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Photo by Biltmore Estate, courtesy Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau
Asheville as it used to be: History@Hand Tours

Asheville as it used to be: History@Hand Tours

Photo courtesy of History@Hand Tours

History@Hand Tours, Asheville, NC

Led by local experts, a behind-the-scenes look at Asheville's past

by Joanne O'Sullivan | January 26, 2012

Asheville's well preserved history is one of the town's main draws. Jan Schochet and Sharon Fahrer know that history better than most, and they offer their expertise and inside stories to guests on their History@Hand Tours. Available by appointment only, the tours take visitors through downtown Asheville, Riverside Cemetery, or the Montford neighborhood or the Family Store Tour, which traces Asheville's Jewish history through a look at downtown business locations. 

Downtown Asheville …


Upscale cocktails downtown at Sazerac

Upscale cocktails downtown at Sazerac

Photo courtesy of Sazerac

Sazerac, Asheville, NC

Stylish cocktails and a rooftop patio bring a little Big Easy flavor to Asheville

by Joanne O'Sullivan | January 23, 2012

Sazerac (pronounced saz-ER-ak) is the name of the most famous New Orleans cocktail, made with cognac, absinthe flavors such as herbsaint or chartruese, and rye whiskey. It's also the name of a stylish bar that opened last year in Asheville. Restauranteurs Jack and Lesley Groetsch are New Orleans natives who've brought several businesses to Asheville, and Sazerac is their way of filling an overlooked niche in Asheville: a place that's not beer and …


At Maison Mary, a carefully edited mix of vintage, new designer finds, and original pieces by a local designer

At Maison Mary, a carefully edited mix of vintage, new designer finds, and original pieces by a local designer

Photo courtesy of Maison Mary

Maison Mary, Asheville, NC

Parisian-style boutique offers couture, vintage finds, and fashion know-how

by Joanne O'Sullivan | January 18, 2012

Asheville is not exactly known as a fashion mecca, but  in recent years, a few stand-out shops have started to emerge. One is Maison Mary on Broadway downtown, a Parisian-style boutique operated by long-time fashion insider, Mary James. Aside from having amazing personal style and exquisite taste, James has encyclopedic knowledge of couture designers, present and past, and a genuine passion for a simple line, fine fabrics, and how to wear pieces together and accessorize. 

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A romantic bed and breakfast in Barnardsville

A romantic bed and breakfast in Barnardsville

The Hawk and Ivy Bed and Breakfast, Barnardsville, NC

A romantic, rural, and holistic retreat

by Joanne O'Sullivan | January 16, 2012

Everyone has a different idea of what makes a romantic getaway. If yours includes a charming farmhouse getaway on a lovely mountain property, the Hawk and Ivy in Barnardsville (about 20-25 minutes north of Asheville) is the perfect destination for you. A 1910 farmhouse with a guest cottage with two seperate suites, the Inn has a very special and homey feel, tastefully furnished with family aniques and original oil paintings. Innkeeper Eve is …


A little Caribbean getaway in the Mountains: Storm Rhum Bar

A little Caribbean getaway in the Mountains: Storm Rhum Bar

Storm Rhum Bar and Bistro, Asheville, NC

Atmospheric bar and bistro brings unexpected flavors to the mountains

by Joanne O'Sullivan | January 14, 2012

A refreshing concept in a beer-centric town, Storm Rhum Bar is the sort of place you'd expect to find at an upscale Caribbean port-of-call: tasteful nautical references that don't take the theme too far, interesting cocktails, and an inventive menu for dinner or late night. Rum is certainly an area of expertise. Drinks such as the Expatriot, Cojimar, and Tempest feature different types of rum: light, dark, spiced, and aged, all of which …


Taking the Polar Plunge in Chetola Lake

Taking the Polar Plunge in Chetola Lake

Photo courtesy of Blowing Rock Winterfest

Blowing Rock Winterfest, Blowing Rock, NC

Embracing the cold, the village of Blowing Rock celebrates the 10th Annual Winterfest

by Joanne O'Sullivan | January 09, 2012

"Don't hibernate—celebrate!" That's the slogan of Blowing Rock's Winterfest, celebrating its 10th season January 26-29. The festival offers dozens of outdoor activites, the highlight of which is the Polar Plunge at partially frozen Lake Chetola, a competition that pits contestents against each other for the "Golden Plunge" award, offered to the most creatively costumed competitor who jumps in the lake. Primarily a spectator event, the contest usually draws between 25 and 50 contestants, …


Joanne O'Sullivan's photo

Meet the Asheville Insider

Joanne O'Sullivan

Joanne O’Sullivan has lived all over the world, but found Asheville the perfect place to… more





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