According to a press release, AmericanStyle magazine's annual readers' poll has ranked several North Carolina cities as among the best in the country for art.
Charlotte came in 17th (among 25) in the large-city category; Raleigh was No. 24 in mid-sized cities; Asheville was second among small cities; and Chapel Hill was ninth among small towns.
"In each winning city, there are artists, elected officials, arts councils and art lovers who have made a commitment to developing that city's galleries, museums and studios," said AmericanStyle publisher Wendy Rosen. "These cities recognize that cultivating the arts is good for their economy, but that is just the beginning. Look at some of our small-town winners: no matter its size, no matter how remote it is, a town can have an arts identity that generates good will, local pride and contributes to economic development."
Showing posts with label Asheville. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asheville. Show all posts
Friday, August 15, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Quick hits: One museum sees dwindling numbers, while another is running out of space
10 years after fire to Wolfe house, visitors dwindle
"Any other old home so badly damaged by fire would have been razed.
"Early on the morning of July 24, 1998," writes the Asheville Citizen-Times, "an arsonist broke a window in the dining room of the Thomas Wolfe House, a wood frame home memorialized in the author’s autobiographical 1929 novel 'Look Homeward, Angel.' The person started a fire that smoldered for an hour or so, then erupted into a conflagration.At 3:07 a.m., a call to 911 sent more than 25 firefighters to the house on Spruce Street, and they found flames shooting through the crumbling slate roof of the rambling, 29-room home.
"Built in 1883 and significantly expanded in 1916, the house was the boyhood home of the famous American author from 1906-16 and a tourist draw that brought in 30,000 visitors annually.
"And it was burning down.
" 'I would say in another five-eight minutes we would’ve lost that house,' said Tommy Brooks, a division chief with Asheville Fire and Rescue and a captain at the time of the fire 10 years ago this week.
"Firefighters saved most of the structure and 85 percent of the artifacts, though, and after an extensive renovation, the site reopened in 2004. But visitation has never returned to pre-fire levels, and state officials and site workers struggle to explain why. ..."
A museum loaded with N.C. history
"Walk into the North Carolina Baseball Museum, and you wonder where to begin," writes the News & Observer's A.J. Carr.
"The 3,200 square-foot space inside Fleming Stadium is stocked with about 4,000 items, from a 1893 Eastern League scorebook to an autographed bat by Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton.
"Since the facility opened in 2004, an estimated 30,000 visitors from 45 states have perused the montage of pictures, pennants, gloves, bats, hats and other memorabilia.
"Organizers say it's running out of space, while still seeking more memorabilia. A campaign is getting under way to raise $200,000 to add more room. ..."
"Any other old home so badly damaged by fire would have been razed.
"Early on the morning of July 24, 1998," writes the Asheville Citizen-Times, "an arsonist broke a window in the dining room of the Thomas Wolfe House, a wood frame home memorialized in the author’s autobiographical 1929 novel 'Look Homeward, Angel.' The person started a fire that smoldered for an hour or so, then erupted into a conflagration.At 3:07 a.m., a call to 911 sent more than 25 firefighters to the house on Spruce Street, and they found flames shooting through the crumbling slate roof of the rambling, 29-room home.
"Built in 1883 and significantly expanded in 1916, the house was the boyhood home of the famous American author from 1906-16 and a tourist draw that brought in 30,000 visitors annually.
"And it was burning down.
" 'I would say in another five-eight minutes we would’ve lost that house,' said Tommy Brooks, a division chief with Asheville Fire and Rescue and a captain at the time of the fire 10 years ago this week.
"Firefighters saved most of the structure and 85 percent of the artifacts, though, and after an extensive renovation, the site reopened in 2004. But visitation has never returned to pre-fire levels, and state officials and site workers struggle to explain why. ..."
A museum loaded with N.C. history
"Walk into the North Carolina Baseball Museum, and you wonder where to begin," writes the News & Observer's A.J. Carr.
"The 3,200 square-foot space inside Fleming Stadium is stocked with about 4,000 items, from a 1893 Eastern League scorebook to an autographed bat by Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton.
"Since the facility opened in 2004, an estimated 30,000 visitors from 45 states have perused the montage of pictures, pennants, gloves, bats, hats and other memorabilia.
