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…
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…

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…

Crafting Inspiration Blue Spiral 1, a 15,000-square-foot gallery in the heart of downtown Asheville, presents exceptional artists and object makers. Three expansive floors allow for ample displays and extensive exhibitions. Two talented artists, Alex Bernstein and Tamie Beldue, share their work with us.
Horseplay 9

Horseplay There’s something inherently romantic about horseback riding. The sway of the saddle and the cadenced clop of hooves make for a quiet lullaby that helps you relax into nature. But there’s something decidedly unromantic about “around the barn” type horseback riding businesses where riders take a laggard jaunt around a dusty loop and miss the magic of the sport. Saddle-Up…
Have a Ball 11

Have a Ball Aside from its omnipresent beer and music scenes, Asheville is also well-known for the active lifestyle options the city provides locals and tourists alike. From the many water-based activities the French Broad River has to offer to the dozens of gyms found throughout the city, there is a healthy, active outlet for everyone. However, if hiking the national forests or…
Asheville's Gift Guide 26

Asheville’s Gift Guide We reached out the best locally-owned shops around Asheville and asked their owners to share their favorite gifts for the holidays. Whether your shopping for your sweetheart, your best friend, your mailman, or even yourself, these finds are sure to please!
A Walk on the Sunnyside 4

A Walk on the Sunnyside In a store bursting with colorful prints and eye-catching items, how can you possibly choose just one thing? We asked Will and Charlotte to pick out their favorite wares to make your job a little easier. Eggchairs upholstered in vintage Indian katha fabric brighten any room.
Craft Beer, Curated 6

Craft Beer, Curated Bruisin’ Ales will celebrate their 10th Anniversary this holiday season! Join the celebration throughout 2017 as they offer special beer releases and events. Follow Bruisin’ Ales on social media for the latest. Asheville has changed a lot over the past ten years. The population has doubled, parking lots have risen higher, new businesses fill our once-vacant downtown, and tourists clog…
A Family Thing

A Family Thing Not too long ago, things were simpler. Cars moved a little slower. TVs were hushed, their screens blurred. People stopped to chat with neighbors and exchanged smiles with passerby. And there was a distinct pride in a profession, in the ability to create a lasting legacy for generations of your own descendants to build their lives upon.
Golf With A Shotgun 2

Golf With A Shotgun Don Mallicoat opened Wings n Clays in Asheville seven years ago. Since then, the store has become the city’s go-to destination for shooting sports equipment. The shop provides a full line of rifles, shotguns, handguns and more, along with a number of classes and certified instructors. But among this suite of offerings, Don has a particular passion. A lifelong clay…