Cuban comfort food headed to the RAD Will abortion restrictions impact child welfare in WNC? 830 Part one S20226,SEPT.-31AUG.5NO.29VOL.CAROLINANORTHWESTERNFOREVENTS&ARTSNEWS,INDEPENDENTWEEKLYOFYEAR29THOUR
AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM2 news tips & story ideas to NEWS@MOUNTAINX.COM letters/commentary to LETTERS@MOUNTAINX.COM sustainability news to GREEN@MOUNTAINX.COM a&e events and ideas to AE@MOUNTAINX.COM events can be submitted to CALENDAR@MOUNTAINX.COM or try our easy online calendar at MOUNTAINX.COM/EVENTS food news and ideas to FOOD@MOUNTAINX.COM wellness-related events/news to MXHEALTH@MOUNTAINX.COM business-related events/news to BUSINESS@MOUNTAINX.COM venues with upcoming shows CLUBLAND@MOUNTAINX.COM get info on advertising at ADVERTISE@MOUNTAINX.COM place a web ad at WEBADS@MOUNTAINX.COM question about the website? WEBMASTER@MOUNTAINX.COM find a copy of Xpress FACEBOOK.COM/MOUNTAINXDISTRO@MOUNTAINX.COMWWW.MOUNTAINX.COM follow us @MXNEWS, @MXARTS, @MXEAT, @MXHEALTH, @MXCALENDAR, @MXENV, @MXCLUBLAND CONTACT US: (828) 251-1333 • FAX (828) 251-1311 Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Mountain Xpress is available free throughout Western North Carolina. Limit one copy per person. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 payable at the Xpress office in advance. No person may, without prior written permission of Xpress, take more than one copy of each issue. To subscribe to Mountain Xpress, send check or money order to: Subscription Department, PO Box 144, Asheville NC 28802. First class delivery. One year (52 issues) $130 / Six months (26 issues) $70. We accept Mastercard & Visa. STAFF COPYRIGHT 2022 BY MOUNTAIN XPRESS ADVERTISING COPYRIGHT 2022 BY MOUNTAIN XPRESS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PUBLISHER & EDITOR: Jeff Fobes ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Susan Hutchinson OPERATIONS MANAGER: Able Allen MANAGING EDITOR: Thomas Calder NEWS EDITOR: Daniel Walton ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR: Thomas Calder OPINION EDITOR: Tracy Rose STAFF REPORTERS: Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Justin McGuire, Sara Murphy, Brooke Randle, Jessica Wakeman, Daniel Walton SUMMER INTERN: Flora Konz COMMUNITY CALENDAR & CLUBLAND: Andy Hall CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Lisa Allen, Peter Gregutt, Mary Jean Ronan Herzog, Rob Mikulak REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Mark Barrett, Blake Becker, Morgan Bost, LA Bourgeois, Johanna Patrice Hagarty, Bill Kopp, Alli Marshall, Linda Ray, Kay West STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Cindy Kunst ADVERTISING, ART & DESIGN MANAGER: Susan Hutchinson LEAD DESIGNER: Scott Southwick GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Olivia Urban MARKETING ASSOCIATES: Sara Brecht, Vicki Catalano, Scott Mermel, Braulio Pescador-Martinez TECHNOLOGIESINFORMATION&WEB: Able Allen BOOKKEEPER: Amie Fowler-Tanner ADMINISTRATION, BILLING, HR: Able Allen, Mark Murphy DISTRIBUTION: Susan Hutchinson, Cindy Kunst DISTRIBUTION DRIVERS: Leah Beck, Desiree Davis, Tracy Houston, Marlea Kunst, Amy Loving, Henry Mitchell, Angelo Santa Maria, Carl & Debbie Schweiger NEWSA&CA&CWELLNESSNEWSFEATURE CONTENTS FEATURES SPECIAL INSERT BEST OF WNC PART ONE A new day is upon us, and with it comes a fresh flock of winners from this year’s Best Of WNC balloting. In the first part of our awards, you’ll find local champions in arts and entertainment, shopping, personal services, kids and much more. COVER DESIGN Scott Southwick 3 LETTERS 3 CARTOON: MOLTON 5 CARTOON: BRENT BROWN 6 COMMENTARY 8 NEWS 9 SNAPSHOT 14 BUNCOMBE BEAT 18 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 22 WELLNESS 24 ARTS & CULTURE 34 CLUBLAND 38 FREEWILL ASTROLOGY 38 CLASSIFIEDS 39 NY TIMES CROSSWORD 10 LONG DIVISION American Rivers to explore removing Craggy Dam 16 GARDENING WITH XPRESS Columnist Chloe Lieberman talks cucumbers, peppers and eggplants 22 NOT ALONE Local pros share advice on caring for older adults 28 THE ART OF EDUCATION Fall exhibits open on local college campuses 30 WHAT’S NEW IN FOOD Cuban comfort food heading for the RAD 8 BABY BOOM? How might abortion restrictions impact child welfare in WNC? www.junkrecyclers.net828.707.2407 36,000 SQ. FT. OF ANTIQUES, UNIQUES & REPURPOSED RARITIES! P urge Unwanted Junk, Remove Household Clutter! call us to remove your junk in a green way! JunkGreenestRemoval! Asheville’s oldest Junk Removal service, since 2010 26 Glendale Ave • 828.505.1108 Openregenerationstation.comTheRegenerationStationEveryday!10-6pm 20% off all TRS Inventory! LABOR DAY SALE Sept. 2nd - 5th Best of WNC since 2014! FREE beer SUNDAY! featuring New Belgium Brewery Sept.4th 12pm-6pm
— Sarah MarcinkoAsheville Pay teachers what they’re truly worth If Asheville and Buncombe County are to maintain a vibrant and grow ing economy with a stable workforce, it is essential that the Asheville City Schools system and the Buncombe County Schools system rank in the top 10% in performance measures in school districts in the state of North Carolina. The single major factor to a quality school system is the recruiting and long-term retention of highly moti vated and highly skilled educators. The bottom line is that you get what you pay for. And with the cost of living in our community, we don’t pay educators enough to recruit and maintain them. Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools should strive to have the highest teacher sala ries in the state of North Carolina. Because of low salaries, universities are finding it difficult to get students to choose teaching as a career path. With fewer qualified available educators, our two local school districts are going to have to outbid other districts for top-quality educators. With the cur rent salary structure, a new college graduate hired to teach in our two school districts may be spending close to 50% of their pretax income on the rent of an apartment that averages $1,500 a month. It doesn’t take a mathematical genius to understand that the teacher idence in Asheville and Buncombe County on a starting teacher’s salary of $40,000 a year. Across the board, teachers need to be paid approximate ly $15,000 more per year. That means a starting salary for a new teacher of between $50,000 and $55,000 a year. In addition, there need to be annual salary increases. Teachers should not have to resign their positions to take another full-time job in this community or someplace else, wherein on average their salary will go up approximately $15,000 a year. Pay teachers the extra $15,000 a year to keep them here and to keep them motivated to continue to work in the craft they were educated for. It’s important to remember that the state of North Carolina and the Republican-controlled state legislature are sitting on a $6 billion surplus, of which $4 billion can be redistributed to a variety of programs, including increasing teacher pay.
I’m alarmed and highly concerned about the state of education, both locally and beyond. My son starts third grade in Asheville City Schools at the end of August, and as of this writing, his teacher assignment is “to beI’vedetermined.”heardsimilar stories across North Carolina and the U.S. about teacher shortages, unprecedented public school vacancies and the lack of candidates to fill these critical posi tions. School districts are forced to make drastic decisions, including hir ing unlicensed individuals and increas ing class sizes, that decrease the qual ity of education. This couldn’t come at a worse time, when kids still haven’t recovered academically or socially/ emotionally from the pandemic. We have to value our teachers who are tired, underpaid and caught in the crosshairs of a contentious cultural and political climate. We must pro vide adequate training, make lasting investments in public education and build support for teaching as a viable profession. North Carolina has failed to do this time and time again, repeat edly ranking in the lowest tier in the nation for teacher pay (around $12,000 below the national average). On average, teacher salaries in North Carolina decreased during the pandemic, and with the cost of hous ing skyrocketing in Asheville and the surrounding area, how can we hope to recruit and retain talent to ensure our kids have access to the equitable and quality education they deserve?
There is not a single good reason why a teacher who is responsible for the learning and well-being of their students should be paid any less than a first-year nurse who is responsible for her patients and has a starting salary in our community of $60,000 a year. This figure is even more astonishing when, under the current salary structure of the Department of Public Instruction in North Carolina, the top salary for a teacher with 25 years of experience is $54,000 (plus the county supplement). This is why Buncombe County Commissioner Amanda Edwards is calling for a statewide teachers walk out. Because almost nothing else is working, it’s a great way to get the attention of North Carolina politicians and the general public. To raise educa BY RANDY MOLTON
Send your letters to the editor to letters@mountainx.com. CARTOON
MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 3
OPINION CONTINUES ON PAGE 5 KAVAVOTEDWNC#1BAR OPEN DAILY • 828.505.8118 268 Biltmore Ave • Asheville, NC WWW.ASHEVILLEKAVA.COM Ping Pong, Piano, Patio &MoodLiftingDelights Keeping Asheville Weird Since 2010
Education is in crisis
AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM4
tors’ salaries in our community, if this means raising taxes, so be it. Perhaps members of the City Council or county board can, with their collective knowledge, find other creative ways to pay our teachers a living wage. Perhaps money from the tourism board or a 1% or 2% educa tion lodging tax for visitors staying in our community. The bottom line is: Without higher salaries for educators, not only will our students suffer, but so will the entire community. To recruit and retain professional educators, it’s quite simple: Pay teachers what they’re truly worth to our children and to our community. It really shouldn’t be all that hard.
Last month, there were 392 abused, neglected or dependent children in Buncombe County, and only 324 have been assigned a GAL. That means that 68 children who have experi enced abuse or neglect have no vol unteer to get to know them, establish a trusting relationship and advocate for them. Every child needs a voice, and you could be the voice for one of theseI’vechildren.beenserving as a GAL for three years and have found it to be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. I’ve seen some children successfully reunited with their families and others adopted into loving homes. With each case, I was pleased to have been able to be the child’s ally. Some of the things I do as a GAL are: meet with the child, talk with them by phone, observe visitation with their parents, check in with their school, talk to their foster family and work closely with their DSS social worker. I summarize my findings in a report to the court, usually every three months. My supervisor at the GAL office serves as a resource and answers any questions I have. If you have a sincere interest in the welfare of children and can spare some time each month, you can help build a child’s future. We need more volunteers. You can find more infor mation and start an application at [avl.mx/byd].
— Nancy B.VolunteerSwigert Buncombe County Guardian ad BiltmoreLitemLake
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— RichardCandlerBoyum
— Susan AshevilleRoderick
You could be a voice for a child If you have several hours a month, you could have a big impact on the life of a child as a volunteer for the guard ian ad litem program. A GAL advocate is a trained community volunteer who is appointed, along with a guardian ad litem attorney, by a District Court judge to investigate and determine the needs of abused and neglected chil dren petitioned into the court system by the Department of Social Services.
— Mena Kates Carolina Jews for Justice Reproductive JusticeAshevilleTeam
CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN Send your letters to the editor to letters@mountainx.com.OPINION
Abortion ban violates religious rights Throughout the USA, and espe cially in diverse Asheville, freedom of religion is a constitutionally pro tected right. Western North Carolina has synagogues, churches and various spiritual communities. We are truly a community that honors enlighten ment in any form. Different religions have different understandings of when life begins. In Judaism, life begins at breath, not at conception. The fetus is a potential life that never takes pre cedence over the life of the pregnant person. For that reason, it is impera tive that we make sure abortion stays safe and accessible for everyone. Bans on abortion aren’t just a vio lation of the human right to bodily autonomy; they’re a violation of our religious rights as Jews. Abortion care is health care, and health care is a human right. Jewish teachings com mand us to care for everyone. Abortion access is a Jewish value, and bans on abortion are a violation of Jewish religious freedom and human rights. Now that North Carolina has made 20 weeks the cutoff time for a legal abortion, think about pregnancies that are not progressing normally, or the woman has medical problems with her pregnancy. This ban will have significant impact on our community’s women’s reproductive health care. Our local Planned Parenthood is expe riencing an influx of women from out of state seeking help. The ban will also impact social service needs in every state that abortion is illegal. We will all bear the burden of the abortion ban.
Yes on bond referendums I encourage everyone to support the land conservation and housing bond referendums [“Bonds on the Ballot: $70M for Land Conservation, Affordable Housing Up to Buncombe Voters,” Aug. 17, Xpress]. I thought Asheville Parks & Recreation did a good job with its last bond money. Look at the parks in Montford to see how heavily they are used and appreciated. We do have to stay vigilant as the money is distributed. I’m still per plexed by whatever happened at A-B Tech during Wandagate.
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Today, visitors to Asheville’s Wilma Dykeman Greenway encoun ter a cheerful parade of runners, bikers and dog walkers; parents pushing strollers; and couples ambling hand in hand. But just imagine if, instead, this area con sisted of a 10-foot-tall, 1.4-mile-long earth-and-concrete levee. That was the Tennessee Valley Authority’s plan for Asheville’s riverfront when I first saw it, back in 1967. About 100 feet wide, the earthfill portion of the levee would have extended from the Smoky Park Supper Club to the Lyman Street roundabout, and from the entrance to the 12 Bones Smokehouse to just above plēb urban winery. The river side of the levee would have been armored with quarried blocks of granite, and the slope along Riverside Drive would have been tufted with hard-to-mow grass.
No wonder Wilma Dykeman demanded to know “Who killed the French Broad?” in her seminal 1955 book, The French Broad At that time, Asheville’s riverfront — which, decades later, TVA tar geted for the proposed levee — was lined with aging industry. There was the shuttered cotton mill; stink ing stockyards and slaughterhous es; truck stops; oil-storage depots; warehouses; and the Southern Railway’s marshaling yards, round house and repair shops — all of them in decrepit condition.
In the event, however, the proposed dams and levee were never built. The more than a thousand citi zen activists who came together as the Upper French Broad Defense Association, bolstered by staunch support from state Rep. Charles Taylor, forced TVA to abandon its plans in 1972. Taylor later repre sented the area in Congress, and TVA went on to become a finan cial partner in the French Broad’s rejuvenation, teaming up with the Land of Sky Regional Council and affected cities and counties.
Fast-forward 11 years to 1983, when the French Broad River Foundation was established under the auspices of Land of Sky to enlist the residents of Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties in preserv ing and restoring the river corridor. Land of Sky had already spear headed the creation of several river access parks, and the foundation began organizing events to build awareness of the French Broad’s potential and got involved in devel oping river access points. Four years later, the Chamber of Commerce hired Karen Cragnolin to head up its Riverfront Attraction Committee which, under her inspired leadership, evolved into RiverLink. In collaboration with other local entities and even TVA, both the foundation and RiverLink continued to develop parks and greenways along both sides of the river. Eventually, the foundation was absorbed into RiverLink.
UNFIT FOR ANYTHING?
BY JOHN E. ROSS
In 1998, RiverLink bought the former Asheville Motor Speedway property, and a year later, with a grant from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, acquired the strip of riverfront along Amboy Road across from the mouth of the Swannanoa River. Both were turned over to the city, with the former becoming Carrier Park and the latter Amboy Road River Park. In between the two, however, sat the 5.3-acre EDACO junkyard — the missing link in the greenway connecting the two parks. Everyone knew it as the place to get “Your Parts in the Park.” But year after year, gas, oil, antifreeze and heav en only knows what other chemi cals seeped into the soil from the mangled wrecks of crushed cars. Meanwhile, contractors dumped leftover concrete on the property, entombing the pollution deep in the flood plain. Clearly, EDACO more than qualified as a brownfield under the state Division of Waste Management’s program for restor ing such sites.
OPINION Grassroots
How citizen resistance derailed plan to dam the French Broad JOHN E. ROSS
JUST SAY NO
MAKING IT HAPPEN With support from conserva tion-minded donors, RiverLink bought the EDACO property in grit
Between these two earthen berms would have stood the levee’s rein forced, 10-foot-high concrete flood wall, 3 feet wide at its base, tapering to a foot at its crest and about a half-mile long. Just imagine what a blank concrete canvas this would have presented for street artists.
As a field geologist, I worked sum mers with the seismic team that conducted preliminary studies of the rock foundations for TVA’s pro posed Asheville levee and 14 small detention dams in the upper French Broad and Pigeon River watersheds. Along the levee’s centerline, we set a string of geophones. At each end, we’d bury detonating cord — think thick, explosive clothesline — and then set it off. Shock waves triggered the geophones, enabling us to measure depth of soil down to bedrock. What a blast for a col legeBackkid! then, North Carolina’s Board of Water and Air Resources had given the French Broad an “E” rating, meaning it was basically con sidered “unfit for anything,” as the Asheville Citizen explained it at the time. Before the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972, industries were pretty much free to dump whatev er they wanted into this and other American rivers. Tributaries were redolent of straight-piped sewage. Junked cars, old iceboxes and rusty washing machines were deliber ately placed along riverbanks to deter erosion.
MISSING LINK: Phase one of construction in Karen Cragnolin Park, a walking/ biking trail linking Carrier and Amboy Road parks, is scheduled for completion next year. Rendering courtesy of RiverLink
MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 7 2006, aiming to close the final gap in nearly 4 miles of pedestrian/bike trail along the river — including the section where TVA had planned to build its flood control levee years before. And now, after more than a decade of phytoremediation (using plants to naturally detoxify the soil), the old junkyard is ready to be reborn as Karen Cragnolin Park. Designed by internationally known landscape architecture firm Nelson Byrd Woltz, it will be developed in several phases. Soon after RiverLink acquired the property, the state Department of Transportation funded a sidewalk along Amboy Road between the two adjacent parks. Phase one, howev er, will create a sinuous 800-foot trail winding through the property. Signage along the route will illu minate the river’s natural and cul tural history, including its origin, the evolution of flora and fauna, and how the waterway has sus tained human populations for the last 14,000 years. Future phases will likely include pavilions, seating and river-access ramps. Initial construction is expect ed to begin later this year, once RiverLink has secured $1 million in funding. The anticipated opening of the trail sometime next summer will be another milestone in river side greenway development.
HONORING THE PAST
Having moved to Asheville in 2014, I’ve been amazed at the extent to which our riverfront has been revital ized. Nonetheless, one key element is still lacking: Nowhere in Western North Carolina is there a museum that interprets the watershed’s rich natural and human history for resi dents and tourists alike. I cannot envision a better location for a comprehensive French Broad science and cultural center than a former industrial building in the River Arts District along the Wilma Dykeman Greenway. For nearly 50 years, citizens, local governments and nonprofits have come together to transform a decaying industrial wasteland into the marvelous urban riverfront that we enjoy today. With the same kind of concerted effort, surely we could make such a river side facility happen. Asheville resident John Ross serves on RiverLink’s board of directors. His newest book, Through the Mountains: The French Broad River and Time, was a finalist for the 2021 Reed Environmental Writing Award, spon sored by the Southern Environmental Law Center. X
“The Upper French Broad Defense Association forced TVA to abandon its plans to dam the river.”
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Research does exist on other aspects of how having a child due to a lack of abortion access can impact an individual’s life. The 2020 Turnaway Study, published by the University of California San Fransisco, examined 1,000 women who were seeking abortion; those who were turned away and went on to give birth “experienced an increase in household poverty last ing at least four years relative to those who received an abortion.”
“Planning for increased need [in foster care] is not happening at the local level,” says Stacey Wood , spokesperson for the Buncombe County Department of Health and HumanMeanwhile,Services.N.C. Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Bailey Pennington Allison acknowledged the issue, noting that, “Over time, it is likely that restrictions on access to repro ductive health services will result in more children in foster care and more children in need of adoption.”
Becker, the Henderson County social worker, concurs. “There are not enough spaces available to house all of the children that need to be housed,” she says. This could mean more children being placed in group home settings, such as the Black Mountain Home in Black Mountain. To become a foster parent, individuals must take 30 hours of required state training in trau ma-informed care “or an equivalent training and assessment process,” according to the NCDHHS Division of Social Services in Child Welfare. Criminal background checks, home visits and interviews are alsoBCDHHSrequired.works with individuals to become licensed, as do private foster care placement agencies and nonprofits.
It’s clear that abortion access is now different in Western North Carolina. Less than two months after the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson that abortion is not a right under the Constitution, a federal judge on Aug. 17 allowed enforcement of an existing North Carolina law that bans abortion after 20 weeks except for medical emergencies. Before that move, abortion had been legal in the state until the point of fetal viability, typically considered to be 24-28 weeks into pregnancy. According to data from the Guttmacher Institute, a nation al nonprofit focused on sexual and reproductive health, 31,850 preg nancies were terminated in North Carolina in 2020, a 9% increase from 29,320 abortions the previ ous(Peryear.2019 data, the most recent available, from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Reproductive Health, the vast majority of North Carolina abortions were performed before the end of the first trimester. Of the state’s remaining abortions, 7.6% were performed at 14-20 weeks’ gestation, and 0.1% were performed at 21 weeks or later.)
The study also found that after being denied an abortion, a woman was more likely to not be able to cover basic living expenses like housing, food or transportation.
‘NOT ENOUGH SPACES’
Sept. 8 at HighlandBrewing Party Peggy Ratusz 5-6 p.m. Hope Griffin 6:15-7:15 p.m. DJ Lil Meow Meow 7:30-8:30 p.m. Special guests Asheville FM, the WNC Nature Center and more... And food trucks Melt Your Heart and El Kimchi BANDS: BEST OF WNC
She declined further comment in a followup email asking if NCDHHS is planning for that “likely” scenar io or how it is doing so. Based on personal experience, however, a licensed clinical social worker who provides therapy for Henderson County foster children and their foster families believes the child welfare system will be strained. “My gut feeling — and obviously there’s no research to back this up because it’s so new — is that our [child welfare] system is already severely overtaxed and is going to be even more overtaxed” due to abortion restrictions, Allison Becker tells Xpress . Becker is researching foster care nationwide, but with a focus in WNC, for Northcentral University’s Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy program. “There are so many kids in foster care, and then now we’re forcing people who don’t want children or can’t care for chil dren to have them anyway,” she says. “That just seems to me like a recipe for more foster kids.”
How might abortion restrictions impact child welfare in WNC? jwakeman@mountainx.com
ON THE WAY One potential consequence of making abortions more difficult to obtain may be more children rely ing on social services such as foster care. “We know that, across the country and in North Carolina, the safety net is stretched thin, and it is not able to provide sufficient care to those in need,” wrote Elizabeth Nash , principal policy associate on state issues at the Guttmacher Institute, in a statement to Xpress . “And we anticipate that the need will increase as states ban abortion and force people to continue preg nancies to Quantitativeterm.”estimates of that increased demand are hard to come by. Xpress was unable to find a pre dictive model for anticipated new births in North Carolina as a result of abortion restrictions, with both national nonprofits and local health officials saying they hadn’t con ducted or come across that analysis.
BY JESSICA WAKEMAN
OVERTAXED: “There are not enough spaces available to house all of the children that need to be housed” in foster care, says Hender sonville-based licensed clinical so cial worker Allison Becker. She also provides therapy for kids in foster care and their foster families. Photo courtesy of Becker
‘THEIR BIGGEST CHEERLEADER’ One local organization that has already experienced an impact from the Dobbs decision is Mountain Area Pregnancy Services, a
Martin Peters from Eckerd Connects, a Florida-based non profit that partners with CARING for Children in Asheville to recruit and train foster parents, declined to comment. Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, which runs an adoption agency that serves Buncombe and other WNC coun ties, did not respond in time forButcomment.theBCDHHS website on fostering states there is a need for more foster families. “In Buncombe County, there are many children in care, but not enough people to help care for them,” the website reads. “This means that children could be placed in group homes, away from their siblings or sent out of the county, far from everyone and everything they know.”
NEWS Baby boom?
North Carolina had 11,213 youths in foster care in 2021, according to federal Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System data shared by The Imprint , a nonprofit news outlet dedicated to child welfare. That’s a roughly 30% increase from a decade prior, when the state had 8,601 children in care; the rate far outpaces the approximately 9.5% increase in overall state population over the sameDuringperiod.fiscal year 2021-22, the average monthly foster care case load is 321 children in Buncombe County, according to Wood from BCDHHS. (An average of 11 chil dren enter the foster care system, and an average of 12 children leave, each month.) Over the same period, the county had an average of 86 foster homes. Xpress was unable to confirm whether local foster care or adop tion agencies are anticipating an increase.
WNC retains abortion access through Planned Parenthood’s Asheville Health Center, the region’s sole provider of the proce dure. What is less clear, at least at this moment, is how restrictions on abortion will impact the area’s child welfare system.
Many clients of MAPS do not have other supportive individuals in their lives, Brown adds. “We are often their biggest cheerleader, and we have to be,” she says.
X
Clients at MAPS are typically four-eight weeks pregnant, uninsured, earn ing less than $15,000 per year and “not excited, for the most part” about the pregnancy, Brown says.
MAPS parenting programs include Bible study and an encour agement to connect with church congregations for support, Brown explains. “One way she can get sup port is to be part of a church body of people,” Brown says of those coming to the organization with pregnancies. “We’re trying to work to connect clients with a church body of people, so that she’s got a built-in army around her.”
Brown says the center also directs expectant mothers or new parents towards resources, such as the Baby Equipment And Resources Closet. She says MAPS will also circle back to its donor base and ask for funding for car seats or strollers, if needed. (In a joint press release July 1, Republican state Sen. Chuck Edwards and Reps. Tim Moffitt and Jake Johnson announced $550,000 in funding for MAPS, as well as $500,000 for Open Arms Pregnancy Center in Hendersonville, another faithbasedMAPSministry.)doesnot license foster or adoptive families. But staff does receive annual training on state laws regarding adoption and refers to agencies, such as Christian Adoption Services, a ministry of Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, says Brown. MAPS does not know what hap pens months or years later with the women they see, Brown says. “I would say, traditionally speaking, a lot of our clients don’t keep in touch after the baby has come,” Brown says. “They might pop in occasionally or send a Christmas card. … We don’t always know the final outcome.”
Brown says that in June, MAPS served 30 clients across both of its locations, and in July — after abor tion restrictions went into effect in other states — the two locations served 56 clients. MAPS is not a licensed health care provider, nor does it provide prenatal care. It does, however, provide free ultrasounds, Brown says. And the organization will pro vide baby-related items, like pac ifiers, diapers, nursing pillows or playpens to individuals who earn “points” as they complete parent ingTheclasses.center’s medical director, who has a private practice else where, receives ultrasound scans over email, explains Brown.
Christian ministry with offices in Waynesville and Asheville that serves “women and families expe riencing an unplanned pregnancy or a pregnancy with a life-limiting diagnosis to honor their baby’s life.”
MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 9
EARNING BASICS: Mountain Area Pregnancy Services, a Christian ministry in Asheville, awards items like formula and baby bottles to clients who earn points from taking faith-based parenting classes. Photo by Jessica Wakeman
MARKING HISTORY: Local elected officials and civic leaders gathered Aug. 27 to celebrate the placement of Kenilworth’s St. John ‘A’ Baptist Church on the National Register of Historic Places. The church and its ad jacent South Asheville Cemetery, also on the National Register, are corner stones of the local Black community; the latter began as a burial ground for the slaves of the McDowell family and holds as many as 3,000 graves, many unmarked. “This celebration is a long time coming,” said longtime ceme tery caretaker and church deacon George Gibson, third from right. Photo by Ellen Holmes Pearson
The counselors at MAPS out line three options to someone with a confirmed pregnancy: carrying the pregnancy to term and par enting, adoption or abortion. (One of its programs, Brown explains, is called “abortion recovery” and counsels women who feel guilt or sadness over past abortions.) The center will make referrals to obstetricians, including many who accept Medicaid.
SNAPSHOT
Executive Director Kristi Brown estimates MAPS’ locations have received five additional calls each week since the June 24 Dobbs decision. (She notes that not all calls result in appointments.) More calls are coming from out of state, sheMAPSadds. has also had increased foot traffic this summer. The orga nization typically serves 300 clients, both men and women, each year.
For more than a century, the French Broad has been a river divided.
Low-head dams such as Craggy, adds Lazaras, can create turbulent currents that are difficult for those recreating on the water to escape. In one recent North Carolina example, three inner-tubers died on the Dan River in Rockingham County last year when they were swept over a dam.
“There is that tight connec tion between mussels and fish,” McCombs says. “When you remove a dam, you can restore connectivity that can benefit both. We may be able to support this population that’s doing better than some of the other populations in the region.”
“There could be massive social and ecological benefits from remov ing the Craggy Dam, which would include the potential expansion of habitat for threatened endangered species, opening up increased oppor tunities for recreation and making sure that we’re offering opportuni ties of repair for the river and the community,” says Erin McCombs, conservation director for Southern Appalachia with American Rivers.
The Appalachian elktoe, a fresh water mussel that has been on the federal endangered species list since 1994, has returned to the French Broad River in recent years after being absent for decades. Because mussels are sensitive to water pollu tion, wildlife experts say the return indicates the water quality of the river is improving. Dam removal might help bolster that success by allowing freer movement of fish, which serve as hosts for mussel larvae.
Reconnecting those networks could have big upsides, say envi ronmentalists, who think it’s time to consider taking the structure down.
The Craggy Dam is not the only dam in Western North Carolina that ultimately could be removed using the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act money. American Rivers is working with the state Wildlife Resources Commission and MountainTrue to identify other fea sible projects in the region. And McCombs encourages resi dents who have nonoperational dams on their property to contact American Rivers. “We can have a conversation about whether we can provide funding and technical assis tance to reconnect waterways and remove a public safety hazard in the form of a dam that’s no longer serving a purpose.” X
In November, President Joe Biden signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which includes $800 million for dam remov al. Money from that pot would be used to remove the Craggy Dam if the project is deemed feasible.
While there has never been a safety incident associated with the Craggy Dam, she continues, it is never a bad idea to get out in front of a potential safetyDespitehazard.allthe potential benefits of removing the dam, American Rivers understands the MSD’s concerns.
STREAMING SERVICE: Advocates say getting rid of the 118-year-old Craggy Dam could open up new recreational possibilities on the French Broad River. But the feasibility of removing the hydroelectric dam remains unknown. Photo by Marc Hunt
The Craggy Dam, built in 1904 just northwest of the town of Woodfin, separates an upstream network of 3,557 river miles from a downstream network of 1,458 river miles, according to the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership. Those figures include the length of the French Broad itself, as well as the creeks, tributaries and streams that flow into the river.
WHY NOW?
NEWS Long division
“We have this aspirational idea that wouldn’t it be nice, if it turned out to be economically feasible, to remove the dam,” Lazaras says. “But there’s going to be a lot of questions we need to answer first.”
McCombs says dam removal would fit in well with the town of Woodfin’s Greenway and Blueway project, which will include 5 new miles of greenway along the river and Beaverdam Creek and provide new river access sites.
BY JUSTIN M c GUIRE
AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM10
THE LIFE AQUATIC Asheville-based Gail Lazaras , associate director of conservation for American Rivers, says removing the 13-foot high low-head dam could improve the area’s ecological health. “It can be huge for aquatic connec tivity, habitat, movement of species, resilience of species.”
The Washington, D.C.-based non profit is spearheading a study, fund ed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, to determine whether removing the hydroelectric dam is economically feasible. The group expects the study to be complet ed in about a year at a cost to be determined.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the lead federal agency on dam removal projects and would need to issue a permit. On the state level, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality would have to sign off.
American Rivers to explore removing Craggy Dam
Dam removal also could open the whole section of the river to recre ation, says Hartwell Carson, French Broad riverkeeper for Ashevillebased nonprofit MountainTrue. “Downstream of the dam there’s Ledges Whitewater River Park, but there’s a really nice section of the river in between the dam and Ledges that’s extremely difficult to paddle,” he says. “Portaging the dam is really the only way to do it. So it would be awesome if you could, all of a sudden, link up Asheville and Marshall via the river.”
“Nothing has happened on [American Rivers’] end yet, so there is nothing really to discuss,” says Tom Hartye, MSD’s general manager. He points out that the dam pro vides power for the district’s waste water treatment plant, saving cus tomers about $300,000 to 500,000 annually and reducing the plant’s carbon footprint by roughly half.
American Rivers also has to get approval from the state Historic Preservation Office and other agen cies before embarking on the project.
“Because of this once-in-a-genera tion funding opportunity, we’re taking a look at some dams that haven’t really been feasible from a financial stand point in the past,” McCombs says. But officials with the county’s Metropolitan Sewerage District, which owns the dam, are taking a wait-and-see approach.
WHAT’S NEXT?
“It creates hydropower, so part of the feasibility study is to make that right and see if we can’t look at opportunities or options for generat ing equivalent amounts of electricity in other, greener ways,” Lazaras says. She continues that her group is grateful the sewer district has been willing to provide information for the study and to consider the findings.
“Their study of costs/benefits of dam removal will have to clear a high bar to even be considered,” he says.
jmcguire@mountainx.com
“We’re really excited to see if some of the momentum around that proj ect could extend to include this dam removal project as well,” she says.