"Organizers say it's running out of space, while still seeking more memorabilia. A campaign is getting under way to raise $200,000 to add more room. ..."
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Things sure are wild in the Smokies
It only takes a few minutes of walking around Asheville on a Saturday night to see that Western North Carolina as some, uh, interesting "species" that are rarely found in other parts of North Carolina. Now a 10-year study confirms that (sorta).
"A 10-year study has found more than 6,000 species of plant and animal life previously unidentified in Great Smoky Mountains National Park," says the Associated Press.
The All Taxa Biodiversity Project also discovered nearly 900 species "that are new to science."
"A 10-year study has found more than 6,000 species of plant and animal life previously unidentified in Great Smoky Mountains National Park," says the Associated Press.
The All Taxa Biodiversity Project also discovered nearly 900 species "that are new to science."
The results of the study were discussed Monday during a Senate subcommittee field hearing in Asheville.
The project began in 1997 to inventory all species in the park that covers more than 800 square miles in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. More than 1,000 scientists have studied species in the park, identifying a total of more than 16,000.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Quick hits: Luring tourists and wine drinkers
Tourist sites aim to attract visitors from the Southeast
"With gas prices holding at a record $4 a gallon nationwide, tourism officials are touting Asheville as only a tank full of gas away for travelers from Atlanta, Raleigh, Charlotte and other Southeastern markets," writes the Asheville Citizen-Times.
"Local businesses are feeling the pinch from record gas prices and the sluggish economy, with fewer travelers staying at their hotels, eating in their restaurants, shopping at their stores and visiting their attractions this spring.
"These businesses’ leaders crowded the boardroom of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday to brainstorm ways to bring more travelers to town over the summer.
" 'We want to see what we can do to get those people in those crucial drive markets thinking Asheville at the top of their minds when they do travel,' said Kelly Miller, executive director of the Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau. ..."
Study profiles visitors to N.C. wineries
"In North Carolina's wine country, visitors tend to be middle-aged, highly educated and have higher than average incomes," says the Winston-Salem Journal.
"According to a survey released last week by the N.C. Wine and Grape Council, they also like to spend money at wineries, with purchases averaging $176 per travel party. ...
"The report is the first of its kind for the state's wine industry.
"North Carolina has more than 70 wineries in 31 counties, many of them in the Yadkin Valley. And wineries take in an estimated $48.2 million a year in sales. But for so long, state officials haven't known who is buying all of that wine.
" 'This is a really big step for us. We're really finding out who we are talking to,' said Margo Knight Metzger, the executive director of the N.C. Wine and Grape Council. 'It's just as your marketing gets more sophisticated, as your budget increases, you want to make sure every dollar is spent in the best way possible.' ..."
"With gas prices holding at a record $4 a gallon nationwide, tourism officials are touting Asheville as only a tank full of gas away for travelers from Atlanta, Raleigh, Charlotte and other Southeastern markets," writes the Asheville Citizen-Times.
"Local businesses are feeling the pinch from record gas prices and the sluggish economy, with fewer travelers staying at their hotels, eating in their restaurants, shopping at their stores and visiting their attractions this spring.
"These businesses’ leaders crowded the boardroom of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday to brainstorm ways to bring more travelers to town over the summer.
" 'We want to see what we can do to get those people in those crucial drive markets thinking Asheville at the top of their minds when they do travel,' said Kelly Miller, executive director of the Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau. ..."
Study profiles visitors to N.C. wineries
"In North Carolina's wine country, visitors tend to be middle-aged, highly educated and have higher than average incomes," says the Winston-Salem Journal.
"According to a survey released last week by the N.C. Wine and Grape Council, they also like to spend money at wineries, with purchases averaging $176 per travel party. ...
"The report is the first of its kind for the state's wine industry.
"North Carolina has more than 70 wineries in 31 counties, many of them in the Yadkin Valley. And wineries take in an estimated $48.2 million a year in sales. But for so long, state officials haven't known who is buying all of that wine.
" 'This is a really big step for us. We're really finding out who we are talking to,' said Margo Knight Metzger, the executive director of the N.C. Wine and Grape Council. 'It's just as your marketing gets more sophisticated, as your budget increases, you want to make sure every dollar is spent in the best way possible.' ..."
