Local journalist Marla Hardee Milling shares stories of how Asheville became the town it is today in her new book, “Only in Asheville: An eclectic history.” She’ll sign copies at Malaprop’s on Wednesday, July 22.
Foggy frontiers: The rise of the vapor industry in WNC
In various forms, electronic cigarettes are taking Western North Carolina by storm, stirring up intense public debate over health benefits and risks, government regulation and whether the budding vapor industry will settle permanently in the mountains — or go up in a puff of smoke.
Wheeling and dealing: 2016 cyclocross nationals come to Biltmore Estate
A relatively new sport that’s exploding in popularity in the U.S. is giving visitors yet another reason to come to Asheville. In January, the city will host the 2016 Cyclocross National Championships, and organizers expect the five-day event will draw spectators and elite racers from across the country.
Moogfest moves to Durham
Moogfest 2016 will be held in Durham from May 19-22, according to an article by Indyweek, which confirms rumors of the multi-venue festival’s location change today.
Small Bites: Some Like It Hot benefits The Hope Chest for Women
Some Like It Hot to benefit The Hope Chest for Women Local businesses are coming together this week to sponsor Some Like It Hot, a foodcentric fundraiser for breast and gynecological cancer support organization The Hope Chest for Women. A smorgasbord of appetizers provided by Asheville restaurants and caterers, desserts from area supermarkets, Catawba Brewing […]
DA-sponsored expunction clinic serves a different brand of justice
People in search of renewed opportunity flowed into the auditorium at Pack Memorial Library in Asheville on Wednesday, July 8, when lawyers and interns from Pisgah Legal Services and Legal Aid of North Carolina helped clients seek expungements of criminal records.
More than a meal: vegan investing in Asheville
At least one financial services firm in Asheville — Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. — is working to make vegan-friendly investing options accessible to those whose animal-conscious ethos extend beyond the dinner table.
Regional Recycling Solutions faces ‘chicken or the egg’ dilemma
Partners of Regional Recycling Solutions are, legally, stuck between a rock and a hard place. By county standards, their application must first be approved by NCDENR. But RRS cannot gain approval from DENR without first receiving approval from the county — trapping the company in a paradoxical loop of permitting problems.
Treading lightly: DOT stats show lack of traffic growth on Asheville highways
Traffic along many of Asheville’s major corridors has decreased in recent years, figures from the N.C. Department of Transportation reveal. DOT officials say that’s due to the Great Recession, but some transportation experts see it as evidence that the state agency overestimates the need for new highway projects.
Sustainable sprawl: The search for greener growth in rural areas
As more and more people move to the Asheville area, the need for housing is facilitating larger-scale development in traditionally small, isolated and rural communities. But how to approach that development sustainably isn’t always easy to figure out or agree upon.
Small bites: Whisk AVL
Longtime West End Bakery pastry chef Meg Schearer starts her own business, local chefs join the 2015 Competition Dining Series, Green Opportunities holds an open house and the Pisgah Field Schools offers a waterfall tour for wine lovers. Plus food writer Jonathan Ammons tells us about his favorite snack at Creekside Taphouse.
In photos: Firestorm Books & Coffee serves up some anarchy on Haywood Road
Firestorm Books & Coffee is back. And though the doors are currently open — the coffee flowing and the pages turning, the 7-year-old cooperative will host its official grand opening celebration on Sunday, July 12.
Mystical visions: Open Hearts Art Center spotlights artist Jacob Blankenship
In many ways, Jacob Blankenship is a typical 23-year-old: He likes video games and anime, and he works part time at Pizza Hut. But one look at Blankenship’s sketchbook reveals that beneath his affable façade lies a talented and focused artistic soul.
Update: Regional Recycling Solutions responds to Pond Road neighbors’ concerns
In early June, Xpress reported on a controversial proposed recycling facility near Enka-Candler. On July 8, the Buncombe County Board of Adjustments will vote whether to approve the locally owned business that hopes to bring cleaner recycling practices to WNC. Read for updates from both RRS and the opposition.
Faces in the crowd: WNC crowdfunding initiatives
Each week, Xpress highlights notable WNC crowdsourcing initiatives that may inspire readers to become new faces in the crowd. This week features a Smash Box’s expansion into a brick-and-mortar location, two locals’ efforts to empower citizens of Nepal to build resilient housing and The Village Potters’ new wood kiln project.
Red Ginger Dimsum & Tapas to open on Patton Avenue in October
A local restaurateur is preparing to serve her take on the flavorful dim sum small plates with an open kitchen concept this fall.
Drop by drop: Changes in state alcohol law create new opportunities
North Carolina’s alcohol laws are slowly changing to allow greater freedom for the state’s growing number of brewers, distillers and bar owners. However, despite the progress, local industry advocates say many key concerns remain untouched by recent reforms.
Sierra Nevada unveils new outdoor spaces, amphitheater
The brewery is rolling out a four-pack of outdoor spaces for visitors to the Mills River Taproom: the Back Porch, Beer Garden, Estate Garden and perhaps most impressively, a 600-person amphitheater.
Virtual politics: Democracy Apps arms citizens with budget breakdowns
Creators of DemocracyApps hope to lift the barrier and inspire more public involvement in local government, making it easier for citizens to understand key decisions. The interactive site provides detailed spending breakdowns and compares current expenditures with those of prior years.
Food pantries find education, support in unprecedented programming
With its upcoming Appalachian Food Pantry School, the WNC Food Policy Council will provide much-needed training, tools and resources to Western North Carolina’s hunger-fighting organizations.
Coming round the mountain: Rural Heritage Museum opens WNC railroad exhibit
A new exhibit at Mars Hill University’s Rural Heritage Museum, titled “How the West Was Won: Trains and the Transformation of Western North Carolina, 1880-1937,” documents the engineering achievements and mortal sacrifices that marked the coming of the railroad to the area.