Best of WNC Pocket Guide (2016-2017)

ICON KEY x THE HALL OF FAME ICON

THE HALL OF FAME DESIGNATION IS RESERVED FOR WINNERS WHO HAVE WON FIRST PLACE FOUR YEARS IN A ROW INCLUDING THIS YEAR (2013 THROUGH 2016).

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

OUTLYING REGIONS:

n a NORTH: Mars Hill, Marshall, Burnsville, Hot Springs, Weaverville

s a SOUTH: Fletcher, Brevard, Saluda, Tryon, Arden/Skyland, Hendersonville, Mills River, Flat Rock

� a EAST: Fairview, Old Fort, Marion, Swannanoa, Black Mountain, Chimney Rock

w a WEST: Candler, Sylva, Murphy, Cherokee,

Cullowhee, Nantahala, Bryson City, Waynesville

`

PARTNER ICONS l

ASHEVILLE GROWN – GO LOCAL NETWORK PARTNER

All Go Local businesses are locally owned and accept the Go Local card. Asheville Grown Business Alliance helps level the playing field for locally owned businesses. (ashevillegrown.com)

j JUST ECONOMICS – CERTIFIED LIVING WAGE BUSINESS Just Economics certifies local companies that pay a living wage. It also educates, advocates and organizes for a just and sustainable local economy. (justeconomicswnc.org)

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS — CLIENT OR ALUM Mountain BizWorks helps local businesses and entrepreneurs with training and loans. It is a U.S. Treasury-certified nonprofit community development institution. (mountainbizworks.org) h WNC GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL — MEMBER

The WNC Green Building Council promotes the construction and upgrading of healthy and environmentally sustainable housing. It organizes and offers training classes and other programs (wncgbc.org)

10

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

KIDS

continued

WNC NATURE CENTER: Best Day Trip For Kids PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

GYMNASTICS PROGRAM 1 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY MOVEMENT n l x

812 Riverside Drive, Asheville 254-6060 • ashevillecommunitymovement. com/blog

KIDS’ CLOTHES 1 CHILDREN’S TRADING POST n 633 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-5432 • childrenstradingpost.com

2 THE LITTLEST BIRDS w j z l

2 OSEGA GYMNASTICS E a

647 Haywood Road, Asheville 253-4747 • thelittlestbirds.com

3 HAHN’S GYMNASTICS s a

1 DANCING BEAR TOYS E s l x

1800 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 665-0004 • osegagym.com 18 Legend Drive, Arden 684-8832 • hahnsgymnastics.com

MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM 1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO TAE KWON DO w x

1009 Patton Ave., Asheville 505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com

TOY STORE 518 Kenilworth Road, Asheville 255-8697 • dancingbeartoys.com l

2 THE TOY BOX n

793 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-8697 • toyboxasheville.com

3 O.P. TAYLOR’S s

2 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 681-1865 • optaylors.com

2 KASUMI MOUNTAIN MARTIAL ARTS n

640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 207, Asheville 280-0624 • ashevilleninjas.com

YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM 1 ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION E 410 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 299-7277 • abysa.org

2 YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA dns 30 Woodfin St., Asheville 210-9622 • ymcawnc.org 40 N. Merrimon Ave., Asheville 505-3990 3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 651-9622

For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

3 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO TAE KWON DO w 1009 Patton Ave., Asheville 505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com

100

OUTDOOR EDUCATION NONPROFIT 1 NC OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL E 2582 Riceville Road, Asheville 299-3366 • ncobs.org

2 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM s

100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 665-2492 • ncarboretum.org

3 WNC NATURE CENTER E

75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 259-8080 • wncnaturecenter.com

DAY CAMP 1 CAMP RUACH d

Asheville Jewish Community Center, 236 Charlotte St., Asheville 253-0701 • jcc-asheville.org

2 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY MOVEMENT n l

812 Riverside Drive, Asheville 254-6060 • ashevillecommunitymovement. com/blog

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

2 EVERGREEN COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL E

2 ROBERT LAKE PARK E a

50 Bell Road, Asheville 298-2173 • evergreenccs.org

Montreat Conference Center, 401 Assembly Drive, Montreat 419-9844 • montreat.org/play

3 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM s

3 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w

100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 665-2492 • ncarboretum.org

PEDIATRIC PRACTICE - GENERAL

NATURE CAMP

1 ABC PEDIATRICS OF ASHEVILLE s x

1 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM s

100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 665-2492 • ncarboretum.org

2 ALL TAXA BIODIVERSITY CAMP (WNC Nature Center) E 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 259-8080 • wildwnc.org

3 FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS - RUN WILD! SUMMER CAMP E 472 Shope Creek Road, Asheville 338-9787 • ontheforestfloor.org

64 Peachtree Road, Suite 100, Asheville 277-3000 • abcasheville.com

2 FRENCH BROAD PEDIATRICS n 40 Merrimon Ave., Suite 117, Asheville 348-8232 • frenchbroadpeds.com

3 ASHEVILLE PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES s

2 Medical Park Drive, Suite 1000, Asheville 254-5326 • ashevillepediatrics.com

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY PRACTICE

OVERNIGHT CAMP 1 CAMP ROCKMONT E a

375 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 686-3885 • rockmont.com

PLAYGROUND 1 CARRIER PARK w x

574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org

220 Amboy Road, Asheville ashevillenc.gov/Portals/0/city-documents/ parks/0parks/Carrier_Park.pdf

1 GREAT BEGINNINGS s

10-B Yorkshire St., Asheville 274-9220 • greatbeginningspedo.com

2 BEST BITES DENTAL s

11 Yorkshire Street, Asheville 274-4744 • drjoshdentistry.com

3 ASHEVILLE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY s

76 Peachtree Road, Suite 100, Asheville 277-6788 • ashevillepedo.com

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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PETS

THE SOAPY DOG: Best Pet Kennel PHOTO BY SCOTT SOUTHWICK

O

ur pets are extensions of ourselves. On a leash (handmade, of course, by local artisans from sustainable hemp with 100 percent of the proceeds supporting Puppies With No Homes) or on a rope (the lead of choice for transient busking youth dressed in earth-toned clothing often seen in large groups on downtown sidewalks with multiple dogs in tow) — Asheville is filled with people accompanied by four-legged companions. Even an occasional goat can be spotted on the sidewalk (folks, consider keeping your livestock at home).

If you didn’t notice the dogs — on tethers, in strollers, in backpacks and sometimes in wheelchairs, not to mention at outdoor seating in nearly every Asheville restaurant — check out the bumper stickers and the outpouring of support for our pet-centric nonprofit agencies.

We have rescue organizations for dogs, cats, wildlife, chickens, goats, horses and other farm animals. We have rescue agencies for humans using animals as therapists to help veterans, troubled youth, prison populations, survivors of trauma and hospital patients.

Ashevilleans rate and sort each other on their level of professed animal kindness: Many restaurants and bars have vegan options so everyone can feel included. We have animal-friendly bars, restaurants, hotels and outdoor spots to enjoy time with your pet (or the pet of the guy in the next booth over). We even voted Brother Wolf’s Outward Hounds best Hiking Club Or Group.

The variety of pet-based services runs the gamut from grooming to acupuncture, from pet-behavior training to pet psychics, and illustrates that our animal friends aren’t just keeping us company, they’re an economic force unto themselves.

— Dan Hesse and Susan Hutchinson X

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MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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PETS

continued

ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF NORTH ASHEVILLE: Best Veterinary Services PHOTO BY THOMAS CALDER

VETERINARY SERVICES 1 ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF NORTH ASHEVILLE (AHNA) n j x 1 Beaverdam Road, Asheville 253-3393 • ahna.net

2 CHARLOTTE STREET ANIMAL HOSPITAL d

208 Charlotte St., Asheville 232-0440 • charlottestreetanimalhospital.com

3 PET VET ON PATTON w

2 Hansel Ave., Asheville 232-9990 • petvetonpatton.com

ALTERNATIVE PET HEALTH-CARE PROVIDER 1 DR. ANDREA FOCHIOS (People & Pets Acupuncture) w x 16 Harris Ave., Asheville 254-2773

2 DR. LAUREL DAVIS (Sunvet Animal Wellness) d

251A Haywood St., Asheville 254-2221 • sunvetanimalwellness.com

3 JACLYN AMBER (Charlotte Street Animal Hospital) d

208 Charlotte St., Asheville 232-0440 • charlottestreetanimalhospital.com

PET SUPPLY STORE 1 PATTON AVENUE PET COMPANY dws j l

1388 Patton Ave., Asheville 505-8299 • pattonavenuepet.com 109 Patton Ave., Asheville • 255-7737 582 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville • 575-9282

PET KENNEL 1 THE SOAPY DOG r z l 270 Depot St., Asheville 350-0333 • thesoapydog.com

2 PET VET ON PATTON w

2 Hansel Ave., Asheville 232-9990 • petvetonpatton.com

3 HAPPY TAILS COUNTRY CLUB s a 1984 Cane Creek Road, Fletcher 628-8510 • happytailscc.com

PET DAYCARE FACILITY 1 PET VET ON PATTON w

2 Hansel Ave., Asheville 232-9990 • petvetonpatton.com

2 YOU WORK I’LL PLAY DOG DAYCARE AND TRAINING w 677-A Brevard Road, Asheville 665-1010 • ywipdogdaycare.com

3 CANINE SOCIAL CLUB (Charlotte Street Animal Hospital) d 178 Charlotte St., Asheville 774-5668 • charlottestreetanimalhospital. com

THANK YOU

3 THE SOAPY DOG r z l 270 Depot St., Asheville 350-0333 • thesoapydog.com FOR

VOTING! PET-SITTING SERVICE

1 AROUND TOWN HOUND

216-0161 • aroundtownhound.com

2 PETSMART E

150 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville 298-5670 • petsmart.com

3 ASHEVILLE PET SUPPLY n 1451 Merrimon Ave., Asheville

252-2054 • ashevillepetsupply.com

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X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

KNOW ASHEVILLE LIKE A ` LOCAL

X

THANK YOU for VOTING US #1 National 2014 Practice of the Year, Internal Medicine Specialist, Gentle 24 Hour Nursing Care, Advanced & Accurate Dental Care, Gold Standard Feline Practice, Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery, Endoscopy, Ultrasound, Digital X-Ray, Video Ear Diagnostics, Advanced Pain Control, Extended Hours

Unsurpassed in Caring • State-of-the-Art • Affordable • Serving all WNC

1 Beaverdam Road at Merrimon Ave. • 828-253-3393 ahna.net • Join us on Facebook ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner) MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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PETS

continued

GROOMING SERVICE

PET-FRIENDLY BAR

1 WAGGERS DOG DEPOT n z x 1020 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 271-4741 • waggersdogdepot.com

1 WEDGE BREWING COMPANY r j z

37 Paynes Way, Asheville 505-2792 • wedgebrewing.com

2 CANINE SHEAR HEAVEN s j z l

2 BYWATER r

796 Riverside Drive, Asheville bywaterbar.com

422 McDowell St., Asheville 254-3386 • canineshearheaven.com

3 BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE & CHAMPAGNE BAR d

3 THE SOAPY DOG r z l 270 Depot St., Asheville 350-0333 • thesoapydog.com

Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 252-0020 • batteryparkbookexchange.com

TRAINER/TRAINING CENTER

PET-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

1 MINDFUL MUTZ TRAINING & BEHAVIOR z

1 AVENUE M n l

230-6389 • mindfulmutz.com

791 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 350-8181 • avenuemavl.com

2 THE DOG DOOR d z

2 UNIVERSAL JOINT w

3 A GOOD DOG’S LIFE w

3 ASHEVILLE PIZZA AND BREWING CO. dn l

1 Battle Square, Suite A, Asheville 656-8305 • dogdoorcanineservices.com

784 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-7262 • ujasheville.com

33 Hidden Acres Drive, Asheville 667-3221 • agooddogslife.com

675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-1281 • ashevillebrewing.com 77 Coxe Ave., Asheville 255-4077 • ashevillebrewing.com

ANIMAL SHELTER/RESCUE ORGANIZATION

3 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w z l

1 BROTHER WOLF ANIMAL RESCUE s l x

626 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com

31 Glendale Ave., Asheville 505-3440 • bwar.org

2 ASHEVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY w l 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville 761-2001 • ashevillehumane.org

3 BOXER BUTTS & OTHER MUTTS boxerbuttsandothermutts.org

1 ALOFT ASHEVILLE DOWNTOWN d x

51 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 232-2838 • aloftashevilledowntown.com

2 OMNI GROVE PARK INN n

OUTDOOR PLACE TO TAKE YOUR DOG

290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • omnigroveparkinn.com

1 CARRIER PARK/ FRENCH BROAD RIVER PARK w x 220 Amboy Road/508 Riverview Dr., Asheville avl.mx/181

PET-FRIENDLY HOTEL

3 HOTEL INDIGO d

151 Haywood St., Asheville 239-0239 • ashevilleindigo.com

2 BENT CREEK EXPERIMENTAL FOREST s srs.fs.usda.gov/bentcreek

3 BILTMORE ESTATE s

1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com

ICON KEY

BEST OF WNC

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST IS ALSO ONLINE AREA dOWNTOWN

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

BestofWNC.com

106

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

The Soapy Dog family would like to thank you for voting us “Best of” 5 years in a row.

We look forward to serving you for many more years!

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 2003

THING THING NORTH NORTH ASHEVILLE ASHEVILLE NEEDS NEEDS

Street Repair

Pool

Pizza

More Food `

Restaurants Traffic Calming

Walking Trails

Greenways Park

Kid-Friendly Activities

Turn Lanes on Merrimon

Affordable Housing

Bars

Bicycle Dog Park Infastructure

Movie Theater

Sidewalks

This word createdisbycreated combining key words and fromand theideas write-in answers Thiscloud wordis cloud by combining keyideas words from the from write-in from thispeople year’swho reader Thethe more people whoappears. this yearʼs readeranswers survey. The more gave survey. an answer, bigger the word gave an answer, the bigger the word appears.

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

107

UNIQUELY ASHEVILLE

WEST ASHEVILLE: Best Neighborhood PHOTO BY ADAM MCMILLAN

S

ince its incorporation in 1797, Asheville has been a unique town (and by 1883, a unique city). Whether it was due to the mile-long line of livestock paraded along Drovers Road (modern-day Broadway) or the well-read millionaire intent on calling the mountains (125,000 acres of them) his home or the former Rhododendron Festival (with its yearly coronation of its Rhododendron King and Queen) — we’ve had a rich history of unique people, places and events.

Such traditions continue today with 2016’s Best Of Uniquely Asheville lineup. The Campaign for Southern Equality took the honors as the best Activist Group and West Asheville Exchange won a brand-new category, best Neighborhood Organization. On the other side of the spectrum, chains and hotels tied for first place as the Biggest Threats to Asheville’s Charm.

City Councilman Cecil Bothwell retained his first-place position as best Local Politician and his third-place spot as Local Villain. Meanwhile, in the best Local Politician race, presumptive District 1 representative on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, made her debut, placing third in a close race with Mayor Esther Manheimer.

And to help to ensure our uniqueness for years to come, voters chose “Keep Asheville Weird” as both Slogan and Bumper Sticker of choice and tapped LaZoom Tours as best Local City Tour.

Surprisingly, affordable housing didn’t make the list on any of our neighborhoods’ needs this time around. Restaurants, however, remain the top desire in North Asheville. Parking is West Asheville’s and Downtown’s No. 1 wish. South Asheville crowned a new goal for itself, improved traffic, while a tight race in the River Arts District saw sidewalks sharing its former reign with the need for more bicycle infrastructure.

Are things getting better or worse in Asheville? According to this year’s Best of WNC voters, 36 percent say better, 29 percent say worse and 19 percent say there’s no change.

—Thomas Calder X

108

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

PROJECT YOU’D LIKE TO SEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT DO

NEIGHBORHOOD 1 WEST ASHEVILLE x 2 MONTFORD 3 NORTH ASHEVILLE

1 SIDEWALKS 2 GREENWAYS 3 BIKE LANES

FUNDRAISING EVENT 1 DINING OUT FOR LIFE (WNCAP) j 252-7489 • diningoutforlife.com/asheville

2 WALK A MILE ASHEVILLE (Our VOICE) j

LOCAL HERO 1 DENISE BITZ, (founder and president of Brother Wolf Animal Rescue) s l 31 Glendale Ave., Asheville • bwar.org

252-0562 • ourvoicenc.org

3 DRAG QUEEN BINGO (Brother Wolf Animal Rescue) l 505-3440 • bwar.org

2 JASMINE BEACH-FERRARA jasmineforbuncombe.org

3 CECIL BOTHWELL cecilbothwell.com

ACTIVIST GROUP FOR CIVIC/ POLITICAL ACTION

LOCAL VILLAIN 1 CARL MUMPOWER

1 CAMPAIGN FOR SOUTHERN EQUALITY j

drmumpower.com

242-1559 • southernequality.org

2 CHAD NESBITT 3 CECIL BOTHWELL

2 MOUNTAIN TRUE d j

29 N. Market St., Suite 610, Asheville 258-8737 • mountaintrue.org

cecilbothwell.com

NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION 1 WAX (West Asheville Exchange on Facebook)

Voted Best B&B or Small Boutique Hotel

avl.mx/1bk

2 KENILWORTH

TO SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING WHILE YOU’RE IN TOWN, CHECK OUT

Your neighborhood icon since 1924

`

828.258.0986 • 301 E. Chestnut St. www.princessannehotel.com

MOUNTAINX.COM

ICON KEY

BEST OF WNC

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST IS ALSO ONLINE AREA dOWNTOWN

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

BestofWNC.com

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

109

OUR MISSION To build community

`

and strengthen democracy by serving an engaged, thoughtful constituency at the local level – where the impact of citizen action is greatest. We report on local events, regional issues and the area’s vibrant artsand-culture scene – independently, fairly and in-depth.

We partner with the community to create an ongoing civic dialogue.

We offer exceptional and affordable media opportunities for local businesses, professionals and nonprofit groups to promote their offerings to the community.

Serving WNC since 1994 MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

11

UNIQUELY ASHEVILLE

cont.

CAMPAIGN FOR SOUTHERN EQUALITY: Best Activist Group For Civic/Political Action PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

MOST DYSFUNCTIONAL INTERSECTION

LOCAL POLITICIAN 1 CECIL BOTHWELL x cecilbothwell.com

2 ESTHER MANHEIMER

facebook.com/EstherManheimerMayor

3 JASMINE BEACH-FERRARA jasmineforbuncombe.org

1 I-26/I-240/BOWMAN BRIDGE/ PATTON AVE. MERGE 2 PATTON AVE & LEICESTER HIGHWAY 3 AIRPORT ROAD BIGGEST THREAT TO ASHEVILLE’S CHARM

BUMPER STICKER 1 KEEP ASHEVILLE WEIRD x 2 BERNIE SANDERS 2016 3 DON’T POSTPONE JOY SLOGAN ABOUT ASHEVILLE

1 CHAINS 1 HOTELS 2 OVERDEVELOPMENT 3 TOURISTS

1 KEEP ASHEVILLE WEIRD 2 A CESSPOOL OF SIN PLACE TO GET MARRIED 1 BILTMORE ESTATE s x 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com

NONPROFIT THAT IMPROVES ASHEVILLE 1 BROTHER WOLF ANIMAL RESCUE s l 31 Glendale Ave., Asheville 505-3440 • bwar.org

2 OMNI GROVE PARK INN n

2 ASHEVILLE GREENWORKS w j

290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • omnigroveparkinn.com

2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville 254-1776 • ashevillegreenworks.org

3 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM s

3 ASHEVILLE AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY s

100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 665-2492 • ncarboretum.org

BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO ASHEVILLE IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS 1 NEW BELGIUM BREWING r

21 Craven St., Asheville 333-6900 • newbelgium.com/Brewery/ asheville

NEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECT 1 NEW BELGIUM BREWING r

21 Craven St., Asheville 333-6900 • newbelgium.com/Brewery/ asheville

110

33 Meadow Road, Asheville 251-5702 • ashevillehabitat.org

NONPROFIT THAT SERVES THE UNDERPRIVILEGED 1 MANNA FOODBANK E j

627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 299-3663 • mannafoodbank.org

2 HOMEWARD BOUND d j

218 Patton Avenue, Asheville 258-1695 • homewardboundwnc.org

3 ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN MINISTRY d 30 Cumberland Ave., Asheville 259-5300 • abccm.org

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

PLACE TO TAKE YOUR VISITING FAMILY

REASON TO VISIT ASHEVILLE 1 THE MOUNTAINS 2 BEER 3 FOOD

1 BILTMORE ESTATE s x 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com

LOCAL CITY TOUR 1 LAZOOM TOURS d j z l x 14 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 225-6932 • lazoomtours.com

2 GRAY LINE HISTORIC TROLLEY TOURS OF ASHEVILLE d Hop on or off at various locations 251-8687 • graylineasheville.com

3 AMAZING PUBCYCLE d z 214-5010 • amazingpubcycle.com

LOCAL ASHEVILLE ATTRACTION 1 BILTMORE ESTATE s x

blueridgeparkway.org

3 OMNI GROVE PARK INN n

290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • omnigroveparkinn.com

HOTEL 1 OMNI GROVE PARK INN n x

290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • omnigroveparkinn.com

2 ALOFT ASHEVILLE DOWNTOWN d

1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com

51 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 232-2838 • aloftashevilledowntown.com

2 BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY blueridgeparkway.org

3 ASHEVILLE DRUM CIRCLE d avl.mx/2o3

3 LAZOOM TOURS d j z l 14 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 225-6932 • lazoomtours.com

PLACE TO TAKE YOUR ECCENTRIC FRIENDS 1 ASHEVILLE DRUM CIRCLE d http://avl.mx/2o3

2 DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE 3 LAZOOM TOURS d j z l 14 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 225-6932 • lazoomtours.com

2 BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

3 HOTEL INDIGO d

151 Haywood St., Asheville 239-0239 • ashevilleindigo.com

B&B OR SMALL BOUTIQUE HOTEL 1 PRINCESS ANNE HOTEL d

301 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 258-0986 • princessannehotel.com

2 THE WINDSOR BOUTIQUE HOTEL d

36 Broadway, Asheville 844-494-6376 • windsorasheville.com

BEST OF WNC IS ALSO ONLINE BestofWNC.com MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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MEDIA

WCQS - WNC PUBLIC RADIO: Best Local Radio Station (Noncommercial) PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

T

he medium is the message, declared media prophet Marshall McLuhan 52 years ago, and while there’s certainly an array of hot and cold media from which residents of Asheville and Western North Carolina get their news — Xpress readers still prefer theirs from “cool” print rather than online: 59 percent say they get their Xpress fix either entirely or mostly in print, compared to 14 percent who rely all or mostly on the web, according to this year’s online poll. Adding support for print, survey respondents (to an online poll, of all things) read, on average, more than two print publications per week.

Congratulations go to two longtime Best of WNC winners (five years or more in a row): The Laurel of Asheville took top honors once again for Free Publication Other Than Xpress, while ashevegas.com held on to its title for Local Website Other Than MountainX.com.

WCQS remained the No. 1 Local Noncommercial Radio Station for the second year in a row, and Asheville Citizen-Times “Answer Man” John Boyle was once again voted the best Local Print News Reporter, a title he’s held on to for five years running. Recently departed and beloved movie reviewer Ken Hanke maintained his prominence in readers’ minds: Cranky Hanke was again voted Favorite Feature In Xpress.

There was some shake-up at the top, however: Jeff Messer of 880 The Revolution took over the top spot for Local Radio Personality in this year’s voting, while WLOS’ reigning queen Darcel Grimes must share her laurels with her colleague Jay Siltzer in the Local TV Personality/Announcer category. And in the brand-new category of best Local Commercial Radio Station, 98.1 The River took the blue ribbon with its eclectic blend of genres and tastes.

— Max Hunt X

112

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

LOCAL RADIO STATION (COMMERCIAL) 1 98.1 THE RIVER w

1190 Patton Ave., Asheville 259-9695 • 981theriver.com

LOCAL PRINT NEWS REPORTER CONTINUED 1 JOHN BOYLE (Asheville Citizen-Times) d x 14 O Henry Ave., Asheville 252-5610 • citizen-times.com

2 99.9 KISS COUNTRY w

LOCAL TV PERSONALITY/ANNOUNCER

13 Summerlin Road, Asheville 99kisscountry.com

1 DARCEL GRIMES (WLOS) s x

3 97.7 THE BREW w

110 Technology Drive, Asheville 684-1340 • wlos.com

13 Summerlin Road, Asheville 977thebrew.iheart.com

LOCAL RADIO STATION (NONCOMMERCIAL)

1 JAY SILTZER (WLOS) s 110 Technology Drive, Asheville 684-1340 • wlos.com

1 WCQS - WNC PUBLIC RADIO d j l

2 TAMMY WATFORD (WLOS) s

2 WNCW (88.7) E a

3 JASON BOYER (WLOS) s

73 Broadway, Asheville 210-4800 • wcqs.org

Isothermal Community College, 286 ICC Loop Road, Spindale 287-8000 • wncw.org

3 103.3 ASHEVILLE FM w z l 864 Haywood Road, Asheville 348-0352 • AshevilleFM.org

FREE PUBLICATION OTHER THAN XPRESS 1 THE LAUREL OF ASHEVILLE d x 46 Haywood St., Suite 210, Asheville 670-7503 • thelaurelofasheville.com

2 WNC WOMAN

110 Technology Drive, Asheville 684-1340 • wlos.com 110 Technology Dr., Asheville

LOCAL WEBSITE OTHER THAN MOUNTAINX.COM 1 ASHVEGAS.COM x 2 ROMANTICASHEVILLE.COM 3 ASHEVILLE CITIZEN-TIMES d 14 O’Henry Ave., Asheville 800-672-2472 • citizen-times.com

FAVORITE FEATURE IN XPRESS 1 CRANKY HANKE REVIEWS — R.I.P. x

649-9555 • wncwoman.com

mountainx.com/movies/reviews

3 SOPHIE MAGAZINE sophiemagazine.com

2 THEATRE REVIEWS BY JEFF MESSER

MOST IMPORTANT LOCAL NEWS STORY 1 HOUSE BILL 2 MOST OVER-REPORTED STORY

mountainx.com/author/upstage

3 CLUBLAND

mountainx.com/clubland

3 News of the Weird newsoftheweird.com

1 HOUSE BILL 2 2 DONALD TRUMP 3 WAKING LIFE COFFEE SCANDAL LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY 1 JEFF MESSER (The Jeff Messer Show, 880 AM, The Revolution) w 13 Summerlin Road, Asheville 257-2700 • 880therevolution.com

2 EDDIE FOXX (The Eddie Foxx Show, 99.9 FM, Kiss Country) w 13 Summerlin Road, Asheville 257-2700 • 99kisscountry.com

3 JOSH MICHAEL (Josh and Amanda in the Morning, Star 104.3 FM) w 13 Summerlin Road, Asheville 257-2700 • star1043.com

CONGRATS TO THIS YEARS

WINNERS!

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

DR. MEREDITH POLANSKY (OUR FAMILY DOCTOR): Best Physician PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

Y

ou have to be on your game to be the Best in WNC in Health and Wellness. Asheville’s history and reputation have made it a center of excellence in health care. Area hospitals consistently win national awards. Our clinics and practitioners — both traditional and alternative — draw both tourists and locals.

The abundance of alternative health care modalities, in combination with the availability of top-rated traditional treatments, makes Asheville a great place to live as well as visit for wellness-related issues. Where else could you see a world-class cardiologist in the morning, indulge in a color-light wrap with aura imaging in the afternoon and chill out in a salt cave in the evening?

Asheville’s renown as a wellness destination dates to the 1870s, when its climate and fresh mountain air began to draw people for the treatment of tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases. In 1871, the first sanitarium in the country, The Villa, was established in what is now the Kenilworth area. With the arrival of the railroad in Asheville in 1880, thousands of health-seekers flocked to the city.

Boardinghouses catered to visitors who reclined on sleeping porches to take in “the cure.” Doctors at the beginning of the 20th century proclaimed the Asheville plateau between the mountains as the great sanitarium of the eastern United States, helping to establish the town as a health care mecca.

Our focus on wellness continues into the 21st century. The local healthcare industry is thriving, posting 14 percent growth in jobs between 2010-2015, according to Bureau of Labor statistics. And according to Xpress’ 2015 reader poll, 95 percent of us walk or jog, and just over one-third do yoga. Participants in this year’s Best of WNC reader poll voted most heavily for best Physician and Dentist — and also for best Massage Therapist, Yoga Studio and Chiropractor.

— Susan Foster X

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HEALTH & WELLNESS PHYSICIAN

cont.

ACUPUNCTURIST

1 DR. MEREDITH POLANSKY (Our Family Doctor) d

1 LIZ ROSEMAN (Sustainable Health Acupuncture) d

2 DAVID (GUS) VICKERY s

2 WHITNEY MADDEN (Source For Well-Being) E a

43 Oakland Road, Asheville 252-2511 • ourfamilydoctorasheville.com 15 Yorkshire St., Asheville 274-1600 • vickeryfamilymed.com

2 MICHAEL WEIZMAN, MD d

43 Oakland Road, Asheville 252-2511 • ourfamilydoctorasheville.com

3 BRIAN LEWIS (Integrative Family Medicine of Asheville) r j 372 Depot St., Asheville 575-9600 • integrativeasheville.org

3 NICOLE OGG (Dry Ridge Family Medicine) n a 104 North Main St., Weaverville 645-7974 • dryridgefamilymedicine.com

PEDIATRICIAN 1 DR. LAUREN KEELY CARLISLE (French Broad Pediatrics) n

36 Clayton St., Asheville 333-4614 • Acupuncture-in-Asheville.com

78 Riddle Road, Swannanoa 778-4180 • sourceforwellbeing.com

3 CAT FINKS (Asheville Community Acupuncture) w z 378 Haywood Road, Asheville 777-8804 • communityacupuncture.com

HOSPITAL 1 MISSION HEALTH s x 509 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 213-1111 • mission-health.org

2 PARK RIDGE HEALTH s a

100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville 855-774-5433 • parkridgehealth.org

3 PARDEE HOSPITAL s a

800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville 696-1000 • pardeehospital.org

40 N. Merrimion Ave., Suite 117, Asheville 348-8232 • frenchbroadpeds.com

2 JOHN S. PASCHALL, MD s

64 Peachtree Rd, Suite 100 Nettlewood Professional Park, Asheville 277-3000 • abcasheville.com

3 DR. HOPE MUSTOE (ABC Pediatrics) s

64 Peachtree Road, Suite 100, Asheville 277-3000 • abcasheville.com

CHIROPRACTOR 1 DEREK KASTEN (One Love Chiropractic) n

959 Merrimon Ave., Suite 201, Asheville 505-1584 • onelovechiropractic.com

EMERGENCY ROOM 1 MISSION EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT s

509 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 213-1111 • mission-health.org

2 PARK RIDGE HEALTH EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT s a 100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville 855-774-5433 • parkridgehealth.org/er

PLACE TO GET MEDICAL CARE WHEN UNDER- OR UNINSURED 1 WNC COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES d 257 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 285-0622 • wncchs.org

2 BRENT MYERS (Myers Chiropractic and Functional Health) s

2 MISSION HEALTH s

3 DR. J. ANYA HARRIS, DC d

3 INTEGRATIVE FAMILY MEDICINE OF ASHEVILLE r j

3106 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 676-0963 • bmyerschiro.com

36 Clayton St., Asheville 335-2208 • crystalignchiropractic.com

509 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 213-1111 • mission-health.org

372 Depot St., Suite 10, Asheville 575-9600 • integrativeasheville.org

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

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#1 Acupuncturist

Liz Roseman

“Thank you for voting me #1 Acupuncturist for the third year.

