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ASHEVILLE NORTH CAROLINA ELECTRIFYING NEWS Moog Music moves to long-neglected location HIGHWAY TO HEAVENLY Blue Ridge Parkway stays popular with travelers Packed With Excitement Pack Square Park opens after massive transformation Sink your teeth into Asheville’s delectable cuisine. What’s Online 2011 | IMAGESASHEVILLE.COM SPONSORED BY THE ASHEVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Asheville, NC: 2011

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As a resort and therapeutic health center since the 1880s, Asheville has long been a destination for people searching for a mountain escape, with its population climbing to nearly 30,000 seasonal residents in 1890. Today, more than 72,000 people live, work, play and create in this city renowned for its vibrant musical, literary and performing arts scenes, Art Deco architecture, stunning mountain vistas and abundant outdoor recreation offerings – from hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway to forest zipline tours. Asheville is also well known for its independent restaurants that focus on local ingredients and a burgeoning craft beer scene.

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Page 1: Asheville, NC: 2011

ashevillenorth carolina

ElEctriFYinG nEWSMoog Music moves to long-neglected location

hiGhWaY to hEaVEnlYBlue Ridge Parkway stays popular with travelers

Packed With ExcitementPack Square Park opens after massive transformation

Sink your teeth into asheville’s

delectable cuisine.

What’s Online

2011 | imaGESaShEVillE.com

SPonSorEd bY thE aShEVillE arEa chambEr oF commErcE

Page 4: Asheville, NC: 2011

ASheville 3

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ASheville 3

2011 Edition | VolumE 9

north carolina

cOntents

Features

10 PackEd With ExcitEmEntPack Square Park opens after massive transformation.

16 hiGhWaY to hEaVEnlYBlue Ridge Parkway stays popular with travelers.

22 ElEctriFYinG nEWSMoog Music moves to long-neglected location.

28 book WormSAsheville’s independent bookstores promote lively literary scene.

36 aShEVillE’S Full PlatEThe food scene in Asheville continues to grow despite national economy’s recession.

40 unuSual, aS uSualDowntown embodies Asheville’s distinctive energy.

16

36

asheville

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4 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 5

What’s Online imagesasheville.com

ashevillenorth carolina

ElEctriFYinG nEWSMoog Music moves tolong-neglected location

hiGhWaY to hEaVEnlYBlue Ridge Parkway stays popular with travelers

Packed With ExcitementPack Square Park opensafter massive transformation

Sink your teeth into asheville’s

delectable cuisine.

What’s Online

2011 | imaGESaShEVillE.com

SPonSorEd bY thE aShEVillE arEa chambEr oF commErcE

See more photos in our online photo gallery

Get the inside scoop from our photographers’ blog

Easily share articles and photos on Facebook, Twitter or via e-mail

Photos

Digital eDition

Facts & statsDig deeper with in-depth data on industries, schools and more

ViDeoGet a moving glimpse at favorite local places and attractions

Real estateLearn about the local housing market and get started finding your place

north carolina

contEnt dirEctor SuSAn ChAPPell

ProoFrEadinG manaGEr RAven PeTTy

contEnt coordinator JeSSiCA WAlkeR

StaFF WritEr kevin liTWin

coPY EditorS liSA BATTleS, Jill WyATT

contributinG WritErS CARol CoWAn,

nAnCy MAnn JACkSon, eRiC SeegeR

mEdia tEchnoloGY dirEctor ChRiSTinA CARDen

SEnior GraPhic dESiGnErS lAuRA gAllAgheR,

JeSSiCA MAnneR, JAnine MARylAnD, kRiS SexTon,

CAnDiCe SWeeT, vikki WilliAMS

mEdia tEchnoloGY analYStS ChAnDRA BRADShAW,

lAnCe ConzeTT, MiChele niCCoRe, MARCuS SnyDeR

PhotoGraPhY dirEctor JeffRey S. oTTo

SEnior PhotoGraPhErS Jeff ADkinS, BRiAn McCoRD

StaFF PhotoGraPhErS ToDD BenneTT, AnTony BoShieR

WEb contEnt manaGErS John hooD, kiM MADloM

WEb dESiGn dirEctor fRAnCo SCARAMuzzA

WEb dESiGnEr leigh guARin

WEb dEVEloPEr i yAMel hAll

ad Production manaGEr kATie MiDDenDoRf

ad traFFic aSSiStantS kRySTin leMMon, PATRiCiA MoiSAn

i.t. dirEctor yAnCey BonD

rEGional SalES manaGEr ChARleS SWeeney

SalES SuPPort/communitY, buSinESS, cuStom

RAChAel golDSBeRRy

SEnior accountant liSA oWenS

accountS PaYablE coordinator MARiA McfARlAnD

accountS rEcEiVablE coordinator DiAnA guzMAn

oFFicE manaGEr/accountS rEcEiVablE

coordinator Shelly MilleR

intEGratEd mEdia manaGEr RhonDA gRAhAM

SalES SuPPort manaGEr CinDy hAll

color imaGinG tEchnician AliSon hunTeR

chairman gReg ThuRMAn

PrESidEnt/PubliShEr BoB SChWARTzMAn

ExEcutiVE VicE PrESidEnt RAy lAngen

SEnior V.P./SalES ToDD PoTTeR, CARlA ThuRMAn

SEnior V.P./oPErationS CASey heSTeR

SEnior V.P./cliEnt dEVEloPmEnt Jeff heefneR

V.P./ExtErnal communicationS TeRee CARuTheRS

V.P./cuStom PubliShinG kiM neWSoM

V.P./ViSual contEnt MARk foReSTeR

V.P./contEnt oPErationS nATAShA loRenS

V.P./SalES ChARleS fiTzgiBBon,

heRB hARPeR, JARek SWekoSky

controllEr ChRiS DuDley

contEnt dirEctor/buSinESS PublicationS

Bill McMeekin

markEtinG crEatiVE dirEctor keiTh hARRiS

diStribution dirEctor gARy SMiTh

ExEcutiVE SEcrEtarY kRiSTy DunCAn

human rESourcES manaGEr Peggy BlAke

rEcEPtioniSt linDA BiShoP

Asheville is published annually by

Journal Communications inc. and is distributed through

the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

and its member businesses.

for advertising information or to direct questions

or comments about the magazine, contact

Journal Communications inc. at (615) 771-0080

or by e-mail at [email protected].

For morE inFormation, contact:Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

36 Montford Avenue • Asheville, nC 28801

Phone: (828) 258-6101 • fax: (828) 251-0926

www.ashevillechamber.org

ViSit Asheville onlinE at imaGESaShEVillE.com

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no portion of this magazine may be reproduced

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asheville

Page 7: Asheville, NC: 2011

4 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 5

40

48 51

32

on thE coVEr Pack Square ParkPhoto by Brian McCord

departments

6 almanac

24 biz briefs

27 Economic Profile

32 arts & culture

35 Education

44 image Gallery

48 local Flavor

51 health & Wellness

55 Sports & recreation

56 community Profile

All or part of this magazine is printed on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

please recycle this magazine

Page 8: Asheville, NC: 2011

Welcome to AshevilleAn intRoduction to the AReA’S PeoPle, PlAceS And eventS

happy TrailArt and history lovers, rejoice.

Asheville’s urban Trail is a 1.7-mile walking

tour through the streets of downtown

Asheville. There are 30 stops along the

way, each with public sculpture. The

urban Trail was started by the city of

Asheville to improve the visual quality

of the downtown district through the

display of public art. Walking tours are

free and guided by local Ashevillians.

