The tourism industry already brings in $2.3 billion annually to Buncombe County. That’s up from roughly $183 million 30 years ago. But to continue to grow local visitation, government officials and business owners need to “anticipate trends that are shaping the future,” says Mike Konzen, a leading global consultant.
Six years ago, John Langlois sat in a counselor’s waiting room and began to fill out a standard intake form. At the time, he was a 50-year-old, local family physician and workaholic seeking help after a job-related burnout. One of the questions on the form asked whether he had ever been a victim of physical, … Read more
"Pro tip: Go see Floating Action whenever possible," writes photographer Rich Orris on his blog, UnofficiallyAsheville.com. Here's the thing: Multi-instrumentalist/songwriter/producer Seth Kauffman's touch can be heard on albums by Benny Yurco (Grace Potter and the Nocturnals) and Juston Stens (Dr. Dog), and his collaborators include Jim James and Dan Aurbach, all of which keeps him … Read more
It starts with that first construction paper garland, or popcorn-and-cranberry chain, or pomander ball (you know, an orange studded with cloves and tied with a ribbon for a closet sachet): Holidays and crafts go hand in hand. Some people make all of their gifts, from knitted scarves to fresh-baked pumpkin bread. Others craft decorations, from … Read more
There’s something about the smell of gingerbread that transports me back to childhood, at home on winter break, baking walls and roof pieces in the oven with my mom and brother, the sweet aroma filling the kitchen as we mixed up batches of colored frosting in anticipation of building our edible creations. In homage to … Read more
I’m writing today in regards to a story I recently saw in The Mountain Xpress [“Buncombe Commissioners Set Bar High for Carbon Reductions,” Dec. 17] and felt it necessary to comment on a reported statement from Mr. [Mike] Fryar. [Xpress reporter Jake Frankel writes:] “Fryar blasted the move as ‘politics,’ questioning whether there really is … Read more
"For me, Dax is redefining blues music," wrote Henry Rollins (he of Black Flag, spoken word and massive biceps). "Even though he plays his songs through the guitar-bass-drums model for the most part, he is the self-contained unit. He is, as they say, the whole package and the real deal. Musicians like Dax come along … Read more
If you made a word cloud from a conversation with sisters Leah and Chloe Smith, “community” would be the most heavily weighted term. Music, art, family and travel are all prominent themes, but it’s community that runs like a thread throughout the Smiths’ lives, and the on- and off-stage work of their band, Rising Appalachia. … Read more
There is a little stone building on Tunnel Road in east Asheville. To me, it has always been a cool-looking building, but nothing more. Historically, it was a meeting place for the American Legion. However, recently I realized that behind that amazing architectural exterior there’s a cozy, bohemian, European-inspired cafe. Honestly, I didn’t know there … Read more
I visited healthcare.gov on the Internet, and thanks to the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, I am now, at age 63, covered by health care insurance for the first time in my adult life. I’ve had financial ups and downs throughout my life with periods of relative prosperity; at other times, not so … Read more
