Setting the Pace: WNC running groups reroute in wake of Helene
- Volume 31
- / Issue 27
Cover Design Credit:
Scott Southwick
Cover Photography Credit:
Brandon Thrower
For some, running in a group has always provided built-in motivation as well as a way to foster friendships. But in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, the act of running together has also taken on a deeper meaning for many in the local scene: rebuilding community.
arts
Smart Bets: Tainted Love Comedy Show
Local comedians Cayla Clark and Ryan Gordon offer Asheville their own brand of funny valentine at The Montford Rooftop Bar on Feb. 14.Smart Bets: Joy Oladokun
The pop-folk artist's Blackbird Tour lands at The Orange Peel for a special Tropical Storm Helene benefit show on Feb. 12.Local poets on the benefits of slowing down
As part of Xpress' annual Wellness Issues, we asked six local poets to share their thoughts on the benefits of slowing down and being present in the moment.Off the Shelf: An epic novel set during the construction of the Panama Canal
From humor to a historical setting, Cristina Henríquez's 2024 work of literary fiction, The Great Divide, has something for everyone.Smart Bets: A Legacy Worth Noting
The Southern Highlands Craft Guild exhibition runs through April 30 at the Folk Art Center.Andrew K. Clark’s new horror novel honors Appalachian ancestors
The author's debut novel effectively blends horror, magical realism and folklore.Smart Bets: Voices of Impact
Six speakers will participate in the evening of storytelling, big ideas, connection and inspiration on Feb. 7.Playbill picks: February local theater highlights
Comedies, musicals and plays rooted in history are on area stages this month.
food
A La Carte: Fast-food flashbacks minus the meat
An impromptu burger and fries at Romeo's Vegan Burgers was a simple but satisfying indulgence.Months after Helene, WNC’s food insecurity crisis persists
Local groups instrumental in meeting Western North Carolina's food needs in the wake of the storm say the problem runs deep and there's a long road ahead.A Year in Beer: Sipping on history at Dirty Jack’s
In the shadow of Green Man's three-story Green Mansion facility, Dirty Jack's is an intimate space with deep history and an Irish soccer pub vibe.Hail Mary opens in West Asheville
The former home of Tastee Diner features a reinvented concept and menu.
living
The science and benefits of VO2 max testing
What exactly is VO2 max testing? Who needs it? And what are the benefits? Xpress catches up with Sean Simonds, clinic director for Movement for Life Physical Therapy, to find…Beyond the dais: Hiking the great outdoors with Commissioner Parker Sloan
For Xpress' annual Wellness Issue series, we spoke with Buncombe County Commissioner Parker Sloan about weightlifting, hiking trails and podcasts about clean energy.WNC running groups reroute in wake of Helene
After Helene destroyed familiar trails and urban routes, local running groups are finding new paths and proving their resilience in the face of adversity.Beyond the Dais: Running the trails with Commissioner Drew Ball
For Xpress' annual Wellness Issue series, we spoke with Buncombe County Commissioner Drew Ball about biking, maintaining trails and Jimi Hendrix.Hiking with a heavy backpack can be rucking fun — and good for you
Tessa Fontaine hits the sidewalks of the River Arts District to experience rucking, a low-impact exercise based on military training activities.Beyond the dais: Wandering the woods with Commissioner Terri Wells
For Xpress' annual Wellness Issue series, we spoke with Buncombe County Commissioner Terri Wells about the Asheville Botanical Gardens, hiking and her go-to soundtrack — Prince.
news
Not slowing down sartorially or in activity
Octavia Caldwell gets her love of bling from her mother, but her love of exercise is a gift to herself.Gym members join forces with trainer to relaunch business
After Tropical Storm Helene devastated the Asheville Training Hub, trainer Eric Simpson set off to find his own space — but he didn't do it alone.Upcoming forum looks at historic floods to help find future solutions
“Historic Floods and Landslides — What Have We Learned” will take place on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2-4 p.m., at the Bo Thomas Auditorium on the campus of Blue Ridge Community…Check out these five great winter hikes in Western North Carolina
For our Wellness Issue, we asked folks in Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison and Transylvania counties to identify one great winter hike from their area.Five Points residents rally to preserve wooded area owned by UNCA
Residents of Asheville's Five Points neighborhood are rallying to preserve a nearby wooded area owned by UNC Asheville. The university says it has made no decisions about developing the area.TDA anticipates 33% drop in occupancy tax revenues for FY25
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority board Jan. 29 voted unanimously to cut occupancy tax projections for fiscal year 2025 to $22.8 million — a drop of 33%. The drop…City Council updates flood code, housing goals
Flood ordinance updates keep the city in compliance with insurance guidelines and staff revisions to the housing plan keep zoning as is in legacy neighborhoods.
opinion
Letter: Keep an eye on county spending
"I believe it is up to the taxpaying residents of the county to hold the commissioners and the county manager accountable for every dollar they spend."Letter: Logging could be solution for downed trees
"Our property is off Bearwallow Road, and logging could be our solution. We have 5 acres, all with downed trees."Reflections on pain and prayer
Readers respond to the question of how prayer or intention has helped them make it through periods of great physical pain.Growing concerns
Letter: ‘No permitting’ road repair promise is misguided
"While we all want these roads rebuilt, it’s important to ensure that we build them safely and correctly."Whole grain diet
