Man Versus Bear: Local Saves Dog's Life

Baxter is recovering

A mountain resident came to the rescue of Baxter, his Scottish terrier, earlier this week. A bear passing through Hall's yard perceived Baxter as a threat, grabbed him with its mouth and started shaking him like a rag doll. Rick Hall knew that if he didn't do something, little Baxter would be killed.

Hall and the bear started exchanging blows, and after a few punches and scratches the bear backed down. Hall has some battle wounds, but no major injuries. Baxter suffered from multiple punture wounds, but after receiving medical treatment he expected to fully recover. You can see the full story including an interview with Hall on WLOS.

It is recommended that you NEVER have a fist fight with a bear. Asheville bear sightings are somewhat common so it pays to be bear aware. 

Picture of the Day: Above Maggie Valley

Today's picture of the day was sent in by Ann Crowden from Ohio. This photo was taken in the Maggie Valley area, a gorgeous section of the mountains only a short scenic drive across the Great Smoky Mountains from Asheville.

Thanks for the photo Ann! Have a picture you feel is worthy of photo of the day? Send it to dholston@exploreasheville.com

Hunger Games Preview

Thanks to Ashevegas for finding this great video. The Hunger Games adds to a long list of movies that were filmed around Asheville. This particular movie has been a lot of fun as we've had celebrity sightings all over town. We'll have more coverage on this story as we move closer to the March premier.

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music

Photo of the Day: Asheville Busker

If you've walked through the streets of downtown Asheville then chances are you have seen the white man with his guitar. Local photographer Micah Mackenzie snapped this great shot of the mysterious street musician. Busking is very popular in Asheville and showcases the creative spirit that fills the city. You'll find jugglers, street musicians, street poetry and a few other surprises when walking around. It's quite the scene, especially on the busy weekends.

VIDEO: Purple Skies Over Asheville

Thanks to Peter who sent us this video filmed atop Skybar in downtown Asheville. Check out the gorgeous purple sky over the mountain vistas. What a nice way to kick off your evening when enjoying Asheville's nightlife.

Celebrate Labor Day With A Free Concert in the Park

Celebrate the Labor Day holiday with an amazing show from the Asheville Symphony Orchestra in downtown Asheville. This event was very popular last year and promises to be just as exciting this year. Full press release follows:

To celebrate Labor Day, Asheville Symphony Orchestra and the Pack Square Park Conservancy are joining forces to stage a free public concert with several deluxe options from the various producers of the event, including Asheville Lyric Opera, available for a reasonable consideration. Last year’s concert was extremely well received, and was attended by an estimated crowd of nearly 7,000 people according to Gary Giniat, executive director of the conservancy at the time. This year, Asheville Lyric Opera will add another layer to the experience for a limited number of people who respond while space is available for the “Party on the Terrace.” 

<More after the jump>

Where the Wild Things Are: Monkey Spotted in Downtown Asheville

Asheville locals see their fair share of wild things happening on any given week. Bears, Bigfoot, red spandex aliens in supermarkets... you name it, we've probably seen it. This past weekend one local resident, Jessica Ball, found herself in one of these situations when she unexpectedly wound up with a monkey in her car.

This might not be so bananas if monkeys were indigenous to the Asheville area, but as it stands, downtown Asheville is not a normal hangout for long-tailed primates (some people may debate me on that point). The monkey's owner had sent out an A.P.B. on her missing pet and fortunately her adorable marmoset was spotted in the parking lot of the downtown YMCA.

"Police had the monkey surrounded and were attempting to coax it out of a tree" said Ball. "I went to open my car door and suddenly the monkey jumped out of the tree and then darted inside my car."

Police instructed Ball to close the door so the monkey couldn't escape. Moments later, a visibly distraught owner showed up to retrieve her pet. As soon as the car door opened the monkey jumped into her arms making for a happy reunion. Ball was able to snap some photos of the cute little monkey before it was taken home.

Picture of the Day: Biltmore Sunset

This photo was snapped on the South Terrace of the Biltmore during their annual summer concert series. On stage this evening was Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, but for a few minutes, this sunset stole the show.

Have a great photo? Send it to dholston@exploreasheville.com and it may be included in this blog or future Asheville promotions.

Wall Street Journal Features Asheville Beer Scene

The Wall Street Journal featured Asheville's Brewtopian culture as part of a larger story regarding the hottest spots around the country for starting a new business. Below is the Asheville excerpt. You can read the full story here. You can learn more about Asheville beer scene here.