Call (828) 258-0710, ext. 108 two weeks

in advance of your desired date to

coordinate a tour.

Almanac

Raise your glasshere’s a toast to Asheville being named BeerCity uSA in 2010. The city tied with

Portland, ore. in 2009, but was sole winner in 2010. each May, voters participate in a

seven-day BeerCity uSA internet poll, and Asheville’s six microbreweries receive great

support from the local community. Besides Asheville and Portland, rounding out the

Top 10 in 2010 were San Diego, Philadelphia, Missoula (Mont.), St. louis, Seattle, Denver,

Milwaukee and fort Collins, Colo.

on the WaterfrontThe River Arts District features more than 100 artist studios

and galleries along the french Broad River. The dozens of

artists who live and work in the district are involved in a variety

of mediums, including clay, painting, musical instruments,

prints, jewelry, metal and fiber/textiles. locations include

Cotton Mill Studios, CuRve Studios, odyssey Center, Pink Dog

Creative, Riverview Station, Roberts St.

Studios, Studio 375 and The Wedge.

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Page 9: Asheville, NC: 2011

Fast Factsn Biltmore, America’s largest home, has 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, 70-foot ceilings, an indoor bowling alley and priceless antiques.

n Asheville’s temperate climate makes year-round living a breeze. its average annual snowfall is only 13 inches.

n Renowned golf course designer donald Ross designed the Buncombe county Municipal course, the course at the grove Park inn Resort & Spa, the country club of Asheville and Biltmore Forest country club.

n Mount Mitchell is at an elevation of 6,684 feet, making it the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.

We Are So goodAsheville is ranked high on several prestigious lists,

including being voted no. 1 for Top 25 Small Cities as

deemed by American Style. other lofty recognitions include

being ranked among the 10 Best Places for Second homes

by Barron’s, and on the list for 200 Best Places for Business

and Careers by Forbes. Asheville is also one of the 100 Best

Places to Retire according to TopRetirements.com, and one

of the Top 10 Places to Retire by MarketWatch.

To Market We gofresh fruits and vegetables are in abundance in Asheville throughout the

spring, summer and fall at several farmers and tailgate markets. The sites are

ideal ways to support sustainable agriculture, community farmers and the

local farm-to-table movement. The city is actually home to 14 markets, with

names like Asheville City Market, Big ivy Tailgate Market, greenlife Sunday

Market, veteran’s victory Tailgate Market and The fresh Quarter.

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251

63

209

19

19

25

74

BLUE RID

GE PKW

Y.

BLUE RID

GE PKW

Y.

BUNCOMBE

26

40

Weaverville

Black Mountain

Canton

Swannanoa

Hendersonville

Asheville

asheville at a glance

your friend, The Chamberit has been said that moving day is one of those times that can

make or break friendships. A true friend will help. The Asheville

Area Chamber of Commerce is here for you, too. The chamber’s

Complete Asheville Area Relocation kit includes a phone book,

relocation magazine, area map, visitor guide and real estate

information. other publications in the kit feature information on

banking, storage, insurance and schools. The kits are available

for $24.95 online at www.ashevillechamber.org.

Pickin’ Banjoes and guitars

An annual event called Shindig

on the green strums into downtown

Asheville each summer at Pack

Square Park. The free mountain

and dance shows take place on

seven Saturdays throughout July,

August and early September.

Musicians and dancers from across

Western north Carolina share the

region’s Southern Appalachian

mountain culture and

traditions, with all concerts

and performances

beginning at

7 p.m.

PoPulation (2008 EStimatE)

Asheville: 74,543

Buncombe County: 229,047

location

Asheville is in Western north Carolina,

tucked away in the Blue Ridge

Mountains. Two major interstates,

i-40 and i-26, intersect just outside

the city limits.

bEGinninGS

Asheville was incorporated in 1797

and named in honor of north Carolina

gov. Samuel Ashe.

For morE inFormation

Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

36 Montford Ave.

Asheville, nC 28801

Phone: (828) 258-6101

fax: (828) 251-0926

www.ashevillechamber.org

Asheville

What’s Online Take a virtual tour of Asheville, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imagesasheville.com.

Page 12: Asheville, NC: 2011

ASheville 11 10 iMAgeSASheville .coM

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asheville thrives on informality. So don’t think of the newly redesigned Pack Square as a park in

the traditional take-your-dog-for-a-walk sense. Think of it as the quad you used to hang out at during college; the kind of place where you and some friends can relax during the day or maybe catch a free concert or movie at night. It’s meant to be a break from – and within – everything that’s happening in the city around it.

That’s how Pack Square Conservancy Executive Director

Gary Giniat envisions the park fitting into the city’s life. The conservancy is the organization that oversaw the space’s four-year overhaul. Pack Square was designed to give downtown some breathing room; the kind of spot where you can take an afternoon break from shopping, lay down on the grass and just watch the clouds roll past Sunset Mountain.

Festivals and Performances at Pack Square Park

Bookended by the Vance Monument and the art deco City Building, the

Pack SquarE Park hoStS lazY daY PicnicS to liVElY FEStiValS

SToRy By Eric SEEGErPhoTogRAPhy By brian mccord & JEFFrEY S. otto

(Re)built for

Fun

clockwise from top: Splashville at Pack Square Park; Architectural details from downtown buildings; Arthur James plays guitar; Shindig on the green

ASheville 11

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park’s amphitheater design can comfortably fit up to 5,000 for a live performance. During the summer, the stage is home to Asheville’s popular Shindig on the Green bluegrass concert series, or you may just catch an impromptu set from a local band. The stage is open to any performer who wants to step up. And on weekend mornings, you can even catch children’s storytellers.

artwork at Pack SquareWhen the stage goes silent, the other

side of the park’s allure comes out. With no crowds around, the main lawn is a perfect picnic spot (in fact, Fiores Ristorante Tuscana near the park has taken to selling take-out lunch baskets and picnic blankets), and the entire park has been adorned with artworks by local sculptors that pay tribute to the Appalachian Mountains. The creativity displayed throughout these 6.5 acres is a keen representation of the region’s vibrant art scene, and it communicates how the area is seen through its creative professionals.

At the top of the hill (near the office

left: having fun at Pack Square’s amphitheater. right: gandalf enjoys a walk in the park with his owner.

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ASheville 13

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A comfortable, intimate gathering place for special events located just 10 minutes

from downtown Asheville

EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS BEGIN at

WEDDINGS • RECEPTIONS

OffICE GaThERINGS

hOlIDay PaRTIES • REuNIONS

buSINESS mEETINGS & mORE!

The venue includes a picturesque |barn and gazebo nestled in the

trees with spectacular, year-round mountain and pasture views.

Accommodates up to 300 guests.

215 Justice Ridge Rd. Candler, NC 28715 (828) 667-0666 tel(828) 665-4173 fax

www.thefarmevents.com

Page 17: Asheville, NC: 2011

building designed by world-renowned architect I.M. Pei), metal sculptor Hoss Haley created the bowl-shaped fountain.

“If you sit on the bench and look at it, you can see how he captured the way our mountains rise out of the low-lying clouds in the morning,” Giniat points out.

Farther down the hill is Reuter Terrace. The observation point overlooks the green and features the distinctive metal railing designed by artist Julia Burr of nearby Black Mountain. Then follow the cascading stream of water down to the main park area. In here, you’ll find the works of local ceramicist Kathy Triplett, who adorned the stage area in tiles that were made with the help of local school children. Her work is a celebration of the community, set in a park that is designed to do just that – celebrate.

