Local Plates, Local Pints

Black Mountain Chefs To Present A “Taste of the Market”.

Get a taste of Black Mountain's best cuisine. On September 13, from 4-7 p.m. on the field at Pisgah Brewing Company, local chefs will serve up samples of culinary creations made with locally farmed ingredients. There will also be samples of delicious craft beer Pisgah Brewing Company.

Participating chefs are: Cookie Hadley, The Morning Glory Café; Carl Tayloe, Que Sera; Kris Hegge and Bud Rainey, Louise’s Kitchen; Mark Tomczak, FRESH Wood Fired Pizza and Pasta and Marcus Duarte, The Red Radish. Also participating are Black Mountain Tailgate Market members Hollie West, Sweet Monkey Catering and Clark Mitchell, Roots & Branches along with Sakshi Gantenbein, Sakshi’s Nut Roastery and Rachel Vickers, Rachel’s Delectables. 

The well-known and loved band, Sons of Ralph, will perform their traditional and alternative bluegrass music. 

Ticket price is $20, kids 12 and under are free. Tickets are available at the Black Mountain Tailgate Market on Saturdays, The Merry Wine Market in Black Mountain and online at www.brownpapertickets.com. Ticket sales and silent auction benefit the Black Mountain Tailgate Market. This is a stellar opportunity to celebrate the best of local—food, chefs and music.

Learn about other upcoming culinary events happening near Asheville.

Kayak on Your Belly

The World's Newest Whitewater Adventure Developed in Asheville.

Photo by Barry Kennon

Whitewater fans now have an adventurous new way to explore the rivers of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bellyaks, developed in Asheville, are boats designed for paddling on your stomach while using webbed gloves to paddle. This kayaking alternative provides freedom from being strapped in to a boat and provides beginners (and experienced paddlers) a unique way to float downstream.

The bellyak is multi-functional. Beginners may be more comfortable on their stomachs,  while more experienced riders can kneel, stand, squirt and surf just as you would with traditional kayaking. The best part is, if you fall off, it's easy to hop back on board.

Photo by Effort.tv

More about Bellyaks from their website:

A Bellyak is a quick and easy way to get on the water, explore and play! Low risk + high reward = big fun for everyone. Longer than a riverboard, more stout than a surfboard and shapelier than a standard SUP, a Bellyak is a boat designed to be ridden lying down, without restricting straps or a confining spray skirt. Think of it as a belly-on-top instead of a sit-on-top! 

Photo by Barry Kennon

Designed with a planing hull, much like a kayak, Bellyaks cut through the water, while holding the rider above the water, providing a responsive ride and good maneuverability. Bellyaks are approximately 8 feet long and 24 inches wide, with a stable and secure riding area. Weighing in at approximately 30 pounds, they are easy to transport to your favorite beach, river or lake.

Learn more at Bellyak.com

Discover more water adventures available in Asheville.

Moogfest 2012: New Additions

New Performers Added to Moogfest 2012 Concert Lineup.

Moogfest, the popular electronic music festival, returns to Asheville this October complete with an all-star lineup and reduced ticket prices.

Headliners already on the schedule include Primus (Special 3D performance), Orbital, MiikeSnow and Santigold. Just announced today, Moogfest rolled out the names of additional performers. From the Moogfest facebook page:

Ladies and gentlemen, your line up additions! First up is hip hop icon NAS, performing with his Moog-ed out nine-piece band. Moogfest alums Tim Hecker and Daniel Lopatin (aka Oneohtrix Point Never) join us for their debut U.S. collaborative performance. New York’s Buke and Gase will bring their art-rock wild thing while representing Asheville are garage proggers Ahleuchatistas. Finally, electronic music pioneer Morton Subotnick presents “From Silver Apples to a Sky of Cloudless Sulfur.” A hearty welcome to all and get ready to be blown away! 

Moogfest 2012, the annual festival of electronic and visionary music, celebrates the innovative spirit of Bob Moog, inventor of the Moog synthesizer and other musical innovations that changed music forever. Moogfest is a 3-day, multi-venue event held in Asheville, NC – the place Bob Moog called home for the last 30 years of his life.

