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Last Updated: 8:17 a.m., Friday, November 20
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Two New Winners Among 12 Properties In Western NC To Earn 2010 AAA Four Diamond Distinction
Two new winners in Asheville are among the 12 properties in Western North Carolina receiving AAA Four Diamond distinction for 2010. The Grand Bohemian Hotel and 1900 Inn on Montford joined the prestigious list this year. More details
CD Release Party: Where Heaven Meets The Earth on December 4
Kristin Luna Ray is joined by world-renowned musicians, River Guerguerian, Chris Rosser and Alvin Young for the CD release party of her new album, “Where Heaven Meets the Earth”, on Friday, December 4th at 7:30 pm at Jubilee! The event will be a celebration and multi-media production featuring music, world dancers, a children’s choir and a visual art show. More details
The YWCA Takes a Stand Against Racism
The YWCA of Asheville announced today an exciting new initiative coming to Western North Carolina. The “Stand Against Racism” is the program of the YWCA aimed at raising awareness that racism still exists in our communities and that it can no longer be ignored or tolerated. More details
Artist's Cocktail Party & Sales Event Benefiting Asheville Greenworks on December 3
Kick off the holiday season with good food, drink and art while making a difference in Buncombe County. Local celebrity artist, Shelley Schenker, most recently known for her unique design of the 2009 Bele Chere Festival art, will be adding several new pieces to the large selection of her works that are regularly on display at Brixx. More details
Flat Rock Tailgate Special Holiday Market on December 5
The Village of Flat Rock’s Tailgate Market will be offering a Special Holiday Market on Saturday, December 5th from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The Market is held in conjunction with the shops of Little Rainbow Row’s Holiday Stroll and is located in the courtyard behind Hand in Hand Gallery on the Greenville Hwy./225S. just south of the Flat Rock Playhouse. More details
Funny Business Brings in an All Star Lineup This Holiday Season
This holiday season, Funny Business has a fantasic lineup set to entertain. With performances by comedians who have starred on a variety of platforms ranging from commercials to movies, theirs something for everybody. More details
Bevard College Chamber and Percussion Ensembles to Perform
on December 1
Brevard College’s Chamber and Percussion ensembles will perform in concert on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at the Porter Center for Performing Arts. Admission to the 7:30 p.m. concert is free. More details
Fireworks Are Back in December for Second Year
This December, locals and visitors alike can enjoy firework displays on three consecutive Saturdays in downtown Asheville. This event celebrates the kick-off of Asheville's second annual "Sizzle at Seven". More details
Two All New Shows from LYLAS Starting December 2
Asheville’s first and only all-female sketch comedy troupe, is proud to announce their upcoming productions Maybe She’s Born With It – Maybe It’s LYLAS and Oh No She Didn’t at 35below, underneath Asheville Community Theatre December 2-5, 2009. Maybe She’s Born With It – Maybe It’s LYLAS performances are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm, with tickets at $12.00. More details
"Party Like It's 1999" on December 3
Please join in for the Asheville Affiliates 10th Anniversary Event “Party Like its 1999”, presented by Charlotte Street Computers at The Venue in downtown Asheville. Asheville Affiliates invites all the past nonprofit beneficiaries, board members, sponsors, attendees and the general public to celebrate the 10th year of serving non-profits in Western North Carolina. More details
Celebrating Cherokee through Popular Film "The Last of the Mohicans" on Decmeber 5
The Asheville Art Museum, celebrating its 60th anniversary, examines the role of popular film in exposing regional cultures, values, and traditions. At 2:00 p.m. each day, on Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, 2009, the Museum will screen the cult classic The Last of the Mohicans. More details
Don't Let Your Thanksgiving Turkey Make Everyone Sick!
As Thanksgiving approaches, cooking the traditional turkey dinner gives rise to anxieties and questions. What kind of turkey should I buy? More details
Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force to Meet on December 3
The task force will next meet on Thursday, December 3, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. at the Buncombe County Training Room, 199 College Street. This is a schedule change due to the holiday season. More details
Help Out Over the Holidays! Area Non-Profits Offer Opportunities to Give
The holidays are approaching, and everyone is trying to come up with this year's perfect gift. With the colder months on the way, local non-profit organizations need your support to make the season bright. More details
The Grove Park Inn Announces Winners of the 17th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition
Hundreds of entries from 20 states were scrutinized by a panel of 10 elite judges, with winners in four categories emerging in the 17th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition™ that took place today at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in scenic Asheville. “This was one of the most exciting and competitive National Gingerbread House Competitions™ to ever take place at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa." More details
The Asheville Vaudeville Returns to Entertain and Fight Hunger
Asheville's monthly dose of cabaret, juggling, short plays, magic-acts, and more returns! The lineup this time, is better than ever. More details
This Holiday Season, The YWCA Needs Your Help!