Want to give?

Nearly $16 million has been raised for the construction of the park, which is 90% of the Pack Square Conservancy’s goal for the project. The general public is being asked to donate toward the last 10% in order for the park to be maintained for years to come. For more information, visit the park’s website at www.packsquarepark.org.

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the Blue Ridge Parkway has been nicknamed America’s Favorite drive, and 20 million

annual visitors make it the most visited attraction within the u.S. national Park System. And in 2011, it enters its 76th year of celebrated grandeur.

All of 2010 was devoted to observing the 75th anniversary of the 469-mile byway that connects the great Smoky Mountains national Park in north carolina to the Shenandoah national Park in virginia. the

bluE ridGE ParkWaY StaYS PoPular With traVElErS

SToRy By kEVin litWin

Highway toheavenly

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Highway to

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year-round salute to the parkway was fitting given that the parkway provides an economic impact of $2.3 billion each year to the communities through which it passes.

One of those communities is Asheville, which is near milepost 377.

“The Blue Ridge Parkway’s welcome center is near Asheville and offers visitors an interactive map and beautiful orientation film, exhibits and displays,” says Elizabeth Sims,

spokesperson for the Blue Ridge Parkway Association. “Because access to the parkway is so easy from several points in Asheville, it’s a terrific way for visitors to the area to easily seek out hikes, picnic spots, cycling routes and scenic beauty.”

That scenic beauty includes the most diverse range of f lora and fauna in the entire National Park Service system. There are also high mountain passes, waterfalls and water gaps, deep forests

and upland meadows, and the park has 264 spectacular scenic overlooks along the way.

The speed limit along the parkway maxes out at 45 mph, and no billboards or commercial signs are allowed. Commercial vehicles are also prohibited except for tour buses.

“Within minutes, area residents and visitors are in a pristine natural setting with panoramic views – and you can be back to Asheville in time

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Blue Ridge Parkway destination & visitor center

Je

ff

AD

kin

S

grassy Knob tunnel at milepost 397.1

for dinner,” Sims says.Nowadays, park officials and

conservationists point out that the parkway is filled with biodiversity and also plays a big part in helping to preserve mountain culture and history. But its recreation spots and scenic assets are the main reasons why those 20 million visitors travel the thoroughfare every year.

So, what are the best times of the year for scenery-seekers to travel the

To

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Reward yourself!Choose from studio, one, two or three bedroom apartments and patio homes – with no long-term lease requirement or buy-in. Home ownership is also an option. Call today for leasing information and to schedule your personal tour.

333 Thompson St. Hendersonville, NC

(828) 693-7800www.lakepointeretirement.com

334 Thompson St. Hendersonville, NC

(828) 692-7601www.lakepointeretirement.com

A standard of excellence in personalized care enables us to provide the quality dental services our patients deserve.

Dental work does not have to be stressful. No matter what you need, we are dedicated to providing you with excellent, personalized care and service to make each visit comfortable and successful.

We treat patients of all ages and have Spanish- and Russian-speaking team members.

Kevin Fox, DDS, PA Barbara Ford, DDS Jonathan Kaczmarski, DMD

Our office is committed to giving the highest level of dental services available.

Asheville DentAl AssociAtes

www.ashevilledentalassociates.com

hoURs: Mon.-thur.: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • Fri.: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. 2 iris st. • Behind Biltmore village • Asheville, nc 28803

(828) 252-2791

20 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 21

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parkway through Asheville?“From April and May through

November are truly quality,” Sims says. “Spring and summer wildflowers are fantastic, and fall foliage is some of the best in the country. Fall also offers a spectacular monarch butterf ly migration.”

As for the 75th anniversary celebration, events in Asheville included an Asheville Bikefest and Blue Ridge Run in May, which involved a motorcycle touring rally with events at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center. There was also an artwork showcase from October through December entitled Milestones: Visual Arts Celebrate the Blue Ridge Parkway, which took place near milepost 377.

“Driving the parkway is a very nostalgic experience, and that’s a large part of its appeal,” Sims said. “It’s kind of removing you from the modern world. It’s not a road to get from point A to point B. The drive itself is what you experience.”

By the numbers

469.1miles that comprise the Blue Ridge Parkway

52years it took to complete construction of the parkway

26tunnels along the parkway

200+parking areas and overlooks

12waterfalls that are accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway

crabtree Falls at milepost 339.5

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electrifying news

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electrifying newsM

oog Music, an eclectic and iconic Asheville manufacturing company, is relocating to a long-

neglected location at the city’s northern gateway, a move that promises to revive, refresh and lead to further private investment in the immediate area. The company, which has designed, engineered and manufactured electronic musical instruments in Asheville since 1994, has purchased the vacant buildings at 160-170 Broadway Street, and is spending $2.5 million to refurbish and update the facilities as its new corporate headquarters.

Read more about company founder, the late Bob Moog, his legacy and the history of Moog Music, at the Bob Moog Foundation website.

The new location will offer great visibility and space for the manufacturer to grow, but company leaders say they chose it specifically in an effort to help revive the north end of downtown Asheville.

“If it was just about Moog, we wouldn’t have moved to this building,” says Mike Adams, the company’s president. “But we’re always trying to

support the city, and this anchor on the north end will have a huge impact. This once terrible-looking corner will be a bright, shiny gateway to the city.”

renovating old buildingsOriginally a Buick dealership, over

the years the new Moog building has served as a grocery store, a nightclub and a circuit board manufacturer. But it has been vacant for the past five years and had become an eyesore. As Moog cleans up the place and prepares to move in, years of patchy maintenance and disrepair are being peeled away to uncover the buildings’ original charm.

“The ambiance of the old building is exactly what we were looking for,” Adams says. “And thanks to the building’s colorful history, it has some real funky stuff in it. We’re a pretty funky company, so that works for us.”

Other businesses located in the area are “jumping for joy” about Moog’s relocation, and Adams says he and other business and community leaders hope the cleanup will start “a domino effect” for the area, leading to more private investment nearby.

When Moog purchased its new

facilities, four buildings were included. The company demolished one building to make room for parking. The front building will include the manufacturing floor, a showroom and upstairs offices. Next door will be the company’s warehouse, and the third building will be available for future expansion. In addition to housing Moog’s daily operations, the new facility will also host bands and concerts for the company’s radio series, Live at Moog.

creating new JobsWhen Moog Music moves into

its new headquarters in early 2011, the company will bring about 45 employees. Plans are to add about 10 more employees once the space is available.

While Moog conducts its operations from Asheville, few of the company’s sales are local. Instead, the company ships its goods to 250 dealers across the United States and to additional dealers in 45 countries around the world.

