As players count the days until Feb. 14 — the day pitchers and catchers report to spring training — Xpress spoke with two Tourists from the 2021 season about their time in Asheville, their plans for the winter months and how the minor league experience isn’t as glamorous as it may seem.
New Stories
Letter: Infill development presents problems for urban place zoning ideas
“Frankly, New Urbanism is not viable for many areas of Asheville that would involve an infill development process versus beginning with a virtual tabula rasa — a clean slate on all key levels: land planning, transportation infrastructure, environmental engineering, etc.”
Around Town: Museum exhibition highlights use of written Cherokee language
A new Asheville Art Museum exhibition explores how Cherokee artists incorporate the tribe’s written language into their works. Plus, a new novel uses Asheville as a character, a Christmas tradition returns to Flat Rock and the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts offers multiple takes on a holiday classic.
What’s new in food: LaRumba Restaurant Latino brings the party to East Asheville
LaRumba Restaurant Latino now open in East Asheville. Plus: Hashi Hana brings back ramen; baker Heidi Bass announces launch of a brick-and-mortar; and plenty more!
Why we help: Inspiring radio listeners to build connections
“When programming is directed by community members, you get to hear about new music, ideas and news that you don’t hear in the mainstream, and that’s invaluable.”
Letter: Let’s get rid of this virus
“Don’t be AWOL; please get vaccinated.”
Why we help: Fueled by inspiration and possibility
“I am not just excited but honored to be part of this extraordinary journey to advocate for and protect the French Broad River and to champion responsible economic development and vitality.”
Letter: The critical race theory bugaboo
“If critical race theory cannot be allowed a place in our educational system, locally and elsewhere, I despair for our country.”
Anti-domestic violence org teaches healthy relationships to teens
“Healthy relationships are the best protector against abusive relationships,” says Chaka-Khan Gordon of Helpmate, an Asheville nonprofit providing services and support for survivors of domestic violence.
Why we help: Increasing access to health care, language services
“I’m inspired to do this work by my own experience. I do what I do to help people get the access to services that I didn’t have as an immigrant child with an undocumented family.”
Letter: Stop underestimating the people
“Stop dishing money out to consultants living anywhere other than in North Carolina and preferably Western North Carolina. Make it easier for residents who aren’t able to attend your meetings to have input.”
Asheville Archives: Reflections on Thanksgiving amid the Great Depression, 1930
“Prayer is an attitude. Thanksgiving is a mood,” The Asheville Citizen wrote in a Nov. 27, 1930, editorial reflecting on the season of gratitude at the onset of the Great Depression.
Q&A with Ray Russell, founder of Ray’s Weather Center
The founder of Ray’s Weather Center speaks about the local forecast service’s growth over the years, how meteorologists handle the area’s tricky topography and what weather sayings carry a grain of truth.
A look back at the Asheville Film Festival’s brief, exciting run
The city-funded festival ran 2003-09 and brought major filmmakers, actors and films to Asheville.
City forum highlights Asheville’s growth despite pandemic
This year’s event — the first since the start of the pandemic — covered affordable housing, hotel regulations, Urban Place Zoning and more.