It is a great honor!”

Specializing in:

Women's Health Insomnia

Fertility Struggles Digestive Issues

Emotional Issues Pain

Sustainable Health Acupuncture 828-333-4614 • 36 Clayton St, Asheville, NC 28801

www.acupuncture-in-asheville.com liz@acupuncture-in-asheville.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

cont.

WNC COMMUNTY HEALTH SERVICES: Best Place To Get Medical Care When Under- or Uninsured PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

EYE CARE SPECIALIST/SERVICE 1 ASHEVILLE EYE ASSOCIATES s 8 Medical Park Drive, Asheville 258-1586 • ashevilleeye.com

2 ENVISION EYECARE d j

180 Charlotte St., Asheville 254-6757 • myenvisioneyecare.com

3 TUNNEL VISION E 4 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 298-6500 • tunnelvisionasheville.com

DENTIST 1 TIMOTHY E. GILLESPIE d x

MASSAGE THERAPIST 1 ERIN BROWN (Sync Bodywork) d l

59 Charlotte St., Asheville 571-438-3474 • syncbodywork.com

2 ZACH COMER (Advanced Pain Relief Therapy) d 191 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 776-1392 • medicalmassageasheville.com

3 KRISTINA BERKELEY (Sattva Massage & Botanicals) d 24 Arlington St., Asheville 712-6229 • sattvaasheville.com

36 Orange St., Asheville 252-9351 • drtimgillespie.com

2 SCOTT PEELE s

1087 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-4747 • ashevilledentalwellness.com

3 MARK A. KNOLLMAN, DDS, PA E 600-B Centrepark Drive, Asheville 254-5677 • drknollman.com

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

FAMILY MEDICAL PRACTICE 1 THE FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS dsw l 206 Asheland Ave., Asheville 258-8681 • fhconline.com

2161 Hendersonville Road, Arden 258-8681 1219 Smokey Park Highway, Candler 258-8681

1 PHIL ROLFE PT, DPT, ATC n

2 OUR FAMILY DOCTOR d

61 N. Merrimon Ave., Asheville 484-8398 • perfectbalancept.com

43 Oakland Road, Asheville 252-2511 • ourfamilydoctorasheville.com

2 LEE PLAMANN (Physio Physical Therapy And Wellness) n

3 INTEGRATIVE FAMILY MEDICINE OF ASHEVILLE r j

640 Merrimon Ave Suite 107, Asheville 348-1780 • PhysioWNC.com

372 Depot St., Suite 10, Asheville 575-9600 • integrativeasheville.org

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

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VOTED 1ST/2ND PLACE ACUPUNCTURIST 5 OUT OF 6 YEARS! Specializing in Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine to restore balance and reclaim vitality in body, mind and spirit.

78 Riddle Road, Swannanoa, NC 28778 Whitney Madden 828-778-4180 • www.sourceforwellbeing.com

Thank you WNC!

WINNER

OurFamilyDoctorAsheville.com

Thanks for voting us to the top!

The best primary care doctors under one roof.

Now taking new patients! 828.252.2511

Our Mission is Your Vision

Thank You WNC!

Asheville Eye Associates thanks Mountain Xpress readers for voting us Best Eye Care Specialist!

Serving the communities of

Asheville, South Asheville, Hendersonville, Sylva, Franklin, Clyde, Hayesville, and Boone NC Ashevilleeye.com | (828)258-1586 MOUNTAIN XPRESS

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EATS

NINE MILE: Favorite Restaurant and Best Salad (tie) PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

I

n a food-obsessed town like Asheville, Best of WNC voting is fiercely competitive in the Eats categories.

Thousands of readers cast ballots in support of their most beloved restaurants, chefs and edibles.

Xpress readers come by their opinions through experience.

They eat at full-service restaurants more than six times per month, according to this year’s survey. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that the most heavily voted category each year is Favorite Restaurant. This year’s race resulted in an interesting upset.

In 2013, Spanish tapas powerhouse Cúrate claimed the top spot (and held it through 2015) — while in that same year, the Caribbean-inspired Nine Mile entered the rankings in third, moving up each subsequent year until it tied with Cúrate in 2015. But this year, voters put Nine Mile in the winner’s circle, with Curate ranking second.

A multitude of voters weighed in on who should lay claim to Asheville’s best New Restaurant. With numerous fledgling eateries opening in the past year, the options were many. When the counting was done, the honors went to Red Ginger — which has brought dim sum to town, a genre many voters had identified over the years as Restaurant Still Needed In Asheville. Placing second in the New Restaurant category was Copper Crown, which, despite being only a few months old, was also voted best Restaurant In East Asheville. Other culinary newcomers found their way into various Eats categories as well: For example, while White Duck Taco maintained its years-long hold on the No. 1 slot in the Taco competition, TacoBilly splashed into second place just a few months after its debut.

— Gina Smith X

12

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

HEALTH & WELLNESS WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER

HERBAL SUPPLEMENT STORE

1 ASHEVILLE WOMEN’S MEDICAL CENTER d x

1 FRENCH BROAD FOOD CO-OP d j l

2 MAHEC OB/GYN SPECIALISTS s

2 EARTH FARE sw

143 Ashland Ave., Asheville 258-9191 • ashevillewomens.com 119 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 771-5500 • mahec.net

3 LAUREL OB/GYN d

41 Oakland Road, Suite 200, Asheville 253-5381 • laurelobgyn.com

MIDWIFERY/BIRTHING SERVICES 1 HOMEGROWN BABIES d

90 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-7650 • frenchbroadfood.coop 1856 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 210-0100 • EarthFare.com 66 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 253-7656

3 GREENLIFE GROCERY (Whole Foods) d

70 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-5440 • wholefoodsmarket.com

201 Charlotte St., Asheville 777-8899 • homegrownbabies.com

2 MAHEC OB/GYN SPECIALISTS s 119 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 771-5500 • mahec.net

PYSCHOLOGIST/COUNSELOR 1 JAMES COLVIN, MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST, MDIV, LMFT d 16 Arlington St., Asheville 424-7941 • balanceu.com

2 LAUREN WOODARD, LCSW (Bloom Counseling and Consulting) d 20 Battery Park Ave., Suite 802, Asheville 775-9178 • laurenwoodardlcsw.com

HOSPICE 1 CAREPARTNERS s x

68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 277-4800 • carepartners.org

2 FOUR SEASONS COMPASSION FOR LIFE s 571 S. Allen Rd., Flat Rock 692-6178 • fourseasonscfl.org

MORTUARY/FUNERAL SERVICES 1 GROCE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE w E s j l x 1401 Patton Ave., Asheville 252-3535 • grocefuneralhome.com 856 Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-4416 72 Long Shoals Road, Arden 687-3530

2 WEST FAMILY FUNERAL SERVICES n a

17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 645-3011 • westfamilyfuneralservices.com

3 MORRIS FUNERAL HOME d

304 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 252-1821 • morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com

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cont.

YOGA STUDIO 1 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY YOGA n l x

8 Brookdale Road, Suite A, Asheville 255-5575 • ashevillecommunityyoga.com

2 ASHEVILLE YOGA CENTER d j 211 S. Liberty St., Asheville 254-0380 • youryoga.com

3 HOT YOGA ASHEVILLE E l

802 Fairview Road, Suite 100, Asheville 299-7003 • hotyogaasheville.com

YOGA TEACHER 1 MICHAEL GREENFIELD (Asheville Community Yoga) n

8 Brookdale Road, Suite A, Asheville 255-5575 • ashevillecommunityyoga.com

2 CINDY DOLLAR (One Center Yoga) d l

120 Coxe Ave., 3rd Floor, Asheville 225-1904 • onecenteryoga.com

3 MICHAEL JOHNSON (Clearlight Yoga) Ashevile Yoga Center and West Asheville Yoga clearlightyoga.com

PHYSICAL TRAINER 1 JESSE REDINGER (Hard Exercise Works) s

1636 Hendersonville Road, Suites 85 & 95, Asheville 575-2566 • hardexerciseworks.com

2 MEAGAN WITKUS (RISE: Authentic Pilates) d z l 60 Biltmore Ave. Suite 002, Asheville 575-9500 • riseasheville.com

3 TAIJA VENTRELLA, CPT (Vitality Fitness Asheville) d z 125 S. Lexington Ave., Unit 102, Asheville 407-0088 • vitalityfitnessasheville.com

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

Celebrating over 40 years of Excellence in Women’s Health Care

HALL OF FAME

FIRST PLACE: • Women’s Health Center (828) 258-9191 • www.ashevillewomens.com

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

cont.

HOMEGROWN BABIES: Best Midwifery/Birthing Services PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

GYM OR PLACE TO WORK OUT 1 YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA dns x

30 Woodfin St., Asheville 210-9622 • ymcawnc.org 40 N. Merrimon Ave., Asheville • 505-3990 3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville • 651-9622 2775 Hendersonville Rd., Arden • 552-3600

2 HARD EXERCISE WORKS s 1636 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville 575-2556 • avl.mx/2to

3 GOLD’S GYM (Formerly The Rush) ws

1047 Patton Ave., Asheville 398-1430 • goldsgym.com 1815 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 398-1193 • goldsgym.com

FITNESS STUDIO 1 VITALITY FITNESS ASHEVILLE d z

125 S. Lexington Ave., Unit 102, Asheville 407-0088 • vitalityfitnessasheville.com

2 SOUNDBARRE s

900 Hendersonville Road, Suite 101-B, Asheville 279-9777 • SoundbarreAsh.com

3 RISE: AUTHENTIC PILATES d z l 60 Biltmore Ave., Ste. 002, Asheville 575-9500 • riseasheville.com

MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO 1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO TAE KWON DO w x

1009 Patton Ave., Asheville 505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com

2 CROLEY’S PREMIER MARTIAL ARTS d

231 S. Liberty St., Asheville 713-0765 • whiteoakmartialarts.com

2 KASUMI MOUNTAIN MARTIAL ARTS n

640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 207, Asheville 280-0624 • ashevilleninjas.com

PILATES STUDIO/ CENTER/CLASSES 1 RISE: AUTHENTIC PILATES d z l 60 Biltmore Ave., Suite 002, Asheville 575-9500 • riseasheville.com

2 FUSION PILATES ASHEVILLE d z 120 Coxe Avenue, Suite 1-B, Asheville 333-4611 • fusionpilatesasheville.com

3 CLASIQUE ACUPUNCTURE & PILATES STUDIO d j z l 50 McCormick Place, Asheville 333-5053 • studioclasique.com

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

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onelovechiro.com MOUNTAIN XPRESS

828-505-1584

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

123

Fun (fĹ­n) n.

Giving your best effort to people who appreciate it

828.254.5677

600-B Centrepark Drive, Asheville, NC

Thank You Asheville for Voting Us One of the Best Dentists in WNC

New Patients Always Welcome

828-274-4747 1087 Hendersonville Road • Asheville, NC 28803

828-274-4747

www.ashevilledentalwellness.com 124

X Awards | Best Of WNC

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CONGRATS TO THIS YEARS

WINNERS!

JAMES COLVIN, M. Div.

Transforming Pain Into Wisdom & Conflict Into Connection

THANK YOU for your votes ASHEVILLE!

#1 Psychologist/Counselor 16 Arlington Street, Asheville, NC 28801 www.BalanceU.com • 828-424-7941

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Aw shucks! Thank you for recognizing us in multiple categories!

#1 Physical Therapist: Phil Rolfe, DPT, ATC Woodfin office

# 2 Business That Best Represents The Spirit Of Your Town: Brevard We do what we love so you can keep doing what you love. . . pain-free!

Physical, Occupational, Speech & Aquatic Therapy Locations in Asheville, Woodfin & Brevard (828) 484-8398 • www.perfectbalancept.com MOUNTAIN XPRESS

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PROJECT YOU’D LIKE TO SEE LOCAL GOV’T DO

Affordable Housing

Lights Traffic Calming

Repeal HB2

Widen Roads

Infastructure

Walking Trails

Jobs

Fix Roads

Sidewalks

Pedestrian-Only Zone

Less Hotels

PROJECT YOU'D LIKE TO SEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT DO

Dog Park

Water System

Keep Chain Stores Out

Schools

Bike Lanes

Parking

Aid Homeless

Clean Up

Public Transportation

Community Gardens

Green Spaces Land Conservation

Arts

Greenways

Enforce Traffic Laws

Bus Shelters

`

This word cloud is created by combining key words and ideas from the write-in answers from this year’s reader survey. The more people who gave an answer, the bigger the word appears.

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BIGGEST THREAT TO ASHEVILLE’S CHARM

Real Estate

Prices

Rising

HB2

Cost of Living

Litter

Weathly People

Everything

Tourism

High Rent & Housing Costs

Floridians

Construction

Traffic

Governor

Big Corporations

Politicians

Government

Businesses

Republicans

Chains

Commercialization

Overpopulation

BIGGEST THREAT TO ASHEVILLE’S CHARM Lack of Jobs

Hotels

Lack of Investments

Expensive Homes

Infastructure

Condos

City Council

Lack of Affordable Housing

Downtown

Parking

Asheville’s Charm

Conservatives

Homeless

Overdevelopment Transplants

Apartment Complexes Architecture

Expansion

Crime

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MOUNTAIN XPRESS

Lack of Planning Ugly

Cars

Gentrification

Liberals

Rentals

`

Money

Buildings State of NC

This word cloud is created by combining key words and ideas from the write-in answers from this year’s reader survey. The more people who gave an answer, the bigger the word appears.

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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WORK & BUSINESS

RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL: Business That Best Represents The Spirit Of Asheville and tie for Best School (Pre-College) in Kids Section PHOTO BY SCOTT SOUTHWICK

O

f all Asheville’s competing dichotomies, our employment issues are some of the most paradoxical. With local unemployment hovering around 3.5 percent, many businesses struggle to find qualified workers — while our town’s legendarily overeducated workers say it is fiendishly difficult to find a job that pays enough for them to live in and enjoy Asheville. Yet, according to Xpress’ 2016 online survey, the largest self-identified segment is “Living the dream” and almost half of those responding profess unusual job satisfaction (rating their professional contentment 8 or higher on a scale of 1-10).

One of the secrets to Asheville’s blossoming economy in a sea of struggling North Carolina communities is our passionate pursuit and support of dreams. Whether yours is to save the bees or to be a writer, there is likely a ready market for your “product.” We adore local food in all its forms, buy crafts from local artists, drink at our breweries and patronize a host of businesses — from home food delivery to dog-poo pickup. And there is a support system in place to help those dreams come true: Many of our successful small businesses have received assistance from local nonprofits such as Mountain BizWorks, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project and the Self-Help Credit Union, which help small businesses get started and thrive.

What’s more, we support others’ dreams: Ashevilleans are passionate about their nonprofits (the other secret to our economic success). We donate money to causes 8.8 times per year and volunteer at 1.8 nonprofits annually, at an average of eight hours/month, according to this year’s online poll. This willingness to give our time, money and business to nonprofits demonstrates the communityoriented and compassionate nature of the people who live here. We have 900-plus registered nonprofit businesses in Buncombe County, with more being established every week, all of them powered by about 11 percent of the area’s workforce.

— Able Allen and Susan Hutchinson X

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EMPLOYMENT SECTOR TO WORK IN

BANK 1 ASHEVILLE SAVINGS BANK d E wn x

1 HEALTHCARE 2 HOSPITALITY & TOURISM 3 NONPROFIT BUSINESS THAT GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY 1 ASHEVILLE SAVINGS BANK d E wn

11 Church St., Asheville 250-8430 • ashevillesavingsbank.com 10 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville • 298-8193 1012 Patton Ave., Asheville • 254-1778 778 Merrimon Ave., Asheville • 253-5402

2 WELLS FARGO dnw E s

1 Haywood St., Asheville 232-3838 • wellsfargo.com 75 Coxe Ave., Asheville • 232-3733 800 Merrimon Ave., Asheville • 255-2231 For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

11 Church St., Asheville 250-8430 • ashevillesavingsbank.com 10 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 298-8193

3 HOMETRUST BANK d E s

1012 Patton Ave., Asheville 254-1778

10 Woodfin St., Asheville 254-8144 • hometrustbanking.com 1011 Tunnel Road, Suite 180, Asheville 259-8000 For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

778 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-5402

2 PARK RIDGE HEALTH s a

100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville 855-774-5433 • parkridgehealth.org

CREDIT UNION 1 STATE EMPLOYEES’ CREDIT UNION ndsw x

3 CHARLOTTE STREET COMPUTERS d j

252 Charlotte St., Asheville 225-6600 • charlottestreetcomputers.com

BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF ASHEVILLE 1 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org

2 HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY s l

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

2 TELCO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION E ws l

36 Tunnel Road, Asheville 252-6888 • telcoccu.org 712 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 252-6458 1871 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 210-2090

3 SELF-HELP CREDIT UNION ds j

3 LAZOOM TOURS d j z l 14 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 225-6932 • lazoomtours.com

701 N. Broadway, Asheville 253-8009 • ncsecu.org One Oak Plaza, Asheville • 225-2900 20 All Souls Crescent, Asheville • 274-4200 1310 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville • 552-8022.

391 South French Broad Ave., Asheville 255-0809 • self-help.org 1911 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 676-2196

FREE EVERY WEEK ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner) MOUNTAIN XPRESS

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WORK & BUSINESS

continued

ASHEVILLE SAVINGS BANK: Best Business That Gives Back To The Community, Best Bank, Best Mortgage Company and Best Bank Services For Small Business PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

BANK SERVICES FOR SMALL BUSINESS 1 ASHEVILLE SAVINGS BANK d E wn x

11 Church St., Asheville 250-8430 • ashevillesavingsbank.com 10 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 298-8193 1012 Patton Ave., Asheville 258-1778 778 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-5402

2 FIRST CITIZENS BANK dnw s E

108 Patton Ave., Asheville 257-5700 • firstcitizens.com 625 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 257-5840 1375 Patton Ave., Asheville 257-5870 For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

3 FIRST BANK dws

79 Woodfin Place, Asheville 252-1735 • localfirstbank.com 349 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 251-9254

MORTGAGE COMPANY 1 ASHEVILLE SAVINGS BANK d E wn

11 Church St., Asheville 250-8430 • ashevillesavingsbank.com 10 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville • 298-8193 1012 Patton Ave., Asheville • 254-1778 778 Merrimon Ave., Asheville • 253-5402

2 PLUMDOG FINANCIAL d

37 Montford Ave., Suite 102, Asheville 274-1515 • plumdogfinancial.com

3 MOVEMENT MORTGAGE d 84 Coxe Ave., Suite 1-B, Asheville 476-4178 • movement.com

CO-OP/WORKER-OWNED BUSINESS 1 FRENCH BROAD FOOD CO-OP d j l x

90 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-7650 • frenchbroadfood.coop

2 FIRESTORM BOOKS & COFFEE w z l

610 Haywood Road, Asheville 255-8115 • firestorm.coop

SUPPORT ORGANIZATION FOR NEW BUSINESSES

For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

3 HOMETRUST BANK d E s

10 Woodfin St., Asheville 254-8144 • hometrustbanking.com 1011 Tunnel Road, Suite 180, Asheville 259-8000 For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

1 MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS d j l x 153 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 253-2834 • mountainbizworks.org

2 ASHEVILLE SCORE d

151 Patton Ave., Room 259, Asheville 271-4786 • ashevillescore.org

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h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

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THING WEST ASHEVILLE THING WEST ASHEVILLE NEEDS NEEDS Better Grocery Store Less Greenways Traffic

Affordable Housing

Parking Thai

Free

Sushi

Bicycle Sidewalks Infastructure

Less Tourists

`

Fewer Hipsters

This word created by combining key words from the answers Thiscloud wordiscloud is created by combining key words andwrite-in ideas from the from write-in from this survey. morethe people the survey.

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MOUNTAIN XPRESS

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FARM & GARDEN

FLYING CLOUD FARM: Best Roadside Farm Stand PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

I

f you’ve tried to park at Hall of Fame-winner North Asheville Tailgate Market, which is held weekly on the UNC Asheville campus, you know how much this town loves to support local agriculture. Why else would hundreds of shoppers queue up for parking spaces and dodge produce-laden pedestrians week after week throughout the growing season?

Xpress readers report visiting a farmers market or tailgate market an average of nearly three times a month, and they buy locally grown produce an average of seven times a month, according to this year’s online survey. Asked what they wish for, 15 percent chose “a farm” from a broad list of options. The only things more yearned for are better health and a better job and pay.

Farmers markets are just one way Asheville dwellers get their farm fix: From roadside stands to community-supported agriculture (CSA) farms to the farms and orchards that allow day-trippers — opportunities abound to get up close and personal with local farmers and their products.

At least some of this local agricultural fervor has to be attributed to the efforts of the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, whose mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and consumers, and build healthy communities through connections to local food. What’s more, readers voted ASAP the best Farm and Farmland Preservation Nonprofit.

— Virginia Daffron X

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TAILGATE/FARMERS MARKET

FAVORITE FARM TO VISIT 1 HICKORY NUT GAP FARM E al x

1 NORTH ASHEVILLE TAILGATE MARKET n x

1 University Heights, Asheville 333-0960 • northashevilletailgatemarket.org

57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview 628-1027 • hickorynutgapfarm.com

2 FRANNY’S FARM w a

22 Franny’s Farm Road, Leicester 544-1823 • frannysfarm.com

2 ASHEVILLE CITY MARKET d 161 South Charlotte St., Asheville 348-0340 • facebook.com/ ashevillecitymarket

3 IVY CREEK FAMILY FARM n a 390 North Fork Road, Barnardsville 713-8383 • ivycreekfamilyfarm.com

3 WEST ASHEVILLE TAILGATE MARKET w

COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA) FARM

718 Haywood Road, Asheville westashevilletailgatemarket.com

1 IVY CREEK FAMILY FARM n a 390 North Fork Road, Barnardsville 713-8383 • ivycreekfamilyfarm.com

ROADSIDE FARM STAND 1 FLYING CLOUD FARM E ax

2 FLYING CLOUD FARM E a 1860 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 768-3348 • flyingcloudfarm.net

1860 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 768-3348 • flyingcloudfarm.net

ORCHARD

2 FARSIDE FARMS MARKET n

1 SKY TOP ORCHARD s ax

83 Weaverville Highway, Asheville 683-3255 • buyappalachian.org/listing/ farside-farms

3 SILAS’S PRODUCE FARMER’S MARKET E a 841 Charlotte Highway, Fairvie 691-9663 • avl.mx/2ss

1193 Pinnacle Mountain Road, Flat Rock 692-7930 • skytoporchard.com

2 GRANDAD’S APPLES N’ SUCH s a 2951 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville 685-1685 • grandadsapples.com

3 STEPP’S HILLCREST ORCHARD s a

170 Stepp Orchard Drive, Hendersonville 685-9083 • steppapples.com

Thanks for voting us one of the “Favorite Farms to Visit”!

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x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner) MOUNTAIN XPRESS

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continued

BLACK MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY GARDEN: Best Community Garden PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

COMMUNITY GARDEN 1 BLACK MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY GARDEN E a 99 White Pine Drive, Black Mountain avl.mx/2w7

2 GRACE COVENANT COMMUNITY GARDEN n 789 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-3274 • gcpcusa.org

3 THE LORD’S ACRE E a 26 Joe Jenkins Road, Fariview thelordsacre.org

GARDEN SUPPLY STORE 1 FIFTH SEASON E d

4 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 412-3200 • fifthseasongardening.com 45 Banks Ave., Asheville 253-4112

2 B.B. BARNS GARDEN, GIFT, LANDSCAPE COMPANY s aj l 3377 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 650-7300 • bbbarns.com

3 REEMS CREEK NURSERY n a 70 Monticello Road, Weaverville 645-3937 • reemscreek.com

TREE/YARD SERVICE 1 SMART FELLER TREE WORKS x 545-5503 • smartfellertreeworks.com

2 NATURAL SCAPES 273-0987 • naturalscapesasheville.com

NURSERY (TREES, SHRUBS) 1 REEMS CREEK NURSERY n a 70 Monticello Road, Weaverville 645-3937 • reemscreek.com

2 B.B. BARNS GARDEN, GIFT, LANDSCAPE COMPANY s aj l 3377 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 650-7300 • bbbarns.com

3 JESSE ISRAEL & SONS w

570 Brevard Road, Asheville 254-2671 • jesseisraelandsonsnursery.com

LANDSCAPE/GRADING SERVICE 1 NATURAL SCAPES 273-0987 • naturalscapesasheville.com

2 B.B. BARNS GARDEN, GIFT, LANDSCAPE COMPANY s aj l 3377 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 650-7300 • bbbarns.com

MULCH SUPPLIER

NONPROFIT SUPPORTING FARMS/FARMLAND PRESERVATION

1 ASHEVILLE MULCH YARD E a 2425 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 707-1615 • ashevillemulchyard.com

2 RIVERSIDE STUMP DUMP dns

620 Riverside Drive, Asheville 251-5777 • riversidestumpdump.com 135 Monticello Road, Weaverville 206-1907 5055 Old Haywood Road, Mills River 712-4758

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1 APPALACHIAN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROJECT d 306 West Haywood St., Asheville 236-1282 • asapconnections.org

2 SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN HIGHLANDS CONSERVANCY d 34 Wall St., Suite 502, Asheville 253-0095 • appalachian.org

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

Many Thanks!

THANK YOU

HALL OF FAME

TO ALL THE VOTERS WHO MADE THIS ` GUIDE POSSIBLE

X 828.545.5503

smartfellertreeworks.com

It’s been a great 28 years meeting all of your indoor/outdoor living & holiday needs—locally grown, locally owned!

Garden - Gift - Landscape Services Garden & Gift Indoor Decor, Christmas Decor, Gifts for Everyone, Unique & Exotic Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, Annuals, Houseplants, Succulents, Edible Gardening Plants, Customized Floral Silk Design & Container Gardening, Terrariums, Containers, Birding & Furniture

Landscape Design, Install & Maintain Landscape Design, Hillside Planting, Garden Maintenance, Patios, Pathways, Stone Steps, Walls, Arbors, Gates, Railings, Raised Bed Planters, Custom Fences, Privacy Hedges

BBBarns.com • 828-650-7300 • 3377 SWEETEN CREEK RD. ARDEN, NC 28704

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x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner) MOUNTAIN XPRESS

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WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN: Best Music/Entertainment Venue PHOTO COURTESY OF WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

T

hese towns may be small in size, but don’t let anyone define them by their number of traffic lights or the height of their tallest buildings (doesn’t the library always have the most stories, anyway?). Rather, they make their mark on WNC by their unique character and the amazing things they have to offer in music, culture, food and fun. The winners listed here reveal what’s not to be missed by visitors and what should be shared among friends.

So, if the raucous pace of downtown Asheville is a bit too much for your taste, the small towns beyond the bright lights can provide blessed relief. Head out in any direction and you’ll find them: quaint, personal, less cheeky and full of history.

You’ll find that one can tour the gems of the western part of this state for weeks on end without running out of good things to eat and drink, amazing things to see and fine people to meet. So, what are you waiting for? Here’s where to start!