Where the Action Is 

By EMILY MALTBY

John Warne

Across the country, new industry hubs are drawing entrepreneurs and investors — and offering start-ups support and safety in a turbulent economy

ASHEVILLE, N.C. BEER BREWING

Craft beer is a small industry, but it has a devoted customer base. One Southern town is going after those fans with vigor.

Craft beer is a small industry, but it has a devoted customer base. Asheville, has 10 breweries, with two on the way. Asheville, a Blue Ridge Mountain town of 75,000, has 10 breweries, with two on the way. That can't compare with the 40 in Portland, Ore., but it stacks up to other beer havens like Milwaukee and Boulder, Colo., which both have fewer than a dozen. "Asheville is definitely on the map and well recognized in the craft-brewing industry," says Paul Gatza, director of the Brewers Association in Boulder.

Entrepreneurs new to the area seek mentoring from the established brewmasters and the Asheville Brewers Alliance, formed to exchange ideas and promote the industry. They also tap Blue Ridge Food Ventures, an incubator for developing and commercializing products.

Competition among the breweries is a key driver of growth. "Every time a new brewery opens, it has to create its own creative edge, and then the other breweries have to be creative to become relevant again," explains Bill Drew, owner and brewmaster at Craggie Brewing Co. "So it's good when the new guys come in; it keeps the old guys on their toes."

In fact, the beer culture has permeated the town, with a host of businesses cooking up beer-flavored edibles and artists making tap handles and bottle labels. The environment gives brewers a place to source ingredients and fuel creativity. "By local companies teaming together, it's pretty much a win-win," Mr. Drew says.

Asheville Activities for the Weekend Warrior

Chubby Checker

Looking for fun things to do around the Asheville area this weekend. Here's a round up of some of the more notable events.

Downtown After 5

Taking center stage for Downtown After 5 are two great bands hailing from opposite ends of the country. The Lee Boys from Miami, Florida are some of the most accomplished sacred-steel performers in the country. Crowd participation is encouraged during their performance. Also under the spotlight tonight is Lubriphonic from Chicago, Illinois. A blend of funk, rock and roll, R&B will make for an explosive performance. It all takes place on north Lexington Avenue in downtown Asheville.

6th Annual Leicester Annual Studio Tour

All this weekend you can tour the working studios of over 20 artists living in the Leicester community. Plan your route and find Asheville's hottest food trucks stationed along the way. Pick up this week's copy of the Mountain Xpress newspaper to find a full two-page spread on the event.

Chubby Checker

Let's twist again like we did last summer. Chubby Checker is performing this Saturday at Harrah's Cherokee Casino. Cherokee is a short drive from Asheville making for a perfect day trip through some beautiful mountain scenery.

[VIDEO] Answer the Call!

Asheville is taking over your television! Do not attempt to adjust your set. You may recall the Asheville's Calling print campaign featured on this blog back in June. To go along with that are on-air commercials airing on a television near you. If you hear the rhythm of the drums then you'll know it's us, but right now you can enjoy the video right here. Answer the call!

P.S. We'll be premiering a second video very soon complete with a special promotion and some cool extras. Keep an eye out for it.

Tomato Wars! The Battle for the Area's Best 'Mater

Tomato Contest at The Market Place

Are you a ‘mater maven? Show off your gorgeous garden goods at the first Homegrown Tomato Contest taking place August 25 from 3 until 5 PM at The Market Place in downtown Asheville.

 

Bring your tastiest, most exquisite tomato* for your chance to win:

• $50 gift certificate to The Market Place
• Seed collections from local seed company Sow True Seed
• $15 in market bucks to Asheville City Market

Got an ugly tomato? Bring it, too, for the Ugly Tomato Contest! 

*Note: Up to six judges could be sampling your tomato, so choose one that can be sliced into at least six slices. If bringing cherries or Sun Golds, bring at least six for sampling.

Entries must arrive right at 3 pm to allow time for set up, slicing, and judging. During judging, enjoy tomato appetizers and drinks prepared by Chef William Dissen, mingle with fellow gardeners, and get great gardening advice and resources! The restaurant’s bar will also be open for afternoon cocktails (not included in entry fee.) Winners will be annouced near the end of the celebration. After the contest, stay for dinner and exclusive local tomato specials.

Judges: Charlie Jackson, executive director of ASAP; William Dissen, chef/owner of The Market Place; Missy Huger, owner/operator of Jake’s Farm; Del Holston, Asheville CVB Online Relations Manager/Foodtopia; and a representative from Sow True Seed.

$8 entry fee benefits local farmers and the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP). Contest is limited to the first 30 entrants. To reserve your space, contact The Market Place at (828) 252-4162 or  contact@marketplace-restaurant.com. 