“While we don’t do a lot of business in Asheville, Asheville is our home and we want to contribute to the city as much as we can,” Adams says.

mooG muSic moVES to lonG-nEGlEctEd location

SToRy By nancY mann JackSon

2.5 millionAmount being spent to refurbish the recently purchased building

250Dealers across America who

purchase Moog products

45Number of new employees Moog

plans to hire when the new headquarters is complete

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Biz BriefsBuSineSSeS – Both lARge And SMAll – thAt helP deFine

ASheville’S econoMic cliMAte

Short StrEEt cakESBiz: Customized cakes and dessertsBuzz: This local, family-owned cakery on Haywood Road specializes in handcrafted, down-home Southern desserts, with everything being fresh, natural and made from scratch. One of the services is unlimited wedding cake testing, with local and organic ingredients used whenever available. The company also makes cupcake wedding cakes and cake buffets. Short Street Cakes specializes in simple, elegant and traditional Southern products.www.shortstreetcakes.com

ScorecardbuSinESS at

a GlancE

$2,069,684retail sales ($1000)

$29,279retail sales

per capita

$391,428accommodations

and food service

sales ($1000)

9,224total number

of firms

source: U.s. Census QuickFacts

Page 27: Asheville, NC: 2011

24 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 25

SElina naturallYBiz: Healthier life productsBuzz: This company is owned by Asheville resident Selina DeLangre, and features a product line that professes optimal well-being. Items are sold in stores such as Earth Fare, Whole Foods and Wild Oats, and specific products include raw organic nuts, organic coconut oil and authentic Hawaiian salt. All products are free of synthetic, artificial or irradiated ingredients.www.selinanaturally.com

thE natural homEBiz: Home décor storeBuzz: The Natural Home is located in Biltmore Park and features an interesting collection of bedding and bath products, and home accents. Items include organic mattresses, bamboo bedding and micro-cotton towels, and all products are guaranteed to be chemically free and manufactured with responsible practices. The Natural Home also sells a number of accessories, such as ceramics, terrariums and hemp rugs.www.naturalhomestore.com

bEllaGioBiz: Gallery and clothingBuzz: Bellagio is an upscale store located at Five Biltmore Plaza and offers a wide variety of artistic home décor objects that will suit a variety of tastes. Its product lineup includes items such as lamps, vases, candlesticks, albums and sculpture, in mediums such as glass, wood, metal and stone. The interesting store also sells jewelry, clothing and accessories.www.bellagioarttowear.com

battErY Park book ExchanGE & chamPaGnE barBiz: Used books, wine barBuzz: Reading and sipping is what Battery Park Book Exchange is all about. Thousands of books can be enjoyed while sipping wine or champagne. Also available are locally brewed beers and non-alcoholic beverages. Books are purchased from customers, so the selection is constantly expanding. The menu includes items such as a cheeseboard, trout dip or a petite cheesecake.www.batteryparkbookexchange.com

You CAN have it all …

Are you looking for the quiet solitude of the mountains, but you don’t want to be isolated? Do you want long-range mountain views and a quick drive to the grocery store? Do you want to be surrounded by friends and activities, and also have opportunities to spend quiet time alone? Is there such a place that is rich in amenities, full of residents and alive with social activities? Yes, that place is Carriage Park. For 20 years we’ve been building a unique community just five minutes from downtown Hendersonville, NC. With more than 400 families calling Carriage Park home, we are a thriving community full of diverse interests and remarkable residents. Plus pricing and selection for new homesites and homes have never been better. You CAN have it all.

Call (800) 639-8721 and find out more about Carriage Park today.

2827 Haywood Rd.

Hendersonville, NC 28791

(800) 639-8721

[email protected]

www.carriagepark.com

We're proud to call Asheville home and we know you are too. Come join our Facebook Fan Page community to tell us why, and to see what your neighbors have to say.

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Proud to call asheville home

i love asheville for so many reasons...beauty, music, and art. We are so lucky to call this place home.

– Mindy O’Neal via Facebook

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We have what you come to the mountains for …

(866) 863-2525 • [email protected] • www.wildberrylodge.comWildberry Lodge

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taxES

2.5%county Sales tax

4.5%State Sales tax

7%total Sales tax

$.945/$100 Residential Property tax

$1.5/$1,000commercial Property tax

incomE

$26,350 Per capita income

$41,598Median household income

induStrial tranSPortation

asheville regional airport

61 Terminal Dr., Ste. 1

fletcher, nC 28732

(828) 684-2226

ww.flyavl.com

asheville transit

360 W. haywood St.

(828) 253-5691

mountain mobility

2000 Riverside Dr., Suite 17

(828) 258-0186

www.buncombecounty.org

norfolk & Southern railway

(404) 529-1591

www.nscorp.com

maJor EmPloYErS

3,000+ Employees Buncombe County

Public Schools

Mission health System

and hospital

1,000-2,999 Employees City of Asheville

The Biltmore Company

Buncombe County

government

The grove Park inn

Resort & Spa

ingles Markets, inc. (home

office) Buncombe County

vA Medical Center –

Asheville Department

of veterans Affairs

750-999 Employees BorgWarner Turbo &

emissions Systems

CarePartners

eaton Corporation –

electrical Division

500-749 Employees Asheville City Schools

Arvato Digital Services

Thermo fisher Scientific, inc.

buSinESS climatEAsheville has both low unemployment and strong job growth.

fueling the area’s sound business climate are stable population

growth, a healthy housing market, expanding professional services,

robust small business and health care industry growth, and a steady

tourism industry.

Economic ProFilE

A&R Accounting Inc.

915 Haywood Rd. Asheville, NC 28806 (828) 252-1099 (828) 252-1119 Fax E-mail: [email protected]

Licensed Tax Planning & Preparation Personal & Corporate

www.aracct.com

Bear Creek Apartments

110 Bear Creek Ln. • (828) [email protected] • www.bearcreek-apts.com

Your new home in west Asheville

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aShEVillE’S indEPEndEnt bookStorES PromotE liVElY litErarY ScEnE

Book Worms

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a nexus of creativity of all types, Asheville’s environs have inspired literary works that are read the

world over. Famous authors past and present have called Asheville home, from O. Henry and Thomas Wolfe to Wilma Dykeman and Gail Godwin. And bookish types find the city a haven of literary riches that include independent bookstores, a thriving library system, book clubs and events such as poetry readings, writers’ workshops and author appearances.

Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café has been an integral part of Asheville’s literary scene for close to 30 years. The downtown establishment is more like a local cultural force than a typical bookstore.

“We are so much a part of this community,” says owner Emoke B’Racz, recalling Asheville as a sleepy little town when Malaprop’s opened in 1982. The pace suited her just fine. “I figured that an active library, beautiful architecture and the mountains – oh, the mountains – were, and still are, enough for one lifetime.”

In 1986, B’Racz opened a second store just a few blocks from Malaprop’s – Downtown Books and News. It carries used books, magazines and newspapers and has become a cultural hub for a new generation of artists and bankers, she says.

SToRy By carol coWanPhoTogRAPhy By brian mccord

Book

downtown Books and news

Worms

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Both stores embody the unique, independent, diverse, creative vibe that permeates downtown and draws locals and tourists alike. The café is reminiscent of B’Racz’s native Europe and supports the community by serving local bakers’ specialties.

Among the huge selection of reading material at Malaprop’s, book lovers will find sections featuring staff favorites, poetry, green living, current events, fiction, children’s books and more.

“Thomas Wolfe, Gail Godwin, Fred Chappell, Wilma Dykeman and John Ehle are literary treasures in Asheville. We are also lucky to have many new

writers, poets and playwrights who are currently lighting up the cultural path. Our Regional Books section presents them to readers,” B’Racz says.

In addition, Malaprop’s calendar features reading-related events almost daily, and renowned authors regularly circulate through the store for book signings and lectures. Tomie dePaola, Barbara Kingsolver, Sara Gruen and Diana Gabaldon were on the calendar recently.

Asheville’s book scene welcomed a charming newcomer in February 2009, with the opening of Battery Park Book Exchange. The store specializes in used books, but what makes it particularly

unique is its champagne and wine bar.“The champagne and wine bar is a

strategy for bookstore survival,” says owner Thomas Wright, only half-joking about the risk of opening a store in the midst of a national recession. Nevertheless, it’s a business model that works in the downtown setting. “In light of the timing, it’s going very well,” he adds.

