February 9, 2017 – mountainx.com

Troy & Sons owner releases memoir, Pure Heart

February 10, 2017February 9, 2017 by Jacqui Castle

Asheville Distilling Co. will celebrate the launch of owner Troy Ball’s new book with a whiskey-tasting event on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Sylva native Natalie Anderson adapts the lives of African refugees into a YA novel

February 9, 2017 by Doug Gibson

A break from the field, followed by a return to Africa, set Anderson to work on the story that eventually became City of Saints and Thieves. Working out of Kenya, she thought about writing a novel set in Nairobi that dramatized the experiences that drove refugees there from the Congo.

Coming soon: The Young Society lifestyle blog

February 9, 2017 by Alli Marshall

Through text and photography, Christina Geneve and Makeda Sandford seek to “reach the young, vibrant, artistic underground culture and amplify voices from people of color.”

Retail comes to the RAD

February 9, 2017 by Thomas Calder

When you think of Asheville’s River Arts District, what comes to mind are probably things like painting, sculpture, pottery, glass blowing — you get the drift. But as the neighborhood continues to expand and evolve, new businesses are also popping up. In the last six months, a number of retail shops have opened in the … Read more

Space race: Deconstructing Asheville’s affordable housing problem

February 9, 2017February 9, 2017 by Mike Cronin

While 2016 statistics show increasing availability in the area’s rental housing market, Asheville renters say their choices remain limited and prices steep. Several city initiatives — including a $25 million affordable housing bond referendum approved by voters in November — aim to bolster the supply of affordable housing, while some private-sector players are pursuing similar goals.

Chamber of Commerce opposes downtown development rule changes

February 9, 2017 by Virginia Daffron

The Asheville-Area Chamber of Commerce has added its voice to the city’s Planning & Zoning Commission in opposing proposed zoning changes that are expected to be considered by Asheville City Council at its meeting on Feb. 14.

NPR journalist hosts Asheville discussion on city’s popularity

February 9, 2017February 9, 2017 by Coogan Brennan

At a sold-out event in downtown Asheville, NPR journalist Michel Martin and local panelists reflect on what happens when your hometown gets hot.

Letter writer: Enforcing the bathroom law

February 9, 2017 by Letters

“As a male-to-female transgender, I am eagerly awaiting the day when some officious toady denies me the use of a ladies’ room, at which point I shall say, ‘While you stand there dissecting my gender, I’m going to wet my pants.'” Is that something you really want to have happen?

Mannequins’ best friend: Scout Boutique owner Dema Badr retraces her footsteps in local fashion

February 9, 2017 by Kat McReynolds

Asheville native Dema Badr learned her earliest business lessons locally, working for her family at Asheville Discount Pharmacy and later launching her own clothing store Zakya downtown. She draws on those experiences at her latest venture Scout Boutique.

Beer Scout: Beer bars

February 9, 2017 by Scott Douglas

Pour Taproom settles in to larger digs in Biltmore Village; The Black Cloud metal-themed beer bar storms onto the West Asheville scene.