Sojourner Truth, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr. are just a few of the great catalysts of change in our history. Come together and celebrate these incredible lives in February which is black history month.
Come on out this weekend in honor of Back History Month and have some family fun. The Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts will celebrate this Saturday February 28 starting at 1:00 pm at the Stephens-Lee Recreation Center. Come enjoy the walk through history with poetry, song, dance performance and a community potluck. Everyone is invited to bring a covered dish and share in the gathering.
Dogwood Alliance is the only organization in the South holding corporations accountable for the impact of their industrial forestry practices on our local forests and communities. Our Southern forests are being destroyed every year by unsustainable forestry practices, Dogwood Alliance is educating and working for change to protect our forests.
“Dogwood Alliance brings together the voices of thousands of individuals, local and regional grassroots partners, and national and international organizations. Together we create powerful leverage on companies whose practices destroy millions of acres of Southern forests every year. We bring skilled negotiators into corporate boardrooms to pursue win-win solutions that ensure the future of natural and native Southern forests. We also work to create financial incentives for positive change by creating market demand for environmentally sound paper products.
Dogwood Alliance’s long term goals are to protect and restore the South’s endangered forests, end unsustainable forestry practices, and increase the industry’s use of post-consumer recycled and other environmentally preferable sources of fiber in the production of paper. We envision a thriving and economically viable paper industry that supports rather than obstructs the establishment of connected landscapes of protected intact, natural forests across the South.”
“Comet Lulin this week is at its brightest and closest to Earth — right when the sky is conveniently moonless. Use binoculars or a telescope to look for it once it's well up in late evening. The comet is glowing at about magnitude 5.6 as it moves rapidly westward across Virgo.
In recent days the comet's dust-spike antitail has grown longer and stronger, completely outclassing its "true" tail, which points properly away from the Sun like a comet's tail should. On Monday night, February 23rd, the comet passes 2° south-southwest of Saturn.
Lulin’s closest approach to Earth, 0.41 a.u. (61 million km), occurs on February 24th.
On the night of February 25th the comet goes through opposition, nearly 180° from the Sun in our sky. Will there be an "opposition effect" brightening of its dusty coma and dust tail? “
Drive up to a scenic overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway and see for yourself. Asheville vistas make the best spots to watch the night sky. So get your honey in the car and go check out the comet together. Don't forget your telescope or a set of binoculars; you’ll have a much easier time finding Comet Lulin!
The Asheville City Market is an initiative by Buncombe County Cooperative Extension and the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP). This market plans to host 50-100 Vendors selling produce, meats and an array of products in the parking lot of the Asheville Public Works building on South Charlotte St. Sat. 8:00 AM-1:00 PM
Asheville celebrates Mardi Gras season with parties and a big Sunday parade. Feb. 22, 2009 was Asheville’s Mardi Gras Parade. Everyone gathered around 4 at the beginning of Spruce and College St. This year’s theme was Riches to Rags and nearly everyone came dressed up! The parade route continued around Prichard Park and Jack of the Wood.
" Fat Tuesday and the related Mardi Gras celebration have a legendary history in New Orleans. But the party is equally alive and well in Asheville.
“To share in the fun, head downtown this weekend for Asheville's second annual Mardi Gras parade or stop by one of the Mardi Gras balls happening around town at Jack of the Wood, the Grey Eagle, Mo-Daddy's and more. Louisiana native and Asheville resident Lesley Groetsch spoke recently about the traditions.
Question: What is a Mardi Gras krewe?
Answer: A krewe is a social aid and pleasure club. It started in New Orleans as a Mardi Gras tradition. It used to be very neighborhood-oriented; now it is just a group that gets together to celebrate Mardi Gras. There are usually good works involved — that's the social aid part. The pleasure club is what happens at Mardi Gras and the parties that lead up to it. “
There are so many wonderful tailgate markets in Asheville during season you barely have to go the store. Take your pick or cruise them all and discover your community and connect with the people growing your food and sharing these mountains.
The French Broad Food Coop Downtown Market on Saturday Mornings since 1990 has been voted Asheville’s best tailgate market for over five years. From organic vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers to local honey, goat cheese, free range eggs, locally raised meats. Enjoy some baked treats as you shop and enjoy. 76 Biltmore Ave. Saturdays 8:00 AM- 1:00PM, Wednesdays 2:00 PM-6:30PM. Starting in late April.
If raw fish is your flavor you are in luck! Asheville is host to many incredible sushi establishments. Each with is own unique atmosphere and artistic chef these sushi restaurants are highly recommended.
Green Tea in Regent Park off Patton Avenue offers a wonderful atmosphere, professional friendly wait-staff, and exceptional service. Try one of my favorites; the Kimono Roll & the Green Tea roll. Check out their menu: www.greenteasushi.com
1. These beautiful mountains, what an incredible blessing it is to live in these old mountains,with our hiking trails, waterfalls and vistas.
2. The abundance and diversity of trees, plants and native wildlife.
3. The most beautiful seasons, we really experience all four in their full glory here.
4. The music scene, there are so many incredible musicians, you can always go hear good live music, most days you can’t walk down the street without hearing a street musician.
Today we welcome back Sherida Buchanan from Explore Asheville, who offers us some great last minute affordable Valentine's Day solutions. Thanks Sherida, perfect timing!