Battery Park Book Exchange’s impressive inventory features many one-of-a-kind items, and customers can browse to their hearts’ content or discuss their finds with fellow patrons over glasses of local and imported wines.

Wright says he enjoys the green

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aspect of rescuing books headed for a landfill, as well as coming upon undiscovered treasures from prior generations.

“Worn is preferable to me than new,” Wright says. “I like books that have a certain antiquity to them.”

Downtown Asheville currently boasts five independent booksellers; Wright would love to see more.

“I’m the new kid on the block,” he acknowledges, “but I would like to see Asheville become known as much for its book inventories as for its arts and crafts. If there’s a town in the Southeast that can do this, it’s Asheville.”

Malaprop’s Bookstore/cafe

582 654 2156 7 25 37 564 98 7125 19 5000 96 525 3 775 851 9500 45 2750 10500 1 65 2000 92 120 8525 8 465 78

loCAlly oWned stores in Asheville

200learn fun and interesting facts about

Asheville in the By the numbers video at

imagesasheville.com

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Arts & Culture

Diana Wortham Theatre

has been an entertainment

destination in downtown Asheville

since 1992 and is a big reason why

nightlife has been so alive in the

district since then.

“There was one restaurant in

the vicinity in 1992. Then within

10 years after the theater opened,

there were 16 restaurants within a

block of the building,” says John

ellis, managing director of Diana

Wortham Theatre.

The theater today is home to 20

local arts groups that include the

Asheville lyric opera, Terpsicorps

Theatre of Dance and the Western

north Carolina Jazz Society. There

is even a puppetry troupe – the

Asheville Puppetry Alliance.

“none of these organizations

existed before the theater was

built because they had nowhere

to call home, but now they are

flourishing because they have a

great place to perform,” ellis says.

“The Wortham is a beautiful venue

for music, theater and dance.”

Pack Place Performing Arts

owns and operates the nonprofit

venue. Besides supplying the

building to the 20 local arts

organizations, Pack Place also

books its own annual series of

shhh, it’s about to startWoRthAM theAtRe houSeS 20 locAl ARtS gRouPS

arlo guthrie performed there. so did Jeff daniels and christine ebersole. There have also been performances by David Crosby, kathy Mattea, the Paul Taylor Dance Company and The Second City.

national touring artists.

“This is a small, intimate venue

with 500 seats, and the interior is

sophisticated and comfortable

with great acoustics and sight

lines,” Marketing Director elly

Wells says. “As the saying goes,

there’s not a bad seat in the

house. in fact, many performers

refer to the theater as a room

because the setting is so cozy.”

The theater audiences are

made up of about 85 percent

Asheville and Buncombe County

residents, and 15 percent tourists.

“This quality entertainment

destination is a fine amenity for

Asheville, and is ordinarily only

found in larger cities throughout

the united States,” ellis says. “i’ve

talked to a lot of new yorkers now

living in Asheville who say they

don’t need to travel back to new

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32 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 33

york City anymore to see a top

show, because they can see good

performances at the Wortham.”

By the way, who is Diana

Wortham?

“Diana comes from a family in

houston who greatly supports the

arts, and she now lives in Asheville

and was a benefactor and big

reason why this theater opened,”

ellis says. “She’s a great person and

frequently attends performances.

it’s always a special treat whenever

she is in attendance.”

– Kevin Litwin

left to right: the audience being seated for the musical Almost Heaven – Songs of John Denver; Bua performs at the theater.

What’s Online Discover more about the creative climate of Asheville, including arts, events and cultural attractions, in the culture section at imagesasheville.com.

Get the story behind the

photoNow that you've experienced Asheville through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. Visit imagesasheville.com to view our exclusive photographers' blog documenting what all went into capturing those perfect moments.

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education

The university of Phoenix-

Asheville learning Center opened

in 2010 in downtown Asheville at

the Biltmore Park Town Square,

across from the Regal Biltmore

grand Stadium 15 movie theater.

The Asheville learning Center

offers college credit classes from

9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through

Thursdays, and from 9 a.m. to 5

p.m. on fridays.

“Adult students in Western

north Carolina can now lead their

normal family lives and work lives,

plus have convenient access to a

rigorous university degree

program,” says Shannon eckard,

director of the university of

Phoenix at Charlotte campus that

oversees the Asheville learning

Center. “our students are primarily

business professionals who take

university of Phoenix classes at

night as well as online. The

Asheville facility is allowing people

to pursue degrees or even

re-career, which is occurring a lot

nowadays in this volatile economy.”

eckard says that although

university of Phoenix students

can range in age from 18 to 88,

the average age nationwide at

their campuses is 36. Associate’s

degrees as well as bachelor’s and

master’s degrees are all available

at the Asheville site, and courses

of study include criminal justice

and security, education, human

services, nursing and health care,

psychology, technology and

business and management.

“The most popular courses

phoenix risinguniveRSity oPenS ASheville leARning centeR

the university of phoenix was established in arizona 30 years ago, and the nationwide university began opening campuses in north Carolina in 2005. now there is a campus in Asheville.

during our young history in

Asheville have been in the fields

of business and management, by

a wide margin,” eckard says. “That

includes several students who are

pursuing their MBAs with us.

Technology programs are also

getting more popular and should

continue to grow in popularity as

time goes by, and the interest in

nursing and healthcare classes is

also starting to increase. But for

now, business and management

courses are way out in front.”

eckard says not only does the

Asheville learning Center serve

residents from Asheville and

Buncombe County, but students

also travel to the center from

surrounding communities such as

Azalea, emma, oteen and Woodfin.

“The Asheville site

accommodates students from

within about a 30-mile radius, and

our university of Phoenix facility is

getting more and more utilized as

the word continues to get out,”

eckard says. “We offer competitive

tuition costs, convenient access

and a curriculum that is ideal and

in demand for today’s world. That

is what our university is all about.”

– Kevin Litwin

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Full

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Page 39: Asheville, NC: 2011

A city doesn’t call itself “Foodtopia” without having a vibrant dining scene, and Asheville restaurants helped the town live up to its

nickname even in the worst economy. When things turned bad in 2009, it would have been understandable if many locally owned eateries simply turned off the ovens and closed their doors. Oddly enough, the exact opposite has happened. Asheville’s top independent restaurateurs have actually reinvigorated the city with an impressive selection of new spots to grab a meal.

Owners like Bouchon’s Michel Baudouin – the jovial face representing French cuisine to

downtown diners – have opened smaller, simpler restaurants aimed at making fine food more accessible to guests on a budget. Baudouin opened a crepery in the courtyard next to his f lagship restaurant. Nothing but a small stand and a few tables, Bouchon Street Food lives up to its name by serving takeaway dishes that you could pick up from a vending cart in Paris: savory lunch crêpes like the Toulouse, featuring duck confit, carmelized onion, goat cheese and fresh mushrooms for just $7.

Joe Scully and Kevin Westmoreland of the Corner Kitchen in historic Biltmore Village have opened up a nearby sandwich shop named Gianni Panini. The small breakfast and lunch

thE Food ScEnE in aShEVillE continuES to GroW dESPitE national EconomY’S rEcESSion

SToRy By Eric SEEGErPhoTogRAPhy By brian mccord

Asheville’s

Full Plate

FoodtopiaAsheville is home to

the world’s first – and only – Foodtopian Society, where the farm-to-table movement is a way of life. Asheville boasts 17 farmers markets, nearly 250 independent restaurants and 10 amazing microbreweries, all of which serve only fresh, local food.