For the Craggy Dam removal to go forward, the district and its legal counsel would have to sign off. After that, McCombs says, support and design engineering for the project would likely be funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, one of five federal agencies with access to the dam removal money in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. If clean energy alternatives are part of the removal plan, outside experts would need to be brought in, she says.
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The most recent document from the planning process, dated July 29, is a “Draft Framework and High-Impact Activity List” that outlines three goals for “municipal activities over which the city has direct control.” The first aims for city-owned assets, including buildings, vehicles and water infra structure, to be “resilient, sustainable and efficient.”
BUMPS ON THE ROAD
Herring says that detailed cost esti mates are difficult to produce due to fluctuating prices for components such as solar panels. She also notes that different approaches have dif ferent cost implications; installing on-site solar that actually generates renewable power, for example, is significantly more expensive than purchasing “renewable energy cer tificates” that would give the city the legal right to claim its electricity was 100%Andrenewable.multiple AECOM documents note discontent from Asheville’s Sustainability Advisory Committee on Energy and the Environment, the city’s main avenue for resident feedback on climate issues. Minutes from a September 2021 project kickoff meeting say SACEE’s members “feel let down and frustrated” because City Council has shifted priorities from sustainability to “equity, repara tions and housing.” A June AECOM report from a meeting with SACEE notes that “there is engagement fatigue [and] the community doesn’t
NEWS dwalton@mountainx.com
KEEP ON SHINING: Continued development of solar energy on city-owned buildings, such as these panels atop Fire Station 11, is among the strategies to be included in Asheville’s Municipal Climate Action Plan. Photo courtesy of the city of Asheville
In its interactions with the broader public, Asheville would explore part nerships for renewable energy and local food production. The city would also better communicate its climate efforts, providing an online dashboard with data on sustainability targets and creating a “sustainability and climate ambassador program to regularly engage front-line communities.”
Resilience road map
(AECOM’s scope of work does not include estimating implementation costs for the Climate Action Plan.)
Asheville prepares Municipal Climate Action Plan
Asheville has been making plans to reduce its contribution to climate change since 2007, when City Council adopted its first energy and conser vation goals. In all, at least 10 city ordinances and plans have directly addressed sustainability matters, the most recent being January 2020’s dec laration of a climate emergency. Now under development is one plan to rule them all. According to the city’s website, the Municipal Climate Action Plan, being drafted by Winston-Salem-based consultant AECOM for $95,000, “will incorporate all new additions of policies and res olutions while creating a road map on how to accomplish adopted goals” through 2030. Work on the plan kicked off last September and was originally sched uled to wrap up by the first week of April. Progress has been slower than anticipated; a draft version, first slat ed for February, is not yet available, and Council’s eight-week planning calendar indicates that members won’t vote to approve the document until at least late October. (The city website lists “Fall 2022” as the current target for However,completion.)
Xpress reached out to Karen Massey, listed as AECOM’s project manager for the climate plan, for more information about these goals and their development; however, she did not respond to a request for comment.
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BY DANIEL WALTON
While that draft framework looks toward the future, other documents developed during the planning pro cess offer lessons from the past. A gap analysis from February, for example, flags “a lack of proactive and coor dinated planning” by city staffers as an obstacle to meeting sustainabili ty “Ingoals.an organization that provides a number of core services to the community and averages 50 or more projects per year, it is challenging to identify the opportunity at the right time that is also within the scope and budget of a project or program,” writes Bridget Herring, the city’s sustainability director, when asked about AECOM’s analysis. “This is why policies that support operation alizing these goals have been sug gested in the high-impact activities proposed for the Municipal Climate Action Plan.”
IN THE WORKS
Xpress was able to obtain all of AECOM’s work on the plan to date through a public records request. What does a review of those docu ments reveal about how the city plans to approach sustainability during what President Joe Biden has called the “decisive decade” for addressing climate change?
The second goal would better integrate sustainability and climate considerations into city oper ations, while the third would support sustainability and resilience for the community outside City Hall. Activities listed under the first goal are the most directly related to meeting previous city targets, such as the 100% renewable energy goal set in 2018 and 4% annual emissions reduction goal set in 2011. The doc ument suggests that Asheville might implement a rule requiring new government construction to include rooftop solar, enter into solar leases with Duke Energy and establish a “green fleet” policy to prioritize elec tricDay-to-dayvehicles. city operations would be guided to a greater extent by the Climate Justice Screening Tool, a decision-making framework devel oped earlier this year. Sustainability would be better integrated into employee training, and government purchase decisions would prioritize lower-carbon options.
The gap analysis also notes that, according to city staff, “sustainability projects are currently underfunded” if the city is to meet its current targets. Although the 2020 climate emergency resolution calls for the city to identi fy the specific projects and funding needed to meet those targets, no such estimates have yet been generated.
TALKING POINTS
It’s unclear when or if members of the public will be invited to offer feed back on the plan. Asheville’s website does not list any engagement opportu nities beyond meetings with city staff and SACEE, and the plan isn’t listed on the city’s public engagement hub.
Both Meier and Judy Mattox, chair of the WNC Sierra Club, say that current planning documents contain many good steps but also have room for improvement. Meier suggests that the city seek alternatives to Duke Energy as a way to accelerate its renewable power development, while Mattox says the plan should include a ban on single-use plastic bags andMattoxStyrofoam.also notes that the city should consider the opportunities available through the recently passed federal Inflation Reduction Act, which includes roughly $369 billion in funding for clean energy and cli mate initiatives. “There will be signif icant amounts of additional funding for advancing energy efficiency and transitioning to renewable energy,” she says. “We would also like to see more focus on how [the city] can encourage residents and businesses to begin their transition to clean ener gy faster.”
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“Gathering public feedback, espe cially from front-line communities, is a critical step to ensure the Climate Action Plan is relevant, strong and has the public buy-in required to achieve [it],” says Erica Meier, a hub coordinator for Sunrise Asheville and the organization’s representative at the N.C. Climate Justice Collective. “Most Asheville residents are con cerned about climate change and will undoubtedly have suggestions to make the Climate Action Plan stron ger. If the city fails to provide accessi ble opportunities to give public input, it does so at a loss to everyone.”
MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 13 see a connection between feedback andAskedresults.”for comment on those con clusions, SACEE Chair Anna Priest did not respond. She provided a statement saying, “As members of an advisory committee, we could not speak to the consultant’s assessment of the process. Our role as community volunteer advisors is to ensure the city and Council have input from and reflective of the community.”
“This is a great opportunity. And it is particularly important because of the location with its proximity to Lee Walker Heights, the Southside, the East End neighborhood and the potential plans we have for the South Slope,” said Council mem ber Antanette Mosley. “This is a bigCouncildeal.” then approved a request from Asheville-based nonprofit Mountain Housing Opportunities for an $850,000 Housing Trust Fund loan to purchase land at 16 Restaurant Ct. for a new affordable housing devel opment. Terms of the loan include 0% interest and deferred payments for 40 years.
(A previous proposal for the site by South Carolina-based Homes Urban would have built 75 affordable units in a 250-unit complex; that developer withdrew its proposal in February.)
plasticProposedbagban
I NEED A DOLLAR: Ronn Stewart, facing City Council, senior vice president of development at Laurel Street Residential, said that purchasing the city-owned land for $1 would allow the developer to provide affordable units at a lower overall subsidy rate than other grant or loan programs. Screen capture courtesy of the city of Asheville
The development at 319 Biltmore Ave., which will adjoin the existing Maple Crest Apartments, will also contain 150 market-rate rental units.
Nine members of the public spoke out in support of a proposed ban on plastic bags. Developed by Plastic-Free WNC, a coalition of environmental nonprofits including MountainTrue and the Sierra Club, the ordinance would ban plastic bags and Styrofoam while establishing a 10-cent fee on paper bags. People using federal food benefits such as SNAP would be exempt from the fee; some commenters argued that the fee shouldn’t be charged at all but backed the plastic ban. While the item did not appear on the Aug. 23 Council agenda, City Manager Debra Campbell said that the proposal would be discussed by the city’s Governance Committee Tuesday, Sept. 13, before coming before Council at a date to be determined.
Ronn Stewart, senior vice presi dent of development at Laurel Street Residential, said that the company had originally planned to apply for both a Housing Trust Fund loan and a LUIG. However, he claimed that the effectively free land would allow Laurel Street to provide the units at a lower overall subsidy rate.
The 65 units would be offered at rents affordable to those earning between 60% and 80% of the area median income ($33,750 to $45,000 for an individual; $48,188 to $64,250 for a family of four) for 30 years.
The proposed development will include 50 to 60 one- and two-bed room apartments, all of which will affordable to individuals and fami lies earning 30%-60% AMI ($16,900 to $33,750 for an individual; $27,750 to $48,188 for a family of four) for a minimum of 40 years. Of those units, 20% (10-12) would be reserved for young adults aging out of foster care. MHO estimates that the total proj ect will cost $11.1 million. Beyond the city support, the nonprofit is also seeking $1.5 million from both Buncombe County and the Dogwood Health Trust, along with more than $6 million in bank and equity loans.
The project received praise from three speakers during public com ment, as well as members of Council, who also pointed out that Laurel Street Residential was the first majority Black- and women-owned development company that the city had worked with.
Once that funding is secured, MHO plans to return with a request for another $661,100 from the city, which would bring Asheville’s total investment to roughly $1.5 million, or about $30,222 per affordable unit. Housing Trust Fund policy sets a cap of $1 million in loans per project, but city staff recommended overrid ing that limit based on the project’s merits. If all funding is received, MHO anticipates that construction will be completed by summer 2025.
BUNCOMBENEWS BEAT
Earlier this year, members of Asheville City Council named afford able housing a top priority for the city. And during its meeting of Aug. 23, Council put that priority into practice by voting unanimously to back two projects that promise to add more than 100 affordable units to the city’s housing supply. While both projects aimed to increase affordable housing, they differed in their approaches to secur ing city support. The first, proposed by Charlotte-based developer Laurel Street Residential, will be subsidized by a $1 sale of 5.5 acres originally purchased by the city for $5.3 million in 2020. With 65 affordable units to be built, that support works out to roughly $81,500 per unit, higher than the $80,000 per unit cap set by Asheville’s Land Use Incentive Grant program.
AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM14
— Brooke Randle X
Council subsidies could bring more than 100 affordable units to Asheville
— LA Bourgeois X
At the same time, Weaverville was beginning to discuss a new community center. Balestrieri cre ated a proposal for the project, which he presented to then-May or Al Root and later the Town Council. With their endorse ments, Balestrieri established the nonprofit Weaverville Center for Creative and Healthy Living, which is now approaching its first anniversary in October. “This is the great experiment in community health at its most organic level,” says Balestrieri, who continues to serve as the orga nization’s board chair.
Xpress sat down with Balestrieri to discuss the inspiration to launch the community health project, surprises he’s encountered since its debut and what it means to matriculate at UNCA as a nontra ditional student. This interview has been lightly edited and condensed. What inspired you to start WCCHL? A moment of insanity. As a mil itary person, we were encouraged to get involved in our communities, and I always did — coaching soc cer, coaching baseball, managing a hockey team, building sets for a community theater that our oldest son was really into. We always got involved, but we also had to always be on standby, because I was reassigned often, at times even out of the country. So it was really hard to get involved with long-term projects like this one. What has surprised you during this first year of operation? That people don’t want to hear much about health. They want to engage in social activities that are wellness focused for either mind, body or soul. They don’t want to hear a lecture. We had Humana community nurses come out and engage people on things like cho lesterol, cutting sugar out of diets and all that other kind of good, happy stuff. They’re subject matter experts, and people did not show up to talk to them. I really thought there’d be a desire for some of that, but there hasn’t been. But you know, we’ve had peo ple like Chuck Fink from The Asheville Storytelling Circle, and [freelance theater artist] Janice Schreiber put together perfor mances. All of those events are standing room only. People vote with their feet, and as a board, we’re paying attention to what people are showing up for. Not everything sticks. Speaking of popular events, what is your favorite offering at WCCHL and why? My favorite is just knowing that we’ve hit on something that people are enjoying. Show up on any day that the ladies are playing mahjong and just stand in the lobby; you will hear a bunch of women in the multipurpose room and the clickclack of the tiles being shuffled. And then you’ll hear a bunch of laughter. ... It just warms my heart. It has this visceral effect on me. Because I like to think we’re doing the right thing. People want this, and they’re showing up — every day, every week, every month. Did you have any reservations about enrolling at UNCA as a nontraditional student?
Q&A: Tom Balestrieri on community and health
Photo by Paul King
Education has changed so much from the stone tablet days of my undergrad, you know? So I knew things were going to be current. What I experienced was very few textbooks. Much of what we read were current articles from profes sional journals. And, in our last class, we had a FaceTime with an author on the big screen. The topic was evolution, genetics and [gene editing method] CRISPR. It was just so incredible. It was also very interesting to be old enough to be the parent of every single one of my professors. Every time I’d show up for a new class, I would always be the last person to leave. And I’d always approach the professor and say, “Listen, I promise you, I will never be the first person to raise my hand when you ask a question.” I explained that, as a health care administrator for 43 years, I was just trying to stay current with topics to inform my community programming with WCCHL. Of course, if, after 10 seconds, nobody raised their hand, I raised my hand. What would be your advice for anyone seeking a degree in later life? Get ready to read a lot of stuff on the computer. It’s real hard to put a Magic Marker on your comput er Asscreen.anundergrad or even as a graduate student in my past educational experience, I might have had one or two papers in a semester. But now, students are writing every week. It challenges you to understand the material and to be able to clearly articulate yourAlso,responses.theyoung people that were in the classes that I was in ... reminded me in many ways of my undergrad experience in Berkeley, where students were quick and willing to take up a cause and go to the streets and be heard. You know, every generation, in writing somewhere, says that the new generation is not worth a dime. But yet, each new genera tion comes up with new ideas and pushes society forward, one way or another, whether it’s through science or literature or whatever. And I came away after four years at UNCA thinking that these are sensitive, wonderful, introspective people who are wanting to make a difference in a positive way. Our future is going to be OK because these people are out there fighting the good fight.
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Never one to keep still for long, though, Balestrieri enrolled in wellness courses at UNC Asheville in “I2018.had no real intention of ever getting a second undergraduate degree,” he says. “I figured I didn’t need to be the old geezer coming onstage to get his diploma with a bunch of kids. I just like to learn for the sake of learning.”
FEATURES
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: Unable to keep still, Weaverville resident Tom Balestrieri came out of retirement to establish the Weaverville Center for Creative and Healthy Living, a local nonprofit that is approaching its 1-year anniversary.
“There’s a pace of life and vibe that comes with it,” Balestrieri says. “I can spend my Saturday afternoons walking five blocks from where we live to downtown, and we have a choice of three cof feehouses, several restaurants and a couple of wonderful breweries from local craftspeople.”
In 2017, following decades of work as a health care adminis tration in both the U.S. Navy and the private sector, Tom Balestrieri retired. Having moved his fami ly around throughout his career, Balestrieri asked his wife, Jodi , where she would like to settle. She selectedWithinWeaverville.theirfirst year, the couple fell in love with the town.
Some of my favorite fall crops are carrots, radishes and turnips (all direct sow) and broccoli, kale and cabbage (all transplant).
Another option, if you don’t want to begin anew with growing a fall crop, is to cover crop the area, or put it to rest under a layer of mulch.
Soggy salutations, mountain neighbors. This summer sure turned the corner from drought to deluge!
Ah yes, the beautiful poetry of annual vegetable gardening. Together with the plants, we ride the arc of youth, growth and senescence. In all likelihood, your cucumber and bean plants are reaching the natural end of their life cycles. On top of that, all of this rain has brought an increase in fungal pathogens, which spread rapidly by abundant insects taking advantage of the hot moist ness of late summer.
If you’re still getting a decent har vest, and you’re willing to witness the less beautiful part of these crops’ lives, then you can leave them in the ground. If, on the other hand, you’re picking a few puckered and pinched cucumbers and a handful of disfigured beans every several days, it’s time to say goodbye. Simply pull up the plants and bring them to your compost pile. If you spot signs of disease such as mosaic virus, which is characterized by yellow to brown patches, consider burning or bagging the plants instead. But in most cases, composting the plant residue will beOnefine.advantage of pulling up these aging vegetables today is that you’ll create space for some fall gardening. There are loads of delicious greens and roots that grow well into the fall and even into the winter with a little additional coverage. If that’s your plan, it’s a good idea to boost up the soil a bit after removing your beans and cucumbers; the latter are partic ularly heavy feeders. Mix in a bit of compost, manure or an all-purpose organic fertilizer like Plant-Tone (all available locally at Fifth Season, LOTUS Urban Farm and Garden Supply, Reems Creek Nursery, etc.). Once you’ve got your bed prepped, you can either direct sow or trans plant fall crops right where your cucumbers and beans once were. For a full list of fall and winter crops, including guidance on whether to direct sow or transplant, see my arti cle on fall gardening at avl.mx/by4.
Now is the time to sow winter cover crops like Austrian winter peas (my personal favorite), vetch, crimson clover, winter rye, tillage radish and winter rape. These will grow until it gets cold, then hold out through the winter and finish their cycle in the spring. Once they start to flower, cut or crimp them back and prepare the space for spring plantings. Mulching simply means covering the ground with something like straw, leaves or wood chips so that weeds don’t grow and the soil texture and biology is protected. I have beautiful bell pepper plants with lots of flowers and fruit, but nearly every pepper rots before it ripens. What’s going on, and what can I do?
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GARDENING WITH XPRESS
It’s still gardening season, especially if you’re planting for fall harvests. You can email me your questions at gardening@mountainx.com.Thismonthwe’rediscussing when to save a plant and when to let go, along with a look at ideal pepper varieties for our region and how to handle a surplus of eggplant. My cucumbers and beans look pretty bad, but they still have some fruit on them. Should I leave them, pull them out or try to save them?
Summer is passing, but Xpress’ monthly gardening feature is still fl ourishing based on reader questions. Please send all gardening inquiries gardening@mountainx.comto
Cucumbers, peppers and eggplants — oh, my!
Green thumbs & gardenersaspiring alike!
First of all, I really feel for the sense of disappointment, shock and frustration you must be dealing with, having watched your plants grow and fruit only to yield inedible peppers! This is a hard thing for any grower to experience. Unfortunately, pep pers are particularly susceptible to a disease called anthracnose, which thrives in warm, moist environments like ours. On top of this, blossom-end rot is more likely when periods of drought are followed by periods of heavy rain, as we’ve seen this sum mer. Both cause lesions in pepper fruits that lead to rot but don’t have major impacts on the foliage. One way to tell the difference between anthracnose and blos som-end rot is to look at where the rotten spots are showing up. Anthracnose causes lesions on any old part of the fruit, while blos som-end rot always begins at the blossom end, or butt, of the pepper. While anthracnose is a fungal dis ease that’s spread by splashing water and conditions like we’ve got right now, blossom-end rot is actually the result of calcium deficiency. It’s very hard to treat anthracnose, even with
It’s up in Virginia, but its staff does lots of on-farm trials and collects interesting crops that, in my experi ence, tend to be well suited for our hot, humid climate. Wow, eggplant — they took a while, but now I have more than I can handle! Are there ways to preserve them? My top three ways to preserve abundant eggplant are freezing, pickling and/or making and freezing baba ganoush. To freeze eggplant, simply blanch slices in salted, boiling water for five minutes, then cool and pat dry before sealing in freezer bags. Since most eggplant dishes involve thoroughly cooking the vegetable anyway, there is no loss of flavor or texture as there can be with other veggies like green beans or Pickledzucchini.eggplant is heavenly and with many recipes lends itself to simple water-bath canning for lon ger shelf life. To explore the world of pickled eggplant, I suggest going down the Italian and Indian roads. Both cultures have thoroughly embraced this vegetable, along with the art of Anotherpickling.cultural region that real ly honors the delectable eggplant is the Middle East. Arabic manuscripts from as early as the 13th century bathe the eggplant with much praise. This is also the birthplace of baba ganoush, a roasted eggplant-based dip that is fairly easy to make and freezes well. Enjoy! — Chloe Lieberman X
was revived by local (Boone) grower and seed saver Rob Danford. The fruits are smaller than your typical bells but very thick walled, abundant and tasty. Generally speaking, spicy peppers tend to be a bit heartier than sweets. So, if you like it hot, be sure to plant some of them, too. For other locally adapted pepper varieties, check out Southern Exposure Seed Exchange.
pepper
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MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 17 the use of heavy fungicides (which I don’t recommend). If possible, pro tect your pepper plants from excess water and splashing by planting them inside a greenhouse or hoop house. They’ll also benefit from the added heat in these environments, which will extend the season, too. If you’ve already got anthracnose rav aging your crop, try harvesting and learning how to enjoy green peppers, before the wounds set in. In the case of blossom-end rot, one remedy is to feed calcium to your plants. You can do this by watering them with a 1-to-1 ratio of milk-towater. Powdered milk works fine here. Depending on how bad the deficiency is, this may completely remedy the situation or only make a smallSomeimpact.other factors in this problem include how much nitrogen, potassi um, phosphorus and other nutrients the plants are getting, along with the soil pH. In the long term, I advise you to get a soil test and incorporate cal cium-rich materials into your garden beds for slow-release support. Some examples are: eggshells, bone meal, hi-cal lime, oyster shell and crab shellFinally,meal. certain varieties of pep pers are more or less susceptible to these issues. One I love that seems to be better adapted to our climate is called Ashe County pimento (yes — from Ashe County, N.C.). This delicious, flavorful and resilient little
Create a green oasis with plants, pots, garden accents & Floradecor!&fauna-themed gifts
THE RIGHT VARIETY: Peppers are particularly susceptible to a disease called anthracnose. But some varieties, including Ashe County pimento, featured, are better suited to our region’s climate. Photo courtesy of Raleigh Seed Co.
opt. 4.
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WELLNESS
The first exhibition of the school year will show the current work of the MHU faculty as well as selected MHU alumni. Exhibition Aug. 31 through Sept. 16. Open 10am Monday through Friday. See p29 WE (9/7), 6pm, Weizen blatt Gallery, 79 Cascade Street, Mars Hill On the Walls: Featured Artist Alexandra Bloch “Contemplative glimpses of a simple scene rather than a wide view of a jumbled world.” Open 10am, closed Monday, through Sept. 11. Eclipse Salon, 16 Wall St When Was the Last Time You Saw a Miracle? Prints by Corita Kent In this selection of prints from the 1950s and 1960s, the artist combines vivid color with quotations, everyday slogans, and biblical scripture to create inspirational messages of hope and harmony for humankind. Open 10 am Tuesday through Friday. WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee
The Three Musketeers From the classic novel, penned in 1844 by Alexandre Dumas, a Montford Park Players Production FR (9/2), SA (9/3), SU (9/4), 7:30pm, Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St Little Women: The BasedMusicalon Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel. See p33 FR (9/2), SA (9/3), 7:30pm, SU (9/4) 2pm, HART Theatre, 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville Film Screening: Sisters with Transistors Showcases the music of and rare interviews with female electronic pioneers. FR (9/2), 8pm, $35, Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St Mike Wiley's One Noble Journey The story of Henry “Box” Brown, an African American born into slavery in 1816 Virginia, demonstrating that the cruelty of slavery was every bit as devastating to the heart as it could be on the body. WE (9/7, 8), 7:30pm, $10-46, NC Stage Company, 15 Stage Ln PROGRAMS & MEETINGS Circling A relationalpresent-momentpractice. turnedsuggested,tolevichettle@gmail.comEmailregister.Donationnooneaway. WE (8/31, 9/7), $10-20, 17 Old U.S. 19-23, Candler
Mountain Legacies: Exploring Appalachian Culture
Dark Poets Society A way to create a stronger critique.iscommunity,poetrythismeetingthegroup’smonthly TU (9/6), 6pm, Black Mountain Library, 105 N Dougherty St, Black Mountain THEATER & FILM Blood at the Root A drama based on the Jena Six: six Black students who were initially charged with attempted murder for a school fight after being provoked with nooses hanging froma tree on campus. See p24 WE (8/31, 9/7), TH (9/1, 8), 7:30pm, Wortham Center for the Perform ing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave
First Fridays at Down town Asheville Arts District (DAAD) A self-guided tour of open galleries and studios, some with light refreshments. FR (9/2), 5pm, Down town Asheville A Clear Choice Abstract sculptures by internationally recognized master glass artist Karsten Oaks, with an artist’s reception Sept. 3. Exhibition through Sept. 25. Open 10am daily, 12pm on Sunday. Bender Gallery, 29 Biltmore Ave Repurposed, Found & Pirated: Altered Art & Musicood Gallery Works from artist and musician Tom Johanson, who combines imagery and messages from print media into intricate mystical and throughBluesthewiththefeatureopeningcompositions.personalThereceptionwilllivemusicfromartist,whohasplayedJimiHendrixandPaulButterfieldBand.ExhibitdailySept.30.
LITERARY Poetry Open Mic w/ Host Caleb Beissert Held every Wednesday. WE (8/31), 8pm, Sovereign Kava, 268 Biltmore Ave Storytelling Performance by Michael Reno Harrell Part of the andAshevilleProjectPerspectivesAmericanStorytellingsponsoredbytheArtMuseumArtBridges. TH (9/1), 6pm, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
AUGUST
Five guest artists approach the Carolina woodlands through their personal perspectives, revealing Appalachia through a fresh lens, inspired by fall. Open daily 10am, through Oct. Marquee30. Asheville, 36 Foundy St The Way I'm Wired: Artist Reflections on Neurodiversity This exhibition invites artists to share their lived experiences with neurodiversity and how these experiences have impacted their work as an artist. Open 10am, Tuesday through Friday. A reception will be held on Sept. 1 from 5-7pm in the Star Atrium. WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee
Let it in, let it out, let it go. Hosted by Karen weekly. WE (8/31, 9/7), 5:15pm, Homewood, 19 Zillicoa St Taiji to Awaken the Flow of Qi With Andrew NugentHead. required.Registration WE (8/31, 9/7), 5:45pm, Asia House, 119 Coxe Ave Pub Run Rain or shine, all ages and experience levels welcome. WE (8/31, 9/7), 6:15pm, Archetype Brewing, 265 Haywood Rd Montford Tai Chi Hosted by local acupunc turist Tyler White. All ages, every Thursday. TH (9/1, 8), 9am, Mont ford Recreation Center, 34 Pearson Dr Tai Chi for Seniors: Balance, Mobility & Joint Health Taught by Karen Brinkman. Registration required. TH (9/1, 8), 1pm, Asia House, 119 Coxe Ave Waves on the Edge: 5Rhythms LGBTQ Sweat Your Prayers Follow the maps created by Gabrielle Roth. First time dancers $10. Hosted by Karen every Saturday. SA (9/3), 9:30am, Haw Creek Commons, 315 Old Haw Creek Rd Bold Souls Morning Yoga With a local trainer. Donation suggested. SA (9/3), 9:45am, Bold Rock Mills River, 72 School House Rd, Mills River Goat Yoga A typical session - with Nigerian dwarf goats. SA (9/3), 11am, Whistle Hop Brewing Co., 1288 Charlotte Hwy, Fairview Sound SaturdaysHealing Practitioners will play the gongs, crystal singing bowls, and the harmoni um while attendees reset and ground. SA (9/3), 5pm, Inner Wolf Retreat Space, 2854 Puncheon Fork Rd, Mars Hill Yoga Taco Mosa Class led by Clare Desmelik, followed by tacos and mimosas. SU (9/4), 10:30am, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave Monday MeditationMorningGroup Silent meditation to set the mood for the week. Registration required. MO (9/5), 8:15am, Asia House, 119 Coxe Ave Qi Gong 101: Begin ner's Course Access and flow your Qi for optimum health with Allen RegistrationHorowitz.required. MO (9/5), 9:30am, Asia House, 119 Coxe Ave Monday Run Club All ages and levels wel come, including walkers. In partnership with Mountain Running Co. MO (9/5), 6pm, Catawba Brewing Biltmore, 63 Brook St Parkinson’s Support Group Monthly Meeting Meeting of people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. TU (9/6), 10am, Groce United Church,Methodist954Tunnel Rd Men's Cancer Support Group Safely meet in a large conference room and stay socially distant while wearing masks. RSVP: Will (412)913-0272 acwein123@gmail.com.or WE (9/7), 6pm, Woodfin YMCA, 40 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 101 ART No Man's Land/Tierra de Nadie A multimedia exhibit by Cuban born artist and photographer Ernesto Javier Fernández, inviting the viewer into a new kind of dialogue that questions what lies beyond the aesthetics of an image. Open 11am, closed AshevilleContemporaneoSunday.Gallery-Shop, 4 Biltmore Ave We Will Not be Silenced: Standing for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
This exhibit shows how early settlers made their way into the Appalachian Mountains and made them their home, dispelling the myth of an uncultured people and reveal lives rich with customs and traditions, including herbal medi cines, handicrafts, and bluegrass music. Open 12pm Thursday through TransylvaniaSaturday. Heritage Museum, 189 W Main St, Brevard
A Walk in the Woods
We Built This: Profiles of Black Architects and Builders in NC From Preservation North Carolina, this exhibit is part of a 67PackMonday.closedOct.inlegacyabouteducationalmulti-facetedprogramthehistoryandofBlackbuildersourstate.Through10.Open10am,SundayandMemorialLibrary,HaywoodSt
opt.
Monumental Intimacy: A Drawing SurveyOpening Friday.9amthroughExhibitioncharcoalizesGerryGreenville-basedReceptionartistWubbenspecialinmonumentaldrawings.Sept.5Oct.7.OpenMondaythrough See p28 TH (9/8), 6pm, S. Tucker Cooke Gallery, 100 Theatre Ln, UNCA Pop Up Art Show Local artists, every Thursday. TH (9/8), 7pm, Alley Cat Social Club, 797 Haywood Rd
2022 For a full list of
A collaboration between American photographer Richard Misrach and Mexican American sculptor and composer Guillermo Galindo, using the power of art to explore and humanize the complex issues surrounding the Mex ican-American border through a transformative and experience.multi-sensoryOpen 11 am, closed Tuesday. Through Oct. Asheville24. Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square Cultivating Collections: Glass In this year’s exhibition, student researchers tell the stories of the Muse um’s glass collection, which includes a range of artists who have made significant contributions to the Studio Glass Movement in WNC. Open Tuesday through Friday, 10am. WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee
The Cardboard Sea’s The Cleaning Ladies A world productionpremierewritten by Jeff Donelly, directed by Todd Weakley. See p32 TH (9/1), FR (9/2), SA (9/3), 7:30pm, The BeBe Theatre, 20 Commerce St
about paid calendar listings,
AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM18
SA (9/3), 6pm, Flood Gallery Fine Art Center, 850 Blue Ridge Rd, Black Mountain Faculty Biennial Art Exhibit ReceptionOpening
5Rhythms Sweat Your Prayers
A series of photographs and sculptures that bring voice to the international Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement through the lens of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Com anche Nation, Lumbee, and other Native American artists. Open 10am Tuesday through WCUFriday.Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee Bullington Gardens Fairy Trail Three hundred yards of tiny doors that can be gently opened and closed to reveal fairy life scenes. Open 9am, closed BullingtonSunday.Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville American Perspectives: Stories from the Amer ican Folk Art Museum Collection Over 80 works of folk and self-taught art, including assemblages, needlework, paintings, pottery, quilts and sculpture. Open 11am, closed AshevilleTuesday.ArtMuseum, 2 S Pack Square Border Cantos | Sonic Border
WHEN LIFE HANDS YOU GRAPES: Hendersonville’s Burntshirt Vineyards will hold its annual Grape Stomp on Saturday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. The family-friendly event includes live music, wine tasting, tours and of course, grape stomping. Attendees can enter a costume contest by showing up dressed as Lucille Ball’s character from the I Love Lucy episode “Lucy’s Italian Movie.” Photo courtesy of Burntshirt Vineyards 31 - SEPTEMBER 8, community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about call 828-251-1333, For questions please call 828-251-1333, 1.
free listings,
MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 19
TH (9/1), 9:30am, Cum mings United Methodist Church, 3 Banner Farm Rd, Horse Shoe WNC Sierra Club: Why Two Bond Measures Deserve Your Vote Buncombe CommissionerCountyTerri Wells will explain why county voters should vote yes on two separate bond measures. Registration required. Visit avl.mx/977 TH (9/1), 7pm Artists & Writers Coffee Inviting all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers and more to a casual weekly drop-in gathering to share works in progress and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.
TH (9/8), 36Lenoir-Rhyne6:30pm,University,MontfordAve LOCAL MARKETS
A diverse group of local produce farmers, jam and jelly makers, bread bakers, wild crafters, and merrymakers.
Local goods, every Friday. FR (9/2), 3pm, East Ashe ville Tailgate Market, 954 Tunnel Rd
A rotation of local bakers, makers and artisans. SU (9/4), 1pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy West Asheville Tailgate Market
Seasonal community market event featuring organic and sustainably grown produce, plants, cut flowers, herbs, locally raised meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheeses, eggs and local arts and handcrafted items. SA (9/3), 9am, 130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain Haywood's Historic Farmers Market
Laurel20 Chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America Barbara Dexter-Smith, the chapter’s VP, will teach a class on Sashiko, a Japanese embroidery technique used for decoration and cloth reinforcement. Chapter members will create a linen kinchaku bag. Registration required: contact Mary Ann Wyatt at (828)681-0572 or Janet Stewart (828)575-9195.