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Land of Sky? More like Land of Great Food
The family and I were in Asheville last week for a conference. The conference allowed ample time for getting out and enjoying that city's culinary delights -- a couple of which were new to us.Upon the suggestion of a former co-worker, we headed to the River Arts District for some barbecue from 12 Bones. We were told to get there early for lunch (they only do lunch). We tried, but failed. Getting there at roughly noon, we still had to wait in line a half-hour just to get in the building. There were people in line from Atlanta who traveled to A-ville just to sample 12 Bones.
But man, oh man, was it worth the wait. I ordered the barbecue plate, which came with two sides and cornbread. I opted for the jalapeno cheese grits and macaroni and cheese. Being a 12 Bones virgin, I also got a side of three rib just to sample them. That was a mistake - not because they were bad. In fact, they were stupdendous. But it was a mistake to order all that food. I never even got to the cornbread, and didn't finish the sides. Oh, and the plate was just $6, not counting the ribs. It's an amazing amount of food for the price.
My wife, by the way, got the BBQ sandwich with two sides: corn pudding (probably the best thing between the two of us) and sweet potato casserole.
(Note: The barbecue is of the pulled variety, not chopped. However, it favors more Eastern N.C. style than Lexington.)
My one regret? That I didn't buy a 12 Bones t-shirt. (Slogan was something like: "Juicy butts. Sweet racks.")
Oh, and by the time we left at around 1:45, the line outside was still 40-or-so people deep.
Later that night, our last night in Asheville, we waddled our way to downtown for dinner at Tupelo Honey Cafe, a place that was closed for renovations the last time I was in Asheville. We were still stuffed from our earlier pork adventure, but we fought through. And we were so glad we did.
Tupelo Honey describes itself as a "locally owned sole proprietorship, offers old southern favorites with creative twists. It has quickly distinguished itself from other regional restaurants by presenting familiar, creative, comfort fare, healthier options, fresh ingredients, and large portions at a fair price."
They are so right, especially about the price. I ordered the sweet potato pancake (at $4 perhaps the best deal in town). That was all I ordered, and that was all I needed. Even if I hadn't been stuffed from 12 Bones, that pancake would've been plenty. The pancake has "flavored with cinnamon and sweet potatoes, topped with whipped peach butter and spiced pecans." Nice.
We enjoyed our Tupelo Honey experience so much that we seriously considered returning the next day for lunch. (In the end, we were too embarrassed to do that.)
(Tupelo Honey Cafe photo from the restaurant's website)
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Charlotte named best place in America to live
Relocate-America.com has named Charlotte the No. 1 place in America to live. Last year's winner, Asheville, dropped to No. 7. Other N.C. places on the list included Cary, Holly Springs, Indian Trail, Raleigh and Wilmington.
"Apparently, there's just something about North Carolina," writes Yahoo Finance. "For the second year in a row, America's best city in which to live lies within its borders, according to Relocate-America.com's annual list.
" 'North Carolina is very active on our radar,' said Steve Nickerson, president and CEO of HomeRoute. 'It continues to get a flood of interest from all over.'
"HomeRoute is the real estate firm that operates Relocate-America.com, a source of community information and real-estate resources for those who are relocating. Each year, the site ranks the top 100 places to live in the country.
"Areas need to be nominated on the site in order to be eligible for the list; more than 2,000 were nominated this year, Nickerson said. Special efforts are made to prevent spamming campaigns from influencing the results, he added. ..."
"Apparently, there's just something about North Carolina," writes Yahoo Finance. "For the second year in a row, America's best city in which to live lies within its borders, according to Relocate-America.com's annual list.
" 'North Carolina is very active on our radar,' said Steve Nickerson, president and CEO of HomeRoute. 'It continues to get a flood of interest from all over.'
"HomeRoute is the real estate firm that operates Relocate-America.com, a source of community information and real-estate resources for those who are relocating. Each year, the site ranks the top 100 places to live in the country.
"Areas need to be nominated on the site in order to be eligible for the list; more than 2,000 were nominated this year, Nickerson said. Special efforts are made to prevent spamming campaigns from influencing the results, he added. ..."
