Many area cooking schools now offer programming that caters to meeting planners and organizations looking for an outside-the-box option for team building.
Off-kilter
ASHEVILLE
Regulators approve lower-than-requested Duke Energy rate increase, impose coal ash penalty
The N.C. Utilities Commission today approved a rate increase requested by Duke Energy Progress. As approved, Duke may charge an average increase of 7.09 percent. The electricity provider also received permission to increase the basic monthly customer charge for residential customers from $11.13 to $14.
Urgent care growing in WNC
Urgent care centers are a hot health care trend nationwide and in Western North Carolina. With the recent arrival of new urgent care facilities and more in the works, Xpress looks at where these facilities are and what needs they serve.
Mt. Zion must wait to build new education facility
Relations between Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and its new neighbor, Asheville Foundry Inn, have been strained since construction began on the inn two years ago. A judge has now issued a temporary injunction to block the church from commencing construction on a new education building and parking lot improvements, which the hotel says would deprive it of the use of 75 parking spaces it is leasing from the church.
Navigating WNC’s long-term care options
Few words have the ability to inspire more fear, frustration and trepidation among older Americans across the country than “nursing home.” But for those confronting the prospect of needing long-term care, a variety of care options and support services across Western North Carolina provides information to help residents find the best care available.
Historic Grove House sold to Ohio investors for $2.9M
The historic Grove House Entertainment Complex at 11 Grove St. off Patton Avenue in downtown Asheville has been sold to Ohio-based real estate investors global X for $2.9 million.
Can downtown Asheville stay weird?
As Asheville’s ever-increasing popularity has piqued the interest of big hotel chains and other corporate enterprises, it’s also triggered fears of homogenization and loss of essential character, raising the question: Can Asheville stay weird?
Shops across WNC mend items big and small
Some fix saddles, while others service slot machines. Shoes, shirts and cameras are also on the table at several esoteric repair shops scattered throughout Asheville and Western North Carolina.
Rock shops embrace Earth’s aesthetic and energy
Asheville’s a crystal town, and rock shops flourish here. In the Grove Arcade, Enter the Earth sells stickers declaring “Crystal Toting Tree Hugger,” and many locals and tourists alike take pride in that characterization. The city’s rock shops appeal to those seeking healing, geological knowledge — and even just something sparkly.
Xpress presents: 2017 Asheville Innovators — Claire Callen, Thomas Karl and Mack Pearsall
Xpress presents the 2017 Asheville Innovators. Our website will feature profiles of the eight projects and organizations we selected. Our eighth profile is Claire Callen, Thomas Karl and Mack Pearsall.
Xpress presents: 2017 Asheville Innovators — Luis Carlos Serapio
Xpress presents the 2017 Asheville Innovators. Our website will feature profiles of the eight projects and organizations we selected. Our third profile is Luis Carlos Serapio.
Xpress Presents: 2017 Asheville Innovators — Ron Larsen
Xpress presents the 2017 Asheville Innovators. Our website will feature profiles of the eight projects and organizations we selected. Our second profile is Ron Larsen.
Xpress presents: 2017 Asheville Innovators — Matthew Johnson and Stan Cross
Xpress presents the 2017 Asheville Innovators. Our website will feature profiles of the eight projects and organizations we selected. Our first profile is Matthew Johnson and Stan Cross.
City bans most lodging along Haywood Road
Coming on the heels of the city blocking short-term rentals in the River Arts District, City Council voted against allowing such lodging throughout the Haywood Road corridor. At its Nov. 28 meeting, City Council placed heavy restrictions on lodging along Haywood Road in West Asheville, specifically targeting whole-unit short-term rentals such as those offered through Airbnb.
Toy Boat Community Art Space is in need of a new home
French Broad River Brewery’s expansion will force the community art space to relocate once its lease is up after January 2018.
Asheville Chamber to support Haywood County economic development
In an arrangement that Chamber leaders said was the first of its kind for the region, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on Oct. 31 unanimously approved plans to provide economic development services for the Haywood County Chamber on a consulting basis.
Coming up in the Nov. 1 issue, and highlights from the past week
It’s time to get to the polls, Buncombe voters! We’ve got your general election voter guide, with Q&A with candidates for Asheville mayor and City Council, as well as a roundup of other contested Buncombe municipal races.
Purveyors of horror create haunting experiences
Estimates place the number of haunted house attractions in the United States in the thousands. Xpress caught up with some of the local haunts to get a behind the scenes look at the industry.
Asheville on ‘winner’s side’ of economic trends, Chamber speaker tells gathering
At the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce’s 18th annual Metro Economy Outlook on Oct. 19, economic futurist Ted Abernathy of Raleigh said Asheville’s economy is a success story among moderate-sized metro areas.
ICYMI for the week of Oct. 11 — and a sneak peek
Catch up on highlights you may have missed from last week’s Xpress — and see what we’ve got in store for you this week. Newspapers should be hitting the stands later this afternoon. Available at all Xpress distribution locations by Wednesday!