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-8880 For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

JEWELRY STORE 1 Jewels That Dance d

63 Haywood St., Asheville 254-5088 • jewelsthatdance.com

2 Elementality E z

3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-4751 • myelementality.com

3 Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft d 29 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 281-4044 • vandykejewelry.com

3 Wick & Greene Jewelers d 121 Patton Ave., Asheville 253-1805 • wickandgreene.com

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

37

AWARDS

‘14

BEST OF WNC

Personal Services SPA 1 The Omni Grove Park Inn n x 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 252-2711 • groveparkinn.com

2 Sensibilities Day Spa d s 59 Haywood St., Asheville 253-3222 • sensibilities-spa.com 43 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 687-8760

3 Spa Theology d l

53 College St., Asheville 255-4171 • spatheology.com

HAIR SALON 1 Ananda r d

22 Broadway, Asheville 232-1017 • anandahair.com 37 Paynes Way, Suite 005 (the Wedge Building), Asheville 236-2444

2 Willow’s Dream d z 64 Broadway, Asheville 225-5922 • willowsdream.com

3 Wink Salon s j

18 Brook St. # 103, Asheville 277-4070 • ilovewink.com

HAIR STYLIST Ananda: Best Hair Salon

1 Jami Redlinger (The Middy) d 51 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville 254-4247 • themiddy.com

PHOTO BY TIM ROBISON

T

here’s a reason people often forge friendships and divulge secrets to hair stylists, manicurists and astrologists. Whether it’s trusting that you won’t walk away from a salon with a bad haircut or trusting that your tattoo artist won’t ink you with a lifetime of regret, clients place their confidence in the professionals who provide these personal services.

Tina Ford-Cox of Willow’s Dream and Jami Redlinger of The Middy, who tied for first place for Best Hair Stylist, have a few theories.

“There is a saying in the business that your stylist is ‘the cheapest therapist in town,’” says Ford-Cox. “I think it’s more complex than that — to cut or style someone’s hair is intimate. … To do hair is to get a front row seat to the varied aspects and 38

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

foibles of humanity, along with its capacity for joy, kindness, humor, love. I know many secrets, and I tell none. That is a part of being a good stylist too. You’re the ultimate confidant.”

Redlinger agrees. “I would say, without a doubt, clients trust their stylist with much more than just hair. Hair is such an important thing to many people. It’s how we express ourselves.

So when you find a stylist [who] really gets your hair, a personal relationship comes quite easily. I want my clients to know that they can trust me 100 percent with not just their hair but anything they tell me.”

So relax, and enjoy all the personal services our readers have named the Best. And trust that your secrets are in good hands.

— Lea McLellan

BESTOFWNC.COM

1 Tina Ford-Cox (Willow’s Dream) d 64 Broadway, Asheville 225-5922 • willowsdream.com

2 Amanda Reid (Willow’s Dream) d 64 Broadway, Asheville 225-5922 • willowsdream.com

2 Blue Hughes (Willow’s Dream) d 64 Broadway, Asheville 225-5922 • willowsdream.com

3 Tiziana Severse (Aubergine) d 32 Broadway Suite 220, Asheville 539-0707 • tizianaseverse.com

B

ES

HALL

T OF ME OF FA

WNC

Thank you WNC!

Asheville Eye Associates thanks Mountain Xpress readers ST OF E B for voting us 14

20

Best Eye Care Specialist!

2014

Serving the communities of WNC in Asheville, South Asheville, Hendersonville, Clyde, Sylva, Franklin, Hayesville and Boone

Ashevilleeye.com • (828) 258-1586 Like us on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/AshevilleEyeAssociates

Download our FREE app on your smartphone!

WNC

Since 1961, Leading Eye Care You Can Trust

Not pictured:

Back Row, L-R: Edward K. Isbey, III, MD W. Copley McLean, Jr., MD

Thomas L. Beardsley, MD Damien C. Macaluso, MD Robert E. Wiggins, Jr., MD

William L. Haynes, MD W. Zachery Bridges, Jr., MD James D. Crandall, MD

Front Row, L-R: Frank A. Killian, MD Jeffrey B. Goldstein, MD Alice L. Bashinsky, MD

Cameron M. Stone, MD Floy W. Kampe, OD Edward K. Isbey, Jr., MD Brian E. Smith, MD

MOUNTAINX.COM

Julie E. Tullock, OD Jeffrey P. Schultz, OD R. Benjamin Meade, OD Stephanie A. Brien, OD

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

39

Thank You! Our Customers are the Best!

REEMS CREEK

PERSONAL SERVICES continued

Nursery & Landscaping, Inc. B E ST

F

20

O

14

WN

70 Monticello Rd. Weaverville, NC I-26/Exit 18 828-645-3937

www.reemscreek.com

C

Hands On Spa: Best Nail Salon

PHOTO BY ALICIA FUNDERBURK

TATTOO PARLOR 1 Hot Stuff Tattoo w x

416 Haywood Road, Asheville 251-6040 • dannyreedtattoo.com

2 Freaks & Geeks Tattoo Sideshow w 745 Haywood Road, Asheville 254-4429 • freaks-n-geeks.com

3 Man's Ruin Tattoos, Piercings & Art Gallery n l 660 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-6660 • mansruintattoos.com

ICON KEY n ORTH s OUTH E AST w EST d OWNTOWN r IVER ARTS

DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA l GO LOCAL g APPALACHIAN GROWN

c AIR j JUST ECONOMICS

f GREEN RESTAURANT x HALL OF FAME z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING

TATTOO ARTIST 1 Danny Reed (Hot Stuff Tattoo) w x

416 Haywood Road, Asheville 251-6040 • dannyreedtattoo.com

2 Kimi Leger (Sacred Lotus Tattoo) w

328 New Leicester Highway, Suite 140, Asheville 545-1376

3 Galen Holland (Freaks & Geeks Tattoo Sideshow) w 745 Haywood Road, Asheville 254-4429 • freaks-n-geeks.com

NAIL SALON 1 Hands On Spa n

640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 255-4540 • handsonspaasheville.com

2 CiCi Nails & Spa n

964 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 281-4646 • avl.mx/0d3

3 Sensibilities Day Spa d s 59 Haywood St., Asheville 253-3222 • sensibilities-spa.com 43 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 687-8760

40

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

Thanks for Voting us the Best - Again!

Thank You Asheville for Voting Us One of the Best Dentists in WNC

PEELE DENTAL WELLNESS Sc o tt Pee le,

DDS BE

New Patients Always Welcome

ST OF

14

20 WNC

828-274-4747 828-274-4747

As a thank you, please bring your pets and your friends to join us for the launch of Sundays Live @ Aloft on Sunday, August 31 from 5-9pm. We’ll have prizes from Diamond Brand Outdoors, beer from Highland Brewing along with our specialty summer cocktails, live music and beautiful sunsets!

1087 Hendersonville Road • Asheville, NC 28803

#

1 Hotel Bar • #1 Pet-Friendly Hotel

www.ashevilledentalwellness.com

Mans Ruin

All Female Staff

660 Merrimon Ave-Asheville 828-253-6660 www.mansruintattoos.com

Tattoo Piercing & Art Gallery MOUNTAINX.COM

Thanks for voting

us one of the

BEST 13 Years for

In A Row

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

41

From the bottom of our hearts, Willow’s dream would like to thank you for voting and being our friends!

Our relationships with our community means the world to us, sending out good Karma is what it is all about!

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

Amanda, Blue and Tina thank you .

Your talent, your loyalty, and your devotion are evident in all you do!

Willows dream is now taking appointments f o r n a i l s a n d h a i r 7 d a y s a w e e k f o r y o u r c o n v e n i e n c e ! !

WILLOWS DREAM 64 Broadway•Asheville NC 28801 8 2 8 . 2 2 5 . 5 9 2 2 • w w w. w i l l o w s d r e a m . c o m

RiverLink is RiverCentric— working for your French Broad River Watershed

JUMP IN! Join RiverLink

Today!

We would like to thank board members past our donors for

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

BEST ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP 9 years in a row BE

The Wilma Dykeman RiverWay and all its many spokes in the wheel are happening!

42

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

ST OF

14

20 WNC

BESTOFWNC.COM

BE

ST OF

HALL OF FAME WNC 2014

Thank you for voting me 1st Place!

PERSONAL SERVICES continued

Benjamin Bernstein BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

Insight • Healing • Awakening Satisfaction guaranteed!

828-338-9852 • info@AstroShaman.com BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

Diamond Thieves: Best Body Piercing & Tattoo Studio PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

PIERCING STUDIO 1 Diamond Thieves Body Piercing & Tattoo w E j x 1570 Patton Ave., Asheville 225-3845 • diamondthieves.net 2245 Rutherford Road, Marion 559-2547

2 Empire Tattoo & Piercing d 83 Patton Ave., Asheville 252-8282 • empiretattooavl.com

3 Man's Ruin Tattoos, Piercings & Art Gallery n l

ICON KEY n ORTH s OUTH E AST w EST d OWNTOWN r IVER ARTS

DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA l GO LOCAL g APPALACHIAN GROWN

c AIR j JUST ECONOMICS f GREEN RESTAURANT x HALL OF FAME z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

660 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-6660 • mansruintattoos.com

ASTROLOGER

1 Faerie Made Soaps w j

1 Benjamin Bernstein (AstroShaman) l

P.O. Box 17181, Asheville 28816 251-5291 • faeriemadesoaps.com

Asheville 338-9852 • AstroShaman.com

2 Liz Gunn (Liz Gunn Astrology) Asheville 702-1197 • avl.mx/w7

2 The Laughing Mermaid Soap Co. d l 68 College St., Asheville 259-5331 • thelaughingmermaid.com

3 Belinda Dunn (Harmony Astrology) 215-2101 • astrodelight.com

LOCAL BODY PRODUCTS MAKER

3 Bonny Bath Asheville 713-7695 • bonnybath.com

VIVA MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS More than 80 Best Of WNC’s top businesses and entrepreneurs got advice, training or other assistance from local nonprofit Mountain Bizworks.