Here are the top 10 in Relocate-America's 2008 list:
1. Charlotte
2. San Antonio, Texas
3. Chattanooga, Tenn.
4. Greenville, S.C.
5. Tulsa, Okla.
6. Stevens Point, Wis.
7. Asheville
8. Albuquerque, N.M.
9. Huntsville, Ala.
10. Seattle, Wash.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Asheville an 'easy spring getaway'
Asheville has been listed by ShermanTravels as one of 10 easy spring getaways, "guaranteed to put some spring in your step, whether winter has left you craving sun or snow."
"Nestled in North Carolina's Smoky Mountains region, Asheville is showing up on travelers' radars thanks to its dynamic downtown area, lively cultural offerings, thriving arts scene, New Age nuances, and breathtaking mountain scenery," says Shermans. "Architecture buffs delight in the town's Art Deco-influenced buildings, as well as the Biltmore Estate, modeled after a French castle, that ranks as the largest private residence in North America. Shoppers can scoop up fine arts and crafts at local artisan galleries, while nature enthusiasts can foray into the surrounding mountain preserves that burst with colorful wildflowers come spring. ..."
"Nestled in North Carolina's Smoky Mountains region, Asheville is showing up on travelers' radars thanks to its dynamic downtown area, lively cultural offerings, thriving arts scene, New Age nuances, and breathtaking mountain scenery," says Shermans. "Architecture buffs delight in the town's Art Deco-influenced buildings, as well as the Biltmore Estate, modeled after a French castle, that ranks as the largest private residence in North America. Shoppers can scoop up fine arts and crafts at local artisan galleries, while nature enthusiasts can foray into the surrounding mountain preserves that burst with colorful wildflowers come spring. ..."
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Quick hits: New fountain for Pack Square, homecoming for Portsmouth
Pack Square fountain gets modern touch with new design
"The Pack Square Conservancy has unveiled the design for a new fountain to be installed as part of the park’s reconstruction.
"Consisting of a massive bronze ring encircling huge boulders, the design was conceived and will be executed by Asheville metal artist Hoss Haley," according to the Asheville Citizen-Times.
"Haley will begin work on the fountain soon and should be finished late this year, the conservancy said.
"Renovations to the square are to be completed by the end of this year, and the entire Pack Square Park project should be finished by summer of 2009, said Donna Clark, spokeswoman for the conservancy.
"The fountain, about 4 feet tall and 20 feet across, will cost $188,980 and will be paid for through a combination of foundation money, private donations and public funds, conservancy Executive Director Marilyn Geiselman said.
"The new artwork will be the latest in a series of fountains that have graced the square since the 1800s. ..."
Outer Banks village homecoming set
"The Pack Square Conservancy has unveiled the design for a new fountain to be installed as part of the park’s reconstruction.
"Consisting of a massive bronze ring encircling huge boulders, the design was conceived and will be executed by Asheville metal artist Hoss Haley," according to the Asheville Citizen-Times.
"Haley will begin work on the fountain soon and should be finished late this year, the conservancy said.
"Renovations to the square are to be completed by the end of this year, and the entire Pack Square Park project should be finished by summer of 2009, said Donna Clark, spokeswoman for the conservancy.
"The fountain, about 4 feet tall and 20 feet across, will cost $188,980 and will be paid for through a combination of foundation money, private donations and public funds, conservancy Executive Director Marilyn Geiselman said.
"The new artwork will be the latest in a series of fountains that have graced the square since the 1800s. ..."
Outer Banks village homecoming set
"No one has lived year-round in the island village of Portsmouth for decades, but Outer Banks history buffs don't consider it a ghost town," says the News & Observer.
" 'That upsets a lot of people,' said Ed Burgess, head of The Friends of Portsmouth Island. 'It's not a ghost village. It has been restored.'
"The village that once clung to a remote island in Carteret County will be bustling again during a homecoming April 19. As many as 400 people, some of them descendants of former residents, are expected to trek to the island for a day of singing and storytelling, and a re-enactment of a life-saving drill at the village's historic life-saving station.
"The homecoming, sponsored by the Cape Lookout National Seashore and the friends support group, will provide a glimpse of bygone life in the village across Ocracoke Inlet from Ocracoke.
"Before the Civil War, Portsmouth was a thriving port with more than 500 residents and 109 dwellings. But the population dropped to about 14 by the 1950s and to three by the 1970s. Three women who were the last full-time residents reluctantly moved off the island in the early 1970s after a male caretaker died.