Henderson County Tailgate Market
The oldest Saturday morning market in WNC. Over 60 rotating vendors. SA (9/3), 8am, 3300 University Heights, Asheville Asheville City Market
TH (9/1, 8), 3pm, Pinecrest ARP Church, 1790 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock East Asheville Tailgate Market
Black Mountain Tailgate Market
TU (9/6), 11:30am, United Way of Asheville & Buncombe, 50 S French Broad Ave Boy Scout Troop 91 Fall Kick Off For boys ages 11-18, free to attend first two meet ings. Visit: avl.mx/bxq TU (9/6), 7pm, St. Pauls United Methodist Church, 223 Hillside St WNCHA Hikes With a Historian: Cemetery Series Learn the history of Asheville’s Newton Academy and South Asheville cemeteries in the first of this series. WE (9/7), Museum,Smith-McDowell10:15am,House283VictoriaRd Open Community Night Unprogrammed time for community members to access the facility, by Asheville Parks and Rec. WE (9/7), 6pm, Dr Wes ley Grant Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St
Produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, coffee, crafts and more from 30+ local vendors. With live music, kids' activities and cooking demos weekly. SA (9/3), 8am, 650 Maple St, Hendersonville Mills River Farmers Market
One of the oldest openair markets in WNC, with local growers who oper ate small family farms in Henderson County. SA (9/3), 8am, 100 N King St, Hendersonville Hendersonville Farmers Market
Grove Street Fish Fry By Asheville Parks and Rec. Registration required. See p31 WE (8/31), 2pm, $2, Senior Center,Opportunity36GroveSt Concerts on the Creek
Over 50 vendors and local food products, including fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, pastries, and more. SA (9/3), 9am, 52 N Market St
AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM
Spanish Club Spanish speakers of all ages and levels are welcome to join together for conversation to practice the language in a group setting. WE (9/7), 6pm, Black Mountain Brewing, 131 NC-9, Black Mountain Music To Your Ears Discussion Series: The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour Join host and music journalist Bill Kopp for an evening in discussion with Steve Stoeckel, bassist and songwriter for The Spongetones – the acclaimed Char lotte-based rock band that released ten albums of original music inspired by The Beatles. WE (9/7), 7pm, Asheville Guitar Bar, 122 Riverside Dr Thoughts on Restorative Cities with a Danish Practicality Sustainability student and Reese Institute for Conservation of Natural Resources Fellow, Ryan Barry, will share various thoughts, learnings, and examples from a journey to Denmark and explora tions of Sustainable City Planning in Copenhagen and Restorative Cities.
Fresh produce, bread and pastries, food vendors, and live music, weekly. SU (9/4), 11am, 9 Lora Ln Meadow Market
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
BENEFITS Fairview Road Resilience Garden Work Day Volunteers are needed at the garden every Wednesday. All ages and skill levels are welcome to help harvest, weed, plant, and build community. WE (8/31, 9/7), 5:30pm, Fairview Resilience Garden, 461 Fairview Rd Firestorm Books Benefit Party & Queer Country Show To raise fund for the bookstore, with live music from Lurky Skunk, Molly Cottontail, and Connie Page Henshaw; plus, a raffle, vendors, mocktails and a vegan mneu. Sliding scale, no one turned away. WE (8/31), 6pm, The Odd, 1045 Haywood Rd Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk This series was created to honor the life and death of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who lost his life on September 11, 2001 after strapping on his gear and running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers. Proceeds go towards fallen and catastrophically injured first responders, military heroes and their families. SA (9/3), 8am, Free-$35, Pack's Tavern, 20 S. Spruce St Boogie’s Birthday Bash One hundred percent of proceeds will go toward ABCCM. Dry goods donations accepted onsite, with a DJ and craft beer. SA (9/3), 1pm, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Overdose Death is Preventable » Contact us for Naloxone (Narcan) & Training workingwheelswnc.org | 828-633-6888 Donate your car. Change a life. Do you have an extra car that needs a new home? Your donated car can open the doors to independence, increased income, and higher education for a hardworking member of our community. Vehicles of all types and conditions are welcomed and appreciated! The donation is tax-deductible. The process is simple. The impact is real.
VOLUNTEERING&
SA (9/3), 9am, Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave, Tryon Michael Checkhov Method Originally developed as a movement theater tech nique, Noreen Sullivan has adapted the method to be inclusive for all artists and creatives seeking to expand their craft through modes of embodiment. Siding scale. See p32-33 SA (9/3), 11am, $10-40, Center for Connection + Collaboration
The final installment of the series, featuring country, folk and Appa lachian roots artist Alma Russ and her band. FR (9/2), 7pm, Bridge Park, Sylva 76th North Carolina Apple Festival Family-friendly with arts and crafts, food, live entertainment and of course, apples. The King Apple parade takes place on Monday at 2:30pm. See p31 FR (9/2) - MO (9/5), Historic HendersonvilleDowntown Grape Stomp Live music from Wayne Taylor and Roots and Dore, wine tastings, grape stomping, tours and a Lucy costume contest inviting guests to dress as Lucille Ball's character from classic television show I Love Lucy. SA (9/3), Hendersonville2695Burntshirt10am,Vineyards,SugarloafRd, Oak & Smoke Tours and tastings, and rum-smoked pork by owner and master distiller Adam Dalton. CBD goodies and hemp infused food samples from Franny's Farmacy. With music by Iggy Radio. SA (9/3), 1pm, Dalton Distillery, 251 Biltmore Ave Blue Ridge Pride Pageant Celebrating gender expression and identity in all its forms. Open to all regional drag artists. SU (9/4), 8pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave
The Odd Flea Everything wacky and tacky - from taxidermy, antiques, records, junk, witchy tinctures, plants, you name it. SA (9/3), 8am, The Odd, 1045 Haywood Rd
Over 40 local vendors, every Tuesday, with live music. TU (9/6), 3:30pm, 718 Haywood Rd
Fifty vendors offering fresh, handcraftedpreparedjams,flowers,coffee,eggs,produce,locally-grownmeat,poultry,honey,cheese,plants,herbs,cutbakedgoods,jellies,relishes,foodsanditems. SA (9/3), 9am, Down town Brevard Madison Co. Farmers & Artisans Market
TU (9/6), Well Played Board Game Café, 162 Coxe Ave Real Estate Career Scholarship Workshop The purpose of the Real Estate realremoveProgramApprenticeship(REAP)istoperceivedandbarrierstocareers in real estate for historically marginalized populations in the Asheville area through efforts promot ing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Game Designers of North Carolina (GDoNC) Meetup Meet local designers, give feedback, and discover new games every other Tuesday.
Etowah Lions Club Farmers Market Fresh produce, meat, sweets, breads, arts, and more, through Oct. 26. WE (8/31, 9/7), 3pm, 447 Etowah School Rd, Hendersonville Les-ter Farmers Market Support local farmers and craftspeople offering a variety of local produce, herbs, flowers, cheese, meat, prepared foods, art, gifts and much more - all locally grown and produced. WE (8/31, 9/7), 3pm, Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester Weaverville Tailgate Market Local foodstuffs, along side a small lineup of craft and artisan vendors. WE (8/31, 9/7), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr, Weaverville River Arts District (RAD) Farmers Market Located on the river with live music and over 30 local vendors. Safely accessible via the greenway, plus ample parking. WE (8/31, 9/7), 3pm, Smoky Park Supper Club, 350 Riverside Dr Wednesday Night Market: Vintage and Crafts Vintage and crafts from area-based vendors. WE (8/31, 9/7), 4pm, Fleetwood's, 496 Haywood Rd Enka-Candler Tailgate Market
Fresh local produce and heritage crafts. Weekly. TH (9/1, 8), 3pm, A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler Flat Rock Tailgate Market
Local goods and produce, weekly through Oct. SA (9/3), 10am, Mars Hill University, Mars Hill Junk-O-Rama Saturday Vintage antiques market, every Saturday through Oct. SA (9/3), 11am, Fleet wood's, 496 Haywood Rd Gladheart Farm Fest Market
Local produce and goods sold at HART Theatre, weekly. SA (9/3), 9am, 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville Transylvania Farmers Market
A producer-only market, selling products raised or produced within 50 miles of the market. With local musicians, a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, and high-quality crafts. SA (9/3), 8am, Mills River Elementary School, 94 Schoolhouse Rd, Mills River North Asheville Tailgate Market
2 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM
3MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE 82 Patton Ave. Downtown DineOutdoor828.505.8688AshevilleDiningFullBarin&takeoutDeliverythroughDoorDash&UberEatsCatering Thank you for voting for us again! #1 Chinese restaurant 6 years in a row We greatly appreciate your continued support through the difficult times during the pandemic
4 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM 620 HENDERSONVILLE RD • (828) 277-0355 • JUICYLUCYSBURGERBARANDGRILL.COM 24 LOCAL DRAFTS, CIDERS, FULL BAR LOCAL AND FAMILY OWNED/OPERATED SINCE 2012 Wings MilkshakesCheese Stuffed Juicy Lucy Burgers juicylucys.burgerbarandgrill Juicy Lucy’s Burger Bar and Grill Our burgers are 2nd to none
5MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE
— Thomas Calder X 2022 X Awards 8 Arts & Entertainment 18 Shopping 32 Personal Services 36 Professional & Home Services 46 Kids 54 Health & Wellness 68 Uniquely Asheville 74 Small Towns 74 Brevard 76 FlatHendersonville,Rock&Mills River 77 Sylva & Cullowhee 78 MaggieWaynesville,Valley & Canton CONTENTS
A big congrats, again, to all who flew to the top in this year’s Best Of IfWNC.you have comments or suggestions about this year’s or next year’s Best Of WNC survey — drop us a line at bestofwnc@mountainx.com.
6 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM Partone We have taken great care to ensure the accuracy of the Best Of WNC listings, but if you have corrections, questions or suggestions, email us at bestofwnc@mountainx.com, or call 828-251-1333. Some Best Of WNC categories received inadequate votes to allow us to declare first-, second- and third-place winners. PUBLISHER Jeff Fobes • BALLOTING MANAGERS Able Allen, Jeff Fobes • BALLOT OFFICIALS Edwin Arnaudin, Jennifer Castillo, Vicki Catalano, Susan Hutchinson, Tracy Rose, Olivia Urban, Daniel Walton • BEST OF WNC SUPPLEMENT DESIGN Scott Southwick • DESIGNERS Scott Southwick, Olivia Urban • CAMPAIGN THEME Able Allen, Susan Hutchinson, Scott Southwick • LISTINGS EDITORS Able Allen, Jennifer Castillo • PHOTO COORDINATOR Able Allen, Jennifer Castillo • EDITORS Jeff Fobes, Tracy Rose • WRITERS Able Allen, Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Jeff Fobes, Justin McGuire, Brooke Randle, Tracy Rose, Jessica Wakeman, Daniel Walton, Ben Williamson • ADVERTISING MANAGER Susan Hutchinson • AD SALES Sara Brecht, Vicki Catalano, Scott Mermel, Braulio Pescador-Martinez • IT & WEB Able Allen • BALLOTING PLATFORM Brandon Tilley (One to Three Software) • FRONT OFFICE/ ACCOUNTING Able Allen, Amie Fowler-Tanner • DISTRIBUTION Susan Hutchinson, Cindy Kunst and a fantastic team of devoted drivers • COVER DESIGN Scott Southwick • COVER PHOTO Neil Jacobs • Copyright 2022 by Mountain Xpress Cock-a-doodle-do, Western North Carolina! A new day is upon us, and with it comes a fresh flock of winners from this year’s Best Of WNC balloting. In keeping with our theme, we’re encouraging all top-place finishers to crow, caw and trumpet their accomplishments across the land. Of course, you don’t want to go over board and ruffle too many feathers (which might stick in someone’s craw when next year’s voting rolls around), but there’s nothing wrong with tastefully strutting your stuff. With nearly 600 categories, we’ve got a pretty substantial roost. As in any coop, there is a pecking order of first-, second- and third-place finish es. With so many to crow about, we’ll be celebrating the 2022 Best Of win ners over the course of two issues, with Part II scheduled for next week. Along with listings for all of this year’s winners, we also squawk about the latest brood of entrants to the Hall of Fame. The latter honor is earned by those who hold the top perch in a category four or more years in a row. In addition to this year’s new Best Of Hall of Famers, we’d like to shake a tail feather for each of you who voted, for the Xpress staff who tallied and judged thousands of ballots and for the businesses that purchased thank-you ads in these pages.
MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 A Million Thanks to YOU for voting us #1 Best Restaurant in South Asheville (2018-2022) Five years in a Row! We couldn’t have done it without you!
8 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM LOCAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 1 LEAF FESTIVAL e ax Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 828-686-8742 • theleaf.org 2 LEAF DOWNTOWN AVL d Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville 828-686-8742 • theleaf.org 3 DOWNTOWN AFTER 5 d 100 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-251-9973 • ashevilledowntown.org PLACE TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC 1 THE ORANGE PEEL d x 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-398-1837 • theorangepeel.net 2 THE GREY EAGLE r 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville 828-232-5800 • thegreyeagle.com 3 SALVAGE STATION r 468 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-707-8902 • salvagestation.com OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE 1 SALVAGE STATION r x 468 Riverside Drive, Asheville 828-707-8902 • salvagestation.com 2 RABBIT RABBIT d 75 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-398-1837 • rabbitrabbitavl.com 3 THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO. s 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com W HILE Xpress readers are known to love music and movies, other aspects of the local arts scene proved nearly as popular in this year’s Best Of WNC results. Tunes and film are certain ly represented within the top-five vote-getters — including Place to Hear Live Music (The Orange Peel), Intimate Music Venue/Listening Room (Lounge at Isis Music Hall) and Movie Theater (Grail Moviehouse). But among the Top 10 vote-get ters are other cultural highlights: Arts/Crafts Fair or Event (The Big Crafty), Photographer (Sheila Mraz) and Local Art Gallery (Blue Spiral 1). That variety is encouraging, since it suggests an expanding creative sector not reliant on just music and movies. In the broader Arts scene, notable stars shine brightly, with top spots going to Rob and Beth Mangum (Potter/Ceramic Artist), Southern Highland Craft Guild (Craft-Oriented Gallery) and Lauren Moody (Jewelry Artist/Designer).
PHOTO BY NEIL JACOBS
EntertainmentArts& n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row)
YO MAMA’S BIG FAT BOOTY BAND Best Funk
— Edwin Arnaudin X
Humor honors went to LaZoom’s Hey Asheville! City Comedy Tour (Comedy Troupe or Series) and Hilliary Begley (Comedian), while Scott Treadway again proved to be readers’ favorite local Actor. Congratulations to Andrew Fletcher (Keyboardist/Pianist) and Cloud City Caskets (Punk/Metal/ Garage artist) for winning A&E’s new categories this year. And please welcome these new inductees to the Hall of Fame: Steep Canyon Rangers (All-Round Favorite Band; Old-Time/Bluegrass); Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band (Funk); Allan Wolf (Local Poet); Salvage Station (Outdoor Music Venue); Asheville Community Theatre (Theater Company); and Leeda “Lyric” Jones (Vocalist/Singer).Speciallifetime achievement honors go to the following mainstay businesses for retaining their Hall of Fame status for nine or more years running: The Orange Peel (Place to Hear Live Music); Blue Spiral 1 (Local Art Gallery); Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters (Americana/Country); and Echo Mountain Recording Studio (Recording Studio).
9MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE INTIMATE MUSIC VENUE/ LISTENING ROOM 1 LOUNGE AT ISIS MUSIC HALL w 743 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-2737 • isisasheville.com 2 ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR r 122 Riverside Drive, Suite D, Asheville 828-513-7373 • avl.mx/bra 3 THE ODD w 1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • ashevilleodditorium.com RECORDING STUDIO 1 ECHO RECORDINGMOUNTAINSTUDIO d x 14 N. French Broad Ave., Asheville 828-232-4314 • echomountain.net 2 GIRAFFE STUDIO s a 204 Fairfield Drive, Hendersonville 828-243-9377 • giraffestudio.net 3 DROP OF SUN STUDIOS w 821 Haywood Road, Suite 121, Asheville 828-774-5083 • dropofsun.com OPEN-MIC-NIGHT VENUE 1 THE ODD w 1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • ashevilleodditorium.com 2 SOVEREIGN KAVA d 268 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-505-8118 • ashevillekava.com 3 WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN e a 105 Montreat Road, Black Mountain whitehorseblackmountain.com828-669-0816 LYRICIST (SONGWRITER) 1 LEEDA “LYRIC” JONES x Asheville • avl.mx/bv7 VOCALIST (SINGER) 1 LEEDA “LYRIC” JONES x Asheville • avl.mx/bv7 2 RAPHAEL (LAZRLUVR)MORALES Asheville • avl.mx/bv6 3 ASHLEY (ASHLEYHEATHHEATH AND HER HEATHENS) Asheville • ashleyleeannheath.com 3 PEGGY RATUSZ Asheville • avl.mx/bvv CONTINUED Officialplaque win with an Commemorate your BEST OF WNC To purchase, advertise@mountainx.comcontact
10 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM GUITARIST OR GUITARISTBASS 1 ERIC CONGDON Asheville • ericcongdon.com 2 ANDREW (ANDREWTHELSTONTHELSTON BAND) Asheville • andrewthelston.com PERCUSSIONIST-DRUMMER 1 BEN WEAVER (CLOUD CITY CASKETS) Asheville • avl.mx/brs 2 SAM FRAME (LAZRLUVR) Asheville • avl.mx/bv6 3 JEFF SIPE Asheville • jeffsipemusic.com KEYBOARDIST/PIANIST 1 ANDREW J. FLETCHER Asheville • avl.mx/br6 ACOUSTIC/FOLK 1 RISING APPALACHIA Asheville • risingappalachia.com 2 HOPE GRIFFIN Asheville • hopegriffinmusic.com 3 ASHLEY HEATH AND HER HEATHENS Asheville • ashleyleeannheath.com AMERICANA/COUNTRY 1 AMANDA ANNE PLATT & THE HONEYCUTTERS x 585-765-2083Asheville • honeycutters.com 2 STEEP CANYON RANGERS Asheville • steepcanyon.com 3 ASHLEY HEATH AND HER HEATHENS Asheville • ashleyleeannheath.com BLUES 1 PEGGY RATUSZ Asheville • avl.mx/bvv 2 MR. JIMMY 312-953-2534Asheville • mrjimmymusic.com FUNK 1 YO MAMA’S BIG FAT BOOTY BAND x Asheville • bootyband.com 2 EMPIRE STRIKES BRASS 828-620-1606Asheville • empirestrikesbrass.com 3 THE FRITZ Asheville • thefritzmusic.com JAZZ 1 FIRECRACKER JAZZ BAND 828-628-9169Asheville • firecrackerjazz.com 2 JASON DECRISTOFARO 828-273-8254Asheville • avl.mx/bx3 3 QUEEN BEE AND THE HONEYLOVERS Asheville • queenbeeswing.com OLD-TIME/BLUEGRASS 1 STEEP CANYON RANGERS x Asheville • steepcanyon.com 2 BALSAM RANGE 336-909-1921Asheville • balsamrange.com 3 TOWN MOUNTAIN Asheville • townmountain.net R&B/SOUL 1 LEEDA “LYRIC” JONES x Asheville • avl.mx/bv7 2 RYAN RNB BARBER 828-423-5637Asheville • ryanrnbbarber.com BEST OF ARTS & STEEPENTERTAINMENTCANYONRANGERS Best All-Round Favorite Band and Old-Time/Bluegrass; Second Place Americana/Country PHOTO BY NEIL JACOBS Congrats! WNC’s largest & best reader survey thiswinnersyear'sTo
11MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE HIP-HOP 1 SPACEMAN JONES AND THE MOTHERSHIPS Asheville • avl.mx/7uu ROCK 1 ANDREW SCOTCHIE & THE RIVER RATS x 828-707-2572Asheville • andrewscotchiemusic.com 2 ANDREW THELSTON BAND Asheville • avl.mx/br7 PUNK/METAL/GARAGE 1 CLOUD CITY CASKETS Asheville • avl.mx/bts 2 THE DEATHBOTS Asheville • thedeathbots.com BUSKER/STREET GROUP 1 ABBY THE SPOON LADY x Asheville • spoonlady.com FAVORITEALL-ROUNDBAND 1 STEEP CANYON RANGERS x Asheville • steepcanyon.com 2 LAZRLUVR Asheville • lazrluvr.com 3 EMPIRE STRIKES BRASS 828-620-1606Asheville • empirestrikesbrass.com DJ (NONRADIO) 1 LIL MEOW MEOW (ANNELISE KOPP) Harvest Records, 415 Haywood Road, 828-258-2999Asheville • avl.mx/bx4 MUSICAL INSTRUMENT REPAIR COMPANY 1 MUSICIAN’S WORKSHOP n x 319 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-252-1249 • musiciansworkshop.com 2 THE GUITAR WITCH REPAIRS o Asheville • avl.mx/a75 3 MUSICALHEYDAY INSTRUMENTS & REPAIR d 108 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-254-0402 • heydaymusic.net MUSIC-RELATED NONPROFIT 1 LEAF GLOBAL ARTS d x 19 Eagle St. Suite 120, Asheville 828-686-8742 • theleaf.org 2 ASHEVILLE MUSIC SCHOOL w 10 Ridgelawn Road, Asheville 828-252-6244 • ashevillemusicschool.org ARTS/CRAFTS FAIR OR EVENT 1 THE BIG CRAFTY d x Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St., Asheville•thebigcrafty.com 2 CRAFT FAIR OF THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS d Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St., 828-298-7928Asheville • southernhighlandguild.org 3 VILLAGE ART & CRAFT FAIR s Cathedral of All Souls, 9 Swan St., Asheville 828-274-2831 • avl.mx/bwf STUDIO DRIVINGSTROLL/TOUR 1 RIVER ARTS DISTRICT (RAD) STUDIO STROLL r x 828-552-4723Asheville • riverartsdistrict.com 2 WEAVERVILLE ART SAFARI n a Weaverville • weavervilleartsafari.com 3 TOE RIVER ARTS STUDIO TOUR n a 269 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine 828-765-0520 • toeriverarts.org CONTINUED The insider’s guide We provide tips on the well-known attractions, hidden gems and quirky oddities that make Asheville so beloved. Mountain Xpress presents Available in boxes everywhere What to do and where to find it!
12 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM CRAFT SCHOOL OR PLACE TO LEARN A CRAFT 1 PENLAND SCHOOL OF CRAFT n ax 67 Doras Trail, Bakersville 828-765-2359 • penland.org 2 JOHN C. CAMPBELL FOLK SCHOOL w a 1 Folk School Road, Brasstown 828-837-2775 • folkschool.org 3 A-B TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE d 340 Victoria Road, Asheville 828-398-7900 • abtech.edu 3 ODYSSEY CLAYWORKS d 236 Clingman Ave., Asheville 828-285-0210 • odysseyclayworks.com LOCAL ART GALLERY 1 BLUE SPIRAL 1 d x 38 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-251-0202 • bluespiral1.com 2 MOMENTUM GALLERY d 52 Broadway, Asheville 828-505-8550 • momentumgallery.com 3 ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM d 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville 828-253-3227 • ashevilleart.org CRAFT-ORIENTED GALLERY 1 SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS CRAFT GUILD e d x Folk Art Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 382, Asheville 930828-298-7928TunnelRoad, Asheville 26828-298-7903LodgeSt., Asheville 828-277-6222 • southernhighlandguild.org 2 NEW MORNING GALLERY s 7 Boston Way, Asheville 828-274-2831 • newmorninggallerync.com 3 WOOLWORTH WALK d 25 Haywood St., Asheville 828-254-9234 • woolworthwalk.com FIBER ARTIST 1 JAN WESCOTT (JANI WOVENS) Asheville • janiwovens.com 2 ASHTON ZAGER 214-450-0164Asheville • ashtonzagerfiberart.com JEWELRY ARTIST/DESIGNER 1 LAUREN MOODY (FOX & BEAUX BOUTIQUE) d 56 Haywood St., Asheville 828-585-7230 • foxandbeaux.com 2 PAULA (PAULADAWKINSDAWKINS FINE JEWELRY) d 65 Haywood St., Asheville 828-254-5088 • pauladawkins.com METAL ARTIST METALWORKEROR 1 STEFAN “STEEBO” BONITZ (STEEBO SCULPTURES) 828-712-4013Asheville • steebo.com BEST OF ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ~ celebrating 24 years ~ we thank you for your continued support Waynesville, NC • twigsandleaves.com JAN WESCOTT (JANI WOVENS) Best Fiber Artist PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO Thank you so much WNC Voters! 10% OFF OF SESSION FEE! Specializing in Headshots & Portrait Photography 828-713-4485 • photos@carolspags.com • carolspags.com Our Customers Are The Best! Thank you for voting us #1 Nursery in WNC 76 Monticello Rd. Weaverville, NC I-26 / Exit www.reemscreek.com828-645-393718
13MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE MURAL ARTIST 1 GUS CUTTY x Asheville • guscutty.com 2 IAN WILKINSON Asheville • ianthepainter.com 3 KATHRYN CRAWFORD Asheville • kathryncrawfordart.com PAINTER/ILLUSTRATOR 1 NATALIE RAY (NATALIE RAY FINE ART) Asheville • natalieonpaper.com 2 GUS CUTTY Asheville • guscutty.com PHOTOGRAPHER 1 SHEILA MRAZ 828-550-4663Asheville • sheilamraz.com 2 STEPHAN PRUITT d 22 S. Pack Square, Suite 302, Asheville stephanpruittphotography.com828-712-4669 3 CAROL (CAROLSPAGNUOLASPAGSPHOTOGRAPHY) 828-713-4485Asheville • carolspags.com POTTER/CERAMIC ARTIST 1 ROB AND BETH MANGUM (MANGUM POTTERY) n a 16 N. Main St., Weaverville 828-645-4929 • mangumpottery.com NONPROFIT THAT SERVES THE ARTS 1 LEAF GLOBAL ARTS d 19 Eagle St. Suite 120, Asheville 828-686-8742 • theleaf.org 2 OPEN HEARTS ART CENTER d 217 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-505-8428 • openheartsartcenter.org 3 ASHEVILLE AREA ARTS COUNCIL o 828-222-0436Asheville • ashevillearts.com MOVIE THEATER 1 GRAIL MOVIEHOUSE r x 17 Foundy St., Suite 20, Asheville 828-239-9392 • grailmoviehouse.com 2 FINE ARTS THEATRE d 36 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-1536 • fineartstheatre.com 3 THE CAROLINA CINEMARK ASHEVILLE s 1640 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-8811 • cinemark.com CONTINUED We couldn't do what we LOVE without YOU and our amazing TEAM ! We truly appreciate all of our amazing customers and your votes for 1st Place: Best Jeweler / Jewelry Artist! 3rd Place: Best Jewelry Store! Thank you, Asheville! 56 Haywood Street, 28801 (828) foxandbeaux.com585-7230 Book your free custom jewelry consultation online today!
14 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM THEATER COMPANY 1 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE d x 35 E. Walnut St., Asheville 828-254-1320 • ashevilletheatre.org 2 NORTH CAROLINA STAGE COMPANY d 15 Stage Lane, Asheville 828-239-0263 • ncstage.org 3 FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE s a 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 828-693-0731 • flatrockplayhouse.org ACTOR (ANY GENDER) 1 SCOTT TREADWAY x Flat Rock • avl.mx/a9f 2 STEPHANIE HICKLING BECKMAN 828-484-2014Asheville • differentstrokespac.org DANCEPERFORMANCECOMPANY 1 THE ASHEVILLE BALLET n 4 Weaverville Highway, Asheville 828-252-4761 • ashevilleballet.com 2 TERPSICORPS THEATRE OF DANCE w 1501 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-761-1371 • terpsicorps.org 3 CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO s 38L Rosscraggon Road, Asheville 828-654-7010 • centerstageavl.com BEST OF ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THANK YOU for voting us Best Of WNC for 4 years in a row! 1st Place: Theater Company We look forward to seeing you at the theatre! Join us for shows, classes, and special events! Follow us: @AshevilleCommunityTheatre • Tickets and info: www.ashevilletheatre.org ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE Best Theater Company PHOTO BY THOMAS CALDER
15MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE PLACE TO TAKE DANCE CLASSES OR LESSONS 1 DANCECLUB ASHEVILLE n 9 Old Burnsville Hill Road, Suite 3, Asheville 828-423-0886 • danceclubasheville.com 2 CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO s 38L Rosscraggon Road, Asheville 828-654-7010 • centerstageavl.com 3 BALLET CONSERVATORY OF ASHEVILLE d 6 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 828-255-5777 • avl.mx/bx7 COMEDY TROUPE OR SERIES 1 LAZOOM: HEY ASHEVILLE! CITY COMEDY TOUR d x 76 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-225-6932 • lazoomtours.com 2 REASONABLY PRICED BABIES Asheville • avl.mx/bxx Thank you, Asheville! 3 Biltmore Ave, Asheville (828) 552-3288 630 Haywood Rd, Asheville (828) 505-0860 335 Airport Rd #300, Arden (828) 676-0558 ittoramen.com • ittoramenbarTHE ASHEVILLE BALLET Best Performance Dance Company PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST CONTINUED n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row)
16 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM LOCAL COMEDY NIGHT/EVENTSHOW/ 1 OPEN MIC COMEDY FREAKSHOW (THE ODD) w 1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • avl.mx/bxc 2 LAZOOM: HEY ASHEVILLE! CITY COMEDY TOUR d 76 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-225-6932 • lazoomtours.com 3 SLICE OF LIFE COMEDY 828-215-8822Asheville • Sliceoflifecomedy.com COMEDIAN 1 HILLIARY BEGLEY Asheville • highlarrious.com TRIVIA NIGHT EMCEE 1 ROBERT (TOTALLYBENNETTRADTRIVIA) 828-280-5437Asheville • avl.mx/a9b 2 MITCH (MITCH’SFORTUNETOTALLY RAD TRIVIA) s Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-239-9903 • avl.mx/bxy 3 KIPPER’S TOTALLY RAD TRIVIA NIGHT (RETIRED) LOCAL AUTHOR 1 RON RASH 541-797-2217Cullowhee • ronrashwriter.com 2 WILEY CASH 541-797-2217Asheville • wileycash.com 3 DENISE KIERNAN Asheville • denisekiernan.com LOCAL POET 1 ALLAN WOLF x 828-772-7474Asheville • allanwolf.com BEST OF ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ROBERT BENNETT (TOTALLY RAD TRIVIA) Best Trivia Night Emcee PHOTO BY NEIL JACOBS THANK YOU FOR 909THEUSKEEPINGINHALLOFFAME!BLACKMOUNTAIN221W.STATEST.828.669.0999NEWLOCATION!CANDLERSMOKEYPARKHWY.828.670.5595 Merci Beaucoup Y’all 1st place (Hall of Fame) French Fries 1st place (Hall of Fame) Romantic3rdFrenchplaceDining 3rd Restaurantplace in East RendezVous2ndAshevilleplaceFrench 184 New Haw Creek Rd, AVL (828) 348.0909 Bouchon 62 N Lexington Ave, AVL (828) 350.1140 CONTINUED Sept. 8 at HighlandBrewing Party Peggy Ratusz 5-6 p.m. Hope Griffin 6:15-7:15 p.m. DJ Lil Meow Meow 7:30-8:30 p.m. Special guests Asheville FM, the WNC Nature Center and more... And food trucks Melt Your Heart and El Kimchi BANDS: BEST OF WNC
17MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE
n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row) Shopping
PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO
18 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM STORE THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF ASHEVILLE 1 MAST GENERAL STORE d s w x 15 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 527828-232-1883N.MainSt., Hendersonville 63828-696-1883N.MainSt., Waynesville 828-452-2101 • mastgeneralstore.com 2 L.O.F.T. (LOST OBJECTS FOUND TREASURES) d 53 Broadway, Asheville 828-259-9303 • loftofasheville.com 3 INSTANT KARMA d 36 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-301-8187 • instantkarmaasheville.com DRESS-UP/STYLIN’CLOTHING: 1 MINX BOUTIQUE d x 64 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-225-5680 • minxasheville.com 2 ELEMENTALITY e 4 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 220, Asheville 828-299-4751 • myelementality.com CLOTHING: PROFESSIONAL 1 MINX BOUTIQUE d 64 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-225-5680 • minxasheville.com R EPORTS of the death of the mall, at least in Western North Carolina, have been greatly exaggerated. Best Of WNC voters eagerly took to the ballot’s new Shopping category of Mall-style Market, placing Asheville Outlets at the front of the pack — just ahead of The Regeneration Station, which itself earned top honors in the bal lot’s other new Shopping category, Refurbished or Upcycled Goods. History buffs will know that an 11-block swath of downtown Asheville was slated to become a mall itself in the early 1980s, with much of the historic architecture along Lexington, Broadway and College streets to be razed to make room for a nearly 23-acre develop ment. That plan was scuttled by local activists; instead, the city became a different type of shopping mecca, with a thriving collection of indepen dentTheshops.resulting variety is enough to match any mall. Downtown favorites atop their respective cat egories include Spicer Greene Jewelers (Jewelry Store), Minx Boutique (Clothing: Dress-Up/ Stylin’), Malaprop’s Bookstore/ Cafe (Bookstore–New) and Tops for Shoes (Shoe Store).