For over a decade, the YWCA New Choices staff has provided case management and supportive services (including free drop-in child care, transportation, and tuition) for women in our community pursuing a better economic future. Last year, over 150 women secured employment, went back to school, or gained other skills through the YWCA of Asheville. More details
Western North Carolina Artist Mark Peiser Receives the State’s Highest Civilian Honor
Governor Beverly Perdue presented the North Carolina Award to artist Mark Peiser for his significant contributions to the state and nation in the field of fine arts, only one of six North Carolinians to receive the award this year. The award is administered by the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. More details
AIDS Memorial Quilt to Be Part of Asheville World AIDS Day Observance Starting November 24
For the first time ever, part of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, now made up of more than 44,000 panels, will be on display in Asheville as part of a week of activities leading up to the observance of World AIDS Day Monday, December 1.
From Monday, November 24 through Monday, December 1, 160 panels of the Quilt will be on display in the Promenade of Pack Place in downtown Asheville. More details
2009 FENCE Holiday Barn Tour on November November 28
Visit some of the beautiful barns in horse country and enjoy special activities during this self-guided tour on November 28th from 9am-4pm. All proceeds benefit our nature education and outdoor recreation programs. More details
Terpsicorps Receives Arts & Audiences Grant From the NC Arts Council
Terpsicorps is proud to announce that we have been granted an Arts & Audiences grant from the NC Arts Council for our 2010 Season. The $8,000 will go towards mounting our June show in honor of the life and work of Salvatore Aiello. More details
TheatreUNCA Stages "And a Child Shall Lead" Through Sunday
TheatreUNCA will stage the Michael Slade drama "And a Child Shall Lead" through Sunday at UNC Asheville's Carol Belk Theatre. Curtain is 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. All shows are open to the public. More details
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" Now Playing at the Flat Rock Playhouse on Thursday
Just as "It’s a Wonderful Life" and "A Christmas Story" are movie staples of the holiday season, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" is a theatrical staple — especially for the YouTheatre of Flat Rock Playhouse. The latest production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, onstage through November 29, is the YouTheatre’s fourth in nine years. More details
Help Out by Donating Paper Towels to the Asheville Humane Society
The Asheville Humane Society needs paper towels! No - they're not using them just to clean up after messy lunches, they're using them to keep the environment at the shelter clean and safe for the animals. More details
Maintain, Don't Gain with Eat Smart, Move More's Holiday Challenge
Sign Up Now! Some folks might want to run and hide at the thought of tempting treats at their fingertips, holiday buffets and the prospect of their favorite pants getting too tight to button. Many North Carolinians gain between one and five pounds each holiday season. More details
Terpsicorps Receives Arts & Audiences Grant From the NC Arts Council
Terpsicorps is proud to announce that we have been granted an Arts & Audiences grant from the NC Arts Council for our 2010 Season. The $8,000 will go towards mounting our June show in honor of the life and work of Salvatore Aiello. More details
AIR Brings Back the Main Course Dining Program
The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) is now offering the Main Course Dining program with buy one get one free values all over Asheville. The Main Course Dining coupon book provides diners with more than 35 buy one get one free entrée deals at 18 independent restaurants in the Asheville community. More details
Short Street Cakes Provides Outlet for New Local Pie Company, Pies in Disguise!
Short Street Cakes, Asheville’s source for all-natural, southern-style cakes, cupcakes, and wedding cakes, introduces its newest venture in baking and community: retailing pies from new local pie company Pies in Disguise! Located at 225 Haywood Road in East-West Asheville, the Cake Shop will now be serving pies, whole and by the slice, in addition to its Cake Menu for walk-in and special-order customers. More details
UNC Asheville Offers Online Women's Studies Class
UNC Asheville is taking advantage of the growing trend in online education to improve access to classes for students, working adults and others in all parts of the state who need the flexibility and convenience that online education provides. This fall the University will offer an online women's studies class worth three credit hours. More details
Naturalists Raise Monarchs For Release From Grandfather Mountain
A caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly is truly remarkable. This past summer the naturalist staff at Grandfather Mountain visited the Orchard at Altapass outside of Spruce Pine to observe their nature exhibits. More details
Asheville Community Theatre Presents "The Hallelujah Girls", November 20 Through December 6
The Hallelujah Girls, a rollicking Southern comedy by the successful playwriting team of Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten, is coming to Asheville Community Theatre in November and December.