"Since 1976, the island has been part of the National Seashore, a 55-mile string of barrier islands. About two dozen buildings are intact. ..."
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Quick hits: Say hello to Asheville, but goodbye to 'Kinchloe'
Asheville one of 10 easy spring weekend getaways
"Nestled in North Carolina's Smoky Mountains region, Asheville is showing up on travelers' radars thanks to its dynamic downtown area, lively cultural offerings, thriving arts scene, New Age nuances, and breathtaking mountain scenery," writes ShermansTravel.com. "Architecture buffs delight in the town's Art Deco-influenced buildings, as well as the Biltmore Estate, modeled after a French castle, that ranks as the largest private residence in North America. Shoppers can scoop up fine arts and crafts at local artisan galleries, while nature enthusiasts can foray into the surrounding mountain preserves that burst with colorful wildflowers come spring."
'Hogan's Heroes' star Dixon passes away in Charlotte
"Ivan Dixon, an actor, director and producer best known for his role as Kinchloe on the 1960s television series 'Hogan's Heroes,' has died. He was 76," says the Associated Press.
"Dixon died Sunday at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte after a hemorrhage and of complications from kidney failure, said his daughter, Doris Nomathande Dixon of Charlotte. ...
"Born April 6, 1931, in New York City, Dixon graduated in 1954 from North Carolina Central University in Durham. ..."
"Nestled in North Carolina's Smoky Mountains region, Asheville is showing up on travelers' radars thanks to its dynamic downtown area, lively cultural offerings, thriving arts scene, New Age nuances, and breathtaking mountain scenery," writes ShermansTravel.com. "Architecture buffs delight in the town's Art Deco-influenced buildings, as well as the Biltmore Estate, modeled after a French castle, that ranks as the largest private residence in North America. Shoppers can scoop up fine arts and crafts at local artisan galleries, while nature enthusiasts can foray into the surrounding mountain preserves that burst with colorful wildflowers come spring."
'Hogan's Heroes' star Dixon passes away in Charlotte
"Ivan Dixon, an actor, director and producer best known for his role as Kinchloe on the 1960s television series 'Hogan's Heroes,' has died. He was 76," says the Associated Press.
"Dixon died Sunday at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte after a hemorrhage and of complications from kidney failure, said his daughter, Doris Nomathande Dixon of Charlotte. ...
"Born April 6, 1931, in New York City, Dixon graduated in 1954 from North Carolina Central University in Durham. ..."
Friday, January 11, 2008
Three from the Old North State (two from Asheville) among T+L's 500 Best Hotels in the World list
The Inn on Biltmore Estate (Asheville), Richmond Hill Inn (also Asheville) and Fearrington House Country Inn (Pittsboro) are three of the top 500 hotels in the world, according to the "global team of reporters and editors" at Travel + Leisure magazine. This is the sixth year that the magazine has compiled such a list.
T+L "has culled the 500 highest-rated hotels from our World's Best survey, identified what differentiates them from their competitors, sussed out the best rooms to book—and determined what services, amenities, and perks not to miss. It's this year's definitive hotel guide, and it's just for you."
T+L "has culled the 500 highest-rated hotels from our World's Best survey, identified what differentiates them from their competitors, sussed out the best rooms to book—and determined what services, amenities, and perks not to miss. It's this year's definitive hotel guide, and it's just for you."
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Ashevile (kinda sorta) has its own flag
This is what I get for procrastinating.A couple of months ago, some businesses in Asheville put together an unofficial Asheville flag contest. Oh, there were some doozies. But I'm having trouble finding the really good ones (and by "good" I mean "hilarious") since I rested on my laurels and didn't blog about it until today (AFTER the contest has ended, I might add).
Anyhoo, Jack Moon of Fairview designed the winning flag, seen here.
Moon's banner, "featuring a view of both the city’s skyline and mountains, wound up with the most votes in the contest, which was sponsored by Asheville Pizza and Brewing and radio station WWNC-AM/570," writes the Citizen-Times. "More than 27,000 online votes were cast in the contest to determine six finalists, with another 2,000 or so choosing the winner, Asheville Pizza co-owner Mike Rangel said.