And outside of downtown Asheville, two establishments earned their first entrance in the Hall of Fame. Congrats to West Asheville’s Reciprocity (Clothing: Used or Vintage–for-profit store) and North Asheville’s Newbridge Tire Center (Automobile Tire). Special lifetime achievement hon ors go to the following enterpris es for retaining their Hall of Fame status for nine or more consecu tive years: Malaprop’s Bookstore/ Cafe (Bookstore–New); Tops for Shoes (Shoes); Antique Tobacco Barn (Antique Store); Harvest Records (Record/CD Store); Minx Boutique (Clothing: Dress-Up/ Stylin’); Goodwill (Clothing: Used or Vintage–nonprofit store); Liberty Bicycles (Bike Shop); Musician’s Workshop (Musical Instrument Store); and Octopus Garden Smoke Shop (Head Shop).
— Daniel Walton X FLORA & FORAGE Best Florist
19MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE CLOTHING: USED OR VINTAGE (FOR-PROFIT STORE) 1 RECIPROCITY w x 732 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-3980 • reciprocityasheville.com 2 HONEYPOT VINTAGE d 86 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-225-0304 • honeypotvintage.com 3 HIP REPLACEMENTS d 72 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville hipreplacementsclothing.com828-255-7573 CLOTHING: USED OR VINTAGE (NONPROFIT STORE) 1 GOODWILL w e s x 1616 Patton Ave., Asheville 86828-771-2192S.TunnelRoad, Asheville 51828-299-3595MillsGapRoad, Asheville 828-687-0057 • goodwillnwnc.org 2 ASHEVILLE HUMANE THRIFT STORE s 800 Fairview Road, Suite EE, Asheville 828-761-2002 • ashevillehumane.org/thrift 3 ZEN & NOW n Asheville Community Yoga, 8 Brookdale Road, 828-255-5575Asheville • avl.mx/bwm ASHEVILLE-STYLE CLOTHES 1 ELEMENTALITY e x 4 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 220, Asheville 828-299-4751 • myelementality.com 2 HIP REPLACEMENTS d 72 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville hipreplacementsclothing.com828-255-7573 SHOE STORE 1 TOPS FOR SHOES d x 27 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-254-6721 • topsforshoes.com 2 DISCOUNT SHOES OF ASHEVILLE w 1263 Brevard Road, Asheville discountshoesofasheville.com828-667-0085 3 GB SHOES e 83 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-808-2062 • housershoes.com JEWELRY STORE 1 SPICER GREENE JEWELERS d 121 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-253-1805 • spicergreene.com 2 ELEMENTALITY e 4 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 220, Asheville 828-299-4751 • myelementality.com 3 FOX & BEAUX d 56 Haywood St., Asheville 828-585-7230 • foxandbeaux.com CONTINUED
20 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM MALL-STYLE MARKET 1 ASHEVILLE OUTLETS w 800 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-667-2308 • shopashevilleoutlets.com 2 THE REGENERATION STATION s 26 Glendale Ave., Asheville 828-505-1108 • regenerationstation.com GROCERYALL-ROUNDSTORE 1 INGLES MARKETS e n w s x 29 Tunnel Road, Asheville 915828-253-1528Merrimon Ave., Asheville 669828-253-1326Haywood Road, Asheville 828-259-9268 • ingles-markets.com 2 PUBLIX SUPER MARKET s n 1830 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 165828-274-6287WeaverBlvd., Weaverville 828-658-1020 • publix.com 3 TRADER JOE’S n 120 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-232-5078 • traderjoes.com BEST OF SHOPPINGSPICERGREENE JEWELERS Best Jewelry Store PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO ~ Jennie and the Kickback Crew! THANK YOU WNC for voting us #1 Local Meal Delivery Service Deliverywww.ashevillemulchyard.com•QuantityDiscount•ProductOfThe Month Weaverville: 484-8131 • Swannanoa: 707-1615 • Arden: 687-2792 THANKS ASHEVILLE! CONTINUED
21MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE
22 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM LOCAL GROCERY DELIVERY OR CURBSIDE PICKUP 1 WHOLE FOODS MARKET n e s 70 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 4828-254-5440S.TunnelRoad, Suite 100, Asheville 1856828-239-9604Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-378-0477 • wholefoodsmarket.com 2 MOTHER EARTH FOOD w 29 Hawk Hill Road, Asheville 828-275-3500 • motherearthfood.com 3 INGLES MARKETS e n w s 29 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-253-1528 • ingles-markets.com BUDGET-FRIENDLYGROCERYSTORE 1 ALDI e w n x 480 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 1344855-955-2534PattonAve., Asheville 58 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville • aldi.us/en 2 HOPEY AND CO. s e 800 Fairview Road, Asheville 3018828-255-5228U.S.Highway 70 W., Suite 1, Black 828-669-8988Mountain • hopeyandcompany.com 3 TRADER JOE’S n 120 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-232-5078 • traderjoes.com HEALTH FOOD STORE 1 EARTH FARE w 66 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 828-255-2999 • earthfare.com 2 WHOLE FOODS MARKET n e 70 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 4828-254-5440S.TunnelRoad, Suite 100, Asheville 828-239-9604 • wholefoodsmarket.com 3 FRENCH BROAD FOOD CO-OP d 90 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-255-7650 • frenchbroadfood.coop SPECIALTYINTERNATIONAL/FOODSTORE 1 YZ ASIAN MARKET w 22 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 828-785-1653 • avl.mx/9sn 2 RADHA INDIAN GROCERS w 813 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-505-1991 • avl.mx/prwr 3 KIM’S ORIENTAL FOOD & GIFTS w 5 Regent Park Blvd., Suite 110, Asheville 828-254-7235 BEST OF SHOPPING 169 Charlotte St. • Asheville, NC 28801 • 828.575.9525 METROWINESASHEVILLE.COM Thank you Asheville! BIG SHOP SELECTION SMALL SHOP SERVICE Free, Close Parking. 9th year in a row! BEST PRICES WELL CURATED SELECTION FRIENDLY, KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF WE’RE LOCAL shop dogs forever A SWEET Thank You Asheville! special order pick up and delivery only 828.225.5751 • www.KarenDonatelliCakeDesigns.comkaren@donatellicakedesigns.com Years of Business CELEBRATINGSpecialty11 Cakes & Pastries CONTINUED
23MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE
24 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM CONVENIENCE/CORNERSTORE 1 GAS-UP w 405 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-5589 • avl.mx/6bv 2 HOT SPOT DOWNTOWN [Closed] 2 WEST VILLAGE MARKET & DELI w 771 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-225-4949 • westvillagemarket.com NEW FURNITURE STORE 1 TYSON FURNITURE CO. e ax 109 Broadway St., Black Mountain 828-669-5000 • tysonfurniture.com 2 PENLAND’S FURNITURE e a 2700 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 828-686-5561 • penlandsfurniture.com 3 MOBILIA d 43 Haywood St., Asheville 828-252-8322 • mobilianc.com USED FURNITURE STORE (FOR-PROFIT STORE) 1 THE REGENERATION STATION s x 26 Glendale Ave., Asheville 828-505-1108 • regenerationstation.com 2 ATOMIC FURNISHING & DESIGN e 124 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 828-774-5441 • atomicfurnishings.com USED FURNITURE STORE (NONPROFIT STORE) 1 ASHEVILLE AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE s n ax 31 Meadow Road, Asheville 61828-254-6706WeaverBlvd., Weaverville ashevillehabitat.org/restore828-484-9432 2 ASHEVILLE HUMANE THRIFT STORE s 800 Fairview Road, Suite EE, Asheville 828-761-2002 • ashevillehumane.org/thrift BED AND MATTRESS STORE 1 COLTON MATTRESS s x 848 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-299-4445 • coltonmattress.com 1 MATTRESS MAN e s 80 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 229828-492-3185AirportRoad, Suite 2, Arden 1900828-827-97974Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville 828-744-0817 • mattressmanstores.com ANTIQUE STORE 1 ANTIQUE TOBACCO BARN e x 75 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 828-252-7291 • atbarn.com 2 THE REGENERATION STATION s 26 Glendale Ave., Asheville 828-505-1108 • regenerationstation.com 3 SWEETEN CREEK ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES s 115 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-277-6100 • sweetencreekantiques.net PAWN SHOP 1 ALAN’S JEWELRY & PAWN w e x 1186 Patton Ave., Asheville 736828-248-0501TunnelRoad, Asheville 510828-490-7787PaintTown Road, Cherokee 833-228-3018 • alanspawn.com 2 FINKELSTEIN’S LOAN OFFICE d 21 Broadway, Asheville 828-253-7731 • finkelsteinspawn.com REFURBISHED OR UPCYCLED GOODS 1 THE REGENERATION STATION s 26 Glendale Ave., Asheville 828-505-1108 • regenerationstation.com PICTURE FRAMER 1 FRUGAL FRAMER d s x 95 Cherry St. N., Asheville 200828-258-2435JulianShoals Drive, Suite 20, Arden 828-687-8533 • frugalframer.com 2 BLACKBIRD FRAME & ART n 365 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-225-3117 • blackbirdframe.com 3 MICHAELS e 111A River Hills Road, Asheville 828-299-0183 • michaels.com We LOVE Our Fans! Thank you for voting us Hall of Fame for 10 years in a row! # 1 PAWN SHOP Follow us on Alan’s West 1186 Patton 828.254.8681Ave.Mon-Sat:9to7Sun:1to6 Alan’s East 736 Tunnel 828.299.4440RoadMon-Sat:9to7(AcrossCherokeefromCasino)828.554.0431SeHablaEspañol BEST OF SHOPPING Est. 1903 ShopPawnOldestNC‘sTHANKSFOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! 21 BROADWAY • DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE Open 7 Days • 253-7731 • www.FinkelsteinsPawn.com CONTINUED
25MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE 95 C h erry S t. North, ( 8 2 8) 2 58- 24 35 | 200 Julian Shoal s Dr. # 20, ( 8 2 8) 6 87-853 3 f r uga l f r a me r. co m T h a n k you Ash e vi l l e, fo r vo t ing us # 1 ! Asheville’s oldest Junk Removal service, since 2010 # 1 : Used Furniture Store # 1 : Refurbished or upcycled goods # 2 : Antique Store # 2 : Mall-style market Come shop our Overandofwarehouseuniques,antiquesrarities!75Vendors THANK YOU for voting us, 26 Glendale Ave • 828.505.1108 • theregenerationstation.com TheRegenerationStation Best of WNC since 2014!
26 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM FLORIST 1 FLORA & FORAGE w x 428B Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-8888 • florabotanicalliving.com 2 MERRIMON FLORIST n 329 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-232-4474 • merrimonflorist.com 3 POLLEN d 45 S. French Broad Ave., Suite 150, Asheville pollenavl.com BOOKSTORE - NEW 1 MALAPROP’S BOOKSTORE/CAFE d x 55 Haywood St., Asheville 828-254-6734 • malaprops.com 2 BARNES & NOBLE e s Asheville Mall, 3 S. Tunnel RoadAshevillle Biltmore828-296-7335Park Town Square, 33 Town Square Blvd., Suite 100, Asheville 828-687-0681 • barnesandnoble.com 3 FIRESTORM BOOKSTORE CO-OP w 610 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-255-8115 • firestorm.coop BOOKSTORE - USED 1 MR. K’S USED BOOKS, MUSIC & MORE s x 800 Fairview Road, Asheville 828-299-1145 • mrksusedbooksasheville.com 2 DOWNTOWN BOOKS & NEWS d 67 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-253-8654 • dbnbooks.com 3 BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE & CHAMPAGNE BAR d Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-252-0020 • avl.mx/3sq STORE FOR COLLECTIBLESCOMICS,AND/ORGAMES 1 MORGAN’S COMICS w 600 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-4003 • morganscomics.com 2 COMIC ENVY n 333A Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-252-7600 • comicenvy.com 3 THE WYVERN’S TALE n 347 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-505-7887 • thewyvernstaleavl.com Open Mon. - Sat. 10am-7pm • Sun. 12-6pm 800 Fairview Rd. • Asheville, NC River Ridge Shopping Center • Hwy. 240, exit #8 299-1145 • www.mrksusedbooks.com Mr. K’s Used Books, MUsic and More NEW & USED: Books • Vinyl Records CDs • Comics • Video Games Books on CD • DVDs BUY • SELL • TRADE Thank You for Voting Us #1 Used Book Store 10 Years in a Row! BEST OF SHOPPINGELEMENTALITY Best Asheville-Style Clothes; Second Place Clothing: Dress-Up/Stylin’ and Jewelry Store PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST x The Hall of Fame designation is reserved for winners who have won first place four years in a row (or more), including this year (2019 - 2022) HALLTHEOFFAMEICON CONTINUED
27MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE
28 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM RECORD/CD STORE 1 HARVEST RECORDS w x 415 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-258-2999 • harvest-records.com 2 STATIC AGE RECORDS d 110 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 828-254-3232 • avl.mx/69r 3 MR. K’S USED BOOKS, MUSIC & MORE s 800 Fairview Road, Asheville 828-299-1145 • mrksusedbooksasheville.com MUSICALSTOREINSTRUMENT 1 MUSICIAN’S WORKSHOP n x 319 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-252-1249 • musiciansworkshop.com 2 GUITAR CENTER e 4 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 430, Asheville 828-298-0131 • guitarcenter.com 3 ACOUSTIC CORNER e a 105-F Montreat Road, Black Mountain 828-669-5162 • acoustic-corner.com FRESHSEAFOODPASTA 27 Broadway St | 828.348.8448 stradaasheville.com | socialloungeasheville.com HAND-TOSSED PIZZA VEGAN Consistently Voted One of WNC’s Best Italian Restaurants in: BEST PASTA • BEST ITALIAN Thank you for your support! GLUTENVEGETARIANFREE HARVEST RECORDS Best Record/CD Store PHOTO BY NEIL JACOBS BEST OF SHOPPING
29MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE GIFT SHOP 1 WHIST w x 444 Haywood Road, Suite 102, Asheville 828-252-5557 • whistshop.com 2 L.O.F.T. (LOST OBJECTS FOUND TREASURES) d 53 Broadway, Asheville 828-259-9303 • loftofasheville.com 3 SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS CRAFT GUILD e Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 382, Asheville 828-298-7928 • southernhighlandguild.org HEAD SHOP 1 OCTOPUS GARDEN SMOKE SHOP w e n x 1062 Patton Ave., Asheville 1269828-232-6030TunnelRoad, Asheville 640828-299-8880Merrimon Ave., Asheville octopusgardensmokeshops.com828-253-2883 ADULT TOYS, LINGERIE & NAUGHTY THINGS STORE 1 BOUDOIRVAVAVOOOMBOUTIQUE d w x 57 Broadway, Asheville 723828-254-6329Haywood Road, Asheville 828-417-7244 • vavavooom.com 2 BEDTYME STORIES s a 2334 Hendersonville Road, Arden bedtymestories.business.site828-684-8250 Congrats! WNC’s largest & best reader survey thiswinnersyear'sTo THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1 FOR 9 YEARS! INDEPENDENT & LOCALLY WOMAN OWNED SINCE 2008 Downtown AVL: 57 Broadway Street | West Asheville: 723 Haywood Rd. www.VaVaVooom.com • 828.254.6329 Body-safe adult toys Organic oils & lubricants Sexy lingerie with inclusive sizing Eco-conscious silk, bamboo & cotton apparel Celebrate your intimate moments with a carefully curated selection of: PhotographyDesancicIvana CONTINUED 1st Place Pub Grub 1st NeighborhoodPlace bar -West Thank you,Asheville 10:30am-2am, 7 days a week• Food 10:30am–1am (Lunch & Dinner) 777 Haywood Road Asheville • www.westvillepub.com • 225-WPUBBrandNew Fall Menu!
30 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM BIKE SHOP 1 LIBERTY BICYCLES s x 1378 Hendersonville Road, Suite G, Asheville 828-274-2453 • libertybikes.com 2 YOUNGBLOOD BICYCLES n 233 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-251-4686 • youngbloodbicycles.com 3 MOTION MAKERS BICYCLE SHOP w 878 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-633-3208 • motionmakers.com AUTOMOBILE TIRE STORE 1 NEWBRIDGE TIRE CENTER n x 1475 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-255-8005 • newbridgetirecenter.com 2 JAN DAVIS TIRE STORE d 209 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-253-5634 • jandavistire.com 3 DISCOUNT TIRE e 105 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville 828-318-0949 • discounttire.com AUTO DEALERNEW AND/OR USED 1 PRESTIGE SUBARU e x 585 Tunnel Road, Asheville 877-663-2144 • prestigesubaru.com 2 FRED TOYOTAANDERSONOFASHEVILLE w 777 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-585-5825 • ashevilletoyota.com 3 APPLE TREE HONDA s a 242 Underwood Road, Fletcher honda.appletreeautomobiles.com828-585-3044 BEST OF SHOPPING Offici al plaque win with an Commemorate your BEST OF WNC To purchase, advertise@mountainx.comcontact • Rooftop Terrace with Blue Ridge Mountain Views • Serving Breakfast, Dinner, Small Plates & Brunch • Flexible Event Space 15 Page Ave., 4th Floor, Asheville, NC 828-417-6866 • www.hemingwayscuba.com Thank you WNC Voters for voting us one of the Best Outdoor Restaurants with a View! CONTINUED
31MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE check our website for menu updates, operating hours & other important info: bluemountainpizza.com Thank you Mountain Xpress readers for voting for us. We yourappreciatesupport! Downtown Asheville: 77 Central Avenue, Suite H. | Biltmore Park: 2 Town Square, Suite 340 | Weaverville: 68 N Main St “Thank you WNC voters!” VOTED #1 BEST LAW FIRM WITH THREE BEST REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY WINNERS 828.258.0150 | grcclaw.com | | |@GRCCLAWNC grcclaw_pa Goosmann Rose Colvard & Cramer, P.A.
Nails AVL (Nail Technician), Caitlin Frink Cross of Salon Dragonfly (Hair Stylist) and Richard Lamos at Bliss Tattoo (Tattoo Artist). And hats off to The Spa at Omni Grove Park Inn, which has been voted best Spa for 12 years running, maintaining its stay in the Hall of Fame for nine years. The next time you settle into the client’s chair for some much-need ed pampering and start to feel an urge to let it all out, remember you’re in good company. It happens to all of us.
Yes, these professionals make us look better, but in the process, they also help us feel better about our selves. By promoting a sort of con fessional ambience, they help us get in touch with our inner selves. The process can create a personal con nection between client and provider, which is evident in the passion and range of Personal Services votes.
As you peruse the winners in this section, keep in mind that there’s not only hard-earned respect on display here, there’s also plenty of emotional enthusiasm from voters, particu larly for Thang Chu of American
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Best Tattoo Artist
32 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM SPA 1 THE SPA AT OMNI GROVE PARK INN n x 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • avl.mx/554 2 SHOJI SPA & RETREAT s 96 Avondale Heights, Asheville 828-299-0999 • shojispa.com 3 SAUNA HOUSE d 230 Short Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-505-6393 • saunahouse.com 3 SENSIBILITIES DAY SPA s The Hilton at Biltmore Park Square, 43 Town Square Blvd., Suite 100, Asheville 828-687-8760 • self-help.org HAIR SALON 1 WILLOW’S DREAM d 64 Broadway, Asheville 828-225-5922 • willowsdream.com 2 WINK SALON s 18 Brook St., Suite 103, Asheville 828-277-4070 • ilovewink.com 3 ANANDA HAIR STUDIO d 22 Broadway, Asheville 828-232-1017 • anandahair.com I N addition to being masters of their crafts, professionals such as tattoo artists, nail techni cians, hairstylists and others in the Personal Services section often dou ble as therapists or personal confi dants to those they’re serving. Workers in these fields wind up spending thousands of hours mas tering the art of conversation, so it’s no wonder that while sitting in the client’s chair, you may find yourself sharing your secret crushes, exis tential fears or your Aunt Marsha’s latest faux pas.
OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row) Ser vices Personal
PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO s
— Brooke Randle X
RICHARD LAMOS (BLISS TATTOO)
33MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE HAIRSTYLIST OR BARBER 1 CAITLIN FRINK (SALON DRAGONFLY) d 115 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-253-3977 • salondragonfly.net 2 JENNA WILSON (ATLAS BEAUTY) d 257 Broadway, Suite 301, Asheville atlasbeautyasheville.com/jenna828-707-3991 3 AMY GROOMS ROSE (SALON ZHENYA) w 290 Haywood Road, Unit 102, Asheville 828-713-6921 • salonzhenya.com BARBERSHOP 1 THE LOCAL BARBER & TAP d x 84 W. Walnut St., Unit B, Asheville 828-232-7005 • barberandtap.com 2 THE CHOP SHOP BARBER SHOP w 606 New Leicester Highway, Unit C, Asheville 828-412-5466 • wncbarber.com 3 ASHEVILLE BARBER CO. n 839 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-575-9494 • ashevillebarbercompany.com NAIL SALON 1 AMERICAN NAILS AVL w 1341 Parkwood Road, Suite 104, Asheville 828-255-5525 • americannailsavl.com 2 ANGEL NAIL SPA s 1816 Hendersonville Road, Suite 50, Asheville 828-575-9588 • angelnailspaasheville.com 3 MAJESTIC NAIL SALON e 273 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-255-8242 • majesticnailsalon.com NAIL TECHNICIAN 1 THANG (AMERICANCHU NAILS AVL) w 1341 Parkwood Road, Suite 104, Asheville 828-255-5525 • americannailsavl.com 2 CHANCEY AMERICAN(TOOTHANDNAILNC,FURNASNAILSAVL) w 1341 Parkwood Road, Suite 104, Asheville 828-255-5525 • avl.mx/bxf 2 LEAH KRAUSE (CURE NAIL STUDIO) d Willow’s Dream, 64 Broadway, Asheville 828-225-5922 • willowsdream.com CONTINUED Hot Shaves, Cold Beer Thank You for Voting us Best Barbershop for Six Years Straight! It’s a real honor Asheville! 84 West Walnut St, Unit B * 828-232-7005 barberandtap.com * thelocalbarberandtap Keeping WNC looking’ sharp since 2015
34 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM TATTOO PARLOR 1 ZEN INK r 352 Depot St., Asheville 828-505-4456 • zeninkasheville.com 2 HOT STUFF TATTOO w 416 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-251-6040 • avl.mx/bx8 3 DIVINATION TATTOO & GALLERY d 73 N. Market St., Asheville 828-412-3191 • divinationtattoo.com TATTOO ARTIST 1 RICHARD LAMOS (BLISS TATTOO) w 742 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-299-4147 • blisstattoo.org 2 RIVER DAWN (SPIRIT ALCHEMY TATTOO) d 263 Haywood St., spiritalchemytattoo.comAsheville PIERCING STUDIO 1 BELLA FINE JEWELRY AND PIERCING d x 51 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-301-1711 • bellapiercing.com 2 MAN’S RUIN TATTOO & PIERCING e 1085 Tunnel Road, Suite 2A, Asheville 828-253-6660 • mansruintattoos.com 3 DIAMOND THIEVES w 1060 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-225-3845 • diamondthieves.net TAILOR/ALTERATIONS 1 MISHA’S ALTERATIONS w x 5 Regent Park Blvd., Unit 106, Asheville 828-350-1176 • avl.mx/a5r 2 SEW & CUSTOMSEWSEWING & ALTERATIONS e 1085 Tunnel Road, Suite 4, Asheville 828-505-2878 • avl.mx/7v7 PartTwo Week Next Eats • WorkFarm,OutdoorsDrinksYard&Garden&BusinessMedia•PetsSmallTowns Swannanoa & Black HotWeavervilleMarshallMountain&MarsHill&WoodfinSprings•Burnsville BE A PART OF THE GO LOCAL NETWORK free sign-up at golocalasheville.com to include your business in the 2023 directory BEST OF PERSONAL SERVICES ilovewink.com Thank You for 18 years of being voted as one of the top three salons. A BIG heartfelt appreciation to the amazing, talented salons & stylists in Asheville. To all the colleagues & employees of past & present, we are not Wink without you. Love. XOXO Wink
35MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE 165 merrimon avenue • (828) 258-7500 plantisfood.com We’re Honored to be Voted Best RestaurantVegan 1st place (Hall of Fame) Vegan/Vegetarian 2nd place • Sustainability-FriendlyGreen/Restaurant 3rd place • Healthiest Food 3rd place • Special Diet Options (Gluten-Free, Lactose-Free, etc.)
GOOSMANN ROSE COLVARD & CRAMER, PA, VERONICA H. COLVARD, ELIZABETH “BETH” CRAMER AND GEORGE F. “GREG” GOOSMANN Best Law Firm and Real Estate Attorney; third place Real Estate Attorney
Home
OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row)
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PHOTO BY ANDY HALL s
36 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM ACCOUNTANT/CPA FIRM 1 AUSTIN CPA, PC d x 301 W. Haywood St., Asheville 828-785-1556 • austincpapc.com 2 CHAD STORCK (STORCK CPA, PC) d 8 Magnolia Ave., Suite 200, Asheville 828-505-3791 • storckcpa.com 3 MARIE YOUNG (ACCOUNTING SPECIALISTS OF ASHEVILLE) n 394 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-774-5455 • acctspecialists.com PLACE TO HAVE YOUR TAXES PREPARED 1 AUSTIN CPA, PC d x 301 W. Haywood St., Asheville 828-785-1556 • austincpapc.com 2 CHAD STORCK (STORCK CPA, P.C.) d 8 Magnolia Ave., Suite 200, Asheville 828-505-3791 • storckcpa.com 3 H&R BLOCK d 204 Executive Park, Asheville 828-254-0321 • hrblock.com FINANCIAL ADVISER 1 KEVIN (NORTHWESTERNPASARILLA MUTUAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO.) s 4 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Suite 350, Asheville 828-210-3806 • kevinpasarilla.nm.com 2 CHRISTINA (OPPENHEIMERSIMPSON&CO.) s 10 Brook St., Suite 290, Asheville 828-225-3118 • avl.mx/by1W HO manages to keep a little black book of pro fessionals to call when Murphy comes a-knockin’? If you’re lucky, it’s a problem you can tackle successfully yourself. When it’s not, we typically fall back on calling a friend to get a recommendation. But wait! There’s an alternative: Turn to Xpress’ Best Of WNC survey results and gain the wisdom of thousands of area residents, on the spot. And since the Best Of listings show not just the first-place winner, but also the second- and third-place win ners, you have even more options. What’s more, among this year’s champions, you’ll note that 15 have Hall of Fame status, having earned first-place honors for four or more years in a row. And among that group, two get special accolades for having been voted best in their category for 12 or more years in a row: Liberty Bicycles (Bike Repair) and Charlotte Street Computers (Computer Repair). Talk about a sustained reputation!
This year’s Professional Services section also gained two new catego ries. Join us in welcoming the inau gural winners of best Construction Firm for Design/Build (M.B. Haynes Construction) and Home Inspection Service (Farris Home Inspections). Last, we offer a special shoutout to Swannanoa Cleaners (Dry Cleaner) and Verizon (Cellphone Service Provider) for their decisive victories this year.
Services Professional &
— Jeff Fobes X
37MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE LAW FIRM 1 GOOSMANN ROSE COLVARD & CRAMER, P.A. d s n 77 Central Ave., Suite H, Asheville Biltmore828-258-0150Park, 2 Town Square Blvd., Suite 340, 68AshevilleN.Main St., Weaverville 828-258-0150 • grcclaw.com 2 THE VAN WINKLE LAW FIRM d s 11 N. Market St., Asheville 422828-258-2991S.MainSt., Hendersonville 828-697-6196 • vwlawfirm.com 3 MCGUIRE WOOD & BISSETTE LAW FIRM d 48 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-254-8800 • mwblawyers.com FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY 1 BARBARA (BARBARABOWERSBOWERS LAW) d 70 Wall St., 828-412-5055Asheville•barbarabowerslaw.com REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY 1 ELIZABETH “BETH” CRAMER (GOOSMANN ROSE COLVARD & CRAMER, P.A.) d s n 77 Central Ave., Suite H, Asheville Biltmore828-350-3789Park, 2 Town Square Blvd., Suite 340, 68AshevilleN.Main St., Weaverville 828-258-0150 • grcclaw.com 1 VERONICA H. COLVARD (GOOSMANN ROSE COLVARD & CRAMER, P.A) d 77 Central Ave., Suite H, Asheville 828-350-3785 • grcclaw.com 2 KATHERINE VAN MARTER (VAN MARTER LAW) r 183 Bartlett St., Suite 110, Asheville 828-417-3251 • vanmarterlaw.com 3 GEORGE F. “GREG” GOOSMANN (GOOSMANN ROSE COLVARD & CRAMER, P.A.) d 77 Central Ave., Suite H, Asheville 828-258-0150 • grcclaw.com CONTINUED Cat Chakales, CPCU, AU • 828-645-6300 9 Georgia Ave. Weaverville Brankinsurance.com • @brankinsurance Honored to be voted #1 Insurance Agent! Cat Chakales of Brank Insurance Agency Proud to be your friendly, local insurance expert!
38 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM REAL ESTATE AGENT 1 THE MATT & MOLLY TEAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) d x 86 Asheland Ave., Asheville 828-210-1697 • themattandmollyteam.com 2 SONA MERLIN (APPALACHIAN REALTY ASSOCIATES) n 23 Arlington St., Asheville 828-255-7530 • appalachianrealty.com REAL ESTATE COMPANY 1 KELLER WILLIAMS PROFESSIONALS d 86 Asheland Ave., Asheville kellerwilliamsasheville.com828-254-7253 2 BEVERLY-HANKS REALTORS d n 300 Executive Park, Asheville 820828-254-7221Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-251-1800 • beverly-hanks.com 3 TOWN AND MOUNTAIN REALTY w 315 Haywood Road, Suite 119, Asheville 828-232-2879 • townandmountain.com INSURANCE AGENT 1 CAT (BRANKCHAKALESINSURANCE) n a 9 Georgia Ave., Weaverville 828-645-6300 • brankinsurance.com 2 CHAD (MCKINNEYMCKINNEYINSURANCE) s w 5 Allen Ave., 1390828-684-5020AshevilleSandHill,Suite8, Candler 828-252-5560 • mckinneyagency.com PRINT SHOP 1 HENCO REPROGRAPHICS d n x 54 Broadway, Asheville 1445828-253-0449Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-552-3671 • hencorepro.com 2 828 PRINTING & GRAPHICS o 828-216-0955Asheville • 828printingandgraphics.com 3 PRINTVILLE d Grove Arcade, 9 O. Henry Ave., Suite 116, 828-225-3777Asheville • printville.net CELLPHONE SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE WNC MOUNTAINS 1 VERIZON e w s 242 Tunnel Road, Asheville 159800-880-1077SmokeyPark Highway, Asheville 1857828-668-5811Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-277-4055 • verizon.com 2 US CELLULAR w e 1043 Patton Ave., Asheville 90B828-258-0000S.Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-298-6966 • uscellular.com 3 AT&T e 4. S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-298-1833 • avl.mx/by2 Sept. 8 at HighlandBrewing Party Peggy Ratusz 5-6 p.m. Hope Griffin 6:15-7:15 p.m. DJ Lil Meow Meow 7:30-8:30 p.m. Special guests Asheville FM, the WNC Nature Center and more... And food trucks Melt Your Heart and El Kimchi BANDS: BEST OF WNC BEST OF PROFESSIONAL & HOME SERVICES
39MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE From t he bottom of our hear ts, THANK YOU to our clients, fr iends and f ans f or voting us BES T REAL ES TATE AGENTS 10 YEARS IN A ROW info@t hemat tandmollyteam.com | 828.210.1697
40 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM 301 W Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801 | 828-785-1556 | austincpapc.com Thanks for voting us #1 in WNC nine years in a row! Thanks, Asheville. You can count on us! -George Austin CPA, Joel Chambers & Jonathan Thompson CPA #1 Accountant/CPA Action Tax
41MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE Thank you WNC for voting us your #1 plumber 6 years in a row! We are so grateful for a great team and community! Call 828-628-1369 for all your plumbing and underground water and sewer utility needs 90 Number Nine Rd., Fairview, NC 28730 THANKS, ASHEVILLE! for voting me one of the Best! A whole decade and counting! Sona Merlin Real Estate AppalachianBrokerRealty (828) 216-7908 www.sonamerlin.com
42 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM COMPUTER REPAIR 1 CHARLOTTE COMPUTERSSTREET n x 252 Charlotte St., Asheville charlottestreetcomputers.com828-225-6600 2 GREG MAYER (ONE CLICK FIX) n 438 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-318-8558 • gregmayer.com 3 CHRISTOPHER’S COMPUTERS n 549 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-670-9800 • christopherscomputers.com CAR REPAIR 1 XPERTECH CAR CARE e x 1295 Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-298-3612 • xpertechcarcare.com 2 CURTIS HI-TECH AUTO SERVICE CENTER e 1225 Tunnel Road, Asheville curtishitechautoservicecenter.com828-298-1428 3 MOSTLY AUTOMOTIVE d 253 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-253-4981 • autorepairasheville.com BIKE REPAIR 1 LIBERTY BICYCLES s x 1378 Hendersonville Road, Suite G, Asheville 828-274-2453 • libertybikes.com 2 YOUNGBLOOD BICYCLES n 233 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-251-4686 • youngbloodbicycles.com 3 MOTION MAKERS BICYCLE SHOP w 878 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-633-3208 • motionmakers.com GREEN BUILDER 1 JAG CONSTRUCTION e 33 Mineral Springs Road, Asheville 828-252-4205 • jaggreen.com 2 JADE MOUNTAIN BUILDERS r 362 Depot St., Asheville 828-216-3948 • jademountainbuilders.com 3 LOBO BUILDERS d 5 Ravenscroft Drive, Suite 300, Asheville 828-252-1841 • lobobuilders.com CONSTRUCTION FIRM (DESIGN/BUILD) 1 MB HAYNES CONSTRUCTION w 187 Deaverview Road, Asheville 828-254-6141 • mbhaynes.com PLUMBING COMPANY 1 T.P. PLUMBINGHOWARD’SCO. s ax 90 Number Nine Road, Fairview 828-628-1369 • tphowardsplumbing.com 2 MB HAYNES PLUMBING w 187 Deaverview Road, Asheville 828-254-6141 • mbhaynes.com 3 FOUR SEASONS PLUMBING s 30 Bella Way, Asheville 828-216-3894 • callfourseasons.com ELECTRICAL/ELECTRICIANCOMPANY 1 MB HAYNES ELECTRICAL w x 187 Deaverview Road, Asheville 828-254-6141 • mbhaynes.com 2 JACKSON CONTRACTORSELECTRICAL s a 6 Bagwell Mill Road, Arden 828-891-4335 • jacksonelect.com ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SALES AND INSTALLATION 1 MB HAYNES SOLAR w 187 Deaverview Road, Asheville 828-254-6141 • mbhaynes.com 2 SUGAR HOLLOW SOLAR e M 2 Miller Road E., Asheville 828-776-9161 • sugarhollowsolar.com HEATING/COOLINGCOMPANY 1 GENTRY SERVICE GROUP e ax 100 Buckeye Access Road, Swannanoa 828-581-4045 • gentryservice.com 2 MB HAYNES HEATING & COOLING w 187 Deaverview Road, Asheville 828-254-6141 • mbhaynes.com 3 BULLMAN HEATING & AIR n 10 Red Roof Lane, Asheville 828-658-2468 • bullmanheating.com BEST OF PROFESSIONAL & HOME SERVICES Asheville’s Businesses Rely On Us 24/7 info@oneclickfix.com • oneclickfix.com 828-318-8558 • 438 Montford Ave, Asheville Thank you for recognizing One Click Fix in the “Best of” Computer Repair category. Small Repair & Carpentry Thank You WNC! #1 Handyman! LeaveItToWeaver.net (828) 301-4725 x The Hall of Fame designation is reserved for winners who have won first place four years in a row (or more), including this year (2019 - 2022) HALLTHEOFFAMEICON
43MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE 1295 Tunnel Asheville,RoadNC298-3612 THANK YOU, ASHEVILLE! for voting us #1 Automotive Repair Shop, Again!