Hilarity will erupt when the feisty females of Eden Falls, Georgia decide to shake up their lives. More details
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Asheville Makes Changes to Bus Route 28 & Route 54
Asheville Transit Route 28 has been redesigned and will have rate increases as well as changes to routing and scheduling. An assessment by the North Carolina Department of Transportation which found lack of compliance with federal guidelines concerning intercity routes and local participation prompted the change. More details
Biltmore's Annual Christmas Celebration Begins
One hundred fourteen years ago this Christmas Eve, George Washington Vanderbilt first opened Biltmore House to family and friends. Vanderbilt’s legacy for legendary hospitality lives on today and especially during the holiday season when Biltmore House is elaborately decorated for Christmas, offering guests a glimpse of what it may have been like to be one of his guests during that special holiday season in 1895. More details
South Carolina, North Carolina Strike Deal on Jocassee Gorges Access
The two sister Carolina states have finally struck a deal over access to Crossroads Mountain, a remote section of the Jocassee Gorges in northern Oconee County. "Crossroads will still be the most difficult place to reach in our state," said Mark Hall, Jocassee Gorges project manager for the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR), "but at least folks can get there reasonably and enjoy it, as it is such a special place." More details
Cancer Center Coming to the Region
The Board of Directors of Mission Hospital has voted to proceed with the development of a regional cancer center to bring together all Mission outpatient cancer services into one location. Board Chairman George Renfro says the building will be designed to provide a healing environment with convenient access for patients. More details
Ride the Polar Express Now Through December 23
Pajama clad passengers will board trains bound for the North Pole at The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad this holiday season! The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad anticipates the event will draw nearly 45,000 passengers! More details
WCU Pride of the Mountains Receives Ultimate Prize for Marching Bands
Representatives of the John Philip Sousa Foundation were on hand recently to present the prestigious Sudler Trophy, the nation’s highest and most-coveted award for college and university marching bands, to Western Carolina University’s Pride of the Mountains Marching Band. Western Carolina is the first institution in the state of North Carolina and the first member of the Southern Conference selected for the award. More details
Energy Assistance Program Gears Up For Buncombe County
The State of North Carolina will be providing heating assistance payments in February 2010 through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). These payments are designed to supplement energy costs incurred during winter months. More details
Wilma Dykeman RiverWay Presentations Get Underway in November
Please join RiverLink on Friday, November 13 and Friday December 4 and 11 at RiverLink’s Warehouse Studios, 170 Lyman Street for a presentation about the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay. All presentations will start promptly at 3:00 pm. More details
Special Olympics Alpine Ski Season Starts Soon
Buncombe County Special Olympics is seeking athletes to compete in the Special Olympic Alpine Ski and Snowboard program. Practice on dry land will be starting soon. More details
City Prepares For Leaf Collection
The City of Asheville is preparing for leaf collection which will begin Nov. 9. The Sanitation Division collects bagged and loose leaves separately according to schedules based on trash collection days. More details
UNC Asheville’s Music Department Presents Five Concerts Set for November
UNC Asheville's Music Department will continue its fall concert season with five performances in November, ranging from jazz to chamber music. The concerts, which will be held on campus, feature faculty, student and guest musicians. Admission is $5 at the door. More details
Explore the Soul of Stone in Sculpture and Landscape Design at The NC Arboretum This Fall
“Set in stone” takes on new meaning during two unique educational programs at The NC Arboretum this fall.
Internationally known stone sculptor and artist DJ Garrity will offer “Sculpture: The Soul of Hardscape” on October 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. More details
Spartanburg County BMW Plant Adding Additional Production Shifts; Hiring up to 700 Temporary Workers
BMW Manufacturing Co. has announced the addition of two production shifts at the plant in Spartanburg. To support these additional shifts, BMW’s contract agencies, MAU, Inc and Tier One Solutions will be hiring up to 700 workers. More details
Save that Rain for a Sunny Day
We all know that when it rains, it pours; and with the right rain barrel, all that rainwater can be saved. With the drought and significant stormwater pollution in our streams rain water harvesting is the ideal solution. More details
2nd Saturday Artist Market Announces New Hours
The 2nd Saturday Artist Market announces new hours for the remainder of its season, running from 12-4pm on the 2nd Saturday of each month. The Market takes place on Domino Lane and in Christopher’s Garden in East West Asheville, just off Haywood Road and behind Harvest Records. More details
Is There Hope for the Hemlock?