"... Rangel plans to put the flag into production, and offer it for sale. He dreamed up the idea in hopes that area residents would raise the flag at out-of-town festivals and concerts to promote the city."
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Film festival hopes to shine focus on Western N.C., Asheville
Wilmington may get most of the hype when it comes to North Carolina's viability as a film-making destination, but Western North Carolina more than holds its own. Just think about the films that have been filmed (or partly filmed) in our state's mountains: "Dirty Dancing," "Last of the Mohicans," "Forrest Gump" and also "Nell," among many.
A film festival in Asheville hopes to take advantage of this history.
"Asheville is rich in filmmakers who, because of inexpensive, powerful equipment and a fast Internet connection, can live here as easily as the media metros of Los Angeles and New York," says the Citizen-Times. "Asheville visionaries are trying to make the city a center of digital arts — an effort that gets no small boost this week with the opening of the Asheville Film Festival.
"The festival features a variety of independent films, including features, documentaries, shorts and animation, as well as a student film competition. There are industry panel discussions, studio tours, parties and galas, and free professional development courses. The Asheville Film Festival, now in its fifth year, adds hundreds of people to downtown’s already busy sidewalks, amping up the excitement of pre-holiday season shoppers, art gallery aficionados, and lovers of fine food and drink. Last year’s festival attracted some 8,500 visitors, with a quarter of the people coming from outside the area. Each year, three-quarters of the films sell out. ...
"Festival promoters hope the film festival helps the city make a smooth transition into the lucrative digital arts.
"They already are pretty valuable. The nonprofit arts and culture industry in Buncombe County generates $65 million and 2,192 jobs annually, according to a study by Americans for the Arts, the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. The Asheville Hub Project, an ambitious plan to create economies on existing strengths, contends the arts are already one of major engines driving moneymaking in the area.
"The film and video production industry spent about $5 million last year in Western North Carolina — up from $3.5 million the year before, according to Mary Trimarco, director of the WNC Film Commission. Locally last year, crews shot the feature films 'Don’t Fade Away,' 'A Dance for Bethany' and 'Ghost Town: The Movie.' Several film and video production companies have moved or opened in the area in recent years, including 2 Bruce Studio and See No Evil Films, both of Asheville. ..."
A film festival in Asheville hopes to take advantage of this history.
"Asheville is rich in filmmakers who, because of inexpensive, powerful equipment and a fast Internet connection, can live here as easily as the media metros of Los Angeles and New York," says the Citizen-Times. "Asheville visionaries are trying to make the city a center of digital arts — an effort that gets no small boost this week with the opening of the Asheville Film Festival.
"The festival features a variety of independent films, including features, documentaries, shorts and animation, as well as a student film competition. There are industry panel discussions, studio tours, parties and galas, and free professional development courses. The Asheville Film Festival, now in its fifth year, adds hundreds of people to downtown’s already busy sidewalks, amping up the excitement of pre-holiday season shoppers, art gallery aficionados, and lovers of fine food and drink. Last year’s festival attracted some 8,500 visitors, with a quarter of the people coming from outside the area. Each year, three-quarters of the films sell out. ...
"Festival promoters hope the film festival helps the city make a smooth transition into the lucrative digital arts.
"They already are pretty valuable. The nonprofit arts and culture industry in Buncombe County generates $65 million and 2,192 jobs annually, according to a study by Americans for the Arts, the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. The Asheville Hub Project, an ambitious plan to create economies on existing strengths, contends the arts are already one of major engines driving moneymaking in the area.
"The film and video production industry spent about $5 million last year in Western North Carolina — up from $3.5 million the year before, according to Mary Trimarco, director of the WNC Film Commission. Locally last year, crews shot the feature films 'Don’t Fade Away,' 'A Dance for Bethany' and 'Ghost Town: The Movie.' Several film and video production companies have moved or opened in the area in recent years, including 2 Bruce Studio and See No Evil Films, both of Asheville. ..."
Friday, November 02, 2007
Quick hits: Good news, bad news and 'More good news
Emerald Isle plans new pier
"A year after its bid to buy the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier fell through, the town of Emerald Isle is working with the N.C. Aquariums for a new structure at the site of a pier wiped out by storms in 1996," writes the News & Observer.
