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Rachel Leslie
Just a local twenty-something excited to bring AVL news to you!
Latest posts from Rachel Leslie
new lunch offerings at Soprana Rooftop Cucina
Just in time for patio season, Soprana is unveiling its lunchtime hours and menu
hailing from eastern North Carolina, Shirlette Ammons releases new record
Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack proud to announce the installation of the RightHear Accessibility system
The ultimate stop for Nashville-style hot chicken and deliriously good Southern soul food, is proud to announce the installation of the RightHear Accessibility system at its Asheville and Arden locations
Jettie Rae's Shakes Up Their Menu With Exciting New Cocktail Selections
Asheville favorite Jettie Rae’s Oyster House introduces five new refreshing cocktails to their spring menu.
Wings & Strings
Live Music at Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack, Sweeten Creek, this Spring and Summer
Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina Going Plastic Bag-Free on April 22
beginning on Monday, April 22, plastic shopping bags will no longer be available in its 51 retail and outlet stores.
NEW BOUTIQUE HOTEL TO TELL THE STORY OF MOUNT AIRY
Set to open as a Tribute Portfolio in 2026, the Spencer’s Mill historic Sparger building will become The Balladeer Hotel
ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM UNVEILS THE NEW SALON: A CONTEMPORARY VIEW
The Asheville Art Museum is thrilled to announce the upcoming exhibition, The New Salon: A Contemporary View, guest-curated by Gabriel Shaffer.
Tickets on Sale for 8th Annual Color Me Goodwill Fashion Show
Local Fashion Designers to Compete April 19 at The Orange Peel
“THE MARKET PLACE” IN ASHEVILLE NAMED “OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT” SEMI-FINALIST IN 2024 JAMES BEARD AWARDS
The Market Place restaurant, a farm-to-table fixture of downtown Asheville since 1979 is a semi-finalist for the 2024 James Beard Awards “Outstanding Restaurant” category.
Wild Delicacies Take Center Stage at The Market Place During Asheville Restaurant Week
The Market Place restaurant, a farm-to-table fixture of downtown Asheville since 1979 and widely-acclaimed for its Appalachian cuisine prepared with otherworldly traditions, announced today its menu for Asheville Restaurant Week, running January 16-22
Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack offers holiday meals
Preorder Rocky’s signature sides, appetizers and desserts now through Dec. 21 for pickup Dec. 23 - 24!
NYE Menu at Jettie Rae's Oyster House
Jettie Rae's offers special NYE dinner for two
Color Me Goodwill Accepting Designer Applications for 2024 Fashion Show
Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina invites Asheville-area design teams to compete in its popular Color Me Goodwill upcycled fashion show.
Order Thanksgiving at Rocky's This Year
Whether you’re not much of a home chef, or you simply don’t have hours to spare cooking Thanksgiving dinner, Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack has you covered
Holiday Fun in Hendersonville
Frolic and play the Hendersonville way this holiday season during the Home for the Holidays celebration.
Jettie Rae’s Oyster House Receives National Recognition
Jettie Rae’s Oyster House announces they have been named as one of Tripadvisor’s 2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Restaurants in the United States
Local Asheville Musician Wins Exclusive Studio Time in Boston
Austin Barrett, a prominent local singer-songwriter, Berklee College of Music graduate, and two-time semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition, has achieved a significant milestone in his musical career. He has been awarded exclusive studio time in Boston to record his original song, "Porch Light."
Tar Heel Troubadours, a new concert series at the North Carolina Museum of History, kicks off this fall
The series brings accessible Americana, roots, bluegrass and more to the community.
NC IDEA MICRO Grant winner and tea innovator Embrew launches brand new packaging & showcases new co-branded blend
NC IDEA MICRO Grant winner and tea innovator Embrew launches brand new packaging and showcases co-branded blend “Strawberry Yaupon Hops” with supplier Yaupon Brothers American Tea Co.
The Whale West Asheville Named in USA Today’s Top 10 Beer Bars 2023
The Whale AVL was voted sixth in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards - Top 10 Beer Bars in the US.