Brown Butter Pecan Pie with vanilla and caramel Sauce at the tupelo honey cafe

ASheville 37

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eatery is making a good living from foot traffic in the upscale shopping district while also supplying fresh sandwiches to restaurants and shops in neighboring towns.

For folks whose palates lean more toward stateside fare, Tupelo Honey Cafe opened its second location in booming South Asheville. For years, you had to navigate the crowds of downtown Asheville to enjoy Tupelo’s signature New Southern cooking, but owner Steve Frabritore and chef Brian Sonoskus have answered the suburb’s pleas for easy, family-friendly access to their food. There’s even a new, healthier kids menu. Best of all, diners now can get a quick fix of nutty fried chicken or Low Country tuna without having to fight for a parking spot.

Reza Setayesh, the owner/chef of Rezaz Meditterrean Restaurant and Enoteca – a staple of upscale comfortable dining located just outside of Biltmore – has opened Piazza, a can’t-miss pizza joint near Fairview.

Hand-tossed, wood-fired pies get served up with bubbly crusts, great meats, vegetables, seafoods and fresh-made sauces. In addition, the eatery offers a tasty assortment of appetizers, Italian subs, spaghetti bowls and entrees such as Chicken Saltimbocca and plank-roasted salmon.

It’s just one of the many great tastes to be savored in a town that knows how to eat well.

clockwise from top left: tupelo honey cafe; A panini at gianni Panini; Bouchon; Pizza from Piazza; the wood-fired oven at PiazzaS

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doWntoWn EmbodiES citY’S diStinctiVE EnErGY

SToRy By kEVin litWin

UNUsUaL, as UsUaL

yron Greiner says that one of the most popular local bumper stickers in this city states: Keep Asheville Weird.

The president of the Asheville Downtown Association points out that the entire community – especially its downtown district – is known for artistry and eccentricities throughout its retail stores and restaurants.

“Downtown Asheville is not chain-driven. Instead, it has a variety of businesses that are independent and unusual in their own separate ways,” Greiner says. “The district is lively every day, which is interesting for a mountain community. There is real energy here.”

Greiner says that 20 years ago, downtown Asheville would roll up its

streets at 5 o’clock each afternoon. And as recently as five years ago, the city was pretty much a seasonal destination only.

“It’s not that way anymore. We are a 12-month attraction,” he says. “We now have tourists in January, February and March when we traditionally haven’t had that before. A big reason is eclectic Asheville businesses.”

One of those businesses is Jewels

B

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BRiAn McCoRD

40 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 41

That Dance, a store that has been downtown on Haywood Street since 1983.

“I am a custom-design goldsmith who sells fine jewelry of diamonds, platinum and precious stones,” says owner Paula Dawkins. “I make the jewelry with an interesting twist, and have my studio right on the premises.”

Dawkins’ product line includes

wedding rings, engagement rings, birthstones, necklaces and silver.

“I enjoy doing business in downtown Asheville because it’s kind of a little community in itself,” she says. “There are store owners who have moved here from Minnesota, New Mexico, California and all over, and they all understand what downtown Asheville is all about. It’s a great atmosphere.”

Blue Spiral 1 on Biltmore Avenue downtown is a light-filled gallery with an assortment of objects by Southern artists.

Since 1991, the gallery has promoted American craft and fine art and is one of many galleries in the downtown area.

One of the most visited downtown thoroughfares is Lexington Avenue. One popular dining hotspot is Mela Indian Restaurant, which features

UNUsUaL,

The Prize by lisa clague at Blue Spiral 1 art gallery downtown

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ASheville 43 42 iMAgeSASheville .coM

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mouthwatering dishes like palak pakoras (a spicy spinach dish) and entrees such as gosht roghan josh (a lamb dish).

Another interesting downtown destination is Grove Arcade, a public marketplace that opened in 1929 and is widely admired for its architectural design. One of the stores at Grove Arcade is The Jazzy Giraffe, a women’s boutique with designer and couture clothing.

“My target audience is women who are 40 and older, because I am over 40,” says owner Donna Wright. “My husband, Thomas, and I are preservationists from eastern North Carolina, so when we stumbled upon Grove Arcade to locate my business, I just had to become a tenant.”

In fact, the Wrights like the district so much that Thomas has opened his own business – Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar – situated right behind Grove Arcade.

“We both love the architectural diversity of downtown Asheville and appreciate that urban f light hasn’t occurred here like it has in other downtowns throughout the United States,” Donna Wright says. “Downtown Asheville is vibrant and fresh, and I can’t see it ever changing.”

Jewels That Dance 63 Haywood St. (828) 254-5088 www.jewelsthatdance.com

Blue Spiral 1 38 Biltmore Ave. (828) 251-0202 (800) 291-2513 [email protected] www.bluespiral1.com

Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar1 Battle Square (828) 252-0020 www.batteryparkbook exchange.com

Grove Arcade One Page Ave. (828) 252-7799 www.grovearcade.com

Mela Indian Restaurant 70 N. Lexington Ave. (828) 225-8880 www.melaasheville.com

The Jazzy Giraffe Grove Arcade One Page Ave., Ste. 136 (828) 251-1616 [email protected] www.thejazzygiraffe.com

For more information

clockwise from above: A sales associate waits to assist customers at Jewels that dance; haywood Street; grove Arcade

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ASheville 43

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image gallery

44 iMAgeSASheville .coM

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Asheville skyline

Photo by Jeffrey S. Otto

ASheville 45

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Downtown Asheville

Photo by Brian McCord

image gallery

46 iMAgeSASheville .coM

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Art at Blue Spiral 1

Photo by Brian McCord

ASheville 47

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local flavor

This year, Posana Café has taken its

commitment to sustainability even

further: it has become the first Two Star

Certified green Restaurant in north

Carolina and has been awarded gluten-

free food Service Accreditation.

These two certifications represent

meticulous attention to established

guidelines and an uncommon dedication

to serving foods in a way that will benefit

the health of diners and leave no

negative impact on the environment.

“We’re proud of what we have

accomplished, and we will continue to

look for new ways to evolve,” Peter

Pollay, executive chef and co-owner of

Posana Café says. “We want the quality

of our role as conscientious members of

the Asheville community to match the

quality of our food.”

certiFied green restaurant

To become a certified green restaurant,

Posana Café was required to meet stringent

standards put in place by the green

Restaurant Association. The restaurant

was measured in seven environmental

categories, including water efficiency,

waste reduction and recycling, sustainable

furnishings and building materials,

sustainable food, energy, disposables,

and chemical and pollution reduction.

“We believed that we had to go

beyond just saying that we were

committed to the environment and really

put ourselves to the test,” Martha Pollay,

the restaurant’s co-owner says.

gluten-Free accreditatiOn

While becoming the only green-

certified restaurant in north Carolina

was quite an accomplishment, it wasn’t

enough for Posana Café. The Pollays were

green, healthy & delicious PoSAnA cAFé BecoMeS FiRSt ceRtiFied gReen ReStAuRAnt in nc

Before even opening its doors in may 2009, downtown asheville’s posana café was committed to sustainability. owners Peter and Martha Pollay chose local, sustainable vendors to renovate the restaurant in an eco-friendly way, and they have always served foods made from fresh ingredients that were locally and sustainably grown.

