Best of WNC 2024 Awards, Part One
Volume
31
/ Issue 3
Cover Design Credit:
Scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
Adobe Stock
Who’s ready to party? We are! And we hope you’ll join us. Not only is Xpress celebrating its 30-year anniversary, but we’re also raising a toast to all the local people, businesses and events that placed in this year’s Best of WNC. In the first of our two-part series, you’ll find the winners for a number of categories including arts & entertainment, shopping, personal services, kids and much more.
arts
An artist’s journey from Ukraine to Asheville
Anatolii Tarasiuk, a Ukrainian refugee, will celebrate his first art exhibit in Asheville on Friday, Aug. 23 at Pink Dog Gallery.On the Record: Asheville City Council candidate Tod Leaven on Billie Holiday, the local theater scene and more
Over the next several weeks, Xpress will sit down with each of the six candidates running for Asheville City Council to listen to an album of their choice while discussing…Around town: Film festival to benefit the French Broad River
New Belgium Brewing hosts film festival, ArtsAVL announces grant recipients, Asheville FM holds record fair, and more!Theater review: Inherit the Wind at HART
It’s unlikely that you are going to see another play this enthralling any time soon. To say it is “not to be missed” is an understatement.food
Oral history project focuses on WNC’s Black and Indigenous growers
Asheville was a host site this summer for a team of Princeton University and Spelman College interns who gathered stories from WNC's Black and Indigenous farmers, gardeners and seed savers.What’s new in food: Quench! Wine Bistro opens in Woodfin
Metro Wines has partnered with chef Sam Etheridge to launch the new concept in Reynolds Village. Also in this week's food news, Mayfel's closes permanently, La Bodega by Cúrate hosts…news
Q&A: Chair says reparations demonstrate love for Asheville
The fourth generation Ashevillian’s deep appreciation for her roots is what propels her to give the next generation of Black residents — including her three children — something to honor.Green Roundup: ASAP’s Farm Tour spotlights local growers
The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project is gearing up for its annual Farm Tour in September. Also in local green news, a new solar lending program from Sugar Hollow Solar, the…Syphilis cases have nearly tripled in Buncombe County since 2015
Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, medical director for Buncombe County Department of Health & Human Services, discusses the disease and its growing prevalence in the Asheville area.6 candidates compete for Hendersonville City Council seats
Xpress reached out to candidates for Hendersonville City Council to ask them why they are running, what their priorities are and why they are the best person for the job.ACS closes budget gap ahead of new school year
Asheville City Schools (ACS) Superintendent Maggie Fehrman said the district was able to close its $5.7 million budget deficit just in time for the new school year, largely through cuts…opinion
Letter: Take UNCA concerns to legislature
"UNCA is just one more victim of a legislature hostile to excellence in public education at all levels."Letter: Support public education this November
"Whether you currently have a school-age child or you simply care about the quality of education in our state, then voting for candidates who promise to support public education should…Road hog: The I-26 Disconnector
"But while small portions of the road do appear to be much-needed transformations, will we now turn away in disgust and denial over what we’re doing to the people, animals…Biting satire
Letter: Theater is not a luxury
"I am concerned that students seeking a 'liberal arts' environment, experience and education will notice (like spinach between your teeth) that a theater experience is not available. Perhaps they will then…Letter: UNCA cuts will damage region, future generations
"The humanities and the arts inform leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and professionals how to lead, how to make ethical decisions, how to engage in creative problem-solving and how to treat other…Curb appeal