Tag: Welcome Magazine

Tucked away in the vast aisles and shelves of Malaprop’s Bookstore & Café in downtown Asheville is the 35-year history of a business that remains a vital economic and social beacon for a city that’s evolved exponentially over the last few decades. “We do feel like we’re an important part of the community. And we’re… Read more »

Driving around downtown Canton on a recent weekend, it was weird to have a hard time finding a parking space. In most Western North Carolina communities during the busy summer tourist season, this is the norm. But, for the blue-collar paper mill town of Canton, finding a parking spot has never been an issue. That… Read more »

“In jewelry, customers want someone they can trust, someone that’s fair and provides a good product.” —Tonya Marthaler   Entering its eighth year of operation, Marthaler Jewelers is looking to switch it up a bit. “We’ve experienced growth every year we’ve been open. And we started changing a lot of the things typical jewelry stores… Read more »

Tiny homes come true. That’s the motto of Teal Brown, co-owner and builder at Wishbone Tiny Homes in West Asheville. “A lot of people dream about having a tiny home,” he said. “And we’re making these dreams possible.” And in recent years, the small structures have become popular in the city and greater Western North… Read more »

It all started with 12 lunches. “I was painting trim underneath this desk in this office building,” Jeremiah Jackson said. “And the secretary was complaining about how they couldn’t get 12 meals made and delivered there. So, I popped my head up and said, ‘I can do it.’” And it was this simple interaction in… Read more »

When Shane Benedict hits the river with his kayak, it’s all about a smooth ride. “There are so many different approaches to the river, but what I like about it is the smoothness of running a line in a rapid,” he said. “My favorite way is to make a line really smooth, with the fewest… Read more »

It’s all about that Zen moment. “For me, it’s the peace and quiet of it,” said Jeff Curtis. “It’s so consuming. When I’m fly fishing, I’m not thinking about anything else. You become so absorbed with it that you forget about everything else—work, daily life, stress.” A lifelong fly fisherman, Curtis is the founder/owner of… Read more »

Within an earshot of Patton Avenue—a main artery of hustle and bustle into downtown Asheville—stands an old church. On the outside, one might mistake it to be abandoned or forgotten. But, upon entering the nondescript side door, the sounds of string instruments and poignant vocals ricochet around Echo Mountain Recording Studios. “I love the sound… Read more »

At a table in his tasting room, Alan Ward makes direct eye contact. This is clearly a guy who wants to not only get his point across, but also make sure you understand just what makes Henderson County so special.   “We can grow anything as good as what’s grown in Europe, if not better,”… Read more »

Greg Garrison knows exactly what makes people happy. “Ice cream,” he said. “Whether you come in here happy or come in here to become happy, it’s about creating a happy atmosphere and making a delicious product.” Sliding a cup of red and golden beet swirl (with, of course, local beets) atop a scoop of salted… Read more »