To Asheville

10/11/2026

ASHEVILLE WAS NEVER SUPPOSED TO BE A GIMMICK. IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE HOME.

And somebody needs to say what too many people are thinking.

We built this community on authenticity, creativity, compassion, and PEOPLE.

But somewhere along the way, Asheville became a brand to sell instead of a community to protect.

Big promises. Bigger developments. Political theater. Endless talk about progress.

BUT PROGRESS FOR WHOM?

What good is a thriving tourist destination if the people who made it special feel forgotten?

It's time for uncomfortable conversations about leadership, accountability, public trust, and what we're willing to lose in the name of growth.

THIS ISN'T ABOUT LEFT OR RIGHT. IT'S ABOUT RIGHT AND WRONG.

And it's about believing Asheville is still worth fighting for.

🔥 Read... https://toashevilleandbeyond.com/the-asheville-gimmick/

ASHEVILLE, OUR STORY ISN'T OVER.

10/09/2026

ART — ONE BIG REASON TO VISIT ASHEVILLE & WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA!

Asheville is known for a lot of things, but there's something special about this region that transcends politics, religion, lifestyles, personal preferences, and the things that sometimes divide us.

ART.

Art doesn't ask who you stand with, what you believe, or where you come from. It simply invites you to feel something, see the world differently, and connect with another human being's imagination.

And Western North Carolina is FULL of extraordinary artists!

Over the next few months, To Asheville & Beyond will be shining a spotlight on the art, artists, and creative spaces that make our mountains so special.

Our first stop? Black Mountain, NC!

We recently visited the Red House Gallery & Studios, and WOW! What an incredible experience!

Paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, fiber art, jewelry, woodwork, prints, and cards — all created by talented local artists.

And there's a beautiful story behind this place.

The Red House is home to the Swannanoa Valley Art League, founded in 1967. After decades of supporting local creativity, the organization moved into a historic building at 101 Cherry Street in downtown Black Mountain, opening its new gallery in 2024.

That move brought art right into the heart of downtown, making it easier for residents and visitors to discover local artists, explore rotating exhibitions, meet creatives, and purchase original work.

You can even browse and shop online through the Swannanoa Valley Art League and Red House Gallery!

Here's what I love most about art:

Behind every piece is a person. A story. A lifetime of experiences. Sometimes joy, sometimes heartbreak, sometimes simply the beauty of these mountains.

When you purchase local art, you're not just decorating a wall. You're supporting a dream and taking home a little piece of Western North Carolina.

If you live here or you're planning a visit, put Red House Gallery & Studios on your must-see list!

Because our mountains are beautiful, but the creativity of the people who call them home is just as breathtaking.

https://redhousegallery.org/



music: NA9FGQQ4C7OYZOO9

10/08/2026

WHO'S READY FOR COSTCO IN ASHEVILLE, CANDLER & WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA?! WE ARE!

BIG NEWS, WNC! COSTCO JUST CLEARED A MAJOR HURDLE!

After years of waiting, hoping, planning, and a few bumps in the road, the dream of having our very own Costco in Asheville is getting closer to reality!

And y'all know we've been watching this one!

On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Asheville's Planning and Zoning Commission voted UNANIMOUSLY to recommend approval of the proposed Costco development in Enka-Candler! 🎉

That's a HUGE step forward!

🏗️ HERE'S WHAT'S PLANNED:
📍 LOCATION: Enka Commerce Park, near Smokey Park Highway and Sand Hill Road in the Asheville/Candler area.
🛒 THE STORE: Approximately 167,000 square feet of Costco shopping!
⛽ GAS STATION: A proposed 32-pump fueling station.
🚗 PARKING: More than 900 parking spaces.
🛞 MORE AMENITIES: A tire center, pharmacy, optical center, bakery, deli, and food court!
🏛️ LOCAL HISTORY: Plans also call for preserving the historic American Enka clock tower!

Now THAT is what we call a major addition to Western North Carolina!

And here's what makes this even more exciting...

Remember when the original proposal was withdrawn back in February?

A lot of folks thought that might be the end of Asheville's Costco dreams.

BUT COSTCO CAME BACK!

With revised plans, renewed discussions, and a unanimous recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission, we're seeing some serious momentum!

NEXT STOP: ASHEVILLE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 13!

The project still needs final approval before construction can begin, and an official groundbreaking date hasn't been announced. But we're getting closer!

This is about more than getting a Costco.

It's about new investment, potential jobs, shopping opportunities, and continued economic growth in Asheville and Western North Carolina.

It's about giving residents another reason to shop right here in our own community instead of driving to another city.

And after everything our region has been through, it's exciting to see another major development moving forward.

We're rooting for this project, and we're ready to celebrate when those construction crews finally roll in!