— Able Allen, Susan Hutchinson X

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

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z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

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SWANNANOA & BLACK MOUNTAIN BREAKFAST RESTAURANT

ART GALLERY 1 SEVEN SISTERS CRAFT GALLERY x

1 LOUISE’S KITCHEN 115 Black Mountain Ave., Black Mountain 357-5446 • louisesblackmtn.com

2 BLUE RIDGE BISCUIT COMPANY 601 W. State St., Black Mountain 357-8501 • facebook.com/ BlueRidgeBiscuitCompany

117 Cherry St., Black Mountain 669-5107 • sevensistersgallery.com

2 BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS 225 W. State St., Black Mountain 669-0930 • blackmountainarts.org

3 RED HOUSE STUDIO AND GALLERY 310 W. State St., Black Mountain 669-0351 • svfalarts.org

3 BREAKFAST SHOPPE 2345 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 686-0051

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

LUNCH RESTAURANT 1 VERANDA CAFÉ & GIFTS 119 Cherry St., Black Mountain 669-8864 • verandacafeandgifts.com

2 NATIVE KITCHEN & SOCIAL PUB 204 Whitson Ave., Swannanoa 581-0480 • nativesocialpub.com

1 WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN x 105-C Montreat Road, Black Mountain 669-0816 • whitehorseblackmountain.com

2 PISGAH BREWING COMPANY j 150 Eastside Drive, Black Mountain 669-0190 • pisgahbrewing.com

3 NATIVE KITCHEN & SOCIAL PUB 204 Whitson Ave., Swannanoa 581-0480 • nativesocialpub.com

3 FRESH WOOD FIRED PIZZA & PASTA 100 S. Ridgeway Ave., Black Mountain 669-6999 • freshwoodfiredpizza.net

3 THE TRAILHEAD RESTAURANT AND BAR 207 W. State St., Black Mountain 357-5656 • thetrailheadrestaurant.com

DINNER RESTAURANT 1 NATIVE KITCHEN & SOCIAL PUB 204 Whitson Ave., Swannanoa 581-0480 • nativesocialpub.com

2 FRESH WOOD FIRED PIZZA & PASTA 100 S. Ridgeway Ave., Black Mountain 669-6999 • freshwoodfiredpizza.net

1 TOWN HARDWARE AND GENERAL STORE

103 W. State St., Black Mountain 669-7723 • townhardware.com

2 SEVEN SISTERS CRAFT GALLERY 117 Cherry St., Black Mountain 669-5107 • sevensistersgallery.com

3 TAKE A HIKE OUTFITTERS 100 Sutton Ave., Black Mountain 669-0811 • takeahikenc.com

BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO YOUR TOWN IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS 1 BLACK MOUNTAIN TOWN SQUARE avl.mx/2t1

2 DUNKIN DONUTS

3 QUE SERA 101 Black Mountain Ave., Black Mountain 664-9472 • queserarestaurant.com

COFFEE & SWEETS 1 THE DRIPOLATOR COFFEEHOUSE

jz

221 W. State St., Black Mountain 669-0999 • avl.mx/1bh

2 DYNAMITE ROASTING COMPANY z 3198 U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 357-8555 • dynamiteroasting.com

3 DOBRÁ TEA j

RETAIL STORE

2361 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 581-0479 • dunkindonuts.com

3 BLACK MOUNTAIN GREENWAYS avl.mx/2of

3 THE BEAUTIFICATION OF LAKE TOMAHAWK BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN 1 TOWN HARDWARE AND GENERAL STORE

103 W. State St., Black Mountain 669-7723 • townhardware.com

120 Broadway St., Black Mountain 357-8530 • dobrateanc.com

2 NATIVE KITCHEN & SOCIAL PUB

3 DUNKIN DONUTS

3 WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

2361 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 581-0479 • dunkindonuts.com

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

204 Whitson Ave., Swannanoa 581-0480 • nativesocialpub.com

105-C Montreat Road, Black Mountain 669-0816 • whitehorseblackmountain.com

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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EATS FAVORITE RESTAURANT 1 NINE MILE dw

233 Montford Ave., Asheville 505-3121 • ninemileasheville.com 751 Haywood Road, Asheville 575-9903

2 CÚRATE d j l

11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

3 LIMONES d j z

13 Eagle St., Asheville 252-2327 • limonesrestaurant.com

BARBECUE 1 12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE rs x 5 Riverside Drive, Asheville 253-4499 • 12bones.com 3578 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 687-1395

2 LUELLA’S BAR-B-QUE ns z 501 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 505-7427 • luellasbbq.com 33 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 676-3855

3 MOE’S ORIGINAL BAR B QUE sn

4 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 505-8282 • moesoriginalbbq.com 72 Weaverville Rd., Woodfin 505-3542

BEST VALUE 1 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP rd z 1 Roberts St., Asheville 258-1660 • whiteducktacoshop.com 12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 232-9191

2 MAMACITA’S d j

77-A Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-8080 • mamacitasgrill.com

3 PAPAS & BEER E s

1000 Brevard Rd., Asheville 665-9070 • papasandbeerasheville.net 17 Tunnel Road, Asheville 255-2204 • papasandbeermexican.com

BISCUITS 1 BISCUIT HEAD wd

733 Haywood Road, Asheville 333-5145 • biscuitheads.com 417 Biltmore Ave. Ste 4F, Asheville 505-3449

continued

2 TUPELO HONEY CAFÉ ds 12 College St., Asheville 255-4863 • tupelohoneycafe.com 1829 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 505-7676

3 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w z l 626 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com

BREAKFAST 1 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w z l x 626 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com

2 BISCUIT HEAD wd

733 Haywood Road, Asheville 333-5145 • biscuitheads.com 417 Biltmore Ave. Ste 4F, Asheville 505-3449

3 EARLY GIRL EATERY d z 8 Wall St., Asheville 259-9292 • earlygirleatery.com

BRUNCH 1 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w z l x 626 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com

2 LIMONES d j z

13 Eagle St., Asheville 252-2327 • limonesrestaurant.com

3 TUPELO HONEY CAFÉ ds 12 College St., Asheville 255-4863 • tupelohoneycafe.com 1829 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 505-7676

BURGER 1 FARM BURGER ds z x 10 Patton Ave., Asheville 348-8540 • farmburger.net 1831 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 575-2393

2 RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE d j 7 Rankin Ave., Asheville 254-4993 • rankinvault.com

2 UNIVERSAL JOINT w

784 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-7262 • ujasheville.com

3 JUICY LUCY’S BURGER BAR AND GRILL s

620 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 277-0355 • juicylucysburgerbarandgrill.com

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h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

14

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

SMALL TOWNS

continued

MANGUM POTTERY: Best Retail Store PHOTO COURTESY OF MANGUM POTTERY

WEAVERVILLE & WOODFIN DINNER RESTAURANT

BREAKFAST RESTAURANT 1 WELL-BRED BAKERY & CAFÉ z

1 STONEY KNOB CAFÉ x

2 CREPERIE AND CAFE OF WEAVERVILLE

2 GLASS ONION

26 N. Main St., Weaverville 645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com

113 N. Main St., Weaverville 484-9448 • creperieandcafe.com

3 STONEY KNOB CAFÉ

337 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 645-3309 • stoneyknobcafe.com

337 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 645-3309 • stoneyknobcafe.com 18 N. Main St., Weaverville 645-8866 • glassonionasheville.com

3 BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA AND BREW PUB j

55 N. Main St., Weaverville 658-8778 • bluemountainpizza.com

LUNCH RESTAURANT

COFFEE & SWEETS

1 WELL-BRED BAKERY & CAFÉ z

1 WELL-BRED BAKERY & CAFÉ z x

2 STONEY KNOB CAFÉ

2 ALLGOOD COFFEE

3 BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA AND BREW PUB j

3 CREPERIE AND CAFE OF WEAVERVILLE

26 N. Main St., Weaverville 645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com

337 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 645-3309 • stoneyknobcafe.com

55 N. Main St., Weaverville 658-8778 • bluemountainpizza.com

26 N. Main St., Weaverville 645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com 10 S. Main St., Weaverville 484-8663 • allgood.coffee

113 N. Main St., Weaverville 484-9448 • creperieandcafe.com

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ART GALLERY

RETAIL STORE 1 MANGUM POTTERY

1 MIYA GALLERY x

16 N. Main St., Weaverville 645-4929 • mangumpottery.com

20 N. Main St., Weaverville 658-9655 • miyagallery.com

2 CURTIS WRIGHT OUTFITTERS

2 MANGUM POTTERY

24 N. Main St., Weaverville 274-3471 • curtiswrightoutfitters.com

16 N. Main St., Weaverville 645-4929 • mangumpottery.com

3 THYME IN THE GARDEN l

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE 1 BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA AND BREW PUB j

55 N. Main St., Weaverville 658-8778 • bluemountainpizza.com

2 TWISTED LAUREL EATERY AND TAPS

BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN 1 BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA AND BREW PUB j

55 N. Main St., Weaverville 658-8778 • bluemountainpizza.com

2 WELL-BRED BAKERY & CAFÉ z

10-A S. Main St., Weaverville 645-2700 • twistedlaurel.com

3 MOE’S ORIGINAL BAR B QUE 72 Weaverville Road, Woodfin 505-3542 • moesoriginalbbq.com

190 Weaverville Highway, Asheville 658-3700 • thymeinthegardenasheville.com

26 N. Main St., Weaverville 645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com

3 MANGUM POTTERY

16 N. Main St., Weaverville 645-4929 • mangumpottery.com

Offering our own craft-brewed beer, hand-tossed pizza with fresh local ingredients, & scrumptious homemade ice cream

1st Place Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Your Town (Weaverville & Woodfin)

1st Place Music/ Entertainment Venue (Weaverville & Woodfin)

Top 3 Lunch and Dinner Restaurant (Weaverville & Woodfin)

Thank you to the best staff around who work hard every day to make it happen Live music every night from 7-9 55 N Main St downtown Weaverville www. bluemountainpizza.com • 828.658.8778 Tue–Sun 11am–9pm with extended hours • Fri–Sat until 10pm

BEST OF WNC IS ALSO ONLINE BestofWNC.com MOUNTAIN XPRESS

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ZUMA COFFEE: Best Breakfast Restaurant, Best Lunch Restaurant, Best Coffee & Sweets, Best Music/Entertainment Venue and Business That Best Represents The Spirit Of Your Town PHOTO COURTESY OF ZUMA COFFEE

MARSHALL & MARS HILL BREAKFAST RESTAURANT

LUNCH RESTAURANT

1 ZUMA COFFEE z x

1 ZUMA COFFEE z x

2 THE SWEET MONKEY BAKERY

2 THE SWEET MONKEY BAKERY

7 Main St., Marshall 649-1617 • zumacoffee.com

7 Main St., Marshall 649-1617 • zumacoffee.com 133 S. Main St., Marshall 301-0238 • sweetmonkeybakery.com

3 THE WAGON WHEEL 390 Carl Eller Road, Mars Hill 689-4755

133 S. Main St., Marshall 301-0238 • sweetmonkeybakery.com

3 STACKHOUSE 37 S. Main St., Mars Hill 680-1213 • facebook.com/ stackhousemarshill

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DINNER RESTAURANT

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

1 STACKHOUSE

1 ZUMA COFFEE z

37 S. Main St., Mars Hill 680-1213 • facebook.com/ stackhousemarshill

7 Main St., Marshall 649-1617 • zumacoffee.com

2 GOOD STUFF GROCERY

2 THE ORIGINAL PAPA NICK’S

38 Bailey’s Branch Road, Marshall 649-9711

15 College St., Mars Hill 689-8566 • theoriginalpapanicks.com

3 MADISON COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

3 THE SWEET MONKEY BAKERY

90 S. Main St., Marshall 649-1301 • madisoncountyarts.com

133 S. Main St., Marshall 301-0238 • sweetmonkeybakery.com

RETAIL STORE

COFFEE & SWEETS

1 PENLAND & SONS DEPARTMENT STORE

1 ZUMA COFFEE z x

7 Main St., Marshall 649-1617 • zumacoffee.com

50 N Main Street, Marshall 649-2811

2 THE SWEET MONKEY BAKERY

2 FLOW

133 S. Main St., Marshall 301-0238 • sweetmonkeybakery.com

3 BEE’S KNEES COFFEE & ESPRESSO

14 Main St., Marshall 649-1686 • flowmarshall.com

3 MY SISTER’S PLACE

42 N Main Street, Asheville 680-1221 • vintagefabmarshill.com

PO Box 457, Marshall 28753 649-2582 • mysistersplace28753.com

ART GALLERY

BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN

1 FLOW x

14 Main St., Marshall 649-1686 • flowmarshall.com

2 MADISON COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL 90 S. Main St., Marshall 649-1301 • madisoncountyarts.com

1 ZUMA COFFEE z

7 Main St., Marshall 649-1617 • zumacoffee.com

THING SOUTH ASHEVILLE THING SOUTH ASHEVILLE NEEDS NEEDS Bars

Soul/Character

Costco

Affordable Housing Trader Joe’s

Parking

More Food

Coffee Shop

Apartments

Kid-Friendly Activities `

Fewer Chains

Traffic Condition Improvements

Breweries

Restaurants

Greenways

Sidewalks

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MOUNTAIN XPRESS

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continued

BLUFF MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS: Best Retail Store PHOTO COURTESY OF BLUFF MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS

HOT SPRINGS ART GALLERY

BREAKFAST RESTAURANT 1 SMOKY MOUNTAIN DINER 70 Lance Ave., Hot Springs 622-7571 • avl.mx/2sg

LUNCH RESTAURANT

1 ARTISUN GALLERY & MARKETPLACE 16 S. Andrews Ave., Hot Springs 622-3573 • avl.mx/2p3

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

1 IRON HORSE STATION RESTAURANT & TAVERN

1 SPRING CREEK TAVERN

24 S. Andrew Ave., Hot Springs 622-0022 • theironhorsestation.com

145 Bridge St., Hot Springs 622-0187 • thespringcreektavern.com

2 SPRING CREEK TAVERN

2 HOT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA

145 Bridge St., Hot Springs 622-0187 • thespringcreektavern.com

3 SMOKY MOUNTAIN DINER 70 Lance Ave., Hot Springs 622-7571 • avl.mx/2sg

DINNER RESTAURANT

P.O. Box 428, Hot Springs 28743 622-7676 • nchotsprings.com

2 IRON HORSE STATION RESTAURANT & TAVERN 24 S. Andrew Ave., Hot Springs 622-0022 • theironhorsestation.com

1 IRON HORSE STATION RESTAURANT & TAVERN

24 S. Andrew Ave., Hot Springs 622-0022 • theironhorsestation.com

2 MOUNTAIN MAGNOLIA INN RESTAURANT

RETAIL STORE 1 BLUFF MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS 152 Bridge Street, Hot Springs 622-7162 • bluffmountain.com

BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN

204 Lawson St., Hot Springs 622-3543 • mountainmagnoliainn.com

3 SPRING CREEK TAVERN 145 Bridge St., Hot Springs 622-0187 • thespringcreektavern.com

COFFEE & SWEETS 1 ARTISUN GALLERY & MARKETPLACE 16 S. Andrews Ave., Hot Springs 622-3573 • avl.mx/2p3

144

1 HOT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA P.O. Box 428, Hot Springs 28743 622-7676 • nchotsprings.com

2 BLUFF MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS 152 Bridge Street, Hot Springs 622-7162 • bluffmountain.com

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

TOE RIVER ARTS COUNCIL GALLERY: Best Art Gallery PHOTO COURTESY OF TRAC GALLERY

BURNSVILLE BREAKFAST RESTAURANT 1 PIG & GRITS

ART GALLERY 1 TOE RIVER ARTS COUNCIL GALLERY x

620 W. Main St., Burnsville 536-0010 • pigandgrits.com

LUNCH RESTAURANT 1 GARDEN DELI

102 W. Main St., Burnsville 682-7215 • toeriverarts.org

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE 1 PARKWAY PLAYHOUSE

107 Town Square, Burnsville 682-3946 • garden-deli.com

202 Green Mountain Drive, Burnsville 682-4285 • parkwayplayhouse.com

2 BUBBA’S GOOD EATS

2 BURNSVILLE TOWN CENTER

394 E. Main St., Burnsville 678-3388 • bubbasgoodeats.com

6 South Main St., Burnsville 682-7209 • burnsvilletowncenter.com

DINNER RESTAURANT 1 SNAP DRAGON BAR & GRILL 107 Town Square, Burnsville 682-3946 • garden-deli.com

RETAIL STORE 1 SOMETHING SPECIAL GIFT SHOP 12 W. Main St., Burnsville 682-9101 • avl.mx/2sf

COFFEE & SWEETS 1 APPALACHIAN JAVA & CAFE 8 West Main St., Burnsville 682-0120 • avl.mx/2ou

2 STARBUCKS IN INGLES

THANK YOU FOR

400 E. U.S. Highway 19 E. Bypass, Burnsville 669-6700 • starbucks.com

VOTING!

BEST OF WNC IS ALSO ONLINE BestofWNC.com

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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MAST GENERAL STORE: Best Retail Store PHOTO COURTESY OF MAST GENERAL STORE

HENDERSONVILLE & FLAT ROCK BREAKFAST RESTAURANT 1 FIRESIDE PANCAKE HOUSE

COFFEE & SWEETS 1 BLACK BEAR COFFEE CO.

295 Sugarloaf Road, Hendersonville 697-1004 • firesidepancakeinn.com

318 N. Main St., Hendersonville 692-6333 • blackbear.coffee

2 DIXIE DINER

2 JONGO JAVA

1724 Brevard Road, Hendersonville 697-5025

LUNCH RESTAURANT 1 WEST FIRST WOOD-FIRED PIZZA x

117 S Main St., Hendersonville 696-9052 • jongojava.com

3 MCFARLAN BAKERY

309 N. Main St., Hendersonville 693-4256 • mcfarlanbakery.com

101-B 1st Ave. W., Hendersonville 693-1080 • Flatrockwoodfired.com

2 FLAT ROCK VILLAGE BAKERY 2710 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 693-1313 • Flatrockwoodfired.com

3 UMI JAPANESE FINE DINING 633 N. Main St., Hendersonville 698-8048 • umihendersonville.com

DINNER RESTAURANT 1 WEST FIRST WOOD-FIRED PIZZA x 101-B 1st Ave. W., Hendersonville 693-1080 • Flatrockwoodfired.com

2 UMI JAPANESE FINE DINING 633 N. Main St., Hendersonville 698-8048 • umihendersonville.com

3 POSTERO z

401 N. Main St., Hendersonville 595-9676 • postero-hvl.com

146

ART GALLERY 1 ART MOB STUDIOS AND MARKETPLACE

124 4th Ave. E., Hendersonville 693-4545 • artmobstudios.com

2 SILVER FOX GALLERY

508 N. Main St., Hendersonville 698-0601 • silverfoxonline.com

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE 1 FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE

2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 693-0731 • flatrockplayhouse.org

2 SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY 822 Locust St., Hendersonville 684-1235 • sabrewery.com

3 SANCTUARY BREWING COMPANY 147 1st Ave. E., Hendersonville 595-9956 • sanctuarybrewco.com

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN

RETAIL STORE 1 MAST GENERAL STORE 15 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 232-1883 • mastgeneralstore.com

1 SANCTUARY BREWING COMPANY 147 1st Ave. E., Hendersonville 595-9956 • sanctuarybrewco.com

2 DANCING BEAR TOYS l

418 N. Main St., Hendersonville 693-4500 • dancingbeartoys.com

2 FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE

3 WAG! A UNIQUE PET BOUTIQUE 231-A N. Main St., Hendersonville 697-7799 • wagpetboutique.com

2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 693-0731 • flatrockplayhouse.org

3 PARK RIDGE HEALTH

BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO YOUR TOWN IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS

100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville 684-8501 • parkridgehealth.org

3 SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY 822 Locust St., Hendersonville 684-1235 • sabrewery.com

1 SANCTUARY BREWING COMPANY 147 1st Ave. E., Hendersonville 595-9956 • sanctuarybrewco.com

2 HENDOUGH CHICKEN & DONUTS z 532 Kanuga Rd, Asheville 595-2885 • hendough.com

3 NEW BREWERIES

Thanks for voting us one of the BEST again!

8 years in a row!

Thank you!

633 N. Main Street Downtown Hendersonville Call for reservations | 828.698.8048 Outdoor Dining Available www.umisushinc.com

532 Kanuga Rd. Hendersonville, NC 28792 828-595-2885

Wed, Thur, & Sun: 7:30am - 4:00pm Fri & Sat: 7:30am - 8:00pm

News | Events | ArtS nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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continued CONTINUED

THE SQUARE ROOT RESTAURANT: Best Lunch Restaurant and Best Dinner Restaurant PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SQUARE ROOT RESTAURANT

BREVARD BREAKFAST RESTAURANT

COFFEE & SWEETS

1 THE SUNRISE CAFÉ

1 BRACKEN MOUNTAIN BAKERY

2 MAYBERRY’S z

2 QUOTATIONS COFFEE CAFÉ

3 HENRY’S RESTAURANT

3 BLUE RIDGE BAKERY

273 N. Broad St., Brevard 884-3331 • the-sunrise-cafe.com 30 W. Main St., Brevard 862-8646 • mayberrys.com 202 N Broad St., Brevard 884-8658 • henrysofbrevard.com

42. S. Broad St., Brevard 883-4034 • brackenmountainbakery.com 147 E. Main St., Brevard 883-8966 • quotationscoffee.com 86 West Main St., Brevard 883-8444 • blueridgebakery.com

ART GALLERY

LUNCH RESTAURANT 1 THE SQUARE ROOT RESTAURANT x

1 RED WOLF GALLERY x

2 PESCADOS BURRITOS

2 NUMBER 7 ARTS

265 N. Broad St., Brevard 884-5559 • pescadosburritosnc.com

12 E. Main St., Brevard 883-2294 • number7arts.com

3 MAYBERRY’S z

3 THE HAEN GALLERY AT LUMBERYARD ARTS

33 Times Arcade Alley, Brevard 884-6171 • squarerootrestaurant.com

30 W. Main St., Brevard 862-8646 • mayberrys.com

DINNER RESTAURANT 1 THE SQUARE ROOT RESTAURANT x 33 Times Arcade Alley, Brevard 884-6171 • squarerootrestaurant.com

2 JAIME’S CREOLE BRASSERIE 44 E. Main St., Brevard 883-3388 • jaimescreole.com

3 SORA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Forest Gate Shopping Center, 91 Forest Gate Drive, Pisgah Forest 483-4539 • sorasushinc.com

148

8 E. Main St., Brevard 862-8620 • redwolfgallerync.com

200 King St., Brevard 883-3268 • thehaengallery.com

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE 1 BREVARD MUSIC CENTER 349 Andante Lane, Brevard 862-2100 • brevardmusic.org

2 185 KING STREET

185 King St., Brevard 877-1850 • 185kingst.com

3 OSKAR BLUES BREWERY j

342 Mountain Industrial Drive, Brevard 883-2337 • oskarblues.com

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN

RETAIL STORE 1 O.P. TAYLOR’S 16 S. Broad St., Brevard 883-2309 • optaylors.com

1 THE HUB AND PISGAH TAVERN j

2 THE HUB AND PISGAH TAVERN j

11 Mama’s Place, Pisgah Forest 884-8670 • thehubpisgah.com

3 WHITE SQUIRREL SHOPPE

59 Oakdale Street, Brevard 966-9036 • perfectbalancept.com

11 Mama’s Place, Pisgah Forest 884-8670 • thehubpisgah.com

2 W. Main St., Brevard 877-3530 • whitesquirrelshoppe.com

2 PERFECT BALANCE PHYSICAL THERAPY 3 OSKAR BLUES BREWERY j

342 Mountain Industrial Drive, Brevard 883-2337 • oskarblues.com

BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO YOUR TOWN IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS 1 THE HUB AND PISGAH TAVERN j 11 Mama’s Place, Pisgah Forest 884-8670 • thehubpisgah.com

2 WHITE SQUIRREL FESTIVAL whitesquirrelfestival.com

CATCH A SHOW WHILE YOU’RE HERE!

CLUBLAND LISTINGS

BY MOUNTAIN XPRESS

MOUNTAINX.COM/CLUBLAND

The Square rooT

Brevard First Place - Lunch Restaurant First Place - Dinner Restaurant s q ua r e r o o t r e s ta u r a n t . c o m 33 TimeS arcade alley Brevard, Nc 828.884.6171 MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

149

WOW! Thanks again Asheville & Western North Carolina...

We couldn’t have done it without YOU!

Best BBQ in WNC 11 Years in a Row! www.12bones.com

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

Asheville Location 5 Riverside Drive in the River Arts District Mon-Fri 11am-4pm 253-4499 Arden Location 3578 Sweeten Creek Rd. Near BB Barns Nursery Tues-Sat 11am-4pm Carry Out Till 6pm 687-1395

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

15

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continued CONTINUED

HAYWOOD ARTS REGIONAL THEATRE AND NEW FANGMIRE THEATER: Best Music/Entertainment Venue and Best Thing To Happen To Your Town In The Last 12 Months PHOTO COURTESY OF HART

WAYNESVILLE BREAKFAST RESTAURANT

DINNER RESTAURANT

1 CLYDE’S RESTAURANT

2107 S. Main St., Waynesville 456-9135 • facebook.com/pages/ClydesRestaurant/116634805028491

2 CITY BAKERY CAFÉ z l

1 THE SWEET ONION RESTAURANT x 39 Miller St., Waynesville 456-5559 • sweetonionrestaurant.com

2 FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE

(Closed)

44 Church St., Waynesville 456-1930 • frogsleappublichouse.com

3 JOEY’S PANCAKE HOUSE

3 BOOJUM BREWING COMPANY

4309 Soco Road, Maggie Valley 926-0212 • joeyspancake.com

50 N. Main St., Waynesville 246-0350 • boojumbrewing.com

LUNCH RESTAURANT

COFFEE & SWEETS

1 BOOJUM BREWING COMPANY

1 PANACEA COFFEEHOUSE, CAFÉ & ROASTERY

50 N. Main St., Waynesville 246-0350 • boojumbrewing.com

2 THE SWEET ONION RESTAURANT 39 Miller St., Waynesville 456-5559 • sweetonionrestaurant.com

3 PANACEA COFFEEHOUSE, CAFÉ & ROASTERY 66 Commerce St., Waynesville 452-6200 • panaceacoffee.com

66 Commerce St., Waynesville 452-6200 • panaceacoffee.com

2 CITY BAKERY CAFÉ z l (Closed)

3 KANDI’S CAKES AND BAKE SHOP

200 S Main Street, Asheville 246-0180 • kandiscakesandbakeshop.com

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

150

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

ART GALLERY 1 TWIGS AND LEAVES GALLERY x 98 N. Main St., Waynesville 456-1940 • twigsandleaves.com

BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO YOUR TOWN IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS 1 HART FANGMEYER THEATER

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

PO Box 1024, Waynesville 28786 456-6322

BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN

1 HAYWOOD ARTS REGIONAL THEATRE 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville 456-6322 • harttheatre.org

1 BOOJUM BREWING COMPANY

2 THE STRAND AT 38 MAIN

50 N. Main St., Waynesville 246-0350 • boojumbrewing.com

38 N. Main St., Waynesville 283-0079 • 38main.com

RETAIL STORE 1 MAST GENERAL STORE 63 N. Main Street, Waynesville 452-2101 • mastgeneralstore.com

2 MAST GENERAL STORE 63 N. Main Street, Waynesville 452-2101 • mastgeneralstore.com

3 HAYWOOD ARTS REGIONAL THEATRE 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville 456-6322 • harttheatre.org

AWARD

THANK YOU FOR

VOTING! MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

151

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continued

INNOVATION BREWING: Best Music/Entertainment Venue and Business That Best Represents The Spirit Of Your Town PHOTO COURTESY OF INNOVATION BREWING

CULLOWHEE & SYLVA BREAKFAST RESTAURANT

DINNER RESTAURANT

1 THE COFFEE SHOP

1 LULU’S ON MAIN z x

2 CITY LIGHTS CAFE z

2 GUADALUPE CAFÉ z

3 SIGNATURE BREW COFFEE

3 BOGARTS RESTAURANT & TAVERN

385 W. Main St., Sylva 586-2013 • avl.mx/2rd

3 E. Jackson St., Sylva 587-2233 • citylightscafe.com 633 W. Main St., Sylva 587-6300 • avl.mx/2tk

LUNCH RESTAURANT 1 MAD BATTER FOOD & FILM

617 W. Main St., Sylva 586-3555 • madbatterfoodfilm.com

612 W. Main St., Sylva 586-8989 • lulusonmain.com

606 W. Main St., Sylva 586-9877 • guadalupecafe.com 303 S. Main St., Waynesville 452-1313 • bogartswaynesville.com

3 MAD BATTER FOOD & FILM

617 W. Main St., Sylva 586-3555 • madbatterfoodfilm.com

THANK YOU

2 SAZON MEXICAN CUISINE FOR 2840 Old Cullowhee Road, Sylva 293-9443 • sazoncullowhee.com

VOTING! z

3 LULU’S ON MAIN

612 W. Main St., Sylva 586-8989 • lulusonmain.com

COFFEE & SWEETS 1 CITY LIGHTS CAFE z

3 E. Jackson St., Sylva 587-2233 • citylightscafe.com

1 SIGNATURE BREW COFFEE 633 W. Main St., Sylva 587-6300 • avl.mx/2tk

2 BAXLEY’S CHOCOLATES

628 W. Main St., Sylva 631-3379 • baxleyschocolates.com

3 JACK THE DIPPER

170 E. Sylva Shopping Center, Sylva 586-9441 • jackthedipper.com

152

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE 1 INNOVATION BREWING z

2 IT’S BY NATURE A GALLERY OF SOUTHERN CRAFTS 678 W. Main St., Sylva 631-3020 • itsbynature.com

414 W. Main St., Sylva 586-9678 • innovationbrewing.com

2 JACKSON’S GENERAL STORE

2 JOHN W BARDO FINE & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

582 West Main St,, Sylva 586-9600

200 Centennial Drive, Cullowhee 227-2479 • wcu.edu/bardoartscenter

BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO YOUR TOWN IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS

RETAIL STORE 1 CITY LIGHTS CAFE z

1 FILMING OF “THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI”

3 E. Jackson St., Sylva 587-2233 • citylightscafe.com

1 MOTION MAKERS BICYCLE SHOP 36 Allen St., Sylva 586-6925 • motionmakers.com

2 BLACKROCK OUTDOOR COMPANY 570 W. Main St., Sylva 631-4453 • blackrockoutdoorcompany.com

BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN 1 INNOVATION BREWING z

414 W. Main St., Sylva 586-9678 • innovationbrewing.com

THING THING EAST EAST ASHEVILLE ASHEVILLE NEEDS NEEDS More Food

Parking

Affordable Housing

Sidewalks

Library

Bars

Bicycle Infastructure ` Shops

Grocery Better Roads Store

Restaurants This word cloud is created by combining key words from the write-in answers from This word cloud people is created combining key words and ideas fromappears. the the survey.

The more whobygave an answer, the bigger the word write-in answers from this year’s reader survey. The more people who gave an answer, the bigger the word appears.

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner) MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

153

The area’s most fun way to give back!