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

43

Area Map

na

AWARDS

‘14

BEST OF WNC • Mars Hill • Spruce Pine • Marshall • Hot Springs • Burnsville • Weaverville Weaverville

Fre dR

roa hB nc

ue

Bl

a eP

Ea

y

wa

rk

r

ive

26

R

• Fairview • Old Fort • Marion • Swannanoa • Black Mountain • Chimney Rock

idg

NORTH

Woodfin

Grove Park Inn

EAST DOWNTOWN

Asheville

wa

• 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

ad Bro er Riv

Ri

Lake Julian

ch

ue

Bl

Pa

MAP KEY

n Fre

w

rk

e dg

ay

26

Arden/Skyland Fletcher

n ORTH • s OUTH • E AST w EST d OWNTOWN r IVER ARTS OUTLYING AREAS:

• Fletcher • Brevard • Saluda • Tryon 44

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

a s• Arden/Skyland

• Hendersonville • Mills River • Flat Rock

n a OUTER NORTH s a OUTER SOUTH E a OUTER EAST

w aOUTER WEST

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

Sensibilities Loves Asheville!

Thank you for 15 wonderful years and for voting us among the best Asheville has to offer. massage • facials • nails • gift certificates

Downtown : 59 Haywood St. : 828.253.3222 South : Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park : 828.687.8760

sensibilities-spa.com

The Great Smokies Writing Program

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

45

BEST OF WNC ‘14

AWARDS

Kids

Carrier Park: Best Playground & Best Park for Kids

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

I

f you’ve got kids, then you probably are reading this because you need … ideas! If so, then you’re in luck, as our readers have shared their collective wisdom on the best ways to keep little minds and bodies happy, active and engaged.

Take the museum category, for example. With The Health Adventure gone (though some folks still cast seemingly wistful votes for the now-defunct health-oriented institution), readers shined a spotlight on Hendersonville’s Hands On! museum this year, in addition to perennial favorites Asheville Art Museum and Colburn Earth Science Museum(with such hands-on exhibits as a model of a volcano).

Ideas abound for outdoor fun as well. For best playground and best park for kids, readers favored West Asheville’s Carrier Park — which offers not only a first-rate playground but also the sur46

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

rounding park with its track, sports field, paved trail, volleyball court, roller-hockey rink, basketball court and more. In the same categories, readers also picked shady, stream-crossed Robert Lake Park in Montreat and Jones Park in North Asheville, with its multiple slides and castle-like feel. Avery’s Little Corner (behind Woodfin Town Hall), with its variety of play equipment and spongy play surface, got a nod in the best playground category as well.

Along with ways to have fun, readers also shared ways for kids to give back to the community. In the volunteer opportunity category, they highlighted Brother Wolf, MANNA FoodBank and the Asheville Humane Society — all of which welcome kids’ participation.

So, delve in. See what you can learn that might make your family’s life just a little bit better. — Tracy Rose

MUSEUM

PLACE FOR BIRTHDAY PARTIES

1 Asheville Art Museum d

1 Fun Depot s

2 Colburn Earth Science Museum d

1 Mountain Playlodge s a

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

2 S. Pack Square, Asheville 254-7162 • colburnmuseum.wordpress.com

3 Hands On! A Child’s Gallery s a 318 N. Main Street, Hendersonville 697-8333 • handsonwnc.org

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM 1 YMCA of Western North Carolina d 30 Woodfin St., Asheville 210-9622 • ymcawnc.org

2 YWCA of Asheville d

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

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

RECREATION CENTER FOR KIDS 1 Mountain Playlodge s a 3389 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 676-2120 • mountainplaylodge.com 2 Fun Depot s

7 Roberts Road, Asheville 277-2386 • ashevillesfundepot.com

3 Western North Carolina Nature Center E 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 259-8080 • wncnaturecenter.com

DAY TRIP FOR KIDS 1 Western North Carolina Nature Center E 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 259-8080 • wncnaturecenter.com

2 The North Carolina Arboretum w 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 665-2492 • ncarboretum.org

RAINY DAY DESTINATION 1 Mountain Playlodge s a 3389 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 676-2120 • mountainplaylodge.com

2 Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co. d n c

7 Roberts Road, Asheville 277-2386 • ashevillesfundepot.com

ST OF

14

20 WNC

3389 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 676-2120 • mountainplaylodge.com

2 The Hop Ice Cream Cafe n g z l

640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 103, Asheville 254-2224 • thehopicecreamcafe.com

3 Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co. d n c 77 Coxe Ave., Asheville 255-4077 • ashevillebrewing.com 675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-1281 • ashevillebrewing.com

~ celebrating 16 years ~ we thank you for your continued support

Waynesville, NC • twigsandleaves.com

THANKS FOR VOTING EVERGREEN

PLACE TO MAKE ART 1 Fired Up! Creative Lounge d l

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

433 N, Church St., Hendersonville 698-9960

2 Art Buzz Kids, Wine & Design Asheville n

Best School

THANK YOU WNC FOR VOTING US #1 SCHOOL FOR THE 4TH YEAR IN A ROW!

640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 640, Asheville 255-2442 • avl.mx/0cr

1st

(FIRST PLACE TIE)

EVERGREEN COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL BE

ST OF

HALL OF FAME

3 Claying Around s l

WNC 2014

1378 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 277-0042 • clayingaround.com

RESTAURANT WITH THE BEST KIDSEAT-FREE (OR CHEAP) NIGHT 1 Earth Fare w s g

66 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 253-7656 • EarthFare.com 1856 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 210-0100

2 Urban Burrito n

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

3 Fuddruckers d

130 Charlotte St., Asheville 254-2161 • fuddruckers.com

RESTAURANT WITH THE BEST CHILDREN'S MENU 1 Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co. d n c x 77 Coxe Ave., Asheville 255-4077 • ashevillebrewing.com 675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-1281 • ashevillebrewing.com

KIDS ENTERTAINER

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

1 Secret Agent 23 Skidoo x

675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-1281 • ashevillebrewing.com

2 Billy Jonas

3 Fun Depot s

3 Professor Whizzpop (Tom Hughes)

7 Roberts Road, Asheville 277-2386 • ashevillesfundepot.com

BE

280-3744 • secretagent23skidoo.com billyjonas.com

506-3198 • themagictomshow.com MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

47

“If our whale had feet, she’d be doing the happy dance! Thanks for your support!”

BE

Ba by

14

20

The Fountainhead

N at u ra l

ST OF

WNC

St ore

Bookstore

408 N Main St. Hendersonville, NC 28792 828-697-1870 • www.FountainheadBookstore.com

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

Thank You! for voting us #1

BE

ST OF

HALL OF FAME WNC 2014

Seven years in a row!

Piano, guitar, and songwriting classes

Voted one of the best

Music Teachers in WNC!

(828) 252-6244 | GTee@unca.edu | www.gabrielletee.com

48

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

Your Cloth Diaper and Baby Carrier headquarters

The area’s best selection of Organic Kids Clothing, shoes, cloth diapers, Baby carriers and accessories!

647 Haywood Rd. ~ West Asheville ~ 253-4747

KIDS continued FESTIVAL FOR KIDS

ICON KEY

1 LEAF Festival E a Lake Eden & Camp Rockmont, Black Mountain 686-8742 • theleaf.org

n ORTH s OUTH E AST w EST d OWNTOWN r IVER ARTS

DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA l GO LOCAL g APPALACHIAN GROWN

BAND FOR KIDS 1 Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

c AIR j JUST ECONOMICS

280-3744 • secretagent23skidoo.com

f GREEN RESTAURANT x HALL OF FAME z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

2 Billy Jonas billyjonas.com

h GREEN BUILDING

BALLOON ARTIST/FACE PAINTER 1 Marcie, the Balloon Fairy z 423-2030 • avl.mx/0dp

PRESCHOOL

2 Professor Whizzpop (Tom Hughes)

1 Rainbow Community School w j 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org

506-3198 • themagictomshow.com

3 Mr. Twister, Balloon Artist (Reuben Hauser)

2 Asheville Jewish Community Center d

337-5174 • twistertheater.com

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY 1 Brother Wolf Animal Rescue s

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

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

3 St. Paul's Preschool d 223 Hillside St., Asheville 989-5590 • avl.mx/0df

DAYCARE

2 MANNA FoodBank E j

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

3 Asheville Humane Society w l 14 Forever Lane, Asheville 761-2001 • ashevillehumane.org

1 Asheville Jewish Community Center d x

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

2 YWCA of Asheville d

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

SCHOOL (PRE-COLLEGE) 1 Evergreen Community Charter School E x

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

3 Verner Center for Early Learning E 2586 Riceville Road, Asheville 298-0808 • vernerearlylearning.org

MUSIC TEACHER

1 Rainbow Community School w j 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org

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

3 Carolina Day School s

1345 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-0757 • carollinaday.org

1 Sue Ford (Rainbow Community School) w

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

2 Gabrielle Tee (Asheville Music School) d 126 College St., Asheville 252-6244 • gabrielletee.com

3 Ira B. Jones Elementary School n 2 River Guerguerian d 544 Kimberly Ave., Asheville 350-6700 • avl.mx/0dm

90 Zillicoa St., Asheville 259-3653 • guerguerian.com

RAINY DAYS Readers had a field excursion with the Rainy Day Destination category (although it’s clear they weren’t always thinking about the kiddos). Their suggestions included various movie theaters, libraries, bars — and, of course, the popular “my bed.”

