Chocolate has a long history with romance, love, and sex. The Aztecs believed it to be an aphrodisiac, with Montezuma supposedly drinking 50 cups of chocolate a day. (And hey, the guy did have many wives and lovers.) When Europeans returned to their homeland, they brought chocolate and its purported benefits back with them. Supposedly … Read More
Yet another indication of the thriving beer scene in Asheville is the growing success of its winter beer festival, the Winter Warmer. The first one took place in 2008 at The Garage (located in Biltmore Village where the Toy Boat Community Arts Space is now) where the attendance was about 275 people. This year, on … Read More
Whether it’s the mountain weather having a schizophrenic episode or the slow crawl of global climate change toward the end of days, an Asheville winter is about as predictable as a bouncing football. But on those ass-clinching, 20-degree nights when you have standing plans that you just can’t cancel, you can find warm solace in … Read More
I was desperately hoping that a car wasn’t parked in Chicken Alley—20 more feet, and I would finally own a piano. Instead a slim man wearing a suit swaggered up Carolina Lane demanding, “Where are you going with that piano?” My boyfriend, Adam, quickly jumped in, “Oh we found it at the corner.” “It’s my … Read More
The name Pisgah is synonymous with the geography of Western North Carolina. Outdoors enthusiasts know the natural wonders that make up the Pisgah National Forest, and Mount Pisgah is one of the more recognizable peaks in the state. The name, though, has also become synonymous with organic, handcrafted beer. Located just east of Asheville in … Read More
Aries (March 21- April 19) I know January is tough on you; the social calendar seems so bleak with all the holiday parties over. What’s a social superstar to do? Well, my little babies of the universe, we’re all being asked to make profound choices this month. There’s actually a lot going on, in the … Read More
Fun-loving Ashevillians came together once again to celebrate the Fourth Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party on Friday, Dec. 14. Held at Broadway’s, Asheville’s classic dive bar, and hosted by local DJs Kipper Schauer and Jason Holland, this irony-filled holiday party has become a holiday staple—and a not to be missed event. This year proved to … Read More
Rocking the heart of downtown in just more than a year in business, Asheville Music Hall has made quite an impression on local music. Add the One Stop Deli downstairs, and you have a one-two punch of constant live music in one building. While the Asheville Music Hall offers a variety of genres, it is … Read More
“Oh wow, this is amazing,” said one patron. “I can’t even believe what they’ve done in here,” remarked another. Standing on the second level looking down at the main stage inside Isis—the new restaurant, bar, and music hall in West Asheville—highly favorable comments from customers was common. The venue cranked out remarkably good sound for … Read More
The name of The Big Crafty says it all. It’s big, it’s crafty, and it’s fun for the whole family. We all have a soft spot for the small-town church bazaars and local street fairs where you’re sure to find fresh-baked pies, activities such as bobbing for apples and cake walks, and traditional handicrafts, but … Read More
In the past, the bar scene in Asheville never was known for its plethora of smoking hot cocktail options, but fortunately the past is just that. Downtown Asheville is experiencing a minor cocktail revolution occurring right before our eyes. The frenzy surrounding Asheville’s craft and microbrew beer scene is evident everywhere you go, so perhaps … Read More
The husband-wife team of Adam Cohen and Jaime Byrd are solid fixtures in the Asheville film scene. Jaime is a producer, director, editor, and cinematographer for Blind Lyle Films, located in Asheville, while Adam is a producer for the same company. Jaime started the Asheville Filmmakers Group (AFG) several years ago. “I wanted to take … Read More