This event is brought to you by The Market Place and ASAP and made possible with donations from Sow True Seed.

Foodtopian Spotlight: Roux Serves Up Farm Fresh Bounty

 Local Foods a Critical Part of Menu

Biltmore Beacon July 28, 2011

by:  Mary Koppenheffer - Staff Writer

mary.biltmorebeacon@gmail.com

Roux executive chef, Randy Dunn, does not need to travel far to bring farm-fresh ingredients to his menus.  Every Wednesday afternoon, Asheville City Market South sets up only a few steps from his kitchen, located in the Hilton at Biltmore Park, allowing him to choose produce just picked that morning.

Chef starts with some menu ideas already in mind depending on what he expects to be available.  He waits to browse the famers’ stalls before finalizing that evening’s offerings.

Last Wednesday, chef and his sous chef, Joe Koenig, took about 40 minutes to visit several farm tents and select vegetables, fruits, cheese and whole grain bread that would complement the menu.  The fresh herbs they use are grown in their own kitchen garden.

Before selecting their purchases, Chefs Dunn & Koenig walk through all of the farm tents to see what looks best that day, chatting with the growers and asking about the varieties they are offering. Chef’s selections Wednesday included heirloom tomatoes, corn, Mountain rose and Adirondack blue potatoes, huge, sweet, blackberries, whole grain crackers, and gruyere cheese, all from different farms.

Back at the kitchen surveying the crop of fresh produce, chef Dunn said, “there is no comparison to the taste of ‘just-picked’ vegetables.”  He picked up one of the huge, deep red, tomatoes from Gladheart Farm to appreciate the fresh aroma.  “A tomato in the refrigerator for as little as 30 minutes can completely loose this beautiful smell.”

The chefs prepared a preview of that night’s menu, and in less than 30 minutes, had created an appetizer, salad and entree. 

Chef used the tomatoes to create “Heirloom Tomato Napoleon,” fresh basil and  slivers of gruyere cheese layered between thick slices of fresh tomato, and topped with a whole grain, organic, cracker from Roots & Branches.  A balsamic reduction finished off this appetizer.

The salad included tri-color lettuces, Chevre cheese from Three Grace’s Dairy (where chef revealed his personal favorite was ‘jumpin’ juniper’), huge, dark purple blackberries, sliced avocado, and a sprinkling of candied pecans.

Trout was the evening’s special entree, served on a bed of pink and blue potatoes, fresh corn and crisp-cooked beans.

Hilton Asheville’s General Manager, Stan Turner, said he was happy to be able to promote local farmers while enjoying the freshest ingredients available.  In addition to the Wednesday’s farmer’s market special menu, Roux uses eggs and other produce from Cane Creek Organics, along with other local suppliers.

“Chef has created a 30-mile burger,” Turner said.  “All of the ingredients, including the meat, come from within 30 miles of Asheville.”

More photos of Chef Dunn’s farm fresh creations can be seen on their Facebook page. To learn more visit their website. 

The Wednesday afternoon farmers market is sponsored by Appalachian Sustainable AgriculturalProject (ASAP).  The market operates along Town Square Boulevard in Biltmore Park on Wednesday afternoons from 2 to 6 p.m. through October.

Moog Spaceman Reveals More Artists

The Moog Spaceman is back! That means more names have been released for the Moogfest lineup. The event will be held in downtown Asheville over Halloween weekend. Check out the video to see the new additions.

Oktoberfest Tickets On Sale Today

Oktoberfest, Asheville's salute to German beer, bratwurst and lederhosen, will begin selling tickets for their 2011 event today. This popular street festival is slated for Saturday October 8 in downtown Asheville. If you want to attend, then don't delay in buying tickets. This is a limited occupancy event and it is expected to sell out. Here are the details from the event's facebook page:

Internationally-renowned “oompah” band, The Stratton Mountain Boys, returns to the stage with happy yodeling songs, shoe-slapping dances and lively spirited Polka music sure to incite dancing in the street and rousing cheers of “ein Prosit!”

The event features beer tastings from local breweries and many brewers are featuring seasonal ales for Oktoberfest. The brewers will also be on hand to discuss their beers.

The popular Oktoberfest Games are back as well with some old favorites like the “dizzy gnome” and “keg-rolling” contests as well as some new. Plus, there will be a festival-wide costume contest, so don your lederhosen and represent.

Satisfy your craving for Oktoberfest cuisine with German staples like bratwurst, pretzels and traditional sides from Cucina 24, Jack of the Wood and The Market Place served with local favorite Lusty Monk Mustard.

