How to have a Fantastic Date Night in Brevard, NC for $40

It’s rare that a town can boast of hosting an equal number of barbecue joints and Asian restaurants—and just as many ice cream parlors—but in Brevard, NC, it’s true. If you’re looking for a fun evening, you don’t have to go far. This cozy mountain community is within a short drive to some of the […]

48 Hours in Waynesville: Everything You Need for a Perfect Weekend

Nestled within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits the friendly burg of Waynesville. Historic buildings, relaxing benches, public art, and welcoming folks make Waynesville a thoroughly enjoyable place to live and visit. And if that’s not enough, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer a lifetime of outdoor adventures.  When was the last time you visited […]

5 Reasons to Love Living in Asheville’s River Arts District

Asheville’s River Arts District is a bright jewel of the Southern Appalachian art scene. This small but vibrant commercial district sits sandwiched between downtown and West Asheville. But in recent years, it has taken on a character of its own. The RAD, as it’s known, is an ever-expanding complex of art studios, galleries, and innovative […]

Agents Answer: Where are the Best Places to Buy Locally Made Holiday Gifts?

Holiday shopping in Western North Carolina is at once the best experience and the worst. On the one hand, we have everything you could possibly want right here! From local produce and world-class cuisine to handmade art and amenities, the perfect holiday gift is literally right around the corner. But how can you possibly choose […]

4 Great Places in Asheville to Discover Glass Art

It doesn’t matter whether this is your first visit to the mountains or you’ve lived here all your life. When the local flora ignites in a blaze of color, you stop in awe to appreciate the way the crisp, vibrant colors reflect against the clear blue mountain sky. Honestly, the worst thing about the fall […]

6 Upcoming Events in Hendersonville You Don’t Want to Miss: Fall 2022

In recent years, Hendersonville has revitalized its local business scene and advanced its reputation as a place that offers something for just about everyone. That includes art galleries, music venues, live theater, fine dining, and an abundance of museums. But it also includes a wide variety of community events and street festivals. You may have […]

Odyssey ClayWorks Helps You Leave Your Mark

The sun has set behind the Blue Ridge Mountains cradling Asheville. On Clingman Avenue in the River Arts District stands a large warehouse that’s home to Odyssey ClayWorks. It’s all lit up and buzzing with the spirit of creativity and inspiration. “Our mission here is to build community through the artistic medium of clay,” said […]

12 Ways to Celebrate Labor Day in Asheville and across WNC (2022)

The summer heat is still stubbornly holding out for at least a few more weeks. But for many, the quintessential activities of summer will soon come to an end. Labor Day marks the unofficial end to the season: Vacations have been had. Children are back in school. There is a slight lull in tourism across […]

Seasonal Businesses Thrive in Western North Carolina: The Land of Four Seasons

Much like this writer, when storm clouds climb up and over the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, they lose a lot of their steam. One of the great benefits of our mountains is the steadiness of our weather patterns. Yes, the unique topography in Western North Carolina does create the risk for occasional floods. […]

4 Fun Ways to See as Much Local Art as Possible in Brevard, NC

While shopping for groceries recently, this writer passed a woman singing “The Bear Went over the Mountain” to the baby in the carrier perched at the front of her cart. Her unexpected operatic singing style of this nursery rhyme and the fact that I hadn’t heard it in decades both caught my attention. Much like […]