November 2019 Around Town Wizards of Mixology Battle for the House Cup This Harry Potter-themed event will pit four local bars and distilleries against each other to see who has the best house-made punch. It is hosted by The Antidote on Thursday, Nov. 14, and presented by The Urban Gastronome. It features cosplay, a DJ mash-up of the soundtrack from all … Continued

Thank You, Asheville Asheville, you’ve been so good to me. It’s bittersweet for me to tell you I’ll be moving on, but please know you’ll always have a huge piece of my heart. And what better time for me to say goodbye than during this month of thankfulness? I’ve had an awe-inspiring time talking to many of you, hearing your … Continued

The Haywood Street Congregation At Haywood Street Congregation (HSC), the Rev. Brian Combs has built a ministry of presence. Unlike many other urban ministry missions, through the past 10 years, Brian has built Haywood Street Congregation on relationships and being with people rather than doing for them.

Chow Chow, an Asheville Culinary Event In its inaugural year, Chow Chow, an Asheville Culinary Event, highlighted the culture of Southern Appalachia through its growers, farmers, chefs, brewers, artists and creators all on display. Photography by Jeremy Hood – The Urban Gastronome

The Bob Moog Foundation Chances are, one of your favorite tracks features a Moog synthesizer. In fact, if you’ve watched the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, you heard Moog synthesizers all over the soundtrack. Without this innovation in sound, music wouldn’t be what we know and love today. And the person we have to thank is Bob Moog.

Queen Bee and the Honeylovers Whitney Moore is the “Queen Bee” in Asheville’s most joyful swing band, and she’s thrilled to share her love of the city and its rich history through song. Each composition performed by her and her band is original, and it’s a tribute to all things Asheville. With songs titled “Beaucatcher” and “Helen’s Bridge,” it’s no doubt there’s a passion here that…

Spending the Holidays with Corner Kitchen There’s nothing quite like enjoying an evening in Biltmore Village. With shopping, beautiful sights and good drinks, it’s one of the most romantic places in Asheville.

October 2019 Around Town Third Annual Beaverdam Studio Tour After the outstanding 2018 success of the Beaverdam Studio Tour, the third annual studio tour is sure to be a big hit in North Asheville on Oct. 26 and 27. There will be 30-plus talented artists participating this year, and they will showcase various pieces of art, such as ceramics, painting, jewelry, sculpture, glass, paper and … Continued

A City of Taste Asheville is arguably one of the best cities for food and drinks. In fact, the food and drink scene puts Asheville on the map. Well, that and the beautiful mountains, friendly people and awesome music scene. But it’s when we’re all sitting around a table, sharing food or clinking our glasses together, when the magic … Continued

A Matter of The Times When Chris and Ashley Faber moved to Asheville from Seattle, they were excited to bring a unique dining experience to the mountains. Using the momentum of their past experience in the service industry, it was time for them to chase their own success. With two passionate owners and a highly skilled chef, Owen Lane, Asheville is truly lucky to have…

Cultivated Cocktails Since Taylor and Leah Howard of H&H Distillery introduced new flavor to Asheville (move over, beer!), they have found tremendous success sharing their passion for craft beverages. Because of this success and some new North Carolina laws allowing more freedoms in the world of liquor, they are now offering craft cocktails in the downtown distillery. This means guests can stop in,…

It’s All Good at Allgood Coffee In February 2013, Eric Anderson unlocked the front door of the old Weaverville Fire Station, turned on the lights, and started brewing a fresh batch of coffee. Fast forward almost seven years, and the small town is hooked. Before Allgood, Eric and his wife, Anna, owned Sweetwater Coffeehouse in Sautee, Georgia. When Eric and Anna moved to WNC from Georgia, they…

Just Keep Swimming If you look past the sandals, cuffed jeans and old band tees, you might find that Asheville’s fashion scene is expanding. Among those who are influential in this shift is Nisha Evoy, a local fashion stylist with an eye for detail that accentuates each body style and personality. Nisha has been into fashion for as long as she can remember.…