Firestorm Books Grand Opening on Haywood Road
What’s New at 10222 Haywood Road? Get the scoop.
Tryon’s Literary Open Stage Reopens At Upstairs Artspace
For years Tryon, North Carolina’s Upstairs Artspace was a premier venue for writers to share their work through Literary Open Stage, and now, post-pandemic—Literary Open Stage is back!
An Evening with Poet Donika Kelly & Nonfiction Writer Melissa Febos
Free kickoff event featuring a reading by Poet Donika Kelly and Nonfiction Writer Melissa Febos
Brevard, NC is getting served a full plate this upcoming 2024
One of the Appalachian’s most beloved towns will be introduced to its very first international food hall, and they're looking for vendors!
S&W Market : New Food Hall Creates a Unique Space in Downtown Asheville
The S&W Cafeteria undergoes renovations but is holding on to its rich history.
CHEF WILLIAM DISSEN ANNOUNCES SALE OF PRIZED CHARLOTTE EATERY “HAYMAKER” TO BUILT ON HOSPITALITY
Acclaimed Restaurateur Chef William Dissen and Built On Hospitality Chef Chris Coleman ink sale, passing batton from one Charlotte chef to another
Embracing Roots of the South with Ballet Folklórico Raíces and David LaMotte
The brilliant colors of traditional costumes and the songs and folkloric dance of Mexico by local, talented youth will fill The White Horse Black Mountain on Friday, September 8
Beat the Heat
Asheville sits amongst innumerable freshwater springs, swimming holes, waterfalls, and rivers to visit this summer.
groundbreaking online resource for those facing substance use disorders
StartYourRecovery.org is a groundbreaking online resource for those facing substance use disorders.
Asheville company Adoratherapy introduces new line of candles.
Located in The Grove, the company offers a unique blend of beauty, fragrance, and candles
Mt. Mitchell Arts & Crafts Fair to Fill Burnsville’s Town Square
Mt. Mitchell Arts & Crafts Fair to Fill Burnsville’s Town Square, Aug. 4-5
Live Music at Rocky's
Live music continues at Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack’s Sweeten Creek location
Asheville Bike Fest 2023
Bike enthusiasts across the Western Carolinas are ramping up for the 2nd annual Asheville Bike Fest.
2023 Carolina Mountain Literary Festival Welcomes Lit Lovers From Across NC
Learn more about the authors and events featured at this year’s festival!
SOPRANA, ROOFTOP ITALIAN RESTAURANT, TO OPEN IN EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON
Soprana, a new restaurant located inside Downtown Asheville’s newest hotel – Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown – is slated to open in fall 2023.
Black Mountain Center for the Arts Presents Art in Blo
Black Mountain Celebrates Flowers and Art with their 17th Annual Fundraiser.
Pierce Alexander Drops New Single "Stain"
The previously featured Charlestonian songwriter Pierce Alexander continues to make a name for himself with performances around the Southeast.
Pierce Alexander Drops New Single "Stain"
The Charlestonian songwriter previously featured on Grit continues to make a name for himself.
Launching: Pickup Market at Ware! External Inbox
Ware announced today they’re collaborating with local vendors to provide a digital prepared foods market for the Asheville community.
Asheville Brand Buchi Launches Nutritious & Delicious Prebiotic Sodas
Asheville benefit corporation Buchi is bringing back nostalgic flavored sodas with their new line of guilt-free sparkling drinks
Roots + Wings School of Art and Design Is Closing
Roots + Wings School of Art and Design, the creative art and design education HUB founded by Ginger Huebner, is closing its doors after 14 years of operation.
Firefly Gathering 2023
Firefly Gathering Expands Equity Efforts, Envisioning Earthskills for Every Body
ACCLAIMED COMEDIAN JAMIE CAMPBELL BRINGS BIG DAD ENERGY TO ASHEVILLE FRINGE
Asheville Fringe Festival is coming up!
Council for Educational Travel is looking for host families for the 2023-24 school year
Any family can be a host family!
TRAUMA INTERVENTION PROGRAM (TIP) OF WNC SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
The Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Western North Carolina is a national nonprofit organization that works with local public safety officials in Buncombe and Henderson counties to provide emotional and practical support of citizens experiencing trauma.