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

49

KIDS continued

Thanks, Asheville for voting us

MORE THAN MUSIC Local favorite kid-hop artist 23 Skidoo not only released a new album this year (The Perfect Quirk) but also a published children’s book Weirdo Calhoun and the Odd Men Out, which comes with a companion CD including hip-hop, bluegrass and bedtime versions of the story.

#1

Frozen Yogurt/Custard Three Years in a row!

ART EDUCATION PROGRAM 1 ArtSpace Charter School E a 2030 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 298-2787 • artspacecharter.org B

Summer Hours: Mon-Sun: Noon - 10pm

E ST OF

14

20

New Vegan Flavors!

New Stevia Flavors Now Making Shaved Ice Snowballs

WNC

2 Rainbow Community School w j

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

2 Roots + Wings School of Art and Design s j z l 3 Angle St., Asheville 545-4827 • rootsandwingsarts.com

KID-FRIENDLY YOGA STUDIO 1 Asheville Community Yoga n

8 Brookdale Road, Suite A, Asheville ashevillecommunityyoga.com

DANCE STUDIO 1 Center Stage Dance Studio s

Voted

• Establishing Good Oral Habits • Raising Cavity-Free Children • Safety & Oral Injuries

BEST

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

2 Ballet Conservatory of Asheville d

Pediatric Dentistry Practice BE

& more!

6 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 255-5777 • balletconservatoryofasheville.com

3 Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre d 20 Commerce St., Asheville 254-2621 • acdt.org

ST OF

GYMNASTICS PROGRAM

14

20

1 Asheville Community Movement n

WNC

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

Haldeman ORTHODONTICS

Ryan J. Haldeman, DDS, MS, PA DRHALDEMAN.COM

Board Certified

William L. Chambers, DDS, MS, PA, Diplomate • Angela P. Baechtold, DDS, MS, PA, Diplomate Ryan J. Haldeman, DDS, MS, PA • Douglas B. Pratt, DDS, Diplomate

GreatBeginningsPedo.com Asheville: 10B Yorkshire Street (828) 274-9220 50

BEST OF WNC

1 Tops for Shoes d

27 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 254-6721 • topsforshoes.com

2 Discount Shoes w

1282 Brevard Road, Asheville 667-0085

TOY STORE 1 Dancing Bear Toys E s l x

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

Locally Owned & Operated 828-255-4515

Our Baby Oral Health Program

SHOE STORE FOR KIDS

Waynesville: 50 Bowman Drive (828) 454-9150

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

518 Kenilworth Road, Asheville 255-8697 • 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 a 2 S. Broad St., Brevard 883-2309 • optaylors.com

2 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 681-1865 • optaylors.com

KIDS' CLOTHES 1 The Littlest Birds w j z l x 647 Haywood Road, Asheville 253-4747 • thelittlestbirds.com

2 Children's Trading Post n 633 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-5432 • childrenstradingpost.com

3 Papoose d

21 Battery Park Ave., Suite 102, Asheville 505-7879 • papoosestore.com

DAY CAMP 1 Camp Ruach, Asheville Jewish Community Center d 236 Charlotte St., Asheville 253-0701 • jcc-asheville.org

2 Critter Camp (Brother Wolf) s 38 Glendale Ave., Asheville 505-3440 • bwar.org

3 YMCA of Western North Carolina d 30 Woodfin St., Asheville 210-9622 • ymcawnc.org

2 OSEGA Gymnastics E a 1800-A U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 665-0004 • osegagym.com

3 Hahn's Gymnastics s a 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 l

640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 207, Asheville 280-0624 • ashevilleninjas.com

ICON KEY n ORTH s OUTH E AST w EST d OWNTOWN r IVER ARTS

DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA l GO LOCAL g APPALACHIAN GROWN

c AIR j JUST ECONOMICS f GREEN RESTAURANT x HALL OF FAME z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

Thank you for voting us the

Best General Contractor in WNC. We love you too!

46 Haywood St. Ste. 307 Asheville, NC 28801

828.712.7444

www.christopherfoxbuilders.com MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

51

Voted Best B&B or Small Boutique Hotel

We’re always glad to welcome your friends and family.

Thanks for making us your # 1 choice for boutique accommodations!

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

828.258.0986 • 301 E. Chestnut St. • www.princessannehotel.com

52

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

KIDS continued

Thank you to the good people who grew the food, cooked the food, served the food & ate the food!

Thank you asheville!

We love you!

Gratefully, Greg, Miki, Charlie & Magnolia

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Everyday 3 7 1 M e r r i m o n Av e .

slowfoodrightquick.com LEAF Festival: Best Festival for Kids, Local Music Festival, Local Festival to Camp Out At PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

OVERNIGHT CAMP

KID'S HIKING TRAIL

1 Camp Tekoa s a

1 The North Carolina Arboretum w

1 Green River Preserve s a

2 Warren Wilson River Trail E a

211 Thomas Road, Hendersonville 692-6516 • camptekoa.org 301 Green River Road, Cedar Mountain 698-8828 • greenriverpreserve.org

VISUAL OR PERFORMING ARTS CAMP 1 Asheville Community Theater, Tanglewood Summer Camp d 35 E. Walnut St., Asheville 254-1320 • ashevilletheatre.org

NATURE CAMP 1 The North Carolina Arboretum w

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

2 Western North Carolina Nature Center E 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 259-8080 • wncnaturecenter.com

3 Green River Preserve s a

301 Green River Road, Cedar Mountain 698-8828 • greenriverpreserve.org

100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 665-2492 • ncarboretum.org Charles D. Owen Park, 875 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa 250-4260

OUTDOOR ACTIVITY SPOT 1 The North Carolina Arboretum w 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 665-2492 • ncarboretum.org

2 Western North Carolina Nature Center E 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 259-8080 • wncnaturecenter.com

Thank you WNC for your votes and commitment to ST OF BE Midwifery Care.

1 Midwife and Midwifery Service #

14

20 WNC

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

BEST OF WNC IS ALSO ON YOUR PHONE BESTOFWNC.COM

201 Charlotte Street ✻ Asheville, NC 28801 Office 828.236.0032 ✻ Fax 828.236.3506 ✻ Email office@newdawnmidwifery.com

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

53

KIDS continued

Great Beginnings: Best Pediatric Dentistry Practice

PHOTO BY TIM ROBISON

PARK FOR KIDS 1 Carrier Park w

220 Amboy Road, Asheville avl.mx/wx

2 Robert Lake Park E a Assembly Drive, Montreat 669-2911

3 Fletcher Community Park s a

220 Amboy Road, Asheville avl.mx/wx

3 Avery's Little Corner n

544 Kimberly Ave., Asheville avl.mx/0dm

90 Elk Mountain Road, Woodfin

3 Robert Lake Park E a Assembly Drive, Montreat 669-2911

PEDIATRIC PRACTICE - GENERAL 1 ABC Pediatrics s

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

64 Peachtree Road, Suite 100, Asheville 277-3000 • abcasheville.com

2 YMCA of Western North Carolina d

2 Mountain Area Pediatric Associates E

30 Woodfin St., Asheville 210-9622 • ymcawnc.org BESTOFWNC.COM

1 Carrier Park w

3 Ira B. Jones Elementary School Playground n

1 Asheville Jewish Community Center pool d

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

PLAYGROUND

2 Ira B. Jones Elementary School Playground n

PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS SWIMMING

BEST OF WNC

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

85 Howard Gap Road, Fletcher 687-0751 • fletcherparks.org

544 Kimberly Ave., Asheville avl.mx/0d5

54

3 YWCA of Asheville d

500 Centrepark Drive, Asheville 254-4337 • mountainareapediatrics.com

3 Asheville Pediatric Associates w 2 Medical Park Drive, Suite 1000, Asheville 254-5326 • ashevillepediatrics.com

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY PRACTICE 1 Great Beginnings s

10-B Yorkshire St., Asheville 274-9220 • greatbeginningspedo.com

2 Asheville Pediatric Dentistry s 76 Peachtree Road, Suite 100, Asheville 277-6788 • ashevillepedo.com

Thanks for your votes!

You put a smile on our faces!

#1

Day Trip for Kids

3 Dr. Josh Paynich & Dr. Scott Peele s 11 Yorkshire St., Asheville 274-4744 • drjoshdentistry.com

ICON KEY n ORTH s OUTH E AST w EST d OWNTOWN r IVER ARTS

DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA l GO LOCAL g APPALACHIAN GROWN

c AIR j JUST ECONOMICS

f GREEN RESTAURANT x HALL OF FAME z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING

Make tracks to visit the Nature Center soon!

