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As a resort and therapeutic health center since the 1880s, Asheville has long been a destination for people searching for a mountain escape, with its population climbing to nearly 30,000 seasonal residents in 1890. Today, more than 72,000 people live, work, play and create in this city renowned for its vibrant musical, literary and performing arts scenes, Art Deco architecture, stunning mountain vistas and abundant outdoor recreation offerings – from hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway to forest zipline tours. Asheville is also well known for its independent restaurants that focus on local ingredients and a burgeoning craft beer scene.
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ashevillenorth carolina
ElEctriFYinG nEWSMoog Music moves to long-neglected location
hiGhWaY to hEaVEnlYBlue Ridge Parkway stays popular with travelers
Packed With ExcitementPack Square Park opens after massive transformation
Sink your teeth into asheville’s
delectable cuisine.
What’s Online
2011 | imaGESaShEVillE.com
SPonSorEd bY thE aShEVillE arEa chambEr oF commErcE
ASheville 3
ASheville 3
2011 Edition | VolumE 9
north carolina
cOntents
Features
10 PackEd With ExcitEmEntPack Square Park opens after massive transformation.
16 hiGhWaY to hEaVEnlYBlue Ridge Parkway stays popular with travelers.
22 ElEctriFYinG nEWSMoog Music moves to long-neglected location.
28 book WormSAsheville’s independent bookstores promote lively literary scene.
36 aShEVillE’S Full PlatEThe food scene in Asheville continues to grow despite national economy’s recession.
40 unuSual, aS uSualDowntown embodies Asheville’s distinctive energy.
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asheville
4 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 5
What’s Online imagesasheville.com
ashevillenorth carolina
ElEctriFYinG nEWSMoog Music moves tolong-neglected location
hiGhWaY to hEaVEnlYBlue Ridge Parkway stays popular with travelers
Packed With ExcitementPack Square Park opensafter massive transformation
Sink your teeth into asheville’s
delectable cuisine.
What’s Online
2011 | imaGESaShEVillE.com
SPonSorEd bY thE aShEVillE arEa chambEr oF commErcE
See more photos in our online photo gallery
Get the inside scoop from our photographers’ blog
Easily share articles and photos on Facebook, Twitter or via e-mail
Photos
Digital eDition
Facts & statsDig deeper with in-depth data on industries, schools and more
ViDeoGet a moving glimpse at favorite local places and attractions
Real estateLearn about the local housing market and get started finding your place
north carolina
contEnt dirEctor SuSAn ChAPPell
ProoFrEadinG manaGEr RAven PeTTy
contEnt coordinator JeSSiCA WAlkeR
StaFF WritEr kevin liTWin
coPY EditorS liSA BATTleS, Jill WyATT
contributinG WritErS CARol CoWAn,
nAnCy MAnn JACkSon, eRiC SeegeR
mEdia tEchnoloGY dirEctor ChRiSTinA CARDen
SEnior GraPhic dESiGnErS lAuRA gAllAgheR,
JeSSiCA MAnneR, JAnine MARylAnD, kRiS SexTon,
CAnDiCe SWeeT, vikki WilliAMS
mEdia tEchnoloGY analYStS ChAnDRA BRADShAW,
lAnCe ConzeTT, MiChele niCCoRe, MARCuS SnyDeR
PhotoGraPhY dirEctor JeffRey S. oTTo
SEnior PhotoGraPhErS Jeff ADkinS, BRiAn McCoRD
StaFF PhotoGraPhErS ToDD BenneTT, AnTony BoShieR
WEb contEnt manaGErS John hooD, kiM MADloM
WEb dESiGn dirEctor fRAnCo SCARAMuzzA
WEb dESiGnEr leigh guARin
WEb dEVEloPEr i yAMel hAll
ad Production manaGEr kATie MiDDenDoRf
ad traFFic aSSiStantS kRySTin leMMon, PATRiCiA MoiSAn
i.t. dirEctor yAnCey BonD
rEGional SalES manaGEr ChARleS SWeeney
SalES SuPPort/communitY, buSinESS, cuStom
RAChAel golDSBeRRy
SEnior accountant liSA oWenS
accountS PaYablE coordinator MARiA McfARlAnD
accountS rEcEiVablE coordinator DiAnA guzMAn
oFFicE manaGEr/accountS rEcEiVablE
coordinator Shelly MilleR
intEGratEd mEdia manaGEr RhonDA gRAhAM
SalES SuPPort manaGEr CinDy hAll
color imaGinG tEchnician AliSon hunTeR
chairman gReg ThuRMAn
PrESidEnt/PubliShEr BoB SChWARTzMAn
ExEcutiVE VicE PrESidEnt RAy lAngen
SEnior V.P./SalES ToDD PoTTeR, CARlA ThuRMAn
SEnior V.P./oPErationS CASey heSTeR
SEnior V.P./cliEnt dEVEloPmEnt Jeff heefneR
V.P./ExtErnal communicationS TeRee CARuTheRS
V.P./cuStom PubliShinG kiM neWSoM
V.P./ViSual contEnt MARk foReSTeR
V.P./contEnt oPErationS nATAShA loRenS
V.P./SalES ChARleS fiTzgiBBon,
heRB hARPeR, JARek SWekoSky
controllEr ChRiS DuDley
contEnt dirEctor/buSinESS PublicationS
Bill McMeekin
markEtinG crEatiVE dirEctor keiTh hARRiS
diStribution dirEctor gARy SMiTh
ExEcutiVE SEcrEtarY kRiSTy DunCAn
human rESourcES manaGEr Peggy BlAke
rEcEPtioniSt linDA BiShoP
Asheville is published annually by
Journal Communications inc. and is distributed through
the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
and its member businesses.
for advertising information or to direct questions
or comments about the magazine, contact
Journal Communications inc. at (615) 771-0080
or by e-mail at [email protected].
For morE inFormation, contact:Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
36 Montford Avenue • Asheville, nC 28801
Phone: (828) 258-6101 • fax: (828) 251-0926
www.ashevillechamber.org
ViSit Asheville onlinE at imaGESaShEVillE.com
©Copyright 2010 Journal Communications inc.,
725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, franklin, Tn 37067,
(615) 771-0080. All rights reserved.
no portion of this magazine may be reproduced
in whole or in part without written consent.
Member The Association of Magazine Media
Member Custom Content Council
Member Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
asheville
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on thE coVEr Pack Square ParkPhoto by Brian McCord
departments
6 almanac
24 biz briefs
27 Economic Profile
32 arts & culture
35 Education
44 image Gallery
48 local Flavor
51 health & Wellness
55 Sports & recreation
56 community Profile
All or part of this magazine is printed on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.
please recycle this magazine
Welcome to AshevilleAn intRoduction to the AReA’S PeoPle, PlAceS And eventS
happy TrailArt and history lovers, rejoice.
Asheville’s urban Trail is a 1.7-mile walking
tour through the streets of downtown
Asheville. There are 30 stops along the
way, each with public sculpture. The
urban Trail was started by the city of
Asheville to improve the visual quality
of the downtown district through the
display of public art. Walking tours are
free and guided by local Ashevillians.
Call (828) 258-0710, ext. 108 two weeks
in advance of your desired date to
coordinate a tour.
