Talking Shitake: Local Stores bring mushrooms to the masses
Volume
30
/ Issue 19
Cover Design Credit:
Scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
Jessica Wakeman
Asheville’s wellness culture is touted nationwide for its outdoor lifestyle. But less familiar are the mycological wellness opportunities — that is, medicinal mushrooms — available at numerous shops, cafes and farms in Western North Carolina.
arts
Asheville’s mobile bookshops bring lit to unconventional places
"How do we bring literature to the spaces where people already are?” asks Jacqui Castle, an author and Lit Local Mini Bookshops.Orbit DVD celebrates 20th anniversary
Staying afloat for 20 years hasn’t been without its challenges. But Marc McCloud’s credo of “Adapt or die” has helped Orbit DVD weather many a storm.Xmas Jam by Day spotlights local talent
The annual event takes place Dec. 9 at Asheville Music Hall, The One Stop and Jack of the Wood.Around town: Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam returns for 32nd year
Christmas Jam returns for its 32nd year. Plus, SART offers "pay-what-you-wish" tickets for its annual Christmas revue; 250 nativity sets on display; and more.food
What’s new in food: American Sign Language series promotes education and empathy at Highland Brewing Co.
ASL instructor Hope Turpin and Highland Brewing offer free sign language series; Bottle Riot hosts Champagne Extravaganza; Oskar Blues Brewery celebrates 11 years in Brevard; and more!news
Toy stores focus on nostalgia and mystery to appeal to a broader clientele
Along with an all-age clientele, local toy shop employees and owners say the industry has plenty of other surprises. From unusual peak seasons to unique marketing techniques, shopkeepers say in order…Local purveyors find new ways to introduce medical mushrooms to customers
Asheville’s wellness culture is touted nationwide for its outdoor lifestyle and fresh mountain air. But less well known are the mycological wellness opportunities — that is, medicinal mushrooms — in…Merrimon Avenue specialty shops build unique communities along the road diet
Inside several specialty shops along the mile-and-a-half stretch from UNC Asheville to Beaver Lake, hawkers of shoes, homebrew equipment, crystals and haircuts continue to sell their wares and services, building…Indigenous Walls Project finds local business allies
Project founder Jared Wheatley and Asheville entrepreneurs discuss the "You Are On Cherokee Land" sign initiative.State lawmakers shroud open-records requirements
Local officials are still reeling over a little paragraph in the state’s 625-page budget in which lawmakers exempted themselves from public record requirements. Section 27.7 of the 2023 Appropriations Act…TDA approves $100K in funding for 2024 festivals and events
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority unanimously approved a total of $100,000 in funding for 25 local events and festivals at its Nov. 29 board meeting. According to Tiffany Thacker,…Development Roundup: Board of Adjustment to discuss proposed spa resort
Two projects requiring special-use permits are on the agenda at the Buncombe County Board of Adjustment, including a proposed Level 2 Planned Unit Development on 104.19 acres for a spa…opinion
Letter: Turn those fall leaves into mulch
"The bright side to this colorful season is that more homeowners realize that discarding leaf litter is an ecological no-no."Letter: Redirect tourism spending toward other needs
"Redirect Tourism Development Authority money to help with housing affordability; to offer deeply affordable child care; improve public transportation; and increase wages of workers in the tourist service industries."Letter: Trains, plazas and resilience
"It would be great to have a train system around Asheville — to and from the Asheville, Charlotte and Greenville airports going to destinations in and around Asheville — including…Letter: Use TDA budget to offset tourism’s downsides
"I fully support the Tourism Development Authority budget being changed so that half of its current earnings serve to offset the negative impacts of tourism."Buffer zone
Letter: Spend tourism tax money on infrastructure
"The proceeds from the tax (75% plus) should be going toward enhancing the infrastructure that the visitors and locals use."Letter: Advertising isn’t the only way to increase tourism
"In an area with many other needs, it seems only sensible to address these needs. Actually, everything that improves the area in any way makes tourists like the area more."Letter: Cut tourism promotion and reallocate funds
"My vote would be to cut tourism promotional expenditures by 90% and reallocate those funds to improve infrastructure, deal with the homeless situation and lower the exorbitant residential property taxes."Farm to ceiling