BR

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Creating exquisite dentistry for busy families

Dr. Wendy D. Willoughby D.D.S.GENERAL

DENTISTRY

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME!

Cerec – One Appointment Crowns Esthetic Dentistry

Latex Free Eco Friendly

(828) 255-0936192 E. Chestnut St., Ste. B

Asheville, NC 28801

Please visit our website at:www.drwilloughby.com

Biltmore

The AAA Three Diamond Quality Inn & Suites Biltmore East is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Asheville

and Biltmore – America’s largest home.

Free, Full, Hot Breakfast Buffet • Free Wireless Internet Access

Free Business Center • Free Local Calls • Free Newspaper

Free Cookies at Check In • Free Coffee and Tea

Fitness Center • Seasonal Outdoor Pool and Gazebo

1430 Tunnel Rd. • I-40, Exit 55 • Asheville, NC 28805 (828) 298-5519 • Toll-free: (877) 299-5519

QualityInnBiltmore.com

aware of the marked increase in

the number of people with celiac

disease and other conditions who

are unable to eat foods containing

gluten, and the difficulty that

condition represents when it

comes to dining out. in response,

they wanted to create a restaurant

where even people with serious

food limitations could enjoy a

delicious meal and an array of

choices. To do so, they underwent

strenuous accreditation process

through the gluten intolerance

group of north America (gig).

Today, Posana is one of only

seven food service establishments

in the united States to hold gluten-

free food service accreditation

from gig. And diners who are

normally limited to only two or

three choices on a restaurant

menu can visit Posana Café and

confidently order any item they

see, Pollay says, including cakes,

cookies, scones, tempura and fried

green tomatoes.

– Nancy Mann Jackson

a sampling From the dinner menuVegan Pasta with fettuccine, ratatouille, sweet basil and extra virgin olive oil

grilled Yellowfin tuna with aromatic black rice, eggplant and coconut curry sauce

Herb-roasted CHiCken with buttermilk mashed potatoes, balsamic cippolini onions and herb jus

east fork farms lamb raCk with warm radicchio-pear salad, pistachios, gorgonzola and a cabernet reduction

www.posanacafe.com

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health & Wellness

Mission health System, which

oversees Mission hospital in

Asheville, is currently constructing

a $60 million cancer center on the

Mission hospital campus. The

five-story medical facility is a

partnership between MhS and

the university of north Carolina

lineberger Comprehensive

Cancer Center.

“This cancer facility is being

constructed to ultimately serve

the entire region of Western

north Carolina,” says Janet S.

Moore, director of marketing and

Web services for Mission health

System. “This part of the state

has needed such a cancer care

center for a long time, and now

will have one.”

At 120,000 square feet,

patients at the cancer center

will be privy to a large number

of services available all under

one roof.

“The building is currently under

construction and has already

created a lot of construction jobs,

and many health-care jobs will be

created once the building is

care close to homeMuch-needed cAnceR centeR to oPen in 2012

right now, cancer patients in asheville and surrounding communities must drive two to four hours to receive treatment at one of the handful of major cancer centers in north Carolina. in early 2012, that won’t be necessary anymore.

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Mission hospital

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STAMP OUT BREAST CANCERWITH YOUR FEET.

Every step you take in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® helps raise vital funds for the fight against breast cancer. But don’t let your journey stop there. Take a step toward improving your own health by educating yourself about the disease and getting regular screenings. Step by step, this Race will be won.

Learn more about the Komen Race for the Cure by visiting www.komen.org or calling 1-877 GO KOMEN.

This space is provided as a public service. ©2008 Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

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Asheville Specialty Hospital (ASH) offers a new option in care. Patients who have suffered a catastrophic illness and are anticipating a lengthy hospitalization are appropriate referrals. Patients with complex medical needs benefit from ASH.

Asheville Specialty Hospital is NOT a nursing home. Otherwise known as a long-term acute care hospital, patients are given the extended time and highly specialized level of care and services to help them obtain their maximum level of recovery. For most patients, the average length of stay is usually between three to four weeks or about

21-28 days. As the only accredited specialty hospital in the region; an experienced staff of physicians, nurses, therapists and case managers work closely together by approaching care from a physical, emotional and spiritual standpoint; ASH’s team maintains a goal of achieving the highest level of wellness possible.

Asheville Specialty Hospital 428 Biltmore Ave., 4th Floor Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 213-5400 tel (828) 213-5443 fax

www.ashevillespecialtyhospital.org

Long Term Acute Care

health & Wellness

completed in 2012,” Moore says.

“health care is already one of

the major economic drivers in

Western north Carolina, and the

center will simply add to that

driving force.”

Moore says attention to detail

is a big priority during the

construction phase, with the

entire center being built for easy

patient access.

“for example, the building’s

first level will offer vast radiation

therapy that will be just steps

from the parking deck,” she says.

“Then on the second floor,

pediatric and adolescent care will

be featured with separate waiting

and treatment areas for teens and

younger children.”

The region cancer center is

also important because of the

growing retirement community in

Asheville and Buncombe County.

“The quality of the air and

water, beautiful mountains and

the four seasons are attracting

more and more retiring baby

boomers and older Americans to

the area, so the need for quality

health care to this region is

obviously important,” Moore says.

She adds that besides the five-

story building, a brand-new road

is being constructed to service

the cancer center.

“The road will be called

hospital Drive and will connect uS

highway 25 and McDowell Street,

thereby providing good access to

the center as well as to Mission

hospital itself,” she says.

“everything about this entire

project is being done first-class,

and everything is being done with

quality patient care in mind.”

– Kevin Litwin

What’s Online For more insight on Asheville’s health and wellness offerings, head to the health care section at imagesasheville.com.

BR

iAn

McC

oR

D

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54 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 55

visit ouradvertisersA&R Accounting Inc.www.aracct.com

Asheville City Schoolswww.asheville.k12.nc.us

Asheville Dental Associateswww.ashevilledentalassociates.com

Asheville Schoolwww.ashevilleschool.org

Asheville Specialty Hospitalwww.ashevillespecialtyhospital.org

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community Collegewww.abtech.edu

Bear Creek Apartmentswww.bearcreek-apts.com

Carolina Day Schoolwww.cdschool.org

Carriage Parkwww.carriagepark.com

Christ Schoolwww.christschool.org

Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Communitywww.deerfieldwnc.org

Dr. Wendy Willoughby DDSwww.drwilloughby.com

Four Seasonswww.fourseasonsclf.org

Givens Estateswww.givensestates.org

GPI Ventures LLCwww.thefitzgerald.info

Grovewood Gallerywww.grovewood.com

Hampton Inn & Suites/ Homewood Suiteswww.ashevillehamptoninns.com

Lake Pointe Landingwww.lakepointeretirement.com

MAHEC Dental Health Centerwww.mahec.net

MAHEC Regional OB/GYN Specialistswww.mahec.net

Mission Hospitalwww.missionhospitals.org

Quality Inn & Suiteswww.qualityinnbiltmore.com

Sensibilities Day Spawww.sensibilities-spa.com

T.L.C. For You Inc.www.tlcforyouinc.com

The Cliffs Communities

The Farmwww.thefarmpartybarn.com

Wildberry Lodgewww.wildberrylodge.com

Page 57: Asheville, NC: 2011

54 iMAgeSASheville .coM ASheville 55

Blue Ridge Roller girls is

Western north Carolina’s only

all-female, flat-track roller derby

league. The roller girls compete

against similar leagues from cities

across the region in these high-

impact bouts, where both teams

try to get their points-earning

skater through as many laps as

possible during a set time period.

rOller derBy in general

The scoring and positions –

jammers, blockers and pivots

– are a little difficult to understand

at first, but the action translates

with ease. each event is a human

demolition derby punctuated with

moments of breakaway speed and

grace. By the end of the night, the

teams will have turned hundreds

of laps around a course that’s

approximately the size of a

basketball court.

