The natural wine movement gains momentum in Asheville

Posted on May 30, 2019May 28, 2019 by Brian Crews

Produced with a focus on sustainable farming practices and low-intervention fermentation, natural wines are increasingly finding their way onto local wine lists and retail shelves.

The growing debate over raw milk

Posted on April 10, 2019April 8, 2019 by Brian Crews

Enthusiasts say milk that hasn’t been pasteurized contains more nutrients; opponents say it may contain dangerous germs. Although it’s currently illegal in North Carolina to purchase raw milk for human consumption, the Small Dairy Sustainability Act would establish statewide standards for its production.

Hemp farmers and CBD businesses adjust to a shifting legal landscape

Posted on March 15, 2019March 11, 2019 by Brian Crews

When Melissa Clark, owner of Hemp Magik, opened the doors to her Woodfin storefront on the morning of Feb. 14, she was hit with quite a shock: A search warrant from the Woodfin Police Department was sitting on her counter. Listed in it were four felony charges. “I was shaking,” says Clark. “I’ve never been […]

Food fight: Where WNC schools stand in the battle against food waste

Posted on February 13, 2019February 11, 2019 by Brian Crews

Statistics show that American schools throw away more than $1 billion worth of food every year. Asheville-area schools and organizations are taking some steps toward alleviating the problem.

Tuareg guitar hero Mdou Moctar returns to Asheville

Posted on January 8, 2019January 3, 2019 by Brian Crews

As a young musician, Moctar was heavily influenced by Tuareg folk music, called “takamba,” but he also fell in love with the wild guitar mastery of Eddie Van Halen.

Carl Sandburg legacy is honored in a storytelling slam

Posted on January 2, 2019January 9, 2019 by Brian Crews

UPDATE: According to the Carl Sandburg Home website, “Due to the government shutdown, Perspectives: The Sandburg Story Slam has been cancelled and will not be held on January 13. There is no date to reschedule at this time.”