Moogfest Announces Brian Eno!

Moogfest has just made another big announcement for this year's festival lineup. Musical pioneer Brian Eno will be coming to Asheville and he'll be bringing along his well known exhibit, 77 Million Paintings as well as hosting an Illustrated Talk. Here's information from the Moogfest website:

Conceived by Eno as "visual music," 77 Million Paintings is a constantly evolving sound and image-scape born from his exploration of light as an artistic medium and his interest in the aesthetic possibilities of generative software.  Presented on a uniquely configured constellation of video monitors, 77 Million Paintings is a serene and beautiful work, slowly evolving and transforming in time such that no two instants are quite the same.  It is art that encourages the viewer to slow down and enter a contemplative state, reflecting on the uniqueness of a passing moment that has almost certainly never existed before. 

77 Million Paintings will be exhibited at the YMI Cultural Center, in the heart of downtown Asheville.  For full ticketing info and hours of operation, please click here. 

"Illustrated Talk"
Best known for his work in music, Eno has written, performed and produced some of most memorable recordings in the history of modern music. Yet for this extraordinary big-thinker, music is but one aspect of a creative and intellectual life that fills a boundary blurring range of endeavors. Brian Eno is a much sought after visual artist, lecturer, writer, and futurologist whose thought-provoking ideas and observations are in demand by institutions and think tanks on subjects as diverse as concepts of time, urban futures and the role and history of art.

Details regarding Eno’s Illustrated Talk will be released in the coming weeks, but it will be a separately ticketed event. View the (ever-expanding) Moogfest 2011 lineup and purchase your weekend passes at moogfest.com.

Brooklyn Brewery Brewmaster Makes an Asheville Appearance

A brewtopian event is scheduled next week at Pack's Tavern, located in the historic Hayes and Hopson building in downtown Asheville, is hosting a special guest on Wednesday, August 17 starting at 12:00 noon. The luncheon features Garrett Oliver, the brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery and author of The Brewmaster's Table: DIscovering the Pleasures of Real Food!

Enjoy a five course meal pairing by Chef James Balchak and Garrett Oliver. Share in Garrett's life stories as he talks about the beers he has chosen for the pairing. Tickets are on sale now for $50 per person. Call Pack's at 828-225-6944 for more info.

VIDEO: Asheville spotlighted on Good Morning America

Asheville was spotlighted on Good Morning America this morning. Featured alongside sunny Florida, Asheville is in the running for the top spot of The Most Beautiful Place in America GMA poll. Daily voting continues through next week.

Horizons at Grove Park Inn Makes Sweeping Changes

Horizons has long been one of the premiere restaurants at the Grove Park Inn. Known for its elegance and amazing food it has always been one of the top spots to dine in Asheville. Duane Fernandes, Chef de Cuisine, has made some new changes to the menu that offer a greater variety both in price and style.

Where there was once a pre fixe menu with only a sampling of the Chef’s selections, they now offer soup such as the Lobster Bisque, second course fare like the Ahi Tuna in Chilled Lemongrass Ginger Broth and a variety of savory dinner entrees.

They've also dropped the dress code in an effort to provide an atmosphere of casual elegance. They want their guests to unwind and enjoy award winning meals with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop.

Local Bonus: Every Tuesday & Wednesday anyone showing an ID from WNC receives a 20% discount.

Picture of the Day: After the Storm

Photo by Alan Ostmann

After a large storm blew through Asheville yesterday the clouds hung low on the mountains giving them their signature "smoky" appearance. Alan Ostmann snapped this shot and sent it in to us. Alan is the same person that submitted a photo to Good Morning America landing us on the Top Ten Most Beautiful Places in America.

Asheville will be featured on Good Morning America this Thursday August 11 so definitely tune in and watch. You can also vote for Asheville to win the number one spot. Vote each day if you feel so inclined. We won't mind. ;-)

Red Spandex Aliens Invade Greenlife

Asheville is full of the unexpected. Heck, even grocery shopping is an adventure.

The Color Ball is Back

The Asheville Area Arts Council is bringing back the color ball, an event with an ever-changing color requirement in the dress code. This year attendees should get decked out in their finest turquoise attire and join the party at The Orange Peel to help celebrate and support the Asheville artist community.

The event is called The Turquoise Ball - A Celebration of Our Unique Culture and it takes place on Saturday August 27th starting at 8 PM.  Planned events include a fashion show and performances by Paper Tiger, DJ Marley Carroll, Members of Asheville Symphony, sage, the Eternity dance troupe, Aerial Space Cadets, Santos, Barrett Smith and more!