Learn more about Asheville's Moog Legacy.

Hunger Games DVD Features Asheville

DVD Offers Previously Unseen Footage of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Plus Cast and Crew Commentary on Asheville.

Photo  ©  Lionsgate  

Before you run out to see Catching Fire, the highly-anticipated second installment in the popular Hunger Games trilogy, be sure to watch the first movie on DVD. The bonus disc comes with special features on Western NC, including interviews with the cast and crew and behind the scenes footage from the filming locations.

UPDATE: Thanks to our reader Tyler, the location information has been amended: On the bonus disc, watch "On location in Panem" to see the various scenes filmed around Western NC. This includes Dupont State Forest in Transylvania County (Arena scenes), Hildrebran in Burke County (Seam scenes), Cleveland County (Reaping Scenes/District 12) and the Reservoir in Black Mountain (Cornucopia Scenes).

Quotes from the DVD:

Photo  ©  Lionsgate 

"Asheville is a very special place. It's different than any other city around it."
- Director, Gary Ross.

Photo  ©  Lionsgate 

"I loved Asheville. It has a cool kind of almost hippie sort of downtown vibe like stuck in the middle of the mountains. So, it was beautiful scenery with amazing food and really nice people."

- Josh Hutcherson.

Check out: Hunger Games activities to do in Asheville.

Sunrise At Looking Glass

Photo of the Day: A Misty Morning at Looking Glass

This brilliant photo by local photographer Dave Allen shows off Looking Glass Rock in the early morning light. Those familiar with Dave's work, know that he has a way of capturing some spectacular scenery. We'll share more of these in the future. 

Do you have a photo you want to submit for consideration as a photo of the day? E-mail a high-res version to dholston@exploreasheville.com.

Are you on Pinterest? So are we! Follow us here: VisitAsheville and here Foodtopia.

Enjoy these other photos of Asheville.

What's SUP?

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding is Making Waves in Asheville.

USA TODAY recently featured Asheville as a top 10 destination to try stand-up paddle boarding. So what is it? Here's an exert from their feature that helps explain this relatively new outdoor adventure.

The sport, which is has its roots in surfing, uses a board and paddle to scoot along the water, building strength and coordination. "It has caught on anywhere there's a body of water," says Matt Minich , editorial director of Bootprints.com, a weekly sports and adventure newsletter . He says the sport's easier than surfing and can be mastered by most anyone. Some paddle boarders even do yoga on the water. He shares with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY some top places to try out the sport.

Want to try it?

Check out these photos come from Asheville Adventure Rentals, which is a brand new rental and retail outfitter in Asheville’s River Arts District, right along the banks of the French Broad River. They provide SUP equipment and classes in addition to gear and guiding for backpacking, fishing and kayaking.

SUPER COOL SUP FACT: If you’ve ever dreamed of doing a Downward Dog in the middle of a river, then sign up for one of Asheville Adventure Rentals’ SUP Yoga classes! These classes are accessible to all yoga levels and are taught by Anna Levesque, who was a member of the Canadian Freestyle Kayak Team and won bronze at the Freestyle World Championships in 2001. Here's where you sign up!

Here are some other water adventures to explore in Asheville.

Fall Color Forecast 2012 + Travel Tips

Weather Experts Predict NC Mountains as Best Bet for 2012 Fall Color.

October Haze
Photo © Dave Allen

With atypical weather crisscrossing the U.S. landscape this spring and summer, climate scientists are targeting Western North Carolina as a best bet for colorful fall foliage. Despite a far-reaching national heat wave, weather experts predict that well-nourished trees resulting from beneficial wet weather patterns may position Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains as a bright light among 2012 fall foliage destinations.

Leaf peepers looking to optimize their autumn vacation should keep their eyes on the sky, as weather will be a defining factor of the 2012 fall season.