Bringing in September in Style It’s that time of year again, folks. It’s time to put the iced coffee away (who am I kidding, I’ll never do that) and start sipping from a mug again. It’s time to pull those sweaters from the back of the closet and dust off your old boots. We’re sending summer off in style, and … Continued

Style Spotter Lacey Blanton of ID.ology shares her favorite classic and trendy fashion tips for a day at the office or a night out. She recommends sticking with natural shades for an easy transition from day to night. A bold lipstick can take any look from office chic to date night in just a few seconds. And changing that chunky heel out…

September 2019 Around Town Cinematastic at Flat Rock Playhouse Sept. 13-28 A night of play just got a lot easier. Flat Rock Playhouse is bringing the music we all know and love from the big screen to the stage here in the mountains. The greatest hits from cinema will be performed, accompanied by dance. Tickets are on sale, and … Continued
Asheville Beer Week

Asheville Beer Week Another successful week of pouring brews, making friends, and having a good time in Beer City USA is behind us. This year, Beer City Festival teamed up with Asheville Van Life to celebrate the adventurous spirit that is prominent here. More than 30 breweries were present, and there's no doubt many people, local and tourists, … Continued

Revo Niche What started as a nickname from Tony Delia’s father has now become Asheville’s favorite positivity brand: Revo Niche. Tony is on a mission to connect and inspire through Revo Niche, and his brand is unlike anything else in the industry. Not only will one of his shirts be your new favorite wardrobe staple because of how comfortable it is, but…

The Greenhouse In a city full of rustic interiors, string lights and cozy mountain style, Noble Cider’s new restaurant, The Greenhouse, is here to shake things up. Located across from the Rankin Street parking garage, this new eatery brings lush Palm Springs vibes to the Appalachians. And not only is it a great respite from reality, but they are also serving up delicious…

Camp in Style  ROCKIN' OUT  GCI Freestyle Rocker in Cinnamon, $59.99  Maybe it's time to retire the ol' camp chairs and bump up the comfort level. Unique in design and function, the Freestyle Rocker from GCI Outdoors features Spring-Action Rocker Technology for a rocking motion wherever you're posted up, whether you're in the middle of nowhere or in the backyard. No matter the…
The Ultimate Ice Cream 1

The Ultimate Ice Cream Ask a local who's been in Asheville for any amount of time where to get ice cream, and they’ll probably say “You’d love Ultimate.” Making your way through a menu from Belgian Dark Chocolate to Ultimate Sweet Cream, one could overlook their charity partnerships around fabulous flavors of the month. Their dozens of flavor offerings (available in 30-plus restaurants around town and…

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue Brother Wolf Animal Rescue has been a staple of the Asheville community for many years. Hundreds of dogs and cats have found their forever home, and many families have fallen in love with their best friend because of BWAR. As widely known and loved as it is, however, Brother Wolf recently found itself in some financial trouble. Luckily for Asheville,…
Red Maple Dental’s Mission 1

Red Maple Dental’s Mission It’s no doubt that Red Maple Dental has affected the lives—and mouths—of many people in Asheville. However, their efforts go beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains and into the humbled hilltops of Guatemala, where Dr. Shawna Hoffert and her husband, Steve, embarked on a mission to offer their services to those in a less fortunate area of our world.

August 2019 Around Town Affair in White Aug. 10 Affair in White returns to the Renaissance Hotel from 7–10 p.m. Aug. 10. It’s guaranteed to be an exciting night full of entertainment, food and beverages. This event will support Loving Food Resources, a food pantry that provides food, health and personal care items to people in 18 counties of WNC who are living with HIV/AIDS … Continued

Downtown After 5 The third Friday of the summer months is full of liveliness on North Lexington thanks to Downtown After 5. A celebration of all things Asheville, this event hosts live music, local brews and some of the city's best cuisine. If you haven't made it out to one yet, be sure to catch it before fall … Continued
Kids and Pets and All the Love 1