"State and local officials Thursday announced a joint effort to build a 1,000-foot concrete pier that eventually would be one of three state-operated piers along the coast. Plans call for the $12.2 million project to be completed in five years.
"The town had tried to buy the existing pier near Bogue Inlet last year, but the deal fell through, Town Manager Frank Rush Jr. said. ..."
Hollywood strike could script trouble for Wilmington
"It's the ultimate game of 'hurry up and wait' for local filmmakers," wrote the Wilmington Star-News.
"Today is the final day of negotiations between the Writers Guild of America and the group that signs its members' checks, the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers. The two groups have until midnight to work out a new deal covering, among other things, residual pay for films and TV shows sold through iTunes and other nontraditional media outlets. If, as expected, no settlement is reached, the WGA membership has authorized a strike.
"Threat of work stoppage has temperatures running high in Hollywood, but workers in Wilmington's production community are playing it cool. ..."
Biltmore Estate among top destinations for 'alternative' Thanksgivings
"You can celebrate Thanksgiving with a horse and carriage ride at the landmark Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., which will already by decorated for Christmas by then," writes the Associated Press. "For meals, you have a choice of venues—Bistro, Deerpark or Stable Cafe, or, if you're staying at the Inn on Biltmore Estate, you can have your turkey at The Dining Room. Three-night packages at the Inn start at $1,760 for two; details at http://www.biltmore.com."
"A year after its bid to buy the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier fell through, the town of Emerald Isle is working with the N.C. Aquariums for a new structure at the site of a pier wiped out by storms in 1996," writes the News & Observer.
"State and local officials Thursday announced a joint effort to build a 1,000-foot concrete pier that eventually would be one of three state-operated piers along the coast. Plans call for the $12.2 million project to be completed in five years.
"The town had tried to buy the existing pier near Bogue Inlet last year, but the deal fell through, Town Manager Frank Rush Jr. said. ..."
Hollywood strike could script trouble for Wilmington
"It's the ultimate game of 'hurry up and wait' for local filmmakers," wrote the Wilmington Star-News.
"Today is the final day of negotiations between the Writers Guild of America and the group that signs its members' checks, the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers. The two groups have until midnight to work out a new deal covering, among other things, residual pay for films and TV shows sold through iTunes and other nontraditional media outlets. If, as expected, no settlement is reached, the WGA membership has authorized a strike.
"Threat of work stoppage has temperatures running high in Hollywood, but workers in Wilmington's production community are playing it cool. ..."
Biltmore Estate among top destinations for 'alternative' Thanksgivings
"You can celebrate Thanksgiving with a horse and carriage ride at the landmark Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., which will already by decorated for Christmas by then," writes the Associated Press. "For meals, you have a choice of venues—Bistro, Deerpark or Stable Cafe, or, if you're staying at the Inn on Biltmore Estate, you can have your turkey at The Dining Room. Three-night packages at the Inn start at $1,760 for two; details at http://www.biltmore.com."
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Quick hits: Bluegrass pioneer honored, as is Biltmore's Inn
Bluegrass great low-key about N.C. Heritage Award
"George Shuffler is the first to admit he doesn't move as fast as he used to. But he still gets around his farm pretty well, even though he has to lean on a cane," writes our good friend David Menconi of the News & Observer.
" 'My hips are just about wore out,' Shuffler says, showing a visitor around the farm. He has lived on this Burke County spread 180 miles west of Raleigh for all of his 82 years -- except for the decades he spent on the road playing guitar behind the Stanley Brothers, Don Reno and other legends of bluegrass. ...
"Standing in the bright autumn sunshine, lamenting a farmer's hardships, Shuffler could be any other old-timer. For long stretches of his life, that's who he has been. A visitor would likely never guess that Shuffler is one of the most influential bluegrass guitarists to ever hoist a pick.
"That will be discussed at some length today in Raleigh, where Shuffler will be feted with an N.C. Heritage Award.
"He'll attend the ceremony, and he'll probably enjoy it. But like another famous Tar Heel guitarist, Doc Watson, Shuffler isn't entirely comfortable with people making a fuss. ..."
The Inn on Biltmore Estate one of the Top 10 resorts for parents & kids
The readers of Travel + Leisure have voted for the Top Resorts for Parents & Kids. Making the list - which includes properties from the U.S., excluding the states Hawaii and Florida -- is Asheville's Inn on Biltmore Estate.
