December 23, 2015 – mountainx.com

Letter writer: Linking doughnuts to children’s clinic sets society up to fail

December 23, 2015 by Letters

” I want a community that thinks deeper and questions appropriately [the] motivations of big business.”

Give to Give!Local (before Dec. 31) – and get coffee, dinner, movie tix and more…

December 23, 2015 by Jeff Fobes

The final days of Give!Local are upon us: The 60-day campaign to raise funds for 30 great WNC nonprofits ends at the stroke of midnight, Dec. 31. Consider making a donation — large or small — through Give!Local, and look what you’ll get!

Small bites: Giving tastes good at Appalachian Vintner

December 23, 2015 by Kat McReynolds

A silent auction at Appalachian Vintner raises money for local charities; a grant allows the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project to coordinate a conference on farm-to-school programs; the Biltmore Estate adds a new restaurant; and Season’s at Highland Lake offers a Christmas Eve buffet.

Biltmore landscape historian releases book on estate gardens and grounds

December 23, 2015 by Virginia Daffron

Landscape and forest historian Bill Alexander has released a third book. The Biltmore Estate: Gardens and Grounds uses historical photographs, including some that have never before been published, to tell the story of the conception, planning, design, construction and maintenance of the estate, which at one time encompassed 125,000 acres.

New Year’s Eve parties around WNC

December 29, 2015December 23, 2015 by Alli Marshall

As we pin our shiniest hopes and dreams on 2016, it makes sense to see its predecessor out in style. Whether that entails peaceful chanting, serious rocking, communing with the undead or benefiting a worthy cause, Xpress has a party for every reveler.

Prodigal children: Returning to covenant from the spiritual playground

December 23, 2015December 23, 2015 by Jordan Foltz

“Just for the record, I’m spiritual, not religious.” If you live in Asheville, this probably sounds familiar. But when does spiritual exploration become more of a distraction than a path to a deepening connection with others and our best selves?

Winter lights: Asheville immigrants share holiday traditions

December 23, 2015 by Jonathan Ammons

From German cookies to Middle Eastern bazella riz, members of Asheville’s immigrant communities talk about their holiday customs and memories.