Almanac
Raise your glasshere’s a toast to Asheville being named BeerCity uSA in 2010. The city tied with
Portland, ore. in 2009, but was sole winner in 2010. each May, voters participate in a
seven-day BeerCity uSA internet poll, and Asheville’s six microbreweries receive great
support from the local community. Besides Asheville and Portland, rounding out the
Top 10 in 2010 were San Diego, Philadelphia, Missoula (Mont.), St. louis, Seattle, Denver,
Milwaukee and fort Collins, Colo.
on the WaterfrontThe River Arts District features more than 100 artist studios
and galleries along the french Broad River. The dozens of
artists who live and work in the district are involved in a variety
of mediums, including clay, painting, musical instruments,
prints, jewelry, metal and fiber/textiles. locations include
Cotton Mill Studios, CuRve Studios, odyssey Center, Pink Dog
Creative, Riverview Station, Roberts St.
Studios, Studio 375 and The Wedge.
6 iMAgeSASheville .coM
Fast Factsn Biltmore, America’s largest home, has 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, 70-foot ceilings, an indoor bowling alley and priceless antiques.
n Asheville’s temperate climate makes year-round living a breeze. its average annual snowfall is only 13 inches.
n Renowned golf course designer donald Ross designed the Buncombe county Municipal course, the course at the grove Park inn Resort & Spa, the country club of Asheville and Biltmore Forest country club.
n Mount Mitchell is at an elevation of 6,684 feet, making it the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.
We Are So goodAsheville is ranked high on several prestigious lists,
including being voted no. 1 for Top 25 Small Cities as
deemed by American Style. other lofty recognitions include
being ranked among the 10 Best Places for Second homes
by Barron’s, and on the list for 200 Best Places for Business
and Careers by Forbes. Asheville is also one of the 100 Best
Places to Retire according to TopRetirements.com, and one
of the Top 10 Places to Retire by MarketWatch.
To Market We gofresh fruits and vegetables are in abundance in Asheville throughout the
spring, summer and fall at several farmers and tailgate markets. The sites are
ideal ways to support sustainable agriculture, community farmers and the
local farm-to-table movement. The city is actually home to 14 markets, with
names like Asheville City Market, Big ivy Tailgate Market, greenlife Sunday
Market, veteran’s victory Tailgate Market and The fresh Quarter.
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BLUE RID
GE PKW
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BLUE RID
GE PKW
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BUNCOMBE
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40
Weaverville
Black Mountain
Canton
Swannanoa
Hendersonville
Asheville
asheville at a glance
your friend, The Chamberit has been said that moving day is one of those times that can
make or break friendships. A true friend will help. The Asheville
Area Chamber of Commerce is here for you, too. The chamber’s
Complete Asheville Area Relocation kit includes a phone book,
relocation magazine, area map, visitor guide and real estate
information. other publications in the kit feature information on
banking, storage, insurance and schools. The kits are available
for $24.95 online at www.ashevillechamber.org.
Pickin’ Banjoes and guitars
An annual event called Shindig
on the green strums into downtown
Asheville each summer at Pack
Square Park. The free mountain
and dance shows take place on
seven Saturdays throughout July,
August and early September.
Musicians and dancers from across
Western north Carolina share the
region’s Southern Appalachian
mountain culture and
traditions, with all concerts
and performances
beginning at
7 p.m.
PoPulation (2008 EStimatE)
Asheville: 74,543
Buncombe County: 229,047
location
Asheville is in Western north Carolina,
tucked away in the Blue Ridge
Mountains. Two major interstates,
i-40 and i-26, intersect just outside
the city limits.
bEGinninGS
Asheville was incorporated in 1797
and named in honor of north Carolina
gov. Samuel Ashe.
For morE inFormation
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
36 Montford Ave.
Asheville, nC 28801
Phone: (828) 258-6101
fax: (828) 251-0926
www.ashevillechamber.org
Asheville
What’s Online Take a virtual tour of Asheville, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imagesasheville.com.
ASheville 11 10 iMAgeSASheville .coM
asheville thrives on informality. So don’t think of the newly redesigned Pack Square as a park in
the traditional take-your-dog-for-a-walk sense. Think of it as the quad you used to hang out at during college; the kind of place where you and some friends can relax during the day or maybe catch a free concert or movie at night. It’s meant to be a break from – and within – everything that’s happening in the city around it.
That’s how Pack Square Conservancy Executive Director
Gary Giniat envisions the park fitting into the city’s life. The conservancy is the organization that oversaw the space’s four-year overhaul. Pack Square was designed to give downtown some breathing room; the kind of spot where you can take an afternoon break from shopping, lay down on the grass and just watch the clouds roll past Sunset Mountain.
Festivals and Performances at Pack Square Park
Bookended by the Vance Monument and the art deco City Building, the
Pack SquarE Park hoStS lazY daY PicnicS to liVElY FEStiValS
SToRy By Eric SEEGErPhoTogRAPhy By brian mccord & JEFFrEY S. otto
(Re)built for
Fun
clockwise from top: Splashville at Pack Square Park; Architectural details from downtown buildings; Arthur James plays guitar; Shindig on the green
ASheville 11
park’s amphitheater design can comfortably fit up to 5,000 for a live performance. During the summer, the stage is home to Asheville’s popular Shindig on the Green bluegrass concert series, or you may just catch an impromptu set from a local band. The stage is open to any performer who wants to step up. And on weekend mornings, you can even catch children’s storytellers.
artwork at Pack SquareWhen the stage goes silent, the other
side of the park’s allure comes out. With no crowds around, the main lawn is a perfect picnic spot (in fact, Fiores Ristorante Tuscana near the park has taken to selling take-out lunch baskets and picnic blankets), and the entire park has been adorned with artworks by local sculptors that pay tribute to the Appalachian Mountains. The creativity displayed throughout these 6.5 acres is a keen representation of the region’s vibrant art scene, and it communicates how the area is seen through its creative professionals.
At the top of the hill (near the office
left: having fun at Pack Square’s amphitheater. right: gandalf enjoys a walk in the park with his owner.
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ASheville 13
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A comfortable, intimate gathering place for special events located just 10 minutes
from downtown Asheville
EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS BEGIN at
WEDDINGS • RECEPTIONS
OffICE GaThERINGS
hOlIDay PaRTIES • REuNIONS
buSINESS mEETINGS & mORE!
The venue includes a picturesque |barn and gazebo nestled in the
trees with spectacular, year-round mountain and pasture views.
Accommodates up to 300 guests.
215 Justice Ridge Rd. Candler, NC 28715 (828) 667-0666 tel(828) 665-4173 fax
www.thefarmevents.com
building designed by world-renowned architect I.M. Pei), metal sculptor Hoss Haley created the bowl-shaped fountain.
“If you sit on the bench and look at it, you can see how he captured the way our mountains rise out of the low-lying clouds in the morning,” Giniat points out.
Farther down the hill is Reuter Terrace. The observation point overlooks the green and features the distinctive metal railing designed by artist Julia Burr of nearby Black Mountain. Then follow the cascading stream of water down to the main park area. In here, you’ll find the works of local ceramicist Kathy Triplett, who adorned the stage area in tiles that were made with the help of local school children. Her work is a celebration of the community, set in a park that is designed to do just that – celebrate.