Doe in the Woods
Photo © Helen Moss Davis

Healthy Trees

“While much of the country continues to suffer through drought, including parts of the Northeast, Western N.C. has enjoyed plentiful rainfall this year (but not too much!), setting us up for what should be a great fall color season,” said Pamela McCown, coordinator for the A-B Tech Institute for Climate Education.

“The ridge of high pressure that plagued the central U.S. produced conditions here (Blue Ridge Mountains) that led to almost daily afternoon showers and thunderstorms. As a result, the trees are not stressed from lack of rain and should be ready to put on a beautiful display,” McCown said.

Vance Birthplace
Photo © Del Holston

Escaping Drought

“In terms of temperature, Western N.C. has experienced warmer-than-average conditions this summer, along with the rest of the nation,” said Jake Crouch, climate scientist at NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center in Asheville. “However, above-average rainfall has kept us out of the drought that is impacting nearly two-thirds of the contiguous United States. Conditions are favorable for healthy trees and, thus, a vibrant palette of fall colors, but the weeks ahead will be the deciding factor.”

“Other areas known for fall color, such as New England and the Great Lakes, have been dry this year with drought impacting a large percentage of the region. The hot and dry summer will have placed stress on the trees and could potentially dull the color display,” Crouch said.

Lynn Cove Viaduct
Photo  © Helen Moss Davis

Weather Key in 2012

“Optimal fall colors come from a combination of conditions that must occur in the right order,” McCown said. “The good news is that one of the key conditions is already in place because we’ve had a strong growing year. The next key step will be related to the temperatures as we move into late summer and early fall. Cool, crisp temperatures at night and sunny warm days without significant rain or early freezes in late September and early October are important for the development of vibrant color.”

Promising fall color predictions for the 2012 foliage season are good news for travelers. Color seekers should consider planning ahead to make the most of the busy autumn travel season.

FALL TRAVEL TIPS: 

A romantic escape to Asheville
Photo © John Fletcher.

1. Avoid the Red, Yellow & Gold Rush. Want tickets to the big fall color show? Accommodations fill up quickly during the popular fall travel season. Book early to avoid the rush. FallintheMountains.com and the Asheville Concierge can guide you to a suite with a view, a mountain cabin or a cozy B&B that fits your budget. 

2. Worried about Missing the Color Peak? Travelers are surprised to learn that there isn’t one specific week to see peak fall colors. The North Carolina Mountains are unique. Extreme elevation variations and more than 100 species of leaf-shedding trees offer the longest and most colorful foliage season in the nation. From late September into early November, travelers can easily locate sweeping views of fall colors, especially if they follow expert advice... 

3. Follow the Weekly Color Reports. To help visitors locate where the autumn color is peaking from week-to-week, we're working with park officials, biologists, climate experts and attractions around the region to compile weekly fall foliage reports for the North Carolina mountains at FallintheMountains.com. Asheville’s fall color experts will also be tweeting up-to-the-minute color updates, travel tips and travel deals at @FallColorHunter on Twitter.

Garden To Table

Enjoy a Free Tour of West Asheville's Edible Gardens. 

The fourth annual West Asheville Garden Stroll is taking place on Saturday, September 8, 2012, and will showcase 15 gardens in West Asheville neighborhoods. The theme of this year's Stroll is "Garden to Table".  

Gardens on view will showcase a variety of gardening styles producing vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, and flowers for the table. The event runs from 11 AM - 4 PM, and kicks off this year at Hall Fletcher Elementary School, 60 Ridgelawn Avenue, at 10:30 AM with a short presentation by longtime residents about the role of gardening in the community's history. 

The West Asheville Garden Stroll is a non-profit endeavor led by a group of passionate gardeners. It is FREE and open to the public. Volunteer opportunities and additional information are available on their website.

Learn more about Asheville's Public, Private and Secret Gardens.

Bee City USA

Honey Bee Lovers to Celebrate "Bee City" USA.

Photo by Bob Gutowski, Morris Arboretum
Image Source

No, it's not a typo. Asheville has a new moniker - Bee City USA. Asheville City Council voted unanimously on June 26 to designate Asheville the inaugural Bee City USA. Asheville is one of the first cities to champion pollinators and educate residents and businesses about the essential role of the honey bee and other pollinators in making our world bloom and fruit.