❤️ ASHEVILLE, CANDLER, ENKA, AND ALL OF WNC... ARE Y'ALL READY?!

09/27/2026

TODAY IS THE FINAL DAY OF FOODEES FEST 2026!

Asheville Foodies, this is your last chance to get over to Tanger Outlets Asheville on Brevard Road and experience Foodees. Fest before it packs up and rolls on down the road.

We've already had two days of great food, good times and plenty of community fun, and today is the day to come finish it out!

There are 40+ food vendors, plus dozens of crafters and artisans, with everything from savory meals and sweet treats to specialty drinks and handmade goods.

So grab your partner and let's go round and round trying different things! Or come by yourself—wander around, meet some new folks who love food as much as you do, and see what catches your eye.

TODAY: 11 AM–7 PM
📍 Tanger Outlets Asheville
800 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC
FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING!

Come hungry. Come curious. Come try something you've never tasted before!

Let's finish Foodees Fest 2026 with some eats, Asheville!

See https://www.eventbrite.com/e/foodeesfest-asheville-north-carolina-40-food-trucks-and-craft-vendors-tickets-1980016263946?aff=affiliate5Askasheville for more info!

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music: HI12I550NFETQGIW

09/23/2026

Love getting off of the Charlotte Street exit in downtown Asheville and having these mountains welcome me!

09/14/2026

THE VWs ARE HEADING TO WESTERN NC!

Get ready, Maggie Valley! VW's in the Valley is rolling into Western North Carolina September 18–19, 2026, and it’s going to be one incredible weekend for Volkswagen lovers!

Imagine cruising through the beautiful mountains surrounded by VW Bugs, classic and modern Vans, Buses, and all kinds of Volkswagens from near and far. The valley will be filled with cool cars, great people, incredible scenery, and that unmistakable VW spirit.

Whether you’ve owned a VW for decades, just picked one up, or simply love seeing these iconic cars on the road, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Bring the family, bring your friends, and make a weekend out of it in beautiful Maggie Valley, NC.

📅 September 18–19, 2026
📍 Maggie Valley, North Carolina

Make your plans now. The VWs are coming to the Valley! https://vwaircooledassociation.com/events

09/13/2026

Dick’s Bridge in Asheville is still hanging in there… kinda.

Nearly two years after Helene, this bridge along the river in Asheville is still sitting in ruins while everyone figures out exactly what to do with it.

And yes, we know… folks have been calling it “The Bridge to Dick’s.” But that just wasn’t sounding right to us. So Dick’s Bridge it is!

Seriously though — how many of y’all actually used this bridge before Helene? We’re kinda surprised the kids haven’t turned it into a skatepark yet. DON’T GIVE THEM ANY IDEAS.

There’s still quite a bit of recovery work happening along the river, too. Just down the road, several areas are actively being repaired and rebuilt. It’s always good for us to see that progress happening, even when there’s obviously still a long way to go.

Did you ever use this bridge? And what do YOU think they should do with it?



music: AQOHT9DTBWMZ2KZZ

09/12/2026

Long before craft distilleries became another part of the Asheville experience, Troy Ball was learning from the old-timers who had been making white wh***ey in these mountains for generations. She started learning the craft around 2008, researched old recipes, experimented relentlessly and eventually built Asheville Distilling Company and Troy & Sons. 😍

Asheville’s First Modern-Day Moonshiner Was a Woman.

And that's a piece of Asheville history worth remembering.

Long before craft distilleries became another part of the Asheville experience, Troy Ball was learning from the old-timers who had been making white wh***ey in these mountains for generations. She started learning the craft around 2008, researched old recipes, experimented relentlessly and eventually built Asheville Distilling Company and Troy & Sons.

What makes the story special is that Troy didn't try to erase the Appalachian roots of moonshine. She embraced them.

She worked with local farmer John McEntire and rare Crooked Creek heirloom white corn, experimented until she found the quality she wanted, and helped take something historically made in the shadows and put an Asheville name on a legitimate premium spirit. Troy & Sons Platinum later earned a gold medal from the Beverage Testing Institute, and her spirits even found their way onto menus at Disney resorts.

And none of it came easy.

Troy built the business while raising three sons, including two with special needs, navigated the financial pressures of the Great Recession, and entered a wh***ey world that certainly wasn't accustomed to a woman leading the charge. Her story eventually became the memoir Pure Heart: A Tale of Grit, Grace and Wh***ey.

That's entrepreneurship. That's Asheville history. And that's Appalachian history with a modern twist.

We watched Asheville's b**r revolution happen.

But don't forget: our modern moonshine story had a woman standing at the still.

And while we're remembering the good old days...

Lord, I wish we could bring that Tangerine Shine back.

Some things deserve another run.