The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid is in the mid to late stages of destroying the Eastern Hemlock throughout the Southern Appalachians. DuPont State Forest depends on both the Carolina and Eastern Hemlock to provide deep shade for its cold water trout habitat. More detailsThe Legacy Continues: SHCG New Members Exhibition at the Folk Art Center Main Gallery
Becoming a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild is no easy task. The first criteria for membership is living in one of the mountain counties of the Southern Appalachians.More details
City of Asheville’s Online Vendor Registration
The City of Asheville has an online registration for vendors interested in being considered for projects and initiatives related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Vendors are asked to complete and submit the form via city’s website at www.AshevilleNC.gov/EconomicRecovery. More details
Feeding Bodies and Warming Hearts: Providing Safe, Nutritious Meals to Home-bound Seniors
Meals on Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe County, Inc. delivers hot and cold nutritious meals to 550 homebound seniors five days a week throughout the area. Each weekday, volunteers load up picnic coolers and deliver food and drink to clients on each of the 38 routes. More details
Asheville Ranked #1 on Relocate America's Top 100 List
Asheville has recently been named Relocate America's number one spot to live in the country. 2007 marks the tenth year compiling this list of the best places to live in the United States. More detailsRegional and National Blood Supply Low, Donations Urgently Needed
The nation’s blood banks, represented by the American Red Cross, American Association of Blood Banks, and America’s Blood Centers, are asking for immediate blood donations to boost already critically low blood supplies.The need for blood always increases during the winter months, when weather, sickness, and the holiday bustle keep some donors away. More details
Enjoy a Walk through Asheville History on Urban Trail
Asheville’s Urban Trail, an entertaining, informative, and artistic walk through Asheville history, is 1.7-miles of architecture and memories from earlier times in this engaging mountain city.Started in 1991 by a group of dedicated volunteers who were determined to put downtown Asheville’s best foot forward, the Urban Trail has evolved into a fairly complete walking tour of Asheville’s historic and present day world. More details
Legends and Geologic Facts Equally Intriguing at The Blowing Rock
Legend has it that after a Chickasaw maiden’s warrior love had leapt from the Blowing Rock, she prayed daily to the Great Spirit to return her warrior beloved to her and was granted her wish when the brave was blown back up by the winds surrounding the rock. Geologists with the US Geologic Survey estimate the metamorphic igneous rock to be about 1,055 million years old and have determined the wind comes from a flume formed by the rocky walls which sweeps the wind up, along with any objects in its current . More detailsRiver Access Guide Offers Helpful Info about Using the French Broad River
Have you ever wondered where to put your boat in the French Broad River, or where you might find the best fishing holes? Do you want to know where to camp along the river, or stop to see an historic site? More details
The Horticultural Legacy At Biltmore Estate Having Lasting Impact on Forestry
In the the shadow of Biltmore House, America’s largest private residence, are some of America’s finest formal and informal gardens. Here, too, is the birthplace of the first scientific school of forestry in the United States. More details
Explore the Great Outdoors at Chimney Rock Park
Chimney Rock Park, located just north of Lake Lure, NC, in the stunningly beautiful Chimney Rock Gorge, is an ideal place to explore some of North Carolina’s most scenic mountain tracts – yet all within easy reach of the comforts of restaurants, cozy inns, and easy chairs. Chimney Rock Park has several outdoors activities in February and March that encourage visitors to get outside, breathe the fresh air, and stretch their legs. More details
Grandfather Mountain, a Globally Recognized Nature Preserve
Most visitors to Western North Carolina probably recognize Grandfather Mountain’s famous swinging bridge, and more than likely enjoy visiting its restaurant and souvenir shop. Many thousands of travelers stop by Grandfather Mountain during the annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, one of the largest gatherings of Scottish clans anywhere in the country. What some visitors might not know, however, is that Grandfather Mountain has been a globally recognized nature preserve and wildlife sanctuary for over 100 years.More details
New Walking Trail Guide for Asheville and Buncombe County Now Available Online
Quality Forward, Mission Hospitals Foundation, and Tortoise & Hare Running Outfitters have collaborated on a new walking trail guide for Asheville and Buncombe County, and the guide is now available both in print and online. The new guide, which contains information on 17 different walks, offers suggestions all over the city and county.More details
Folk Art Center Programs Share Simplicity of Traditional Crafts
The Southern Highland Craft Guild, located in the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway just east of Asheville, is a membership guild of some of the finest craftspeople in the country. Some of these guild members generously share their knowledge of crafts and Appalachian culture with the public through a series of free educational events that take place year-round at the Folk Art Center. More details
A Tour of the Winery is a Great Addition to Biltmore Estate Visit
The most visited winery in the United States isn’t located in the Napa Valley. Perhaps a surprise to some, it is at the Biltmore Estate, quietly nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, where fine food and wine, paired with elegant entertaining, have been traditions since the end of the 19th century.More details
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