National Honey Bee Day is on August 18 and offers the perfect occasion to celebrate Asheville's designation as the inaugural Bee City USA. Join the fun at the Asheville City Market (161 S. Charlotte Street) from 8:00 AM until 1:00 PM. There will be educational activities, honey tasting, and a scavenger hunt for foods that are pollinated by honey bees. Beekeeping attire is encouraged.

Learn more at www.beecityusa.org.

Asheville Olympian Brings Home the Silver

Asheville Cyclist Lauren Tamayo wins Olympic Silver.

Lauren Tamayo - Photo Source

There's an Olympic medalist in our midst! Asheville resident, Lauren Tamayo, brought home the silver medal in cycling during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Congratulations Lauren!

Excerpt from the Asheville Citizen Times:

When Lauren Tamayo started cycling, her goals were similar to those of anyone else who takes to the road or track. Work hard. Be committed to yourself and teammates. Never give up. Do all of that, and maybe you’ll find yourself standing on a podium during the Olympics with a medal around your neck. 

That happened to Tamayo, Dotsie Bausch and Sarah Hammer, who represented the United States in the gold medal team pursuit race against Great Britain on Saturday in an electrified atmosphere at the Velodrome. 

The national anthem being played was “God Save the Queen,” not the “Star Spangled Banner,” but that didn’t matter. Only three medals are awarded in each sport, and the silver hanging around Tamayo’s neck looked spectacular. 

“Every girl always says they want to go to the Olympics and win a medal,” Tamayo said about 45 minutes after her first and last Olympic experience. “But to actually do it is a totally different feeling. It’s amazing. I don’t think I could top this.” 

Channel your inner Olympian and find the best spots to bike in Asheville.

Laugh Your Asheville Off

The Largest Comedy Festival in the Southeast Happens All Week Long.

Asheville's biggest week of comedy kicks off as the 2012 Laugh Your Asheville Off celebrates its sixth year of comedy all this week. The festival prides itself on showcasing some of the countries best untapped talent as well as delivering some of the comedy world's most accomplished stand up performers. Shows are planned from Tuesday through Saturday this week.

Tickets are still available here.

Pet Friendly Asheville

Pet Friendly Asheville Rated a Top Destination to Rest Your Paws on TripAdvisor.

TripAdvisor.com, the popular online review website for travel, just released their survey results for pet friendly travel in America. Out of the top ten properties in the U.S. that allow pets, Asheville took home three spots.

From the survey results, here are the three pet friendly accommodations in Asheville that made the cut.

The Reynolds Mansion, Asheville, North Carolina – Built in 1847, this 2012 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice award-winning property welcomes dogs in a number of suites in both the Carriage House and Cottage, located outside the main mansion house, for a $25 nightly fee. One TripAdvisor traveler noted, “The meals are gourmet, the property is charming and the master of the house makes you feel like family.”

Applewood Manor Inn Bed & Breakfast, Asheville, North Carolina – Situated three miles from the grand Biltmore Estate, four-legged friends are welcome to enjoy a getaway in Cortland Cottage, located just beyond the property’s main manor house, for a nightly fee of $10 – $35. One TripAdvisor traveler commented, “We thoroughly enjoyed the Cortland Cottage with our dog. We had a luxuriously large room with a comfy king bed.

Biltmore Village Inn, Asheville, North Carolina – For a nightly fee of $25, dogs are welcome in two pet-friendly rooms at this restored 1892 Queen Anne Victorian – and TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice award-winning – property. A TripAdvisor traveler said, “This inn had a beautiful cottage out back that dogs could stay in.”

Here are some other pet friendly places to stay in Asheville.

Asheville Pizza Showdown

Give Asheville Chefs a Pizza Your Mind.

The Asheville Pizza Showdown returns! Enjoy all-you-can-eat pizza, a mini-beer fest and live music. The event takes place at The Garage at Biltmore this Sunday, August 12, 2012, from 4 PM until 10 PM. Tickets are $30 and benefits Manna Food Bank.