Pickleball is Growing in Asheville
Where to play pickleball in Asheville and more!
Stephen Evans & the True Grits release 3rd album "Buzz of Bees"
The studio album "Buzz of Bees" LP will be digitally released on Friday, December 16th, 2022, by Western Carolina Records through Distrokid.
Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack Offers Holiday Meals
Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack wants to help take some of the cooking stress off your family's plate .
Embrew® Tea is Awarded the NC IDEA™ MICRO Grant
WNC-based tea company prepares to push into retail with innovative product that gives busy tea-lovers more me-time without hassling with infusers or sticky honey.
New Cookie Company arrives to NC
Brand Legally Addictive cookies are made from a cracker, handmade toffee and sustainably sourced chocolate, topped with sea salt for an amazing sweet, salty and crunchy flavor combination.
The ’BILLIE’S SONG’ Theatrical Readings Project
A GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECT TO UN-SEGREGATE US
LAUNCH OF A GROUP STORYTELLING PROJECT TO UN-SEGREATE US
Take part in an interactive introduction to the ‘BILLIE’S SONG, AN URBAN FAIRY TALE’ Theatrical Readings Project being planned for Spring 2023.
New arts space in West Asheville called Story Parlor
STORY PARLOR ANNOUNCES META COMMERSE AS ITS NEXT STORY/ARTS RESIDENT
Interview with owners of Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack
Co-owner of local restaurant Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack talks with us about ownership, sourcing ingredients, and more!
Your Dog Here Fundraiser
"Your Dog Here" is a DSSOLVR fundraiser in association with Asheville Humane Society
Tzedek Brilliance Awards Celebrate the Impact of Asheville Changemakers
Tzedek Brilliance Awards honor Asheville’s leaders who have engaged in impactful, intersectional efforts to further racial justice and LGBTQ equality or to combat antisemitism.
The Story of a Venezuelan-Appalachian musical duo, Larry & Joe
Together, the two musicians are on a mission to show that music has no borders.
Bears Bees + Brews invites Asheville to get wild this fall.
An event that focused on educating the community about the wildlife in Western North Carolina and how we can coexist with the creatures who are often roaming in our own backyards.
Asheville-based musician celebrates album release at one world brewing west
Asheville-based Nicole Lund will release their debut LP Right This Time, produced by Tyler "Falcon" Greenwell (Tedeschi Trucks Band)
Meet Chef Will of Jettie Rae's
There's a recipe inside!!
Pierce Alexander Set To New Song
Pierce Alexander is excited to announce the release of'Midnight Walk' on Friday September 2nd
Embrew Tea: Artisan Tea Bag
Innovative tea company, Embrew, relocates to the Asheville area and brings with it a promise of a better cup of tea in record time.
Interview with Sarajane Case
Sarajane is an author, certified Enneagram expert, social media influencer and podcast host of Enneagram And Coffee
14th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival
Presented by Laugh Your Asheville Off, the largest comedy festival in the Southeast comes roaring back to Asheville August 10-13, 2022
Jettie Rae's Oyster House 2 Year Anniversary
A 2 year anniversary comes with a new summer menu!
Interview with Once Upon A Child
Interview with local children's consignment store manager.
Interview with musician Marcus Anderson
Marcus Anderson, jazz musician, coffee enthusiast, and comic creator, sat down with us for a virtual interview about his many endeavors.
New Retail Store Swahili Coast Opens
New Retail Store Swahili Coast celebrates opening downtown, promoting artisan co-operatives in East Africa
Loretta Holloway returns to AVL
Loretta Holloway returns to Diana Wortham Theatre
Open Studio: Ginger Huebner
Ginger Huebner is an artist, collaborator, educator and visual translator
Once Upon A Child comes to AVL
Once Upon A Child®, a leading children’s clothing and accessories retail resale concept, announced the grand opening of its location in Asheville.
Interview With Local Musician Peter the Poet
Asheville Grit Blogger Rachel discusses Asheville's hip-hop scene with local musician Peter the Poet.
