AVL LIFE

Patagonia to Asheville

Basically, say what you will, Mallmann is a bad-ass. Not because he can cook, lots of people can claim that title, but because he took his stuffy French training and tossed it in the fires he now cooks with. Who doesn't love a non-conformist?

7 Reasons Bookbinder Sara Brooks Loves Asheville

Ever wonder what goes into making a book or journal? Me neither, until I met sweet-as-honey Sara Brooks.

From Prison Books + Monster Movies to Thomas Wolfe + The Huffington Post

Sarah Giavedoni and Jim MacKenzie do good, have fun, and blog about it. “I value the fact that one project feeds into another and that the ideas keep coming,”

Growing Goodness: Guerrilla Gardening with Chef Steven Goff

Steven Goff, Owner and Chef of King James Public House on Charlotte Street delves into this past time and sheds some light on why he does what he does...

5 Questions with DIG Festival Founder Justin Ferraby

With DIG making it's return the weekend of August 22-23 after a brief hiatus, I asked the festival's founder, Justin Ferraby, a few questions about himself, his many hats, and what we can expect from the event this year.

10 Downtown Asheville Tours for the Tourist in Everyone

Here is a selection of just a few of the most popular and adventurous general or historical tours of Asheville. Don’t forget to bring a tip for your tour guide, and enjoy!

Pirate Party Hullaballoo FUNDdraiser Tonight at Highland Brewering

LEAF presents the 4th annual Benefit of Culture event, this year with an evening full o' pirate themed music, food, drinks, and more. Proceeds will go to benefit six youth arts education programs from around the world.

The Hop to Open New Production Facility, Tasting Room in West Asheville

Call it Sugar Alley. Or maybe Dessert Row. But there's a sweet synergy happening on a stretch of Haywood Road that includes small businesses making cider, cakes, doughnuts and ice cream.

5 Questions with Stu + Briar

A few short months ago, Briar DeHaven knew neither hide nor hair of Stu Helm, the illustrious Facebook food critic. Now, they are total buds and fellow Asheville Grit contributors.

Why I Decided to Stay in Asheville

Rough patches are unique to their owner but also surprisingly universal. However, Asheville has a way of embracing those particular rough patches and painting them with a shade of acceptance and gusto that can only make you want to do one thing; stay.

6 Car Camping Checklist Faves

Sure, I’m super proud of myself when I trail hike in miles with just the things on my back. But I can also get down with drinking a cold beer and lounging around...

Five Questions (and a bonus) with the Asheville Zombie Float Guy

Ben Wiggins has a cool idea. Let’s all dress up like zombies, float down the French Broad River, a waterway that needs our love and attention, and set a world record while doing it.

Roosevelt Collier Super Jam @ The Grey Eagle

Here's a little blast from the past. IamAVL filmed Roosevelt Collier's Super Jam at the Grey Eagle last year.

10 Reasons Artist Gabriel Shaffer Loves Asheville

I was so thrilled to be able to chat with local Appalachian folk artist, Gabriel Shaffer...

Get Ready to Chicken Dance in the Street > Oktoberfest Tickets on Sale August 1

Dust off your lederhosen, dirndls and chicken-dancing shoes! Asheville's favorite Bavarian-themed street party returns to the South Slope on Saturday, October 11.

Top 10 Asheville Breakfasts

I've put together a collection of my ten favorite breakfasts, mostly under $10.00, that you can find around town.

Get Ready for BaconFest 2014

Pork lovers, prepare yourselves. Tickets are now on sale for 105.9 the Mountain's 2nd Annual BaconFest happening on Saturday, August 30th in the outdoor meadow at Highland Brewing.

Asheville Mid-Century Homes by Lawrence J Traber

Take a tour of some mid-century homes in Asheville by architect Lawrence J Traber that "...speaks of modern architecture while retaining that nostalgic sense of home."

30 Things You Already Miss About Bele Chere

Bele Chere is like the "something people love to hate in Asheville" of Asheville events. You either loved it or hated it with a passion. Here are 30 things you might not even know you were gonna miss about it.

IN THE ROAD with Stu Helm and Bikey

If I was driving one of those giant homicidal wrecking machines around, other people would get killed 'n' shit. I don't wanna be killing people!

Party For a Great Cause

The next party thrown by the Asheville Affiliates is Stir Crazy, happening Thursday, July 24 from 6-9 p.m., at The Boathouse...

Effortless Summer Festival Style

During the late summer months our heads are in the office, but our hearts are still floating around the concerts that kicked off the season.

