Asheville, North Carolina
It’s a destination where an ancient landscape forged a distinct culture that continually fascinates. It’s where mountain mythology combines with an urban-sized appetite for renewal and change. You’ll find this renewal in the food, the arts and history. Asheville, North Carolina’s creative spirit begs visitors to look deeper into this city that both embraces its past while forging its future. See why Asheville, North Carolina is a Place to Love.
PLACES AND STORIES TO LOVE
The Folk Art Center
The Blue Ridge Mountain parkway is one of the great drives of the USA. Yes, it links two National Parks– Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains– but the drive is a destination in and of itself. Stretching 469 slow curving miles through some of the most beautiful terrains in the country. Follow me as I connect with local artisans from Southern Highland Guild and learn more about this wonderfully creative community.
SHOP ONLINE
Not planning on visiting Asheville anytime soon? Check out their online shop to support artists from afar.
CONTACT
Southern Highland Guild
Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Parkway
Asheville, NC 28815
Chai Pani
The food scene in Asheville is not one to be ignored, but even more exciting is the diversity of flavors influenced by local culinary traditions. Prepare to get hungry as I spend time at Chai Pani Asheville, a special foodie spot owned by five-time James Beard nominee, Meherwan Irani.
Chai Pani at Home
Want to boost your home cooking game? Stock up on Chef Irani’s signature spice blends made and shipped straight out of Asheville.
ADDRESS
Chai Pani Asheville
22 Battery Park Avenue
Asheville North Carolina 28801
(828) 254-4003
info@chaipaniasheville.com
The Grounds at the Biltmore
Most visitors to Asheville head to the Biltmore Estate, the largest single-family home in the nation. However, today I am sticking to its impressive grounds. Follow me as I explore the landscape and share the history of this 8,000-acre property.
DID YOU KNOW?
George Vanderbilt passed away in 1914 at the age of 51. He left a legacy of philanthropy, selling approximately 87,000 acres of the estate to the United States Forest Service for less than $5 an acre.
ADDRESS
The Biltmore
One Lodge Street
Asheville, NC 28803
800.411.3812
Eda Rhyne
Asheville is known as a beer town. However, the team at Eda Rhyne is changing the drinking scene there. Though the distillery is certainly modern, it’s influenced by the long history of using regional medicinals to craft truly unique interpretations of traditional herbal liquors and other fine spirits.
Noir Collective AVL
Located in the historic Black business district “The Block,” Noir Collective AVL is a boutique shop and art gallery operated by and for Black entrepreneurs. In this episode, I visit the visionaries there, including Jenny Pickens, a painter whose work is deeply inspired by her personal relationships and experiences, invoking a passion that draws so many, including myself, to her work.
FOLLOW ALONG
Learn more about the shop, plus events and updates on Instagram.
ADDRESS
Noir Collective AVL
39 South Market Street
Asheville, NC 28801
Hood Huggers
I’ve heard of tree huggers, but through DeWayne Barton I learn about hood hugging, which he defines as someone who heals themselves while also rebuilding their community. In this episode, I learn more about the Hood Hugger tours explore the past, present, and future of African Americans in Asheville.
IF YOU GO
Sign up for one of DeWayne’s many tours. From walking and driving tours including a tour in a Classic Convertible Cadillac DeVille, there are lots of ways to explore The Block with DeWayne.
Contact
Citizen Vinyl
As a 70s kid, I love records. Imagine my excitement in getting to explore Citizen Vinyl, a communal space housing a record press facility, cafe, bar, recording studio, analog art, and record store. You won’t want to miss watching as I join musician, producers, and co-owner Gar Ragland in the studio while he recorded tracks for singer/songwriter Alexa Rose.
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IF YOU GO
Built in 1939, The Asheville Citizen Times Building was designed by architect Anthony Lord as the grand center for the city’s two newspapers and radio station WWNC. The massive three-story building of reinforced concrete, black granite and limestone is considered Asheville’s finest example of Art Moderne design.
ADDRESS
Citizen Vinyl
14 O’Henry Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
