Shop local-ish

It’s impossible to walk in downtown Asheville without receiving the message loud and clear: This city supports its local businesses. Locally based brands like Spicewalla, Roots Hummus and Buchi Kombucha appear regularly on store shelves. Stickers promoting Go Local Asheville (formerly the Asheville Grown Business Alliance), a locally focused economic alliance, adorn window fronts. A […]

The people’s market: WNC flea markets offer culture, community and commoditie­s

Whether you’re hunting for a bargain or looking to make some extra cash, gathering with neighbors at a local flea market could be just the ticket. Flea market regulars say the connections that form between buyers and sellers are a unique aspect of the experience, and their value can equal or exceed the monetary rewards.

Bringin’ it all back home: Asheville Grown ramps up for 2016 Go Local campaign

As new hotels and construction sites pop up across across the city seemingly every week and nationally-branded chains vie for retail space downtown, the local small business alliance known as Asheville Grown is reminding the Asheville community of the importance of keeping small, locally-owned businesses at the center of the city’s economic development plans.

Asheville Bioneers conclude third annual conference

As Lenoir-Rhyne University wrapped up its third annual Taste of Bioneers conference on Friday night, Nov. 21, the panel presentation “Scaling Solutions for Social Change” took center stage. Three local business leaders fueled discussions about the opportunities and the challenges Asheville-area businesses face as they seek to expand their organizations and contribute to community sustainability as […]

A thank you from the Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Associatio­n

On behalf of the Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association we would like to thank everyone who contributed to the 2011 Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival. The Festival, held Oct. 7-9 once again brought thousands of visitors and tourists to the Valley and was a resounding success in every way. Numerous volunteers, local attendees and their guests, […]

Feathers come from birds

Feathers are obviously the new fashion trend. There were multiple vendors at Bele Chere selling feather hair extensions, feather hair clips, feather earrings, etc. I encourage everyone to do a little research as to where these feathers come from. Consumer awareness is especially important when animals are involved. — Kira Poteat Clyde