The start of a new year often comes with a list of resolutions, promises and “to do’s.” New Year’s resolutions are most common in western culture but are also practiced in the eastern hemisphere. At the start of the 21st century, approximately 40 percent of American...
This past month in Western North Carolina, we’ve welcomed cooler winter temperatures along with an influx of people visiting (or returning home) for the holidays. Christmas has always been a popular time here in Asheville and WNC. George Vanderbilt welcomed his first...
The holidays provide a great time of year to advance The North Carolina Arboretum’s mission of cultivating connections between people and plants – with presents. Below you will find a half dozen creative ideas for plant-based gift-giving for friends, family,...
The holidays are here in Western North Carolina and with that comes food, family, friendship and…free time! After the turkey has been carved and the pie has been sliced, you may find yourself looking for things to do with loved ones for the rest of the Thanksgiving...
With the start of November, many of us are beginning to think about the upcoming holidays and spending time with friends and family. But what about the winter break days when we will not be travelling or hosting visitors? This year, many schools have anywhere from...
Red, yellow, orange – the bright hues of fall are now around us in Asheville and Western North Carolina. Over the past few weeks, we’ve welcomed cooler temperatures, which in turn, have transformed our beautiful forests into a canvas full of vibrant colors. Due to...
With only a brief glance at Western North Carolina’s growing list of galleries, stores, studios and museums, one can easily see that the art and craft industry has a significant footprint in the region. From the Southern Highland Craft Guild to the Folk Art Center to...
I can’t believe it, but another summer has come and gone here in Western North Carolina. From beautiful summer blooms to evening sunsets along the Blue Ridge Parkway to tubing down the French Broad River, there are so many things to enjoy over the season in this...
“Be Prepared.” To most, it’s a familiar phrase and recognized as the motto of the Boy Scouts of America. Perhaps less widely known but just as crucial to scouting is the last tenant of the scouts’ Outdoor Code: “Be conservation minded.” A local scout, Bennett David,...
While there is a plethora of things to enjoy year-round in Western North Carolina, summer is definitely one of my favorite seasons. From arts and crafts festivals to cooling off at a nearby swimming hole to camping with friends, Asheville and the surrounding region...