Grounded: Gardeners dig in as suppliers scramble
- Volume 26
- / Issue 37
Cover Design Credit:
Scott Southwick
Cover Photography Credit:
Getty Images
While many local shops closed in late March after Buncombe County issued its COVID-19 stay-at-home mandate, gardening retailers and wholesalers were deemed essential — and business is brisk as quarantined locals with time on their hands dive into gardening.
arts
Smart Bets: ‘Old Lovegood Girls’ by Gail Godwin
Godwin’s return to subjects of female friendship, intellectual development and the passing of time are likely to be welcome distractions during this time of social distancing and homebound activities.Random Animals release debut album, focus on content creation
The Asheville-based indie/soul rockers persevere with their first LP despite having to postpone their album release show.Streamside Music and NewRootz Studio offer online concert series
Initial NewRootz shows were with The Snozzberries and Dirty Dead. Streamside’s first concerts were by Al Petteway, Shane Parish and Trio Sefardi, with jazz guitarist Sean McGowan slated for Friday,…Smart Bets: Valravne
The Asheville-based solo black metal project self-released its debut album on March 19.Smart Bets: Museum From Home
The Asheville Art Museum, Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center and Smith-McDowell House Museum offer complimentary digital access to their exhibitions and programs.
food
Mother Earth Food expands to meet new demand
Business for the Asheville-based produce and grocery delivery service has tripled with COVID-19 social distancing measures in place, allowing it to support more local growers.Asheville ABC alters policy to assist struggling bars and restaurants
A change implemented by the Asheville Alcoholic Beverage Control Board is aimed at helping businesses that placed large liquor orders in advance of the St. Patrick's Day holiday.Asheville hospitality industry rallies support for struggling businesses, workers
Groups are seeking support for workers and businesses through online initiatives, relief funds and lobbying efforts.
movies-reviews
Smart Bets: Climbing Every Mountain
The documentary series' third installment features Asheville resident Aurora Gantz.
news
New county program aims to reduce harm, treat inmate addiction
“We’ve tried to arrest our way out of the drug epidemic for decades, and it hasn’t worked,” says Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller. Now, a new program at the Buncombe…Asheville Archives: Two gallons of whiskey and a pandemic
In the midst of the 1918 influenza, one local resident attempted to use the health crisis to aid his legal defense.Natalie Bogwalker develops natural skills at Wild Abundance
Classes take place on a hilly, wooded eco-homestead campus featuring Bogwalker’s self-constructed cabin, gardens and fruit trees, and students can choose to camp on the property for a full immersion…Quarantined residents rush to get growing
Kristin Weeks, managing partner and co-owner of the Asheville location of Fifth Season Gardening Co., says business is booming in the wake of COVID-19. “People are coming in and spending…Isa Whitaker builds community resilience through gardening
As coordinator of Bountiful Cities’ Asheville Buncombe Community Garden Network, Whitaker manages communication, educational programming and resources such as free seed and tool libraries for more than two dozen local…BCTDA outlines COVID-19 tourism impacts, response
In the first weekend of March, said Explore Asheville's Marla Tambellini, hotels throughout the county were at roughly 90% occupancy. By March 27-28, only about 15% of rooms were filled,…Police, judges, attorneys work to reduce Buncombe jail population ahead of COVID-19
Over the past month, local criminal justice officials have collaborated to reduce the number of people held at the Buncombe County Detention Facility by nearly 40%. Those efforts are aimed…New Asheville superintendent to lead district starting June 1
During Asheville City Board of Education's work session and regular meeting on April 2, board Chair Shaunda Sandford announced that Gene Freeman will begin work with the school system on…
opinion
Letter: Edney can help steer NC in right direction
"Sam is a deeply thoughtful and knowledgeable person with humanistic values who can help steer North Carolina in the right direction for its citizens to thrive."Letter: Bike lanes are about safety
"These efforts are not about forcing people out of their cars or sacrificing traffic efficiency, but better balancing our transportation infrastructure to make Asheville safer for all residents and visitors…Letter: ‘No’ to Duke Energy’s proposed rate hike
"I am writing to encourage all of us here in WNC to write to Duke Energy to oppose its proposed 14.3% residential rate hike."Letter: Safe front porch singalongs
"This is a balm on frazzled nerves and great for those of us who can hardly 'keep from singing.'"Letter: Build foundation for a less tourist-dependent Asheville
"Tourism must shrink as a proportion of our local economy. We have to start building the foundation on which a new, less tourist-dependent Asheville can thrive."Parenting in the age of social distancing
"I slowed my pace, and after I stopped nagging — I mean, yapping — we all felt more relaxed."Let your spirit Zoom free
COVIDtown Crier: April 08, 2020
The Orange Peel gets creative with live music offerings, while the beer delivery industry hits a snag.Essentially
