While Kwanzaa has been celebrated in WNC for decades, it has never been as popular as in some other places. Some local activists are looking to change that.
Author: Justin McGuire
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Around the region: Hendersonville, Woodfin, Brevard envision the future via comprehensive plans
When Hendersonville officials began developing the city’s new comprehensive plan, they set their sights far into the future. “We toyed around with the idea of a 100-year plan and trying to get people to really think long term,” says Matthew Manley, the city’s strategic projects manager. “This is a long-term vision, and the decisions that […]
Xpress seeks student writing and art for 2024 Kids Issues
It’s time for local kids and teens to share their writing and art for Xpress’ 2024 Kids Issues.
The mission of AVL Hoppers goes beyond volleyball courts
When three Asheville women started AVL Hoppers last year, they wanted the organization to have an impact beyond the volleyball courts. So each season, the group’s championship teams receive a prize in the form of a donation to a local nonprofit of their choice. In all, the Hoppers have helped distribute more than $2,000 to worthy causes.
Celesa Willett of United Way of Haywood County discusses Canton mill closing, other challenges
With just two full-time employees, United Way of Haywood County has met some big community needs in recent years. In 2021, the Waynesville-based nonprofit received more than $1 million in donations to help those affected by devastating flooding in the wake of Tropical Storm Fred. United Way funneled money to groups like WNC Communities for […]
WNC nondrinkers reflect on life in Beer City USA
For many nondrinkers, finding a social life in a region centered around breweries can be difficult. Here are some of the ways people do it.
WNC ride-share drivers discuss benefits, drawbacks of life on the road
WNC residents who work for ride-share services like Uber and Lyft say it’s possible to make money in tourist-oriented Asheville, but it takes some time to learn the ropes. We take a look at the benefits of perils of making a living driving other people around.
Women in outdoor recreation industry driven by passion, desire for change
Anna Levesque, Lindsey Barr and Ruby Compton are leaders in Western North Carolina’s outdoor recreation industry. They want to make kayaking, hiking and other outdoor activities more inclusive. Despite improvements in recent years, they say challenges — and outdated attitudes — still exist.
In photos: International Day of Peace
“We are marching for humanity and the planet, and to get out the message that through unity, trust, and justice, peace is possible,” says Laura Mayes, one of the organizers.
Asheville High School senior heads to Nevada for Onewheel competition
When you spend as much time on a Onewheel as Finn Holcomb does, you crash a lot. “I crashed last night,” says Holcomb, an Asheville High School senior and a nationally ranked competitor in the burgeoning sport of off-road Onewheel racing. “I’ve got a bandage on my left hand, and my right hand’s bleeding. You […]
How do recent retirees find sense of community in WNC?
A few weeks after Paul Heaton retired to West Asheville in May, he saw a sign at Banks Ave. Bar that grabbed his attention. “It was for an event they described as ‘inclusive country-western dancing,’” says Heaton, who moved to the area after working in Washington, D.C., for 12 years. “I was looking for activities […]
Why some WNC home-schoolers participate in public school sports (and some don’t)
Haywood County home-schooler Celeste Riddle has a few reasons to be excited about her decision to take two classes at Pisgah High School this year. For one thing, she’s never attended a public school and is looking forward to experiencing a new learning environment. And she figures she will make some new friends. But mostly, […]
Ecusta Trail’s economic impact already underway in Western North Carolina
When Steve Line and his wife were looking for a new house in Henderson County a few years ago, one thing was certain: It had to be within walking distance of the future Ecusta Trail, the 19.4-mile greenway that will connect Brevard and Hendersonville via an abandoned rail line. “It was very important to us, […]
Book explores lives and legacies of Eleanor Vance and Charlotte Yale
Author Bruce E. Johnson’s new book tells the story of two women who make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in Western North Carolina.
Year-round schools remain rarity in WNC 30 years after they began
In July 1991, educators from Asheville, Haywood County and other districts traveled to Hendersonville on a fact-finding mission. Bruce Drysdale Elementary and Hendersonville Middle had just become the first public schools in Western North Carolina to offer year-round schedules, and the officials wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Bruce Drysdale Principal Noland […]
What will legalized sports betting mean for Western North Carolina?
Betting on sports will soon be legal in North Carolina. What will that mean for WNC?
Around Town: Asheville concert to benefit Sistas Caring 4 Sistas
Central United Methodist Church of Asheville concert series kicks off with performance by three women musicians. Plus, Asheville poet explores mental health in new collection, Asheville Symphony relocates shows and Love Bubble celebrates new album.
WNC Iraq War veterans look back 20 years later
To mark the 20th anniversary of the start of the Iraq War, Xpress sat down with six local veterans to reflect on their experiences, their return to civilian life and the conflict’s legacy.
What happened to the plans for the Thomas Wolfe cabin?
In the fall of 2019, the city of Asheville unveiled a proposal to secure the future of the century-old Thomas Wolfe cabin in East Asheville’s Azalea Park. What has happened since?
Around Town: Artists bring ‘Asheville vibe’ to Candace Pickens Memorial Park playground
Local artists help transform Jones Park into the new Candace Pickens Memorial Park. Plus, Asheville documentary filmmakers take home on Emmy, Grovewood Gallery hosts an exhibit by Bakersville wire sculptor Josh Coté and Black Mountain’s free annual Park Rhythms concert series returns.
High school seniors reflect on their pandemic experiences
When this year’s high school seniors were freshmen, their worlds change suddenly as schools shut down in response to the global pandemic. As graduation day approaches, Xpress sat down with eight local members of the class of ’23 to look back on their experiences of attending four years of school in the era of COVID.