Looking for romantic ways to show your love today without spending a lot of cash? Try our crash-course in romancing your sweetie in Asheville.
• Take advantage of local free offerings: Take an art tour through downtown galleries, go hiking on local trails or take in the view from a scenic overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
• Indulge your taste buds: Drop by one of the city’s many microbreweries and wine shops. Most offer complimentary samples or tastings for a couple of bucks.
The youthful funky flare and magical beauty of our mountains makes Asheville a great place to come to school. Along with the beauty and eclectic collection of personalities and cultures Asheville is home to several great colleges.
The University of North Carolina At Asheville is the only designated liberal arts institution in the 16-campus North Carolina system. www.unca.eduFiske Guide to Colleges ranks UNCA among its top 20 Best Buys in public higher education. With small classes with a diverse and committed faculty, excellence in academics, strong community partnerships and service-learning projects UNCA challenges and prepares its students while being in the ideal spot of the only 1 mile north of downtown, students can ride bikes to all the happenings in town.
The quest for the ultimate pizza has begun! Locally we have many unique pizzerias. Next time you are looking for delicious New York Style Pizza try one of these outrageous options. You’ll soon discover decedent white, pesto, and sourdough pizzas covered in mouth watering toppings and served hot right out of a traditional brick oven.
Franks Roman Pizza has been a local favorite for generations! Perfect for youth team pizza parties and fun family outings, Frank’s Roman Pizza delivers incredible pizza without draining your wallet. You’ll find a variety of deep dish options, an unforgettable eggplant parmesan, and a enjoyable atmosphere. Frank’s is Located at 90 South Tunnel Road across from Lowe’s. Browse the menu: www.franksromanpizza.com & call in your order at 298.5855
Be Amazed at the Savings! Shopping Healthy on A Tight Budget
Times are tight for everyone and the price of groceries just continues to soar. We all know stress makes it hard to stay healthy so it’s more important than ever to eat well. But do you find yourself gasping at the price of healthy choices? Even gasping at the prices of conventional food these days? Are you wondering where all the great bargains are?
Well get ready to gasp in a good way at Asheville’s best kept secret … Amazing Savings, a discount organic grocer. This family owned business offers organic food produce, dairy, health and beauty products as well as an array of chips, cookies, teas, all priced at 50% to 80% off. No joke!
Discover Cape Fear Seafood located at 119 Old Charlotte Highway heading into Fairview. This is the ultimate source for fresh-off-the-boat seafood around Asheville. This family owned and operated seafood distributor packs up his latest catch as soon as the boats return to shore, then its straight to Asheville so we can enjoy the most incredibly fresh seafood available in our area.
With one visit to Cape Fear Seafood you’ll instantly understand why this is my favorite local spot to pick up fresh seafood. You’ll find unbelievable oysters, huge scallops, a variety of shrimp, clams, and enough fish to feed you and all your friends.
Looking for a sweet place to spend some quality time outdoors on Asheville’s South side? Luckily no matter what side of town you are on there is a green area waiting for you. From picnic tables and ball-fields to hiking trails and exploring stream-banks Asheville offers good clean outdoor fun for everyone.
The Biltmore House is certainly an exquisite house, but for me the house pales in comparison to the grounds. The gardens are incredible and one could spend hours walking among the blossoms. There’s also great walking and biking trails along the river. There is even flat water river rafting for those of you who want to get out on the water.
Asheville contains many options for the golf enthusiast, including several award winning courses. If you are looking for a round or two of Mountain Golf, you’re in luck. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains nearly every course in town offers spectacular views.
The Grove Park Inn hosts a magnificent par 70 - 6,600 yard, 18 hole golf course that opened in 1899. Located in North Asheville, The Grove Park Inn Course was named “One of America’s Ten Best Courses over 100 Years Old” by Golf Digest magazine. An excellent example of mountain golf, with elevated tees you’ll experience drives which soar on forever, coming to rest upon beautiful tree lined fairways. Exceptionally maintained bent grass greens await you. Don’t miss this one, you’ll savor every minute.
Dogwood Alliance
If raw fish is your flavor you are in luck! Asheville is host to many incredible sushi establishments. Each with is own unique atmosphere and artistic chef these sushi restaurants are highly recommended.
The youthful funky flare and magical beauty of our mountains makes Asheville a great place to come to school. Along with the beauty and eclectic collection of personalities and cultures Asheville is home to several great colleges. 
The quest for the ultimate pizza has begun! Locally we have many unique pizzerias. Next time you are looking for delicious New York Style Pizza try one of these outrageous options. You’ll soon discover decedent white, pesto, and sourdough pizzas covered in mouth watering toppings and served hot right out of a traditional brick oven. 
Discover Cape Fear Seafood located at 119 Old Charlotte Highway heading into Fairview. This is the ultimate source for fresh-off-the-boat seafood around Asheville. This family owned and operated seafood distributor packs up his latest catch as soon as the boats return to shore, then its straight to Asheville so we can enjoy the most incredibly fresh seafood available in our area.
Asheville contains many options for the golf enthusiast, including several award winning courses. If you are looking for a round or two of Mountain Golf, you’re in luck. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains nearly every course in town offers spectacular views. 