Want to give?
Nearly $16 million has been raised for the construction of the park, which is 90% of the Pack Square Conservancy’s goal for the project. The general public is being asked to donate toward the last 10% in order for the park to be maintained for years to come. For more information, visit the park’s website at www.packsquarepark.org.
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the Blue Ridge Parkway has been nicknamed America’s Favorite drive, and 20 million
annual visitors make it the most visited attraction within the u.S. national Park System. And in 2011, it enters its 76th year of celebrated grandeur.
All of 2010 was devoted to observing the 75th anniversary of the 469-mile byway that connects the great Smoky Mountains national Park in north carolina to the Shenandoah national Park in virginia. the
bluE ridGE ParkWaY StaYS PoPular With traVElErS
SToRy By kEVin litWin
Highway toheavenly
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Highway to
ASheville 17
year-round salute to the parkway was fitting given that the parkway provides an economic impact of $2.3 billion each year to the communities through which it passes.
One of those communities is Asheville, which is near milepost 377.
“The Blue Ridge Parkway’s welcome center is near Asheville and offers visitors an interactive map and beautiful orientation film, exhibits and displays,” says Elizabeth Sims,
spokesperson for the Blue Ridge Parkway Association. “Because access to the parkway is so easy from several points in Asheville, it’s a terrific way for visitors to the area to easily seek out hikes, picnic spots, cycling routes and scenic beauty.”
That scenic beauty includes the most diverse range of f lora and fauna in the entire National Park Service system. There are also high mountain passes, waterfalls and water gaps, deep forests
and upland meadows, and the park has 264 spectacular scenic overlooks along the way.
The speed limit along the parkway maxes out at 45 mph, and no billboards or commercial signs are allowed. Commercial vehicles are also prohibited except for tour buses.
“Within minutes, area residents and visitors are in a pristine natural setting with panoramic views – and you can be back to Asheville in time
18 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 19
Blue Ridge Parkway destination & visitor center
Je
ff
AD
kin
S
grassy Knob tunnel at milepost 397.1
for dinner,” Sims says.Nowadays, park officials and
conservationists point out that the parkway is filled with biodiversity and also plays a big part in helping to preserve mountain culture and history. But its recreation spots and scenic assets are the main reasons why those 20 million visitors travel the thoroughfare every year.
So, what are the best times of the year for scenery-seekers to travel the
To
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18 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 19
Reward yourself!Choose from studio, one, two or three bedroom apartments and patio homes – with no long-term lease requirement or buy-in. Home ownership is also an option. Call today for leasing information and to schedule your personal tour.
333 Thompson St. Hendersonville, NC
(828) 693-7800www.lakepointeretirement.com
334 Thompson St. Hendersonville, NC
(828) 692-7601www.lakepointeretirement.com
A standard of excellence in personalized care enables us to provide the quality dental services our patients deserve.
Dental work does not have to be stressful. No matter what you need, we are dedicated to providing you with excellent, personalized care and service to make each visit comfortable and successful.
We treat patients of all ages and have Spanish- and Russian-speaking team members.
Kevin Fox, DDS, PA Barbara Ford, DDS Jonathan Kaczmarski, DMD
Our office is committed to giving the highest level of dental services available.
Asheville DentAl AssociAtes
www.ashevilledentalassociates.com
hoURs: Mon.-thur.: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • Fri.: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. 2 iris st. • Behind Biltmore village • Asheville, nc 28803
(828) 252-2791
20 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 21
parkway through Asheville?“From April and May through
November are truly quality,” Sims says. “Spring and summer wildflowers are fantastic, and fall foliage is some of the best in the country. Fall also offers a spectacular monarch butterf ly migration.”
As for the 75th anniversary celebration, events in Asheville included an Asheville Bikefest and Blue Ridge Run in May, which involved a motorcycle touring rally with events at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center. There was also an artwork showcase from October through December entitled Milestones: Visual Arts Celebrate the Blue Ridge Parkway, which took place near milepost 377.
“Driving the parkway is a very nostalgic experience, and that’s a large part of its appeal,” Sims said. “It’s kind of removing you from the modern world. It’s not a road to get from point A to point B. The drive itself is what you experience.”
By the numbers
469.1miles that comprise the Blue Ridge Parkway
52years it took to complete construction of the parkway
26tunnels along the parkway
200+parking areas and overlooks
12waterfalls that are accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway
crabtree Falls at milepost 339.5
An
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ny
Bo
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22 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 23
electrifying newsM
oog Music, an eclectic and iconic Asheville manufacturing company, is relocating to a long-
neglected location at the city’s northern gateway, a move that promises to revive, refresh and lead to further private investment in the immediate area. The company, which has designed, engineered and manufactured electronic musical instruments in Asheville since 1994, has purchased the vacant buildings at 160-170 Broadway Street, and is spending $2.5 million to refurbish and update the facilities as its new corporate headquarters.
Read more about company founder, the late Bob Moog, his legacy and the history of Moog Music, at the Bob Moog Foundation website.
The new location will offer great visibility and space for the manufacturer to grow, but company leaders say they chose it specifically in an effort to help revive the north end of downtown Asheville.
“If it was just about Moog, we wouldn’t have moved to this building,” says Mike Adams, the company’s president. “But we’re always trying to
support the city, and this anchor on the north end will have a huge impact. This once terrible-looking corner will be a bright, shiny gateway to the city.”
renovating old buildingsOriginally a Buick dealership, over
the years the new Moog building has served as a grocery store, a nightclub and a circuit board manufacturer. But it has been vacant for the past five years and had become an eyesore. As Moog cleans up the place and prepares to move in, years of patchy maintenance and disrepair are being peeled away to uncover the buildings’ original charm.
“The ambiance of the old building is exactly what we were looking for,” Adams says. “And thanks to the building’s colorful history, it has some real funky stuff in it. We’re a pretty funky company, so that works for us.”
Other businesses located in the area are “jumping for joy” about Moog’s relocation, and Adams says he and other business and community leaders hope the cleanup will start “a domino effect” for the area, leading to more private investment nearby.
When Moog purchased its new
facilities, four buildings were included. The company demolished one building to make room for parking. The front building will include the manufacturing floor, a showroom and upstairs offices. Next door will be the company’s warehouse, and the third building will be available for future expansion. In addition to housing Moog’s daily operations, the new facility will also host bands and concerts for the company’s radio series, Live at Moog.
creating new JobsWhen Moog Music moves into
its new headquarters in early 2011, the company will bring about 45 employees. Plans are to add about 10 more employees once the space is available.
While Moog conducts its operations from Asheville, few of the company’s sales are local. Instead, the company ships its goods to 250 dealers across the United States and to additional dealers in 45 countries around the world.
