“Brevard has a uniqueness and a whole different vibe than existed 10 years ago in a really cool way,” says Dee Dee Perkins, owner of the outdoor supplies and gear shop D.D. Bullwinkel’s. She credits new breweries and Transylvania County Tourism’s focus on mountain biking.
G5 Trail Collective opens first phase of planned network
The first part of the Old Fort Trails Project, aptly named the Old Fort Gateway Trails, features six miles of accessible trails off of Curtis Creek Road in the McDowell County town. Another 36 miles of hiking, biking and horse paths are planned for construction through 2027.
Community groups discuss city advocacy
Asheville on Bikes has recently drawn attention for its successful advocacy at City Hall, but it’s just one of many community organizations that seek to pull the levers of political power in Asheville. Xpress spoke to several of these groups to learn more about how they pursue their agendas.
Chamber of Commerce addresses water quality, development
On heels of a 2021 study that showed the power of the French Broad River as an economic driver, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce convened a panel to discuss the importance of keeping that engine clean.
Buncombe tries to fix its property tax appraisal system
An action plan county staffers presented to the Board of Commissioners Oct. 18 includes steps to help owners of cheaper homes seek reductions if they think the county has valued their homes too highly, to get property owners to report when they upgrade their homes and to refine some aspects of how Buncombe’s appraisers do their jobs.
What’s new in food: Foothills Grange opens in Black Mountain
Foothills Grange celebrates its grand opening on Sunday, Dec. 4. Also: Peruvian cuisine comes to the S&W Market; Morsel Cookie Co. opens on Rankin Avenue; and more!
Local companies prioritize hands-on giving
Local nonprofit leaders say they’re seeing more companies prioritize volunteering and service projects rather than just giving money. They’re also seeking long-term relationships with specific organizations rather than just one-off collaborations.
$2.5M city grant approved for 153-unit East Asheville complex
With a unanimous vote during their Nov. 15 meeting, Asheville City Council members approved their fourth land use incentive grant of 2022. The award to South Carolina-based Orange Capital Advisors LLC brings the city’s spending on the affordable housing program this year to nearly $5.4 million.
Nonprofits strive to bring bounty to the Thanksgiving table
With the holidays around the corner, nonprofits are counting more than ever on turkey drives, financial contributions, dedicated volunteers going the extra mile — sometimes literally — and increased awareness and support from the community at large.
Green in brief: WNC Nature Center opens new exhibit
In partnership with the WNC Farmers Market, the Asheville zoo launches its Educational Farmers Market Garden starting Wednesday, Nov. 16. The new exhibit focuses on sustainable relationships between agriculture and nature.
What’s new in food: Tailgate markets segue to holiday markets
Holiday markets return throughout Buncombe County. Also: The Chop Shop expands; local chefs and bakers prepare for Thanksgiving; and plenty more.
APD and local retailers team up to fight shoplifting
After a reduction in the number of incidents reported to the Asheville Police Department in 2021, local shoplifting numbers are rising again.
Pinners Cove residents blast process for proposed development
After the Buncombe County Planning Board voted not to recommend a plan for mountaintop development on 176 acres in Pinners Cove, developer KLP Pinners EAT, LLC resubmitted an application for the same site using county rules that provide no avenue for public input.
From Asheville Watchdog: Why I really left the Asheville Citizen-Times
Asheville Watchdog contributor John Boyle explains his decision to join the nonprofit news startup after 27 years with Asheville’s daily newspaper.
Buncombe approves affordable parking program at Coxe garage
The initiative will make 150 spaces in the county’s Coxe Avenue garage available to low-income downtown employees at $40 per month — less than half the current $85 monthly rate — by the end of the year.
What’s new in food: Tall John’s neighborhood tavern opens in Montford
Chef Trevor Payne celebrates the launch of his new restaurant. Plus: OWL North opens on Charlotte Street; Knuckle-Deep BBQ Fest returns; and more!
Buncombe taking steps to make tax values more equitable
The county plans to spend $844,000 on new tax assessment initiatives over this fiscal year and the next. Actions include asking Buncombe residents to report improvements to their homes, buying software to double-check the valuations county staffers give to homes and reaching out to residents to help them challenge their property tax values.
Entrepreneurs bring wellness opportunities to Asheville area
Asheville may never have won an official designation as “city where you’re most likely to encounter someone wearing hiking boots in a bar.” Residents and tourists alike, however, know that this is a place where yoga pants, muddy Tevas and a reusable water bottle are practically the local uniform. One demographic that’s embracing this health- […]
Balancing business and motherhood in WNC
The founders of three local beverage companies — Buchi, Shanti Elixirs and Sarilla — discuss the challenges and opportunities that women-led organizations face, as well as the insights parenting can offer those running a business.
Green in brief: Wildlands Network flags WNC roads for wildlife crossings
Of the 20 North Carolina sites in the new report, six are in Western North Carolina — including the nonprofit’s No. 1 site, Interstate 40’s path through the Pigeon River Gorge.
What’s new in food: Food Truck Boot Camp rolls into Cherokee
Food Truck Boot Camp aims to help chefs break into the culinary industry. Also: Mamacita’s Street Food opens in the RAD; Oaxacarolina dinner takes place at Botanist & Barrel; and more!