44 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM PEST CONTROL SERVICE 1 TERMINIX e w x 232 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 396828-600-7331NewLeicester Highway, Asheville 828-600-7341 • trustterminix.com 2 DODSON PEST CONTROL w a 1739 Smokey Park Highway, Candler 828-252-8992 • dodsonbros.com 3 GIBSON PEST CONTROL s 20 Rosscraggon Road, Asheville 888-483-6507 • gibsonpest.com MOVING COMPANY 1 TWO MEN AND A TRUCK s ax 240 Rutledge Road, Fletcher twomenandatruckasheville.com828-355-6058 2 COLLEGE HUNKS HAULING JUNK & MOVING ASHEVILLE s a 6 Celtic Drive, Unit B1, Arden collegehunkshaulingjunk.com828-439-0728 HOUSE PAINTERS 1 BIONIC MAN PAINTING CO. w x 57 Salola St., 828-215-7772Asheville•bionicmanpainting.com ROOFING COMPANY 1 BALKEN ROOFING e a 101 W. Buckeye Road, Swannanoa 828-662-3027 • balkenroofing.com 2 JOHN MCCLUNG ROOFING M 828-582-4165Asheville • johnmcclungroofing.com 3 DLV ROOFING SYSTEMS s a 8 Brandy Branch Road, Mills River 828-654-0212 • dlvroofing.com HANDYPERSON 1 BEN (LEAVEWEAVERITTO WEAVER) M a 828-301-4725Weaverville • leaveittoweaver.net HOME INSPECTION SERVICE 1 FARRIS HOME INSPECTIONS M 828-242-2105Asheville • farrishomeinspections.com HOME CLEANING SERVICE 1 GREEN HOME CLEANING d x 306 W. Haywood St., Asheville 828-505-7320 • greenhomecleaning.com DRY CLEANER 1 SWANNANOA CLEANERS d w n x 165 Coxe Ave., Asheville 1356828-253-3691PattonAve., Asheville 712828-254-2098Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-252-3676 • swannanoacleaners.com 2 ASHEVILLE CLEANERS n 230 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-2364 • ashevillecleaners.com 3 QUICK AS A WINK CLEANERS s 750 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-253-2331 • avl.mx/7v6 BEST OF PROFESSIONAL & HOME SERVICES BEN WEAVER (LEAVE IT TO WEAVER) Best Handyperson PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO Thank you WNC for voting us BEST in the region for 9 years in a row Congrats! WNC’s largest & best reader survey thiswinnersyear'sTo CONTINUED
45MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE Our entire Balken team is beyond grateful for the continued support from our growing community. Thank you for allowing us to serve WNC for nearly 30 years. We are looking forward to the next 30. Roofing – Gutters – Skylights • BalkenRoofing.com • 828-628-0390 Thanks for voting us #1! Detailed cleaning with earth friendly products. 828.505.7320 | greenhomecleaning.com WNC’s Hall of Fame Cleaning Company We are so thankful to our customers for voting us #1 eight years! OPERATEDOWNEDLOCALLY&WeTreatYouLikeFamily! Free alignment inspection with any service, just ask. 253 Biltmore Ave. • 828-253-4981 BRING YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR , AND YOUR ASIAN CAR—TOYOTA, LEXUS, HONDA, ACURA, SUBARU, NO EUROPEAN MODELS WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT OVER THE YEARS WNC! Mention Ad - Get 10% off labor! THANKYOUWNC!
PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST
46 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM SCHOOL (PRECOLLEGE) 1 ARTSPACE CHARTER SCHOOL e a 2030 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 828-298-2787 • artspacecharter.org 2 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org 3 EVERGREEN COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL e 50 Bell Road, Asheville 828-298-2173 • evergreenccs.org AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM 1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS s x 800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com 2 ARTSPACE CHARTER SCHOOL e a 2030 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 828-298-2787 • artspacecharter.org 3 Y AFTERSCHOOL IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS (YMCA OF WNC) n 40 N Merrimon Ave., Suite 309, Asheville 828-251-5910 • ymcawnc.org/childcare PRESCHOOL 1 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w x 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org 2 THE ACADEMY OF ASHEVILLE s 1709 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-277-0062 • theacademyofasheville.com 3 SHALOM CHILDREN’S CENTER (ASHEVILLE JCC) n 236 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-253-0701 • jcc-asheville.org K IDS — and those who care for them — seem naturally drawn to positive people, places and experiences. So is it any wonder that the top three vote-getters in this section radiate good vibes? Take multiple award-winner Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts (After-School Program, Day Camp, Martial Arts Program, Parents Night Out Program), which states on its website: “We offer a martial arts practice that is healthy on all levels, building a smart body, strong mind and soft heart.”
ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE (AMOS) Best Museum; second place Daytrip for Kids; third place Place for Indoor Fun
w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row) Kids
n ORTH s OUTH e AST
Or the colorful Dancing Bear Toys (Toy Store), which touts: “We want to give kids the tools to explore, collaborate and create.” And Asheville Museum of Science (Museum) — with its extensive gem and mineral collection, Little Explorers Club and more — which notes that it’s a “growing local science museum with interactive, hands-on exhibits for science lovers of all ages!” Of course, the good feelings don’t stop there. Read on to discover the winners in all the Kids categories — from Day Trip to Gymnastics Program — including those that rose to the top in multiple categories (looking at you, ArtSpace Charter School, Mountain Play Lodge and WNC Nature Center). Special lifetime achievement hon ors go to Dancing Bear Toys (Toy Store) for retaining its Hall of Fame status for at least nine years. And please give high-fives to these new Hall of Famers: Camp Cedar Cliff (Overnight Camp); Rainbow Community School (Preschool); and Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association (Team-Sports Program). — Tracy Rose X
47MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE CHILD CARE OR DAY CARE SERVICE 1 THE ACADEMY OF ASHEVILLE s 1709 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-277-0062 • theacademyofasheville.com 2 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS s 800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com 3 SHALOM CHILDREN’S CENTER (ASHEVILLE JCC) n 236 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-253-0701 • jcc-asheville.org ART EDUCATION PROGRAM 1 ARTSPACE CHARTER SCHOOL e ax 2030 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 828-298-2787 • artspacecharter.org 2 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org 3 ROOTS + WINGS SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN s 573 Fairview Road, Asheville 828-378-4140 • rootsandwingsarts.com MUSIC TEACHER 1 MEG (ARTSPACENOVAKCHARTER SCHOOL) e a 2030 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 828-298-2787 • artspacecharter.org 2 LAURA (RAINBOWBLACKLEYCOMMUNITY SCHOOL) w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org DAYTRIP FOR KIDS 1 WNC NATURE CENTER e x 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 828-259-8080 • wildwnc.org 2 ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE (AMOS) d 43 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-254-7162 • ashevillescience.org THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE! School & Music Teacher Meg Novak 1st place Art Education Program 1st place CONTINUED Offici al plaque win with an Commemorate your BEST OF WNC To purchase, advertise@mountainx.comcontact
48 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM KID-FRIENDLY HIKE 1 CATAWBA FALLS e a 3074 Catawba River Road, Old Fort 828-257-4200 • avl.mx/7uz 2 CRAGGY PINNACLE TRAIL (CRAGGY GARDENS) e a Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 364, Black 828-775-0976Mountain • avl.mx/bwy 3 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM TRAILS w 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 828-665-2492 • ncarboretum.org OVERNIGHT CAMP 1 CAMP CEDAR CLIFF e x 5 Porters Cove Road, Asheville 828-450-3331 • campcedarcliff.org DAY CAMP 1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS s x 800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com 2 CAMP CEDAR CLIFF e 5 Porters Cove Road, Asheville 828-450-3331 • campcedarcliff.org 3 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org NATURE CAMP 1 WNC NATURE CENTER e x 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 828-259-8080 • wildwnc.org 2 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM — DISCOVERY CAMP w 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 828-665-2492 • ncarboretum.org PLACE FOR INDOOR FUN 1 MOUNTAIN PLAY LODGE s a 3389 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-676-2120 • mountainplaylodge.com 2 LAUNCH TRAMPOLINE PARK s a 24 Walden Drive, Arden 828-651-0280 • launchtrampolinepark.com 3 ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE (AMOS) d 43 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-254-7162 • ashevillescience.org PLACE FOR OUTDOOR FUN 1 WNC NATURE CENTER e 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 828-259-8080 • wildwnc.org 2 ADVENTURE CENTER OF ASHEVILLE w 85 Expo Drive, Asheville ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com828-225-2921 3 CARRIER PARK w 220 Amboy Road, Asheville 828-259-5800 • avl.mx/a8b X Awards 2022 Sept. 8 at Highland Brewing Party Peggy Ratusz 5-6 p.m. Hope Griffin 6:15-7:15 p.m. DJ Lil Meow Meow 7:30-8:30 p.m. Special guests Asheville FM, the WNC Nature Center and more... And food trucks Melt Your Heart and El Kimchi BANDS: BEST OF KIDS ASHEVILLESCIENCE.ORG 43 PATTON AVENUE, DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE @ASHEVILLE_SCIENCE 1ST PLACE MUSEUM 2ND PLACE DAYTRIP FOR KIDS 3RD PLACE INDOOR FUN Thank you for voting the Asheville Museum of Science CONTINUED
49MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE
50 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM PLAYGROUND 1 CARRIER PARK w 220 Amboy Road, Asheville 828-259-5800 • avl.mx/a8b 2 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org 3 LAKE JULIAN PARK s a 406 Overlook Road, Arden 828-684-0376 • avl.mx/6cd MUSEUM 1 ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE (AMOS) d 43 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-254-7162 • ashevillescience.org 2 ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM d 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville 828-253-3227 • ashevilleart.org PLACE FOR PARTIESBIRTHDAY 1 LAUNCH TRAMPOLINE PARK s a 24 Walden Drive, Arden 828-651-0280 • launchtrampolinepark.com 1 MOUNTAIN PLAY LODGE s a 3389 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 828-676-2120 • mountainplaylodge.com 2 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS s 800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com PLACE TO MAKE ART 1 FIRED UP! CREATIVE LOUNGE d s x 26 Wall St., Blue828-253-8181AshevilleRidgeMall,1800 4 Seasons Blvd., 828-698-9960Hendersonville• fireduplounge.com 2 CLAYING AROUND s 1378 Hendersonville Road, Suite D, Asheville 828-277-0042 • clayingaround.com 3 ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM d 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville 828-253-3227 • ashevilleart.org PARENTS NIGHT OUT PROGRAM 1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS s x 800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com 2 ASHEVILLE MOVEMENTCOMMUNITY n 812 Riverside Drive, Asheville ashevillecommunitymovement.com828-254-6060 DANCE STUDIO 1 CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO s 38L Rosscraggon Road, Asheville 828-654-7010 • centerstageavl.com 2 BALLET CONSERVATORY OF ASHEVILLE d 6 E. Chestnut St., Asheville balletconservatoryofasheville.wordpress.com828-255-5777 3 ASHEVILLE DANCE THEATER s 802 Fairview Road, Asheville 828-298-0258 • ashevilledancetheater.com GYMNASTICS PROGRAM 1 ASHEVILLE MOVEMENTCOMMUNITY n x 812 Riverside Drive, Asheville ashevillecommunitymovement.com828-254-6060 2 THE LITTLE GYM OF ASHEVILLE s 10 Crispin Court, Suite 104, Asheville 828-747-2239 • thelittlegym.com MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM 1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS s x 800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com TEAM-SPORTS PROGRAM 1 ABYSA (ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION) e x 593 Azalea Road E., Asheville 828-299-7277 • abysa.org Asheville, we P you! THANKS FOR VOTING FOR THE LITTLE GYM! We are enrollingnowforfallclasses! 828-747-2239 • www.tlgashevillenc.com 10 Crispin Court, Ste 104 • Asheville, NC 28803 BEST OF KIDS
51MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE KIDS CLOTHES 1 THE LITTLEST BIRDS w 647 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-253-4747 • thelittlestbirds.com 2 CHILDREN’S TRADING POST n 633 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 828-254-5432 • childrenstradingpost.com TOY STORE 1 DANCING BEAR TOYS e x 518 Kenilworth Road, Asheville 828-255-8697 • dancingbeartoys.com 2 O.P. TAYLOR’S s a 16 S. Broad St., Brevard 418828-883-2309N.MainSt., Hendersonville 828-384-4958 • optaylors.com 3 SPARKY’S TOYS & GIFTS w 726 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-2711 • sparkystoyshop.com DANCING BEAR TOYS Best Toy Store PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST x The Hall of Fame designation is reserved for winners who have won first place four years in a row (or more), including this year (2019 - 2022) HALLTHEOFFAMEICON CONTINUED Asheville Waynesville Sylva Reynolds Mountain www.greatsmiles.com828274-9220 9 DRS. B. CHAMBERS, PRATT, S. CHAMBERS, BLACKMAN, CHADWICK, WYBLE, HOGUE, HALDEMAN 647 Haywood Road West thelittlestbirds.com253-4747Asheville LOCAL, NATURAL, NEW, CONSIGNMENT. The Best Kids Clothes In Asheville! Plus Wooden Toys, Cloth Diapers, Baby Carriers and More!
52 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM BAKERY FOR BIRTHDAY CAKES 1 SHORT STREET CAKES w 225 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-4822 • shortstreetcakes.com 2 PUBLIX SUPER MARKET s n 1830 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 165828-274-6287WeaverBlvd., Weaverville 828-658-1020 • publix.com PEDIATRIC PRACTICEGENERAL MEDICINE 1 ABC PEDIATRICS OF ASHEVILLE s x 64 Peachtree Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-277-3000 • abcasheville.com 2 FRENCH BROAD PEDIATRICS n 40 N. Merrimon Ave., Suite 117, Asheville 828-348-8232 • frenchbroadpeds.com 3 MOUNTAIN AREA PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES, PA e 500 Centrepark Drive, Asheville 828-254-4337 • mountainareapeds.com PEDIATRIC PRACTICEDENTISTRY 1 GREAT BEGINNINGS AND GREAT SMILES s n x 10B Yorkshire St., Asheville 10A828-274-9220Yorkshire St., Suite C, Asheville 94828-274-8822N.Merrimon Ave., Suite 102, Asheville 828-785-5825 • begreatdental.com 2 ASHEVILLE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY s 70 Peachtree Road, Suite 130, Asheville ashevillepediatricdentistry.com828-277-6788 3 BEST BITES DENTAL s 11 Yorkshire St., Asheville 828-274-4744 • drjoshdentistry.com 3 BLUE RIDGE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY n 218 Elkwood Ave., Suiite 101, Asheville 828-575-2345 • brpedo.com dancingbeartoys.com Thank you Asheville for voting us BEST Toy Store and for 29 years of FUN shopping SHORT STREET CAKES Best Bakery for Birthday Cakes PHOTO BY JENNIFER CASTILLO Officialplaque win with an Commemorate your BEST OF WNC To purchase, advertise@mountainx.comcontact BEST OF KIDS CONTINUED
The practice is gladly accepting new patients, newborn up to 15 yrs 40 North Merrimon Ave, Suite 117, Asheville, NC 28804
Jessica Wakeman X
Best Pediatrician; second place Pediatric Practice - General Medicine Kids
54 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM PHYSICIAN (GENERAL PRACTICE) 1 MEREDITH POLANSKY (OUR FAMILY DOCTOR) d x 43 Oakland Road, Asheville ourfamilydoctorasheville.com828-252-2511 2 ANANDA VIEAGES (OUR FAMILY DOCTOR) d 43 Oakland Road, Asheville ourfamilydoctorasheville.com828-252-2511 3 MICHAEL WEIZMAN (OUR FAMILY DOCTOR) d 43 Oakland Road, Asheville ourfamilydoctorasheville.com828-252-2511 PEDIATRICIAN 1 LAUREN KEELY CARLISLE (FRENCH BROAD PEDIATRICS) n x 40 N. Merrimon Ave., Suite 117, Asheville 828-348-8232 • frenchbroadpeds.com 2 SAMUEL M. KOHN (ASHEVILLE CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER) s 7 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Suite 100A, Asheville 828-258-0969 • ashevillechildrens.com 3 JOHN S. PASCHALL (ABC PEDIATRICS) s 64 Peachtree Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-277-3000 • abcasheville.com
PHOTO
CINDY KUNST n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row) WellnessHealth&
A SHEVILLE’S reputation as the land of breweries, bar becue and bears has a ten dency to overshadow other reasons this area is beloved — such as: a place where people care about feel ing good. Of course, what “feeling good” means is completely up to you. Whether you’re into CrossFit or cycling or circus arts, there are plenty of ways to achieve your goals. And if peace of mind is what you’re after, Asheville has plenty of trained counselors and meditation practices to choose from.
Asheville Downtown YMCA (Gym or Place to Work Out) and Asheville Community Yoga (Yoga Studio). Usually people make a resolution at the beginning of the new year. But we want to propose that you make a resolution a few months early to try something new in the health and wellness community. Maybe you take that martial arts class you’ve always dreamed about. Or maybe you just schedule that dental clean ing you’ve been putting off. This year, find a new way to feel fabulous.
To keep pace with these chang ing times, this year’s ballot includ ed four new Wellness categories: Physical Therapy Clinic; Urgent Care/Walk-In Clinic; Medical Practice That Supports Holistic Health; and last, Health & WellnessFocused Nonprofit. And speaking of what’s new, please welcome Franny’s Farmacy to the Hall of Fame as the best place to buy CBD products. Special lifetime achievement hon ors go to these two enterprises for retaining their Hall of Fame status for nine or more consecutive years:
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LAUREN KEELY CARLISLE (FRENCH BROAD PEDIATRICS)
55MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE FAMILY MEDICAL PRACTICE 1 OUR FAMILY DOCTOR d 43 Oakland Road, Asheville ourfamilydoctorasheville.com828-252-2511 2 THE FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS d w 206 Asheland Ave., Asheville 1219828-258-8681Smokey Park Highway, Candler • fhconline.com 3 COMMUNITY FAMILY PRACTICE n 260 Merrimon Ave., Suite 200, Asheville 828-254-2444 • communityfamilyonline.com MEDICAL PRACTICE THAT SUPPORTS HOLISTIC HEALTH 1 INTEGRATIVE FAMILY MEDICINE OF ASHEVILLE r 372 Depot St., Suite 10, Asheville 828-575-9600 • integrativeasheville.org 2 LANTERN HEALTH d 84 Coxe Ave., Suite 240, Asheville 828-552-5757 • lanterndpc.com 3 ADVANCED REGENERATIVE THERAPY ASHEVILLE s 264 Thetford St., Suite 120, Asheville advancedregenerativetherapies.com828-385-4644 WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER 1 ASHEVILLE WOMEN’S MEDICAL CENTER d s x 143 Asheland Ave., Asheville 310828-258-9191LongShoals Road, Suite 202, Arden 828-687-2955 • ashevillewomens.com 2 LAUREL OB/GYN d 41 Oakland Road, Suite 200, Asheville 828-253-5381 • laurelobgyn.com 3 MAHEC OB/GYN SPECIALISTS s 121 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-257-4400 • mahec.net MATERNITY CARE/SERVICE 1 ASHEVILLE WOMEN’S MEDICAL CENTER d s x 143 Asheland Ave., Asheville 310828-258-9191LongShoals Road, Suite 202, Arden 828-687-2955 • ashevillewomens.com 2 LAUREL OB/GYN d 41 Oakland Road, Suite 200, Asheville 828-253-5381 • laurelobgyn.com 3 GRACE OB/GYN, P.A. s 2 Yorkshire St., Asheville 828-252-1050 • graceobgyn.com CONTINUED (828) 258-9191 • www.ashevillewomens.com FIRST PLACE Women’s Health Center (Hall of Fame) FIRST PLACE Maternity Care/Service (Hall of Fame) HealthinofoverCelebrating40yearsExcellenceWomen’sCare
56 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM HOSPITAL 1 HENDERSONVILLEADVENTHEALTH s a 100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville 855-774-5433 • adventhealth.com 2 MISSION HOSPITAL (HCA) d 509 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-659-5000 • missionhealth.org 3 PARDEE HOSPITAL a 800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville 828-696-1000 • pardeehospital.org URGENT CARE/ WALK-IN CLINIC 1 RANGE URGENT CARE n e w 674 Merrimon Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 201828-412-0327N.C.Highway 9, Black Mountain 349828-820-8266NewLeicester Highway, Asheville 828-463-4093 • rangeurgentcare.com 2 MERCY URGENT CARE w e 1201 Patton Ave., Asheville 1272828-252-4878TunnelRoad, Asheville 828-210-8325 • mercyurgentcare.org 3 PARDEE URGENT CARE s a 2695 Hendersonville Road, Arden 828-694-2350 • pardeehospital.org PLACE TO GET MEDICAL CARE WHEN UNDER- OR UNINSURED 1 WNC COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES (MINNIE JONES HEALTH CENTER) d w x 257 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 1914828-285-0622Smokey Park Highway, Candler 828-285-0622 • wncchs.org 2 RANGE URGENT CARE n e 674 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 201828-412-0327N.C.Highway 9, Black Mountain 828-820-8266 • rangeurgentcare.com 3 MOUNTAIN AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER (MAHEC) s 121 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-257-4400 • mahec.net COUNSELOR OR COUNSELING CENTER 1 JAMES COLVIN d 36 Clayton St., Asheville 828-424-7941 • jamesccolvin.com BEST OF HEALTH & WELLNESS Y’all are the best! We shih Tzu not! 1451 Sweeten Creek Rd. 828-274-4155 • hotdavl.com 1 st Place Grooming Service 2nd Place Pet Kennel Thank voters!!!you URGENT re.imaginedCARE Simplified. Transparent. Respectful. Asheville • Black Mountain Leicester • Virtual 8am-7:30pm Everyday Thank you for voting Range #1! THANK YOU for your Counseling#1ASHEVILLE!votesCounselor/Center Check out video interview & radio podcasts on website! JAMES COLVIN Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Holistic Therapy for Individuals & Couples 2524 Riceville Road, Asheville, NC 28805 colvin3@gmail.com828-424-7941• JamesCColvin.com RANGE URGENT CARE Best Urgent Care/Walk-In Clinic; second place Place to Get Medical Care When Under- or Uninsured PHOTO BY ANDY HALL CONTINUED
57MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE
58 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM DENTIST 1 MARK A. KNOLLMAN e 600B Centrepark Drive, Asheville 828-254-5677 • drknollman.com 1 TIM (GILLESPIEGILLESPIEDENTAL ASSOCIATES) d 36 Orange St., Asheville 828-252-9351 • drtimgillespie.com 2 JUSTIN (HODGESHODGES&HODGES) s 1 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Suite 260, Asheville 828-274-8088 • handhdental.com 3 JENNIFER MARKS (MARKS FAMILY DENTISTRY) n 94 N. Merrimon Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-255-8447 • northashevilledentist.com DENTAL PRACTICE 1 GILLESPIE DENTAL ASSOCIATES n 36 Orange St., Asheville 828-252-9351 • drtimgillespie.com 2 ZOE DENTAL s 10-A Yorkshire St., Suite 110, Asheville 828-348-1275 • zoedental.com 3 MARKS FAMILY DENTISTRY n 94 N. Merrimon Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-255-8447 • northashevilledentist.com ORTHODONTIST 1 KEITH (BLACKBLACKORTHODONTICS) s x 5 Yorkshire St., Suite A, Asheville 828-277-7103 • kblacksmiles.com 2 JEFFREY ROEDER (ROEDER ORTHODONTICS) s 22 Medical Park Drive, Asheville 828-274-2500 • roederorthodontics.com 3 TIMOTHY SCANLAN (TS ORTHODONTICS) s 4 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Suite 110, Asheville 828-254-4602 • tsorthodontics.com EYE CARESERVICESPECIALIST/ 1 ASHEVILLE EYE ASSOCIATES s x 8 Medical Park Drive, Asheville 2001828-348-1542Hendersonville Road, Asheville 2311 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville • ashevilleeye.com 2 ENVISION EYECARE n 181 Charlotte St., Asheville 828-254-6757 • myenvisioneyecare.com 3 TUNNEL VISION e 4 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 828-298-6500 • tunnelvisionasheville.com BEST OF HEALTH & WELLNESS Thank you for voting us Best of WNC! BE A PART OF THE GOFREENETWORKLOCALSIGN-UPAT golocalasheville.com TO INCLUDE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE 2023 DIRECTORY Thank you 12"BEST"continuingfortovoteusoneoftheinWNC,yearsstrong! myenvisioneyecare.com
59MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE
60 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM At Black Mountain Home, children are protected, nurtured, and loved. Thank you to our foster care families, volunteers, donors, and ministry partners for helping provide a safe, loving home for abused, abandoned, and neglected children of all ages (from newborns to college-age and beyond) from WNC. Visit our Mountain Home Thrift Store: Cheryl’s Place & Thirteen Pennies Café 10 Lake Eden Rd., Black Mountain www.facebook.com/MountainHomeThriftStore Black Mountain Home 80 Lake Eden Road Black Mountain, NC (828)686-3451Info@BlackMountainHome.org28711 Glorifying God by caring for children, youth, and families since 1904
61MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE 62 Clayton St, Asheville • alchemyasheville.com • 828.575.9419 ❤ Thank you WNC for 6 years of voting for us! ❤ #1 ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC & one of the BEST ACUPUNCTURIST, LEX KEKLAK Thank you for voting BPR your favorite public station.radio OUR BODY POLITIC In-depth conversations about how women of color experience the economy, health, politics, education, and Becauseenvironment.theallissuesarewomen’sissues. Listen live Sunday evenings at 7 on 107.9 FM BPR News and BPR.org X Awards 2022 Party Highland Brewing Sept. 8 at Peggy Ratusz 5-6 p.m. Hope Griffin 6:15-7:15 p.m. DJ Lil Meow Meow 7:30-8:30 p.m. BANDS: Special guests Asheville FM, the WNC Nature Center and more... And food trucks Melt Your Heart and El Kimchi
62 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM CHIROPRACTOR 1 DAN (RADIUSMARTINCHIROPRACTIC) e 1011 Tunnel Road, Suite 110, Asheville 828-333-4447 • radiuschiropractic.com 2 J. ANYA (CRYSTALIGNHARRISCHIROPRACTIC) d 218 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-552-3111 • crystalignchiro.com 3 DEREK KASTEN (ONE LOVE CHIROPRACTIC) n 959 Merrimon Ave., Suite 201, Asheville 828-505-1584 • onelovechiropractic.com ACUPUNCTURIST 1 LIZ ROSEMAN (SUSTAINABLE HEALTH ACUPUNCTURE) n x 36 Clayton St., Asheville acupuncture-in-asheville.com828-333-4614 2 ASHLEY KUPER (EAST ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS BOUTIQUE) e a 2296 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 828-458-4139 • eastacupuncturewb.com 3 LEX KEKLAK (ALCHEMY) n 62 Clayton St., Asheville 828-575-9419 • alchemyasheville.com 3 SAM SOEMARDI (THE PEOPLE’S ACUPUNCTURE OF ASHEVILLE) d 55 Grove St., 828-254-4098Asheville•peoplesacupunctureavl.com ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC 1 ALCHEMY n 62 Clayton St., Asheville 828-575-9419 • alchemyasheville.com 1 EAST WELLNESSACUPUNCTUREBOUTIQUE e a 2296 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 828-458-4139 • eastacupuncturewb.com 2 LIZ ROSEMAN (SUSTAINABLE HEALTH ACUPUNCTURE) n 36 Clayton St., Asheville acupuncture-in-asheville.com828-333-4614 3 CHINESE ACUPUNCTURE & HERBOLOGY CLINIC n 369 Montford Ave., Asheville chineseacupunctureclinic.com828-258-9016 ASSISTED-LIVINGCOMMUNITY 1 GIVENS ESTATES s 2360 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-274-4800 • givensestates.org 2 DEERFIELD RETIREMENTEPISCOPALCOMMUNITY s 1617 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-1531 • deerfieldwnc.org Thank You Asheville - One Love Chiropractic BEST OF HEALTH & WELLNESS Sustainable Health 828-216-3101Acupuncture 218 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC www.acupuncture-in-asheville.com28801liz@acupuncture-in-asheville.comLizRoseman #1 Acupuncturist #2 Acupuncture Clinic Thank you for allowing me to serve you and for voting me #1 Acupuncturist 9 years in a row (wow!) I’m grateful every day that I get to help people align with their highest and best selves. Women'sInsomniaHealth FertilityDigestiveStrugglesIssues EmotionalPainIssues Specializing in:
63MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE Thank you WNC! ✓ ✓ Affordable Chiropractic Care is Our Mission. Experienced, Professional & Friendly Staff Convenient Appointments & Hours 1011 Tunnel Rd., Suite 110, Asheville, NC 28805 • 828-333-4447 • www.radiuschiropractic.com Dr. Dan Martin
64 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM HOSPICE 1 (MISSIONCAREPARTNERSHEALTH) s x 68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-255-0231 • avl.mx/bwv 2 FOUR SEASONS s aw 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock 272828-692-6178MapleSt., Franklin 828-526-2552 • fourseasons.teleioscn.org MORTUARY/FUNERALSERVICES 1 GROCE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE w e s x 1401 Patton Ave., Asheville 856828-252-3535TunnelRoad, Asheville 72828-299-4416LongShoals Road, Arden 828-687-3530 • grocefuneralhome.com 2 ASHEVILLE AREA ALTERNATIVE FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES n 702 Riverside Drive, Asheville ashevilleareaalternative.com828-258-8274 PHYSICAL THERAPIST 1 MIRIAM SALLOUM (THE RUNNER’S MECHANIC) d 501 College St., Asheville 828-713-0929 • therunnersmechanic.com 2 WES MILLER (ANTI-FRAGILE PHYSICAL THERAPY) n 959 Merrimon Ave., Suite 103, Asheville 828-242-0343 • antifragilept.com PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC 1 PHYSIO PHYSICAL THERAPY AND WELLNESS n 660 Merrimon Ave., Suite C, Asheville 828-348-1780 • physiownc.com 2 MOVEMENT FOR LIFE PHYSICAL THERAPY n s 858 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 20828-552-4217GalaDrive, Suite G-104, Asheville 828-484-4200 • movementforlife.com 3 CORNERSTONE PHYSICAL THERAPY & WELLNESS s an 600 Julian Lane, Suite 660, Arden cornerstoneptnc.com828-684-3611 MASSAGE THERAPIST 1 MICAH (URBANHAINESEXHALE MASSAGE) d 68 N. Lexington Ave., Suite 207, Asheville 828-301-2113 • urbanexhalemassage.com 2 ZACH (ASHEVILLECOMERMEDICAL MASSAGE) d 2 Doctors Park, Suite D, Asheville medicalmassageasheville.com828-776-1392 3 RACHEL HAAS (EAST ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS BOUTIQUE) e a 2296 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 828-458-4139 • eastacupuncturewb.com GYM OR PLACE TO WORK OUT 1 ASHEVILLE YMCA n e s x 30 Woodfin St., Asheville 25828-210-9622JaneJacobs Road, Black Mountain 3828-552-3620TownSquare Blvd., Asheville 828-651-9622 • ymcawnc.org 2 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS s 800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com 3 REUTER FAMILY YMCA s Biltmore Park Square, 3 Town Square Blvd., 828-651-9622Asheville • ymcawnc.org FITNESS STUDIO WITH CLASSES 1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS s 800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com 2 HOT YOGA ASHEVILLE s 802 Fairview Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-299-7003 • hotyogaasheville.com 3 SCORCH FITNESS r 408 Depot St.,Suite 160, Asheville 828-575-9010 • scorchfitavl.com PHYSICAL TRAINER 1 GRIFFIN WHITE (MIND MUSCLE FITNESS) w 11 Ridgeway Ave., Asheville 310-487-7886 • mindmusclefitness.com 2 PRESTON (ASHEVILLEJEFFERSONFITTRIBE) w Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Road, Asheville 984-204-0591 • ashevillefittribe.com 3 CHUCK (FITNESSWONGCHONGFUNDAMENTALS) s a 828-275-8821Fletcher • avl.mx/bxg BEST OF HEALTH & WELLNESS Asheville’s Local, Family-Owned Cremation & Funeral Service Lake Julian 72 Long Shoals Road 828-687-3530Arden West Asheville 1401 Patton 828-252-3535AshevilleAvenue East Asheville 856 Tunnel 828-299-4416AshevilleRoad www.grocefuneralhome.com Thank to the readers for Voting Groce Favorite once again!
65MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE MIRIAM SALLOUM (THE RUNNER’S MECHANIC) Best Physical Therapist PHOTO BY ANDY HALL CONTINUED
66 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM YOGA STUDIO 1 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY YOGA n x 8 Brookdale Road, Asheville 828-255-5575 • ashevillecommunityyoga.org 2 HOT YOGA ASHEVILLE s 802 Fairview Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-299-7003 • hotyogaasheville.com 3 DOWN DOGDOG BAR & YOGA STUDIO s 51 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-505-8618 • downdogavl.com YOGA TEACHER 1 HEATHER PARKS (HOT YOGA ASHEVILLE) s 802 Fairview Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-299-7003 • hotyogaasheville.com 2 MICHAEL (ASHEVILLEGREENFIELDCOMMUNITY YOGA) n 8 Brookdale Road, Asheville 828-255-5575 • ashevillecommunityyoga.org MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO 1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS s x 800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com PHARMACY/DRUGSTORE 1 CVS PHARMACY n w s 612 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 505828-253-4350SmokeyPark Highway, Asheville 1080828-667-5457Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-3631 • cvs.com 1 SONA PHARMACY + CLINIC s e 805 Fairview Road, Asheville 530828-298-3636Hendersonville Road, Suite B, Asheville 1070828-782-5571TunnelRoad, Building 3, Asheville 828-348-3033 • sonapharmacy.com 2 WALGREENS e w 91 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 1124828-232-4042PattonAve., Asheville 828-236-1519 • walgreens.com 3 B&B PHARMACY w 462 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-252-2718 • bandbpharmacyavl.com PLACE TO VITAMINSSUPPLEMENTS,BUY&HERBS 1 FRENCH BROAD FOOD CO-OP d 90 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-255-7650 • frenchbroadfood.coop 2 EAST WELLNESSACUPUNCTUREBOUTIQUE e a 2296 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 828-458-4139 • eastacupuncturewb.com 3 SONA PHARMACY + CLINIC s 805 Fairview Road, Asheville 828-298-3636 • sonapharmacy.com PLACE TO BUY PRODUCTSCBD 1 FRANNY’S FARMACY n d x 211 Merrimon Ave., Suite 111, Asheville 231828-505-7105BiltmoreAve., Asheville 128828-505-4717Henderson Crossing Plaza, Hendersonville 828-697-7300 • frannysfarmacy.com 2 ASHEVILLE DISPENSARY w 919 Haywood Road, Suite 111, Asheville 828-335-2696 • avldispensary.com 3 TRINITY PHARMS HEMP CO. e a 112B Cherry St., Black Mountain 828-357-8295 • trinitypharmshempco.com HEATHER PARKS (HOT YOGA ASHEVILLE) Best Yoga Teacher; second place Fitness Studio With Classes and Yoga Studio PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST BEST OF HEALTH & WELLNESS Part Two Week Next SmallFarm,OutdoorsDrinksEatsYard&GardenWork&BusinessMediaPetsTowns Swannanoa & BlackWeavervilleMarshallMountain&MarsHill&WoodfinHotSpringsBurnsville
67MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE PLACE TO CENTER YOURSELF 1 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY YOGA n x 8 Brookdale Road, Asheville 828-255-5575 • ashevillecommunityyoga.org 2 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS s 800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com 3 BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY 828-670-1924 • blueridgeparkway.org 3 EAST ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS BOUTIQUE e a 2296 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 828-458-4139 • eastacupuncturewb.com HEALTH & WELLNESSFOCUSED NONPROFIT 1 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY YOGA n 8 Brookdale Road, Asheville 828-255-5575 • ashevillecommunityyoga.org 1 BOUNTY & SOUL e a 999 Old U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 828-419-0533 • bountyandsoul.org Thank you for voting Franny’s Farmacy as the Place to Buy CBD Products & one of the Best of WNC 7 years in a row! We couldn't have done it without you! FrannysFarm.com · FrannysFarmacy.com Asheville • South Slope • Hendersonville SCAN THIS CODE TO SEE WHAT FRANNY’SALL HAS FOR YOU! EATS & DRINKS ASHEVILLE-AREA 2022 GUIDE Pick up your print copy today in boxes everywhere!NEWEDITION Thank you for making me WNC's best physical trainer for the second year in a row Private Training Studio in the heart of West Asheville GRIFFIN WHITE Achieving Results Together 310-487-7886 • mindmusclefitness.com CONTINUED
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Best Local Fundraising Event PHOTO COURTESY OF ASHEVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY n ORTH s OUTH e AST w EST d OWNTOWN AREA r IVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA M OBILE-ONLY o NLINE-ONLY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row) AshevilleUniquely
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68 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM NEIGHBORHOOD 1 WEST ASHEVILLE 2 MONTFORD n Asheville • montford.org 3 THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT r 828-552-4723Asheville • riverartsdistrict.com STREET FOR A STROLL 1 HAYWOOD ROAD w 2 MONTFORD AVENUE n 3 KIMBERLY AVENUE n LOCALATTRACTIONASHEVILLE 1 BILTMORE ESTATE s x 1 Lodge St., 800-411-3812Asheville•biltmore.com 2 ASHEVILLE DRUM CIRCLE d Pritchard Park, 67 Patton Ave., Asheville avl.mx/559 3 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM w 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 828-665-2492 • ncarboretum.org LOCAL CITY TOUR 1 LAZOOM: HEY ASHEVILLE! CITY COMEDY TOUR d x 76 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-225-6932 • lazoomtours.com 2 GRAY LINE TROLLEY TOURS d 36 Montford Ave., Asheville 828-251-8687 • graylineasheville.com 3 LAZOOM: FENDER BENDER BAND AND BEER TOUR d 76 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-225-6932 • lazoomtours.com
DINE BE KIND HUMANE SOCIETY)
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H, how things have changed. In 2020, voters named COVID19 quarantines and lock downs as the Best Thing to Happen to Asheville in the Last 12 Months. At the time, Xpress’ Thomas Calder hypothesized that voters may have been celebrating the drop in tourism driven by those stringent measures. Fast-forward two years, and WNC’s now stir-crazy voters placed the removal of COVID restrictions atop the same category. Local readers seem eager to get out and explore their city, while also voting tourism as the Biggest Threat to Asheville’s Uniqueness. Many residents value driving to get to their goal, as evidenced by better parking being named to the Hall of Fame for Thing Downtown Asheville Needs. Readers also care about where they drive back to: Outside the urban core, affordable housing topped the list of needs for every part of Asheville. But the more things change, the more some stay the same. Keep Asheville Weird remains the best Bumper Sticker or Slogan About Asheville. What’s more, it has held that title for 12 years running! Three other entrenched winners, for 10 years in a row, are: the Biltmore Estate (Local Asheville Attraction), the Omni Grove Park Inn (Hotel), and LaZoom–Comedy Tour (Local CityP.S.:Tour).Congratulations to Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum for joining the Hall of Fame as WNC’s best Holiday Event–Winter/Spring. It’s a pleas ant reminder that summer won’t last forever! Daniel Walton
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69 PLACE TO TAKE YOUR ECCENTRIC FRIENDS 1 THE ODD w x 1045 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-575-9299 • ashevilleodditorium.com 2 ASHEVILLE DRUM CIRCLE d Pritchard Park, 67 Patton Ave., Asheville avl.mx/559 3 GRAFFITI IN RIVER ARTS DISTRICT r PLACE TO PRETEND YOU’RE A TOURIST 1 BILTMORE ESTATE s 1 Lodge St., 800-411-3812Asheville•biltmore.com 2 DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE 3 OMNI GROVE PARK INN n 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • avl.mx/3te PLACE TO CONNECT WITH NATURE WITHIN ASHEVILLE CITY LIMITS 1 BOTANICAL GARDENS n x 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd., Asheville ashevillebotanicalgardens.org828-252-5190 2 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM w 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 828-665-2492 • ncarboretum.org 3 WNC NATURE CENTER e 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 828-259-8080 • wildwnc.org HISTORIC/INTERESTINGBUILDING 1 BILTMORE HOUSE s x Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com 2 GROVE ARCADE d 1 Page Ave., 828-252-7799Asheville•grovearcade.com 3 THE S&W BUILDING d 56 Patton Ave., Asheville 828-575-1500 • swmarketavl.com VENUE TO BOOK FOR A PARTY OR EVENT 1 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. EVENT CENTER s 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com 2 HAIKU I DO s 26 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-412-3939 • haikuido.com PLACE TO GET MARRIED 1 BILTMORE ESTATE s 1 Lodge St., 800-411-3812Asheville•biltmore.com 2 FLEETWOOD’S ROCK-N-ROLL WEDDING CHAPEL w 496 Haywood Road, Asheville 828-505-5525 • fleetwoodschapel.com 3 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. EVENT CENTER s 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 828-299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com CONTINUED Biggest Threat To Asheville’s Uniqueness
70 HOTEL 1 OMNI GROVE PARK INN n x 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • avl.mx/3te 2 ALOFT ASHEVILLE DOWNTOWN d 51 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 828-232-2838 • aloftashevilledowntown.com 3 GRAND BOHEMIAN HOTEL s 11 Boston Way, Asheville 828-505-2949 • bohemianhotelasheville.com HOLIDAY EVENT WINTER/SPRING1 WINTER LIGHTS AT THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM w x 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 828-665-2492 • ncarboretum.org 2 NATIONAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION n Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • avl.mx/7zx 3 CHRISTMASCANDLELIGHTEVENINGS s Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • avl.mx/a9q LOCAL HERO 1 KIM RONEY w 30 Westgate Parkway, Suite 341, Asheville 828-771-6265 • kimroney4asheville.com LOCAL VILLAIN 1 MADISON CAWTHORN s a 200 N. Grove St., Suite 121, Hendersonville 828-435-7310 • cawthorn.house.gov 2 CHAD NESBITT skylinenewsonline.com 3 MELISSA (ASHEVILLEHEDTCITY SCHOOLS) d 85 Mountain St., Asheville 828-350-6130 • ashevillecityschools.net LOCAL POLITICIAN 1 KIM RONEY w 30 Westgate Parkway, Suite 341, Asheville 828-771-6265 • kimroney4asheville.com 2 JASMINE BEACH-FERRARA jasmineforcongress.com 3 MADISON CAWTHORN s a 200 N. Grove St., Suite 121, Hendersonville 828-435-7310 • cawthorn.house.gov NONPROFIT THAT IMPROVES ASHEVILLE 1 BELOVED ASHEVILLE w 1302 Patton Ave., Suite 6386, Asheville 828-571-0766 • belovedasheville.com 2 MANNA FOODBANK e 627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 828-299-3663 • mannafoodbank.org 3 ASHEVILLE AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY s 33 Meadow Road, Asheville 828-251-5702 • ashevillehabitat.org NONPROFIT THAT SERVES THE UNDERPRIVILEGED 1 BELOVED ASHEVILLE w 1302 Patton Ave., Suite 6386, Asheville 828-571-0766 • belovedasheville.com 2 MANNA FOODBANK e 627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 828-299-3663 • mannafoodbank.org 3 ABCCM w 20 Twentieth St., Asheville 828-259-5300 • abccm.org 3 HOMEWARD BOUND WNC d AHOPE, 19 N. Ann St., Asheville 828-258-1695 • homewardboundwnc.org ACTIVIST GROUP FOR CIVIC/POLITICAL ACTION 1 BELOVED ASHEVILLE w 1302 Patton Ave., Suite 6386, Asheville 828-571-0766 • belovedasheville.com BEST OF UNIQUELY ASHEVILLE To purchase, mountainx.comadvertise@contact Offici al plaque win with an Commemorate your BEST OF WNC Place To Connect With Nature Within Asheville City Limits CONTINUED
71MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE Thanks for voting us the BestServiceTree of WNC
72 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM LOCAL FUNDRAISING EVENT 1 DINE TO BE KIND (ASHEVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY) 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville 828-761-2001 • ashevillehumane.org 2 DINING OUT FOR LIFE (WNCAP) 554 Fairview Road, Asheville 828-252-7489 • diningoutforlife.com BUMPER STICKER OR SLOGAN ABOUT ASHEVILLE 1 KEEP ASHEVILLE WEIRD x 2 ASHEVILLE CAT WEIRDOS o ashevillecatweirdos.org 3 FART (FRIENDS OF ASHEVILLE RECREATIONAL TRAILS) fartavl.com THINGASHEVILLEDOWNTOWNNEEDS 1 BETTER, MORE, AND/ OR FREE PARKING x 2 AFFORDABLE HOUSING 3 FEWER TOURISTS THING ASHEVILLEWESTNEEDS 1 AFFORDABLE HOUSING 2 MORE ACCESSIBLE PARKING OPTIONS 3 BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE THING ASHEVILLENORTHNEEDS 1 AFFORDABLE HOUSING 2 MORE RESTAURANTS 3 MORE SIDEWALKS THING ASHEVILLESOUTHNEEDS 1 AFFORDABLE HOUSING 2 LESS TRAFFIC THING ASHEVILLEEASTNEEDS 1 AFFORDABLE HOUSING 2 MORE BARS AND RESTAURANTS 3 MORE SIDEWALKS THING THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT NEEDS 1 AFFORDABLE HOUSING 2 MORE RESTAURANTS PROJECT YOU’D LIKE TO SEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT DO 1 AFFORDABLE HOUSING 2 HELP HOMELESS PEOPLE 3 MORE SIDEWALKS WORST THING TO HAPPEN TO ASHEVILLE IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS 1 MORE HOTELS 2 HOUSE PRICES SKYROCKETED 3 COVID-19 PANDEMIC BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO ASHEVILLE IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS 1 REMOVAL OF COVID RESTRICTIONS 2 VANCE MONUMENT REMOVAL BIGGEST THREAT TO ASHEVILLE’S UNIQUENESS 1 TOURISTS/TOURISM 2 HOTELS AND DEVELOPERS 3 LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING BIGGEST OPPORTUNITY FOR ASHEVILLE’S UNIQUENESS 1 AFFORDABLE HOUSING WINTER LIGHTS AT THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM Best Holiday Event - Winter/Spring PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST BEST OF UNIQUELY ASHEVILLE CONTINUED
73MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE
in “The Truth About
Towns,”
This week’s Best Of WNC issue shines the spotlight on towns south of Asheville, including Brevard, Flat Rock, Hendersonville and Mills River, as well as on our friends to the west in Canton, Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Sylva and Cullowhee. So when you’re ready, build your own legendary daytrip itinerary with some of the voters’ favorites.
you:
Special lifetime achievement hon ors go to The Square Root (Dinner Restaurant–Brevard) for retaining its Hall of Fame status for nine consecu tiveWhileyears.you’re exploring, welcome these two regional veterans who entered the Hall of Fame this year: D.D. Bullwinkel’s Outdoors (Retail Store in Brevard); Blue Ridge Humane Society (Local Cause to Support in Hendersonville, Flat Rock and Mills River).
— Ben Williamson X MAYBERRY’S Best Lunch Restaurant PHOTO COURTESY OF MAYBERRY’S BREVARD
rural American life. “If you
74 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN 1 O.P. TAYLOR’S 16 S. Broad St., Brevard 828-883-2309 • optaylors.com 2 D.D. BULLWINKEL’S OUTDOORS 60 E. Main St., Brevard 828-862-4700 • ddbullwinkels.com BREAKFAST RESTAURANT 1 THE SUNRISE CAFE x 273 N. Broad St., Brevard 828-884-3331 • the-sunrise-cafe.com 2 MORNING SOCIAL 170 King St., Suite C, Brevard 828-877-3773 • morningsocialbrevard.com LUNCH RESTAURANT 1 MAYBERRY’S 30 W. Main St., Brevard 828-862-8646 • mayberrys.co 2 THE SQUARE ROOT 33 Times Arcade Alley, Brevard 828-884-6171 • squarerootrestaurant.com 3 ROCKY’S GRILL & SODA SHOP 50 S. Broad St., Brevard 828-877-5375 • rockysnc.com DINNER RESTAURANT 1 THE SQUARE ROOT x 33 Times Arcade Alley, Brevard 828-884-6171 • squarerootrestaurant.com 2 JORDAN STREET CAFÉ 48 W. Jordan St., Brevard 828-883-2558 • thejordanstreetcafe.com COFFEE & SWEETS 1 BRACKEN MOUNTAIN BAKERY 42. S. Broad St., Brevard brackenmountainbakery.weebly.com828-883-4034 2 CUP & SAUCER 36 E. Main St. A, Brevard 828-884-2877 • cupandsaucernc.com 2 THE VELVET CUP COFFEE TRUCK 828-565-1252 • thevelvetcupcoffeetruck.com Small Towns
D Baker got it right Small his 1998 poem about walk slow (but not from nearby.” When find yourself meander ing down a sidewalk in one of Western North Carolina’s small the locals may smile knowingly at yet another tourist come to town. Just smile back, as you’re probably there to get away and to move at a slower pace. And no need to ask the locals how to spend your time; the voters have done that for you.
AVID
don’t stop), you’re
you
towns,
75MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE LOCALWATERINGBAR/BREWERY/HOLE 1 OSKAR BLUES BREWERY x 342 Mountain Industrial Drive, Brevard 828-883-2337 • oskarblues.com 2 ECUSTA BREWING 49 Pisgah Highway, Suite 3, Pisgah Forest 828-966-2337 • ecustabrewing.com 3 BREVARD BREWING CO. 63 E. Main St., brevard-brewing.comBrevard MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENTVENUE 1 185 KING STREET 185 King St., 828-877-1850Brevard•185kingst.com 2 BREVARD MUSIC CENTER 349 Andante Lane, Brevard 828-862-2100 • brevardmusic.org 3 THE DFR LOUNGE 44 E. Main St., Brevard 828-275-3379 • dfrlounge.com RETAIL STORE 1 D.D. BULLWINKEL’S OUTDOORS x 60 E. Main St., Brevard 828-862-4700 • ddbullwinkels.com 2 O.P. TAYLOR’S 16 S. Broad St., Brevard 828-883-2309 • optaylors.com CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT 1 WHITE SQUIRREL FESTIVAL x East Main Street, Brevard 828-884-3278 • avl.mx/bwl 2 BREVARD MUSIC CENTER’S SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL 349 Andante Lane, Brevard 828-862-2105 • brevardmusic.org/festival LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS 1 PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST x Pisgah Highway, Pisgah Forest 828-257-4200 • avl.mx/6aw 2 DUPONT STATE FOREST Staton Road, Cedar Mountain 828-877-6527 x The Hall of Fame designation is reserved for winners who have won first place four years in a row (or more), including this year (2019 - 2022) HALLTHEOFFAMEICON CONTINUED X Awards 2022 Sept. 8 at Highland Brewing Party Peggy Ratusz 5-6 p.m. Hope Griffin 6:15-7:15 p.m. DJ Lil Meow Meow 7:30-8:30 p.m. Special guests Asheville FM, the WNC Nature Center and more... And food trucks Melt Your Heart and El Kimchi BANDS:
76 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN 1 OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. 147 First Ave. E., Hendersonville 828-595-9956 • oklawahabrewing.com 2 BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER 72 School House Road, Mills River 828-595-9940 • boldrock.com 3 FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 828-693-0731 • flatrockplayhouse.org BREAKFAST RESTAURANT 1 ARABELLA BREAKFAST & BRUNCH 536 N. Main St., Hendersonville arabellabreakfastandbrunch.com828-595-2449 2 HONEY AND SALT [Closed] 3 HENDOUGH CHICKEN & DONUTS 532 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 828-595-2885 • hendough.com LUNCH RESTAURANT 1 MOUNTAIN DELI 343 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-693-0093 • mountaindelinc.com 2 HOT DOG WORLD 226 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 828-697-0374 • hotdogworld.net 3 2 GUYS PIZZA: PLANET FRIENDLY FOOD & BREWS 1307 Seventh Ave. E., Hendersonville 828-693-6755 • 2guyspizza.org DINNER RESTAURANT 1 SHINE 202 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-692-0062 • shinehvl.com 2 POSTERO 401 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-595-9676 • postero-hvl.com 3 2 GUYS PIZZA: PLANET FRIENDLY FOOD & BREWS 1307 Seventh Ave. E., Hendersonville 828-693-6755 • 2guyspizza.org 3 UMI JAPANESE FINE DINING 633 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-698-8048 • umisushinc.com COFFEE & SWEETS 1 BLACK BEAR COFFEE CO. x 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-692-6333 • blackbear.coffee 2 MCFARLAN BAKERY 309 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-693-4256 • mcfarlanbakery.com 3 THE 2ND ACT 101 E. Allen St., Suite 101, Hendersonville 828-513-0045 • the2ndacthendo.com LOCALWATERINGBAR/BREWERY/HOLE 1 MILLS RIVER BREWING CO. 336 Banner Farm Road, Mills River 828-513-5155 • millsriverbrewingco.com 2 OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. 147 First Ave. E., Hendersonville 828-595-9956 • oklawahabrewing.com 3 BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER 72 School House Road, Mills River 828-595-9940 • boldrock.com MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENTVENUE 1 OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. 147 First Ave. E., Hendersonville 828-595-9956 • oklawahabrewing.com 2 SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY 822 Locust St., Hendersonville 828-684-1235 • sabrewery.com 3 FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 828-693-0731 • flatrockplayhouse.org RETAIL STORE 1 MAST GENERAL (HENDERSONVILLE)STORE x 527 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-696-1883 • mastgeneralstore.com 2 KINGDOM HARVEST 412 N. Main St., Hendersonville 212828-513-1430S.Church St., Hendersonville 828-513-1430 • kingdomharvestavl.com ART GALLERY 1 CONTINUUM ART COLLECTIVE 147 First Ave. E, Suite C, Hendersonville 828-435-3300 • continuumartnc.com 2 ART MOB STUDIOS & MARKETPLACE 124 Fourth Ave. E., Hendersonville 828-693-4545 • artmobstudios.com CULTURAL OR LANDMARKHISTORICAL 1 CARL SANDBURG HOME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE x 1800 Little River Road, Flat Rock 828-693-4178 • nps.gov/carl 2 HENDERSON COUNTY HISTORIC COURTHOUSE 1 Historic Courthouse Square, Hendersonville 828-697-4808 • avl.mx/a96 CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT 1 NC APPLE FESTIVAL x 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-697-4557 • ncapplefestival.org 2 ART ON MAIN Main Street, 828-693-8504Hendersonville•artonmainnc.com 3 GARDEN JUBILEE South Main Street, Hendersonville 828-693-9708 • avl.mx/bjv LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS 1 CARL SANDBURG HOME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE x 1800 Little River Road, Flat Rock 828-693-4178 • nps.gov/carl 2 THE PARK AT FLAT ROCK 55 Highland Golf Drive, Flat Rock flatrockparkfoundation.org/the-park828-697-8100 3 DUPONT STATE FOREST Staton Road, Cedar Mountain dupontstaterecreationalforest.com828-877-6527 LOCAL CAUSE TO SUPPORT 1 BLUE RIDGE HUMANE SOCIETY x 88 Centipede Lane, Hendersonville 828-692-2639 • blueridgehumane.org BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO YOUR TOWN IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS 1 LAZRLUVR lazrluvr.com 2 PROGRESS ON THE ECUSTA TRAIL 828-490-1854Hendersonville• ecustatrail.org MILLS RIVER BREWING CO. Best Local Bar/Brewery/Watering Hole PHOTO COURTESY OF MILLS RIVER BREWING CO. FLATHENDERSONVILLE,ROCK&MILLSRIVER BEST OF SMALL TOWNS
77MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE white duck taco shop Now atOpen All Locations!ThreeCOMINGSOON…Mt.Pleasant,SC Thank You Asheville! WNC 20 14 BE S T OF
78 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM BEST OF SMALL TOWNS LUNCH RESTAURANT 1 GUADALUPE CAFÉ 606 W. Main St., Sylva 828-586-9877 • guadalupecafe.com DINNER RESTAURANT 1 ILDA 462 W. Main St., Sylva 828-307-2036 • ildainsylva.com COFFEE & SWEETS 1 WHITE MOON 545 Mill St., 828-331-0111Sylva•whitemoonnc.com LOCALWATERINGBAR/BREWERY/HOLE 1 INNOVATION BREWING x 414 W. Main St., Sylva 40828-586-9678DepotStreet, Dillsboro 732828-226-0262Centennial Drive, Cullowhee 828-882-3035 • innovation-brewing.com 2 LAZY HIKER BREWING CO. 617 W. Main St., Sylva 828-349-2337 • lazyhikerbrewing.com Thanks to everyone who voted for us First Place in WNC for Barista, Julianna Pittman First Place In Burnsville for Breakfast Restaurant, Lunch Restaurant, Dinner Restaurant, Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Burnsville, and Coffee & Sweets Second Place in WNC for Best Value, Best Service, Best Salad, Best Local-Food Emphasis, and Best Chef Nick Rash (Tie) Second Place in Burnsville for Best Music/Entertainment Venue Third Place in WNC for Lunch, Takeout, and Quick Meal (Tie) 8 West Main Street, Burnsville, NC 28714 828-682-0120 ~ www.appalachianjavaburnsville.com ~ Best of WNC Winner Five Years in a Row! ILDA Best Dinner Restaurant PHOTO BY ALANAH LUCAS, SILVERWOLF STUDIOS SYLVA CULLOWHEE&
79MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN 1 PAPERTOWN COFFEE 119 Main St., 828-492-0993Canton•papertown.coffee 2 BOOJUM BREWING CO. 50 N. Main St., Waynesville 828-246-0350 • boojumbrewing.com 3 MAST GENERAL STORE (WAYNESVILLE) 63 N. Main St., Waynesville 828-452-2101 • mastgeneralstore.com BREAKFAST RESTAURANT 1 THE BUTTERED BISCUIT 1226 Dellwood Road, Waynesville 828-246-6446 • avl.mx/9wl 2 BEACH MOUNTAIN DINER 429 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville 828-246-6800 • beachmountaindiner.com 3 JOEY’S PANCAKE HOUSE 4309 Soco Road, Maggie Valley 828-926-0212 • joeyspancake.com LUNCH RESTAURANT 1 BOOJUM BREWING CO. 50 N. Main St., Waynesville 828-246-0350 • boojumbrewing.com 1 THE SWEET ONION RESTAURANT 39 Miller St., 828-456-5559Waynesville•sweetonionrestaurant.com 2 J-RO’S BURGERS AND SUBS 90 Main St., 828-492-0015Canton•jrosburgers.com 3 THE PATIO BISTRO 26 Church St., Waynesville 828-454-0070 • patio-nc.com DINNER RESTAURANT 1 THE SWEET ONION RESTAURANT 39 Miller St., 828-456-5559Waynesville•sweetonionrestaurant.com 2 BOOJUM BREWING CO. 50 N. Main St., Waynesville 828-246-0350 • boojumbrewing.com 3 SOUTHERN PORCH 117 Main St., 828-492-8006Canton•southern-porch.com COFFEE & SWEETS 1 PAPERTOWN COFFEE 119 Main St., 828-492-0993Canton•papertown.coffee 2 ORCHARD COFFEE 39 Depot St., 828-246-9264Waynesville•orchardcoffeeroasters.com 3 PANACEA COFFEE CO. 66 Commerce St., Waynesville 828-452-6200 • panaceacoffee.com LOCALWATERINGBAR/BREWERY/HOLE 1 BEARWATERS BREWING CO. 101 Park St., 4352828-492-0220CantonSocoRoad,Maggie Valley 828-944-0009 • bearwatersbrewing.com 2 BOOJUM BREWING CO. TAPROOM 50 N. Main St., Waynesville 828-944-0888 • boojumbrewing.com 3 FROG LEVEL BREWING CO. 56 Commerce St., Waynesville 828-454-5664 • froglevelbrewing.com MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENTVENUE 1 THE GEM BAR AT BOOJUM BREWING 50 N. Main St., Waynesville 828-246-0350 • boojumbrewing.com 2 HAYWOOD ARTS REGIONAL THEATRE (HART) 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville 828-456-6322 • harttheatre.org RETAIL STORE 1 MAST GENERAL STORE (WAYNESVILLE) x 63 N. Main St., Waynesville 828-452-2101 • mastgeneralstore.com 2 PIGEON RIVER MERCANTILE 81 Main St., 828-492-1260Canton•avl.mx/bvw ART GALLERY 1 TWIGS & LEAVES GALLERY 98 N. Main St., Waynesville 828-456-1940 • twigsandleaves.com CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT 1 FOLKMOOT USA x 112 Virginia Ave., Waynesville 828-452-2997 • folkmoot.org LOCAL PLACE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS 1 LAKE JUNALUSKA x 91 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska 828-452-2881 • lakejunaluska.com 2 BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY 828-670-1924 • blueridgeparkway.org 2 SUNBURST FALLS Highway 215, Canton LOCAL CAUSE TO SUPPORT 1 SARGE’S ANIMAL RESCUE FOUNDATION 256 Industrial Park Drive, Suite B, Waynesville 828-246-9050 • sargeanimals.org 2 FLOOD CLEANUP/RELIEF 828-356-2022 • recoverhaywood.com MAST GENERAL STORE (WAYNESVILLE) Best Retail Store; third place Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Your Town PHOTO COURTESY OF MAST GENERAL STORE MAGGIEWAYNESVILLE,VALLEY&CANTON And a BIG Thanks to the readers of Mountain Xpress for voting us: 1st place - (Hall of Fame) Cultural or Arts Event in Waynesville/Maggie Valley/Canton Region Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, donors, and festival attendees who helped make Summerfest 2022 a smashing success! Check out Folkmoot.org for information on year round programming! We look forward to seeing you at the 40th anniversary of Folkmoot in 2023! CONTINUED
MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 21
AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM22
Xpress spoke with several local experts in caregiving for their best advice and tips.
Edward Jones , family caregiv er specialist at the Land of Sky Regional Council Area Agency on Aging, recommends being specif ic when asking for assistance from others, such as asking for help doing the grocery shopping or driving someone to a doctor’s appointment. There should also be a centrally located list or folder with health care and pharmacy contacts for caregiv ers, family and loved ones to easily access. “Know who your support system is and know who the provid ers are that are working with your elder, and then you’re not scram bling in a crisis,” says McGuire.
“We are actively seeking ideas and feedback from our community as to how we can best nurture this pop ulation and their caregivers,” says Jennifer Teague, program manager for aging and adult services. She adds that Buncombe County does not have a current estimate of caregivers for people age 65 and older. Caregiving — especially for those in what’s called the sandwich gen eration, caring for elders as well as children — is stressful. “I often see a lot of isolation, a lot of loneliness” among caregivers, says Audrey Morris, clinical director of Healing Solutions Counseling at Jewish Family Services of WNC, a nonprofit serving the needs of older adults. “Depression is very common with caregivers [from] coping with grief and the stress of losing someone that theyCaregiverslove.”
A FAMILY AFFAIR
In North Carolina, a person can designate a health care agent, which provides power of attorney for medical decisions. If a person who needs care can’t communi cate their wishes about health care, including mental health, and life-prolonging decisions, the power of attorney can do so.