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

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

55

Uniquely Asheville

AWARDS

‘14

BEST OF WNC A

sheville’s mantra should be “Don’t Postpone Joy,” the motto favored by Laurey Masterton — restaurateur, author, beekeeper, cyclist and all-around inspirational person. She won Best Local Hero this year, not long after she died in February after a long battle with cancer.

Speaking of heroes, spreading joy and celebrating life, this year’s Best Fundraising Event, Dining Out for Life, raised a record $175,000 for the WNC Aid Project.

And for bringing joy to future generations, voters declared RiverLink the Best Local Environment Group. The nonprofit promotes a cleaner French Broad River watershed — 1,700 of us volunteer regularly — and it helps more people to appreciate the resource by helping establish parks, riverside campsites and kayak launches (check out the app at riverlink.org).

Asheville had an official motto, according to Best Of voters: “Keep Asheville Weird” (Best Bumper Sticker). Working hard to support that reputation is the always-on-the-move (and incorrigibly irreverent) Sister Bad Habit (aka Jim Lazoun, who says his “circus talents” include his ability to “eat fire and ... ride a tall bike”), who earned Best Local Colorful Character. “I went to a Catholic school for eight years and modeled her personality after Sister Pauline — both condescending and virtuous,” says Lazoun, co-owner of LaZoom Tours. “It’s the most fun I’ve ever had as a character to date. I get to utilize my fiery personality, quick wit and sharp tongue while balancing an attitude of superiority and loveable loser — like [Golden Girls star] Bea Arthur and [The Andy Griffith Show’s] Don Knotts in the same body.”

But even in the pursuit of joy and weirdness, there’s room for improvement. Downtown needs more parking (particularly free parking), green spaces and bike lanes. And for West Asheville, once again voted Best Neighborhood, one voter grumbled, “Who let in all of these hipsters?” — Margaret Williams

NEIGHBORHOOD 1 West Asheville x 2 Montford 3 North Asheville FUNDRAISING EVENT 1 Dining Out for Life diningoutforlife.com/asheville

2 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes d j

Our VOICE, 44 Merrimon Ave., Suite1, Asheville 252-0562 • ourvoice.org

3 YWCA Black and White Gala d 185 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville 254-7206 • ywcaofasheville.org

ACTIVIST GROUP

3 Campaign for Southern Equality d P.O. Box 364, Asheville 28802 252-1559 • southernequality.org

LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP 1 RiverLink r x

170 Lyman St., Asheville 252-8474 • riverlink.org

2 Western North Carolina Alliance d j

29 N. Market St., Suite 610, Asheville 258-8737 • wnca.org

3 Asheville Greenworks d z 318 Riverside Drive, Asheville 254-1776 • ashevillegreenworks.org

1 Western North Carolina Alliance d j

PROJECT YOU'D LIKE TO SEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT DO

2 Brother Wolf Animal Rescue s

1 More bike lanes and better bike infrastructure 2 More greenways 3 More sidewalks; fix sidewalks

29 N. Market St., Suite 610, Asheville 258-8737 • wnca.org 38 Glendale Ave., Asheville 505-3440 • bwar.org 56

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

PHOTO BY TIM ROBISON

Papas & Beer

THANK YOU, ASHEVILLE! BREVARD ROAD MEXICAN RESTAURANT

For Voting Jim Barkley Toyota #1 New Car Dealer #1 Used Car Dealer If you are looking for a new or used car or pickup, come and see us and find out why we are #1!

BE

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

1 Mexican Restaurant #1 Best Value #

Thank you Asheville!

ST OF

14

20 WNC

BE

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

ST OF

Lunch & Dinner

HALL OF FAME WNC 2014

All ABC Permits Kmart Center

(Next to Biltmore Square Mall)

665-9070 MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

57

BE

UNIQUELY ASHEVILLE continued

ST OF

14

20

ICON KEY

WNC

n ORTH s OUTH E AST w EST d OWNTOWN r IVER ARTS

DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA l GO LOCAL g APPALACHIAN GROWN

c AIR j JUST ECONOMICS

f GREEN RESTAURANT x HALL OF FAME z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING

Thanks for voting for us!

We love you all!

Call Today!

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCOMPLISHMENT 1 Greenways

277-0042

LOCAL HERO

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

1 Cecil Bothwell

www.clayingaround.com

2 Caleb Johnson

Asheville 713-8840 • bothwellsblog.wordpress.com

1 Laurey Masterson (deceased) Asheville

LOCAL VILLAIN

Bar Awesom Full e

1 Tim Moffitt

o s p h e re

Po ol Tables

Atm

Asheville 919-715-3012 • timmoffitt.com

2 Carl Mumpower Asheville 252-8390 • drcarlmumpower.com

3 Ron Moore Asheville 259-3410 • avl.mx/0dd

LOCAL POLITICIAN

Proud to be one of the Best of WNC!

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

Now Serving Lunch, Sunday Brunch & Dinner 747 Haywood Rd Downtown West Asheville (828) 575-2844 www.buffalonickelavl.com

TRIVIA TUESDAYS, 6-9 PM 58

BEST OF WNC

Sister Bad Habit: Best Most Colorful Character

1 Cecil Bothwell x

Asheville 713-8840 • bothwellsblog.wordpress.com

2 Gordon Smith w 49 Euclid Blvd., Asheville 279-2551 • avl.mx/vm

3 Esther Manheimer d P.O. Box 7148, Asheville 28802 259-5600 • avl.mx/0cz

LOCAL COLORFUL CHARACTER 1 Sister Bad Habit (the nun on a bike), LaZoom Tours d l x

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

THING DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE NEEDS 1 More parking and also free or cheap parking x

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

PHOTO BY HAYLEY BENTON

2 More greenspaces, parks 3 More, better bike lanes REASON TO LIVE IN ASHEVILLE 1 Mountains x 2 The people 3 Diversity and eclectic people, culture BUMPER STICKER 1 Keep Asheville Weird x 2 Don't Postpone Joy 3 Critical Thinking - The Other National Deficit j PLACE TO GET ENGAGED 1 Biltmore Estate s

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

1 Biltmore Estate s x 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com

2 The North Carolina Arboretum w 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 665-2492 • ncarboretum.org

3 Homewood Event and Conference Center d

19 Zillicoa St., Asheville 232-9900 • mybelovedhomewood.com

THING WEST ASHEVILLE NEEDS 1 Parking 2 Bike lanes 3 Fewer hipsters THING THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT NEEDS

2 Blue Ridge Parkway P.O. Box 2136, Asheville 28802 298-5330 • blueridgeparkway.org

3 The Omni Grove Park Inn n 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 252-2711 • groveparkinn.com

PLACE TO GET MARRIED

1 More restaurants 2 Parking 2 Sidewalks, walking trails 3 Bike lanes

ALL THE COLORFUL PEOPLE We received many variations of “the people” as a reason to live in Asheville, along with such comments as “all the weirdos,” “hippies are happy,” “spiders,” and “it feeds/nourishes my soul.” Another (duh!) comment: “Have you seen the view?!”

Thank you for voting Green Bee Cleaning among the best of WNC

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

Sunshine Window Cleaning

Green Bee House Cleaning

828.281.0062 sunshinewindowgutter.com

828.450.0846 greenbeeclean.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1 BE

· Open Hospital Since 1977 —Be With Your Pet · Internal Medicine Specialist · Gentle 24 Hour Nursing Care · Advanced Dental Care Drs. Sim and Thompson · Asheville’s First AAHA Certified Hospital · Asheville’s Only Gold Standard Feline Practice · Gentle Cat Care & Separate Facilities Decrease Stress · Endoscopy · Cardiac and Body Ultrasound · DR Digital Dental and Body X-ray · Laparoscopic Minimally Invasive Surgery and Biopsies · Advanced Ear Diagnostics with Video Otoscopy · Therapeutic Laser for Arthritis and Wound Healing · Advanced Pain Control for Surgical and Chronic Pain · Extended Hours · Lots of Hugs and Treats

ST OF

14

20 WNC

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

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

59

AWARDS

‘14

BEST OF WNC

Health & Wellness DENTIST 1 Timothy E. Gillespie d x 36 Orange St., Asheville 252-9351 • drtimgillespie.com

2 Jason & Jennifer Marks (Marks Family Dentistry) n 674 Merrimon Ave., Suite 230-A, Asheville 255-8447 • northashevilledentist.com

3 Scott Peele Dental Wellness s 1087 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-4747 • ashevilledentalwellness.com

PHYSICIAN 1 Dr. Meredith Polansky (Our Family Doctor) d

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

2 Dr. Michael Weizman (Our Family Doctor) d

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

3 Dr. Brian Lewis (Integrative Family Medicine of Asheville) r j 372 Depot Street, Suite 10, Asheville 575-9600 • integrativeasheville.org

3 Dr. Chad Krisel (Integrative Family Medicine of Asheville) r j 372 Depot Street, Suite 10, Asheville 575-9600 • integrativeasheville.org

3 Dr. Jodi Schwab (Our Family Doctor) d Our Family Doctor: Best Family Medical Practice

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

EYE CARE SPECIALIST/SERVICE PHOTO BY TIM ROBISON

T

here aren’t many small towns where you can go to a yoga class at virtually any hour, meet up with a life coach, receive an acupuncture treatment, have lunch with your doula and have your choice of]multiple award-winning hospitals — but Asheville is happily one of them.