VIP tickets are available for $50 and general admission is $25. You can purchase them here.

Vote Now for The Most Beautiful Place in America

Photo by Alan Ostmann

It's a well known fact that we here in Asheville love online polls and the accolades they bring. Each time we're honored to have our vibrant mountain city featured alongside some major names in U.S. Destinations. These polls provide an outlet to express our enthusiasm and now you can share in that spirit by voting in Good Morning America's feature, The Most Beautiful Place in America. Thanks to the photo submission of mountain resident Alan Ostmann, the Asheville area is now featured in the top ten and GMA wants to see who American thinks is number one.

"I live just outside of Asheville, N.C., [bordering] the Pisgah National Forest in possibly the oldest mountains on the planet," Ostmann wrote in his submission. "Four miles from my home is the Blue Ridge Parkway. The forest and parkway allow some of the most spectacular views I have seen anywhere in the world. I hike and bike the area daily and am always amazed at the beauty nature can reveal to us."

Vote here!

Buy Local At This Weekend's Wine & Food Festival

This weekend at the Asheville Wine & Food Festival, be sure to visit the Blue Ridge Food Ventures Marketplace Store for a bevvy of local goods produced from the mountain region. The store will be open Aug. 13, from 1:00 - 5:00 PM at the WNC Agricultural Expo Center. Here's the full scoop:

Searching for a sweet or savory souvenir to remind you of your visit to Asheville? Looking for a delicious and thoughtful treat for holiday gift-giving to clients, friends, family and loved ones? Look no further than the Blue Ridge Food Ventures Marketplace Store, a special part of the Asheville Wine & Food Festival on August 13, 1-5pm, at the WNC Expo Center, across from the Asheville Regional Airport. A selection of favorites from Western North Carolina’s own food business incubator will be available for purchase at the Marketplace Store, where you can also place your order for festive gift boxes filled with an assortment of hand-crafted gourmet items from local food entrepreneurs. So, as if drinking wine all afternoon, noshing on local delicacies, enjoying live entertainment and the WNC Chefs Challenge Finale weren’t enough, now there’s one more reason to attend the 2011 Asheville Wine & Food Festival on Aug. 13: holiday shopping. After all, the start of the holidays is only three months away...!

Best Bets For Asheville Shopping During Tax Free Weekend

The Dow may be down, but we can all take steps to improve it this weekend with some tax free shopping in Asheville. The annual North Carolina tax free weekend gears up today and runs through Sunday, August 7. Here's a list of items you can buy that fall under the tax free category.

• Clothing, footwear, and school supplies under $100
• Sports and recreation equipment under $50
• Computers under $3,500
• Computer equipment under $250

Take advantage of the savings at these Asheville shopping spots.

It's Friday - Time To Dance!

Yesterday we featured a time-lapse video, and then we found this gem which uses stop motion. Check out this fun feature by local photographer Lynne Harty that stars a number of Ashevillians and one adorable pig. It was filmed around the streets of downtown Asheville including a great little spot called 5 Walnut. Local band Ol Hoopty wrote and performed the track "Dance" that is used in the video.

Sweet Time-Lapse Video of Bele Chere Setup

Here's a really cool time-lapse video of the Bele Chere set up in downtown Asheville. The music is by Paper Tiger, one of the few local groups that were featured at Moogfest last year.

If you like this video, check out this other time-lapse video that really shows off our incredible mountain views.

Sourwood Festival Returns to Black Mountain

Did you miss out on Bele Chere this year? There's still time to enjoy a summertime street festival. This weekend, August 13 and 14, in downtown Black Mountain, the Sourwood Festival kicks off for it's 34th year.

This event has been gaining in popularity each year. There you will find over 200 vendors selling crafts, art, food and more. Enjoy sourwood honey demonstrations, live entertainment, and unlike Bele Chere, this event is alcohol free making for a perfect family event.

Also for you budding music stars out there, the Sourwood Idol competition will be held on Friday night at 7:00 PM providing you a chance to show your skills and possibly win some cash.

Who Can Play Guitar On Their Head? This Guy

Take a break from your Monday routine and enjoy this video submitted to us by Aaron Morrell. Filmed live at The Grey Eagle, a listening room style music venue and tavern in Asheville, Group Doueh traveled from the sandy landscape of the western Sahara to play their first North American concert. Group Doueh are 27 year veterans of the music world and they play raw and unfiltered Saharawi music. The western influence of musicians like Jimi Hendrix are apparent, especially about the time Doueh puts the guitar behind his head! Enjoy-


Group Doueh's FIRST EVER N. American performance from Aaron Morrell on Vimeo.