WELLNESS Not
must not tackle every problem on their own. “No single per son can be everything to everyone all the time,” says Carrie McGuire, case manager at Jewish Family Services of WNC. ” t’s really important for care givers to assess what their limitations are and communicate that openly.”
LOOK FOR THE HELPERS: Experts predict a need for more local caregivers as the population ages. Pictured, clockwise from top left, are Carrie McGuire, case man ager at Jewish Family Services of WNC; Brendan Hanover, Faye’s Place Elder Club Program manager at JFSWNC; Audrey Morris, clinical director of Healing Solutions Counseling at JSFWNC; and Edward Jones, family caregiver specialist at the Land of Sky Regional Council Area Agency on Aging. Photos courtesy of Morris and Jones JESSICA WAKEMAN
HAVE CONVERSATIONS EARLY If one is a caregiver to an aging person or someone else who may experience cognitive decline, McGuire emphasizes the need to discuss finances and health deci sions early. Loved ones should find out the wishes of the person need ing care before he or she is unable to communicate those wishes.
jwakeman@mountainx.com BY
McGuire recommends putting schedules on a calendar to which everyone has access. Family or friends may want to share a digital calendar, like CaringBridge Care Calendar or Lotsa Helping Hands. But if accessing the internet is dif ficult for the person needing care or a rotation of in-home medical staff need to see it, all information should also be updated on an ana logAskingcalendar.for help is not always easy; people may believe they should be willing and able to do everything for their loved ones. But experts emphasize that life cannot stop com pletely. Caregivers need to care for their own health and finances, and continue as much as possible with their own careers or education.
Buncombe County is expecting a large increase in its elderly popula tion in the coming decades. The need for more caregivers will increase with the rise of the aging population. According to a report by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Division on Aging and Adult Services, the county will experience a 23.1% increase, from 270,224 people to 332,660 people, from 2020-40. The county’s most drastic increases will be in the aging population. Residents age 65 and older are expected to increase 49.3% from 2020-40, while the population of residents 85 and older is expected to increase by 121%.
Caregiving advice from the local pros
Experts emphasized setting boundaries with the person needing care and with other family members or loved ones who are giving care.
Pat Hilgendorf , a caregiver pro gram associate at the Land of Sky Regional Council Area Agency on Aging, recommends contacting the elder law division of Pisgah Legal Services. It can help with end-oflife planning, as well as assist with cases of financial exploitation, con sumer fraud or elder abuse. alone
A caregiver should also antic ipate how their loved one’s transportation and home needs mightJoneschange.recommends a medication organizer, which comes either with manually opened lids or electronic lids with locks. Some pharmacies will also package medications by the dosage, such as for morning, afternoon and evening, he says. If the person needing care has mobility issues, he or she may need ramps to replace stairs indoors, outdoors or both. (Thirty-one per cent of people age 65 and older in Buncombe County have a disabili ty, according to NCDHHS data.)
Support comes in many forms. McGuire notes that some loved ones may contribute hands-on care, while others may contribute financially. McGuire notes that she lives closer to her parents while her sibling lives abroad. That means the majority of in-person assistance is done by her, while her sibling contributes financially.
Jones says a great resource is the NCDHHS North Carolina Caregiver Portal, a free service that provides in-depth video les sons about caring for someone who is aging or has dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive decline. He recommends videos by Teepa Snow , who is renowned in the field of early dementia care.
Jones also says the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has plenty of resources for caregivers of veterans. The Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville provides caregiver support ser vices, and caregiver support coor dinators can help with accessing services. The program can also assist with arranging respite care, which enables the caregiver to take a break while someone else cares for their loved one.
“It can be a little uncomfortable [to talk about support] but it only benefits to do it ahead of time,” she says.
MONEY MATTERS
into the discussion of finances is the cost of future health care. Caregivers should know whether the person needing care would like in-home health care or a residential facility that can provide health care and should understand how to pay for that care.
Mountain Mobility is a service for Buncombe County residents age 65 and older who meet eligi bility requirements. Rides must be scheduled in advance online, which can be done by a caregiver, and require the day and date of the trip and the destination, among other information. (More informa tion is available at avl.mx/by8.)
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Caregiving for a loved one requires everyone to be transpar ent about finances, says Morris, the clinical director. She says money talk can be “really sensitive but it’s really, really important.” She underscores the need to have sensitive conversations about finances before cognitive decline starts. Caregivers should know details about income and insur ance, including Medicaid. Wills and trusts should reflect up-todateWrappedwishes.
Another resource Jones rec ommends is the Duke Caregiver Support Program, which does not require one to be a Duke Health patient to access. The program can offer guidance to caregivers about their options caring for a loved one and staffs follow up with the caregiver for 90 days.
ANDTRANSPORTATIONHOMENEEDS
In addition to family and loved ones, there are other supports for caregivers. The Buncombe Aging Services website lists numerous resources from Meals on Wheels of Asheville Buncombe County for home-delivered meals, Mountain Housing Opportunities for home improvements and OnTrack Financial Education and Counseling for credit counseling.
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
• saraheisenstein32@gmail.com serendipitysomatics.com Your companion to land-use planning in Buncombe County DEVELOPMENT GUIDE NOW!OUT Pick up your print copy in Xpress boxes or online at mountainx.com/development-guide
NCDHHS’ Project Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty can also connect caregivers to funds for respite care, depending on eligibility. Sarah Eisenstein NCLMBT#16350 (828)-620-9861
Local theater companies continue work toward greater equity and inclusion EDWIN ARNAUDIN
Aisha Adams Media conducted an equity audit of the organization’s policies, procedures, programs, digital footprint and physical space.
DIFFERENCE MAKERS:
PUTTING IN WORK
On Aug. 25, Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective opened its 12th season with Blood at the Root. The theme for this season’s productions is “Representation Matters.”
“Many companies continue to struggle with how to initiate and build relationships with BIPOC art ists within our community. Those relationships can only be established through trust, consistency and time,” Hickling Beckman says. “There is still significant work to be done at the most basic level, in regard to direct and active recruitment of BIPOC artists and producing more work by BIPOCAshevilleplaywrights.”Community Theatre is taking steps to achieve such results.
Photo by Carol Spags Photography
The following April, ACT began working with alexandria monque and david greenson at Collaborative Organizing on a four-phase contract.
“We instated anti-racism training for all staff and board and under took an in-depth assessment of our institutional culture,” Sparacino says. “We finished our initial contract [with CO] this spring, and we established a Cultural Change Agent Team to con tinue our [diverity, equity and inclu sion] work. We’re currently talking with CO to prioritize the next steps we need to take.”
For some local theater companies, racial equity and inclusivity efforts came to the forefront of their practic es following the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery in 2020. But for other groups, such principles have been a part of their daily fabric from the beginning. Since its 2010 launch, Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective has “consistently [called] into question the social norms and quiet acquiescence that allow racism, discrimination and other forms of oppression to thrive,” notes the organization’s website. And for its 12th season, founder and Managing Artistic Director Stephanie Hickling Beckman is taking that com mitment a step further with a selection of plays that adhere to the theme of “Representation Matters.” “Casting a play with a majority of Black actors continues to be difficult in Asheville, yet we do not see it as a deterrent,” she says. “Choosing and casting plays that tell more diverse stories is now more important to Different Strokes than ever.”
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As other theater companies like wise embark on new seasons, Xpress checked in with representatives on the progress of their equity and inclusion goals. While important strides have been made over the past two-plus years, missteps have never theless hampered some initiatives, prompting leadership to regroup and rethink their procedures.
In August 2020, ACT launched a diversity, equity and inclusion com mittee made up of board and staff members, and contracted with two local anti-racist consulting firms.
Alongside Different Strokes, ACT was one of the first local arts orga nizations to publicly acknowledge racial injustices in early June 2020 and pledge to become better allies with the Black community.
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“We made a statement because we needed to directly address the issues that we were seeing play out in our country,” says Tamara Sparacino, managing director for ACT. “We know the importance and necessity of participating in creating a more just and equitable world. The best way for us to do that was to embark on doing this work in our own organization.”
In addition, the values of ACT’s DEI work have been integrated into its governing documents by the board of directors, and its hiring practices have been changed to include transparency in salary, an open application process and using a standardized rubric and a
To further its efforts to diversify theater in Western North Carolina, Different Strokes has committed to supporting artists of color in specific ways. Through its Apprenticeship Program for Emerging BIPOC Artists and Administrators, the company selected two students — Wellesley College junior Zaria Bunn and recent high school graduate Brittany Long — who have been working with staff since May on stage management and set design, respec tively. Both apprentices spearhead ed efforts for the company’s current production, Blood at the Root, which runs through Saturday, Sept. 10. The show also features three Black actors — Sharvis Smith, Righteous Luster and Melvin AC Howell, who doubles as the show’s choreographer.
ARTS & CULTURE Progress report
In January, Different Strokes also launched its emerging Black play wrights program, A Different Myth, in partnership with American Myth Center. Together, they’re current ly working with Howell and fellow Black playwrights Lisa Langford and Mildred Inez Lewis on the completion of three full-length plays that will eventually be produced by Different Strokes.
But following this April’s premiere of her play, Transition, Young filed a five-page grievance letter with ACT and its board of directors, that, as she shared in a Facebook post, detailed “every single issue, misuse, challenge, barrier and harm [she and her cast/ crew] encountered, as well as things that were not carried out by [ACT].” The fellowship was subsequently dis solved four months before its sched uled“Myconclusion.cast,crew and myself were con sistently met with apathy, disregard, disrespect and an overall ill-mannered feeling while preparing to share a vul nerable piece of Black art,” Young wrote in her post. “I would not rec ommend any Black artist be subjected to even half of what my cast and I experienced in that space.”
CONTINUES ON PAGE 26 @Camdenscoffeehouse • 40 N Main St, Mars Hill, NC
Young, who declined to comment for this article, added in the post that ACT “has made an immediate pledge to address everything brought to their attention in [her] grievance, and others brought to their attention by individuals who were [her] cast/ crew, but only time will tell if tangible changes are made and willing to be sustained within that organization.”
Young was subsequently brought on as Hickling Beckman’s co-direc tor for Different Strokes’ June pro duction of Monsters of the American Cinema. Meanwhile, ACT has put the Artistic Partner Fellowship program on hold to, in Sparacino’s words, “reflect and learn from this experi ence” and “be sure that if/when we open this program again, we have reworked the program to incorporate what we have learned.”
“We are limited in our response to [what happened with the fellow ship] due to the confidentiality of personnel and varying perspectives. However, we can say that, in hind sight, we could have offered more assistance and communication,” Sparacino says. “After Ms. Young asked to leave prior to her fellowship ending, we honored her request and decided to pause at this juncture to reevaluate the needs and expecta tions of the program. We want to be sure we are ready and have all avail able resources to guide this program successfully in the future.”
Beginning with opening night of Monsters of the American Cinema, Different Strokes has prefaced each performance with Hickling Beckman acknowledging that the “beautiful land on which we live, love and create art was stolen from the Cherokee people ... by the United States.” The statement concludes with a commit ment to “continued conversation with the Cherokee people” and “a true effort to connect and grow” in order for WNC to become “the inclusive community it was meant to be.”
MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 25 single-blind review procedure to mini mize biases. In turn, Sparacino notes that it was important to hire a new artistic director committed to centering equity in all of ACT’s operations and productions, which they found in Robert Arleigh White. Though White is not a person of color, ACT has added two new full-time staff members of color and four board members of color in the last two years.
INDIGENOUS INVOLVEMENT
“The voices at the table making artistic and fiscal decisions for ACT are more diverse than at any time in our company’s history,” Sparacino says. As such, the company’s upcoming season will feature increased diver sity onstage and behind the scenes. Sparacino reports that its current production of Our Town (which opens Friday, Sept. 30) has a diverse cast; two of the five mainstage productions will be directed by women of color; and plans are in place for live Spanish translations of two of those shows, during which audience members can listen to a Spanish-language broadcast of the show through a headset. “We’ve chosen to explore cultural issues artistically via the shows we selected for this year’s season and plan to initiate conversations about these themes in our Q&A talkbacks and highlight them on our social media throughout the season,” Sparacino says. “The art speaks for itself, and we can speak with the art by emphasizing and prioritizing conversations that promote understanding and change.”
REFLECTION AND RECALIBRATION ACT’s efforts, however, haven’t been without issues, particularly in regard to its Artistic Partner Fellowship. Created alongside local playwright Maria “Ria” Young in early 2021, the paid, yearlong position was designed to give local artists of color opportu nities to hone their skills with experi enced ACT staff and share stories of underrepresented communities.
Though equity and inclusion efforts were primarily sparked by a desire to become better allies with Asheville’s Black community members, the focus has broadened to other underserved populations within the region.
Different Strokes was inspired to add the acknowledgment after the 2020 publication of “We See You White American Theatre,” a document craft ed by a collective of Black, Indigenous and people of color theater-makers
“This statement is included in our playbill, but as a theater company, we believe in the power of the spoken word and have opted to make it a part of the curtain speech in order to publicly position ourselves as allies,” Hickling Beckman says. She continues, “In short, this is not new for us, as we express soli darity with every show we produce by partnering with a particular non profit; we express support of the trans and nonbinary communities every time we acknowledge the non binary restroom and its location in the building; and we profess outrage against the murders of unarmed Black people by including ‘Black Lives Matter’ on our website.”
“ACT will display the land acknowl edgment on a plaque in the theater lobby in both the Cherokee language and English,” Sparacino says. “A part or all of the statement will be recognized before each performance in order to acknowledge and show respect for the Cherokee people.”
AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM26 from across the country. According to Hickling Beckman, the document “exposes the indignities and racism that BIPOC theater-makers face on a day-to-day basis in the theater industry and demands ‘substantive change.’”
N.C. Stage’s next phase is to work with a consultant on an organizational level. And Flynn-McIver also plans to keep close tabs on the equity and inclu sion work being done by Robin TynesMiller, artistic and operations director for Three Bone Theatre in Charlotte, as well as Hickling Beckman. “Different Strokes always has interesting stuff going on,” he says. “I’m always interested in what their perspective is.”
Topping the list, under “Cultural Competency,” is the demand for “the naming and acknowledgment of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian tribal land and its Native peoples who have lived, currently live and will live on the land where any theater activity hap pens.”
While Different Strokes and ACT are seeing the results of these efforts take shape, N.C. Stage Company remains in the planning stages of its inclusion initiatives. As the professional equity theater prepares to produce its first full season of shows since the COVID19 pandemic, racial justice has been on the minds of Artistic Director Charlie Flynn-McIver and his colleagues. “Our focus right now is how do we create a place that is welcoming and doesn’t create harm?” Flynn-McIver says. “And what our process has been is to educate ourselves about how we are possibly perpetuating the problem before we can talk about how we can become part of a solution.” However, he’s quick to add that “solution” is a problematic word, as it suggests that racial equity issues can be solved and disappear. “There is no end to this work,” he says. “It’s not like you can finish. You have to continue learn ing and always strive towards inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.”
Flynn-McIver notes that many white-led organizations feel they are inherently welcoming places because they’re not doing anything they per ceive as damaging. But the more he and his staff inform themselves on the matter, the more they realize how easy it can be to perpetuate the problems and that it takes intentional actions from everyone who is a part of their organization to address them.
In crafting its statement, Different Strokes also sought guidance from the Native Governance Center, a Native-led nonprofit dedicated to assisting Native nations in strength ening their governance systems and capacity to exercise sovereignty. The NGC provides an “Indigenous Guide to Land Acknowledgement,” which includes several tips and suggestions for preparing an acknowledgment.
“That’s involved a lot of research — a lot of reading and listening, rang ing from professionals in the field to personal experiences of BIPOC actors and designers and directors working with white-led organizations,” FlynnMcIver says. “And to hear their stories, you start to say, ‘Oh, I see how we need to be more inclusive and welcoming.’”
X ARTS & CULTURE SOLO ACT: Mike Wiley’s One Noble Journey: A Box Marked Freedom opens N.C. Stage Co.’s newest season on Wednesday, Sept. 7. Photo courtesy of Mike Wiley Productions Ready for sunny days at SuppertheClub SMOKYPARK.COM350RIVERSIDEDR.ASHEVILLE,NC28801828-350-0315
As outlined in the document, Different Strokes’ land statement acknowledges the land local residents live on as stolen because “Indigenous Americans exchanged millions of acres of land through treaties for basic needs and rights despite the fact that every treaty was broken by the U.S. government.”
“We relied heavily on this resource, and I spoke to a source at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian who said that land acknowledgments are important but encouraged us to have a reason to make it and to do our own research, and cautioned against doing it just because ‘everybody else is doing it,’” Hickling Beckman says. “We hope our statement also encourages folks to learn the truth. It is a shame that our children are being taught the same history I was — that Native Americans gave the land to the U.S. as a trade, leaving out the part where the U.S. did not keep their end of the bargain.”
ACT has taken similar measures. Its Cultural Change Agent Team collaborated with Bo Lossiah, a rep resentative of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council, to develop a land acknowledgment, which was presented to the Tribal Council and accepted.
STEP BY STEP
Flynn-McIver has also been reach ing out to people of color whom he knows in the industry, being careful not to ask them to speak for a group of people but for only their personal experiences. He says their recollec tions overlap significantly with the findings of his research and reiterate an industrywide lack of acknowledg ment of how theaters aren’t creating safe and welcoming spaces for audi ences and people who work there.
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Looking ahead
Following the upcoming open ings, all three galleries remain busy through the fall.
At UNC Asheville, art students Sophia Sherar and Jodie Karr will exhibit in the S. Tucker Cooke Gallery Oct. 20-27, followed by Dylan Mintz and Arlene Rangel, showing Nov.Meanwhile,3-10. the Weizenblatt Gallery will feature works by Rob Amberg, the well-known Madison County photographer who has been documenting the culture and envi ronment of his adopted county since 1973. Amberg will be pairing his pho tographs with ceramics by Marshall artist Josh Copus. The show runs Sept. 21-Oct. 13. Later that same month, the gallery will present works by two Burnsvillebased craftspeople — ceramicist Terry Gess and fiber artist Colleen Connolly. The exhibit runs Oct. 26-Nov. 10. The Weizenblatt wraps up the semester with its Asheville Printmakers show, featuring around 30 local artists. The exhibit runs Nov. 16-Dec. 8. The Elizabeth Holden Gallery will host the Fourth Triennial Exhibition of the Kentucky-based Wood Engravers’ Network, featuring 65 works by artists from Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, England, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Taiwan, Ukraine and the United States. The show is on view Oct. 20-Nov. 25, with an opening reception on Thursday, Oct. 20, 4:30-6 p.m. X
PRACTICE WHAT YOU TEACH
UNCA is not alone in its latest efforts to prepare art students for professional lives outside academia. Other local universities and colleges are gearing up for their own fall semester exhibits, as well. These collections, note gallery directors and curators, benefit not only the students but the community at large.
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College art galleries have two main purposes, says Carrie Tomberlin, lecturer in photography at UNC Asheville and director of the univer sity’s S. Tucker Cooke Gallery. First, she says, “We are here to give our art students the chance to exhibit their own work and to createAdditionally,exhibitions.”she continues, cam pus galleries “extend the curriculum by bringing in guest artists to show students they can succeed with their art degree after school. And we try very hard to get a wide variety of art ists in all disciplines and at different stages in their careers.” Artist Gerry Wubben of Greenville, S.C., kicks off Cooke Gallery’s fall season on Monday, Sept. 5, with Monumental Intimacy: A Drawing Survey, a collection of hyperrealistic works in pencil, ink, charcoal and acrylic. The opening reception is Thursday, Sept. 8, 6-8 p.m.“I am planning on a packed show of 50-plus works,” Wubben says. The drawings, he adds, will range from small-scale to wall-size creations.
Piggybacking on Tomberlin’s list, Skip Rohde , director of the Weizenblatt Gallery at Mars Hill University, offers a third purpose for campus art shows. Exhibits, he notes, allow art faculty members to show their work so students can see how their instructors practice what they teach. At MHU, the latest Faculty Biennial Art Exhibit hosts its open ing reception Wednesday, Sept. 7, 6-8 p.m. The show will feature ceramics by Shane Mickey and Liz Summerfield, drawing and paint ing by Scott Lowrey, photography by Paige Taylor , graphic design by Lora Eggleston and paintings by Rohde himself. The show closes Wednesday, Sept. 14.
The art of education
Fall exhibits open on local college campuses a.wengrow@yahoo.com
ARTARTS
BY ARNOLD WENGROW & CULTURE
“They’ve also selected a bunch of shards from the creek that will be in the gallery for a visitor to rear range artistically,” Caro says. “This aspect of the show is an invitation to visitors to take up residence in the space themselves and be thoughtful and creative, similar to the residen cy experience.”
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GROUP SHOW: Donté K. Hayes is one of 21 participating artists in ’Reside: Reflections from Township10.’
High-Rated
Meanwhile, at Warren Wilson College, the Elizabeth Holden Gallery is going in a different direc tion with Reside: Reflections from Township10 . It’s the first group show taking place off campus at Township10, a new artists retreat on a 30-acre farm — and former home of East Fork pottery — near Marshall. Reside features 21 artists, mostly working in ceramics, whose pieces were created while at the retreat. Combined, the eclectic group rep resents 10 states, though the art ists’ roots extend well beyond the borders of the continental U.S. to include Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Scotland, Taiwan and South Korea. Currently open, the exhibit runs through Friday, Oct. 7.
For more information on Monumental Intimacy: A Drawing Survey, visit avl.mx/by0. Additional information on Faculty Biennial Art Exhibit is available at avl.mx/8x8. For more on Reside: Reflections from Township10, visit avl.mx/by3.
Photo by Eric Dean Salon
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EXPANSIVE AND ECLECTIC
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Unlike previous iterations, Rohde is adding MHU alumni to the faculty roster, with an assem blage/sculpture by Daniel Frisbee , mixed media by Kristalyn Bunyan and Court McCracken , graph ic design by Sarah Ingalls and Kendall Bines , and photography by Kiersten Foust “We wanted to show our current students that there is an artistic life after graduation,” Rohde says. “And we want the community to see that our alumni are doing some really good work.”
Julie Caro, professor of art histo ry at Warren Wilson and curator for the Elizabeth Holden Gallery, says she asked Marjorie Dial, founder of Township10, if the college gal lery could host its latest exhibit on the property after visiting the space in “I2021.decided to have this be an experiential learning project for two of our art history majors, Meredith Ahmet and Biiwaabik Hunt, both class of 2023,” Caro says. The two students selected the initial group of works and the general theme for the show — artistic responses to the mountain landscape of Township10. They also devised interactive components for the show, including a reading nook with books from the Township10 library and a video of one of the artists at work.
ALL ARE WELCOME: “Our primary audience is the students,” says Carrie Tomberlin, featured, director of the S. Tuck er Cooke Gallery at UNC Asheville. “But we also want the greater Asheville community to come. And I think once the word gets out of the quality of the work we’re showing, a lot of the community will be really excited.” Photo courtesy of UNC Asheville
TASTE OF HOME: Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food owner Chris Barroso, left, and his cousin Yanolys Morejon Gonzalez unveil their new food truck. Gonzalez’s husband, Joel, is head chef. Photo courtesy of Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food.
ARTS & CULTURE
In Cuba, the word “guajiro” refers to a farmer, rural person or agri cultural worker. Locally, thanks to the imminent debut of Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food outside the Asheville Cotton Mill Studios, the word might soon to become synon ymous with authentic Cuban sand wiches, breakfast dishes and other culinary delights.
“My Nana is the inspiration behind the menu,” Barroso continues. The smell of her food filling the house “and the large, satisfying plates of food made with love,” he adds, is what Barroso associates with Cuban comfort food. Menu highlights will include medianoches, pan con lechon, sweet plantains and house-made pastelitos. Many of the recipes, Barroso points out, stem from dishes his Nana cooked while he was a child, growing up on a family farm in the Cuban city of Cienfugos, known at the time as La Puntilla. Her father, Serafin Morejón, was a guajiro, farming sugar cane and other crops.
What’s new in food Cuban comfort food heading for the RAD Sept. 1-6pm
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Fresh-squeezed juices, Cuban coffees and milkshakes will also be“Iavailable.wantpeople to enjoy a meal that makes them feel like they are part of our family. I want them to know that each plate served will be made with the same love that my great grandparents and Nana put into their dishes,” says Barroso. Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food will be located at 122 Riverside Drive. Visit avl.mx/prwu for updates on opening date and hours of operation, as well as a full menu.
A bite and a pint Green Man Brewery, Asheville’s second-oldest brewery, recently unveiled a new kitchen offering beer-friendly foods for its hungry (and thirsty) patrons.
The food trailer’s coming launch, says owner and chef Chris Barroso, has been a lifelong dream. A sec ond-generation Cuban American, Barroso spent his youth cooking authentic Cuban meals with his grandmother Rosa Montenegro , whom he refers to as “Nana.”
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“Our goal is to highlight the hemp plant as a nutritious ingredient in everyday food and beverage options for health and wellness, so we can better feed and educate our commu nity on nutrition and sustainability,” saysPastasTacy.such as Franny’s Fettuccine, Leaf Linguini and Gluten Free Hemp Gnocchi are available as hot, madeto-order plates, build-your-ownbowls or to-go pouches.
Franny’s Pasta & Prana food truck rolled into town last month during the LoveShinePlay Festival in down townTheAsheville.brainchild of Franny Tacy, owner and CEO of Franny’s Farmacy and Franny’s Farm, and Mike Ptaszek, local chef and yoga instruc tor, Franny’s Pasta & Prana offers small-batch, artisan-made pasta dishes derived from hemp for the health-conscious consumer on the go.
When not attending local events, Franny’s Pasta & Prana food truck is stationed at Franny Farmacy’s flagship location, 231 Biltmore Ave. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Soon to come, Tacy and Ptaszek plan to feature pop-ups with local chefs, roll out local online order ing and delivery via Mother Earth Food and offer catering services. Visit avl.mx/bxj for addition al information.
Pass the pasta
“One out of three parties that come to Green Man ask us if we have food,” says Dennis Thies, who owns Green Man with his wife, Wendy. “You have to listen to your customer.”
Utilizing an innovative scan, order and pay QR system, Green Man’s guests can now order a variety of pub
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“The ultimate goal of this event is to expand our outreach in the commu nity while giving our current partici pants a fun, new event to be a part of,” says Christin King, recreation pro gram leader for the city of Asheville’s Parks and Recreation Department.
The fruits of our Labor Day
The Senior Opportunity Community Center is at 36 Grove St. Visit avl.mx/bxh for more information and to purchase tickets.
Reel deal fish fry
“We have found at both of our locations that, unfortunately, serv ing pizza consistently makes it more difficult to provide the level of ser vice you — and we — expect,” says Scheffer in a press release. “I would rather sacrifice a small, although beloved, part of our menu, rather than making a concession on the experience of our guests.”
Asheville Parks and Recreation’s Senior Opportunity Community Center will host a $2 fish fry on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2-5 p.m. Price of entry grants a fresh fried fish (tilapia and whiting) sandwich with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce, as well as a side of chips and a drink.
MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 31 grub from the 15-item menu and have the food brought to their table or seat at the bar. Green Man’s “delivery area” covers both its original Dirty Jack’s and newer Green Mansion locations on Buxton Avenue. Dennis refers to this new venture as a “ghost kitchen,” operating from the space directly next door to Dirty Jack’s. The building was formerly occupied by French Broad Chocolates. Experienced restaurateur and chef Larry Dunn will head the kitchen. Po’ boys, “Ashevilly” cheesesteaks, burgers, salads and even jumbo choc olate chip cookies are available with the tap of a button. Dennis is most excited about what he calls a “proper fish and chips” made from cod flown fresh from Massachusetts and fresh-cut fries. “We have a french fry cutter that you’ve never seen before,” exclaims Dennis. Green Man’s kitchen operates noon8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon-7 p.m. on Sunday. Green Mansion is at 27 Buxton Ave. Dirty Jack’s is at 23 Buxton Ave. Visit avl.mx/b8k for more information.
Scheffer assures fans of the Italian eatery that there are no plans to sell the pizza ovens, so the possibil ity remains that pizza could one day return. He also noted that the restau rant’s locally revered garlic knots will not be affected by this decision.
— Blake Becker X
Paying it forward Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, an organization helping those experiencing homelessness, financial strain and addiction, recently received a donation of $2,200 from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation. These funds will help feed struggling communities and allow the organization’s head chef to purchase food items rarely donated but often requested.
The owner and chef of Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian, Eric Scheffer, recently announced that the restau rant will no longer be serving pizza at either of its locations.
The city of Hendersonville has announced the N.C. Apple Festival will return Friday, Sept. 2, through Monday, Sept. 5, Labor Day. This year will mark the annual event’s 76th celebration. A proverbial bushel full of applethemed events and activities will mark the occasion, including street fairs, carnival attractions and live musical performances, all culminating in the grand finale of the King Apple Parade on Labor Day from 2:30-5 p.m. Street closures can be expected to begin Thursday, Sept. 1, at 2 p.m.
“With a corporate partner like Food Lion, we are able to do more than provide a meal,” says Executive Director Micheal Woods in a press release announcing the donation. “We are also able to dispense love. This is what restores hope to a hurt ingFoodworld.”services play a vital role in WCRM’s central mission of rescue and recovery through physical and mental restoration. Members of long-term food service programs will partner with volunteers to help feed those experiencing food insecurity on the street and foster healing rela tionships through local community. Visit avl.mx/bxi for more information on Western Carolina Rescue Ministries.
Vinnie’s says ‘arrivederci’ to pizza
The Original Vinnie’s is at 641 Merrimon Ave. Vinnie’s South is at 1981 Hendersonville Road. Visit avl.mx/aeg for more information.
For more information on the N.C. Apple Festival, including a full list of events and accompanying street closures, visit avl.mx/aau.
LADIES’ NIGHT: The cast of The Cleaning Ladies includes Laura Tratnik, left, and Kirstin Daniel. Photo courtesy of The Cardboard Sea Town
AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM32
More than a few times over the last two years, Todd Weakley won dered whether The Cardboard Sea wouldAftersurvive.COVID restrictions shut down live performances in 2020, the Asheville theater company produced some short plays in the front yards of audience members’ homes. Later, it pivoted to making digital offerings. “We had fun learning, but those weren’t theater,” says Weakley, who co-founded the troupe in 2014. “They weren’t what we were truly interested in.” The Cardboard Sea was set to return with the original play The Cleaning Ladies at the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival in January. But with COVID cases increasing at that time, the festival was postponed; the company couldn’t make the rescheduled March datesNow,work.finally, The Cleaning Ladies will make its world premiere at The BeBe Theatre Thursdays-Saturdays, Sept. 1-10, at 7:30 p.m. The play was written by Cardboard Sea co-founder Jeff Donnelly and will be directed byTheWeakley.play tells the story of Marie Antoinette and Medusa, both diverted on their way to hell by an unknown benefactor. Now living in a Days Inn in central Florida, the two are called upon to return the favor to their mysterious helper. If the pair can work together and survive their mission, their spirits will be “Thefreed.play is about unlikely friends getting unstuck,” Weakley says. “Jeff uses old tropes from 1980s TV and film, and populates them with mythical and historical women. The show is fast paced. It’s filled with humor. But it also has a sharp eye for critiquing both our understanding of these women and our comfort with Hollywood and serialTheTV.”cast includes Stevie Alverson, Laura Tratnik, Kirstin Daniel and Olivia Stuller.
Around
The Cardboard Sea returns to live indoor shows with ‘The Cleaning Ladies’
The Center for Connection + Collaboration is offering a series of Saturday workshops, Archetypal Gesture Work for Artists, through Saturday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Now, the organization is combin ing the two models by offering hybrid workshops that will allow locals to attend in person, while national and international writers continue to par ticipate virtually. The first hybrid event,
MOVIE REVIEWS
Local reviewers’ critiques of new films include: THREE THOUSAND YEARS OF LONGING: George Miller follows up Mad Max: Fury Road with this visually sumptuous, emotionally rich fantasy about a literary scholar (Tilda Swinton) and her accidental unbottling of a kindly djinn (Idris Elba) who grants her three wishes. Grade: A-minus — Edwin Arnaudin
“Booty Tuesdays were one of our most popular events at the old spot,” says Morgan Hickory, who became a co-owner of Ole Shakey’s in 2015. “It’s just a really fun queer dance party that we try to keep as a really safe space and make sure everybody feels welcome andHickorycomfortable.”willrun the establishment along with veteran bartenders Cole Steinman and Mitchell Keen. The new location will have a similar vibe to the one Hickory and former business partner Charlie Hodge established at 790 Riverside Drive, she says. “We just brought a lot more of a younger local crowd into the existing local Asheville crowd and just sort of melded those communities together, which was really fun thing about that space,” she says. The new Ole Shakey’s will partner with Papa Nick’s, which will serve per sonal pan pizzas. And in addition to alcoholic beverages, the bar will sell craft sodas from Bad Art Beverage Co. Right now, Hickory plans to have the bar open from 2 p.m.-2 a.m. daily but may expand hours later if business warrants it. For more information, go to avl.mx/3d8.
ROUNDUPARTS&CULTURE
Enrollment in FWR classes increased more than 37% from 2020 to 2021 due to online access.