“While we don’t do a lot of business in Asheville, Asheville is our home and we want to contribute to the city as much as we can,” Adams says.
mooG muSic moVES to lonG-nEGlEctEd location
SToRy By nancY mann JackSon
2.5 millionAmount being spent to refurbish the recently purchased building
250Dealers across America who
purchase Moog products
45Number of new employees Moog
plans to hire when the new headquarters is complete
24 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 25
Biz BriefsBuSineSSeS – Both lARge And SMAll – thAt helP deFine
ASheville’S econoMic cliMAte
Short StrEEt cakESBiz: Customized cakes and dessertsBuzz: This local, family-owned cakery on Haywood Road specializes in handcrafted, down-home Southern desserts, with everything being fresh, natural and made from scratch. One of the services is unlimited wedding cake testing, with local and organic ingredients used whenever available. The company also makes cupcake wedding cakes and cake buffets. Short Street Cakes specializes in simple, elegant and traditional Southern products.www.shortstreetcakes.com
ScorecardbuSinESS at
a GlancE
$2,069,684retail sales ($1000)
$29,279retail sales
per capita
$391,428accommodations
and food service
sales ($1000)
9,224total number
of firms
source: U.s. Census QuickFacts
24 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 25
SElina naturallYBiz: Healthier life productsBuzz: This company is owned by Asheville resident Selina DeLangre, and features a product line that professes optimal well-being. Items are sold in stores such as Earth Fare, Whole Foods and Wild Oats, and specific products include raw organic nuts, organic coconut oil and authentic Hawaiian salt. All products are free of synthetic, artificial or irradiated ingredients.www.selinanaturally.com
thE natural homEBiz: Home décor storeBuzz: The Natural Home is located in Biltmore Park and features an interesting collection of bedding and bath products, and home accents. Items include organic mattresses, bamboo bedding and micro-cotton towels, and all products are guaranteed to be chemically free and manufactured with responsible practices. The Natural Home also sells a number of accessories, such as ceramics, terrariums and hemp rugs.www.naturalhomestore.com
bEllaGioBiz: Gallery and clothingBuzz: Bellagio is an upscale store located at Five Biltmore Plaza and offers a wide variety of artistic home décor objects that will suit a variety of tastes. Its product lineup includes items such as lamps, vases, candlesticks, albums and sculpture, in mediums such as glass, wood, metal and stone. The interesting store also sells jewelry, clothing and accessories.www.bellagioarttowear.com
battErY Park book ExchanGE & chamPaGnE barBiz: Used books, wine barBuzz: Reading and sipping is what Battery Park Book Exchange is all about. Thousands of books can be enjoyed while sipping wine or champagne. Also available are locally brewed beers and non-alcoholic beverages. Books are purchased from customers, so the selection is constantly expanding. The menu includes items such as a cheeseboard, trout dip or a petite cheesecake.www.batteryparkbookexchange.com
You CAN have it all …
Are you looking for the quiet solitude of the mountains, but you don’t want to be isolated? Do you want long-range mountain views and a quick drive to the grocery store? Do you want to be surrounded by friends and activities, and also have opportunities to spend quiet time alone? Is there such a place that is rich in amenities, full of residents and alive with social activities? Yes, that place is Carriage Park. For 20 years we’ve been building a unique community just five minutes from downtown Hendersonville, NC. With more than 400 families calling Carriage Park home, we are a thriving community full of diverse interests and remarkable residents. Plus pricing and selection for new homesites and homes have never been better. You CAN have it all.
Call (800) 639-8721 and find out more about Carriage Park today.
2827 Haywood Rd.
Hendersonville, NC 28791
(800) 639-8721
www.carriagepark.com
“
”
We're proud to call Asheville home and we know you are too. Come join our Facebook Fan Page community to tell us why, and to see what your neighbors have to say.
Go to facebook.com and search for Asheville.
Proud to call asheville home
i love asheville for so many reasons...beauty, music, and art. We are so lucky to call this place home.
– Mindy O’Neal via Facebook
26 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 27
We have what you come to the mountains for …
(866) 863-2525 • [email protected] • www.wildberrylodge.comWildberry Lodge
26 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 27
taxES
2.5%county Sales tax
4.5%State Sales tax
7%total Sales tax
$.945/$100 Residential Property tax
$1.5/$1,000commercial Property tax
incomE
$26,350 Per capita income
$41,598Median household income
induStrial tranSPortation
asheville regional airport
61 Terminal Dr., Ste. 1
fletcher, nC 28732
(828) 684-2226
ww.flyavl.com
asheville transit
360 W. haywood St.
(828) 253-5691
mountain mobility
2000 Riverside Dr., Suite 17
(828) 258-0186
www.buncombecounty.org
norfolk & Southern railway
(404) 529-1591
www.nscorp.com
maJor EmPloYErS
3,000+ Employees Buncombe County
Public Schools
Mission health System
and hospital
1,000-2,999 Employees City of Asheville
The Biltmore Company
Buncombe County
government
The grove Park inn
Resort & Spa
ingles Markets, inc. (home
office) Buncombe County
vA Medical Center –
Asheville Department
of veterans Affairs
750-999 Employees BorgWarner Turbo &
emissions Systems
CarePartners
eaton Corporation –
electrical Division
500-749 Employees Asheville City Schools
Arvato Digital Services
Thermo fisher Scientific, inc.
buSinESS climatEAsheville has both low unemployment and strong job growth.
fueling the area’s sound business climate are stable population
growth, a healthy housing market, expanding professional services,
robust small business and health care industry growth, and a steady
tourism industry.
Economic ProFilE
A&R Accounting Inc.
915 Haywood Rd. Asheville, NC 28806 (828) 252-1099 (828) 252-1119 Fax E-mail: [email protected]
Licensed Tax Planning & Preparation Personal & Corporate
www.aracct.com
Bear Creek Apartments
110 Bear Creek Ln. • (828) [email protected] • www.bearcreek-apts.com
Your new home in west Asheville
28 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 29
aShEVillE’S indEPEndEnt bookStorES PromotE liVElY litErarY ScEnE
Book Worms
28 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 29
a nexus of creativity of all types, Asheville’s environs have inspired literary works that are read the
world over. Famous authors past and present have called Asheville home, from O. Henry and Thomas Wolfe to Wilma Dykeman and Gail Godwin. And bookish types find the city a haven of literary riches that include independent bookstores, a thriving library system, book clubs and events such as poetry readings, writers’ workshops and author appearances.
Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café has been an integral part of Asheville’s literary scene for close to 30 years. The downtown establishment is more like a local cultural force than a typical bookstore.
“We are so much a part of this community,” says owner Emoke B’Racz, recalling Asheville as a sleepy little town when Malaprop’s opened in 1982. The pace suited her just fine. “I figured that an active library, beautiful architecture and the mountains – oh, the mountains – were, and still are, enough for one lifetime.”
In 1986, B’Racz opened a second store just a few blocks from Malaprop’s – Downtown Books and News. It carries used books, magazines and newspapers and has become a cultural hub for a new generation of artists and bankers, she says.
SToRy By carol coWanPhoTogRAPhy By brian mccord
Book
downtown Books and news
Worms
30 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 31
Both stores embody the unique, independent, diverse, creative vibe that permeates downtown and draws locals and tourists alike. The café is reminiscent of B’Racz’s native Europe and supports the community by serving local bakers’ specialties.
Among the huge selection of reading material at Malaprop’s, book lovers will find sections featuring staff favorites, poetry, green living, current events, fiction, children’s books and more.
“Thomas Wolfe, Gail Godwin, Fred Chappell, Wilma Dykeman and John Ehle are literary treasures in Asheville. We are also lucky to have many new
writers, poets and playwrights who are currently lighting up the cultural path. Our Regional Books section presents them to readers,” B’Racz says.