The health care sector is so developed and varied in Asheville that it’s the leading provider of jobs in Buncombe County.

Not only that, the region’s strong health care system is a leading reason to relocate, according to the Asheville Chamber of Commerce. Even Western medicine purveyors like Mission Hospital and CarePartners offer integrative modalities like tai chi classes, holistic nursing and art therapy to their patients.

A preference for holistic approaches to health was apparent in the Best Of results. For instance, it’s telling that New Dawn Midwifery was the winner of the Best Maternity Care Center 60

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

category, and that Integrative Family Medicine, a family physician group that offers qi gong, yoga and acupuncture in addition to primary and urgent care, placed twice — second for Best Family Medical Practice and first for Best Place to Get Medical Care When Under- or Uninsured.

Last year’s Hall of Fame winners held their own, despite some rising competition. Source For Well-Being is still the reigning alternative healing center in town; Tim Gillespie holds fast to his title of best dentist; the YMCA is still the best place to work out; and Asheville Community Yoga — one of the few studios in town with fees that are wholly donation-based — won again this year for best yoga studio.

Read the full list of winners to find out who’s the best at curing what ails you. — Lea McLellan

BESTOFWNC.COM

1 Asheville Eye Associates s

8 Medical Park Drive, Asheville 258-1586 • ashevilleeye.com

2001 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 684-2867 2311 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville 233-2396 plus other locations

2 Envision Eyecare d j l 180 Charlotte St., Asheville 254-6757 • myenvisioneyecare.com

3 Tunnel Vision E 4 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 298-6500 • tunnelvisionasheville.com

BE

ST OF

14

20

Thank you for voting us one of the Best of 2014!

WNC

BE

CONGRATULATIONS to these employees for their years of dedication and service to our residents and their coworkers. Caring for our seniors is an important role in the workforce.These employees are just a handful of the many who have decided to work in long term care and make a difference in the lives of seniors in Western North Carolina. Our employees are the secret to why we are so successful and why we were voted as Best in WNC for Elder Care.

25 Years of Service: Joe Adams (Maintenance) 20 Years of Service: Marcie Davis (GHC Nursing) and Angie Hughes (Environmental Services)

ST OF

14

20 WNC

Come visit our stunning new location at

181 Charlotte Street

828.254.6757 myenvisioneyecare.com

15 Years of Service: Amy Staton (Human Resources), Lynne Moore (Environmental Services) and Galina Varlamova (Environmental Services) 10 Years of Service: Cathy Fox (Environmental Services), Jim Hale (Maintenance), Luana Green (Environmental Services), and Marilyn Smith (Social Services) 5 Years of Service: Jen Wilson (GHC AdminSvcs), Delores Tobe (Environmental Services),Vicki Shipman (WAL AdminSvcs.),Young Min (GHC Dining), Shannon Collington (GHC Dining), Christopher Snyder (Social Service AdminSvcs.), Maggie Schmidt (AdministrationSvcs), Angela Ramsey (Oxford Dining), Tyler Tipton (Grounds), Matt Drury (Grounds), Austin Billits (Grounds), Paula Smith (LifeMinistries), Julie Maio (GHC Nursing), Heidi Labi (GHC Nursing), Jerri Hirschkind (Programming), and Charles Brooks (Maintenance).

We offer an excellent working environment and beneďŹ t package. If you would like to make a difference, apply in person to 2360 Sweeten Creek Road, South Asheville.

For further info, call our jobline 771-2230 or visit www.givensestates.org. EOE M/F/D/V.

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

61

Thank You for voting me one of the Best Physical Trainers, and Ascending Fitness one of the Most Innovative Businesses in WNC -Jim Frith ST OF E B

14

20

ascendingfitness.com 828-707-3798 jim@ascendingfitness.com 203 Black Mountain Ave, Black Mountain, NC 28711

WNC

62

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

HEALTH continued PHARMACY 1 CVS Pharmacy n w s 612 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-4350 • cvs.com

THANK YOU

24 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 253-2872 1080 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-3631

for voting for us!

320 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 252-2119 For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

BE

2 Walgreens n E s w 841 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 225-5113 • walgreens.com

ST OF

14

20

91 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 232-4042

WNC

1835 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-7560 For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

3 Asheville Compounding Pharmacy n 760 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 255-8757 • ashevillerx.com

Megan Witkus: Best Physical Trainer

HOSPITAL 1 Mission Hospital d

509 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 213-1111 • mission-health.org

PHOTO BY ALICIA FUNDERBURK

2 Park Ridge Health s a

1 Zach Comer (Advanced Pain Relief Therapy) d j l

100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville 684-8501 • parkridgehealth.org

191 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 776-1392 • medicalmassageasheville.com

3 Pardee Hospital s a

2 Erin Brown (Sync Bodywork) d l

800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville 696-1000 • pardeehospital.org

THERAPIST (MENTAL) 1 Gordon Smith w

775 Haywood Road, Suite J, Asheville 279-2551 • avl.mx/vm

2 Tayria Ward (Bridging Worlds) d 20 Battery Park, Suite 500, Asheville 329-0853 • tayriaward.com

THERAPIST (PHYSICAL) 1 Damon Rouse (Asheville Family Fitness & Physical Therapy) w 149 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 225-3838 • ashevillefitspine.com

2 Christopher Taylor ( Physio Physical Therapy & Wellness) n 640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 107, Asheville 348-1780 • PhysioWNC.com

3 Linda Emerick s

25 Reed St., Suite 100, Asheville 273-9078 • lindaemerickpt.com/contact.php

MASSAGE THERAPIST 1 Nancy Fraser, Therapeutic Massage (Asheville Women's Wellness & Education Center) d

24 Arlington St., Asheville 242-2798 • nancyfrasermassage.com

59 Charlotte St., Asheville 571-438-3474 • syncbodywork.com

3 Amanda Crowe (Center for Holistic Medicine) w 779 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-3174 • centerholistic.com

PLACE TO GET MEDICAL CARE WHEN UNDER- OR UNINSURED 1 Integrative Family Medicine of Asheville r j

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

2 Western North Carolina Community Health Services (WNCCHS) d 257 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 285-0622 • wncchs.org

3 ABCCM Medical Ministry d 155 Livingston St., Asheville 259-5339 • abccm.org/medical-clinic

FAMILY MEDICAL PRACTICE 1 Our Family Doctor d

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

2 Integrative Family Medicine of Asheville r j

3 Community Family Practice d 260 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-2444 • communityfamilyonline.com

BEST USED FURNITURE STORE in WNC!

WOMEN'S HEALTH CENTER 1 Asheville Women's Medical Center d s w

143 Ashland Ave., Asheville 258-9191 • ashevillewomens.com

2585 Hendersonville Road, Suite A, Arden 687-2955 Haywood Office Park, Highway 209, Building C, Suite 111, Lake Junaluska 456-7369

2 MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists s 119 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 771-5500 • mahec.net

FREE $5 Gift Card

3 Planned Parenthood d 603 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 252-7928 • avl.mx/vq

for any of our in house inventory!!

ICON KEY n ORTH s OUTH E AST w EST d OWNTOWN r IVER ARTS

DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA l GO LOCAL g APPALACHIAN GROWN

c AIR j JUST ECONOMICS

f GREEN RESTAURANT x HALL OF FAME z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING

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

MOUNTAINX.COM

As a thank you, bring in this ad for a

Got ues?

Antiq

We B Them!uy

26 Glendale Ave 828.505.1108 Mon-Sat 10a - 7p Sun 11a - 5p

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

63

HEALTH continued ELDER CARE FACILITY 1 CarePartners s

68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 277-4800 • carepartners.org

2 Givens Estates s

2360 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 771-2203 • givensestates.org

Thanks for voting us your

# 1 Latin Fare Restaurant!

MENTAL HEALTH CENTER/SERVICES 1 The Pisgah Institute d 158 Zillicoa St., Asheville 254-9494 • pisgahinstitute.com

We have enjoyed serving Asheville the freshest ingredients for 20 years!

B

2 All Souls Counseling Center d 35 Arlington St., Asheville 259-3369 • allsoulscounseling.org

E ST OF

HOSPICE

14

20

1 CarePartners s

68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 277-4800 • carepartners.org

WNC

www.salsasnc.com

YMCA of WNC: Best Place to Work Out, Best AfterSchool Program Work Out

828-252-9805 6 Patton Avenue Downtown

2 Four Seasons Compassion for Life s a 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock 692-6178 • fourseasonscfl.org

MORTUARY/FUNERAL SERVICES PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

1 Groce Funeral Home & Cremation Service, West Asheville w E s 1401 Patton Ave., Asheville 252-3535 • grocefuneralhome.com 856 Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-4416 72 Long Shoals Road, Arden 687-3530

2 West Family Funeral Services n a

17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 645-3011 • westfamilyfuneralservices.com

3 Morris Funeral Home d

304 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 252-1821 • morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com

CEMETERY 1 Riverside Cemetery d

Thank you for voting us “One of the Best”

Thanks for voting us one of the Best Latin restaurants in 2014!