Athletes with names like Rigor

Morticia, Mazel Tov Cocktail and

Distressa exemplify the spirit of

showmanship, but this isn’t the

staged pro-wrestlingesque roller

derby your parents grew up

watching. The competition is

respectful, but the wrecks are far

from staged. There are no padded

guardrails, and the track is

nothing but concrete. every shot

that’s delivered registers with the

athletes and the crowd.

rOller derBy BOuts each mOnth

every month, these ladies

pack the crowds into Asheville’s

Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. And

Fight like a girlget uP to SPeed With the Blue Ridge RolleR giRlS

asheville may be far enough north for snow, but it does not have a hockey team. And those who want to see live football should be prepared to visit a high school on a friday night. yes, the town was almost completely devoid of any full-contact spectator sport until a few tough ladies laced up their roller skates and decided it was time to dish out a little pain. Actually, it looks like a lot.

if you’re the type of person

who likes to get close to the

action, there’s even floor space

(literally, you’re sitting on the

cement) next to the track. Just

be ready in case one of the

competitors accidentally uses

you as a speed bump.

But for all the mayhem

that surrounds a roller girls

competition, it’s family fun where

you otherwise might not expect

to find it. The competitors are

good-natured (okay, so they

might start with a team chant of

“We will win as a family! We kill as

a family!”), they are accessible to

fans and the biggest prize at stake

is bragging rights.

in fact, unlike most sports

franchises, Blue Ridge Roller girls

is a nonprofit organization that

uses its home matches to raise

funds for charity. it’s almost

enough goodwill to make you

forgive the occasional dirty

elbow the roller girls and their

competitors are laying on each

other. Almost.

for more information, visit

www.blueridgerollergirls.com.

– Eric Seeger

Ph

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ou

RT

eS

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iCh

Ae

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RA

iST

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Sports & Recreation

Page 58: Asheville, NC: 2011

56 iMAgeSASheville .coM

climatE

25.8 FJanuary low temperature

46.1 FJanuary high temperature

62.7 FJuly low temperature

83.3 FJuly high temperature

37.32"Annual Precipitation

tranSPortation

Median travel time to Work

15.76 minutes

closest Major Airport

Asheville Regional Airport

61 Terminal Dr., Ste. 1

fletcher, nC 28732

(828) 684-2226

www.flyavl.com

interstate highways

i-26, i-40 and i-240

u.S. highways

u.S. 19/23, 25, 25A, 70, 74

Education

asheville-buncombe

technical community college

340 victoria Rd.

Asheville, nC 28801

(828) 254-1921

abtech.edu

university of north carolina

at asheville

one university heights

Asheville, nC 28804

(828) 232-5000

www.unca.edu

Warren Wilson college

P.o. Box 9000

Asheville, nC 28815

(828) 298-3325

www.warren-wilson.edu

numbErS to knoW

driver Services

nCDoT Division of

Motor vehicles

600 Tunnel Rd.

Asheville, nC 28805

(828) 298-4544

www.ncdot.org

curbside recycling

Curbside Management

116 n. Woodfin Ave.

Asheville, nC 28801

(828) 252-2532

www.curbie.com

voter Registration

Board of elections

35 Woodfin St.

Asheville, nC 28801

(828) 250-4200

www.buncombecounty.org

houSEhold inFormation

33,532total households

17,138households With a Family

16,394non-Family households

8,151households With children

25,380households Without children

2Average household Size

3Median years in Residence

coSt oF liVinG

$41,598Median household income

$177,000Median home Price

SnaPShotAs a resort and therapeutic health center since the late 1880s,

Asheville has long been a destination for people searching for

a mountain escape, its population climbing to nearly 30,000

seasonal residents in 1890. More art deco architecture built

in the late 1920s and early 1930s can be found in downtown

Asheville than in any other southeastern city outside of Miami.

communitY ProFilE

What’s Online For more about the people, places and events that define Asheville, visit imagesasheville.com.

Page 59: Asheville, NC: 2011

Ad Index 27 A&RAccountinginc.

31 Ashevillecityschools

20 Asheville DentAlAssociAtes

c4 Ashevilleschool

53 Asheville speciAltyhospitAl

8 Asheville-BuncomBe technicAl communitycollege

27 BeARcReekApARtments

34 cARolinADAyschool

25 cARRiAgepARk

33 chRistschool

54 DeeRfielDepiscopAl RetiRementcommunity

49 DR.WenDyWilloughByDDs

52 fouRseAsons

26 givensestAtes

2 gpiventuResllc

14 gRoveWooDgAlleRy

8 hAmptoninn&suites/ homeWooDsuites

20 lAkepointelAnDing

50 mAhecDentAl heAlthcenteR

Page 60: Asheville, NC: 2011

Ad Index (cont.) 50 mAhecRegionAl oB/gynspeciAlists

50 missionhospitAl

49 QuAlityinn&suites

52 sensiBilitiesDAyspA

c3 t.l.c.foRyouinc.

c2 thecliffscommunities

14 thefARm

26 WilDBeRRyloDge

Page 61: Asheville, NC: 2011

T.L.C. For You, Inc. is a full-service home health-care and personal services company founded by Susie Tarantino in Asheville, North Carolina. Making day-to-day life more fulfilling is their goal.

Susie and her staff are fiercely loyal and protective of their clients. Once you’re a client of T.L.C, you’re like family! Call today to discuss your customized service needs with a complimentary in-home interview and assessment.

T.L.C. For You, Inc. will make your life easier!

T.L.C. For You, Inc.Susie Tarantino 2903 Sagamore Lane Asheville, NC 28806 (828) 670-1379 or (828) 777-0340 [email protected] www.tlcforyouincasheville.com Located in Asheville, North Carolina Bonded, Licensed and Insured

Gift Certificates Are Available!

• RN Home Health Care Consultant on staff with CNAs available

• Scheduling and transportation offering full travel service: Doctor appointments, theater, restaurants, airport, parties, funerals, church, etc.

• General errands: Grocery or clothes shopping, sewing, prescriptions, dry-cleaning, auto services, etc.

• Housecleaning, house sitting, plant care and pet sitting

• Estate managing, packing and moving, unpacking and set up

• Clean sweep: Organizing your home, office, closet, garage, etc.

• Catering/bartending, setting up parties for any occasion

• Meal pick-up and delivery from your choice of restaurants or light meals prepared in your home – your recipe or ours

• Purchasing, wrapping, mailing, delivering gifts for all occasions, writing cards, letters, etc.

• Yard work and home repairs of all kinds

• Help transport your children to and from activities/babysitting

Thank you for all the support and kindness that you provided, both professionally and personally, this past year. In the end, it was T.L.C. that came through in the most difficult situations – at no small sacrifice by you and your staff. I wish you the best of luck and continued success with all of your projects.“ ~ Mickey “You have been the greatest help to me, and I greatly thank you. Thanks to you, everything is taken care of. You are a wonderment! With much love and many thanks.” ~ Barbara “Thank you for your great services for me and my mom. Over and above what you expect. My dad’s birthday dinner was divine – one none of us will ever forget. You are a princess. I hope to see you again soon.” ~ Andre and Peggy