Help 46 worthy local nonprofits. * Give * Learn * Get incentives GiveLocalGuide.org November & December 154

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

`

ONLINE AT

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES AND IN PURPLE BOXES EVERYWHERE MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

155

INDEX BLACK = LISTING LOCATION • BLUE = ADVERTISEMENT # 5 Walnut Wine Bar 40 12 Bones Smokehouse 15, 14, 22, 24 67 Biltmore 16 131 Main Restaurant 24 185 King Street 148

A Abby Roach, Abby the Spoon Lady 53 ABC Pediatrics 116 ABC Pediatrics of Asheville 101 A-B Tech Community College 26, 27 Academy at Terpsicorps, The 98 Acoustic Corner 69, 76 Ad Lib Clothing 66, 67 Admiral, The 24, 28, 51 Adorn Salon & Boutique 89 Advanced Pain Relief Therapy 118 A Good Dog’s Life 106 Akira Satake Ceramics 57 Alan’s Jewelry & Pawn 69, 76 ALDI 68 Allan Wolf 51 Allgood Coffee 140 All Taxa Biodiversity Camp 101 Aloft Asheville Downtown 106, 111 Altamont Theatre, The 48 Amazing Pubcycle 111 Ambrozia Bar and Bistro 24 American Nail & Spa 89 ananda 89 Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats 54 Andy Herod 57 Animal Hospital of North Asheville (AHNA) 104, 105 Antique Tobacco Barn 72, 79 Apollo Flame Bistro & Pizza 26, 32 Appalachian Java & Cafe 145 Appalachian Realty 82 Appalachian Realty Associates 82 Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project 136 Appalachian Trail 59 Appalachian Vintner 42, 44 Apple Tree Honda 74 Around Town Hound 104 ArtiSun Gallery & Marketplace 144 Art MoB Studios and Marketplace 146 Arts for Life 50 ArtSpace Charter School 96, 98, 99 Asheville Area Arts Council 50, 51 Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity 96, 110 Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore 72, 71 Asheville Art Museum 95 Asheville Ballet 51 Asheville Ballroom and Dance Center 51 Asheville Brewing Company 42 Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry 110 Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association 100 Asheville Citizen-Times 113 Asheville City Market 135 Asheville Cleaners 86 Asheville Community Acupuncture 116

156

Asheville Community Movement 96, 100, 101 Asheville Community Theatre 50 Asheville Community Yoga 120 Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre 51 Asheville Drum Circle 111 Asheville Eye Associates 118, 119 Asheville FM (103.3 FM) 113 Asheville GreenWorks 61, 110 Asheville High School 96 Asheville Hiking Group 59 Asheville Humane Society 106 Asheville Mulch Yard 136 Asheville Music School 54 Asheville on Bikes 59 Asheville Pediatric Associates 101 Asheville Pediatric Dentistry 101 Asheville Pet Supply 104 Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co. 22, 96, 103, 106 Asheville Pizza Company 18, 36, 96 Asheville Sandwich Company 28 Asheville Savings Bank 131, 132, 133 Asheville SCORE 132 Asheville Street and Dirt 78 Asheville Sun Soo Tae Kwon Do 96, 97, 100, 122 Asheville Track Club 59 Asheville Vapor 78 Asheville Wine Market 44 Asheville Women’s Medical Center 120, 121 Asheville Yoga Center 120 Ashvegas.com 113 Asiana Grand Buffet 30 Austin CPA, PC 82, 83 Avenue M 24, 25, 26, 37, 106

B Ballet Conservatory of Asheville 51, 98 Balsam Range 54 Barbie Angell 51 Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria 36, 41 Bailey Acoustic Shop 51 Barnes & Noble 74 Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar 40, 44, 74, 106 BattleCat Coffee Bar 44 Baxley’s Chocolates 152 B.B. Barns Garden, Gift, Landscape Company 136, 137 B&B Tobacconists 78 BedTyme Stories 69, 76 Beer City Festival 42 Bee’s Knees Coffee & Espresso 143 Belk 66 Ben Hovey 53 Bent Creek Experimental Forest 59, 106 Best Bites Dental 101 Beverly-Hanks & Associates 82 Bier Garden, The 40 Big Crafty, The 48 Billy Jonas 95 Biltmore Estate 106, 110, 111 Biltmore Winery 44 Biscuit Head 14 Black Bear Coffee Co. 146 BlackBird Frame & Art 72 Black Forest Restaurant 32

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

Black Mountain Center for the Arts 139 Black Mountain Community Garden 136 Black Mountain Greenways 139 Black Mountain Town Square 139 Blackrock Outdoor Company 153 Blazing Shuttles 57 Block Off Biltmore, The 39 Bloom Counseling and Consulting 120 Blossoms at Biltmore Park 76 Blue Dream Curry House 25, 26 Blue Hughes 89 Blue Mountain Pizza and Brew Pub 140, 141, 141 Blue Ridge Bakery 148 Blue Ridge Bicycle Club 59, 60 Blue Ridge Biscuit Company 139 Blue Ridge Parkway 111 Blue Spiral 1 48 Bluff Mountain Outfitters 144 Bogarts Restaurant & Tavern 152 Bold Rock Hard Cider 35, 43 Bonefish Grill 16, 26 Boojum Brewing Company 150, 151 Bouchon 18, 26, 32 Boxer Butts & Other Mutts 106 Bracken Mountain Bakery 148 Breakfast Shoppe 139 Brent Myers 116 Brevard Music Center 148 Brew (97.7 FM), The 113 Brewgrass Festival 42 Brian Boggs Chairmakers 57 Brian Lewis 116 Brother Wolf Animal Rescue 60, 66, 96, 106, 109, 110 Brother Wolf Outward Hounds Hiking Club 59 Bruisin’ Ales 42 Bubba’s Good Eats 145 Buchi Kombucha 33 Bullman Heating & Air 85, 86 Burger Bar, The 38 Burial Beer Co. 41, 42 Burning Can 47 Burnsville Town Center 145 Burntshirt Vineyards 44 Buxton Hall Barbeque 16 Bywater 36, 106

C Campaign For Southern Equality 109 Camp Rockmont 101 Camp Ruach 100 Canine Shear Heaven 106 Canine Social Club 104 CarePartners 120 Carolina Cinemark Asheville, The 50 Carolina Mountain Club 59 Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy 61 Carrabba’s Italian Grill 16 Carrier Park 101, 106 Cataloochee Ski Area 61 Cat Finks 116 C & Co. All Natural Body Goods 90 Cecil Bothwell 109, 110 Celebrity’s Hot Dogs 18 Center Stage Dance Studio 98 Chai Pani 30 Charlie Flynn-McIver 50 Charlotte Street Animal Hospital 104 Charlotte Street Computers 82, 131 Charlotte Street Grill and Pub 37 Chestnut 16, 20, 22, 23, 28 Chiesa 32 Children’s Trading Post 100

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

Chipotle Mexican Grill 16 Chocolate Fetish, The 32 Chorizo Latin Fare 29 Christopher’s Computers 82 Chris Van Dyke 57 CiCi Nails & Spa 89 Cindy Dollar 120 Circle Asheville, The 76 Citi Stop 70 City Bakery Café 33, 150 City Lights Cafe 152, 153 CityMac 82 Clasique Acupuncture & Pilates Studio 122 Claying Around 96 Clearlight Yoga 120 Clyde’s Restaurant 150 Coffee Shop, The 152 Colburn Earth Science Museum 95 Color Run, The 60 Colton Mattress Factory 72 Copper Crown 24, 26 Corner Kitchen 16, 23 Corner Kitchen Catering 16 Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, The 48 Cranky Hanke Reviews 113 Creekside Taphouse 18, 19, 24, 38 Creperie and Cafe Of Weaverville 140 Croley’s Premier Martial Arts 122 Crow & Quill, The 43 Cúrate 14, 16, 22, 24, 26, 28, 32 Curtis Wright Outfitters 141

D Dacey Porcelains 57 Dancing Bear Toys 99, 100, 147 Danny Reed 90 Danny Robinson 57 Darcel Grimes 113 David (Gus) Vickery 116 Davis Home Furniture 70 Deltec Homes 84 Denise Bitz 109 Derek Kasten 116 Desoto Lounge 38 Diamond Brand Outdoors 61 Diamond Thieves Body Piercing & Tattoo 90 Dining Out for Life 109 Discount Shoes 66 Discount Tire 74 Dixie Diner 146 Dixon Hughes Goodman 82 Dobrá Tea 44, 45, 139 Doc Chey’s Noodle House 29, 30, 31 Dodson Pest Control 86 Dog Door, The 106 Double Crown Bar, The 38 DOUG Dacey 57 Downtown After 5 47 Downtown Books & News 74 Drag Queen Bingo 109 Dr. Andrea Fochios 104 Dr. Hope Mustoe 116 Dripolator Coffeehouse, The 139 Dr. J. Anya Harris, DC 116, 117 Dr. Laurel Davis 104 Dr. Lauren Keely Carlisle 116 Dr. Meredith Polansky 116 Dry Ridge Family Medicine 116 DSW 66 Duncan & York 76, 77 Dunkin Donuts 139 Dynamite Roasting Company 44, 45, 45, 139

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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INDEX E Early Girl Eatery 14, 20, 26, 28 Echo Mountain Recording Studio 55 Eddie Cabbage 51 Eddie Foxx 113 Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar 37, 43 Elementality 66 Elements Real Food Juice Bar & Cafe 29, 45 El Kimchi 18 Elliott Moss 16 El Que Pasa 29 Empire Tattoo & Piercing 90, 93 Envision Eyecare 118 Epic Cycles 61 Erin Brown 118 Esther Manheimer 110 Etc. Consignment Shoppe 66 Earth Fare 18, 68, 120 East Village Grille 24, 38 Evergreen Community Charter School 95, 96, 101

F Faerie Made Soap 90 Family Health Centers, The 118, 123 Farm Burger 14, 15, 18 Farm & Sparrow 33 Farm To Fender 18 Farside Farms Market 135 Favilla’s New York Pizza 22, 25 Feral Chihuahuas, The 51 Fifth Season 136 Fine Arts Theatre 50 Finkelstein’s 76 Firecracker Jazz Band 53 Fired Up! Creative Lounge 96, 97 Fireside Pancake House 146 Firestorm Books & Coffee 74, 132 First Bank 132 First Citizens Bank 132 Five Guys Burgers and Fries 18 Five Points Restaurant 16 Flat Rock Playhouse 50, 146, 147 Flat Rock Village Bakery 146 Fletcher Flyer 60 Flipside Boardshop 78 Flora 76 Flow 143 Flying Cloud Farm 135 Folk Art Center 48, 49 Foreign Affairs Oriental Market 68 Forest Floor Wilderness Programs 101 Four Seasons Compassion For Life 120 Four Seasons Plumbing 84 Frank Zipperer Photography 57 Franny’s Farm 135, 135 Frazier’s Tavern 37 Free Planet Radio 54 French Broad Adventures 59, 60 French Broad Chocolate Lounge 32, 33 French Broad Food Co-Op 68, 120, 132 French Broad Pediatrics 101, 116 French Broad River Festival 47 French Broad River Park 106 Fresh Wood Fired Pizza & Pasta 139 Frogs Leap Public House 150 Frugal Decor & More 70

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Frugal Framer 72, 73 Fuddruckers 96 Fun Depot 95, 96 Funkatorium 41 Fusion Pilates Asheville 122G

G Garden Deli 145 Gasperson Moving and Storage 86 Gas-Up, The 70, 71 Gentry Heating Inc. 86 Get Right Band, The 53 Gibson Pest Control 86 Girls Rock Camp 54 Glass Onion 140 Gold’s Gym 122 Good Stuff Grocery 143 Goodwill 66, 72, 73 Goosmann Rose Colvard & Cramer, P.A. 82 Gorge, The 59 Grace Covenant Community Garden 136 Grandad’s Apples N’ Such 135 Grand Bohemian Hotel 37 Gray Line Historic Trolley Tours of Asheville 111 Great Beginnings 101 GreenBee Cleaning Co. 86 Green Home Cleaning 86, 87 Greenlife Grocery 18, 68, 120 Green Man Brewery 41, 42 Green Sage Cafe 18, 26, 45 Green Tea Sushi Restaurant 30 Greg Magruder 57 Grey Eagle, The 36, 47, 48, 51 Groce Funeral Home & Cremation Service 120 Guadalupe Café 152 Guitar Center 76 Guitar Mama, The 55 Gypsy Queen Cuisine 18

H Haen Gallery at Lumberyard Arts, The 148 Hahn’s Gymnastics 100 Hands On! A Child’s Gallery 95 Hands On Spa 89 Happy Tails Country Club 104 Hard Exercise Works 120, 122 Harris Teeter 18, 68 HART Fangmeyer Theater 151 Harvest Records 76 Haynes Electric Construction 85, 86 Haynes Heating & Cooling 85, 86 Haynes Plumbing Systems 84, 85 Haynes Solar 84, 85 Haywood Arts Regional Theatre 151 Heart of Gold Body Arts 90 Henco Reprographics 76 HenDough Chicken and Donuts 147, 147 Henry’s Restaurant 148 Heyday Musical Instruments & Repair 55 Hickory Nut Gap Farm 135 Hickory Tavern 38, 40 High Five Coffee 44 Highland Brewing Co. 36, 41, 42, 47, 131 Highland Brewing Co. Run Club 59 Hip Replacements Clothing 66 Hi-Wire Brewing 41

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

Hole 17 Holiday Childress 89 Hollie Stephenson 41 HomeGrown 16, 18, 20, 24, 26, 28 Homegrown Babies 120 HomeTrust Bank 131, 132 Homeward Bound 110 Honeycutters, The 53 Honeypot 66 Hope Griffin 53, 54, 55 Hopey & Co. 68 Hop Ice Cream Cafe, The 32, 33 Hot Dog King, The 18 Hot Dog World 18 Hotel Indigo 106, 111 Hot Spot 70 Hot Springs Resort & Spa 144 Hot Stuff Tattoo 90 Hot Yoga Asheville 120 Hub and Pisgah Tavern, The 149 Hughes Guitars and Repairs 55

JoS. A. Bank 66 Josh Michael 113 Josie Mielke 41 Jude Stuecker 57 Juicy Lucy’s Burger Bar and Grill 14, 50 Julian Dreyer Production and Engineering 54, 55 Junction, The 22 Jus’ Running 59 Just Brew It Homebrew Festival 42

K

I Ian Wilkinson 57 Ichiban Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 30 Image 420 Screenprinting 76 Inc. 70 India Garden 30 Ingles 68 Innovation Brewing 153 Integrative Family Medicine of Asheville 116, 118 Iron Horse Station Restaurant & Tavern 144 Isis Music Hall 36, 37, 47, 48 It’s By Nature - A Gallery of Southern Crafts 153 Ivy Creek Family Farm 135 Izzys Coffee Den 44

J Jack of the Wood 22, 36, 38 Jackson’s General Store 153 Jackson Zoeller 40 Jack the Dipper 152 Jaclyn Amber 104 Jade Mountain Builders 84 JAG & Associates Construction 84 Jaime’s Creole Brasserie 148 James Carson 40 James Colvin Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, LMFT 120, 125 Jami Redlinger 89 Jan Davis Tire Store 74 Jasmine Beach-Ferrara 109, 110 Jason Boyer 113 Jay Siltzer 113 Jeff Messer 113 Jenny Bowen 57 Jersey Mike’s Subs 28 Jesse Israel & Sons 136 Jesse Redinger 120 Jessica Merithew Photography 57 Jewels That Dance 66 Jim Barkley Toyota 74, 75 Jocelin Rosas 40 Joe Scully 16 Joey’s Pancake House 150 John Boyle 113 John C. Campbell Folk School 48 John Richards 57 John S. Paschall, MD 116 John W Bardo Fine & Performing Arts Center 153 Jongo Java 146

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

Kandi’s Cakes and Bake Shop 150 Kasumi Mountain Martial Arts 100, 122 Kate Steinbeck 54 Kathrin weber 57 Katie Button 16 Keller Williams 82 Kenilworth 109 Kerry Bober Graphic Design 57 Kerry Burke 90 Kilwin’s Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream 32 Kimberly Cann 98 Kimi Leger 90 Kim’s Oriental Food & Gifts 68 King Daddy’s Chicken and Waffle 18 Kipper Schauer 54 Kipper’s Totally Rad Trivia Night 50 Kiss Country (99.9 FM) 113 Koreana 30 Korean House 30 Krispy Kreme 17 Kristina Berkeley 118

L Laughing Mermaid Soap Co., The 90 Laughing Seed 18, 26, 28, 29 Laurel Ob/Gyn 120 Laurel of Asheville, The 113 Lauren Woodard, LCSW 120 LaZoom Tours 7, 51, 111, 131 Lazy Diamond, The 38 LEAF Community Arts 50 LEAF Festival 47, 95 Leah Baker 57 Leah B. Noel, CPA, PC 82, 83 Lee Plamann 118, 125 Lee’s Asian Market 68 Leicester Pawn and Gun Shop 76 Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival (LAAFF) 47 Lexington Avenue Brewery 22 Liberty Bicycles 61, 61, 84 Limones 14, 22, 26, 29 Littlest Birds, The 100 Liz Roseman 116, 117 Lobster Trap, The 26, 27 L.O.F.T. of Asheville (Lost Objects Found Treasures) 76, 78 Looking Glass Creamery 16 Lord’s Acre, The 136 Louise’s Kitchen 139 Lucent Green Technology 84 Luella’s Bar-B-Que 14, 22, 43 Lulu’s on Main 152 Luminosa Lighting 57 Lusty Monk Mustard 33 Lyric 54

M Mad Batter Food & Film 152 Madison County Arts Council 143 Mad Vapes 78 Magruder Glass 57

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HOMEGROWN: Best Diner/Home-Style, Best Local-Food Emphasis and Restaurant That Best Represents The Spirit Of Asheville (tie) PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

BURRITO 1 MAMACITA’S d j x

77-A Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-8080 • mamacitasgrill.com

2 NEO BURRITO wn E

CHEESEMAKER/CHEESE DAIRY 1 LOOKING GLASS CREAMERY E az 57 Noble Road, Fairview 458-0088 • ashevillecheese.com

1341 Parkwood Road, Asheville 772-9602 • eatneo.com 2 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 772-9568 4 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 772-9619

2 THREE GRACES DAIRY n a

3 URBAN BURRITO n

4717 E. Fork Road, Marshall 206-5509 • spinningspidercreamery.com

640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 203, Asheville 251-1921 • urbanburrito.com

CATERING COMPANY 1 CORNER KITCHEN CATERING d z 48 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-2819 • cornerkitchencatering.com

2 THE RED RADISH E a

107 Black Mountain Ave., Black Mountain 669-5100 • redradish.com

3 67 BILTMORE d z l 67 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 252-1500 • 67biltmore.com

CHAIN-OPERATED RESTAURANT 1 CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL E s 10 Buckstone Place, Asheville 281-2300 • carrabbas.com 332 Rockwood Road, Arden 654-8411

2 CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL s 1828 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-6370 • chipotle.com

3 BONEFISH GRILL E

105-C River Hills Road, Asheville 298-6530 • bonefishgrill.com

3 MOE’S ORIGINAL BAR B QUE sn 4 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 505-8282 • moesoriginalbbq.com 72 Weaverville Rd., Woodfin 505-3542

16

335 Milky Way, Marshall 656-2195 • 3gracesdairy.com

3 SPINNING SPIDER CREAMERY n az

CHEF 1 KATIE BUTTON (Cúrate and Nightbell) d j x 11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

2 JOE SCULLY (Chestnut and Corner Kitchen) d z 48 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-2667 • chestnutasheville.com

3 ELLIOTT MOSS (Buxton Hall Barbeque) d 32 Banks Ave., Asheville 232-7216 • buxtonhall.com

DINER/HOME-STYLE 1 HOMEGROWN d z l x

371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com

2 FIVE POINTS RESTAURANT d 258 Broadway, Asheville 252-8030

3 MOOSE CAFÉ w

570 Brevard Road, Asheville 255-0920 • eatatthemoosecafe.com

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

INDEX MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists 120 Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe 65, 74, 78 Mamacita’s 14, 16, 17, 22, 28, 29 Mangum Pottery 141 MANNA FoodBank 96, 110 Man’s Ruin Tattoos, Piercings & Art Gallery 90, 91 Marco’s Pizzeria 22, 23 Mark A. Knollman, DDS, PA 118, 124 Mast General Store 78, 147, 151 Matt & Molly Team, The 2, 82, 83 Mattress Firm, The 72 Mattress Man Superstores 72 Matt Tommey 57 Mayberry’s 148 Mayfel’s 43 McFarlan Bakery 146 McGuire Wood & Bissette 82 Meagan Witkus 120 Meg Boerner 98 Mela Indian Restaurant 20, 30 Melissa Weiss Pottery 57 Mellow Mushroom 18, 20, 22 Melt Your Heart 18 Merrimon Florist 76 Metro Wines 44, 45 Michael Greenfield 120 Michael Jefry Stevens 54 Michael Johnson 120 Michael MacCauley 50 Michaels 72 Michael Weizman, MD 116 Middy, The 89 Mike Byer Auto 82 Mindful Mutz Training & Behavior 106 Minx 66 Mission Emergency Department 116 Mission Health 116, 121 Miya Gallery 141 Mobilia 70 Moe’s Original Bar B Que 14, 16, 22, 141 Moog Music Inc. 55 Moose Café 16 Morris Funeral Home 120 Motion Makers Bicycle Shop 61, 81, 84, 153 Mountain Air Roasting 45 Mountain BizWorks 132 Mountain Juicery 45 Mountain Magnolia Inn Restaurant 144 Mountain Playlodge 95, 96 Mountains-to-Sea Trail 59 Mountain True 61, 63, 109 Movement Mortgage 132 Mr. K’s Used Books & More 74, 75 Music Center, The 55 Musician’s Workshop 53, 76 MusicShooter, The 57 Myers Chiropractic and Functional Health 116 My Sister’s Place 143

N Nantahala Outdoor Center 60 Native Kitchen & Social Pub 139 Natural Scapes 136 Navitat Canopy Adventures 59, 59 NC Outward Bound School 61, 100 Neo Burrito 16, 96

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Nest Egg 54 New Belgium Brewing 110, 111 Newbridge Tire Center 74 New Morning Gallery 48 New Mountain AVL 47 Nicole Ogg 116 Nightbell 16, 20, 40, 43 Nine Mile 13, 14, 20, 24, 26 Noble Hard Cider 43 North Asheville Tailgate Market 135 North Carolina Arboretum, The 95, 100, 101, 110 North Carolina Stage Company 50 Nothing New 70 Number 7 Arts 148

O Octopus Garden Smoke Shop 76, 78, 3 Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts 48, 96 O.Henry’s 36 Old Europe Pastries & Coffee 33 Old North 66 Omni Grove Park Inn 6, 106, 110, 111 One Center Yoga 120 One Click Fix 82 One Love Chiropractic 116, 123 Open Box Moving Solutions, The 86 O.P. Taylor’s 100, 149 Orange Peel, The 47, 47, 48 Organic Mechanic 81, 82 Oriental Pavilion 29, 30 Original Papa Nick’s, The 143 Oscar Blues Brewery 47 OSEGA Gymnastics 100 Oskar Blues Brewery 148, 149 Our Family Doctor 116, 118, 119 Our VOICE 109 Oyster House Brewing 26

P Pack’s Tavern 20 Panacea Coffeehouse, Café & Roastery 150 Pan Harmonia 54 Papas & Beer 14, 29 Pardee Hospital 116 Park Ridge Health 116, 126, 131, 147 Park Ridge Health Emergency Department 116 Parkway Playhouse 145 Patton Avenue Pet Company 104 Paul Bonesteel 50 Peggy Ratusz 53, 55 Penland School of Crafts 48, 49 Penland’s Furniture 70 Penland & Sons Department Store 143 PennyCup Coffee Co. 45 People & Pets Acupuncture 104 Perfect Balance Physical Therapy 127, 149 Pescados Burritos 148 Peter Pfister 57 Peter Rocks 57 PetSmart 104 Pet Vet on Patton 103, 104 Philo 53 Phil Rolfe PT, DPT, ATC 118 Physio Physical Therapy And Wellness 118 Piano Lab Studios 98 Pig & Grits 145

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

Pisgah Area SORBA 59 Pisgah Brewing Company 41, 47, 139 Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventure Race (PMBAR) 60 Plankeye Peggy 53 Plant 18, 19, 28, 29 Pleasures of the Ultraviolent 54 PlumDog Financial 132 Posana 28 Postero 146 Pour Taproom 36 Prestige Subaru 74 Princess Anne Hotel 109, 111 Printville 76 Pristine Clean 86 Professor Whizzpop 95 Prospect, The 38 PUSH Skateshop and Gallery 78

Q Que Sera 139 Quick as a Wink 86 Quizzo at Jack of the Wood 50 Quotations Coffee Café 148

R Race To The Taps 60 Rainbow Community School 95, 96, 98, 101, 131 Randy Hughes 55 Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge 14, 20, 38 Reasonably Priced Babies 51 Reciprocity 66 Red Ginger Dimsum & Tapas 26, 30 Red House Studio and Gallery 139 Red Radish, The 16 Red Wolf Gallery 148 Reems Creek Nursery 136 Regal Biltmore Grande Stadium 50 Regeneration Station, The 70, 71, 72 REI 61 Revolution (880 AM), The 113 RISE: Authentic Pilates 120, 122, 125 River (98.1 FM), The 113 River Arts District Studio Stroll 48 RiverLink 61 Riverside Stump Dump 136 Robert Beatty 51 Robert Lake Park 101 Robinson Handmade and “Ex-Files” Knives 57 Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack 18, 163 Rod Murphy 50 Roman’s Local Deli & Catering 28, 29, 29 romanticasheville.com 113 Ron Rash 51 Roots Hummus 33 Roots + Wings School of Art and Design 96, 98, 99 Rosetta’s Kitchen 20, 26, 29 Run for the Paws 5K 60 Run Wild! Summer Camp 101 Rush, The 122 Ruth’s Chris Steak House 28

S Sacred Lotus Tattoo 90, 91 Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard 44 Salsa’s 29 Samsel Architects 86 Sanctuary Brewing Company 146, 147 Santé Wine Bar and Tap Room 40 Sara Gruen 51

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

Sarah Addison Allen 51 Sattva Massage & Botanicals 118 Sazon Mexican Cuisine 152 Scandals Nightclub 36, 51 Scott Peele 118, 124 Scott Treadway 50 Screen Door 70, 72 Sculptural Art Baskets 57 Second Chances Thrift Store 66 Second Gear 61 Secret Agent 23 Skidoo 95 Self-Help Credit Union 131 Sensibilities Day Spa 89, 89 Seven Sisters Craft Gallery 139 Shalom Children’s Center for Early Childhood 98 Shalom Children’s Center Pre-K 96 Shut-In Ridge Trail Run 60 Signature Brew Coffee 152 Silas’s Produce Farmer’s Market 135 Silver Fox Gallery 146 Ski Country Sports 61 Sky Bar 36, 37 Sky Top Orchard 135 Smart Feller Tree Works 136, 137 Smoky Mountain Diner 144 Snap Dragon Bar & Grill 145 Soapy Dog, The 104, 106, 107 Social, The 38 Something Special Gift Shop 145 Sona Merlin 82, 87 Sophie Magazine 113 Sora Japanese Restaurant 148 Soundbarre 122 Source For Well-Being 116, 119 Southern Appalachian Brewery 146, 147 Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy 61, 135, 136 Southern Highland Craft Guild 49 Southern Kitchen and Bar, The 22, 43 Sovereign Remedies 38, 40, 43 Spa at Omni Grove Park Inn, The 89 Spa Theology 89 Spinning Spider Creamery 16 Spring Creek Tavern 144 Square Root Restaurant, The 148, 149 Stackhouse 142, 143 Star (104.3 FM) 113 Starbucks 145 State Employees’ Credit Union 131 Static Age Records 76 Steebo Sculptures 57 Stefan “Steebo” Bonitz 57 Stephanie Hickling Beckman 50 Stephaniesid 54 Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard 135 Stonebowl Korean 30 Stoney Knob Café 32, 140 St. Paul’s Preschool 96 Strada 20, 32, 33 Strand at 38 Main, The 151 Studio Zahiya 51, 98 Sue Ford 98 Sugar Mountain Resort 61 Sundance Power Systems 84 Sunny Point Café 14, 20, 24, 26, 106 Sunrise Café, The 17, 148 Sunset Terrace 20, 36 Sunvet Animal Wellness 104, 105 Sustainable Health Acupuncture 116 Swannanoa Cleaners 86 Sweet Monkey Bakery, The 142, 143 Sweet Onion Restaurant, The 150

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INDEX Suwana’s Thai Orchid Restaurant 30, 31 Sync Bodywork 118, 127

T Taco Billy 22, 28 Taija Ventrella, CPT 120 Take A Hike Outfitters 139 Talbots 66 Tammy Watford 113 Tasty Beverage Company 42 TCBY 32 Tebbe Davis 57 Telco Community Credit Union 131 Terminix 86 Terpsicorps Theater of Dance 51 Thai Basil 30 Thai Kitchen, The 30 Thai To Go 29 Thirsty Monk 38, 41 Three Graces Dairy 16 Thyme in the Garden 141 Tim Gormley 41 Timothy E. Gillespie 115, 118 Toe River Arts Council Gallery 145 Toe River Studio Tour 48 Top of the Monk 36, 40, 43 Tops for Shoes 66, 67 Town Hardware and General Store 139 Toy Box, The 100 T.P. Howard’s Plumbing 84 Tracey Johnston-Crum 50 Trader Joe’s 68 Trailhead Restaurant and Bar, The 139 Travers Brothership 54 Tunnel Vision 118 Tupelo Honey Café 14, 24, 28 Twigs and Leaves Gallery 151 Twisted Laurel Eatery and Taps 32, 141 Two Men and a Truck 86 Tyson Furniture 70

U Ultimate Ice Cream 32 Umi Japanese Fine Dining 146, 147 UNCA 51 Union 66 Universal Joint 14, 20, 22, 106 Urban Burrito 16, 96 Urban Orchard Cider Co. 40, 41, 43, 43

V Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft 5, 164 Van Winkle Law Firm 57, 82 VaVaVooom 76, 77 Veranda Café & Gifts 139 Verner Center For Early Learning 98 Village Art & Craft Fair 48 Village Wayside Bar and Grill 38 Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian 20, 21, 28, 32 Virtue 66, 67 Vitality Fitness Asheville 120, 122 Vortex Doughnuts 17, 44

W Wag! A Unique Pet Boutique 147 Waggers Dog Depot 106 Wagon Wheel, The 142

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Walk a Mile Asheville 109 Warren Wilson College 51 Wasabi Japanese Restaurant 30, 31 WAX (West Asheville Exchange on Facebook) 109 WCQS - WNC Public Radio 113 Weaverville Art Safari 48 Wedge Brewing Company 36, 42, 106 Well-Bred Bakery & Café 4, 33, 140, 141 Wells Fargo 131 West Asheville Lounge & Kitchen 38 West Asheville Tailgate Market 135 West End Bakery 33 West Family Funeral Services 120 West First Wood-Fired Pizza 146 Westville Pub 22, 38, 39, 40 Whist 76, 77 White Duck Taco Shop 5, 14, 22, 28 White Horse Black Mountain 139 White Squirrel Festival 149 White Squirrel Shoppe 149 Whitney Madden 116 Whit’s Frozen Custard 32, 33 Whole Foods 18, 68, 120 Wicked Weed Brewing 20, 22, 36, 38, 41, 42 Wick & Greene Jewelers 66 Wild Ginger Noodle Bar 24 Wild Wing Café 40 Willow’s Dream 89 Windsor Boutique Hotel, The 111 Wink Salon 89 WLOS 113 WNCAP 109 WNC Community Health Services 116 WNC Nature Center 95, 100, 101 WNCW (88.7 FM) 113 WNC Woman 113 Wolf Ridge Ski Resort 61 Wonderland 76 Woolworth Walk 48 W xyz Bar at Aloft Asheville 37