Grove Arcade 828.225.4133 64

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

West FAMILY

FUNERAL SERVICES “Serving you since 1915” GARY

& VICKI WEST

WWW . WESTFAMILYFUNERALSERVICES . COM

BESTOFWNC.COM

53 Birch St., Asheville 350-2066 • avl.mx/0dl

ICON KEY n ORTH s OUTH E AST w EST d OWNTOWN r IVER ARTS

DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA l GO LOCAL g APPALACHIAN GROWN

c AIR j JUST ECONOMICS f GREEN RESTAURANT x HALL OF FAME z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

65

HEALTH continued HEALTH-RELATED NONPROFIT 1 CarePartners s

68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 277-4800 • carepartners.org

“Improving the function of your body”

SUPPORT GROUP

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

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.

ST OF BE

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

HALL OF FAME

ST OF BE

828-676-0963 www.bmyerschiro.com

WNC 2014

14

20 WNC

1 12 Steps groups 12step.org/12-Step-Groups

2 CarePartners s

68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 277-4800 • carepartners.org

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE 1 Weight Watchers s

800 Fairview Road, Asheville 298-3646 • weightwatchers.com

2 Blue Sky MD s

1998 Hendersonville Road, Unit 51, Asheville 651-0450 • blueskymd.com

3 Mission Health Weight Management d 509 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 213-1111 • avl.mx/vt

CHIROPRACTOR 1 Brent Myers (Myers Chiropractic and Functional Health) s 3106 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 676-0963 • bmyerschiro.com

2 Russel Sher (Asheville Center for Health Excellence) s 188 Charlotte St., Suite 1, Asheville 253-1727 • ashevillehealthcoach.com

3 Renee N. Graziano E a 113 Richardson Blvd., Black Mountain 280-3100 • reneegrazianochiropractic.com

ACUPUNCTURIST ST OF BE

1 Liz Roseman (Sustainable Health Acupuncture) d l

14

20

36 Clayton St., Asheville 333-4614 • Acupuncture-in-Asheville.com

WNC

Thank you for voting us the Best!

Growing Strong Families During Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum

• Childbirth and Postpartum Education • Professional Birth and Postpartum Doula Services • Certified Placental Encapsulation • Pre & Postnatal Yoga and Massage See what the community is saying about us!

Follow us on Facebook, and Pintrest. www.homegrownbabies.com 66

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

2 Whitney Madden (Source For Well-Being) E a 402 Montreat Road, Black Mountain 669-8800 • sourceforwellbeing.com

3 Alison Downey Acupuncture n z

70 Woodfin Place, Unit 6-C, Asheville 337-7937 • avl.mx/0cp

3 Evan Bussanich (Silver Leaf Natural Medicine) d 237 S. Liberty St., Asheville 254-0353 • silverleafherbs.com

3 Nancy Hyton (Center for Holistic Medicine) w 779 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-3174 • centerholistic.com

ALTERNATIVE HEALING CENTER 1 Source For Well-Being x

CLOSED, Black Mountain669-8800 • sourceforwellbeing.com

2 Center for Holistic Medicine w z 779 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-3174 • centerholistic.com

3 Asheville Community Acupuncture w z

378 Haywood Road, Asheville 777-8804 • communityacupuncture.com

HERBAL HEALER 1 Silver Leaf Natural Medicine, Evan Bussanich d

237 S. Liberty St., Asheville 254-0353 • silverleafherbs.com

MEDITATION/RETREAT CENTER 1 Prama Institute n a 310 Panhandle Road, Marshall 649-9408 • pramainstitute.org MIDWIFERY SERVICES 1 New Dawn Midwifery d j z

201 Charlotte St., Asheville 236-0032 • newdawnmidwifery.com

2 MAHEC s

121 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 257-4400 • mahec.net

DOULA SERVICE 1 Home Grown Babies, Chama Woydak l 777-8899 • homegrownbabies.com

2 Start from Seed d

70 Woodfin Place, Suite 232, Asheville 280-3352 • startfromseed.org

YOGA STUDIO

YOGA CITY USA At last count, Asheville is home to nine yoga studios. And that doesn’t include the private practitioners and many other venues — like gyms, workplaces and even the Asheville Art Museum and Pack Square — where yoga classes take place.

1 Asheville Community Yoga n x

8 Brookdale Road, Suite A, Asheville ashevillecommunityyoga.com

2 Asheville Yoga Center d 211 S. Liberty St., Asheville 254-0380 • youryoga.com

3 Bikram Yoga Asheville s l 802 Fairview Road, Suite 100, Asheville 299-7003 • hotyogaasheville.com

Thank you, Asheville!

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

Thank You Asheville for inspiring us every day!

- from Brooke Tyler and the Clasique Team.

Chad Krisel, MD|Veena Somani, MD |Brian Lewis, MD MPH First Place:

Place To Get Medical Care When Under or Uninsured

First Place:

Innovative Business

Call us 828-575-9600 www.integrativeasheville.org

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST OF

Second Place:

Family Medical Practice

Third Place (Tie): Physician: Dr. Brian Lewis

6 YEARS IN A ROW!

Third Place (Tie):

BE

Physician: Dr. Chad Krisel

Comprehensive • Affordable • Primary & Urgent Care

779 Haywood Road • Downtown West Asheville www.CenterHolistic.com • 828-505-3174

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

ST OF

14

20 WNC

BEST OF WNC

67

Thanks asheville for voTing PlanT

“besT of”

in 5 caTegories!

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC Photo by Nathan Metcalf

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

68

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

HEALTH continued YOGA TEACHER 1 Cindy Dollar d

1 Pure Pilates d l

2 Michael Johnson (Clearlight Yoga) n

2 Clasique Acupuncture & Pilates Studio d z l

120 Coxe Ave., Suite 3B, Asheville 225-1904 • onecenteryoga.com

Ashevile Yoga Center and West Asheville Yoga, Asheville clearlightyoga.com

2 Shala Worsley (Asheville School of Massage & Yoga) w 707 Haywood Road, Suite 001, Asheville 252-7377 • ashevillemassageschool.org

3 Michael Greenfield (Asheville Community Yoga) n 8 Brookdale Road, Asheville ashevillecommunityyoga.com

PHYSICAL TRAINER 1 Meagan Witkus (Pure Pilates and TRX) d 59 Charlotte St., Asheville 575-2447 • purepilatesasheville.com

2 Lyle Roberson (Animate Fitness of Asheville) w 805 Patton Ave., Asheville 505-3715 • animatefitness.com

THANK YOU

PILATES STUDIO/CENTER/CLASSES 59 Charlotte St., Asheville 575-2447 • purepilatesasheville.com

157 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 333-5053 • studioclasique.com

for voting!

3 Asheville Pilates n

41 N. Merrimon Ave., Suite 109, Asheville 230-0800 • ashevillepilates.com

MATERNITY CARE CENTER/PRACTICE 1 New Dawn Midwifery d j z

201 Charlotte St., Asheville 236-0032 • newdawnmidwifery.com

2 MAHEC s

121 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 257-4400 • mahec.net

3 Asheville Women's Medical Center d s w 143 Ashland Ave., Asheville 258-9191 • ashevillewomens.com

2585 Hendersonville Road, Suite A, Arden 687-2955 For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

3 Jim Frith (Ascending Fitness) E a 203 Black Mountain Ave., Black Mountain 707-3798 • ascendingfitness.com

PLACE TO WORK OUT 1 YMCA of Western North Carolina d x 30 Woodfin St., Asheville 210-9622 • ymcawnc.org

2 The Rush s w

1815 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 398-1193 • therush247.com 1047 Patton Ave., Asheville 398-1430

3 YWCA of Asheville d 185 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville 254-7206 • ywcaofasheville.org

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO 1 Asheville Sun Soo Tae Kwon Do w 1009 Patton Ave., Asheville 505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com

2 Kasumi Mountain Martial Arts n l

640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 207, Asheville 280-0624 • ashevilleninjas.com

3 Shaolin Kung Fu of Asheville w 619-A Haywood Road, Asheville 775-9122 • ashevilleshaolin.com

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

828-505-7371

704 Riverside Drive ashevilleadventurerentals.com MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

69

‘14

BEST OF WNC Tourism

AWARDS

HOTEL 1 The Omni Grove Park Inn n 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 252-2711 • groveparkinn.com

2 Aloft Asheville Downtown d 51 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 232-2838 • aloftashevilledowntown.com

2 Hotel Indigo d

151 Haywood St., Asheville 239-0239 • boutiquehotel-asheville.com

3 Inn at Biltmore Estate s

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

MOTEL 1 The Mountaineer Inn E 155 Tunnel Road, Asheville 254-5331 • mtinnasheville.homestead.com

LOCAL CITY TOUR 1 LaZoom Tours d j z l

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

2 Gray Line Historic Trolley Tours of Asheville d Pack Square: Best Place to People Watch

P.O. Box 2115 36 Montford Avenue, Asheville 28802 251-8687 • graylineasheville.com

3 Amazing Pubcycle d PHOTO BY TIM ROBISON

S

ince George Vanderbilt and friends stood near Mount Pisgah in the late 19th century, breathing in the view from his hunting lodge, tourists have been drawn to Western North Carolina. The area has been dubbed one of the 10 Most Beautiful Places in America, and we’re kind of proud that Rolling Stone magazine labeled Asheville the New Freak Capital of the U.S back in 2000. We even made T-shirts out of our 2011 Cesspool of Sin designation by the late State Sen. James Forrester.

And we worked hard to earn our multi-year Beer City USA title.

So we’re getting used to movie stars strolling downtown and presidents ordering take-out at 12 Bones, whether they’re working on a local movie shoot, campaigning or just dropping in. We get it: Visitors want to see what the fuss is all about and catch the natives in their natural habitat.