Shake your booty Ole Shakey’s is new again. The venerable Asheville dive bar, which closed during COVID-19 restric tions in 2020, will reopen at a new location, 38 N. French Broad Ave., Suite 300, on Tuesday, Sept. 6. The 10 p.m. grand opening celebration will be a Booty Tuesday event featuring music from DJ Lil Meow Meow and a drag show hosted by Priscilla Chambers.
“We are all trying to take it in stride, but certainly the world of live perfor mance is different than it once was,” he notes. “On one level, these things frus trate the creative process. On another, they highlight the flexibility and adapt ability of the human need to gather together and share experiences live.”
Best of both worlds
The shows are presented in associ ation with The Sublime Theater. All seats are $15 in advance or $20 cash only at the door. Seating is limited, and all attendees must wear face masks. The BeBe Theater is at 20 Commerce St. For more information or to buy tick ets, go to avl.mx/bxn.
Since launching in 2017, the Flatiron Writers Room’s stated mission has been to provide a brick-and-mortar hub for the Asheville writing commu nity. The pandemic made that impos sible, and the group quickly pivoted to an online model that opened its classes and workshops to students from places as far away as France and Turkey.
Publicity for Small Press Authors, with Gold Leaf Literary’s Lauren Harr, will take place Thursday, Sept. 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at a place to be determined. To present the hybrid offerings, FWR will use a new 360-degree tele conferencing system acquired through a fundraising campaign conducted in “VirtualJune. participants are projected onto a screen at the front of the class room and will be able to observe and participate with the in-person partici pants and instructor as if they were in the room,” the group says in a press release. “The instructor will be able to teach just as they would with any in-person class, without the worry of having to run a Zoom room or focus on their own computer screen.”
Nice gesture
An original cast member, notes Weakley, had to be replaced after test ing positive for COVID.
In addition to hybrid events, FWR also will offer in-person-only and Zoom workshops this fall.
BEAST: In director Baltasar Kormákur’s solid Man vs. Nature thriller, a doctor (Elba again!) tries to protect his two teen daughters from a bloodthirsty lion in a South African game reserve.
The Archetypal Gesture method, originally developed as a movement theater technique by Russian American actor/director Michael Chekhov, has been adapted by Noreen Sullivan to be inclusive for all artists and creatives seeking to expand their craft. Sullivan will teach the workshops.
For a full list of workshops or to register, go to avl.mx/bxt.
“The idea behind it is that the body remembers everything, and by repeat ing a motion in a specific way with a specific intent, the person experiences a change,” she says. “Interestingly, neuroscience has proved this to be
Bad kitty! Grade: B — Edwin Arnaudin Find full reviews and local film info at patreon.com/ashevillemoviesashevillemovies.com
O Captain! My Captain!
MOUNTAINX.COM AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 33 true, even though when the technique was created, there were no advanced brain scans. When your body signals the brain that something is happening, there is a miraculous change.”
The Captain’s Bookshelf, long a mainstay of downtown Asheville, closed its store at 31 Page Ave. in 2021 but continued to operate as an online business. Now, due to the June death of co-owner Chan Gordon, the busi ness is shutting down entirely.
“The deeper idea is that we all have the same feelings and similar experi ences; we have all pushed someone away, felt a yearning or been in grief. The 10 gestures are based on those common experiences.”
“Though this is a difficult decision, it had to be made,” Miegan Gordon, Chan’s wife and co-owner of The Captain’s Bookshelf wrote in the store’s August newsletter. “After all, it was Chan’s experience and knowledge that kept The Captain’s Bookshelf sailing.” The Gordons opened The Captain’s Bookshelf at 61 Haywood St. in 1976. The store was known for its numerous signed books, first editions and leather bindings, as well as a large collection of secondhand material.
od at the ro ot a play written by Dominique Morisseau different strokes! performing arts collective presents August 25-September10 48 College St. Downtown, Asheville ORDER ONLINE: zellasdeli.com 828-505-8455 HOT BUNS & TASTY MEAT
A writer, director and painter, Sullivan says she often uses gesture work when she is stuck creatively.
March madness
The HART Theatre in Waynesville will present Little Women: The Musical Fridays-Sundays in September, with the last show taking place Sunday, Sept. 25. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday performanc es start at 2 p.m. Based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, the play follows the lives of the March sisters, Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth during the years of the Civil War. Directed by Kristen Hedberg with music direction from Anne Rhymer, the cast includes Candice Dickinson, Clara Ray Burrus, Savanna Shaw, Chelcy Frost and Kathleen Watson. Tickets range from $14-$36. The HART Theatre is at 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. For more information to to buy tickets, go to avl.mx/bxw.
— Justin McGuire X With additional reporting by Flora Konz blo
The cost of each class ranges from $10-$40. For more information about the workshops, go to avl.mx/bxu. To find out event locations, contact the center through its website, avl.mx/bxv.
THE
Lenny
The 8pm(psychedlicSnozzberriesrock,funk), 305 LOUNGE Geriatric Jukebox (oldies), 5pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY • Early Dance Party, 7pm • Venus (dark house dance party), 10pm ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR
RENDEVOUS
Mr Jimmy's Big City Chicago Blues, 8pm BIG PILLOW BREWING Andy Dale Petty (folk), 6pm BOLD ROCK MILLS RIVER The Queue (Top 40, dance), 6pm BREWSKIES Karaoke, 10pm CEDAR CANTEENMOUNTAIN Jazz w/Jason DeCristofa ro, 2pm CORK & KEG Fancy and the Gentle men (alt country, honky tonk), 8pm CROW & QUILL DJ Dr. Filth (old school vinyl), 8:30pm FBO HOMINY CREEK Jarvis Jenkins Band (Allman Brothers tribute), 6pm GINGER'S REVENGE Buffalo Kings (blues, soul, funk rock), 7pm GUIDON BREWING CO. Todd Cecil & Dirt Yard Choir Swamp(AppalachianRock),6:30pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. • Flashback Band (80s arena rock), 6pm • Rooftop Disco, 7pm TAPROOMDOWNTOWNHIGHLAND Drag Music Bingo w/ Divine the Bearded Lady, 7:30pm TAPROOMDOWNTOWNHIGHLAND Drag Music Bingo w/ Divine the Bearded Lady, 7pm ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 • Lauren Balthrop and Lyle de Vitry Trio (Ameri cana, folk pop), 7pm • The Murphs (folk, rock, blues), 8:30pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Jackson Grimm & the Bull Moose Party (coun try, blues, swing), 9pm MAD CO. BREW HOUSE Dave Desmelik (sing er-songwriter), 6:30pm MEADOWLARK MOTEL Friday Night Karaoke, 7pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Free Dead Friday w/ Generous Electric and Gus & Phriends, 6:15pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Derek McCoy and the Electric Trio (blues), 8pm ONE WORLD BREWING 5j Barrow (folk rock), 8pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST lund (soulful Americana), 9pm
THE IMPERIAL LIFE DJ Press Play (disco, funk and lo-fi house), 9pm WELL PLAYED BOARD GAME CAFÉ Learn & Play: Ticket To Ride, 6pm WORTHAM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Stand Up Comedy Night, 7pm SEPTEMBERFRIDAY, 2 185 KING STREET
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IF I WERE A CARPENTER: The CarLeans, a collaboration featuring Jim Carpenter and sisters Sarah MacLean and Rachel MacLean-Sargent, will perform acoustic music with influences of New Orleans funk, bluegrass, reggae and Texas folk at Isis Music Hall on Saturday, Sept. 3, at 8:30 p.m. Photo courtesy of The CarLeans listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4.
For questions about free
The Foundry Collective ft Pimps of Pompe (jazzed up hip-hop), 7pm THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR • Rum Punchlines Come dy Open Mic, 6pm • Karaoke w/Terraoke, 9pm
12AUGUSTWEDNESDAY,31BONESBREWERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY • Beauty Parlor Comedy: Anya Volz, 7pm • Aquanet Goth Party w/ Ash Black, 9pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic, 8pm ASHEVILLE PIZZA & BREWING CO. Trivia! Trivia! Night, 6:30pm BLACK BREWINGMOUNTAIN Jay Brown (roots), 6pm BOLD ASHEVILLEROCK Survey Says: Family Feud Style Trivia, 7pm BOLD ROCK MILLS RIVER Trivia Night, 6pm BOTTLE RIOT Wax Wednesday w/the Riot Squad, 7pm CATAWBA BREWING BILTMORE Singo (musical bingo), 7pm CATAWBA BREWING SOUTH SLOPE Trivia w/Billy, 7pm HI-WIRE BREWING Weekly Trivia Night, 7pm HI-WIRE BREWING RAD BEER GARDEN Game Night, 6pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Well-Crafted Wednes days w/Matt Smith, 6pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Old Time Jam, 5pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Mountain Music Jam, 6pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Wild Wednesdays, 10pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Latin Night Wednesdays w/DJ Mtn Vibez, 8pm RENDEZVOUS Albi (musique Francaise), 6pm SILVERADOS Wednesday Night Open Jam hosted by Hamza Vandehey, 6pm BREWERYAPPALACHIANSOUTHERN Jazz Night DeCristofaro,w/Jason6pm SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Witty Wednesday Trivia, 6:30pm THE DOUBLE CROWN Western Wednesday, 9pm THE DUGOUT Karaoke Party w/ Sandman, 8pm THE FOUNDRY HOTEL Andrew Finn Magill (acoustic), 7pm THE GREY EAGLE • Eleanor Underhill & Friends (folk, jazz, blues, pop), 5pm • Night Palace, Kenosha Kid & Cicada Rhythm (alt/indie), 7pm THE HAWK HAWTHORNE& Paul Izak Trio & The Freedom Family Band (folk, blues, rock), 6pm THE POE HOUSE Team Trivia w/Wes Ganey, 7pm TWIN LEAF BREWERY Open Mic, 6pm SEPTEMBERTHURSDAY, 1 185 KING STREET Congdon & Co. ft Hope Griffin (covers), 7pm 27 CLUB Thursday Night Trivia w/ Joan Wilder, 10pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Kiki Thursdays Drag and Dancing, 8pm ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Blue Ridge Jazzway, 8pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Kursa & Murkury (edm), 9:30pm BLACK BREWINGMOUNTAIN The Blushin' Roulettes' (Americana), 6pm BOLD ASHEVILLEROCK Trivia Night w/Mindless Minutia, 7pm CAFE CANNA SpanGLISH Karaoke Patio Party, 9pm CATAWBA BREWING BILTMORE Thursday Trivia w/Billy, 6:30pm DIANA THEATREWORTHAM Comedy Night: Night of National Comedians,Headlining8pm FRENCH BREWERYBROAD Jerry's Dead (Grateful Dead, JGB tribute), 6pm GREEN MAN BREWERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm HIGHLAND TAPROOMDOWNTOWNBREWING Lady and The Lovers Unplugged (Top 40 covers), 6pm
IMPERIAL 48 College St., AVL, NC 28801 Above Zella’s Deli imperial-avl.com • 828-505-8455 Closed on Wednesdays Call about Private Events Asheville'sMezcalleriaonly DJ every night!
THE GREY EAGLE • The Jukebox Jumpers (country blues, soul), 5pm • Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal (soul/funk), 8pm
ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 • Asheville Sessions ft Marisa Blake (jazz, rock, blues), 7pm • Will Overman & The Brothers Gillespie (rock, pop, Americana), 8:30pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich & Friends, 7pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Collin Cheek er-songwriter),(sing7pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Phirsty Phursdays w/ Lumpy Heads (Phish tribute), 9pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Thursday Residency w/ Ben Balmer (rootsy con temporary Americana), 7pm PISGAH BREWING CO. Pettinelli (funk, rock, blues), 6:30pm PULP Standup Comedy ft Mario Trevizo, 8pm Gin Mill Pickers (Amer icana, Piedmont blues, ragtime), 6pm ROOT BAR Perry Wing (Americana),Combo6pm Line Dance Thursdays w/ DJ Razor, 9pm FOUNDRY HOTEL
SILVERADOS
CLUBLAND
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RABBIT RABBIT Silent Disco Dance Party, 8:30pm SALVAGE STATION The Dave Matthews Tribute Band, 8pm SILVERADOS Black Stone Cherry (rock), 7pm THE FOUNDRY HOTEL Hot Club of Asheville (jazz), 7:30pm THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR • Chaotic Comedy (improv, sketch, magic and stand up), 8pm • Hot Bish: a drag experience ft Danielle Eclipse, 10pm THE GREY EAGLE • The Blue Eyed Bettys (bluegrass gospel), 6pm • Asheville Vaudeville, 9pm THE IMPERIAL LIFE DJ Mad Mike: Music for the People, 9pm THE ODD Mass Extinction (metal), 8pm THE ORANGE PEEL Sirius.B w/Jonathan Lloyd Mashup (indie, world, rock, funk), 9pm THE OUTPOST Father Son Picnic w/ ROND (rock), 6pm THE SOCIAL Kevin Daniel & The Bottom Line (rock covers & originals), 9pm THE SOCIAL Perry Wing (Americana),Combo9pm SEPTEMBERSATURDAY, 3 185 KING STREET McIntosh and the Lion Hearts (country), 8pm 305 LOUNGE & EATERY Old Men of the Woods (folk, pop), 1pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY • Beauty Parlor Comedy: David Perdue, 7pm • Vinyl Timetravelers: Hip Hop Dance Party, 10pm ASHEVILLE CLUB Mr Jimmy (blues), 8pm ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Miami Gold (rock), 8pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Aphrodite w/Don Data & J Law hip-hop/rap),(dance/electronic,10pm BARRELHOUSE AVL Konrad 10pm(reggae,Kuechenmeisterdubstep,ska), BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE Dinah's Daydream (Gypsy jazz), 5:30pm BIG PILLOW BREWING Jukebox Jumpers (country blues), 6pm BLUE GHOST BREWING CO. The Grass Owls, 5pm BOLD ROCK MILLS RIVER Brother West, 6pm BREWSKIES Pool Saturdays,Tournament7pm CROW & QUILL Firecracker Jazz Band (New Orleans style hot jazz), 8:30pm GUIDON BREWING CO. Billingsley (rock), 6:30pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. LazrLuvr (80s), 6pm ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 • The Folk Cello, 7pm • The CarLeans (Ameri cana, Cajun, folk), 8:30pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB • Nobody’s Darling String Band, 4pm • Jesse & the Jugs (country, bluegrass, blues), 9pm MAD CO. BREW HOUSE Burnt 6pm(acousticReputationgrungecovers), MEADOWLARK MOTEL Mike Ogletree (acoustic), 6pm MILLS RIVER BREWING CO. Kayla McKinney & Twisted Trail Band (Southern rock, blues, country), 7pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. The Feels (rootsy net-soul groove), 7pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Blue Ridge Blues Jam ft Abby Bryant & Friends, 10pm ONE WORLD BREWING Kim Jade (Americana, classic rock, pop), 8pm ONE WORLD BREW ING WEST LadyCouch (Southern rock jam band), 7pm RABBIT RABBIT Interpol & Spoon (alt/ indie), 8:30pm SALVAGE STATION Litz & Sexbruise? (pop, rock), 9pm SILVERADOS FireHouse w/Throwdown Jones (rock), 7pm SUNNY POINT CAFÉ Albi (fingerstyle guitar), 6pm THE FOUNDRY HOTEL Jazz Soul Trio, 7:30pm THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR The Sound: Beats Showcase, 8pm
THE BURGER BAR Sunday Sinema, 9pm THE FOUNDRY HOTEL Daniel Shearin (sing er-songwriter), 6pm THE IMPERIAL LIFE DJ Ek Balam (hip hop, soul, funk, disco), 9pm THE ODD Terraoke Karaoke, 9pm THE SOCIAL Travers Freeway Open Jam, 7pm UPCOUNTRY BREWING COMPANY AL Lyons “StumpWater” Music (acoustic, fok), 3pm PLĒB URBAN WINERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 4pm SEPTEMBERMONDAY, 5 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Freshen Up Comedy Open Mic, 7pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Martini Monday, 8pm BREWSKIES Open Jam w/Tall Paul, 7:30pm DSSOLVR Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm GREEN MAN BREWERY Old Time Jam, 5:30pm HAYWOOD COUNTRY CLUB Taylor Martin’s Open Mic, 6:30pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Lady and The Lovers (funk & Top 40 covers), 2pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Quizzo! Pub Trivia w/ Jason Mencer, 7:30pm LITTLE JUMBO Live Jazz Mondays w/The Core, 7pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. • The Lads (classic rock, blues, roots), 3pm • Trio de Janeiro (covers), 7pm ONE WORLD BREWING Open Mic Willingham,w/Tony8pm THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR Trivia by the River w/ James Harrod, 8pm THE IMPERIAL LIFE DJ Short Stop (soul, Latin, dance), 9pm THE JOINT NEXT DOOR Mr Jimmy and Friends (blues), 7pm THE SOCIAL Line Dance Mondays w/ DJ Razor, 9pm SEPTEMBERTUESDAY, 6 185 KING STREET Travis Book & Friends ft. Clint Roberts and Helena Rose, 6:30pm 5 WALNUT WINE BAR The John Henrys (jazz, swing), 8pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY • Drag Bingo w/Calcutta, •8pmDowntown Karaoke w/ Ganymede, 9pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Tuesday Night Funk Jam, 10pm BOTTLE RIOT Turntable Tuesday w/DJ Lil Meow Meow, 7pm CASCADE LOUNGE Tuesday Bluegrass Jam, 6pm CORK & KEG Swing Dance & Lesson w/Swing Asheville, 7pm FRENCH BREWERYBROAD Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm TAPROOMDOWNTOWNHIGHLAND Not Rocket Science Trivia, 6:30pm OLE SHAKEY’S Booty Tuesday: Grand Opening Celebration w/ DJ Lil Meow Meow & Drag Show w/Priscilla Chambers, see p32, 10pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Early Tuesday Jam (funk), 9pm THE BURGER BAR C U Next Tuesday! Late Night Trivia w/Cervix-ALot, 9pm THE GREY EAGLE Amanda Shires (country), 8pm THE IMPERIAL LIFE DJ Mad Mike: Music for the People, 9pm TURGUA BREWING CO. Tuesday Jam Sessions: Bluegrass, 5:30pm WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Open Mic Night, 7pm 12SEPTEMBERWEDNESDAY,7BONESBREWERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY • Beauty Parlor Comedy: Tom Peters, 7pm • Aquanet Goth Party w/ Ash Black, 9pm BOLD ASHEVILLEROCK Survey Says: Family Feud Style Trivia, 7pm BOLD ROCK MILLS RIVER Trivia Night, 6pm CATAWBA BREWING BILTMORE Singo (musical bingo), 7pm CATAWBA BREWING SOUTH SLOPE Trivia w/Billy, 7pm HI-WIRE BREWING RAD BEER GARDEN Game Night, 6pm HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Well-Crafted Wednes days w/Matt Smith, 6pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Old Time Jam, 5pm LITTLE JUMBO Live Jazz Tuesdays w/ Jay Sanders Trio, 7pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Mountain Music Jam, 6pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Wild Wednesdays, 10pm
CLUBLAND
• SOL Dance Party w/Zati (soul house), 9pm ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Mark's House Jam and Beggar's Banquet, 3pm BENT CREEK BISTRO Old Men of the Woods (folk, pop), 1pm BIG PILLOW BREWING Vince Junior Band (local craft blues), 6pm BLUE GHOST BREWING CO. Ashley Heath (country, blues), 4pm CROW & QUILL The Roaring Lions (parlour jazz), 8pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Angela Easterling & The Beguilers (singer-song writer), 2pm HIGHLAND TAPROOMDOWNTOWNBREWING Mr Jimmy Duo (blues), 1pm ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Carrie Marshall Jazz, 6pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB • Bluegrass Brunch, •12pmTraditional Irish Jam, 4pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Sunday Funday w/Kyle Travers & Friends, 8pm ONE WORLD BREW ING WEST The Kevin Spears Expe rience (world, Southern funk, dance), 6pm PISGAH BREWING CO. Phuncle Sam (Grateful Dead tribute), 6:30pm SALVAGE STATION UB40 w/The Original Wailers ft Al Anderson, Maxi Priest & Big Moun tain (reggae), 6pm SILVERADOS Trinity Pharms Hemp Co. Karaoke Finale, 3pm STATIC AGE RECORDS Shared Walls ATX w/the Discs & John Kirby and the New Seniors (indie, rock), 8pm
AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2022 MOUNTAINX.COM36 THE IMPERIAL LIFE DJ Nex Millen (classic hip hop, funk, R&B), 9pm THE ODD Party Foul Drag, 8pm THE ORANGE PEEL Switchfoot (alt/indie), 8pm SEPTEMBERSUNDAY, 4 ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY • Life's A Drag Brunch w/ Ida Carolina, 12pm
SEPTEMBERTHURSDAY, 8 185 KING STREET Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road (bluegrass), 7pm AMERICAN VINYL CO. Possessed By Paul James (folk), 7pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Kiki Thursdays Drag and Dancing, 8pm ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR MGB (covers, er-songwriter),sing8pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL The Sweet Lillies w/The Paper Crowns (country, Americana), 9pm BLACK BREWINGMOUNTAIN Hunter Begley (Ameri cana), 6pm BOLD ASHEVILLEROCK Trivia Night w/Mindless Minutia, 7pm CAFE CANNA SpanGLISH Karaoke Patio Party, 9pm CATAWBA BREWING BILTMORE Thursday Trivia w/Billy, 6:30pm CORK & KEG Miss Tess (blues, rock, country), 8pm FRENCH BREWERYBROAD Jerry's Dead (Grateful Dead & JGB Tribute), 6pm GREEN BREWERYMAN Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Best of WNC 2022 Party, 5pm HIGHLAND TAPROOMDOWNTOWNBREWING Aunt Vicki (folk duo), 6pm ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 • Asheville Sessions ft Dame Linda Mitchell (jazz, pop, blues), 7pm • Joy Clark (Americana, folk), 8:30pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich & Friends, 7pm LA TAPA LOUNGE AL Lyons “StumpWater” Music (acoustic, fok), 7pm MOTELMEADOWLARK Steve "Piano Man" Whiddon w/Angie Toomey, 5:30pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Phirsty Phursdays w/ Lumpy Heads (Phish tribute), 9pm ONE BREWINGWORLDWEST Thursday Residency w/ Ben Balmer (rootsy con temporary Americana), 7pm PISGAH BREWING CO. Isaac Hadden rock),(improvisationalProjectfunk6:30pm THE FOUNDRY HOTEL The Foundry Collective ft Pimps of Pompe (jazz, acoustic), 7pm THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR • Rum Punchlines Come dy Open Mic, 6pm • Karaoke w/Terraoke, 9pm THE GREY EAGLE Windhand w/Donnie Doolittle (stoner metal, occult rock), 8pm THE ODD Whit Waltman, Latchkey Kids & Shutterings (alt/ indie), 7pm THE
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RENDEZVOUS Albi (musique Francaise), 6pm SILVERADOS Wednesday Night Open Jam hosted by Hamza Vandehey, 6pm BREWERYAPPALACHIANSOUTHERN Jazz Night DeCristofaro,w/Jason6pm SOVEREIGN KAVA Poetry Open Mic w/Host Caleb Beissert, 8pm SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Witty Wednesday Trivia, 6:30pm THE DOUBLE CROWN Western Wednesday, 9pm THE FOUNDRY HOTEL Andrew Finn Magill (acoustic), 7pm THE GREY EAGLE Firefall’s Larry Burnett and Don (acoustic),Chapman8pm THE ODD Lavender Blue, Hotspit, Laveda & Gummy (alt/ indie), 8pm THE POE HOUSE Team Trivia w/Wes Ganey, 7pm UPCOUNTRY BREW ING CO. Konrad 7pm(reggae,Kuechenmeisterdubstep,ska),
ORANGE PEEL Apocalylptica (prog metal, rock, alt/indie), 8pm Food & Beer garden Live music and DJ sets Over 10,000 square ft of vinyl records, collectibles, & music paraphernalia Local compilation LP release Thanks to our sponsors Explore Asheville, Drop of Sun Studios, Citizen Vinyl, Geraldine’s Bakery, First Carolina Care Insurance Company, Caroline’s Cakes, Instant Karma, Echo Mountain Recording, Plant Saturday, September 10 FROM 10-5PM Harrah’s Cherokee Center 103.3 ASHEVILLE FM Record Fair • 2022 Bigger and Better than Ever! X Awards 2022 Party Highland Brewing Sept. 8 at Peggy Ratusz 5-6 p.m. Hope Griffin 6:15-7:15 p.m. DJ Lil Meow Meow 7:30-8:30 p.m. BANDS: Special guests Asheville FM, the WNC Nature Center and more... And food trucks Melt Your Heart and El Kimchi
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn novelist Marcia Douglas writes books about the history of her people in Jamaica. In one passage, she writes, “My grandmother used to tell stories about women that change into birds and lizards. One day, a church-going man dared to laugh at her; he said it was too much for him to swallow. My grandmother looked at him and said, ’I bet you believe Jesus turned water into wine.’” My purpose in telling you this, Capricorn, is to encourage you to nurture and celebrate your own fantastic tales. Life isn’t all about reasonableness and pragmatism. You need myth and magic to thrive. You require the gifts of imagination and art and lyrical flights of fancy. This is especially true now. To paraphrase David Byrne, now is a perfect time to refrain from making too much sense.
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PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A blogger who calls herself HellFresh writes, “Open and raw communication with your partners and allies may be uncomfortable and feel awkward and vulnerable, but it solves so many problems that can’t be solved any other way.” Having spent years studying the demanding arts of intimate relationship, I agree with her. She adds, “The idea that was sold to us is ’love is effortless and you should communicate telepathically with your partner.’ That’s false.” I propose, Pisces, that you fortify yourself with these truths as you enter the Reinvent Your Relationships Phase of your astrological cycle.
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HELPMATE SEEKS HOUSING CASE MANAGER Helpmate, Inc., a domestic violence agency in Asheville, seeks to hire a full-time Case Manager in their Housing Program. More info at helpmateonline.org, e-mail cover letter and resume to have tried everything to get kids to focus, be respectful or be responsible. Martial Arts training has been making average kids awesome for hundreds of years. Help your child set positive goals, get better grades and we make it easy. Watch how they change in just one lesson. See them get excited about a healthy activity that takes them away from video games. Watch them make new friends and be part of a positive family environment. Sign up for 2 FREE Weeks of Kid's Kickboxing. 828-845-2361 White, runs good. Cold AC. $2250. Call and leave a message at 828-299-0623
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ARIES (March 21-April 19): In his poem “Autobiographia Literaria,” Aries-born Frank O’Hara wrote, “When I was a child, I played in a corner of the schoolyard all alone. If anyone was looking for me, I hid behind a tree and cried out, ’I am an orphan.’” Over the years, though, O’Hara underwent a marvelous transformation. This is how his poem ends: “And here I am, the center of all beauty! Writing these poems! Imagine!” In the coming months, Aries, I suspect that you, too, will have the potency to outgrow and transcend a sadness or awkwardness from your own past. The shadow of an old source of suffering may not disappear completely, but I bet it will lose much of its power to diminish you.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Author Zadie Smith praised Sagittarian writer Joan Didion. She says, “I remain grateful for the day I picked up Joan Didion’s Slouching Towards Bethlehem and realized that a woman could speak without hedging her bets, without hemming and hawing, without making nice, without sounding pleasant or sweet, without deference, and even without doubt.” I encourage Sagittarians of every gender to be inspired by Didion in the coming weeks. It’s a favorable time to claim more of the authority you have earned. Speak your kaleidoscopic wisdom without apology or dilution. More fiercely than ever before, embody your high ideals and show how well they work in the rhythms of daily life.
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CANSELORHELPMATEHUMANorg/employment/https://childrenfirstcisbc.SERVICESSEEKSCOUN--AFRICANAMERI-FOCUS Helpmate, Inc., a domestic violence agency in Asheville, NC, seeks to hire a full-time 30 hour per week Counselor with a focus on African American survivor services. This position will provide individual and group support and counseling to survivors of domestic violence, with a focus on the particular needs of African-American survivors and parents whose children have been impacted by domestic violence. This position will require some evening work. Qualified candidates will have a master’s degree in counseling or social work with license or license-eligibility and at least two years’ experience in domestic violence or related field. Salary range for qualified candidates is $34,975-$42,478. Helpmate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diverse candidates encouraged to apply. Email resume and cover letter to hiring@helpmateonline.org with the job title in the subject line. Submit by COB 9/19/22.
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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): As a Scorpio, novelist Fyodor Dostoyevsky was rarely guilty of oversimplification. Like any intelligent person, he could hold contradictory ideas in his mind without feeling compelled to seek more superficial truths. He wrote, “The causes of human actions are usually immeasurably more complex and varied than our subsequent explanations of them.” I hope you will draw inspiration from his example in the coming weeks, dear Scorpio. I trust you will resist the temptation to reduce colorful mysteries to straightforward explanations. There will always be at least three sides to every story. I invite you to relish glorious paradoxes and fertile enigmas.
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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In her book Tales From Earthsea, Libra-born Ursula K. Le Guin wrote, “What goes too long unchanged destroys itself. The forest is forever because it dies and dies and so lives.” I trust you’re embodying those truths right now. You’re in a phase of your cycle when you can’t afford to remain unchanged. You need to enthusiastically and purposefully engage in dissolutions that will prepare the way for your rebirth in the weeks after your birthday. The process might sometimes feel strenuous, but it should ultimately be great fun.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Blogger Scott Williams writes, “There are two kinds of magic. One comes from the heroic leap, the upward surge of energy, the explosive arc that burns bright across the sky. The other kind is the slow accretion of effort: the water-on-stone method, the soft root of the plant that splits the sidewalk, the constant wind that scours the mountain clean.” Can you guess which type of magic will be your specialty in the coming weeks, Leo? It will be the laborious, slow accretion of effort. And that is precisely what will work best for the tasks that are most important for you to accomplish.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): To be the best Aquarius you can be in the coming weeks, I suggest the following: 1. Zig when others zag. Zag when others zig. 2. Play with the fantasy that you’re an extraterrestrial who’s engaged in an experiment on planet Earth. 3. Be a hopeful cynic and a cheerful skeptic. 4. Do things that inspire people to tell you, “Just when I thought I had you figured out, you do something unexpected to confound me.” 5. Just for fun, walk backward every now and then. 6. Fall in love with everything and everyone: a D-List celebrity, an oak tree, a neon sign, a feral cat.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): “My own curiosity and interest are insatiable,” wrote Cancerian author Emma Lazarus (1849–1887). Inspired by the wealth of influences she absorbed, she created an array of poetry, plays, novels, essays, and translations — including the famous poem that graces the pedestal of America’s Statue of Liberty. I recommend her as a role model for you in the coming weeks, Cancerian. I think you’re ripe for an expansion and deepening of your curiosity. You will benefit from cultivating an enthusiastic quest for new information and fresh influences. Here’s a mantra for you: “I am wildly innocent as I vivify my soul’s education.”
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Large property management company seeks a full-time person. Every day is different, it is a fast-paced position. Must be a quick leaner with experience in Microsoft office. Person would be responsible for keeping projects and files in order and provide resources to vendors and staff. Preferred to have basic knowledge in collecting bids, electrical, mechanical, and other things building and facility management, but not required. Must be a team player with good communication skills, be organized and be willing to take on responsibilities. Monday thru Fridays 8:30 to 5:00 with reliable transportation. Benefits included after 90 days, plus holidays and health insurance. Salary depends on experience. Please send your resume or CV to LOCALTRATIVEBOOKKEEPER/ADMINIS-steve@tessiergroup.comASSISTANTFORRETAILSHOWROOM 4 hrs/day M-F: morning hours preferred but negotiable. Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office and Quickbooks required. Excellent communication skills. Small business experience a plus. Email resume to: bellahardwareandbath.comadmin@ no phone calls or drop-ins.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time,” said philosopher Bertrand Russell. I will add that the time you enjoy wasting is often essential to your well-being. For the sake of your sanity and health, you period ically need to temporarily shed your ambitions and avoid as many of your responsibilities as you safely can. During these interludes of refreshing emptiness, you recharge your precious life energy. You become like a fallow field allowing fertile nutrients to regenerate. In my astrological opinion, now is one of these revitalizing phases for you.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “Now that I’m free to be myself, who am I?” Virgo-born Mary Oliver asks that question to start one of her poems. She spends the rest of the poem speculating on possible answers. At the end, she concludes she mostly longs to be an “empty, waiting, pure, speechless receptacle.” Such a state of being might work well for a poet with lots of time on her hands, but I don’t recommend it for you in the coming weeks. Instead, I hope you’ll be profuse, active, busy, experimental, and expressive. That’s the best way to celebrate the fact that you are now freer to be yourself than you have been in a while.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In his poem “Auguries of Innocence,” William Blake (1757–1827) championed the ability “to see a World in a Grain of Sand. And a Heaven in a Wild Flower. Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand.” According to my reading of the astrological omens, Taurus, you are primed to do just that in the coming days. You have the power to discern the sacred in the midst of mundane events. The magic and mystery of life will shine from every little thing you encounter. So I will love it if you deliver the following message to a person you care for: “Now I see that the beauty I had not been able to find in the world is in you.”
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