In addition, Malaprop’s calendar features reading-related events almost daily, and renowned authors regularly circulate through the store for book signings and lectures. Tomie dePaola, Barbara Kingsolver, Sara Gruen and Diana Gabaldon were on the calendar recently.
Asheville’s book scene welcomed a charming newcomer in February 2009, with the opening of Battery Park Book Exchange. The store specializes in used books, but what makes it particularly
unique is its champagne and wine bar.“The champagne and wine bar is a
strategy for bookstore survival,” says owner Thomas Wright, only half-joking about the risk of opening a store in the midst of a national recession. Nevertheless, it’s a business model that works in the downtown setting. “In light of the timing, it’s going very well,” he adds.
Battery Park Book Exchange’s impressive inventory features many one-of-a-kind items, and customers can browse to their hearts’ content or discuss their finds with fellow patrons over glasses of local and imported wines.
Wright says he enjoys the green
30 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 31
aspect of rescuing books headed for a landfill, as well as coming upon undiscovered treasures from prior generations.
“Worn is preferable to me than new,” Wright says. “I like books that have a certain antiquity to them.”
Downtown Asheville currently boasts five independent booksellers; Wright would love to see more.
“I’m the new kid on the block,” he acknowledges, “but I would like to see Asheville become known as much for its book inventories as for its arts and crafts. If there’s a town in the Southeast that can do this, it’s Asheville.”
Malaprop’s Bookstore/cafe
582 654 2156 7 25 37 564 98 7125 19 5000 96 525 3 775 851 9500 45 2750 10500 1 65 2000 92 120 8525 8 465 78
loCAlly oWned stores in Asheville
200learn fun and interesting facts about
Asheville in the By the numbers video at
imagesasheville.com
32 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 33
Arts & Culture
Diana Wortham Theatre
has been an entertainment
destination in downtown Asheville
since 1992 and is a big reason why
nightlife has been so alive in the
district since then.
“There was one restaurant in
the vicinity in 1992. Then within
10 years after the theater opened,
there were 16 restaurants within a
block of the building,” says John
ellis, managing director of Diana
Wortham Theatre.
The theater today is home to 20
local arts groups that include the
Asheville lyric opera, Terpsicorps
Theatre of Dance and the Western
north Carolina Jazz Society. There
is even a puppetry troupe – the
Asheville Puppetry Alliance.
“none of these organizations
existed before the theater was
built because they had nowhere
to call home, but now they are
flourishing because they have a
great place to perform,” ellis says.
“The Wortham is a beautiful venue
for music, theater and dance.”
Pack Place Performing Arts
owns and operates the nonprofit
venue. Besides supplying the
building to the 20 local arts
organizations, Pack Place also
books its own annual series of
shhh, it’s about to startWoRthAM theAtRe houSeS 20 locAl ARtS gRouPS
arlo guthrie performed there. so did Jeff daniels and christine ebersole. There have also been performances by David Crosby, kathy Mattea, the Paul Taylor Dance Company and The Second City.
national touring artists.
“This is a small, intimate venue
with 500 seats, and the interior is
sophisticated and comfortable
with great acoustics and sight
lines,” Marketing Director elly
Wells says. “As the saying goes,
there’s not a bad seat in the
house. in fact, many performers
refer to the theater as a room
because the setting is so cozy.”
The theater audiences are
made up of about 85 percent
Asheville and Buncombe County
residents, and 15 percent tourists.
“This quality entertainment
destination is a fine amenity for
Asheville, and is ordinarily only
found in larger cities throughout
the united States,” ellis says. “i’ve
talked to a lot of new yorkers now
living in Asheville who say they
don’t need to travel back to new
32 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 33
york City anymore to see a top
show, because they can see good
performances at the Wortham.”
By the way, who is Diana
Wortham?
“Diana comes from a family in
houston who greatly supports the
arts, and she now lives in Asheville
and was a benefactor and big
reason why this theater opened,”
ellis says. “She’s a great person and
frequently attends performances.
it’s always a special treat whenever
she is in attendance.”
– Kevin Litwin
left to right: the audience being seated for the musical Almost Heaven – Songs of John Denver; Bua performs at the theater.
What’s Online Discover more about the creative climate of Asheville, including arts, events and cultural attractions, in the culture section at imagesasheville.com.
Get the story behind the
photoNow that you've experienced Asheville through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. Visit imagesasheville.com to view our exclusive photographers' blog documenting what all went into capturing those perfect moments.
34 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 35
34 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 35
education
The university of Phoenix-
Asheville learning Center opened
in 2010 in downtown Asheville at
the Biltmore Park Town Square,
across from the Regal Biltmore
grand Stadium 15 movie theater.
The Asheville learning Center
offers college credit classes from
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through
Thursdays, and from 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. on fridays.
“Adult students in Western
north Carolina can now lead their
normal family lives and work lives,
plus have convenient access to a
rigorous university degree
program,” says Shannon eckard,
director of the university of
Phoenix at Charlotte campus that
oversees the Asheville learning
Center. “our students are primarily
business professionals who take
university of Phoenix classes at
night as well as online. The
Asheville facility is allowing people
to pursue degrees or even
re-career, which is occurring a lot
nowadays in this volatile economy.”
eckard says that although
university of Phoenix students
can range in age from 18 to 88,
the average age nationwide at
their campuses is 36. Associate’s
degrees as well as bachelor’s and
master’s degrees are all available
at the Asheville site, and courses
of study include criminal justice
and security, education, human
services, nursing and health care,
psychology, technology and
business and management.
“The most popular courses
phoenix risinguniveRSity oPenS ASheville leARning centeR
the university of phoenix was established in arizona 30 years ago, and the nationwide university began opening campuses in north Carolina in 2005. now there is a campus in Asheville.
during our young history in
Asheville have been in the fields
of business and management, by
a wide margin,” eckard says. “That
includes several students who are
pursuing their MBAs with us.
Technology programs are also
getting more popular and should
continue to grow in popularity as
time goes by, and the interest in
nursing and healthcare classes is
also starting to increase. But for
now, business and management
courses are way out in front.”
eckard says not only does the
Asheville learning Center serve
residents from Asheville and
Buncombe County, but students
also travel to the center from
surrounding communities such as
Azalea, emma, oteen and Woodfin.
“The Asheville site
accommodates students from
within about a 30-mile radius, and
our university of Phoenix facility is
getting more and more utilized as
the word continues to get out,”
eckard says. “We offer competitive
tuition costs, convenient access
and a curriculum that is ideal and
in demand for today’s world. That
is what our university is all about.”
– Kevin Litwin
A city doesn’t call itself “Foodtopia” without having a vibrant dining scene, and Asheville restaurants helped the town live up to its
nickname even in the worst economy. When things turned bad in 2009, it would have been understandable if many locally owned eateries simply turned off the ovens and closed their doors. Oddly enough, the exact opposite has happened. Asheville’s top independent restaurateurs have actually reinvigorated the city with an impressive selection of new spots to grab a meal.