We welcome the attention: Visitors to Asheville spent $1.5 billion in 2012, and, the Tourism Development Authority estimates, those visits help sustain 1 in 7 local jobs.

No wonder. We’ve got a lot to offer. The oh-so-very-Asheville 70

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

LaZoom Comedy Tours earned Best Local City Tour. The 8,000acre Biltmore Estate (George’s place) was voted best Place To Take Your Visiting Family and best Place To Take Your Parents. Completed in 1895, the home features what were, back then, some enterprising modernities, like indoor electric lighting and flushing toilets.

The house can seen from another Best Of destination — the Blue Ridge Parkway (Best Local Attraction Outside of Asheville). Possibly the most beautiful construction project to come out of the New Deal back in the 1930s, this 469-mile stretch of road connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in WNC with the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. You can also explore the ruins of Vanderbilt’s old lodge along the way.

When it comes to who’s watching who, Pack Square’s the Best People-Watching Place, and Asheville’s Friday-night Drum Circle at Pritchard Park remains the Best Place To Take Your Eccentric Friends.

We’ve got something for everyone. — Margaret Williams X

BESTOFWNC.COM

Various locations, Asheville 214-5010 • amazingpubcycle.com

LOCAL ATTRACTION IN ASHEVILLE 1 Biltmore Estate s

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

2 LaZoom Tours d j z l 14 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 225-6932 • lazoomtours.com

3 Downtown

BEST OF WNC IS ALSO ONLINE BESTOFWNC.COM

WASABI Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

Brought to you By the owners of IchIBan Japanese s teakhouse

THANKS WINNER! BEST ASHEVILLE!

JAPANESE RESTAURANT 2011

2012 2013

2014

WINNER! BE

ST OF

HALL OF FAME WNC 2014

Find full listings BEST SUSHI 2005-2009 and links to all the

2011-2014 Open 7 days for Lunch & Dinner

1 9 B r oa dw a y • do wnt own • 2 2 5 - 2 5 5 1

Voted One Of The Best Japanese Restaurants 2013

Located near Biltmore Village in Biltmore station

Best of WNC winners all year long!

BestofWNC.com MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

71

Thanks, WNC, for voting PlumDog Financial the #1 Mortgage Lender…again!

Thank you for voting us #1 Gymnastics Program 2 years in a row!!

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

alert/friendly/loyal

If you want to find out if you’re in the right mortgage, or need a loan to purchase a home… call 828.274.1515 for a FREE consultation.

Gymnastics Classes Competitive Gymnastics Team Afterschool Care Summer Camp Balanced School Year Camp Wild Things Toddler Play Fri & Sat Parents’ Night Out 812 Riverside Drive, Asheville 28804

828-254-6060

ashevillecommunitymovement.com

Thank you WNC for Voting us #1

On time and professional

since 1963

Duane Gentry Gentry Heating and Cooling President 72

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

100 Buckeye Access Rd • (828) 274-2520 BESTOFWNC.COM

TOURISM continued

“Thanks, WNC for voting us #1 Studio Stroll!”

LOCAL ATTRACTION OUTSIDE OF ASHEVILLE

- River Arts District Artists

1 Blue Ridge Parkway d P.O. Box 2136, Asheville 28802 298-5339 • blueridgeparkway.org

2 Chimney Rock State Park 431 Main St., Chimney Rock 625-9611 • chimneyrockpark.com

3 DuPont State Forest avl.mx/xl

PUBLIC LANDMARK 1 Pack Square d Downtown Asheville avl.mx/xz

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

The Omni Grove Park Inn: Best Hotel

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

2 Colburn Earth Science Museum d 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville 254-7162 • colburnmuseum.wordpress.com

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

PEOPLE-WATCHING PLACE 1 Pack Square d Downtown Asheville avl.mx/xz

2 Pritchard Park d 4 College St., Asheville 259-5800

3 Drum Circle d 4 College St., Pritchard Park, Asheville avl.mx/0cx

PLACE TO TAKE YOUR PARENTS 1 Biltmore Estate s 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com

2 The Omni Grove Park Inn n 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 252-2711 • groveparkinn.com

3 Blue Ridge Parkway P.O. Box 2136, Asheville 28802 298-5330 • blueridgeparkway.org

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

PLACE TO TAKE YOUR ECCENTRIC FRIENDS 1 Drum Circle Pritchard Park d 4 College St., Asheville avl.mx/0cx

2 Downtown Asheville exploreasheville.com

3 Lexington Avenue PLACE TO TAKE YOUR VISITING FAMILY 1 Biltmore Estate s

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

2 Blue Ridge Parkway d P.O. Box 2136, Asheville 28802 298-5330 • blueridgeparkway.org

3 Downtown Asheville exploreasheville.com

B&B OR SMALL BOUTIQUE HOTEL 1 Princess Anne Hotel d

301 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 258-0986 • princessannehotel.com

2 Grand Bohemian Hotel s

11 Boston Way, Asheville 505-2949 • bohemianhotelasheville.com

3 Sourwood Inn n

810 Elk Mountain Scenic Highway, Asheville 255-0690 • sourwoodinn.com MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

73

‘14

BEST OF WNC Small Towns

AWARDS

HENDERSONVILLE ART GALLERY 1 Wickwire (CLOSED) z 2 Art MoB Studios and Marketplace 3 Silver Fox Gallery

BREAKFAST RESTAURANT 1 Fireside Restaurant and Pancake Inn 2 Mean Mr. Mustard Express 3 Joey's New York Bagels

MUSIC VENUE

LUNCH RESTAURANT

1 Southern Appalachian Brewery 2 Flat Rock Playhouse 3 Music on Main

1 West First Wood-Fired Pizza g x 2 Never Blue z 3 The Square Root Restaurant NEIGHBORHOOD GATHERING SPOT 3 Umi Japanese Fine Dining DINNER RESTAURANT 1 Southern Appalachian Brewery 2 The Original Hannah Flanagan's 1 West First Wood-Fired Pizza g x Pub and Eatery 2 Umi Japanese Fine Dining 3 Main Street 3 Never Blue z SATURDAY-NIGHT HANGOUT SWEETS/DESSERT PLACE 1 Southern Appalachian Brewery 2 The Original Hannah Flanagan's Pub and Eatery 3 Black Rose Public House BAR 1 The Original Hannah Flanagan's Pub and Eatery 2 The Poe House 3 Black Rose Public House 3 Southern Appalachian Brewery COFFEE HOUSE 1 Jongo Java 2 Black Bear Coffee Co. 3 Ugly Mug Coffee and Tea

1 Kilwin's 2 McFarlan Bakery 3 Flat Rock Village Bakery g REASON TO LIVE IN YOUR TOWN 1 Small and friendly 2 Mountains 3 Downtown LOCALLY-OWNED RETAIL OUTLET 1 Fountainhead Bookstore NEW BUSINESS (OPENED IN LAST 12 MONTHS) 1 The Blak Mrkt

KEEP IT SMALL Learn more about these Best OF WNC communities in our September and October small-town issues. We’ll tell you more about the winners and the reasons folks visit and live in these towns.

74

BEST OF WNC

Small and friendly: Hendersonville’s Best Reason to Live in Your Town

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BESTOFWNC.COM

PHOTO BY TIM ROBISON

BUSINESS THAT GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY 1 Hendersonville Community Coop g STREET OR ROAD 1 Main Street 2 Haywood Road 3 Seventh Avenue WHAT YOUR TOWN NEEDS 1 More restaurants 2 Bike lanes 3 Greenways

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCOMPLISHMENT 1 Downtown Hendersonville 2 Great festivals LOCAL GOVERNMENT FAILURE 1 Not bike- or pedestrian-friendly 2 Terrible teacher pay 2 The Main Street fountain 3 Construction on Main Street HAIR STYLING SALON 1 Bliss Salon 2 Studio Capelli 3 Salon 104

BREVARD 2 Pescados Burritos 3 Pad Thai

INNOVATIVE BUSINESS 1 The Hub and Pisgah Tavern

DINNER RESTAURANT 1 The Square Root Restaurant x 2 Hobnob Restaurant 3 Marco Trattoria SWEETS/DESSERT PLACE

REASON TO LIVE IN YOUR TOWN

LOCALLY-OWNED RETAIL OUTLET

ART GALLERY 1 Red Wolf Gallery x 2 Number 7 Arts MUSIC VENUE 1 Brevard Music Center 2 The Phoenix g 3 185 King Street NEIGHBORHOOD GATHERING SPOT 1 Oskar Blues Brewery j 2 Brevard Brewing Company 2 The Phoenix g 2 The Square Root Restaurant 3 Jordan Street Café SATURDAY-NIGHT HANGOUT 1 Oskar Blues Brewery j 2 The Phoenix g 3 Jordan Street Café BAR 1 Oskar Blues Brewery j 2 Brevard Brewing Company 3 The Square Root Restaurant

COFFEE HOUSE

1 Main Street 2 Highway 276 3 Times Arcade Alley WHAT YOUR TOWN NEEDS

1 Pisgah National Forest 2 Waterfalls 3 Friendly people 3 Small-town ambiance

PHOTO BY TIM ROBISON

1 Oskar Blues Brewery j 2 The Square Root Restaurant STREET OR ROAD

1 Kiwi Gelato 2 Dolly's Dairy Bar 3 Blue Ridge Bakery 3 Downtown Chocolates

Sunrise Café: Best Breakfast Restaurant

BUSINESS THAT GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

1 Local Color 1 O.P. Taylor's 1 The Hub and Pisgah Tavern 1 Theophilus

1 More restaurants 2 Dog parks 2 More greenways/bike paths 2 More jobs HAIR STYLING SALON 1 Studio U Salon 2 Hair Mechanix

185 King Street

would like to thank you for your votes!

