If You Rebuild It: Asheville Tourists take the field amid construction
- Volume 31
- / Issue 35
Cover Design Credit:
Scott Southwick
Cover Photography Credit:
Asheville Tourists
McCormick Field, Asheville’s venerable minor-league baseball stadium, is in the midst of an 18-month, $38.5 million renovation that will bring it up to standards required by Major League Baseball. Asheville Tourists officials say they are up to the challenge of hosting 66 games this season at a ballpark that’s doubling as a construction zone.
arts
Smart Bets: Roots So Deep
Hickory Nut Gap Farms and UNCA co-host this film screening and discussion on April 9.Bathroom break: Exploring Asheville’s dive bar restrooms with Braulio Pescador-Martinez
The Asheville DJ and Xpress writer searches for art and inspiration in some unlikely locales.Local author pens memoir about his life as a Hare Krishna
"One of the major misconceptions about Hare Krishna is that it’s a cult and it’s totally controlled by certain gurus," says local author Rishi Waterman. "That’s not the fact."Smart Bets: Connect Beyond Festival
The annual event moves to Third Room, April 5-6.Smart Bets: NC Writers’ Network Spring Conference
Registration is open for the May 2-4 summit.Off the Shelf: Yes, this is a thriller — but it’s also so much more
As part of Xpress' new monthly feature, "Off the Shelf," we ask local residents to offer a book recommendation. This month's suggestion comes courtesy of Kayla Pressley Seay, site manager…Smart Bets: The Incidental Moment
Pink Dog's exhibition of work byJoanie Krug and Alan Wieder opens April 4.
food
Everything in Moderation: Monday Magic series supports local service workers
Writers Audrey and Bill Kopp resume their cocktail and spirits series with a look at this weekly fundraising event at The Low Down — with a bonus of two margarita…A Year in Beer: Live music, dark beer and downstream wisdom at Pisgah Brewing Co.
The Year in Beer crew takes a field trip to the Black Mountain brewery, now celebrating its 20th anniversary.What’s new in food: Tango on a Plate, barbecue and music, Catawba Brewing Co. leaves South Slope
Plus, post-Helene reopenings for several area restaurants and breweries.Southside Community Farm hosts spring fundraiser at New Belgium Brewing
The April 6 event will help the urban community farm get growing this spring.
living
Despite McCormick Field construction, Tourists ready to play ball
The Asheville Tourists will host 66 home games during the 2025 season while McCormick Field is undergoing major renovations. The teams says it's ready to meet the challenge.
news
Sustaining community: Local student shares tips for making a positive impact on the environment
As part of Xpress' Sustainability series, we speak with Anna Plocica, a senior at A.C. Reynolds High School and the co-president of the Environmental Club.Golden Agers: Law and music — and one man’s passions for both
For Alan Graf, both law and music are more than passions — they're tools for activism, ways to spark change in the world around him.Sustaining community: Charles Martin on ways to improve local education
Rev. Charles Martin was elected to the Buncombe County Board of Education, representing the at-large district in November. He also serves as senior pastor of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.Nature Center reopens after damage from Helene
Hit hard by Tropical Storm Helene, WNC Nature Center exceeds its own expectations by opening March 17 with a few renovations and expansions too.DIY Tourism Marketing Conference addresses post-Helene recovery
Held March 17-18, at the Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel, the DIY Tourism Marketing Conference drew professionals from across the country, some from as far as Hawaii.Former water resources director details Asheville’s history in new book
While two events in the last three years have shaken the confidence of Asheville’s 125,000 water system customers, the purity of the region’s water has been a driver of growth…Sustaining community: Rev. Dusty Black on the role of faith, post-Helene
"After the storm, my heart turned to Psalm 70," says Rev. Dusty Black. "The psalmist is pleading with God for victory over his enemies, as well as praying that the…WCU students help analyze Helene-affected cemetery
In an effort to suggest how debris-removal contractors could gently remove the remaining stumps and root balls, archeology students from Western Carolina University (WCU) spent the week of March 10…Buncombe County libraries adjust to life under Helene-related hiring freeze
Six Buncombe County libraries are operating fewer days than normal because of a hiring freeze. Officials say the changes are just temporary.2025 PIT count shows increase in unsheltered homelessness
The latest data also reveals increases in people who are chronically homeless (meaning they have lived without a fixed address for over 12 months) and people who self-identified as having…Proposed I-26 connector overpass sparks opposition
Two presentations before Asheville City Council offered alternatives to a large overpass atop Patton Avenue in proposed I-26 Connector plan.City may assume storm-damaged properties
The Asheville City Council voted March 25 to authorize the city to assume ownership of 31 storm-damaged buildings and turn their lots into green space under a FEMA program.
opinion
Letter: Recent zoning changes are a double-edged sword
"I implore the City of Asheville to take a thoughtful look at what unintended consequences might occur if we only approach our housing problems with an 'easier and faster' mindset…Letter: Thumbs-up for social district
"I think that a social district on the South Slope sounds like an excellent idea!"Letter: We live on a self-correcting planet
"Ironically, Hurricane Helene has been a bright reality check on this status quo that’s illuminated local governments more addicted to social engineering than dependable services."Deep cuts
Letter: Social district would burden South Slope businesses
"If the goal is to revitalize downtown and support local businesses, there are more effective ways to achieve that without the negative consequences of a social district."Spring is here
Letter: Yes to an Asheville social district
"I think it’s a great idea to create a social quadrant of the city."Changing seasons