Owners like Bouchon’s Michel Baudouin – the jovial face representing French cuisine to
downtown diners – have opened smaller, simpler restaurants aimed at making fine food more accessible to guests on a budget. Baudouin opened a crepery in the courtyard next to his f lagship restaurant. Nothing but a small stand and a few tables, Bouchon Street Food lives up to its name by serving takeaway dishes that you could pick up from a vending cart in Paris: savory lunch crêpes like the Toulouse, featuring duck confit, carmelized onion, goat cheese and fresh mushrooms for just $7.
Joe Scully and Kevin Westmoreland of the Corner Kitchen in historic Biltmore Village have opened up a nearby sandwich shop named Gianni Panini. The small breakfast and lunch
thE Food ScEnE in aShEVillE continuES to GroW dESPitE national EconomY’S rEcESSion
SToRy By Eric SEEGErPhoTogRAPhy By brian mccord
Asheville’s
Full Plate
FoodtopiaAsheville is home to
the world’s first – and only – Foodtopian Society, where the farm-to-table movement is a way of life. Asheville boasts 17 farmers markets, nearly 250 independent restaurants and 10 amazing microbreweries, all of which serve only fresh, local food.
Brown Butter Pecan Pie with vanilla and caramel Sauce at the tupelo honey cafe
ASheville 37
38 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 39
eatery is making a good living from foot traffic in the upscale shopping district while also supplying fresh sandwiches to restaurants and shops in neighboring towns.
For folks whose palates lean more toward stateside fare, Tupelo Honey Cafe opened its second location in booming South Asheville. For years, you had to navigate the crowds of downtown Asheville to enjoy Tupelo’s signature New Southern cooking, but owner Steve Frabritore and chef Brian Sonoskus have answered the suburb’s pleas for easy, family-friendly access to their food. There’s even a new, healthier kids menu. Best of all, diners now can get a quick fix of nutty fried chicken or Low Country tuna without having to fight for a parking spot.
Reza Setayesh, the owner/chef of Rezaz Meditterrean Restaurant and Enoteca – a staple of upscale comfortable dining located just outside of Biltmore – has opened Piazza, a can’t-miss pizza joint near Fairview.
Hand-tossed, wood-fired pies get served up with bubbly crusts, great meats, vegetables, seafoods and fresh-made sauces. In addition, the eatery offers a tasty assortment of appetizers, Italian subs, spaghetti bowls and entrees such as Chicken Saltimbocca and plank-roasted salmon.
It’s just one of the many great tastes to be savored in a town that knows how to eat well.
clockwise from top left: tupelo honey cafe; A panini at gianni Panini; Bouchon; Pizza from Piazza; the wood-fired oven at PiazzaS
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40 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 41
doWntoWn EmbodiES citY’S diStinctiVE EnErGY
SToRy By kEVin litWin
UNUsUaL, as UsUaL
yron Greiner says that one of the most popular local bumper stickers in this city states: Keep Asheville Weird.
The president of the Asheville Downtown Association points out that the entire community – especially its downtown district – is known for artistry and eccentricities throughout its retail stores and restaurants.
“Downtown Asheville is not chain-driven. Instead, it has a variety of businesses that are independent and unusual in their own separate ways,” Greiner says. “The district is lively every day, which is interesting for a mountain community. There is real energy here.”
Greiner says that 20 years ago, downtown Asheville would roll up its
streets at 5 o’clock each afternoon. And as recently as five years ago, the city was pretty much a seasonal destination only.
“It’s not that way anymore. We are a 12-month attraction,” he says. “We now have tourists in January, February and March when we traditionally haven’t had that before. A big reason is eclectic Asheville businesses.”
One of those businesses is Jewels
B
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40 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 41
That Dance, a store that has been downtown on Haywood Street since 1983.
“I am a custom-design goldsmith who sells fine jewelry of diamonds, platinum and precious stones,” says owner Paula Dawkins. “I make the jewelry with an interesting twist, and have my studio right on the premises.”
Dawkins’ product line includes
wedding rings, engagement rings, birthstones, necklaces and silver.
“I enjoy doing business in downtown Asheville because it’s kind of a little community in itself,” she says. “There are store owners who have moved here from Minnesota, New Mexico, California and all over, and they all understand what downtown Asheville is all about. It’s a great atmosphere.”
Blue Spiral 1 on Biltmore Avenue downtown is a light-filled gallery with an assortment of objects by Southern artists.
Since 1991, the gallery has promoted American craft and fine art and is one of many galleries in the downtown area.
One of the most visited downtown thoroughfares is Lexington Avenue. One popular dining hotspot is Mela Indian Restaurant, which features
UNUsUaL,
The Prize by lisa clague at Blue Spiral 1 art gallery downtown
ASheville 43 42 iMAgeSASheville .coM
mouthwatering dishes like palak pakoras (a spicy spinach dish) and entrees such as gosht roghan josh (a lamb dish).
Another interesting downtown destination is Grove Arcade, a public marketplace that opened in 1929 and is widely admired for its architectural design. One of the stores at Grove Arcade is The Jazzy Giraffe, a women’s boutique with designer and couture clothing.
“My target audience is women who are 40 and older, because I am over 40,” says owner Donna Wright. “My husband, Thomas, and I are preservationists from eastern North Carolina, so when we stumbled upon Grove Arcade to locate my business, I just had to become a tenant.”
In fact, the Wrights like the district so much that Thomas has opened his own business – Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar – situated right behind Grove Arcade.
“We both love the architectural diversity of downtown Asheville and appreciate that urban f light hasn’t occurred here like it has in other downtowns throughout the United States,” Donna Wright says. “Downtown Asheville is vibrant and fresh, and I can’t see it ever changing.”
Jewels That Dance 63 Haywood St. (828) 254-5088 www.jewelsthatdance.com
Blue Spiral 1 38 Biltmore Ave. (828) 251-0202 (800) 291-2513 [email protected] www.bluespiral1.com
Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar1 Battle Square (828) 252-0020 www.batteryparkbook exchange.com
Grove Arcade One Page Ave. (828) 252-7799 www.grovearcade.com
Mela Indian Restaurant 70 N. Lexington Ave. (828) 225-8880 www.melaasheville.com
The Jazzy Giraffe Grove Arcade One Page Ave., Ste. 136 (828) 251-1616 [email protected] www.thejazzygiraffe.com
For more information
clockwise from above: A sales associate waits to assist customers at Jewels that dance; haywood Street; grove Arcade
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image gallery
44 iMAgeSASheville .coM
Asheville skyline
Photo by Jeffrey S. Otto
ASheville 45
Downtown Asheville
Photo by Brian McCord
image gallery
46 iMAgeSASheville .coM
Art at Blue Spiral 1
Photo by Brian McCord
ASheville 47
48 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 49
local flavor
This year, Posana Café has taken its
commitment to sustainability even
further: it has become the first Two Star
Certified green Restaurant in north
Carolina and has been awarded gluten-
free food Service Accreditation.
These two certifications represent
meticulous attention to established
guidelines and an uncommon dedication
to serving foods in a way that will benefit
the health of diners and leave no
negative impact on the environment.