Former champions, Anthony Cerrato (from Strada) and Frank's Roman Pizza, will be on hand to defend their supreme pizza title. Who will win this time? Be there to find out!

Labor Day Vacation Planner

Make Your Travel Plans Now For Summer's Last Hurrah.

Labor Day weekend is fast approaching, and now is the best time to secure accommodations in Asheville for one of our biggest extended weekends of the year.

So what's happening around town?

The Grove Park Inn Labor Day Beach Music Weekend is the perfect excuse to break out your dancing shoes for two nights of music and dancing. Beach Music Parties are planned for both Saturday and Sunday nights. You can also take enjoy shag dance lessons, pool games, crafts, and a grilling demonstration from one of the Grove Park Inn's talented chefs. The Blue Ridge Dining Room will offer a full coastal seafood buffet. Packages are available! Book here.

The Montford Park Players present Richard II. This free outdoor performance will be delivered in the style of steampunk opera, giving Shakespeare an Asheville edge. The performance begins at 7:30 PM, Friday and Saturday night (Aug. 31 - Sept. 1) at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in Montford.  On Sunday, Sept. 2 the performance has a different time and location. The show will begin at 1:00 PM at the Roger McGuire Green at Pack Square Park downtown. Here are the full details.

 Shindig on the Green is one of Asheville's most popular mountain music events. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to the Roger McGuire Green and Pack Square Park to enjoy this free celebration. The music starts Saturday, September 1, at 7:00 PM.

Biltmore Summer Concert Series presents Foreigner: With a catalog of multi-platinum gems including "Cold As Ice," "Juke Box Hero," "I Want To Know What Love Is" and critically-acclaimed wonders from the 2009 "Can't Slow Down" album—Foreigner is a band continually forging new musical peaks. Showtime is September 1 beginning at 8PM. Buy tickets here!

LAAFF (aka Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival). Saturday kicks off this two day festival with an Asheville pub crawl. One wrist band gains you access to all venues with bands planned at each stop along the way. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. This event runs from 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Buy tickets here. On Sunday, this family-friendly festival offers such oddball antics as bike jousting, a stuffed animal toss and street performances by Asheville's many vagabond buskers. Live music will be performed on the main stage and the event is free to all. 

The Asheville Youth Orchestra & Asheville Symphony will play back to back shows on Monday, September 3, starting at 5:30 PM at the Roger McGuire Green at Pack Square Park downtown.

Learn more about Labor Day activities on our events calendar!

Order an Asheville Travel Guide!

Asheville's Ultimate Ice Cream Experiences

Easy and Delicious Recipes to Enjoy in Asheville or at Home.

If you can't stand the heat, get IN the kitchen and whip up one of these delicious treats. While in Asheville, you can enjoy these delicious treats by visiting Ultimate Ice Cream and French Broad Chocolate Lounge.  Or you can make them yourself with these decadent recipes.

The Ultimate Ice Cream Sandwich

From Ultimate Ice Cream comes this super easy summer snack recipe. The right ingredients make it "The Ultimate," but you can improvise as needed.

1. Start with 2 frozen Zuma Gold Cookies. (Can't find Zuma? Substitute a chocolate cookie filled with pecans and walnuts)

2. Place one scoop of Madagascar Vanilla Bean Ice Cream atop a chocolate cookie and then sandwich with the other. 

3. Enjoy a rich and decadent summer treat worthy of an summer garden party with family and friends.

Mud Wrestler

If you're a fan of beer floats, then this recipe from French Broad Chocolate Lounge is a must try. Seriously. 

Prep time: 2 minutes
Yields: 1 drink

Recipe: 

1. Pour 10 ounces of Pisgah nitro stout beer (or your favorite stout/porter).
2. Two ounces of Madagascar Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.
3. One  ounce of espresso (1/2 cup strongly brewed coffee can be substituted.