X Xpertech Car Care 82

Y YMCA of Western North Carolina 95, 96, 100, 122 YoLo Frozen Yogurt 32 Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band 53 Youngblood Bicycles 61, 84 You Work I’ll Play Dog Daycare and Training 104 YWCA of Asheville & WNC 98

Z Zach Comer 118 Zambra 26 ZaPow! 48 Zen & Now 66 Zen Sushi 30 Zen Tubing 60 Zuma Coffee 142, 143

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

163

DONUTS 1 VORTEX DOUGHNUTS d

32 Banks Ave., Asheville 552-3010 • vortexdoughnuts.com

2 HOLE w j

168 Haywood Road, Asheville 774-5667 • facebook.com/holedoughnuts

3 KRISPY KREME w

960 Patton Ave., Asheville 254-6007 • krispykreme.com

BEST OF WNC IS ALSO ONLINE

international flavors local ingredients BestofWNC.com

81 Patton Ave 828-258-2500

bluedreamcurry.com

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner) MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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continued

FOOD TRUCK 1 EL KIMCHI j x

551-6775 • facebook.com/ElKimchi

1 GYPSY QUEEN CUISINE w j z 807 Patton Ave., Asheville 575-2758 • gypsyqueencuisine.com

2 FARM TO FENDER s l

3080 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 335-0875 • farmtofender.com

3 MELT YOUR HEART z 989-6749 • avl.mx/2o4

FRENCH FRIES 1 BOUCHON d j z l x

62 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 350-1140 • ashevillebouchon.com

2 FARM BURGER ds z 10 Patton Ave., Asheville 348-8540 • farmburger.net

1831 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 575-2393

3 FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES s 1838 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 277-3894 • fiveguys.com

FRIED CHICKEN 1 ROCKY’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK ws j l

1455 Patton Ave., Asheville 575-2260 • rockyshotchickenshack.com 3749 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 676-3222

2 KING DADDY’S CHICKEN AND WAFFLE w z l

444 Haywood Road, Suite 101, Asheville 785-1690 • ashevillekingdaddy.com

3 HOMEGROWN d z l

371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com

GREEN/SUSTAINABILITYFRIENDLY RESTAURANT

HEALTHIEST RESTAURANT 1 PLANT d l

165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 258-7500 • plantisfood.com

2 LAUGHING SEED d z

40 Wall St., Asheville 252-3445 • laughingseed.com

3 GREEN SAGE CAFE dsw l 5 Broadway, Asheville 252-4450 • greensagecafe.com 1800 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-4450 For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

HOT BAR 1 WHOLE FOODS MARKET E 4 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 239-9604 • wholefoodsmarket.com

2 EARTH FARE sw

1856 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 210-0100 • EarthFare.com 66 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 253-7656

3 GREENLIFE GROCERY (Whole Foods) d

70 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-5440 • wholefoodsmarket.com

3 HARRIS TEETER d

136 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 255-1817 • harristeeter.com

HOT DOGS 1 CELEBRITY’S HOT DOGS w

1409 Brevard Road, Asheville 670-5954 • facebook.com/ashevillehotdogs

2 HOT DOG WORLD s a

226 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 697-0374 • hotdogworld.net

3 THE HOT DOG KING E s a

1487 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 628-1036 • thehotdogkingfairview.com 2603 Hendersonville Road, Arden 676-2690

KID-FRIENDLY

1 GREEN SAGE CAFE dsw l x 5 Broadway, Asheville 252-4450 • greensagecafe.com

1800 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-4450

1 ASHEVILLE PIZZA COMPANY nd l x

70 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 785-1780

675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-1281 • ashevillepizza.com 77 Coxe Avenue, Asheville 255-4077

2 PLANT d l

2 CREEKSIDE TAPHOUSE E

3 HOMEGROWN d z l

3 MELLOW MUSHROOM d

165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 258-7500 • plantisfood.com 371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com

18

8 Beverly Road, Asheville 575-2880 • creeksidetaphouse.com 50 Broadway, Asheville 236-9800 • mellowmushroom.com

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

GOING OUT TONIGHT? WE’RE HONORED TO BE VOTED

BEST VEGETARIAN & HEALTHIEST RESTAURANT. CHEERS!

SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TOWN MOUNTAINX.COM/ CLUBLAND

165 merrimon avenue (828) 258-7500 www.plantisfood.com

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner) MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

19

Voted #1 Real Estate Agent 4 years running thanks to our raving fans!

Buying, Selling or Investing in Real Estate?

Call the Best!

(828) 210-1697

www.TheMattAndMollyTeam.com 2

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

EATS

continued

CONTINUED

VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN: Best Italian, Best Pasta and Best Service PHOTO BY THOMAS CALDER

LATE-NIGHT 1 ROSETTA’S KITCHEN d z l x 116 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 232-0738 • rosettaskitchen.com

2 RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE d j 7 Rankin Ave., Asheville 254-4993 • rankinvault.com

3 NIGHTBELL d j l

32 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 575-0375 • thenightbell.com

LOCAL-FOOD EMPHASIS 1 HOMEGROWN d z l x

371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com

OUTDOOR DINING 1 WICKED WEED BREWING d

91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com

2 UNIVERSAL JOINT w

784 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-7262 • ujasheville.com

3 MELLOW MUSHROOM d

50 Broadway, Asheville 236-9800 • mellowmushroom.com

3 SUNSET TERRACE n

Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • omnigroveparkinn.com

2 EARLY GIRL EATERY d z 8 Wall St., Asheville 259-9292 • earlygirleatery.com

3 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w z l 626 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com

BUSINESS LUNCH 1 CHESTNUT d z x

PASTA 1 VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN n 641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-1077 • vinniesitalian.com

2 NINE MILE dw

48 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-2667 • chestnutasheville.com

233 Montford Ave., Asheville 505-3121 • ninemileasheville.com

2 MELA INDIAN RESTAURANT d

751 Haywood Road, Asheville 575-9903

70 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 225-8880 • melaasheville.com

3 PACK’S TAVERN d l

20 S. Spruce St., Asheville 225-6944 • packstavern.com

3 STRADA d l

27 Broadway, Asheville 348-8448 • stradaasheville.com

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

20

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

21

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PEOPLE-WATCHING 1 MELLOW MUSHROOM d x 50 Broadway, Asheville 236-9800 • mellowmushroom.com

1 WICKED WEED BREWING d

91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com

2 THE SOUTHERN KITCHEN AND BAR d j

41 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 251-1777 • southernkitchenandbar.com

3 LEXINGTON AVENUE BREWERY d 39 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 252-0212 • lexavebrew.com

PIZZA 1 ASHEVILLE PIZZA AND BREWING nd l x

RIBS 1 12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE rs 5 Riverside Drive, Asheville 253-4499 • 12bones.com 3578 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 687-1395

2 LUELLA’S BAR-B-QUE ns z 501 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 505-7427 • luellasbbq.com 33 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 676-3855

3 MOE’S ORIGINAL BAR B QUE sn

4 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 505-8282 • moesoriginalbbq.com 72 Weaverville Rd., Woodfin 505-3542

RESTAURANT IN DOWNTOWN

675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-1281 • ashevillebrewing.com 77 Coxe Ave., Asheville 255-4077

1 CÚRATE d j l

2 MARCO’S PIZZERIA sn

2 LIMONES d j z

1854 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 277-0004 • marcos-pizzeria.com 946 Merrimon Ave., Asheville • 285-0709

3 FAVILLA’S NEW YORK PIZZA w 1093 Patton Ave., Asheville 225-3032 • favillasnypizza.com

PUB GRUB 1 WESTVILLE PUB w

777 Haywood Road, Asheville 225-9782 • westvillepub.com

2 JACK OF THE WOOD d z 95 Patton Ave., Asheville 252-5445 • jackofthewood.com

3 UNIVERSAL JOINT w

784 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-7262 • ujasheville.com

QUICK MEAL 1 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP rd j z

1 Roberts St., Asheville 258-1660 • whiteducktacoshop.com 12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville • 232-9191

11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com 13 Eagle St., Asheville 252-2327 • limonesrestaurant.com

3 CHESTNUT d z

48 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-2667 • chestnutasheville.com

RESTAURANT IN THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT 1 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP rd j z

1 Roberts St., Asheville 258-1660 • whiteducktacoshop.com 12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 232-9191

2 12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE rs 5 Riverside Drive, Asheville 253-4499 • 12bones.com 3578 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 687-1395

3 THE JUNCTION r z l

348 Depot St., Asheville 225-3497 • thejunctionasheville.com

2 MAMACITA’S d j

77-A Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-8080 • mamacitasgrill.com

3 TACO BILLY w

201 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-0088 • tacobillyasheville.com

THANK YOU FOR

VOTING!

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

22

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

946 Merrimon Ave | 828-285-0709 1854 Hendersonville Rd | 828-277-0004

www.marcos-pizzeria.com

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

23

EATS

continued

BOUCHON: Best European and Best French Fries PHOTO BY ADAM MCMILLAN

RESTAURANT IN WEST ASHEVILLE 1 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w z l 626 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com

2 NINE MILE w

751 Haywood Road, Asheville 575-9903 • ninemileasheville.com

3 THE ADMIRAL w z

400 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-2541 • theadmiralnc.com

RESTAURANT IN NORTH ASHEVILLE 1 AVENUE M n l

RESTAURANT IN SOUTH ASHEVILLE 1 TUPELO HONEY CAFÉ ds 12 College St., Asheville 255-4863 • tupelohoneycafe.com 1829 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 505-7676

2 131 MAIN RESTAURANT s

Biltmore Park Town Square, 308 Thetford St., Asheville 651-0131 • 131-main.com

3 WILD GINGER NOODLE BAR s 1950 Hendersonville Road, Suite 12, Asheville 676-2311 • wildgingernoodle.com

RESTAURANT TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS TO

791 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 350-8181 • avenuemavl.com

2 AMBROZIA BAR AND BISTRO n

1 CÚRATE d j l

3 HOMEGROWN d z l

2 TUPELO HONEY CAFÉ ds

1020 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 350-3033 • ambrozia-avl.com

371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com

RESTAURANT IN EAST ASHEVILLE 1 COPPER CROWN E

1011 Tunnel Road, Asheville 505-7531 • coppercrownavl.com

2 EAST VILLAGE GRILLE E

1177 Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-3743 • eastvillagegrille.com

3 CREEKSIDE TAPHOUSE E

8 Beverly Road, Asheville 575-2880 • creeksidetaphouse.com

11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com 12 College St., Asheville 255-4863 • tupelohoneycafe.com 1829 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 505-7676

3 12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE ds 5 Riverside Drive, Asheville 253-4499 • 12bones.com 3578 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 687-1395

3 NINE MILE dw

233 Montford Ave., Asheville 505-3121 • ninemileasheville.com 751 Haywood Road, Asheville 575-9903

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

24

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

Thanks For Voting Us Your #1 (again) Tue - Thu 5pm -10pm • Fri - Sat 5pm -10:30pm Sunday Hours 10am - 9pm (Brunch 10am - 2pm • Lite Fare 2pm - 5pm Dinner 5pm -9pm) 791 Merrimon Avenue Asheville, NC 28804 828.350.8181 • avenuemavl.com

GUIDE ONLINE AT

AVLEATS.COM MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

25

EATS RESTAURANT STILL NEEDED IN ASHEVILLE 1 CHINESE 2 VIETNAMESE 3 THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS) 1 RED GINGER DIMSUM & TAPAS d 82 Patton Ave., Asheville 505-8688 • redgingerasheville.com

2 COPPER CROWN E 1011 Tunnel Road, Asheville 505-7531 • coppercrownavl.com

3 BLUE DREAM CURRY HOUSE d j z l 81 Patton Ave., Asheville 258-2500 • bluedreamcurry.com

RESTAURANT THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF ASHEVILLE 1 HOMEGROWN d z l

371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com

1 ROSETTA’S KITCHEN d z l 116 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 232-0738 • rosettaskitchen.com

2 SUNNY POINT CAFÉ w z l 626 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-0055 • sunnypointcafe.com

3 EARLY GIRL EATERY d z 8 Wall St., Asheville 259-9292 • earlygirleatery.com

ROMANTIC DINING 1 ZAMBRA d x

85 Walnut St., Asheville 232-1060 • zambratapas.com

2 BOUCHON d j z l

62 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 350-1140 • ashevillebouchon.com

2 CÚRATE d j l

11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

3 LIMONES d j z

13 Eagle St., Asheville 252-2327 • limonesrestaurant.com

continued

RESTAURANT WINE LIST 1 ZAMBRA d x

85 Walnut St., Asheville 232-1060 • zambratapas.com

2 CÚRATE d j l

11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

3 BOUCHON d j z l

62 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 350-1140 • ashevillebouchon.com

CULINARY/COOKING SCHOOL OR CLASSES 1 A-B TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE d hx 340 Victoria Road, Asheville 398-7900 • abtech.edu

SALAD 1 LAUGHING SEED d z x 40 Wall St., Asheville 252-3445 • laughingseed.com

1 NINE MILE dw

233 Montford Ave., Asheville 505-3121 • ninemileasheville.com 751 Haywood Road, Asheville • 575-9903

2 APOLLO FLAME BISTRO & PIZZA

sw

485 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-3582 • apolloflamebistro.net 1025 Brevard Road, Asheville 665-0080

3 AVENUE M n l

791 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 350-8181 • avenuemavl.com

3 GREEN SAGE CAFE dsw l 5 Broadway, Asheville 252-4450 • greensagecafe.com 1800 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-4450 For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

SEAFOOD 1 THE LOBSTER TRAP d j x 35 Patton Ave., Asheville 350-0505 • thelobstertrap.biz

2 BONEFISH GRILL E 105-C River Hills Road, Asheville 298-6530 • bonefishgrill.com

3 OYSTER HOUSE BREWING w j 625 Haywood Road, Asheville 575-9370 • oysterhousebeers.com

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

26

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

27

EATS

continued

ROSETTA’S KITCHEN: Best Late-Night and Restaurant That Best Represents The Spirit Of Asheville (tie) PHOTO BY SCOTT SOUTHWICK

SERVICE 1 VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN n 641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-1077 • vinniesitalian.com

2 CÚRATE d j l

11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

3 CHESTNUT d z

48 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-2667 • chestnutasheville.com

SOUTHERN 1 TUPELO HONEY CAFÉ ds 12 College St., Asheville 255-4863 • tupelohoneycafe.com

1829 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 505-7676

2 HOMEGROWN d z l

371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 232-4340 • slowfoodrightquick.com

3 EARLY GIRL EATERY d z 8 Wall St., Asheville 259-9292 • earlygirleatery.com

SPECIAL DIET OPTIONS (GLUTEN-FREE, LACTOSE-FREE, ETC.) 1 POSANA d x

1 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 505-3969 • posanarestaurant.com

2 PLANT d l

165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 258-7500 • plantisfood.com

3 LAUGHING SEED d z

40 Wall St., Asheville 252-3445 • laughingseed.com

28

SPLURGE RESTAURANT 1 CÚRATE d j l x

11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

2 THE ADMIRAL w z

400 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-2541 • theadmiralnc.com

3 RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE s 26 All Souls Cresent, Asheville 398-6200 • ruths-chris.com/asheville

SUB SHOP/DELI SANDWICHES 1 ASHEVILLE SANDWICH COMPANY w z

794 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-0110 • AshevilleSandwichCo.com 491 Sardis Road, Asheville 633-6299

2 JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS n E w 674 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 255-5551 • jerseymikes.com 104 River Hills Road, Asheville 298-6453 1341 Parkwood Road, Asheville 271-4612

3 ROMAN’S LOCAL DELI & CATERING d l

75-A Haywood St., Asheville 505-1552 • romansasheville.com

TACO 1 WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP rd j z x

1 Roberts St., Asheville 258-1660 • whiteducktacoshop.com 12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 232-9191

2 TACO BILLY w

201 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-0088 • tacobillyasheville.com

3 MAMACITA’S d j

77-A Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-8080 • mamacitasgrill.com

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

TAKE-OUT

MEXICAN 1 PAPAS & BEER E xs

1 DOC CHEY’S NOODLE HOUSE d x

1000 Brevard Rd., Asheville 665-9070 • papasandbeerasheville.net 17 Tunnel Road, Asheville 255-2204 • papasandbeermexican.com

37 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 252-8220 • doccheysasheville.com

2 ORIENTAL PAVILION w

2 EL QUE PASA w

48 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 236-3839 • orientalpavilion.com

891 Patton Ave., Asheville 255-2227

3 ROMAN’S LOCAL DELI & CATERING d l

3 MAMACITA’S d j

77-A Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-8080 • mamacitasgrill.com

75-A Haywood St., Asheville 505-1552 • romansasheville.com

LATIN AMERICAN

3 THAI TO GO w

1 SALSA’S d z x

18 Sardis Road, Asheville 667-8505

6 Patton Ave., Asheville 252-9805 • salsasnc.com

VEGETARIAN

THANK YOU

2 CHORIZO LATIN FARE d z

Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 139, FOR Asheville 350-1332 • chorizonc.com

1 LAUGHING SEED d z x

VOTING!

40 Wall St., Asheville 252-3445 • laughingseed.com

3 LIMONES d j z

1 PLANT d l

13 Eagle St., Asheville 252-2327 • limonesrestaurant.com

165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 258-7500 • plantisfood.com

2 ROSETTA’S KITCHEN d z l 116 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 232-0738 • rosettaskitchen.com

3 ELEMENTS REAL FOOD JUICE BAR & CAFE d z 233 S. Liberty St., Asheville 713-7513 • elementsrealfood.com

Helping Asheville Eat & Drink Local Since 2008

CATEGORY WINS:

Sub Shop-Deli-Sandwiches & Take Out

75A Haywood St. Asheville, 28801 828-505-1552 ORDER ONLINE romansasheville.com

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner) MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

29

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1

AND FOR THE 23 YEARS OF SUPPORT

THE OCTOPUS GARDEN

SMOKE SHOP

• 210 Rosman Hwy. Suite C Brevard | (828) 884-8796 • 2000 Spartanburg Hwy. Suite 300 Hendersonville | (828) 697-1050 • 140 Airport Rd. Suite M Arden | (828) 654-0906 • 1269 Tunnel Rd. Suite B Asheville | (828) 299-8880 • 660 Merrimon Ave. Asheville | (828) 253-2883 • 188 Coxe Ave. Asheville | (828) 254-4980 • 1062 Patton Ave. Asheville | (828) 232-6030

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

3

EATS

continued

WASABI JAPANESE RESTAURANT: Best Japanese and Best Sushi PHOTO BY SCOTT SOUTHWICK

INDIAN 1 MELA INDIAN RESTAURANT d x 70 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 225-8880 • melaasheville.com

2 CHAI PANI d z

22 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 254-4003 • chaipaniasheville.com

3 INDIA GARDEN E

80 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 298-5001 • indiagardenonline.com

JAPANESE 1 WASABI JAPANESE RESTAURANT d x

19 Broadway, Asheville 225-2551 • wasabiasheville.com

2 HEIWA SHOKUDO d l

87 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 254-7761 • heiwashokudo.com

2 ICHIBAN STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR s

2 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 252-7885 • ashevilleichiban.com

3 GREEN TEA SUSHI RESTAURANT w

2 Regent Park Blvd., Asheville 252-8300 • greenteasushiasheville.com

SUSHI 1 WASABI JAPANESE RESTAURANT d x

19 Broadway, Asheville 225-2551 • wasabiasheville.com

KOREAN 1 KOREAN HOUSE d

122 College St., Asheville 785-1500 • koreanhousenc.com

2 STONEBOWL KOREAN s

1987 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 676-2172

3 KOREANA s a

221 Airport Road, Arden 676-2844 • koreanaasheville.com

THAI 1 SUWANA’S THAI ORCHID RESTAURANT d x

11 Broadway, Asheville 281-8151 • suwanasthaiorchid.com

2 THE THAI KITCHEN n

535 Merrimon Ave., Suite C, Asheville 251-1960

3 THAI BASIL E a

227 W. State St., Black Mountain 664-4322 • facebook.com/Thaibasilnc

CHINESE 1 ORIENTAL PAVILION w

48 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 236-3839 • orientalpavilion.com

2 DOC CHEY’S NOODLE HOUSE d 37 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 252-8220 • doccheysasheville.com

2 GREEN TEA SUSHI RESTAURANT w

3 ASIANA GRAND BUFFET s

2 Regent Park Blvd., Asheville 252-8300 • greenteasushiasheville.com

1968 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 654-8879 • asianagb.com

3 ZEN SUSHI n

3 RED GINGER DIMSUM & TAPAS d

640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 225-6033 • zen-sushi-asheville.com

30

82 Patton Ave., Asheville 505-8688 • redgingerasheville.com

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

Voted among the

Best of WNC

for 13 years straight!

828.252.8220 37 Biltmore Ave www.DocCheysAsheville.com

Wasabi - (828) 225-2551 • 19 Broadway Ichiban - (828) 252-7885 • 2 Hendersonville Rd Yama- (828) 252-5903 • 4 Regent Park Blvd

freshest and authentic Thai cuisine

Serving the most

in Downtown Asheville

Thank you for voting us “Best Thai” in WNC! 11 Broadway • Asheville • 828-281-8151

www.suwanathaiorchid.com

Open 7 Days A Week 11:30-3:00 & 5:00-10:00

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner) MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

31

EATS

continued

GREEK

ICE CREAM

1 APOLLO FLAME BISTRO & PIZZA sw x

1 THE HOP ICE CREAM CAFE nw z l x

1025 Brevard Road, Asheville 665-0080

721 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-5155

2 STONEY KNOB CAFÉ n a

2 ULTIMATE ICE CREAM d E z

640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-2224 • thehopicecreamcafe.com

485 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-3582 • apolloflamebistro.net

195 Charlotte St., Asheville 258-1515 • ultimateicecreamasheville.com

337 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 645-3309 • stoneyknobcafe.com

1070 Tunnel Road, Asheville 296-1234

3 TWISTED LAUREL EATERY AND TAPS dn

3 KILWIN’S CHOCOLATES, FUDGE & ICE CREAM d

130 College St., Asheville 552-3240 • twistedlaurel.com

26 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 252-2639 • kilwins.com/asheville

10-A S. Main St., Weaverville 645-2700

FROZEN YOGURT/CUSTARD

ITALIAN

1 WHIT’S FROZEN CUSTARD ns

1 VINNIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN n x

565 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 505-1771 • whitsasheville.com

641 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-1077 • vinniesitalian.com

1840 Hendersonville Rd., Suite B-103, Asheville 575-2455

2 STRADA d l

2 YOLO FROZEN YOGURT n

27 Broadway, Asheville 348-8448 • stradaasheville.com

505 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 255-4515 • facebook.com/YoLoAsheville

3 CHIESA d

3 TCBY s

152 Montford Ave., Asheville 552-3110 • chiesaavl.com

1800 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-1100 • tcby.com/dinglecreekcrossing

EUROPEAN

CHOCOLATE

1 BOUCHON d j z l x

1 FRENCH BROAD CHOCOLATE LOUNGE d z l x

62 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 350-1140 • ashevillebouchon.com

10 S. Pack Square, Asheville 252-4181 • frenchbroadchocolates.com

2 CÚRATE d j l

2 THE CHOCOLATE FETISH d l

11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 239-2946 • curatetapasbar.com

3 BLACK FOREST RESTAURANT s a Asheville location closed blackforestasheville.com

123 E. 5th St., Hendersonville 692-1986

36 Haywood St., Asheville 258-2353 • chocolatefetish.com

3 KILWIN’S CHOCOLATES, FUDGE & ICE CREAM d

26 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 252-2639 • kilwins.com/asheville

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

32

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

BAKERY (SWEETS/DESSERTS) 1 WELL-BRED BAKERY & CAFÉ ns az

26 N. Main St., Weaverville 645-9300 • wellbredbakery.com

BAKERY (BREAD) 1 CITY BAKERY CAFÉ d z l x 60 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 252-4426 • citybakery.net 88 Charlotte St., Asheville 254-4289

2 FARM & SPARROW z

(wholesale and tailgate markets) 633-0584 • farmandsparrow.com

6 Boston Way, Asheville 774-5307

3 WEST END BAKERY w l 757 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-9378 • westendbakery.com

2 OLD EUROPE PASTRIES & COFFEE d j

13 Broadway, Asheville 255-5999 • oldeuropepastries.com

3 FRENCH BROAD CHOCOLATE LOUNGE d z l

10 S. Pack Square, Asheville 252-4181 • frenchbroadchocolates.com

LOCAL FOOD/DRINK PRODUCT 1 BUCHI KOMBUCHA z x 484-8229 • drinkbuchi.com

2 ROOTS HUMMUS j z 232-2828 • rootsfood.com

3 LUSTY MONK MUSTARD z 645-5056 • lustymonk.com

Voted #1 Frozen Yogurt/Custard

Visit & Try It for Yourself!

565 Merrimon Ave. North AVL

828-505-1771

1840 Hendersonville Rd. South AVL

828-575-2455

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

33

DRINKS

5 WALNUT WINE BAR: Best Wine Bar PHOTO BY THOMAS CALDER

A

sheville defines itself as a foodie town, but beverages clearly enjoy a top priority as well. This year ushered in the inaugural Asheville Cocktail Week, which drew bar professionals and distillers from across the Southeast. Following quickly on its heels, Asheville Beer Week celebrated its fifth anniversary in May, highlighting Western North Carolina’s craft breweries with nine days of beer-centric events. The local coffee culture also proved to be robust, as established businesses, such as High Five, PennyCup and Izzy’s, expanded, and new shops such as Trade and Lore opened.

Voting in the 2016 Best of WNC Drinks section revealed some notable trends in area drinking patterns. It’s probably no surprise that West Asheville, with its lively nightlife, posted the most votes among the various Neighborhood Bar races (Downtown came in second). What’s more, previously sleepy East Asheville, which recently added cocktail hotspots such as Copper Crown and Post 70 Indulgence Bar, made a strong showing as well, outpacing South Asheville’s turnout. And, if we are to judge interest by the overall number of votes cast in a category, voters prefer dive bars to upscale bars, but favor both of those over sports bars. What’s the section’s most-voted category? The greatest number of you liquid-imbibers chose to weigh in on best All-Round Brewery.

Xpress readers drink locally made beer or cider an average of more than seven times per month, according to our readers survey this year. Given that and the fact that there are two dozen (and counting!) craft breweries in Buncombe County, it was a no-brainer that the beer categories would attract hordes of

34

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

voters. Besides All-Round Brewery, the second and third mostvoted brewery/beer categories were Local Beer (any style) and Local Cidery. And although an American ale (Highland Brewing Co.’s Gaelic Ale), a pale ale (Pisgah Pale Ale) and an ESB (from Green Man Brewing Co.) proved to be the favored local beers, the ballots tell us that IPAs are also the top choice, followed by dark beers. Hard cider is also apparently gaining traction as a preferred Asheville drink — the Local Cidery category received more votes than the categories for Wine Bar and Cocktails.

Apparently, nonalcoholic beverages are near and dear to Asheville’s heart too. Nearly as many of you showed up to support your favorite local coffeehouse as weighed in on the top breweries. And voters came out in droves to name the best spots in town to sip a cup of tea and get top-notch smoothies and juice.