“We’re proud of what we have
accomplished, and we will continue to
look for new ways to evolve,” Peter
Pollay, executive chef and co-owner of
Posana Café says. “We want the quality
of our role as conscientious members of
the Asheville community to match the
quality of our food.”
certiFied green restaurant
To become a certified green restaurant,
Posana Café was required to meet stringent
standards put in place by the green
Restaurant Association. The restaurant
was measured in seven environmental
categories, including water efficiency,
waste reduction and recycling, sustainable
furnishings and building materials,
sustainable food, energy, disposables,
and chemical and pollution reduction.
“We believed that we had to go
beyond just saying that we were
committed to the environment and really
put ourselves to the test,” Martha Pollay,
the restaurant’s co-owner says.
gluten-Free accreditatiOn
While becoming the only green-
certified restaurant in north Carolina
was quite an accomplishment, it wasn’t
enough for Posana Café. The Pollays were
green, healthy & delicious PoSAnA cAFé BecoMeS FiRSt ceRtiFied gReen ReStAuRAnt in nc
Before even opening its doors in may 2009, downtown asheville’s posana café was committed to sustainability. owners Peter and Martha Pollay chose local, sustainable vendors to renovate the restaurant in an eco-friendly way, and they have always served foods made from fresh ingredients that were locally and sustainably grown.
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48 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 49
Creating exquisite dentistry for busy families
Dr. Wendy D. Willoughby D.D.S.GENERAL
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Asheville, NC 28801
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Biltmore
The AAA Three Diamond Quality Inn & Suites Biltmore East is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Asheville
and Biltmore – America’s largest home.
Free, Full, Hot Breakfast Buffet • Free Wireless Internet Access
Free Business Center • Free Local Calls • Free Newspaper
Free Cookies at Check In • Free Coffee and Tea
Fitness Center • Seasonal Outdoor Pool and Gazebo
1430 Tunnel Rd. • I-40, Exit 55 • Asheville, NC 28805 (828) 298-5519 • Toll-free: (877) 299-5519
QualityInnBiltmore.com
aware of the marked increase in
the number of people with celiac
disease and other conditions who
are unable to eat foods containing
gluten, and the difficulty that
condition represents when it
comes to dining out. in response,
they wanted to create a restaurant
where even people with serious
food limitations could enjoy a
delicious meal and an array of
choices. To do so, they underwent
strenuous accreditation process
through the gluten intolerance
group of north America (gig).
Today, Posana is one of only
seven food service establishments
in the united States to hold gluten-
free food service accreditation
from gig. And diners who are
normally limited to only two or
three choices on a restaurant
menu can visit Posana Café and
confidently order any item they
see, Pollay says, including cakes,
cookies, scones, tempura and fried
green tomatoes.
– Nancy Mann Jackson
a sampling From the dinner menuVegan Pasta with fettuccine, ratatouille, sweet basil and extra virgin olive oil
grilled Yellowfin tuna with aromatic black rice, eggplant and coconut curry sauce
Herb-roasted CHiCken with buttermilk mashed potatoes, balsamic cippolini onions and herb jus
east fork farms lamb raCk with warm radicchio-pear salad, pistachios, gorgonzola and a cabernet reduction
www.posanacafe.com
50 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 51
health & Wellness
Mission health System, which
oversees Mission hospital in
Asheville, is currently constructing
a $60 million cancer center on the
Mission hospital campus. The
five-story medical facility is a
partnership between MhS and
the university of north Carolina
lineberger Comprehensive
Cancer Center.
“This cancer facility is being
constructed to ultimately serve
the entire region of Western
north Carolina,” says Janet S.
Moore, director of marketing and
Web services for Mission health
System. “This part of the state
has needed such a cancer care
center for a long time, and now
will have one.”
At 120,000 square feet,
patients at the cancer center
will be privy to a large number
of services available all under
one roof.
“The building is currently under
construction and has already
created a lot of construction jobs,
and many health-care jobs will be
created once the building is
care close to homeMuch-needed cAnceR centeR to oPen in 2012
right now, cancer patients in asheville and surrounding communities must drive two to four hours to receive treatment at one of the handful of major cancer centers in north Carolina. in early 2012, that won’t be necessary anymore.
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Mission hospital
52 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 53
STAMP OUT BREAST CANCERWITH YOUR FEET.
Every step you take in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® helps raise vital funds for the fight against breast cancer. But don’t let your journey stop there. Take a step toward improving your own health by educating yourself about the disease and getting regular screenings. Step by step, this Race will be won.
Learn more about the Komen Race for the Cure by visiting www.komen.org or calling 1-877 GO KOMEN.
This space is provided as a public service. ©2008 Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
52 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 53
Asheville Specialty Hospital (ASH) offers a new option in care. Patients who have suffered a catastrophic illness and are anticipating a lengthy hospitalization are appropriate referrals. Patients with complex medical needs benefit from ASH.
Asheville Specialty Hospital is NOT a nursing home. Otherwise known as a long-term acute care hospital, patients are given the extended time and highly specialized level of care and services to help them obtain their maximum level of recovery. For most patients, the average length of stay is usually between three to four weeks or about
21-28 days. As the only accredited specialty hospital in the region; an experienced staff of physicians, nurses, therapists and case managers work closely together by approaching care from a physical, emotional and spiritual standpoint; ASH’s team maintains a goal of achieving the highest level of wellness possible.
Asheville Specialty Hospital 428 Biltmore Ave., 4th Floor Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 213-5400 tel (828) 213-5443 fax
www.ashevillespecialtyhospital.org
Long Term Acute Care
health & Wellness
completed in 2012,” Moore says.
“health care is already one of
the major economic drivers in
Western north Carolina, and the
center will simply add to that
driving force.”
Moore says attention to detail
is a big priority during the
construction phase, with the
entire center being built for easy
patient access.
“for example, the building’s
first level will offer vast radiation
therapy that will be just steps
from the parking deck,” she says.
“Then on the second floor,
pediatric and adolescent care will
be featured with separate waiting
and treatment areas for teens and
younger children.”
The region cancer center is
also important because of the
growing retirement community in
Asheville and Buncombe County.
“The quality of the air and
water, beautiful mountains and
the four seasons are attracting
more and more retiring baby
boomers and older Americans to
the area, so the need for quality
health care to this region is
obviously important,” Moore says.
She adds that besides the five-
story building, a brand-new road
is being constructed to service
the cancer center.
“The road will be called
hospital Drive and will connect uS
highway 25 and McDowell Street,
thereby providing good access to
the center as well as to Mission
hospital itself,” she says.
“everything about this entire
project is being done first-class,
and everything is being done with
quality patient care in mind.”
– Kevin Litwin
What’s Online For more insight on Asheville’s health and wellness offerings, head to the health care section at imagesasheville.com.
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visit ouradvertisersA&R Accounting Inc.www.aracct.com
Asheville City Schoolswww.asheville.k12.nc.us
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Asheville Specialty Hospitalwww.ashevillespecialtyhospital.org
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community Collegewww.abtech.edu
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Carolina Day Schoolwww.cdschool.org
Carriage Parkwww.carriagepark.com
Christ Schoolwww.christschool.org
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54 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 55
Blue Ridge Roller girls is
Western north Carolina’s only
all-female, flat-track roller derby
league. The roller girls compete
against similar leagues from cities
across the region in these high-
impact bouts, where both teams
try to get their points-earning
skater through as many laps as
possible during a set time period.
rOller derBy in general
The scoring and positions –
jammers, blockers and pivots
– are a little difficult to understand
at first, but the action translates
with ease. each event is a human
demolition derby punctuated with
moments of breakaway speed and
grace. By the end of the night, the
teams will have turned hundreds
of laps around a course that’s
approximately the size of a
basketball court.