Kelly Denson on Burger Battling + Living the Lush Life

I asked Asheville producer, promoter, and publictist Kelly Denson about what inspires her, the upcoming WNC Battle of the Burger, and what's next.

Inside the Attempt to Unionize the Mountain Xpress

David Forbes of The Asheville Blade talks about the attempt to organize the Mountain Xpress and why Asheville may need more unions.

Bend Your Way Around Asheville’s Breweries with the Travelling Yogini

The Bend and Brew yoga series from the Travelling Yogini offers weekly beginner-level classes at some of the city’s best breweries.

Riverside Restaurant Built From Shipping Containers Coming Together

From its unique physical structure to its unusual menu, the Smoky Park Supper Club promises to be an iconic Asheville restaurant.

Support Your Asheville DJs

Just a few years ago Asheville’s nightlife and dance scene was little more than a few clubs and a feeling of desperation. But lately, the seemingly-endless number of incipient bars and clubs have launched the platform for a thriving DJ arena.

Montford Park Players: One of Asheville's Treasures

Every theatre in town that has developed since the mid-‘70s has some relationship, even if just an indirect one, to Hazel Robinson and her Montford Park Players.

Boy/Girl Stuff

What do you do when your son is obsessed with drawing genitalia and your daughter is panicking because she's not married yet? At the age of 5?

I Went to My First Yoga Class. Hahahaha.

I went to my very first yoga class which, I know living in Asheville for years seems like a weird "first" to be having. But whatever. Here were my thoughts before, during, and after.

The Secret To Getting Out of Jury Duty: Dress Snazzy, Leave Early

I reported this Tuesday along with about 50 other folks in my county. Unlike everyone else, I wore a tie. I suspect this is why I was kicked off a jury.

Asheville's 'Bo Jackson' Chef, Elliot Moss, on Barbecue

Chef Elliot Moss talks about why he decided to open a barbecue restaurant in Asheville, after everything else he's done here.

JAG Associates Unite with Unity Homes in Modern Green Construction

Though well built, cool and efficient, the challenge still remains the cost for modular and kit homes here in Asheville.

Pitching A Tent or A Fit-The Ecstasy & the Agony of Camping

You can get a pretty good sense about a person by finding out where they fall on the camping spectrum.

Ingles Independence Day Celebration this Friday July 4

Find your free 4th of July fun in Downtown Asheville at the Ingles Independence Day Celebration with fireworks, live music and kid's activities.

Staying in the Game Despite Not Raking in the Hundos

Mark Capon, co-owner of Harvest Records, opens up about Harvest's approach to business and why doing what you want in life outweighs financial gain.

Asheville Pocket Guide, a New Print, Smart Phone App and Website Launches

I've watched Sammy put this publication together from its inception, and I can't be more impressed by his entrepreneurial spirit and his love of the Asheville community. I plan to do whatever I can to help the new Asheville Pocket Guide be successful.

International Musicians Gather at Asheville Percussion Festival

When I hear people in Asheville say things like "yeah, Asheville's cool and all, but where is the culture?" I bring up events like the Asheville Percussion Festival that happened June 20-22.

BLURP White Party Kicks Off Summer, After Party to Follow

The 2014 White Party, sponsored by Blue Ridge Pride, is this Friday at the Renaissance Hotel in Downtown Asheville. Proceeds benefit Loving Food Resources and the host organization, Blue Ridge Pride.

Why It’s Cheaper to Travel Than Stay in Asheville!

Whenever I’m about to set out on an exotic trip somewhere, I frequently get comments like: “How can you afford to travel so much?”

Festival Dream Team: Three Asheville Powerhouses Team Up to Plan New Event

Three Asheville women with extensive community connections and experience planning and executing festvials are teaming up to create what they hope will be a new signature event for Asheville.

Americana Burlesque & Sideshow Fest

Asheville's 8th annual ABSfest was a sexy event, to say the least. "Over 2000 people have reveled in the company of our suede, satin, and sparkle, our chicken feathered starlets and our fish-eyed zombie boys."

Thunderheads and Grilled Romaine

Once the clouds broke, it was time for a celebratory grill fire. And once the coals are hot and the meat has been adequately seared and infused with smoke, why not add the salad too?

Architect Brandon Pass on Asheville Modern Architecture

My good friends, architect Brandon Pass and his wife Libby, are two of my favorite people to sit and discuss regional craft and design with over beer and wine. Not only are they both talented - they are just good people who are both passionate about their individual craft.