Kids and Pets and All the Love As a live-in nanny to my nephew and a lover of my two cats and two dogs, I feel a personal connection to the stories in this issue. I’ve been an animal lover my whole life, and giving these sweet souls a spotlight is good for the heart. I hope it offers you some warmth as well, and if … Continued

Kick It into Gear It’s no secret that Asheville is home to some awesome roads and trails, and the cycling guides from The Cliffs know their way around these mountains better than most. Legends Christian Van Velde, Bobby Julrich and George Hincapie have been cycling for 30-plus years, and they’re currently the cycling guides for members of The Cliffs. The three experts know all the…

The Art of Eyebrows Kelli Delperdang has been an artist her whole life, and this didn’t change when she became interested in the art of microblading. This practice has gained popularity over the past few years, and Kelli is ahead of the game. She’s been giving women and men eyebrows they love for two-plus years, and above all else, she’s an artist dedicated to her…

July 2019 Around Town Asheville Gallery of Art July 2019 Show The July 2019 show’s theme is “Abstract Art: Emancipating the Mind,” and features the work of Sally Lordeon who has a passion for abstract impressionism. The show will run all month during gallery hours, and a reception for the artist will be held on July 5 from 5–8 p.m. … Continued

The Livin’s Easy Ahhh, sweet summertime. Inspiration hangs heavy in the air, and everyone is breathing just a little easier. For this issue, we took a look at many of the summer activities we can enjoy in the Asheville mountains. From floating down the river with friends to hanging out in trees reading a book or practicing your … Continued

Through the Eyes of Steve Yocom In this digital age, it’s not uncommon to spend hours scrolling through various social media platforms admiring others’ view of the world through their camera lens. But for Steve Yocom, exploring landscapes, cities and moments with a camera is a full-time job, and he’s thankful for it. His portfolio boasts some huge brands, including the state of North Carolina, and it’s…

Introducing Black Bear BBQ In the late summer days of 2018, the key to Webo's BBQ was handed over to A.J. Gregson and Autumn Pittman, whose names you may recognize from their other popular restaurant, Mojo Kitchen and Lounge. The pair wasted no time once they had the space. They immediately began serving barbecue while slowly transitioning into their envisioned brand: a more eco-friendly, chef-driven restaurant with…

Style Spotter: Man Cave We asked our seasonal style spotter, Lacey Blanton of ID.ology Interiors & Design, for some manly elements that will accentuate any space with masculine vibes. Notice the mix of textures, rich colors and minimal design of each concept. So go ahead, crack open a beer and start planning the man cave you've always wanted. 

June Thoughts from Austin I’m sitting on my back porch as I write this letter, smelling the charcoal in my grill getting hotter and pondering masculinity and all its connotations. Our youngest daughter just came outside and asked what we’re doing for dinner (on my cooking nights, it’s a bit last-minute and scattershot with the menu). Our five kids keep reminding me … Continued

Heroes Among Us The hero’s journey is by far the most common arc in film and literature but is viewed less often as a real process adolescents experience as they transition into the adult world. Joseph Campbell, a 20th-century American professor and great mind of the time, explored this journey in many different cultures, concluding that the hero’s journey is an important process for adolescent…

June 2019 Around Town S.P.A.CE.: Spruce Pine Alien Conference and Expo Spruce Pine is set to host the first-ever S.P.A.C.E. – Spruce Pine Alien Conference and Expo June 14–15. This event will celebrate Spruce Pine’s long history of the most UFO sightings in North Carolina, the purest quartz in the world responsible for all technology and the world’s largest telescopes (Wired … Continued
The Stoobie Awards: A Foodie’s Paradise

The Stoobie Awards: A Foodie’s Paradise Asheville food blogger Stu Helm held his annual restaurant competition and food extravaganza earlier this year and, as always, it was a hit! To check out all the places Stu deems "the best," Asheville Date Night created a comprehensive list of all the winners. Cheers, y'all!

