July 24th will mark the start of Asheville's 31st annual 'Bele Chere' Music and Art Festival and the influx of 350,000 estimated festival-goers. According to their website, "The festival features four stages of free- live music and an impressive array of arts and crafts; as well as entertainment and activities for children. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains of Western North Carolina- come join us for one of the Southeast's largest free outdoor street festivals."
Though still a couple of months away, here at AshevilleLive we are keeping this festival on our radar and plan on bringing you a series of reports ranging from exciting events to see and participate in, to some of the changes being made for 2009. One of the additions to this year's festival will be a "battle of the bands-style contest" conducted in conjunction with WNC Magazine and the Asheville Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department called "Last Band Standing: Road to Bele Chere 2009".
Other events we'll be keeping an eye on include the 30th Annual Bele Chere 5k, the Lexington Avenue Drumming Tent, and Rashad McCant's "Shoot for the Cure", in which one lucky festival-goer will have a chance to win $10,000 with proceeds benefiting breast cancer research.
So stay tuned to AshevilleLive for upcoming reports with more information on how to maximize your fun at the largest street festival in the southeastern United States.
Dining Out for Life in Asheville NC is a fabulous fundraiser. Take a moment to plan your meals out and you’ll see this is an “easy way to make a meaningful contribution without spending more than you normally would each meal. Have breakfast, lunch or dinner at participating restaurants today, April 30th and help in the fight against HIV and AIDS.”
Dining Out For Life® is an annual fund raising event involving the generous participation of volunteers, corporate sponsors and restaurants. In exchange for their financial support, restaurants are listed in a city wide marketing campaign in an effort to increase customer traffic.
More than 3,500 restaurants donate a portion of their proceeds from this one special night of dining to the licensed agency in their city. Nearly $4 million dollars a year is raised to support the missions of agencies throughout North America. With the exception of the annual licensing fee of $600, all money raised in these cities stays there.
Please help us continue our Education and Prevention services throughout WNC and insure that no one faces HIV alone by dining out for breakfast, lunch or dinner at over 85 fine restaurants. It is the most satisfying meal you will ever eat!
Organic Shopping is EASY in Asheville with all our choices. Of course Earth Fare is stocked with organic produce, specialty cheeses, free range meats along with all your herbal supplements, dried and bulk herbs, and homeopathics. Both stores have a huge selection as well as delicious deli food ready to take or dine in. And now with the South Asheville store in Hendersonville Rd. there is another location along with the one in Westgate shopping center in West Asheville.
If you are in the north side, GreenLife has everything you need whether it’s a full shopping trip or a healthy lunch on the go. And how do you always run into everyone you know while shopping there, the store has its own gravity field it seems and eventually pulls us all in. GreenLife’s organic and local selection is as broad as Earth Fare’s and don’t forget to bring your own bag!
The French Broad Co-op is an easy stop for shoppers downtown. Fresh organic produce, yummy snacks, bulk items and all your herbal supplements and teas, the Co-op is surprisingly well stocked for its small size. For those of us who end up running form one side of the store to the next the Co-op is a nice relief, there everything you need is within a few foot steps reach.
The Corner Market in the Grove Arcade also has a fair selection of organic and healthy choices. Adjacent to the Fresh Quarter, the fruit and veggie stand which has local small farm produce for very reasonable prices. Wherever you around town there’s sure to be organic healthy food just around the corner.….
Recently a link came across my Twitter stream that I cannot help but pass on. All too often, I have found myself in need of a quick free blast of WiFi, not knowing which direction to turn. No longer a problem, thanks to OpenWifiSpots.com
As an added bonus - luckily for those of you who may not know their way around town, a Tagged Google Map is available with easy directions only a few clicks away.
Thanks @Wadester23 for sharing this link. It has already saved me much inconvenience and I’m happy to pass this information along!
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
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
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.
You can explore natural animal habitats in a small hike around the Nature Center. Search for the wolves, the bears, fox, raccoons and even a Cougar. The playful otters will keep you laughing as they slide and splash in the water. Check out the petting zoo and enjoy feeding a variety of barn yard animals. The Nature Center also has seasonal exhibits including the Butterfly Exhibition, Hey Day in the Fall, and numerous summer programs for the kids.
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 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.
You can explore natural animal habitats in a small hike around the Nature Center. Search for the wolves, the bears, fox, raccoons and even a Cougar. The playful otters will keep you laughing as they slide and splash in the water. Check out the petting zoo and enjoy feeding a variety of barn yard animals. The Nature Center also has seasonal exhibits including the Butterfly Exhibition, Hey Day in the Fall, and numerous summer programs for the kids.
