Tag: WNC businesses

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 »

No longer simply a sleepy stopping point between Asheville and Hendersonville, Fletcher, NC is now a destination in its own right. The town has been growing at a steady and smooth pace in recent years thanks to lower housing costs and its convenient location. Business owners, including those at Blue Ghost Brewing, are taking note… Read more »

A small Madison County town, Marshall, NC is an enclave of artists that’s in the midst of a renaissance. > Marshall, population 800, is the Madison County seat and sits on the banks of the French Broad River some 20 miles north of Asheville. Marshall’s Main Street offers signs of the town’s unique blend of… 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 »

It’s a feeling that Chris Bates just can’t shake. “Being outside, in the winter, on the mountain—there’s nothing like it,” he said. “There’s a sense of exhilaration when you’re on a pair of skis. It’s a rush I’ve never gotten enough of.” Sitting inside the main lodge at Cataloochee Ski Area high above Maggie Valley,… Read more »

Weaverville, NC has had a mini growth spurt in recent years. Away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, the town of 3,200 is attracting newcomers to live and work. This growth equates to great opportunities for residents without losing its small-town, friendly atmosphere.   Weaverville offers many events and amenities within minutes of… Read more »

Asheville is a city of quality independent restaurants and a locally-focused spirit that cannot be broken by any national franchise…except perhaps Chipotle Mexican Grill. Founded in Colorado in 1993, Chipotle quickly grew into an international chain of more than 2,000 locations with a staff of more than 45,000 employees. But when in 2012, when Asheville… Read more »

Strolling the beautiful stretch of architecture that is the Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville, what also catches your eye is the array of fine dining and one-of-a-kind shops that immediately fills you with surprise and curiosity. And as you wander down Page Avenue, you stop in your tracks. In a nearby storefront, a display case… Read more »