4. A generous drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Fill a large wine glass about halfway with nitro stout beer. Place a long spoon in wine glass. Pour espresso into beer. Note: beer with foam up slightly when espresso is added - be sure not to agitate further. Add vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with chocolate sauce. Serve immediately.

Learn more about where to find delicious ice cream and desserts while in Asheville.

Vote Asheville Best Mountain Town

Blue Ridge Outdoors Wants to Know Your Favorite Mountain Town.

Photo by Derek Olsen

Asheville has been featured in a new online poll by Blue Ridge Outdoors for Best Mountain Town. There are three categories and Asheville is listed under mid-size city. They made this poll easy for participation. There are no special forms to fill out, just a simple selection. Asheville is currently in the lead, but Charlottesville, VA is not far behind. Help us stay ahead and thank you so much for your support!

VOTE HERE!

[WIN] Asheville Wine & Food Festival

Enter to Win Tickets for the Asheville Wine & Food Festival.

One of Asheville's largest culinary celebrations returns! The Asheville Wine and Food Festival, rated by the New York Post as one of the best of its kind, runs from August 23-25 and is taking place in downtown at the U.S. Cellular Center.

Enter Here to Win Tickets!

There are a number of different events planned throughout the three days including:

• Chef's Challenge (the finals) - Top chefs across Western North Carolina have been battling it out for the 2012 crown. Four chefs remain and the winner will be announced at the festival. Learn more about the chef's challenge.
• SWEET - prepare for the delicious decadence of luscious desserts and confections, sparkling and dessert wines, and specialty cocktails and spirits.
• The Grand Tasting - Featuring a smorgasbord offering more than 300 wines, creations prepared by some of Asheville’s most celebrated and internationally recognized chefs, and samples of local artisan food products such as Lusty Monk Mustard and Imladris Farm jams, the affair promises to be the largest gathering of its kind that Asheville has ever seen under one roof.

Buy Festival Tickets Here!

Want to stay close to all the foodie action? Check into one of these great hotel packages being offered exclusively for the festival.

Shakespeare With An Edge

The Montford Park Players Deliver Shakespeare with Circus Antics and Steampunk Flair.

What happens when you mix the satirical writings of one of the world's most famous playwrights with Asheville's vaudeville spirit? You get two of the most creative interpretations of Shakespeare imaginable. This month, make plans to attend one of these free performance by The Montford Park Players.

The Merry Wives of Windsor

As part of their year-long celebration of 40 years in Asheville, the Montford Park Players have decided to incorporate a bit of their hometown into their latest production. “The Merry Wives of Windsor” will be performed under the proverbial big top, as the players turn The Hazel Robison Amphitheatre into a comedic circus. Fire-eaters, acrobats, clowns, and a stilt-walking butoh narrator join the merry wives and oafish knight, Falstaff, on stage, blending Shakespeare’s farce with some of Asheville’s most fantastic freaks. Falstaff’s attempts to woo three different women at the same time results in some hilarious comeuppances. His clownishness fits well with the vision of local choreographer/director Kristi Deville, who imagines the action as a rollicking ride that blends Elizabethan themes with Ashevillian oddness.

This show runs now through August 18. More information here.

Richard II

The Montford Park Players have never performed Richard II in their 40 year history. Now they are presenting the tragedy in grand form as a steampunk opera. Montford Park Players’ production combines the political upheaval of King Richard’s reign and the social upheaval of the industrial revolution to create a world of grotesque beauty that gives resonance to Shakespeare’s words. Civilization turns on its head as Richard’s flowery ancestral court falls, and a new group of young technologists rise to power. Unusual for Shakespeare, the play is written almost entirely in verse and features what are considered some of Shakespeare’s most beautiful metaphorical soliloquies on nature and politics. Based on the life of King Richard II of England (ruled 1377 – 1399), this is the first play of a tetralogy, often called the Henriad. It is followed by three plays concerning Richard’s successor, Henry IV – Part 1, Henry IV – Part 2, and Henry V, all of which are familiar to Montford audiences from past performances. This is a chance to see the beginning of it all.

This show runs from August 24 - September 15. More information here.