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 our refrigerators and cupboards.
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.
Shortage trickles through peach economy
WNC farmers are left with bitter losses — 90 percent for peaches in Henderson County alone, amounting to $600,000 in lost revenue, says Terry Kelley, tree fruit expert and director of the Henderson County cooperative extension.
Asheville woman writes a guide for terminally ill and their loved ones
“Dying is a big thing, and I want the details of it to be as easy as possible on my family as it can be,” Kae Mance, who has stage 4 breast cancer, says.
Gyms eye sustainability along with workouts
“Most people are really good at bringing their own water bottle,” says Kathleen Hahn from DANCECLUB Asheville.
Erica Abrams Locklear examines the evolution of mountain food
Erica Abrams Locklear will discuss her new book Appalachia on the Table with chef John Fleer at Malaprop’s on Tuesday, April 18.
Parents get creative to declutter kids’ stuff
According to the National Resources Defense Council, Americans are 4% of the world’s population but generate 12% of its solid waste. Parents are conscious of their families’ contribution to this literal trash heap.
Green in brief: Conserving Carolina to expand Bracken Mountain Preserve
On Dec. 30, the nonprofit completed the purchase of 34 acres in Brevard to expand the preserve. The new land will bolster the existing 395-acre park, owned by the city of Brevard, which connects to the Pisgah National Forest.
From CPP: The uncertain future of old-growth forests in North Carolina, part four
In part four, the last in the series, CPP reports on the objections and responses to the recent decision to harvest 26 acres that encompass an old growth patch of forest on a 3,500-foot mountaintop — the Southside Project.
What’s new in food: Crust Never Sleeps bakery opens on Sardis Road
Jonathan Price and Dawn Alexander celebrate the launch of Crust Never Sleeps bakery. Also: Shiloh & Gaines launches on Hendersonville Road; Asheville Drag Brunch closes out the year with two shows; and plenty more!
Beyond white squirrels: Specialty shops abound in Brevard
“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.
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!
Library’s special collections suffer from funding snag
Although an $870,000 trust fund exists to support the Buncombe County Public Libraries’ historical archives, manager Katherine Cutshall says she’s been locked out of accessing that money for years due to the county’s legal confusion.
From Asheville Watchdog: Trustee who criticized director is ousted from art museum board
Michelle Weitzman, the only trustee to speak publicly about employee complaints of mistreatment at the Asheville Art Museum, was removed from the museum’s board Nov. 15.
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.
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!
From Facebook to faceoff: The bumpy road to shaping local politics
Administrators from local social media groups talk about the challenges inherent in their freewheeling, ongoing public conversations. Opinions vary on how much that rough-and-tumble interferes with achieving posters’ goals.
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.