Niche love: Specialty stores supplement
Volume
23
/ Issue 29
Cover Design Credit:
Scott Southwick
Asheville has long been a mecca for smart, talented, creative oddballs, many of them entrepreneurs. So is it any wonder that a dizzying array of boutiques cater to these niche interests? From shops serving an evolving nerd culture to retail outposts in the River Arts District, Xpress takes a look.
arts
Local dance group supports nonprofits with weekly events
The next dance takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 14, with a Valentine’s Day theme and music by The Lovebugs.Lesley Riddle: Country music’s long-lost forefather
When Riddle died in Asheville, in 1980, he had finally achieved some degree of recognition for his unlikely contributions to the origins of country music.Mannequins’ best friend: Scout Boutique owner Dema Badr retraces her footsteps in local fashion
Asheville native Dema Badr learned her earliest business lessons locally, working for her family at Asheville Discount Pharmacy and later launching her own clothing store Zakya downtown. She draws on…Where to celebrate, laugh about or find romance this Valentine’s Day
in and around Asheville, there’s also plenty of music, comedy, dancing, dining, volunteering and even Drag Queen Bingo to commemorate the occasion.Smart bets: An Exposé of Fashion
The salute to local black history opens at the UNCA Intercultural Center on Monday, Feb. 13.Different Strokes opens its season with the provocative play ‘The Submission’
The tale centers around the character of Danny, a struggling playwright whose years of rejection might have come to an end. His new show seems destined for greatness. But should…Smart bets: Salvation in Steel
Roach and The Fly By Night Rounders play at The Mothlight on Sunday, Feb. 12.Smart bets: Lydia Peelle
Peelle's husband, Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show, will provide musical accompaniment for the reading, which takes place on Sunday, Feb. 12.Smart bets: Folk Art at TC Arts
Those interested in meeting the artists can attend a reception at TC Arts on Friday, Feb. 10.Conscious party: Female Artist Spotlight Night
Kare Strong, Lucy Ray and Aileen "Big Al" Pearlman will perform at the first iteration of this showcase of female-made music. The event takes place at The BLOCK Off Biltmore…food
Beer Scout: Beer bars
Pour Taproom settles in to larger digs in Biltmore Village; The Black Cloud metal-themed beer bar storms onto the West Asheville scene.Spread the love: Valentine’s Day feasts, fun and philanthropy
A few Western North Carolina Valentine's Day events will offer a unique experience in addition to dinner and dessert — including opportunities to give from the heart.Small bites: Celebrating the season with Farm-to-Table Dinner
Organic Growers School is hosting a Farm-to-Table Dinner fundraiser with chef John Fleer. Also, Meredith Leigh hosts a charcuterie workshop, Ole Shakey's mixes bingo and brunch buffets, Knife & Fork…living
Exercise and a healthy diet help prevent Type 2 diabetes
Buncombe County, like much of the nation, has a diabetes problem. The disease was ranked as the 10th-leading cause of death in the county in the 2015 Community Health Assessment, an annual gathering…movies
Screen scene: Local film news
The Grail screens a documentary on transgender parents, local libraries screen classics and more.news
Local agencies work to keep drinking water healthy and safe
Western North Carolina enjoys an abundant supply of high-quality water. Even so, experts say, whether you get your water from the city, a well, a bottle or through a home…Local businesses serve Asheville’s geekier side
These days, geeking out is hot. Asheville is home to a vibrant community of people looking to express their nerdier side, and abundant businesses to serve them: From comic books…Retail comes to the RAD
When you think of Asheville’s River Arts District, what comes to mind are probably things like painting, sculpture, pottery, glass blowing — you get the drift. But as the neighborhood…Space race: Deconstructing Asheville’s affordable housing problem
While 2016 statistics show increasing availability in the area's rental housing market, Asheville renters say their choices remain limited and prices steep. Several city initiatives — including a $25 million…Sweet somethings: Asheville-area indie shops offer Valentine’s Day gift ideas for the foodie at heart
Valentine's Day gifts don't have to stop with chocolates and flowers. Western North Carolina's independently owned retail shops have some creative ideas for pleasing anyone's beloved foodie.Parks & Rec on the hot seat at Southside Town Hall
A Southside Town Hall held on Jan. 31 aired long-held resentments and distrust in the city's African-American community. But many who attended the meeting at the Edington Center on Livingston…Annual State of Downtown event focuses on investment, opportunity
At the Asheville Downtown Association's annual State of Downtown luncheon, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer and Buncombe County Commission Chair Brownie Newman touted lists of major public projects and initiatives that…opinion
Letter writer: Support breast-feeding as preventive medicine
"In the Affordable Care Act, breast-feeding is covered under the women's health and well-being preventive medicine section. We need to speak up to our elected representatives to ensure these vital…Letter writer: Why don’t dentists share tooth tip?
"Dentists, as well as the other mainstream health professionals, focus on those aspects of medicine that are the most profitable: those being diagnoses and treatment. They largely neglect prevention and…Letter writer: Hiking offers health benefits, too
"Spending time in nature makes people healthier, both physically and mentally. It’s now accepted that trees, streams and trails heal. Doctors are prescribing an outdoor cure for their patients on…Divided lunch
AshevilleLetter writer: There can be no justice without truth
"If you’re wondering why you keep fighting the good fight, and no one seems to be listening to you except for those with whom you already agree, it’s because of…Letter writer: Look closely at district voting push
'The current Council may be ineffective, but its composition is a testament to the efficiency and integrity of at-large representation — at nearly half female, one-in-seven minority, it mirrors the…Divestiture could help halt Dakota Access pipeline
"Those seeking to profit from extracting the dirtiest of fuels are using their money and power to try to lock in a fossil fuel infrastructure, with no regard for cataclysmic…Park place
Asheville