Athletes with names like Rigor
Morticia, Mazel Tov Cocktail and
Distressa exemplify the spirit of
showmanship, but this isn’t the
staged pro-wrestlingesque roller
derby your parents grew up
watching. The competition is
respectful, but the wrecks are far
from staged. There are no padded
guardrails, and the track is
nothing but concrete. every shot
that’s delivered registers with the
athletes and the crowd.
rOller derBy BOuts each mOnth
every month, these ladies
pack the crowds into Asheville’s
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. And
Fight like a girlget uP to SPeed With the Blue Ridge RolleR giRlS
asheville may be far enough north for snow, but it does not have a hockey team. And those who want to see live football should be prepared to visit a high school on a friday night. yes, the town was almost completely devoid of any full-contact spectator sport until a few tough ladies laced up their roller skates and decided it was time to dish out a little pain. Actually, it looks like a lot.
if you’re the type of person
who likes to get close to the
action, there’s even floor space
(literally, you’re sitting on the
cement) next to the track. Just
be ready in case one of the
competitors accidentally uses
you as a speed bump.
But for all the mayhem
that surrounds a roller girls
competition, it’s family fun where
you otherwise might not expect
to find it. The competitors are
good-natured (okay, so they
might start with a team chant of
“We will win as a family! We kill as
a family!”), they are accessible to
fans and the biggest prize at stake
is bragging rights.
in fact, unlike most sports
franchises, Blue Ridge Roller girls
is a nonprofit organization that
uses its home matches to raise
funds for charity. it’s almost
enough goodwill to make you
forgive the occasional dirty
elbow the roller girls and their
competitors are laying on each
other. Almost.
for more information, visit
www.blueridgerollergirls.com.
– Eric Seeger
Ph
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Sports & Recreation
56 iMAgeSASheville .coM
climatE
25.8 FJanuary low temperature
46.1 FJanuary high temperature
62.7 FJuly low temperature
83.3 FJuly high temperature
37.32"Annual Precipitation
tranSPortation
Median travel time to Work
15.76 minutes
closest Major Airport
Asheville Regional Airport
61 Terminal Dr., Ste. 1
fletcher, nC 28732
(828) 684-2226
www.flyavl.com
interstate highways
i-26, i-40 and i-240
u.S. highways
u.S. 19/23, 25, 25A, 70, 74
Education
asheville-buncombe
technical community college
340 victoria Rd.
Asheville, nC 28801
(828) 254-1921
abtech.edu
university of north carolina
at asheville
one university heights
Asheville, nC 28804
(828) 232-5000
www.unca.edu
Warren Wilson college
P.o. Box 9000
Asheville, nC 28815
(828) 298-3325
www.warren-wilson.edu
numbErS to knoW
driver Services
nCDoT Division of
Motor vehicles
600 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, nC 28805
(828) 298-4544
www.ncdot.org
curbside recycling
Curbside Management
116 n. Woodfin Ave.
Asheville, nC 28801
(828) 252-2532
www.curbie.com
voter Registration
Board of elections
35 Woodfin St.
Asheville, nC 28801
(828) 250-4200
www.buncombecounty.org
houSEhold inFormation
33,532total households
17,138households With a Family
16,394non-Family households
8,151households With children
25,380households Without children
2Average household Size
3Median years in Residence
coSt oF liVinG
$41,598Median household income
$177,000Median home Price
SnaPShotAs a resort and therapeutic health center since the late 1880s,
Asheville has long been a destination for people searching for
a mountain escape, its population climbing to nearly 30,000
seasonal residents in 1890. More art deco architecture built
in the late 1920s and early 1930s can be found in downtown
Asheville than in any other southeastern city outside of Miami.
communitY ProFilE
What’s Online For more about the people, places and events that define Asheville, visit imagesasheville.com.
Ad Index 27 A&RAccountinginc.
31 Ashevillecityschools
20 Asheville DentAlAssociAtes
c4 Ashevilleschool
53 Asheville speciAltyhospitAl
8 Asheville-BuncomBe technicAl communitycollege
27 BeARcReekApARtments
34 cARolinADAyschool
25 cARRiAgepARk
33 chRistschool
54 DeeRfielDepiscopAl RetiRementcommunity
49 DR.WenDyWilloughByDDs
52 fouRseAsons
26 givensestAtes
2 gpiventuResllc
14 gRoveWooDgAlleRy
8 hAmptoninn&suites/ homeWooDsuites
20 lAkepointelAnDing
50 mAhecDentAl heAlthcenteR
Ad Index (cont.) 50 mAhecRegionAl oB/gynspeciAlists
50 missionhospitAl
49 QuAlityinn&suites
52 sensiBilitiesDAyspA
c3 t.l.c.foRyouinc.
c2 thecliffscommunities
14 thefARm
26 WilDBeRRyloDge
T.L.C. For You, Inc. is a full-service home health-care and personal services company founded by Susie Tarantino in Asheville, North Carolina. Making day-to-day life more fulfilling is their goal.
Susie and her staff are fiercely loyal and protective of their clients. Once you’re a client of T.L.C, you’re like family! Call today to discuss your customized service needs with a complimentary in-home interview and assessment.
T.L.C. For You, Inc. will make your life easier!
T.L.C. For You, Inc.Susie Tarantino 2903 Sagamore Lane Asheville, NC 28806 (828) 670-1379 or (828) 777-0340 [email protected] www.tlcforyouincasheville.com Located in Asheville, North Carolina Bonded, Licensed and Insured
Gift Certificates Are Available!
• RN Home Health Care Consultant on staff with CNAs available
• Scheduling and transportation offering full travel service: Doctor appointments, theater, restaurants, airport, parties, funerals, church, etc.
• General errands: Grocery or clothes shopping, sewing, prescriptions, dry-cleaning, auto services, etc.
• Housecleaning, house sitting, plant care and pet sitting
• Estate managing, packing and moving, unpacking and set up
• Clean sweep: Organizing your home, office, closet, garage, etc.
• Catering/bartending, setting up parties for any occasion
• Meal pick-up and delivery from your choice of restaurants or light meals prepared in your home – your recipe or ours
• Purchasing, wrapping, mailing, delivering gifts for all occasions, writing cards, letters, etc.
• Yard work and home repairs of all kinds
• Help transport your children to and from activities/babysitting
Thank you for all the support and kindness that you provided, both professionally and personally, this past year. In the end, it was T.L.C. that came through in the most difficult situations – at no small sacrifice by you and your staff. I wish you the best of luck and continued success with all of your projects.“ ~ Mickey “You have been the greatest help to me, and I greatly thank you. Thanks to you, everything is taken care of. You are a wonderment! With much love and many thanks.” ~ Barbara “Thank you for your great services for me and my mom. Over and above what you expect. My dad’s birthday dinner was divine – one none of us will ever forget. You are a princess. I hope to see you again soon.” ~ Andre and Peggy