Writes the publication: "Some grounds! 8,000 acres of field and stream surround George Vanderbilt's 1895 Biltmore mansion. Kid magnet: the on-site River Bend Farm, which re-creates rural life in the 1890's."
"George Shuffler is the first to admit he doesn't move as fast as he used to. But he still gets around his farm pretty well, even though he has to lean on a cane," writes our good friend David Menconi of the News & Observer.
" 'My hips are just about wore out,' Shuffler says, showing a visitor around the farm. He has lived on this Burke County spread 180 miles west of Raleigh for all of his 82 years -- except for the decades he spent on the road playing guitar behind the Stanley Brothers, Don Reno and other legends of bluegrass. ...
"Standing in the bright autumn sunshine, lamenting a farmer's hardships, Shuffler could be any other old-timer. For long stretches of his life, that's who he has been. A visitor would likely never guess that Shuffler is one of the most influential bluegrass guitarists to ever hoist a pick.
"That will be discussed at some length today in Raleigh, where Shuffler will be feted with an N.C. Heritage Award.
"He'll attend the ceremony, and he'll probably enjoy it. But like another famous Tar Heel guitarist, Doc Watson, Shuffler isn't entirely comfortable with people making a fuss. ..."
The Inn on Biltmore Estate one of the Top 10 resorts for parents & kids
The readers of Travel + Leisure have voted for the Top Resorts for Parents & Kids. Making the list - which includes properties from the U.S., excluding the states Hawaii and Florida -- is Asheville's Inn on Biltmore Estate.
Writes the publication: "Some grounds! 8,000 acres of field and stream surround George Vanderbilt's 1895 Biltmore mansion. Kid magnet: the on-site River Bend Farm, which re-creates rural life in the 1890's."
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Orange Peel the center of rock world for 9 nights
It's being described as the biggest rock event to hit Asheville since Elvis played there in 1975, but in all honesty, it's even bigger than that.
The reunited Smashing Pumpkins' decision to do nine shows at the Orange Peel will make the "Paris of the South" the center of the rock world beginning Saturday.
"All 8,478 tickets sold in just minutes, in a burst of pure Pumpkins power that crashed an online ticketing service and frustrated many fans who were left empty-handed. But 20 percent of the tickets went to buyers in Asheville, and half were sold in North Carolina. Other buyers are traveling from as far as Canada, the Northeast and Midwest to see the band here.
"The Pumpkins are doing only a handful of U.S. shows, including a similar run at the legendary Fillmore auditorium in San Francisco and a few major American festivals," writes the Asheville Citizen-Times. 'This is huge for us,' said Karen Ramshaw of Public Interest Projects, which owns and operates The Orange Peel."
Read the rest of the article here.
The reunited Smashing Pumpkins' decision to do nine shows at the Orange Peel will make the "Paris of the South" the center of the rock world beginning Saturday.
"All 8,478 tickets sold in just minutes, in a burst of pure Pumpkins power that crashed an online ticketing service and frustrated many fans who were left empty-handed. But 20 percent of the tickets went to buyers in Asheville, and half were sold in North Carolina. Other buyers are traveling from as far as Canada, the Northeast and Midwest to see the band here.
"The Pumpkins are doing only a handful of U.S. shows, including a similar run at the legendary Fillmore auditorium in San Francisco and a few major American festivals," writes the Asheville Citizen-Times. 'This is huge for us,' said Karen Ramshaw of Public Interest Projects, which owns and operates The Orange Peel."
“It’s an automatic home run for Asheville,” said Mike Rangel, co-owner of the Asheville Brewing Co. brewpub and restaurant, just a few blocks from The Orange Peel. “It puts us up there with the big boys.”’ ...
Simply put, the band requested The Orange Peel, said music promoter Ashley Capps, of Knoxville, Tenn. ...
“We started the discussions two or three months ago,” he said. “They were already interested in The Orange Peel at that point. It’s testimony to The Orange Peel, and to the Asheville community. The region has been so supportive of live music. Asheville is such a cool town.”
While the band is not doing interviews, Capps believes that the Pumpkins were tuned in to Asheville. “From what I understand, they are excited about spending a couple of weeks” here, he said.
Read the rest of the article here.
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