There is a little stone building on Tunnel Road in east Asheville. To me, it has always been a cool-looking building, but nothing more. Historically, it was a meeting place for the American Legion. However, recently I realized that behind that amazing architectural exterior there’s a cozy, bohemian, European-inspired cafe. Honestly, I didn’t know there […]
I visited healthcare.gov on the Internet, and thanks to the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, I am now, at age 63, covered by health care insurance for the first time in my adult life. I’ve had financial ups and downs throughout my life with periods of relative prosperity; at other times, not so […]
In business years (as opposed to dog years or lightyears) that first trip around the sun is not for the faint of heart. It takes a sharp plan of action and/or an unwavering trust that the universe and a dedicated clientele will come through. For West Asheville's The Double Crown, launching a new spot with […]
“People need to laugh, especially around Christmas,” says Bombs Away Cabaret performer and coordinator Amber Shehan, (aka Iona Traylor). The performance troupe’s mission is to restore burlesque to its comedic roots, and the group is constantly striving for a balance between inappropriate and socially acceptable, sexual and sensual. Shehan deadpans, “My mom says burlesque is […]
In the Oct. 29 issue, we looked at the life of a food truck owner from two different perspectives: the newbie (Roaming in the Raw) and the old-timer (Gypsy Queen). Following that story, Bill Drake, owner of the Decrepit Old Geezers Sausages (D.O.G.S) hot dog and sausage truck, responded to Xpress, “It seems like all […]
A new Asheville City Council met Dec. 10, with Esther Manheimer sworn in as mayor, Marc Hunt chosen as the new vice mayor, three development decisions postponed and neighborhood leaders raising concerns about issues in East Asheville. New faces By 3:45 p.m., Council chambers were packed for a swearing-in ceremony as residents, supporters and family […]
Twenty-seven innocent people were killed in the Newtown, Conn., tragedy — 20 of those victims were children. In the year since the Newtown shooting, 11,126 people have died from gun violence. This year was marked by 24 mass shootings, which are defined by the FBI as shootings with four or more victims, such as the […]
Celebrating the music, life and Dec. 21 birthday of composer/engineer/visionary Frank Zappa, Project/Object puts on a rare show. The lineup includes founder Andre Cholmondeley (a recent transplant to Asheville) with a stellar lineup of national and local musicians. Eric Slick (Dr. Dog), Derrick Lee Johnson (Booty Band), Jamar Woofs (The Fritz) and Keith Harry (Deja […]
I live downtown and first noticed the increase in sandwich boards on the sidewalks this summer. Then I noticed the other obstacles that restrict and narrow the use of the sidewalks for pedestrians. In addition to the sandwich boards, there are trees, trash barrels, magazine stands, bike racks, planters, motorcycles, street musicians and people sitting […]
Looking for a different kind of holiday shopping experience? Sifting through Elle Erickson’s vintage, handmade and generally offbeat clothing and accessories at her traveling trunk show isn’t the kind of retail therapy you can find at the mall. In fact, where the Urban Gypsy trunk show will pop up next has always been something of […]
This is the last week for diners to enjoy Chef Daniel Wright’s creative comfort food at the Tomato Jam Café; the Biltmore Avenue breakfast and lunch spot closes on Friday, Dec. 20. According to Wright, it was business as usual until about six months ago when he got a phone call from owner Deb Maddox, […]
Each year, the Asheville Downtown Association challenges local merchants to show their festival spirit by decorating their shop windows in seasonal style. It’s exactly the sort of contest where everybody wins — especially passersby who get to gaze in on microworlds. This year’s submissions included a manger scene populated by dogs, angels in retro finery, […]
Betty Sharpless drives a van adorned with flowers, an “Outrageous Older Woman” bumper sticker and a red kayak perched on top. She’s one of those instantly likable people who emanates charisma, warmth and welcome. Twenty years ago, Sharpless cooked up the idea of a cookie party to benefit clients of Loving Food Resources, and she’s […]
Local (though usually out of town on tour) musician Woody Pines plays Jack of the Wood on Saturday, Dec. 21.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. This week we get three pretty darn terrific — and wildly diverse — new films. It’s also that time of year where the line between art and mainstream blurs to a degree we don’t see at any other time of the year. This is both pleasant and mildly distressing, since the big-box theater chains get into the picture. Regardless, we have three choice movies this week — and a couple of others.
Four comics from Wilmington perform at The LAB on Thursday, Dec. 19. 9 p.m., $10.
Creamy cheese melted over a hot granite slab, a selection of savory or sweet accompaniments, a glass of wine and good conversation: This is the essence of raclette, the centuries-old Swiss dining tradition introduced to Asheville in late November by Creperie Bouchon.
Warren Haynes celebrated the 25th anniversary of Christmas Jam in style this weekend with two full days of epic concerts at the U.S. Cellular Center and other venues in downtown Asheville.
On Saturday, Dec. 21 the Bethel Youth Ministries Department presents “A Soulful Christmas” gospel concert at Tried Stone Missionary Baptist Church. The event will feature the Bethel Chorale, Bethel Gospel Choir and the Gospel Sensations (pictured) from Greensboro, NC. Tickets are $10 per person and proceeds from the concert will benefit the Bethel Bears Pathfinder Club. A Holiday Market featuring local business will be held after the concert.
Craggy Mountain Line, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving a historic 3-mile stretch of track in North Asheville and Woodfin, does more than transport visitors down the track this holiday season: It gives regional residents a chance to embark on a journey reminiscent of scenes from Christmas classics of the past.
In the second part of her series, Jodi Ford looks into how cuts to food benefits have resulted in new struggles for area families. This article is featured as part of a partnership between the Xpress and Children First/ Communities In Schools of Buncombe County.