1 Quotations Coffee Café 2 Bracken Mountain Bakery g 3 Brighter Day Coffee BREAKFAST RESTAURANT 1 Sunrise Café 2 Julie's Sub & More 3 Bracken Mountain Bakery g 3 The Square Root Restaurant LUNCH RESTAURANT 1 The Square Root Restaurant x 2 Mayberry's z

Brevard’s Premier Music Venue • Local & National Music and Comedy Acts • FREE Pool & WiFi & Nightly Specials • Full Kitchen Coming Soon!

ICON KEY

OPEN DAILY

n ORTH s OUTH E AST w EST d OWNTOWN r IVER ARTS

DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA l GO LOCAL g APPALACHIAN GROWN

c AIR j JUST ECONOMICS f GREEN RESTAURANT x HALL OF FAME z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

Events Calendar & Ticketing Info @ www.185kingst.com

828.877.1850

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

75

CULLOWHEE & SYLVA SWEETS/DESSERT PLACE 1 Perk & Pastry Bistro 2 Jack the Dipper 3 City Lights Café g z REASON TO LIVE IN YOUR TOWN 1 Beautiful scenery 2 People 3 Western Carolina University LOCALLY-OWNED RETAIL OUTLET 1 Motion Makers Bicycle Shop 2 Blackrock Outdoor Company INNOVATIVE BUSINESS 1 Innovation Brewing 2 Mad Batter Food & Film

City Lights Café: Best Breakfast Restaurant

PHOTO BY TIM ROBISON

Thank You

ART GALLERY 1 WCU Fine Art Museum

to all our voters!

MUSIC VENUE 1 Soul Infusion Teahouse and Bistro 2 Bridge Park 2 No Name Sports Pub 3 Guadalupe Café g z 3 O'Malley's Pub and Grill NEIGHBORHOOD GATHERING SPOT 1 Innovation Brewing 2 Guadalupe Café g z 2 Heinzelmannchen Brewery z 2 Mad Batter Food & Film

ICON KEY

Maggie B’s

wine & specialty store 10 C South Main St., Weaverville

828-645-1111

76

BEST OF WNC

n ORTH s OUTH E AST w EST d OWNTOWN r IVER ARTS

DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA l GO LOCAL g APPALACHIAN GROWN

c AIR j JUST ECONOMICS

f GREEN RESTAURANT x HALL OF FAME z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

h GREEN BUILDING BESTOFWNC.COM

SATURDAY-NIGHT HANGOUT 1 Innovation Brewing 2 Soul Infusion Teahouse and Bistro 3 No Name Sports Pub 3 O'Malley's Pub and Grill BAR 1 Innovation Brewing 2 O'Malley's Pub and Grill 3 No Name Sports Pub COFFEE HOUSE 1 Signature Brew Coffee Company 2 City Lights Café g z 2 Perk & Pastry Bistro BREAKFAST RESTAURANT 1 City Lights Café g z 2 Hoopers Downtown 3 Mad Batter Food & Film LUNCH RESTAURANT 1 Lulu's on Main z x 2 City Lights Café g z 3 Mad Batter Food & Film DINNER RESTAURANT 1 Lulu's on Main z x 2 Guadalupe Café g z 3 Mad Batter Food & Film 3 Sazón Mexican Cuisine

NEW BUSINESS (OPENED IN LAST 12 MONTHS) 1 Innovation Brewing 2 Mad Batter Food & Film BUSINESS THAT GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY 1 Motion Makers Bicycle Shop 1 Signature Brew Coffee Company STREET OR ROAD 1 Main Street WHAT YOUR TOWN NEEDS 1 Restaurants 2 Better grocery store LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCOMPLISHMENT 1 The beginnings of a new greenway LOCAL GOVERNMENT FAILURE 1 N.C. Highway 107 connector project through Southwestern Community College 2 Potential repeal of the steep slope ordinance

MORE SMALL-TOWN CHARM Next week, find out who in Swannanoa/Black Mountain, Weaverville/Woodfin, Burnsville/Celo/ Spruce Pine and Marshall/ Hot Springs.

Thanks, WNC!

For Voting Us

#1

“We’ll be there on time, answer all your questions and respect your home.

You can count on it.”

- Max Rose, Owner

two years in a row!

BE

ST OF

14

20

24/7 Emergency

WNC

Service Available

EXPERTS IN ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS • • • •

Drain Cleaning Camera Inspections Sump Pumps Sinks, Showers & Toilets • Water Heaters • Garbage Disposals • Frozen Pipes • Well Pump Service & Replacement & MORE!

2014 BEST OF WNC

SPECIAL OFFER $

25 OFF Any Service

Four Seasons Plumbing 828.216.3894 www.CallFourSeasons.com

www.CallFourSeasons.com

828-216-3894

If You Are Not 100% Satisfied, You Don’t Pay! MOUNTAINX.COM

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

77

THANK YOU, WNC

WAYNESVILLE & CANTON

Thousands of Mountain Xpress readers who voted in this year’s Best of WNC reader survey!

And extra thanks to the thousands who answered a few extra questions about yourselves.

Here’s what we found out:

You are quite remarkable...

On Average You: •Shopped at a tailgate market eight times in the past year.

•Ate something locally grown every day.

•Attended 12 local concerts in the past year •Volunteered about 7 hours per month with nonprofits.

77% of you have pets 45% of you have at least one tattoo or piercing.

46% of you plan to make green improvements to your home in the coming 12 months

THA

FO

NK

BEST OF WNC

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

PHOTO BY TIM ROBISON

ART GALLERY 1 Twigs and Leaves Gallery x 2 T. Pennington 3 Earthworks Galleries 3 Mahogany House MUSIC VENUE 1 Frog Level Brewing Co. 2 The Classic Wineseller 3 The Strand at 38 Main NEIGHBORHOOD GATHERING SPOT

BAR 1 Tipping Point Brewery & Tavern 2 Frog Level Brewing Co. 3 BearWaters Brewing Co. COFFEE HOUSE 1 Panacea Coffeehouse, Café & Roastery 2 City Bakery Café g z l 2 Coffee Cup Cafe g 3 Smoky Mountain Coffee Roasters BREAKFAST RESTAURANT

1 Frog Level Brewing Co. 1 City Bakery Café g z l 2 Tipping Point Tavern and Brewery 2 Joey's Pancake House 3 Panacea Coffeehouse, Café & 3 Clyde's Restaurant Roastery LUNCH RESTAURANT SATURDAY-NIGHT HANGOUT 1 Nick & Nate's Pizzeria z 1 BearWaters Brewing Co. 2 Clyde's Restaurant 1 Frog Level Brewing Co. 2 The Sweet Onion Restaurant 1 Tipping Point Tavern and Brewery 3 Thai Spice

f o ru rYoVo u rt eVo T h aTnhk as nf ko sr Yo ! te!

BE

RV OTI S NG !

78

Twigs and Leaves Gallery: Best Art Gallery

ST OF

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

WNC

BESTOFWNC.COM

14

DINNER RESTAURANT 1 The Sweet Onion Restaurant x 2 Frog's Leap Public House g 3 Bogart’s SWEETS/DESSERT PLACE 1 City Bakery Café g z l 2 Pheasant Hill Café and Gallery 3 The Chocolate Bear REASON TO LIVE IN YOUR TOWN 1 Friendly people and good community 2 The mountains 3 Small, hometown feel

2 More big-box, chain stores 3 More nightlife LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCOMPLISHMENT 1 Great downtown LOCAL GOVERNMENT FAILURE 1 Cutting down the trees in front of the courthouse HAIR STYLING SALON

YOU’RE THE BEST!

1 Indigo Salon 2 Elements Salon 3 Salon Halo

450,000+ individual votes

INNOVATIVE BUSINESS 1 Sunburst Trout Farms g z NEW BUSINESS (OPENED IN LAST 12 MONTHS) 1 Sunburst Market g STREET OR ROAD 1 Main Street WHAT YOUR TOWN NEEDS 1 More restaurants 2 Better air, less paper smell

ICON KEY n ORTH s OUTH E AST w EST d OWNTOWN r IVER ARTS

DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA l GO LOCAL g APPALACHIAN GROWN

c AIR j JUST ECONOMICS f GREEN RESTAURANT x HALL OF FAME z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

tHe square root – Best of Wnc Regional Winner - Brevard & Hendersonville Come visit us at both locations!

BE

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

more than 12,000 people cast ballots

ST OF

HALL OF FAME WNC 2014

Brevard

First Place Lunch Restaurant

Third Place Bar

First Place Dinner Restaurant

Third Place Breakfast Restaurant

Second Place Neighborhood Gathering Spot

Hendersonville

Second Place Business that gives back to the community

Third Place Lunch Restaurant 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

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

111 s. main st. Hendersonville, nc 28792 • 828.693.7758

BEST OF

WNC

2014 MOUNTAINX.COM

S K N G! HA

T

IN T O RV

FO

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2014

BEST OF WNC

79