Firefly Gathering
Near the summer solstice each year, around 1,000 people convene from around the globe for the Firefly Gathering.
Local Artist Chosen for TED.com
Local artist Ginger Huebner's TEDx Asheville talk was chosen for the TED.com website and the TEDx Editor's choice. She offers the question: What if we had conversations without even saying a word, and instead used imagery and color alone?
INAUGURAL INDUSTRY DISCOUNT BARGAIN BLOWHOLE BONANZA
Unique yard-sale style event happening May 21st!
COVID & Entrepreneurship
Inside the small business journey of Interior Painting of Asheville
Singer-Songwriter Kevin PM Comes to Asheville
Live music coming to Emote!
THE EVOLUTION OF SPA
FIRST EVER SOCIAL SPA OPENING MAY 5TH IN DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE
theWorst w/s/g Smoky Mountain Sirens & Pipsqueak @ Static Age Records APRIL. 16
Portland, Maine indie-punk/alt-rock trio theWorst are preparing to release their brilliant sophomore LP, Yes Regrets, on June 3rd.
Introducing Med Night: Let It All Hang Out
The Med announces new late-night menu.
Interview with Musician Pierce Alexander
An interview from a musician out of Charleston, Pierce Alexander.
Musician Biography: Pierce Alexander
A biography of musician Pierce Alexander
Pierce Alexander Releases Debut Album
Musician based out of Charleston, SC has just released a new album.
Color Me Goodwill Fashion Show
Tickets are now on sale for the 6th Annual Color Me Goodwill fashion show!
Tzedek Social justice fund honors local leaders
Tzedek Social Justice Fund announces winners of their Brilliance Awards and shares information about their wonderful program.
Newly Opened Marquee Asheville
Marquee Asheville--a newly opened marketplace in Asheville's RAD.
EMO Night at DSSOLVR
DSSOLVR's Emo Night returns on February 11th.
Nonprofit Energy Savers Network is here to help WNC families
Energy Savers Network is a nonprofit dedicated to lowering energy costs for low-income families in WNC.
Artist Highlight: Matthew Rentz
Matthew Rentz is an Asheville-based painter who specializes in modern, large-scale oil paintings
Breast Cancer Awareness
Here are some helpful resources for those affected by breast cancer.
A Winter of Poetry
Many poetry events taking place this winter at the CCC!
Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum
Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum are back!
Winter Wonderland at Grove Arcade
November 18th through January 3rd the Grove Arcade will be a Winter Wonderland!
Immersive Artistry at Biltmore
November- January the Biltmore hosts "Legends of Art & Innovation"
Autumn Drink Specials 2021
Halloween may be over, but there is still plenty of autumn left in the air and that calls for festive drinking! Here are some of Asheville’s seasonal drinks we’re excited about.
Asheville Asks: Queer students about their relationship with religion
This week on Asheville Asks: Writer Cailey McGinn asks local queer students about their relationships and experiences with religion.
AVL Pumpkin Patches 2021
Our team has put together a list of pumpkin sales in AVL--get em’ before they’re gone, Halloween is near!
Asheville Haunts
One of our Asheville-native bloggers dives into AVL haunts locals grew up on.
Lake Lure Arts and Crafts Festival
Happening tomorrow is the Lake Lure Arts and Crafts Festival!
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands happening October 14th-17th 2021
Feature from The Blue Banner: Virginia Olson, the haunting cold case murder of UNCA
Local student dives into the tragic case of Virginia Olson.
Feature from The Blue Banner: Disaffiliation of sorority sisters raises questions for Greek Life at UNCA
Panhell: Disaffiliation of sorority sisters raises questions for Greek Life at UNCA
Nonprofit Highlight: Wild for Life: Center for Rehabilitation of Wildlife
Local nonprofit Wild for Life: Center for Rehabilitation of Wildlife is working to protect area wildlife.
A feature from The Blue Banner: Catnapper or Predator?
What happened to the cats on Charlotte Street? UNCA student Marisol Melchor investigates in this article, originally featured in The Blue Banner.
Vegetarian Favorites
Here are a few of our favorite Asheville restaurants that serve vegetarian menu options.