History, Diversity and Community: The YMI’s Longstanding Place in Asheville When Anthony Thomas moved to Asheville in 1992, he couldn't have known just how much of his time he would be giving to the community. Thomas, the president and board chairman of the YMICC (Young Men’s Institute; now considered a Cultural Center), a realtor at Mosaic Realty and the general manager of Upstaff Personnel, has dedicated his life to serving…

Temporary text

Family Ties In 1981, Doug McKinney and his wife, Sandy, moved to Asheville to start a business in an industry they knew well: insurance. They’d been living in Atlanta by way of Greenville, South Carolina, and worked for Nationwide until they realized they wanted to start their own branch. The McKinneys took over an existing property and casualty agency and expanded it…
Doula Rising 2

Doula Rising Birth is complicated. Motherhood is difficult. Welcoming a new life into the family is challenging yet richly rewarding. As a culture, we’ve known these simple facts for a long time. So why are we just now viewing emotional birth support as a necessity to the process and not just a luxury? Chama Woydak of Homegrown Babies and Cindy McMillan of…
Miss Asheville Pie 11

Miss Asheville Pie As with many local businesses, Baked Pie Co. started with a dream—and a craving for pie. While out looking for a slice of pie and a cup of coffee, Kirsten Fuchs and her daughter realized Asheville was lacking in a good place to sit and enjoy a baked treat. Kirsten used her background in business management and found a baker,…
Asheville’s Hot Spots of Summer 1

Asheville’s Hot Spots of Summer  A New Way to Float  Stephan Pruitt and Hamlin Beattie are the brains behind The Brew Tub, Asheville’s newest addition to the river community. With summer in full session, people are headed to seek relief from the heat in local swimming holes and waterfalls, and these two entrepreneurs have a new twist on tubing down the French Broad River. Both…

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Red Carpet “The world is filled with people that are gonna try to tell you who you are, but that's for you to decide, you hear me?” –Aunt Lucy, Dumplin’

Making the Magic with Shay Brown Events  “I just want a lot of flowers.”  For Shay Brown, taking a vague idea and turning it into a breathtaking event is nothing new. In fact, it’s her specialty. Shay, an Asheville event planner and coordinator, loves taking a concept and turning it into a magical night. While weddings are what you may know Shay Brown Events for, Shay and…

Move Over, Beer—There’s Another Craft in Town Leah Howard, co-owner of H&H Distillery and creative mind behind many delicious cocktails, sat down with us to talk about her craft cocktail journey in Beer City, USA. And trust us, the Ginger Rose Smash pairs great with her story.

May 2019 Around Town Carolina Holistic Health Celebrates One Year Carolina Holistic Health will be celebrating its first birthday by hosting a party April 13 from noon to 4 p.m. All proceeds go to the Food Connection, an amazing local nonprofit that works in conjunction with local restaurants, schools and businesses to get unused food to soup kitchens and shelters that need it … Continued

The Wonders of Cavi-Lipo If you’ve ever been frustrated by stubborn fat, cellulite or some extra dimples, you’re not alone. Oftentimes diet and exercise routines don’t target the specific area you want to change, and you’re left looking in the mirror wishing for a solution. Let’s face it; our bodies go through transitions due to myriad factors: pregnancy, medications, aging and stress can be…

Greetings to a Blossoming Asheville Ah, May. The scent of flower blooms wafts delicately in the air. Chilled bones have begun to thaw. The promise of warmer days greets us each morning like a hug from a friend we haven’t seen in a while. Whoever decided Mother’s Day should be celebrated in May was onto something. What better time to celebrate the maternal … Continued

An Authentic Taste of Japan If you’ve had the pleasure of visiting WakuWaku Eatery on Merrimon Avenue, you already know the amount of love and care that goes into each dish. The owner, Naomi Mikami, has poured her heart into this popular spot, and she’s excited to share a bit of her culture with Asheville. If you haven’t tried the okonomiyaki yet, finish reading this…