— Gina Smith X

`

News | Events | ArtS MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

35

DRINKS

continued

O.HENRY’S: Best Gay Bar PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

BAR THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF ASHEVILLE 1 WICKED WEED BREWING d

91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com

2 BYWATER r

796 Riverside Drive, Asheville bywaterbar.com

3 WEDGE BREWING COMPANY r j z

37 Paynes Way, Asheville 505-2792 • wedgebrewing.com

BAR WITH BAR GAMES 1 POUR TAPROOM w j 800 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-0352 • pourtaproom.com

2 BARLEY’S TAPROOM & PIZZERIA d

42 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-0504 • barleystaproom.com

3 BYWATER r

796 Riverside Drive, Asheville bywaterbar.com

FAMILY/KID-FRIENDLY BAR

BAR FOR LIVE MUSIC 1 ISIS MUSIC HALL w

743 Haywood Road, Asheville 575-2737 • isisasheville.com

2 JACK OF THE WOOD d z

1 ASHEVILLE PIZZA COMPANY nd l

675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-1281 • ashevillepizza.com

95 Patton Ave., Asheville 252-5445 • jackofthewood.com

77 Coxe Avenue, Asheville 255-4077

3 THE GREY EAGLE r z

2 HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY s l

185 Clingman Ave., Asheville 232-5800 • thegreyeagle.com

BAR WITH A VIEW 1 SKY BAR d x

18 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 258-1058 • worldcoffeecafe.com

2 SUNSET TERRACE n

Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • omnigroveparkinn.com

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

3 BYWATER r

796 Riverside Drive, Asheville bywaterbar.com

GAY BAR

2 TOP OF THE MONK d

1 O.HENRY’S d

92 Patton Ave., Asheville 254-5470 • topofthemonk.com

237 Haywood St., Asheville 254-1891 • ohenrysofasheville.com

3 BYWATER r

2 SCANDALS NIGHTCLUB d

796 Riverside Drive, Asheville bywaterbar.com

36

11 Grove St., Asheville 505-1612 • scandalsnightclub.com

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

HOTEL BAR 1 W XYZ BAR AT ALOFT ASHEVILLE d x

51 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 232-2838 • aloftashevilledowntown.com

2 GRAND BOHEMIAN HOTEL s

11 Boston Way, Asheville 505-2949 • bohemianhotelasheville.com

3 ELAINE’S DUELING PIANO BAR n Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • avl.mx/2r3

NEIGHBORHOOD BAR - NORTH 1 AVENUE M n l

791 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 350-8181 • avenuemavl.com

2 FRAZIER’S TAVERN d 389 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 258-9828

3 CHARLOTTE STREET GRILL & PUB d 157 Charlotte St., Asheville 252-2948 • charlottestreetpub.com

FREE EVERY WEEK

RESTAURANT TUES-SUN 5PM-MIDNIGHT |BRUNCH SAT & SUN 10AM-3PM

743 HAYWOOD ROAD ASHEVILLE

828.575.2737 • ISISASHEVILLE.COM ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner) MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

37

DRINKS

continued

CONTINUED

WESTVILLE PUB: Best Neighborhood Bar - West and Best Pub Grub (Eats Section) PHOTO BY SCOTT SOUTHWICK

NEIGHBORHOOD BAR - SOUTH 1 THIRSTY MONK BILTMORE PARK s

Biltmore Park Town Square, 2 Town Square Blvd., Suite 170, Asheville 687-3873 • monkpub.com

2 VILLAGE WAYSIDE BAR AND GRILL s

30 Lodge St., Asheville 277-4121 • villagewayside.com

3 HICKORY TAVERN s

Biltmore Park Town Square, 30 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 684-0975 • thehickorytavern.com

NEIGHBORHOOD BAR DOWNTOWN 1 SOVEREIGN REMEDIES d h 29 N. Market St., Asheville 919-9518 • sovereignremedies.com

2 THIRSTY MONK d

92 Patton Ave., Asheville 254-5470 • monkpub.com

3 JACK OF THE WOOD d z 95 Patton Ave., Asheville 252-5445 • jackofthewood.com

3 RANKIN VAULT COCKTAIL LOUNGE d j 7 Rankin Ave., Asheville 254-4993 • rankinvault.com

3 THE PROSPECT d 15 Buxton Ave., Asheville 505-0766 • avl.mx/2rp

3 WICKED WEED BREWING d

91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com

38

NEIGHBORHOOD BAR - WEST 1 WESTVILLE PUB w x 777 Haywood Road, Asheville 225-9782 • westvillepub.com

2 DESOTO LOUNGE w j 504 Haywood Road, Asheville 255-1109 • desotolounge.com

3 WEST ASHEVILLE LOUNGE & KITCHEN w 401 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-7929 • walkavl.com

NEIGHBORHOOD BAR - EAST 1 CREEKSIDE TAPHOUSE E

8 Beverly Road, Asheville 575-2880 • creeksidetaphouse.com

2 THE SOCIAL E

1078 Tunnel Road, Asheville 298-8780 • thesocialasheville.com

3 EAST VILLAGE GRILLE E

1177 Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-3743 • eastvillagegrille.com

DIVE BAR 1 THE BURGER BAR r

1 Craven St., Asheville facebook.com/burgerbar.asheville

1 THE DOUBLE CROWN BAR w x 375 Haywood Road, Asheville thedoublecrown.com

2 DESOTO LOUNGE w j 504 Haywood Road, Asheville 255-1109 • desotolounge.com

3 THE LAZY DIAMOND d 98 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 575-9676 • facebook.com/ TheLazyDiamondBar

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

★★★★★ -HappyCow

One of Asheville's Hidden Gems

-Mountain Xpress' 2016 eats & Drinks GuiDe

Featuring “The Vegan Experience” and Vegan Soul Food by Celebrity Chef Velvet!

39 S. Market Street, Downtown Asheville www.theblockoffbiltmore.com • 828.254.9277

Thank you, Asheville!

1 st Place Pub Grub 1 st Place Neighborhood Bar - West 2 nd Place Bartender - James Carson HALL O FAME F

10:30am-2am 7 days a week • Food 10:30am–1am (Brunch, Lunch & Dinner) 777 Haywood Road Asheville • www.westvillepub.com • 225-WPUB ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner) MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

39

4

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

DRINKS

continued

THE BIER GARDEN AND JACKSON ZOELLER: Best Sports Bar and Best Bartender PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

SPORTS BAR

WINE BAR

1 THE BIER GARDEN d

1 5 WALNUT WINE BAR d l x

2 HICKORY TAVERN s

2 SANTÉ WINE BAR AND TAP ROOM d l

3 WILD WING CAFÉ ds

3 BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE & CHAMPAGNE BAR d

46 Haywood St., Asheville 285-0002 • ashevillebiergarden.com Biltmore Park Town Square, 30 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 684-0975 • thehickorytavern.com 161 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 253-3066 • wildwingcafe.com

65 Long Shoals Road, Asheville 691-9464

UPSCALE BAR 1 SOVEREIGN REMEDIES d h 29 N. Market St., Asheville 919-9518 • sovereignremedies.com

5 Walnut St., Asheville 253-2593 • 5walnut.com

Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suites 146/152, Asheville 254-8188 • santewinebar.com

Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 252-0020 • batteryparkbookexchange.com

BARTENDER 1 JACKSON ZOELLER (The Bier Garden) d x

46 Haywood St., Asheville 285-0002 • ashevillebiergarden.com

2 NIGHTBELL d j l

2 JAMES CARSON (Westville Pub) w

3 TOP OF THE MONK d

3 JOCELIN ROSAS (Urban Orchard Cider Co.) w

32 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 575-0375 • thenightbell.com 92 Patton Ave., Asheville 254-5470 • topofthemonk.com

40

777 Haywood Road, Asheville 225-9782 • westvillepub.com

210 Haywood Road, Asheville 774-5151 • urbanorchardcider.com

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

BAR: LOCAL BEER SELECTION

CREATIVE, EXPERIMENTAL BREWERY

1 BARLEY’S TAPROOM & PIZZERIA d x

1 WICKED WEED BREWING d x

2 THIRSTY MONK dsn

2 BURIAL BEER CO. d j

42 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-0504 • barleystaproom.com

91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com

92 Patton Ave., Asheville 254-5470 • monkpub.com Biltmore Park Town Square, 2 Town Square Blvd., Suite 170, Asheville 687-3873 51 N. Merrimon Ave., Suite 113, Woodfin 424-7807

40 Collier Ave., Asheville 475-2739 • burialbeer.com

3 HI-WIRE BREWING ds j z 197 Hilliard Ave., Asheville 575-9675 • hiwirebrewing.com 2 Huntsman Place, Asheville

3 WICKED WEED BREWING d

BREWMASTER

91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com

BAR: UNUSUAL BEER SELECTION 1 THIRSTY MONK dsn x

92 Patton Ave., Asheville 254-5470 • monkpub.com Biltmore Park Town Square, 2 Town Square Blvd., Suite 170, Asheville 687-3873 51 N. Merrimon Ave., Suite 113, Woodfin 424-7807

2 FUNKATORIUM d 3 WICKED WEED BREWING d

2 HOLLIE STEPHENSON (Highland Brewing Company) s 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

3 TIM GORMLEY (Burial Beer Co.) d j

LOCAL BEER (ANY STYLE)

91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com

LOCAL ALL-ROUND BREWERY 1 HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY s l x

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

2 WICKED WEED BREWING d

91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com 40 Collier Ave., Asheville 475-2739 • burialbeer.com

210 Haywood Road, Asheville 774-5151 • urbanorchardcider.com

40 Collier Ave., Asheville 475-2739 • burialbeer.com

147 Coxe Ave., Asheville 552-3203 • avl.mx/2r4

3 BURIAL BEER CO. d j

1 JOSIE MIELKE (Urban Orchard Cider Co.) w

1 GAELIC ALE (Highland Brewing Co.) s l 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

2 PALE ALE (Pisgah Brewing Co.) E a 150 Eastside Drive, Black Mountain 669-0190 • pisgahbrewing.com

3 GREEN MAN ESB (Green Man Brewery) d j 27 Buxton Ave., Asheville 252-5502 • greenmanbrewery.com

CATCH A SHOW WHILE YOU’RE HERE!

CLUBLAND LISTINGS

BY MOUNTAIN XPRESS

MOUNTAINX.COM/CLUBLAND ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner) MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

41

DRINKS

continued

IRON RAIL IPA AND WEDGE BREWING COMPANY: Best Local IPA and Best Pet-Friendly Bar (Pets Section) PHOTO BY SCOTT SOUTHWICK

LOCAL IPA

LOCAL SOUR BEER

1 IRON RAIL IPA (Wedge Brewing Company) r j x

1 BLACK ANGEL (Wicked Weed Brewing) d

2 GREEN MAN IPA (Green Man Brewery) d j

2 OBLIVION (Wicked Weed Brewing) d

37 Payne’s Way, Asheville 505-2792 • wedgebrewing.com

27 Buxton Ave., Asheville 252-5502 • greenmanbrewery.com

2 HIGHLAND IPA (Highland Brewing Company) s

91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com

91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 575-9599 • wickedweedbrewing.com

FAVORITE LOCAL BEER EVENT

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

1 BREWGRASS FESTIVAL

3 SHIVA IPA (Asheville Brewing Company) d

2 BEER CITY FESTIVAL d

77 Coxe Ave., Asheville 255-4077 • ashevillebrewing.com

LOCAL DARK BEER 1 NINJA PORTER (Asheville Brewing Company) dn 77 Coxe Ave., Asheville 255-4077 • ashevillebrewing.com 675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-1281

2 GREEN MAN PORTER (Green Man Brewery) d j 27 Buxton Ave., Asheville 252-5502 • greenmanbrewery.com

3 SKILLET DONUT STOUT (Burial Beer Co.) d 40 Collier Ave, Asheville 475-2739 • burialbeer.com

42

brewgrassfestival.com Roger McGuire Green, Pack Square Park, Asheville beercityfestival.com

3 JUST BREW IT HOMEBREW FESTIVAL justeconomicswnc.org/just-brew-it

BEER STORE 1 BRUISIN’ ALES d j x 66 Broadway, Asheville 252-8999 • bruisin-ales.com

2 TASTY BEVERAGE COMPANY d 162 Coxe Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 232-7120 • tastybeverageco.com

3 APPALACHIAN VINTNER s l 745 Biltmore Ave., Suite 121, Asheville 505-7500 • appalachianvintner.com

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

COCKTAILS

SPECIALTY LIQUOR SELECTION

1 SOVEREIGN REMEDIES d h

1 ELAINE’S DUELING PIANO BAR n

29 N. Market St., Asheville 919-9518 • sovereignremedies.com

Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • avl.mx/2r3

2 TOP OF THE MONK d

1 THE CROW & QUILL d j

92 Patton Ave., Asheville 254-5470 • topofthemonk.com

106 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville thecrowandquill.com

3 NIGHTBELL d j l

2 SOVEREIGN REMEDIES d h

32 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 575-0375 • thenightbell.com

29 N. Market St., Asheville 919-9518 • sovereignremedies.com

BLOODY MARY

3 TOP OF THE MONK d

1 THE SOUTHERN KITCHEN AND BAR d j x

92 Patton Ave., Asheville 254-5470 • topofthemonk.com

41 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 251-1777 • southernkitchenandbar.com

LOCAL CIDERY

2 MAYFEL’S d z l

1 URBAN ORCHARD CIDER COMPANY w j

22 College St., Asheville 252-8840 • mayfels.net

3 ELAINE’S DUELING PIANO BAR n

210 Haywood Road, Asheville 774-5151 • urbanorchardcider.com

Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • avl.mx/2r3

2 NOBLE HARD CIDER w z l

3 LUELLA’S BAR-B-QUE ns z

575-9622 • noblecider.com

501 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 505-7427 • luellasbbq.com

356 New Leicester Highway, Asheville

3 BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER s a

33 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 676-3855

72 School House Road, Mills River 595-9940 • boldrock.com

You, o t s ’ e r He le!

Ashevil

#1 Local #1 Brewmaster: Josie Mielke Cidery #3 bartender: Jocelin rosas

210 Haywood Road, West Asheville, NC 28806

(828)744-5151 | urbanorchardcider.com ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner) MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

43

DRINKS

continued

SOVEREIGN REMEDIES: Best Cocktails, Best Upscale Bar and Best Neighborhood Bar - Downtown PHOTO BY THOMAS CALDER

ESTABLISHMENT WITH THE BEST COFFEE

LOCAL WINERY 1 BILTMORE WINERY s x

1 Lodge St., Asheville 225-6280 • biltmore.com/wine/visit-thewinery

2 BURNTSHIRT VINEYARDS s a 2695 Sugarloaf Road, Hendersonville 685-2402 • burntshirtvineyards.com

3 SAINT PAUL MOUNTAIN VINEYARD s a

588 Chestnut Gap Road, Hendersonville 685-4002 • saintpaulmountainvineyards. com

WINE STORE 1 METRO WINES d j

169 Charlotte St., Asheville 575-9525 • metrowinesasheville.com

2 APPALACHIAN VINTNER s l 745 Biltmore Ave., Suite 121, Asheville 505-7500 • appalachianvintner.com

3 ASHEVILLE WINE MARKET d j l 65 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 253-0060 • ashevillewine.com

COFFEE HOUSE 1 HIGH FIVE COFFEE d j z l x 190 Broadway, Asheville 398-0209 • highfivecoffee.com 13 Rankin Ave., Asheville 713-5291

2 BATTLECAT COFFEE BAR w

1 HIGH FIVE COFFEE d j z l 190 Broadway, Asheville 398-0209 • highfivecoffee.com 13 Rankin Ave., Asheville 713-5291

2 DYNAMITE ROASTING COMPANY E az

3198 U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 357-8555 • dynamiteroasting.com

3 IZZYS COFFEE DEN dw z l 74 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 258-2004 • izzyscoffeeden.com 976 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-2004

3 VORTEX DOUGHNUTS d

32 Banks Ave., Asheville 552-3010 • vortexdoughnuts.com

COFFEE/TEA HOUSE IN WHICH TO READ A BOOK 1 DOBRÁ TEA dw E j x

78 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 575-2424 • dobrateanc.com 707 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-4307 120 Broadway Street, Black Mountain 357-8530

2 BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE & CHAMPAGNE BAR d

373 Haywood Road, Asheville 713-3885 • battlecatcoffeebar.com

Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 252-0020 • batteryparkbookexchange.com

3 IZZYS COFFEE DEN dw z l

3 HIGH FIVE COFFEE d j z l

74 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 258-2004 • izzyscoffeeden.com 976 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-2004

44

190 Broadway, Asheville 398-0209 • highfivecoffee.com 13 Rankin Ave., Asheville 713-5291

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

COFFEE ROASTER 1 DYNAMITE ROASTING COMPANY E az x

3198 U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain 357-8555 • dynamiteroasting.com

2 PENNYCUP COFFEE CO. r 362 Depot St., Asheville pennycupcoffeeco.com

3 MOUNTAIN AIR ROASTING mtnairroasting.com

PLACE TO DRINK TEA 1 DOBRÁ TEA dw E j x

78 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 575-2424 • dobrateanc.com 707 Haywood Road, Asheville • 505-4307 120 Broadway Street, Black Mountain 357-8530

SMOOTHIES/JUICES 1 GREEN SAGE CAFE dsw l x

5 Broadway, Asheville 252-4450 • greensagecafe.com 1800 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville • 274-4450 70 Westgate Parkway, Asheville • 785-1780

BEST OF WNC IS ALSO ONLINE

2 ELEMENTS REAL FOOD JUICE BAR & CAFE d z 233 S. Liberty St., Asheville 713-7513 • elementsrealfood.com

3 MOUNTAIN JUICERY s

BestofWNC.com

1863 Hendersonville Road, No. 132, Asheville 277-6006 • mountainjuicery.com

Thank you Asheville for voting us #1 Wine Shop.

We think you’re #1 too!

METROWINESASHEVILLE.COM

BIG SHOP SELECTION SMALL SHOP SERVICE Free, Close Parking 169 Charlotte Street • Asheville, NC 28801 • 828.575.9525 • metrowinesasheville.com

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

45

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE ORANGE PEEL: Best Place To Hear Live Music PHOTO BY THOMAS CALDER

T

he most heavily voted Arts & Entertainment categories this year were: Place To Hear Live Music, Movie Theater and Local Music Festival. And while LEAF took first place in Local Music Festival, one vote for “Coon Dog Day in Saluda” got us thinking (because Western North Carolina is home to both music fans and dog lovers): Put ’em together in one event and how could you go wrong? Also worth noting is the dwindling but persistent contingent of fans who still vote for Bele Chere, the beloved — and, let’s be honest, sometimes abhorred — street festival that ended its 35-year run in 2013.

One thing’s for sure, voters: You love to camp, seemingly anywhere and anytime, but most of all at LEAF, French Broad River Fest and Oskar Blues’ Burning Can — as evidenced by the fourth-most-voted category, Local Festival To Camp Out At. Other places you’d set up camp include ArtSpace Charter School, the Drum Circle (really?) and the annual Warren Haynes Christmas Jam (we feel you on that one — by 3 a.m., we wished we’d brought a tent, too).

WNC has a long and rich history of entertainment options. The Rhododendron Festival, launched in Asheville in 1928, showcased Appalachian music and dance and crowned a king and queen. The Vanderbilts entertained the elites and brought the likes of socialite and author Edith Wharton to town. Thomas Wolfe’s sister, Mabel, was briefly a vaudeville performer. The Vanderbilt hotel, in its heyday, hosted big band concerts. In more recent history, The Green Door — a one-time hole-in-the-wall venue on Carolina Lane — was home to fierce performance poetry.

Perhaps that’s why today’s range of entertainment options is not only multifarious genre-wise but also within each genre. Consider best Place To Dance: Votes were as wildly varied as the styles represented in Asheville, from the Old Farmer’s Ball at Warren Wilson College (contra dance) to Dances of Universal Peace (Sufi dances) to Dance Church at the Masonic Temple. And there were plenty of votes, too, for “In my living room.”

— Alli Marshall X

46

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

PLACE TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC

LOCAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 1 LEAF FESTIVAL E a

1 THE ORANGE PEEL d x

377 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 686-8742 • theleaf.org

2 LEXINGTON AVENUE ARTS AND FUN FESTIVAL (LAAFF) d laaffasheville.com

3 DOWNTOWN AFTER 5 d j

101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 398-1837 • theorangepeel.net

2 THE GREY EAGLE r z 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville 232-5800 • thegreyeagle.com

3 ISIS MUSIC HALL w

N. Lexington Ave., Asheville ashevilledowntown.org

743 Haywood Road, Asheville 575-2737 • isisasheville.com

3 FRENCH BROAD RIVER FESTIVAL n a

OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE

Hot Springs frenchbroadriverfestival.com

1 PISGAH BREWING COMPANY E aj x

LOCAL FESTIVAL TO CAMP OUT AT

150 Eastside Drive, Black Mountain 669-0190 • pisgahbrewing.com

1 LEAF FESTIVAL E ax

377 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 686-8742 • theleaf.org

2 FRENCH BROAD RIVER FESTIVAL n a

2 HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY s l

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

Hot Springs frenchbroadriverfestival.com

3 BILTMORE CONCERT SERIES s

3 BURNING CAN (Oscar Blues Brewery) s a

800-411-3812 • avl.mx/2tn

Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St.

342 Mountain Industrial Drive, Brevard 883-2337 • burningcanbrevard.com

3 NEW MOUNTAIN AVL d

38 N. French Broad Ave., Asheville 785-1701 • newmountainavl.com

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner) MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

47

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

cont.

KIPPER’S TOTALLY RAD TRIVIA NIGHT: Best Trivia Night PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

LISTENING ROOM 1 ISIS MUSIC HALL w

743 Haywood Road, Asheville 575-2737 • isisasheville.com

1 THE ALTAMONT THEATRE d z 18 Church St., Asheville 782-3334 • thealtamont.com

2 THE GREY EAGLE r z 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville 232-5800 • thegreyeagle.com

3 THE ORANGE PEEL d

101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 398-1837 • theorangepeel.net

ART/CRAFTS FAIR OR EVENT 1 THE BIG CRAFTY d x 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville thebigcrafty.com

2 THE CRAFT FAIR OF THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS d U.S. Cellular Center, 87 Haywood St., Asheville 298-7928 • craftguild.org

3 VILLAGE ART & CRAFT FAIR s

Cathedral of All Souls (on the grounds), 9 Swan St., Asheville avl.mx/2pu

STUDIO STROLL/ DRIVING TOUR 1 RIVER ARTS DISTRICT STUDIO STROLL r x

552-4723 • riverartsdistrict.com

2 WEAVERVILLE ART SAFARI n a 338-9335 • weavervilleartsafari.com

3 TOE RIVER STUDIO TOUR (Mitchell and Yancey Counties) n a 765-0520 • toeriverarts.org

48

CRAFT SCHOOL OR PLACE TO LEARN A CRAFT 1 PENLAND SCHOOL OF CRAFTS n ax 67 Doras Trail, Penland 765-2359 • penland.org

2 JOHN C. CAMPBELL FOLK SCHOOL w a 1 Folk School Road, Brasstown 800-365-5724 • folkschool.org

3 ODYSSEY CENTER FOR CERAMIC ARTS r

236 Clingman Ave., Asheville 285-0210 • odysseyceramicarts.com

LOCAL ART GALLERY 1 BLUE SPIRAL 1 d x 38 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 251-0202 • bluespiral1.com

2 ZAPOW! z l

Visit website for new address!

575-2024 • ZaPow.com

3 WOOLWORTH WALK d

25 Haywood St., Asheville 254-9234 • woolworthwalk.com

CRAFT-ORIENTED GALLERY 1 FOLK ART CENTER E x

Milepost 382, Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville 298-7928 • craftguild.org

2 NEW MORNING GALLERY s

7 Boston Way, Asheville 274-2831 • newmorninggallerync.com

3 WOOLWORTH WALK d

25 Haywood St., Asheville 254-9234 • woolworthwalk.com

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

Thanks for voting for us!

www.craftguild.org

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner) MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

49

white duck taco shop

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

5

cont.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CONTINUED

STUDIO ZAHIYA: Best Place To Take Dance Classes Or Lessons and tie for Best Dance Studio (Kids Section) PHOTO BY THOMAS CALDER

NONPROFIT THAT SERVES THE ARTS 1 LEAF COMMUNITY ARTS E l 906 Tunnel Road, Asheville 686-8742 • theleaf.org

THEATER COMPANY 1 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE d 35 E. Walnut St., Asheville 254-1320 • ashevilletheatre.org

2 ASHEVILLE AREA ARTS COUNCIL d l

2 NORTH CAROLINA STAGE COMPANY d z l

3 ARTS FOR LIFE d

3 FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE s a

207 Coxe Ave., Asheville 258-0710 • ashevillearts.com

50 S. French Broad Ave., Suite 258, Asheville 772-5339 • artsforlifenc.org

15 Stage Lane, Asheville 239-0263 • ncstage.org

2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 693-0731 • flatrockplayhouse.org

MOVIE THEATER 1 FINE ARTS THEATRE d l x 36 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 232-1536 • FineArtsTheatre.com

2 THE CAROLINA CINEMARK ASHEVILLE s

1640 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-9500 • avl.mx/2re

3 REGAL BILTMORE GRANDE STADIUM s

Biltmore Park Town Square, 292 Thetford St., Asheville 684-4380 • regmovies.com

TRIVIA NIGHT 1 KIPPER’S TOTALLY RAD TRIVIA NIGHT kipperstrivia.com • facebook.com/ KipperIsRad

2 QUIZZO AT JACK OF THE WOOD d 95 Patton Ave., Asheville 252-5445 • jackofthewood.com

3 JUICY LUCY’S BURGER BAR AND GRILL s

620 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 277-0355 • juicylucysburgerbarandgrill.com

LOCAL FILMMAKER 1 PAUL BONESTEEL (Bonesteel Films) d

161 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville 236-0300 • bonesteelfilms.com

2 ROD MURPHY w

Asheville 864-363-8573 • rodmurphyjr.com

50

ACTOR (MALE OR FEMALE) 1 MICHAEL MACCAULEY z l 1 SCOTT TREADWAY z l x 2 TRACEY JOHNSTON-CRUM 3 CHARLIE FLYNN-MCIVER 3 STEPHANIE HICKLING BECKMAN

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

COMEDY TROUPE OR SERIES 1 LAZOOM TOURS d j z l x 14 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 225-6932 • lazoomtours.com

2 THE FERAL CHIHUAHUAS 280-0107 • feralchihuahuas.com

3 REASONABLY PRICED BABIES 450-2120 • facebook.com/RPBimprov

DANCE COMPANY 1 TERPSICORPS THEATER OF DANCE w z x

CREATIVE WRITING SCHOOL OR ORGANIZATION 1 GREAT SMOKIES WRITING PROGRAM (UNCA) n x 1 University Heights, Asheville 251-6099 • avl.mx/2pa

2 WARREN WILSON COLLEGE E a 701 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa 771-3715 • warren-wilson.edu

24 Arthur Road, Asheville 231-8618 • terpsicorps.org

3 MFA PROGRAM FOR WRITERS AT WARREN WILSON COLLEGE E a

2 ASHEVILLE BALLET n

701 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa 771-3715 • wwcmfa.org

3 ASHEVILLE CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATRE d

3 UNCA n

4 Weaverville Highway, Asheville 252-4761 • ashevilleballet.com

20 Commerce St., Asheville 254-2621 • acdt.org

One University Heights, Asheville 251-6600 • unca.edu

PLACE TO DANCE 1 THE ADMIRAL w z x 400 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-2541 • theadmiralnc.com

2 SCANDALS NIGHTCLUB d

11 Grove St., Asheville 505-1612 • scandalsnightclub.com

3 THE GREY EAGLE r z 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville 232-5800 • thegreyeagle.com

PLACE TO TAKE DANCE CLASSES OR LESSONS 1 STUDIO ZAHIYA d z l x 90 1/2 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 537-0892 • studiozahiya.com

2 BALLET CONSERVATORY OF ASHEVILLE d

6 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 255-5777 • balletconservatoryofasheville.com

3 ASHEVILLE BALLROOM AND DANCE CENTER s

991 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 274-8320 • ashevilleballroom.net

LOCAL AUTHOR 1 RON RASH x

harpercollins.com/cr-103756/ron-rash

2 ROBERT BEATTY robert-beatty.com

3 SARA GRUEN saragruen.com

3 SARAH ADDISON ALLEN sarahaddisonallen.com

LOCAL POET 1 ALLAN WOLF

B Custom Acoustic Guitars Restorations & Repairs Guitar Building Class

avl.mx/2os

2 BARBIE ANGELL barbieangell.com

3 EDDIE CABBAGE

eddiecabbage.wordpress.com

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

118C Cherry St. Black Mountain, NC 828-228-7440 baileyacousticshop.com

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

51

MUSIC & BANDS

PLANKEYE PEGGY: Best Experimental Band PHOTO COURTESY OF PLANKEYE PEGGY

T

here were some exciting changes when it came to this year’s bands and music categories. For the first time, musicians and music-related businesses got their own separate, specialized ballot. We also added a handful of new categories — and why not? The smaller, more focused ballot allowed room to stretch out when it came to Western North Carolina’s eclectic musical tastes. “Alternative Rock,” “Vocalist” and “Composer” were among the additions.

The top vote-getting genres were “Rock,” “Blues,” “SingerSongwriter” and “Acoustic/Folk.”

Voters got the opportunity to name their favorite local music businesses, from instrument-makers and retailers to the nonprofit that’s getting things done — putting the spotlight on these behind-the-scenes places and people (recording studios and engineers, for example).

We added a new category to make sure good deeds don’t go unnoticed: Musician Who Gives Back. Blues vocalist Peggy Ratusz and world music percussionist River Guerguerian share that title. But really, it’s those of us who benefit from their work who reap the rewards.

— Alli Marshall X

52

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

ACOUSTIC/FOLK BAND HOPE GRIFFIN

hopegriffinmusic.com • facebook.com/ hope.griffin.songs/ • @HopeG_Music

EXPERIMENTAL BAND PLANKEYE PEGGY plankeyepeggy.com • facebook.com/ PlankeyePeggy/

AMERICANA/COUNTRY BAND THE HONEYCUTTERS x

honeycutters.com • facebook.com/ honeycutters/ • @honeycutters

FUNK BAND YO MAMA’S BIG FAT BOOTY BAND bootyband.com • facebook.com/ yomamasbigfatbootyband/ • @bootyband

BLUES BAND

HIP-HOP BAND

PEGGY RATUSZ

PHILO

sonicbids.com/band/ peggyratuszdaddylonglegs • facebook.com/peggy.ratusz

facebook.com/philofanpage

BUSKER/STREET GROUP ABBY ROACH, ABBY THE SPOON LADY spoonladymusic.com • facebook.com/AbbyTheSpoonLady

ELECTRONIC BAND BEN HOVEY

benhovey.com • facebook.com/benhovey • @benhovey

JAM/PROGRESSIVE BAND THE GET RIGHT BAND thegetrightband.com • facebook.com/ thegetrightband/ • @TheGetRightBand

JAZZ BAND FIRECRACKER JAZZ BAND firecrackerjazz.com • facebook.com/ FirecrackerJazzBand/

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

53

MUSIC & BANDS

continued

FREE PLANET RADIO: Best World Music Band PHOTO COURTESY OF FREE PLANET RADIO

OLD-TIME/BLUEGRASS BAND BALSAM RANGE balsamrange.com • facebook.com/ balsamrange/ • @BalsamRange

POP BAND STEPHANIESID x

stephaniesid.com • facebook.com/ stephaniesid/ • @singitsteph

PSYCHEDELIC BAND NEST EGG nestegg.bandcamp.com • facebook.com/ nesteggband/ • @nesteggband

PUNK BAND PLEASURES OF THE ULTRAVIOLENT pleasuresoftheultraviolent.com • avl.mx/ur

R&B BAND LYRIC lyricfans.com • facebook.com/lyricfans • @lyricfans

ROCK BAND ANDREW SCOTCHIE & THE RIVER RATS andrewscotchiemusic.com • facebook.com/ TheRiverRatsAVL/ • @TheRiverRatsAVL

ROCK(ALTERNATIVE) BAND TRAVERS BROTHERSHIP traversbrothership.com • facebook.com/ traversbrothership/ • @TraversBrothers

SINGER/SONGWRITER HOPE GRIFFIN hopegriffinmusic.com • facebook.com/ hope.griffin.songs/ • @HopeG_Music

54

SOUL BAND LYRIC

lyricfans.com • facebook.com/lyricfans • @lyricfans

WORLD MUSIC BAND FREE PLANET RADIO

freeplanetradio.com • facebook.com/ FreePlanetRadio/

CLASSICAL CHAMBER MUSIC GROUP PAN HARMONIA l

panharmonia.org • facebook.com/ Pan.Harmonia/

CLASSICAL MUSICIAN KATE STEINBECK

katesteinbeck.com • facebook.com/ Pan.Harmonia/

COMPOSER MICHAEL JEFRY STEVENS a

michaeljefrystevens.com • facebook.com/ mjsjazz/

LOCAL DJ (NON-RADIO) KIPPER SCHAUER

kipperstrivia.com • facebook.com/ KipperIsRad/

MUSIC-RELATED NON-PROFIT ASHEVILLE MUSIC SCHOOL d z l 126 College St., Asheville 252-6244 • ashevillemusicschool.org

GIRLS ROCK CAMP a

girlsrockasheville.org • facebook.com/ girlsrockasheville.org

MUSIC ENGINEER/PRODUCER JULIAN DREYER (Julian Dreyer Production & Engineering) juliandreyer.com

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

THE MUSIC CENTER E

MUSICIAN WHO GIVES BACK

800 Fairview Road, Suite A3, Asheville • 299-3000 • themusiccenterinc.com

PEGGY RATUSZ sonicbids.com/band/ peggyratuszdaddylonglegs/ • facebook.com/ peggy.ratusz/

RANDY HUGHES (Hughes Guitars and Repairs)

By Appointment Only • hughesguitarsandrepair.com

RIVER GUERGUERIAN guerguerian.com • avl.mx/2w5

RECORDING STUDIO

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MAKER

ECHO MOUNTAIN RECORDING STUDIO d j x

MOOG MUSIC INC. d

175 Patton Ave., Asheville 232-4314 • echomountain.net

160 Broadway Street, Asheville • 251-0090 • moogmusic.com

SONG

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT REPAIR

A FISHERMAN’S LIFE (Hope Griffin) hopegriffinmusic.com • facebook.com/ hope.griffin.songs/ • @HopeG_Music

THE GUITAR MAMA w

By Appointment Only • 484-1732 • theguitarmama.com

VOCALIST

HEYDAY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS & REPAIR d

PEGGY RATUSZ sonicbids.com/band/ peggyratuszdaddylonglegs • facebook.com/ peggy.ratusz/

108 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville • heydaymusic.net • 254-0402

THING DOWNTOWN THING DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE NEEDS ASHEVILLE NEEDS Museums

Art

Fewer Tourists

Breweries

Affordable Housing

Bathrooms

Convenience Stores

More Food

Less Hotels

`

Bicycle Infastructure

Green Space

Parking Greenways

Grocery Stores

Free

Sidewalks Cleanup

Night Clubs Playgrounds

This word created by combining key words from the answers Thiscloud word iscloud is created by combining key words and write-in ideas from the from write-in from this survey. morethe people the survey.

