Though much of the River Arts District was destroyed by Tropical Storm Helene, the recent success of RADFest 1.0 has many artists hopeful that the district can bounce back.

Though much of the River Arts District was destroyed by Tropical Storm Helene, the recent success of RADFest 1.0 has many artists hopeful that the district can bounce back.
Newstock launched at Riverview Station. Also: Rhubarb introduces Tuesday Table; Dilbar brings Indian street food to Biltmore Avenue; and plenty more!
Not only is purchasing handmade goods more inspirational than stressful, buying local puts more cash into the pockets of area artists and back into the local economy.
Curious about holiday markets? Check out these pop-ups planned around Asheville.
Café Yuzu will feature handmade treats by baker and owner Cynthia Pierce along with products from Vortex Doughnuts, French Broad Chocolates, OWL Bakery and Dobra Tea. Also, Fork & Knife hosts a Fourth of July event, Tiki Thursdays returns to Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian and Bone & Broth introduces its early-summer menu.
Ambivalence permeates the River Arts District. For many, its continued growth seems inevitable. Some speak of it with a hint of despair, others address it matter-of-factly. Regardless of who is talking, you can almost hear the inner monologue going on inside their heads — the back-and-forth of what was, what is and what might be.
“I thought of myself as the adventuring painter on the beach, you know, but I could have just been some dead guy.”