Theanswers more people whoyear’s gavereader an answer, theThe bigger wordwho appears. gave an answer, the bigger the word appears.

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

55

CRAFTERS & ARTISANS

MATT TOMMEY: Best Container Artisan PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

W

hy not go native while you’re in WNC, and shop really local — for things made locally by WNC artisans and crafters? Find a truly unique wedding ring, coffee mug or rocking chair. Learn how to knit; watch a potter. Buy something directly from its maker. Instead of a factory-made item, consider a keepsake your kids and grandkids will fight over for generations.

Arts, crafts and WNC have been natural partners for generations: from the 1890s cottage industry movement, to the massive construction projects of the Vanderbilt and Grove empires, to the more recent crafts revivals in the 1960s, the ’90s and the 2000s.

Through it all, the reputation of WNC-made crafts has spread worldwide, thanks to the vibrant skills and talents of the people — both natives and transplants — who dedicate themselves to a life of making things.

Consider rounding out your WNC experience with an educational vacation at one of the area’s craft schools, where you can slow down and focus on doing something with your hands. Or if you are just passing through, check out one of the region’s many studio tours, demonstrations, fairs and workshops available to anyone who wants to step away from the mass-produced and step up to the one-of-a-kind.

To get started, check out this year’s winning crafters and artisans. And to find out more, check out the Downtown Asheville Art District, the River Arts District, the Southern Highlands Craft Guild, the Asheville Area Arts Council and a plethora of other arts organizations across WNC. — Susan Hutchinson X

56

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

ARCHITECTURAL INSTALLATIONS ARTISAN

(Railings, Mosaic Tile Installations, Stained Glass, Etc.‚ Outdoor Installations Attached To A Building)

GREG MAGRUDER (Magruder Glass) 298-6590 • magruderglass.com

CONTAINER ARTISAN (Baskets, Jars, Boxes, Etc.)

PHOTOGRAPHER FRANK ZIPPERER (The MusicShooter, Frank Zipperer Photography) IShootLiveMusic.com • facebook.com/ frankzippererphoto/

JESSICA MERITHEW (Jessica Merithew Photography)

jessicamerithew.com • facebook.com/ JessicaMerithewPhotography/

PRINTMAKER

MATT TOMMEY (Sculptural Art Baskets) r

191 Lyman Street Suite 160, Asheville • 404-538-5173 • matttommey.com

FURNITURE ARTISAN

(Tables, Chairs, Shelving, Mirrors, Etc.)

BRAIN BOGGS (Brian Boggs Chairmakers) r h 239 Amboy Road, Asheville • brianboggschairmakers.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER KERRY BOBER (Kerry Bober Graphic Design) 230-8804 • kerrybober.com

HOUSEWARES ARTISAN

(Blankets, Rugs, Door Pulls, Switch Plates, Etc.)

KATHRIN WEBER (Blazing Shuttles) 734-0685 • blazingshuttles.com

JEWELER

ANDY HEROD

andyherod.com • facebook.com/ Andy-Herods-Art-170236943020484/

SCULPTOR STEFAN “STEEBO” BONITZ (Steebo Sculptures) x 712-4013 • steebo.com

TABLEWARE ARTISAN

(Mugs/Dinnerware, Flatware, Serving Containers, Etc.)

AKIRA SATAKE (Akira Satake Ceramics) r

Cotton Mill Studios, 122 Riverside Drive, Asheville • 275-7612 • akirasatake.com

DOUG DACEY (Dacey Porcelains) daceyporcelains.com • 863-4466

MELISSA WEISS (Melissa Weiss Pottery) melissaweisspottery.com

CHRIS VAN DYKE (Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft) d 29 Biltmore Ave., Asheville • 281-4044 • vandykejewelry.com

LIGHTING ARTISAN

(Table Lamps, Pendant Lighting, Chandeliers, Etc.)

LEAH BAKER (Luminosa Lighting) n a 31 N. Main Street, Weaverville • 231-3543 • luminosalighting.com

MIXED MEDIA/ FOUND OBJECT ARTIST

TOOLMAKER

(Including Knives)

DANNY ROBINSON (Robinson Handmade and “Ex-Files” Knives) exfilesknives.com • avl.mx/2v2

WEARABLES ARTISAN

(Other Than Jewelry; Clothing, Hats, Etc.)

JUDE STUECKER

215-3388 • judestuecker.com

JENNY BOWEN

fotojennic.com • facebook.com/FotoJennicArt • @fotojennic

JOHN RICHARDS

682-6567 • yummymudpuddle.com

MURAL PAINTER IAN WILKINSON

ianthepainter.com • facebook.com/ian.wilkinson.3133

OUTDOOR INSTALLATION ARTISAN

(Stonework, Outdoor Seating, Etc., Artwork Not Attached To A Building)

PETER PFISTER (Peter Rocks) h 775-0095 • peterrocks.com

PAINTER/ILLUSTRATOR TEBBE DAVIS

337-3196 • tebbeart.com

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

57

OUTDOORS

BROTHER WOLF OUTWARD HOUNDS HIKING CLUB: Best Hiking Club Or Group PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

W

ith warm, Asian noodles wriggling between my fingers and a fizzy rush of Coke mingling with the salt deposits around my mouth, I pause to wonder why I just spent the better part of four hours running 17.8 miles of gnarly, uphill single-track known as the Shut-In Ridge Trail Run (Best Trail Run). The post-race treats provided by race organizers are among the best, and contextually sublime, but certainly not a chief motivator. It’s autumn in Asheville, and I’m one of just over 200 people continuing a more than three-decades tradition of tackling 3,000 feet of elevation gain in between uphill hiking, downhill diggers and a bit of ceremonial bloodletting to appease the mountains. In my five years running this race, I’ve seen snow, sleet, rain and clear skies while taking in autumn’s fullcolor spectrum with teases of winter’s wide-open viewsheds — all while bouncing across the watercolor-come-to-life, shoulderwidth, leaf-littered trail.

At the base of Mount Pisgah, the race’s finish line, my noodles mimic my knock-kneed swaying in the wind. And then I remember why, despite swearing it would be my last year, that I’ll be back next year.

Shut-In Ridge Trail Run is a composite sketch of everything that calls us to sip coffee on the porch staring at mountain peaks, romp through the woods on foot or bike, serpentine around the Blue Ridge Parkway, float and play in our various rivers, creeks and lakes — all the ways we answer the call of the wild. And as a guide to our most favored reasons, places and outlets for spending time outdoors, we present this year’s Best of WNC winners.

— Dan Hesse X

58

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

BICYCLE CLUB OR GROUP

HIKING TRAIL

1 ASHEVILLE ON BIKES x

1 MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA TRAIL x

2 BLUE RIDGE BICYCLE CLUB

2 APPALACHIAN TRAIL

ashevilleonbikes.com

ncmst.org

blueridgebicycleclub.org

appalachiantrail.org

3 PISGAH AREA SORBA

3 BENT CREEK EXPERIMENTAL FOREST

pisgahareasorba.org

HIKING CLUB OR GROUP 1 BROTHER WOLF OUTWARD HOUNDS HIKING CLUB s l 31 Glendale Ave., Asheville 505-3440 • bwar.org/volunteer/ outwardhounds carolinamountainclub.org

2 CRAGGY PINNACLE avl.mx/2or

3 BLACK BALSAM

3 ASHEVILLE HIKING GROUP (Meetup)

avl.mx/2ov

meetup.com/asheville-hiking

CANOPY/ZIP-LINE TOUR

RUNNING CLUB OR GROUP 1 ASHEVILLE TRACK CLUB x AshevilleTrackClub.org

2 JUS’ RUNNING n

1 NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES n al x

242 Poverty Branch Road, Barnardsville 626-3700 • navitat.com

2 THE GORGE s a

523 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 252-7867 • jusrunning.com

166 Honey Bee Drive, Saluda 855-749-2500 • thegorgezipline.com

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

HIKE WITH A VIEW 1 MAX PATCH avl.mx/19a

2 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN CLUB

3 HIGHLAND BREWING CO. RUN CLUB s

srs.fs.usda.gov/bentcreek

3 FRENCH BROAD ADVENTURES n al

9800 U.S. Highway 25, Marshall 800-570-7238 • frenchbroadrafting.com

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

59

6

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

OUTDOORS

continued

ASHEVILLE ON BIKES: Best Bicycle Club Or Group PHOTO BY ADAM MCMILLAN

RUNNING EVENT/RACE - ROAD 1 RACE TO THE TAPS racetothetaps.com

2 RUN FOR THE PAWS 5K (Brother Wolf Animal Rescue) l 505-3440 • bwar.org thecolorrun.com/asheville

RUNNING EVENT/RACE - TRAIL 1 SHUT-IN RIDGE TRAIL RUN trailrunner.com/event/shut-in-ridge-trail-run

BIKE EVENT/RACE - ROAD

fletcherflyer.com

pisgahproductions.com

RAFTING COMPANY 1 NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER w ax

3 THE COLOR RUN

1 FLETCHER FLYER (Blue Ridge Bicycle Club)

BIKE EVENT/RACE - MOUNTAIN 1 PISGAH MOUNTAIN BIKE ADVENTURE RACE (PMBAR) x

13077 U.S. Highway 19 W., Bryson City 785-5082 • noc.com

2 ZEN TUBING dw

608 Riverside Drive, Asheville 855-936-8823 • zentubing.com 1648 Brevard Road, Asheville 855-936-8823

3 FRENCH BROAD ADVENTURES n al

9800 U.S. Highway 25, Marshall 800-570-7238 • frenchbroadrafting.com

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

60

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

OUTDOOR-GEAR SHOP 1 REI s

Biltmore Park Time Square, 31 Schenck Parkway, Asheville 687-0918 • rei.com/stores/asheville

2 DIAMOND BRAND OUTDOORS sd l

3 EPIC CYCLES E

102 Sutton Ave., Black Mountain 669-5969

3 YOUNGBLOOD BICYCLES d j l 233 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 251-4686 • youngbloodbikes.com

SKI RESORT

1378 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 684-6262 • diamondbrand.com 53 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 771-4761 • diamondbrand.com

1 CATALOOCHEE SKI AREA w a 1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley 926-0285 • cataloochee.com

2 WOLF RIDGE SKI RESORT n a 578 Valley View Circle, Mars Hill 689-4111 • skiwolfridgenc.com

3 SECOND GEAR w j z l 444 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-0757 • secondgearwnc.com

3 SUGAR MOUNTAIN RESORT n a

SKI/WINTER SPORTS SHOP

1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain 898-4521 • skisugar.com

ENVIRONMENTAL NONPROFIT

1 SKI COUNTRY SPORTS n 1000 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-2771 • skicountrysports.com

1 MOUNTAIN TRUE d j

29 N. Market St., Suite 610, Asheville 258-8737 • mountaintrue.org

2 REI s

Biltmore Park Time Square, 31 Schenck Parkway, Asheville 687-0918 • rei.com/stores/asheville

OUTDOOR/ADVENTURE INSTRUCTION PROGRAMS 1 NC OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL E 2582 Riceville Road, Asheville 299-3366 • ncobs.org

2 REI s

Biltmore Park Time Square, 31 Schenck Parkway, Asheville 687-0918 • rei.com/stores/asheville

2 RIVERLINK r l

170 Lyman St., Asheville 252-8474 • riverlink.org

3 ASHEVILLE GREENWORKS w j 2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville 254-1776 • ashevillegreenworks.org

CONSERVATION NONPROFIT 1 SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN HIGHLANDS CONSERVANCY d 34 Wall St., Suite 502, Asheville 253-0095 • appalachian.org

2 MOUNTAIN TRUE d j

29 N. Market St., Suite 610, Asheville 258-8737 • mountaintrue.org

BIKE SHOP 1 LIBERTY BICYCLES s x

2 RIVERLINK r l

2 MOTION MAKERS BICYCLE SHOP w

3 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LAND CONSERVANCY s a

1378 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-2453 • libertybikes.com 878 Brevard Road, Asheville 633-2227 • motionmakers.com

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

170 Lyman St., Asheville 252-8474 • riverlink.org

847 Case Street, Hendersonville 697-5777 • carolinamountain.org

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

61

REASON TO VISIT ASHEVILLE

Stores

Vibe

Music

Outdoor

Scenery

Shopping

Eclectic Atmosphere

The People

City

Funky

Culture

Charm

Beer

Weirdness

Food

REASON TO VISIT ASHEVILLE Blue Ridge Parkway

Diversity

Art

Buskers

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Restaurants

Breweries

Grove Park Inn

Energy

Downtown

`

Friendly

Hiking

Mountains Quirky

Everything

Beauty

Crafts

Trails

Views Fun Waterfalls

Nature

Biltmore Estate Air

Unique

Activities

This word cloud is created by combining key words and ideas from the write-in answers from this yearʼs reader survey. The more people who gave an answer, the bigger the word appears.

Dining

2016/2017

X Awards | Best Of WNC

62

Weather

This word cloud is created by combining key words and ideas from the write-in answers from this year’s reader survey. The more people who gave an answer, the bigger the word appears.

MountainTrue is grateful to the readers of Mountain Xpress for your love and support.

Environmental Nonprofit First Place

Activist Group for Civic /Political Action Second Place

Conservation Nonprofit Second Place

The feeling is mutual.

路 Clean Water 路 Resilient Forests 路 Green Energy 路 Healthy Communities Learn more. Get involved.

Keep WNC beautiful.

mountaintrue.org MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

63

SHOPPING

TYSON FURNITURE: Best Furniture Store PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

W

hether shopping is your passion, habit, addiction or guilty pleasure, there’s no shortage of options in Asheville for you to max out your credit card.

Voters clearly prefer to shop at independent and locally owned stores when they can, according to Xpress’ online survey: On average, they rated each of those factors eight on a scale of 1-10 in terms of importance. And they value diversity and options when shopping for food, regularly frequenting more than three grocery stores.

This year’s landslide-win honors go to Malaprop’s Bookstore (Bookstore — New) and Tops For Shoes (Shoe Store).

Hats off to Ingles, Aldi and Earth Fare for emerging on top in the three most heavily voted Shopping categories.

Notable new faces at the top of the “Best Of ” ladder this year include: The Regeneration Station, with its treasure trove of refurbished and recycled items (Used Furniture Store), and Bedtyme Stories, which won the hearts of our more ... uninhibited voters (Adult Store).

— Max Hunt X

64

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm Sunday 9am-7pm

828.254.6734

55 Haywood Street, Asheville NC 28801 MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

65

SHOPPING DRESS-UP/STYLIN’ CLOTHES (WOMEN’S) 1 MINX d l x

64 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 225-5680 • minxasheville.com

2 VIRTUE d l

58 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 254-4200 • shopvirtue.com

3 AD LIB CLOTHING d l 23 Haywood St., Asheville 285-8838 • adlibonline.com

DRESS-UP/STYLIN’ CLOTHES (MEN’S) 1 OLD NORTH d x

15 W. Walnut St., Asheville 505-6495 • oldnorthclothing.com

2 UNION d l

18 Haywood St., Asheville 259-3300 • unionasheville.com

3 JOS. A. BANK s

9 Kitchin Place, Asheville 274-2630 • josbank.com

CLOTHING: OFFICE (WOMEN’S) 1 MINX d l

64 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 225-5680 • minxasheville.com

continued

3 ETC. CONSIGNMENT SHOPPE w

147 School Road, Asheville 251-1160 • etcconsignmentshoppeasheville.com

3 HIP REPLACEMENTS CLOTHING d j z l

72 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 255-7573 • hipreplacementsclothing.com

CLOTHING: USED OR VINTAGE (NONPROFIT STORE) 1 GOODWILL w E s x 1616 Patton Ave., Asheville 771-2192 • goodwillnwnc.org

86 S. Tunnel Roada, Asheville 299-3595 51 Mills Gap Road, Asheville 687-0057

2 ZEN & NOW n

9 Brookdale Road, Asheville 255-5575

3 SECOND CHANCES THRIFT STORE (Brother Wolf Animal Rescue) E w 49 Glendale Ave., Asheville 505-2017 • bwar.org/second-chances 697 Haywood Road, Asheville 785-1523

2 BELK E

5 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 298-4970 • belk.com

3 TALBOTS sw

10 Brook St., Asheville 274-3343 • talbots.com Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Road, Asheville • 633-4086

CLOTHING: OFFICE (MEN’S) 1 JOS. A. BANK s

9 Kitchin Place, Asheville 274-2630 • josbank.com

SHOE STORE 1 TOPS FOR SHOES d x

27 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 254-6721 • topsforshoes.comw

2 DISCOUNT SHOES w

1282 Brevard Road, Asheville 667-0085

3 DSW E Asheville Market, 4 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 575-5918 • dsw.com

2 BELK E

5 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 298-4970 • belk.com

CLOTHING: USED OR VINTAGE (FOR-PROFIT) 1 HONEYPOT d l

86 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 225-0304 • wesohoney.com

2 RECIPROCITY w

732 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-3980 • instagram.com/reciprocityasheville

JEWELRY STORE 1 JEWELS THAT DANCE d x 63 Haywood St., Asheville 254-5088 • jewelsthatdance.com

2 ELEMENTALITY E z

4 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 220, Asheville 299-4751 • myelementality.com

3 WICK & GREENE JEWELERS (Closed)

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

66

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

clothing for real women

Thank you for voting us one of the Best of WNC!

23 Haywood St Downtown Asheville 828-285-8838 adlibonline.com

Clothing for town to the top of the mountains

58 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville, NC • virtueasheville.com MOUNTAIN XPRESS

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

67

SHOPPING

continued

EARTH FARE: Best Health Food Store PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

ALL-ROUND GROCERY STORE

HEALTH FOOD STORE

1 INGLES swn E x

1 EARTH FARE sw x

2 TRADER JOE’S d

66 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 253-7656

For locations, visit website 253-1528 • ingles-markets.com 120 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 232-5078 • traderjoes.com

3 EARTH FARE sw 1856 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 210-0100 • EarthFare.com

66 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 253-7656

3 HARRIS TEETER d

136 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 255-1817• HarrisTeeter.com

1856 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 210-0100 • EarthFare.com

2 GREENLIFE GROCERY (Whole Foods) d

70 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-5440 • wholefoodsmarket.com

3 FRENCH BROAD FOOD CO-OP d j l

90 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-7650 • frenchbroadfood.coop

BUDGET-FRIENDLY GROCERY STORE 1 ALDI E w

470 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville aldi.us 1344 Patton Ave., Asheville

2 TRADER JOE’S d

120 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 232-5078 • traderjoes.com

3 HOPEY & CO. ds

45 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville 255-5228 • hopeyandcompany.com 121 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 277-0805

IMPORT/ETHNIC FOOD STORE 1 KIM’S ORIENTAL FOOD & GIFTS w x

5 Regent Park Blvd., Suite 110, Asheville 254-7235

2 FOREIGN AFFAIRS ORIENTAL MARKET E l 611-A Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-0333 • foreignaffairsorientalmarket.com

3 LEE’S ASIAN MARKET s

1950 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 676-1499

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

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Voted one of the Best Musical Instrument Shops

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE #1 ADULT STORE IN WNC.

Seagull • Gold Tone • Larrivee Kala • Eastman • Shen (828) 669-5162

105-F Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Where Adult Dreams Come True • • OPEN 7 DAYS • •

SUN-THUR 8 AM - MIDNIGHT • FRI SAT 8 AM - 3 AM (828) 684-8250 2334 Hendersonville Rd. (S. Asheville/Arden)

www.bedtymestories.com

The area’s LARGEST SELECTION of jewelry, diamonds & custom designed jewelry!

3 LOCATIONS 1186 Patton Avenue 828-254-8681 M-S 9-7 • Sun 1-6

736 Tunnel Road 828-299-4440 Mon-Sat 9-7

NO CREDIT NEEDED! PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE!

Cherokee • Open 24 Hours Across from the Casino (828) 554-0431

TO SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING WHILE YOU’RE IN TOWN, CHECK OUT

MOUNTAINX.COM MOUNTAIN XPRESS

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SHOPPING

continued

ANTIQUE TOBACCO BARN: Best Antique Store PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

CONVENIENCE STORE 1 THE GAS-UP w x

405 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-5589 • thegasup.com

2 HOT SPOT d

3 DAVIS HOME FURNITURE s

100 Fairview Road, Asheville 785-1452 • davishomefurniturenc.com

3 MOBILIA d

43 Haywood Street, Asheville 252-8322 • mobilianc.com

79 Asheland Ave., Asheville 253-0425 • hotspotcstore.com

3 CITI STOP ws

760 Haywood Road, Asheville 774-5550 2550 Brevard Road, Arden 687-2773

FURNITURE STORE 1 TYSON FURNITURE E ax 109 Broadway, Black Mountain 669-5000 • tysonfurniture.com

2 PENLAND’S FURNITURE E a 2700 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 686-5561 • PenlandsFurniture.com

USED FURNITURE STORE (FOR-PROFIT STORE) 1 THE REGENERATION STATION s z l

26 Glendale Ave., Asheville 505-1108 • regenerationstation.com

2 NOTHING NEW, INC. E

811-A Tunnel Road, Asheville 298-2707 • ashevilleusedfurniture.com

3 FRUGAL DECOR & MORE s

1100 West Chapel Road, Asheville 277-5700 • frugaldecorandmore.com

3 SCREEN DOOR s z

115 Fairview Road, Asheville 277-3667 • screendoorasheville.com

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

70

X Awards | Best Of WNC

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405 Haywood Road

west asHeville NC

Thank You WNC for Voting Us #1 6 Years in a Row!

• Rolling Tobacco • High Blend Biodiesel • Huge selection of wine & local microbrews

x2

Come and see what all the talk is about at Asheville’s coolest store!

THE place to go for #1 Used Furniture Store! Uniques, Antiques and Repurposed Rarities!

One of the Best Antique Stores!

26 Glendale Ave. Asheville, NC 828.505.1108

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FRUGAL FRAMER: Best Picture Framer PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

USED FURNITURE STORE (NONPROFIT STORE) 1 ASHEVILLE AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE s j hl 31 Meadow Road, Asheville 254-6706 • ashevillehabitat.org/restore

2 GOODWILL w E n

1616 Patton Ave., Asheville 771-2192 • goodwillnwnc.org 86 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-3595 51 Mills Gap Road, Asheville 687-0057

BED AND MATTRESS STORE 1 COLTON MATTRESS FACTORY s 848 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 299-4445 • coltonmattress.com

2 THE MATTRESS FIRM E ns 209 Tunnel Road, Asheville 255-1904 • stores.mattressfirm.com 90 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 298-8808 825 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-4256 For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

3 MATTRESS MAN SUPERSTORES E 85 Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-4232 • mattressmanstores.com

ANTIQUE STORE 1 ANTIQUE TOBACCO BARN E x 75 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 252-7291 • ATBarn.com

2 THE REGENERATION STATION s z l

26 Glendale Ave., Asheville 505-1108 • regenerationstation.com

3 SCREEN DOOR s z

115 Fairview Road, Asheville 277-3667 • screendoorasheville.com

PICTURE FRAMER 1 FRUGAL FRAMER ds 95 Cherry St. N., Asheville 258-2435 • frugalframer.com 2145 Hendersonville Rd., Arden 687-8533

2 BLACKBIRD FRAME & ART d j l

365 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 225-3117 • blackbirdframe.com

3 MICHAELS E s

111 River Hills Road, Asheville 299-0183 • michaels.com 5 McKenna Road, Asheville 684-1961

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

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THANK YOU for voting us #1!

Downtown 95 Cherry Street North 828.258.2435

Dedicated to our craft Committed to customer service Consistent value

Arden 2145 Hendersonville Rd. 828.687.8533

frugalframer.com

`

News | Events | ArtS MOUNTAIN XPRESS

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continued

OCTOPUS GARDEN SMOKE SHOP: Best Head Shop PHOTO BY ADAM MCMILLAN

AUTOMOBILE TIRE STORE 1 JAN DAVIS TIRE STORE d x 209 Patton Ave., Asheville 253-5634 • jandavistire.com

BOOKSTORE - NEW 1 MALAPROP’S BOOKSTORE/ CAFE d l x

55 Haywood St., Asheville 254-6734 • malaprops.com

2 NEWBRIDGE TIRE CENTER n

2 BARNES & NOBLE E

3 DISCOUNT TIRE E

3 FIRESTORM BOOKS & COFFEE w z l

1475 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 255-8005 • newbridgetirecenter.com 105 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville 318-0949 • discounttire.com-

AUTO DEALER NEW AND/OR USED 1 JIM BARKLEY TOYOTA w x 777 Brevard Road, Asheville 667-8888 • jimbarkleytoyota.com

2 PRESTIGE SUBARU E 585 Tunnel Road, Asheville 877-300-1447 • prestigesubaru.com

3 APPLE TREE HONDA s a

242 Underwood Road, Fletcher 684-4400 • honda.appletreeautos.com

Asheville Mall, 3 S. Tunnel Road, Ashevillle 296-7335 • barnesandnoble.com

610 Haywood Road, Asheville 255-8115 • firestorm.coop

BOOKSTORE - USED 1 MR. K’S USED BOOKS & MORE s x

800 Fairview Road, Asheville 299-1145 • mrksusedbooks.com

2 DOWNTOWN BOOKS & NEWS d 67 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 253-8654 • dbnbooks.com

3 BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE & CHAMPAGNE BAR d

Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 252-0020 • batteryparkbookexchange.com

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

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THANK YOU, ASHEVILLE! For Voting Jim Barkley Toyota #

1 New And/Or

Used Car Dealer

If you are looking for a new or used car or pickup, come and see us and find out why we are #1!

JimBarkleyToyota.com Over 800 vehicles in stock • Exit 33 at I-26 • (828) 667-8888

Mr. K’s USED BOOKS, MUSIC AND MORE

NEW & USED: Books • Vinyl Records CDs • Comics • Video Games Books on CD • DVDs BUY • SELL • TRADE

Thank You for Voting Us

#1 Used Book Store

4 Years in a Row!

Open Mon. - Sat. 9am-9pm • Sun. 12-6pm 800 Fairview Rd. • Asheville, NC

River Ridge Shopping Center • Beside A.C. Moore • Hwy 240 exit #8

299-1145 • www.mrksusedbooks.com MOUNTAIN XPRESS

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SHOPPING FLORIST

continued

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STORE

1 FLORA w

1 MUSICIAN’S WORKSHOP n l x

2 MERRIMON FLORIST d

2 ACOUSTIC CORNER E a

428-B Haywood Road, Asheville 252-8888 • floraevents.com 329 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 232-4474 • merrimonflorist.com

3 BLOSSOMS AT BILTMORE PARK s 8 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 650-6464 • blossomsatbiltmorepark.com

319 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 252-1249 • musiciansworkshop.com

105-F Montreat Road, Black Mountain 669-5162 • acoustic-corner.com

3 GUITAR CENTER E Asheville Market, 4 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 430, Asheville 298-0131 • stores.guitarcenter.com/ asheville

GIFT SHOP 1 WHIST w l

444 Haywood Road, Suite 102, Asheville 252-5557 • whistshop.com

2 L.O.F.T. OF ASHEVILLE (Lost Objects Found Treasures) d 53 Broadway, Asheville 259-9303 • loftofasheville.com

3 DUNCAN & YORK d z l 33 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 575-2441 • duncanandyork.com

HEAD SHOP 1 OCTOPUS GARDEN SMOKE SHOP wd E s x

1062 Patton Ave., Asheville 232-6030 • octopusgardensmokeshops.com 80 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 254-4980 1269 Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-8880 660 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-2993 For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

RECORD/CD STORE 1 HARVEST RECORDS w x 415 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-2999 • harvest-records.com

2 STATIC AGE RECORDS d 110 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 254-3232 • staticagerecords.biz

PAWN SHOP 1 ALAN’S JEWELRY & PAWN w xE 1186 Patton Ave., Asheville 254-8681 • alanspawn.com 736 Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-4440

2 FINKELSTEIN’S d

21 Broadway, Asheville 253-7731 • finkelsteinspawn.com

3 LEICESTER PAWN AND GUN SHOP w

142 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 285-0040

PRINT SHOP 1 HENCO REPROGRAPHICS dn x

2 THE CIRCLE ASHEVILLE w l 426 Haywood Road, Asheville 254-3332 • thecircleasheville.com

54 Broadway, Asheville 253-0449 • hencorepro.com 1445 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 552-3671

3 WONDERLAND d

2 PRINTVILLE ds z

33 Patton Ave., Asheville 225-5037 • avl.mx/1bl

ADULT STORE 1 BEDTYME STORIES s a 2334 Hendersonville Road, Arden 684-8250 • bedtymestories.com

2 VAVAVOOOM d z l 57 Broadway, Asheville 254-6329 • vavavooom.com

Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 107, Asheville 225-3777 • printville.net Biltmore Park Town Square, 2 Town Square Blvd., Suite 100, Asheville 348-5121 222 Old Airport Road, Fletcher 348-5126

3 IMAGE 420 SCREENPRINTING w l 420 Haywood Road, Asheville 253-9420 • image420.com

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

h GREEN BUILDING x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

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X Awards | Best Of WNC

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VaVaVooom

Romantic Apparel ◆ Lingerie ◆ Toys

Thank You Mountain Xpress Voters!

Apparel & Lingerie Body Safe & Luxury Toys Organic Lubricants In the Heart of Downtown Asheville 57 Broadway St. • 828-254-6329 VVVooom • www.vavavooom.com

A unique gifting experience. d u n c a n a n d y o r k . c o m

8 2 8 . 5 7 5 . 2 4 4 1

33 N. Lexington Ave.

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STORE THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF ASHEVILLE

SKATEBOARD STORE 1 PUSH SKATESHOP AND GALLERY d l

1 MAST GENERAL STORE d

2 FLIPSIDE BOARDSHOP d l

2 L.O.F.T. OF ASHEVILLE (Lost Objects Found Treasures) d

15 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 232-1883 • mastgeneralstore.com

25 Patton Ave., Asheville 225-5509 • pushtoyproject.com 88 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 254-9007 • flipsideboardshop.com

3 ASHEVILLE STREET AND DIRT w 717 Haywood Road, Asheville 774-5960 • avlstreetdirt.com

53 Broadway, Asheville 259-9303 • loftofasheville.com

2 MALAPROP’S BOOKSTORE/ CAFE d l 55 Haywood St., Asheville 254-6734 • malaprops.com

TOBACCO SHOP

3 OCTOPUS GARDEN SMOKE SHOP wd E s

1 B&B TOBACCONISTS d

377 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-8822 • bbtobacconists.com

1062 Patton Ave., Asheville 232-6030 • octopusgardensmokeshops.com 80 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 254-4980 • octopusgardensmokeshops.com For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

VAPE SHOP 1 ASHEVILLE VAPOR ds 333 Merrimon Ave, Asheville 367-3333 • ashevillevapor.com 2144 Hendersonville Road, Arden 393-8273

BEST OF WNC IS ALSO ONLINE

2 MAD VAPES w E s

1334 Patton Ave. Suite 110, Asheville 255-5152 • MadVapesAVL.com 271 Tunnel Road, Asheville 785-1589 335 Airport Road, Suite 500, Arden 676-3595

BestofWNC.com

THE LOCALS GUIDE TO EVERYTHING ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

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Voted Best Antique Shop in WNC!

With 70,000 square feet of shopping in a historic tobacco barn, we have the largest selection of antiques and collectables in North Carolina!

Asheville, NC • minutes from the Biltmore Estate 75 Swannanoa River Rd (Hwy 81, Asheville) 828-252-7291 • www.atbarn.com

THING RIVER ARTS DISTRICT THING RIVER ARTS DISTRICT NEEDS NEEDS Trolleys

Artists

Bars

Stores

Art Space

Traffic Calming

Better Roads

Clean Up

Sidewalks

Bicycle Infastructure Food

Large Music Venue

Green Space

Restaurants Parking

River Access

` Affordable Artist Studios

This word created by combining key words from the answers Thiscloud word iscloud is created by combining key words and write-in ideas from the from write-in from this survey. morethe people the survey.

Theanswers more people whoyear’s gavereader an answer, theThe bigger wordwho appears. gave an answer, the bigger the word appears.

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TH E DE F I NITI VE

AWARDS

GUIDE TO WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

The wisdom of thousands is gathered in this guide.

Locals, who know where to go and what to do in our region, cast more than 370,000 votes in this year’s Best of WNC survey — Western North Carolina’s largest poll about who we are and what we value.

With over 400 categories on the ballot, the winners provide a panoramic view of what’s best about WNC. Each year, Mountain Xpress commits hundreds of person-hours to tally, judge and certify the winners of the Best of WNC survey. It’s a massive challenge, not only because of the sheer number of voters and votes, but also because the ballot is in a write-in format, which means vote tallies must accurately combine different spellings and ways of naming a business, place, person or idea. For example, this year, we encountered more than 20 ways to spell LaZoom Comedy Tours, over 30 ways to spell Malaprop’s Bookstore and more than 40 ways to spell the Animal Hospital of North Asheville.

Check out our word-cloud graphics, which show what voters say is the best Reason To Visit Asheville, the Thing Downtown Needs and the Biggest Threat To Asheville’s Charm.

This year’s survey also focused on what’s best about the 14 towns surrounding Asheville. Be sure to check out the wealth of information in the Small Towns section.

The Best of WNC is also available online at mountainx.com/guides.

We hope you enjoy this guide. There’s lots to celebrate!

8

X Awards | Best Of WNC

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`

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

LIBERTY BICYCLES: Best Bike Repair and Best Bike Shop (Outdoors Section) PHOTO BY ADAM MCMILLAN

F

rom greening to cleaning to fixing to nixing, when we want something done quick and done right, these are the folks we turn to. Professionals keep up with the latest industry standards and trends, and satisfy the needs of their customers while facing an unpredictable marketplace. For instance, Erika Schneider, director of communications for Best of WNC winner Sundance Power Systems, points out the serious speed bump her company and other solar installers have faced, despite tremendous growth over the past decade, when the N.C. General Assembly allowed state tax credits for new solar projects to expire last year.

Yet, the solar field is being energized — along with several other categories in the Professional Services section — by an uptick in new construction and, especially, the growing popularity of net-zero homes.

It isn’t just new construction that’s popular in WNC: About 19 percent of us plan to remodel our homes or make home repairs and improvements to things like roofs and windows in the next year, according to Xpress’ 2016 online poll.

In general, job opportunities in professional fields are growing.

The professional and business services sector in the Asheville metro area has made a huge jump, fueled in part by lots of new construction. Between early 2015 and early 2016, the generally well-paying sector added some 1,400 net positions, accounting for nearly 30 percent of all new jobs in the area during that period.

— Able Allen X

80

X Awards | Best Of WNC

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Locally Owned and Operated since 1986

Thank You, WNC! We Keep You Rolling!

Voted as one of the Best Bike Shops & Bike Repair Centers in WNC

878 Brevard Rd. Asheville • 828.633.2227 36 Allen St. Sylva • 828.586.6925 MotionMakers.com • Follow Us!

Responsible Automotive Service & Repair

Voted one of the BEST OF WNC for 11 years in a row. Thank you!

Call us!

255.2628

organic-mechanic.com • 568 Haywood Rd • West Asheville MOUNTAIN XPRESS

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

cont.

THE MATT & MOLLY TEAM (KELLER WILLIAMS): Best Real Estate Agent PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

ACCOUNTANT/CPA FIRM 1 AUSTIN CPA, PC d l 301 W. Haywood St., Asheville 785-1556 • austincpapc.com

2 DIXON HUGHES GOODMAN w 500 Ridgefield Court, Asheville 254-2254 • dhgllp.com

3 LEAH B. NOEL, CPA, PC d j l 14 S. Pack Square, No. 503, Asheville 333-4529 • lbnoelcpa.com

LAW FIRM 1 VAN WINKLE LAW FIRM d 11 N. Market St., Asheville 475-8855 • vwlawfirm.com

COMPUTER REPAIR 1 CHARLOTTE STREET COMPUTERS d j x

252 Charlotte St., Asheville 225-6600 • charlottestreetcomputers.com

2 CHRISTOPHER’S COMPUTERS n j 549 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 670-9800 • christopherscomputers.com

3 CITYMAC E s

Asheville Market, 4 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 251-4242 • CityMac.com 8 Town Square Blvd., Ste 130, Asheville 348-0900

3 ONE CLICK FIX d

438 Montford Ave., Asheville 200-0059 • oneclickavl.com

REAL ESTATE COMPANY

2 GOOSMANN ROSE COLVARD & CRAMER, P.A. d

1 KELLER WILLIAMS d

3 MCGUIRE WOOD & BISSETTE d j

2 BEVERLY-HANKS & ASSOCIATES d

77 Central Ave., Suite H 258-0150 • grcclaw.com

48 Patton Ave., Asheville 254-8800 • mwblawyers.com

CAR REPAIR

86 Asheland Ave., Asheville 254-7253 • kellerwilliamsasheville.com

300 Executive Park, Asheville 254-7221 • beverly-hanks.com

3 APPALACHIAN REALTY d

23 Arlington Street, Asheville 255-7530 • appalachianrealty.com

1 XPERTECH CAR CARE E 1295 Tunnel Road, Asheville 298-3612 • avl.mx/w1

REAL ESTATE AGENT

2 ORGANIC MECHANIC w j z

1 THE MATT & MOLLY TEAM (Keller Williams) d j x

3 MIKE BYER AUTO d j

2 SONA MERLIN (Appalachian Realty Associates) d

568 Haywood Road, Asheville 255-2628 • organic-mechanic.com 135 Coxe Ave., Asheville 258-0548 • mikebyerauto.com

82

86 Asheland Ave., Asheville 210-1697 • themattandmollyteam.com

23 Arlington St., Asheville 216-7908 • homeiswnc.net

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

Buying, Selling or Investing in Real Estate?

Call the Best!

(828) 210-1697

Thanks for voting us #1 in WNC three years in a row... we’re pretty crazy about you too!

-George Austin CPA, CVA & Joel Chambers

#1 Accountant/CPA

301 W Haywood St. Asheville, NC 28801 828-785-1556 ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner) MOUNTAIN XPRESS

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

cont.

HAYNES ELECTRIC CONSTRUCTION: Best Electrical/Electrician Company PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

ALT ENERGY SALES AND INSTALLATION

BIKE REPAIR 1 LIBERTY BICYCLES s x

1 SUNDANCE POWER SYSTEMS n aj hx

1378 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-2453 • libertybikes.com

11 Salem Hill Road, Weaverville 645-2080 • sundancepower.com

2 MOTION MAKERS BICYCLE SHOP w

2 HAYNES SOLAR w h

878 Brevard Road, Asheville 633-2227 • motionmakers.com

3 YOUNGBLOOD BICYCLES d j l 233 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 251-4686 • youngbloodbikes.com

187 Deaverview Road, Asheville 254-6141 • mbhaynes.com

3 LUCENT GREEN TECHNOLOGY n 860 Riverside Drive, Asheville 575-9337 • lucentgreentechnology.com

GREEN BUILDER

PLUMBING COMPANY

1 JAG & ASSOCIATES CONSTRUCTION E j h

1 FOUR SEASONS PLUMBING s 30 Bella Way, Asheville 216-3894 • callfourseasons.com

33 Mineral Springs Road, Asheville 252-4205 • JAGGreen.com

2 JADE MOUNTAIN BUILDERS h 216-3948 • Jademountainbuilders.com

3 DELTEC HOMES w j h 69 Bingham Road, Asheville 253-0483 • deltechomes.com

2 HAYNES PLUMBING SYSTEMS w h

187 Deaverview Road, Asheville 254-6141 • mbhaynes.com

3 T.P. HOWARD’S PLUMBING E a 90 Number Nine Road, Fairview 628-1369 • tphowardsplumbing.com

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ELECTRICAL/ELECTRICIAN COMPANY

cont.

MOVING COMPANY 1 TWO MEN AND A TRUCK s ah

1 HAYNES ELECTRIC CONSTRUCTION w hx

240 Rutledge Road, Fletcher 355-6058 • twomenandatruckasheville.com

187 Deaverview Road, Asheville 254-6141 • mbhaynes.com

HEATING/COOLING COMPANY 1 GENTRY HEATING INC. E ah 100 Buckeye Access Road, Swannanoa 581-4045 • gentryheatinginc.com

2 BULLMAN HEATING & AIR n h 10 Red Roof Lane, Asheville 658-2468 • bullmanheating.com

3 HAYNES HEATING & COOLING w h 187 Deaverview Road, Asheville 254-6141 • mbhaynes.com

2 GASPERSON MOVING AND STORAGE n l

250 Weaverville Road, Asheville 658-8880 • gaspersonmoving.com

3 THE OPEN BOX MOVING SOLUTIONS w

7 Creek View Drive, Asheville 505-8008 • movingyougreen.com

DRY CLEANER 1 SWANNANOA CLEANERS dwns E

165 Coxe Ave., Asheville 253-3691 • swannanoacleaners.com

ARCHITECTURAL FIRM 1 SAMSEL ARCHITECTS d hx

1356 Patton Ave., Asheville 254-2098

60 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 253-1124 • samselarchitects.com

712 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 252-3676

PEST CONTROL SERVICE

916 Tunnel Road, Asheville 298-6361

1 TERMINIX E hx

For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

232 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 253-3816 • TrustTerminix.com

2 ASHEVILLE CLEANERS d

2 GIBSON PEST CONTROL s a

230 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville 254-2364 • ashevillecleaners.com

3601 Sweeten Creek Road, Skyland 684-1353 • gibsonpest.com

3 QUICK AS A WINK s

3 DODSON PEST CONTROL w

750 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 253-2331

121 S. Bear Creek Road, Asheville 252-8992 • dodsonbros.com

HOME CLEANING SERVICE

BEST OF WNC IS ALSO ONLINE

1 GREEN HOME CLEANING d j l 306 W. Haywood St., Asheville 505-7320 • greenhomecleaning.com

2 GREENBEE CLEANING CO. d 8 Magnolia Ave., Suite 100, Asheville 450-0846 • greenbeeclean.com

BestofWNC.com

3 PRISTINE CLEAN w

5 Regent Park Blvd., Suite 107, Asheville 215-9634 • pristinecleanplanet.com

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA

rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

a OUTLYING AREA

l GO LOCAL j JUST ECONOMICS

z MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS h GREEN BUILDING

x HALL OF FAME (Multi-Year Winner)

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Thank you Asheville!

We appreciate your votes!

828.505.7320

greenhomecleaning.com

THANKS, ASHEVILLE! for voting me one of the Best!

Sona Merlin Real Estate Broker Appalachian Realty

HALL OF AWARD FAME

4 years in a row!

(828) 216-7908 sonamerlin.com MOUNTAIN XPRESS

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PERSONAL SERVICES

ANANDA/ANANDAWEST: Best Hair Salon PHOTO BY THOMAS CALDER

I

f you’re feeling in tune with Asheville’s culture, you’re in good company: Almost two-thirds of Best of WNC voters said they feel a part of it, rather than separate from it, according to Xpress’ recent survey.

However you go about being a part of Asheville’s culture, you’ll find that self-expression ranks high among the things Ashevilleans value. Many of us have tattoos or body piercings (45 percent, according to Xpress’ 2014 reader survey). And robust voting for Hair Salon and Hair Stylist in each year’s Best of WNC poll demonstrates those personal services’ ongoing importance to us.

Beyond looking good, voters also want to feel good — based on high vote counts for best Spa. Demonstrating what a state of flux we’re in, of the eight categories in the Personal Services section, readers voted new winners in three of them: Hair Salon, Piercing Studio and Tattoo Artist.

When asked what category should be added to next year’s Personal Services section, the voters were widely split. But leading the pack was “best barber.”

— Tracy Rose X

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SPA

HAIR STYLIST 1 JAMI REDLINGER (The Middy) d

1 THE SPA AT OMNI GROVE PARK INN n x

51 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville 254-4247 • themiddy.com

290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • omnigroveparkinn.com

2 HOLIDAY CHILDRESS (Adorn Salon & Boutique) d

2 SENSIBILITIES DAY SPA ds j l

58 College St., Asheville 225-8828 • adornsalonandboutique.com

59 Haywood St., Asheville 253-3222 • sensibilities-spa.com

3 BLUE HUGHES (Willow’s Dream) d 64 Broadway, Asheville 225-5922 • willowsdream.com

The Hilton at Biltmore Park Town Square, 43 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 687-8760

NAIL SALON

3 SPA THEOLOGY d l

1 HANDS ON SPA n x

53 College St., Asheville 255-4171 • spatheology.com

640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 255-4540 • handsonspaasheville.com

2 CICI NAILS & SPA n

HAIR SALON

964 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 281-4646

1 ANANDA dw

22 Broadway, Asheville 232-1017 • anandahair.com

3 AMERICAN NAIL & SPA w

1341 Parkwood Ave Suite 107, Asheville 255-5525 • avl.mx/2ot

anandawest 37 Paynes Way, Asheville 236-2444

2 WILLOW’S DREAM d z 64 Broadway, Asheville 225-5922 • willowsdream.com

3 WINK SALON s l

18 Brook St., Suite 103, Asheville 277-4070 • ilovewink.com

ER

WINN

GOING OUT TONIGHT?

Sensibilities LOVES Asheville!

Thank you for 17 wonderful years.

Downtown: 59 Haywood St. 828.253.3222 South: Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park 828.687.8760

sensibilities-spa.com

SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TOWN

THANK YOU

MOUNTAINX.COM/ CALENDAR

FOR

VOTING!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 12 EATS

114 HEALTH &WELLNESS

34 DRINKS 46 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 52 MUSIC & BANDS

130 WORK & BUSINESS 134 FARM & GARDEN

––– SMALL TOWNS –––

56 CRAFTERS & ARTISANS

139 SWANNANOA & BLACK MOUNTAIN

58 OUTDOORS

140 WEAVERVILLE & WOODFIN

64 SHOPPING 80 PROFESSIONAL/ HOME SERVICES 88 PERSONAL SERVICES 92 AREA MAP 94 KIDS 102 PETS

142 MARSHALL & MARS HILL 144 HOT SPRINGS 145 BURNSVILLE 146 HENDERSONVILLE & FLAT ROCK ` 148 BREVARD

150 WAYNESVILLE

108 UNIQUELY ASHEVILLE

152 CULLOWHEE & SYLVA

112 MEDIA

156 INDEX

Publisher Jeff Fobes • Ballot Officials Able Allen, Thomas Calder, Jeff Fobes, Dan Hesse, Susan Hutchinson, Lauren Kriel, Alyx Perry, Lisa Watters • Theme & Cover Design Scott Southwick • Design Manager Susan Hutchinson • Designers Kerry Bober, Norn Cutson, Jordan Isenhour, Scott Southwick • Listings Editors Dan Hesse, Lisa Watters • Photo Coordinator Able Allen • Photographers Able Allen, Thomas Calder, Cindy Kunst, Adam McMillan, Scott Southwick • Contributing Writers Able Allen, Thomas Calder, Virginia Daffron, Jeff Fobes, Susan Foster, Dan Hesse, Max Hunt, Susan Hutchinson, Alli Marshall, Tracy Rose, Gina Smith • Advertising Manager Susan Hutchinson • Ad Sales Thomas Allison, Sara Brecht, Bryant Cooper, Jordan Isenhour, Tim Navaille, Brian Palmieri • IT & Web Bowman Kelley • Front Office/Accounting Able Allen, Alyx Perry, Lisa Watters • Distribution Denise Montgomery, Jeff Tallman and a fantastic team of devoted drivers The Best of WNC Pocket Guide is published annually by Mountain Xpress P.O. Box 114 Asheville, NC 28802 828.251.1333 © 2016 Mountain Xpress

MOUNTAIN XPRESS

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PERSONAL SERVICES

continued

KIMI LEGER (SACRED LOTUS TATTOO): Best Tattoo Artist PHOTO BY ADAM MCMILLAN

TATTOO PARLOR 1 HOT STUFF TATTOO w x

PIERCING STUDIO

416 Haywood Road, Asheville 251-6040 • hotstufftattoos.com

1 DIAMOND THIEVES BODY PIERCING & TATTOO w

2 MAN’S RUIN TATTOOS, PIERCINGS & ART GALLERY n l

2 EMPIRE TATTOO & PIERCING d

660 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-6660 • mansruintattoos.com

3 SACRED LOTUS TATTOO w

328 New Leicester Highway, Suite 140, Asheville 552-3177 • sacredlotustattoo.com

TATTOO ARTIST

1570 Patton Ave., Asheville 225-3845 • diamondthieves.net

83 Patton Ave., Asheville 252-8282 • empiretattooavl.com

3 MAN’S RUIN TATTOOS, PIERCINGS & ART GALLERY n l 660 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-6660 • mansruintattoos.com

LOCAL BODY PRODUCTS MAKER

1 KIMI LEGER (Sacred Lotus Tattoo) w

1 FAERIE MADE SOAP j l

2 DANNY REED (Hot Stuff Tattoo) w

2 C & CO. ALL NATURAL BODY GOODS d j l

416 Haywood Road, Asheville 251-6040 • hotstufftattoos.com

15-A Broadway, Asheville 575-9144 • candconaturals.com

3 KERRY BURKE (Heart of Gold Body Arts) s a

2 THE LAUGHING MERMAID SOAP CO. d z l

328 New Leicester Highway, Suite 140, Asheville 552-3177 • sacredlotustattoo.com

218 5th Ave. W., Hendersonville 674-1174 • heartofgoldbodyarts.com

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251-5291 • faeriemadesoaps.com

68 College St., Asheville 259-5331 • thelaughingmermaid.com

X Awards | Best Of WNC

2016/2017

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OUTLYING REGIONS:

n a NORTH: Mars Hill, Marshall, Burnsville, Hot Springs, Weaverville

s a SOUTH: Fletcher, Brevard, Saluda, Tryon, Arden/ Skyland, Hendersonville, Mills River, Flat Rock

� a EAST: Fairview, Old Fort, Marion, Swannanoa, Black Mountain, Chimney Rock

w a WEST: Candler, Sylva, Murphy, Cherokee,

Cullowhee, Nantahala, Bryson City, Waynesville

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THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

Bringing you the largest selection of high-end body jewelry in the region.

Fine white, rose, and yellow gold.

Organics, stone, gemstones, bronze, silver.

Walk-ins and Appointments Welcome.

83 Patton Ave. AVL 28801 MOUNTAIN XPRESS

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KIDS

ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY MOVEMENT: Best Gymnastics Program PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

W

hile “Living the Dream” may be our most popular selfdescription according to this year’s online poll, “Loving Parent” ran a close second — leaving all other categories in the dust, including Average Working Stiff, Excited Transplant, Devoted Artist and a host of others.

Maybe it’s the blend of following one’s bliss and loving one’s kids that made voters particularly thoughtful this year, causing them to cast a preponderance of votes for organizations and activities that combine both fun and learning. Take the highly popular winner of Event Or Festival For Kids: Top vote-getter LEAF — with its focus on “connecting cultures and creating community through music and arts” — combines all-out musical enjoyment with a higher purpose. And all the festival’s net revenue goes to support the nonprofit’s cultural-arts education programming.

When it came to recreation, voters preferred organizations with an education component. For instance, the Western North Carolina

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Nature Center (best Day Trip) offers a haven for kids to enjoy the outdoors while seeing and learning about native animals.

Even the highly popular Toy Store category seemed to reveal voters’ penchant for educational fun (and locally owned businesses): First-place winner Dancing Bear Toys — along with runners-up The Toy Box and O.P. Taylor’s — all offer games and toys aimed at tickling young brains.

When it came to school-related categories, voters showed their inner-directed, independent streak (not entirely unexpected for fans of an independent newspaper): The private Rainbow Community School and ArtSpace Charter School tied for best School-Pre College.

— Tracy Rose X

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

KIDS ENTERTAINER

1 EVERGREEN COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL E

1 BILLY JONAS z

50 Bell Road, Asheville 298-2173 • evergreenccs.org

1 SECRET AGENT 23 SKIDOO

2 YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA dns

2 PROFESSOR WHIZZPOP

billyjonas.com

secretagent23skidoo.com 506-3198 • professorwhizzpop.com

30 Woodfin St., Asheville 210-9622 • ymcawnc.org

RECREATION CENTER FOR KIDS

40 N. Merrimon Ave., Asheville 505-3990

1 MOUNTAIN PLAYLODGE s a 3389 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 676-2120 • mountainplaylodge.com

3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 651-9622

2 WNC NATURE CENTER E

For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

3 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org

DAY TRIP FOR KIDS

75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 259-8080 • wncnaturecenter.com

3 FUN DEPOT s

7 Roberts Road, Asheville 277-2386 • ashevillesfundepot.com

MUSEUM

1 WNC NATURE CENTER E x 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 259-8080 • wncnaturecenter.com

1 ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM d x 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville 253-3227 • ashevilleart.org

2 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM w

100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 665-2492 • ncarboretum.org

EVENT OR FESTIVAL FOR KIDS 1 LEAF FESTIVAL E ax

377 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 686-8742 • theLEAF.org

2 COLBURN EARTH SCIENCE MUSEUM d j

Pack Place, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville 254-7162 • colburnmuseum.org

3 HANDS ON! A CHILD’S GALLERY s a 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville 697-8333 • handsonwnc.org

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KIDS PLACE FOR BIRTHDAY PARTIES 1 FUN DEPOT s x

7 Roberts Road, Asheville 277-2386 • ashevillesfundepot.com

2 MOUNTAIN PLAYLODGE s a 3389 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 676-2120 • mountainplaylodge.com

3 ASHEVILLE PIZZA AND BREWING CO. nd l 675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-1281 • ashevillebrewing.coml 77 Coxe Ave., Asheville 255-4077

PLACE TO MAKE ART 1 FIRED UP! CREATIVE LOUNGE ds l x

continued

PARENTS NIGHT OUT PROGRAM 1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO TAE KWON DO w

1009 Patton Ave., Asheville 505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com

2 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY MOVEMENT n l

812 Riverside Drive, Asheville 254-6060 • ashevillecommunitymovement. com/blog

3 YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA dns

30 Woodfin St., Asheville 210-9622 • ymcawnc.org 40 N. Merrimon Ave., Asheville 505-3990 For more locations, see bestofwnc.com.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

26 Wall St., Asheville 253-8181 • fireduplounge.com l 433 N. Church St., Hendersonville 698-9960 • fireduplounge.com

1 BROTHER WOLF ANIMAL RESCUE s l x

2 ROOTS + WINGS SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN E j z l

2 MANNA FOODBANK E j

573 Fairview Road, Asheville 545-4827 • rootsandwingsarts.com

3 CLAYING AROUND s

1378 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 277-0042 • clayingaround.com

3 ODYSSEY CENTER FOR CERAMIC ARTS r

236 Clingman Ave., Asheville 285-0210 • odysseyceramicarts.com

RESTAURANT WITH THE BEST KIDS-EAT-FREE (OR CHEAP) NIGHT 1 NEO BURRITO wn E

1341 Parkwood Road, Asheville 772-9602 • eatneo.com 2 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 772-9568 4 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 772-9619

2 URBAN BURRITO n

31 Glendale Ave., Asheville 505-3440 • bwar.org

627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 299-3663 • mannafoodbank.org

3 ASHEVILLE AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY s 33 Meadow Road, Asheville 251-5702 • ashevillehabitat.org

SCHOOL (PRE-COLLEGE) 1 ARTSPACE CHARTER SCHOOL E a 2030 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 298-2787 • artspacecharter.org

1 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org

2 EVERGREEN COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL E 50 Bell Road, Asheville 298-2173 • evergreenccs.org

3 ASHEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL s 419 McDowell St., Asheville 350-2500 • avl.mx/2p5

640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 203, Asheville 251-1921 • urbanburrito.com

3 FUDDRUCKERS d

130 Charlotte St., Asheville 254-2161 • fuddruckers.com

RESTAURANT WITH THE BEST CHILDREN’S MENU 1 ASHEVILLE PIZZA COMPANY nd l x

675 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville 254-1281 • ashevillepizza.com c l 77 Coxe Avenue, Asheville 255-4077

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PRESCHOOL 1 ST. PAUL’S PRESCHOOL d j 233 Hillside St., Asheville 252-6512 • stpaulsumcasheville.org/ preschool

2 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org

3 SHALOM CHILDREN’S CENTER PRE-K d

Asheville Jewish Community Center, 236 Charlotte St., Asheville 253-0701 • jcc-asheville.org

X Awards | Best Of WNC

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KIDS

continued

ARTSPACE CHARTER SCHOOL: Best Art Education Program and tie for Best School (Pre-College) PHOTO BY ADAM MCMILLAN

DAYCARE 1 SHALOM CHILDREN’S CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD d x

Asheville Jewish Community Center, 236 Charlotte St., Asheville 253-0701 • jcc-asheville.org

2 VERNER CENTER FOR EARLY LEARNING E 2586 Riceville Road, Asheville 298-0808 • vernerearlylearning.org

3 YWCA OF ASHEVILLE & WNC d l

185 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville 254-7206 • ywcaofasheville.org

CLASSROOM MUSIC TEACHER 1 SUE FORD (Rainbow Community School) w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org

ART EDUCATION PROGRAM 1 ARTSPACE CHARTER SCHOOL E ax

2030 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 298-2787 • artspacecharter.org

2 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org

3 ROOTS + WINGS SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN E j z l 573 Fairview Road, Asheville 545-4827 • rootsandwingsarts.com

DANCE STUDIO 1 BALLET CONSERVATORY OF ASHEVILLE d

6 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 255-5777 • balletconservatoryofasheville. com

1 STUDIO ZAHIYA d z l

90 1/2 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 537-0892 • studiozahiya.com

2 MEG BOERNER (ArtSpace Charter School) E a

2 THE ACADEMY AT TERPSICORPS w z

3 KIMBERLY CANN AT PIANO LAB STUDIOS w

3 CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO s

2030 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 298-2787 • artspacecharter.org

40 Westgate Parkway, Asheville piano-lab.com

1501 Patton Ave., Asheville 761-1277 • terpsicorps.org

38-L Rosscragon Road, Asheville 654-7010 • centerstage1.com

PRIVATE LESSONS MUSIC TEACHER 1 KIMBERLY CANN AT PIANO LAB STUDIOS w 40 Westgate Parkway, Asheville piano-lab.com

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VOTING! 2016/2017

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