Go Shop View archives

• The Chocolate Fetish

  After 24 years, this shop keeps getting better. It recently expanded its retail space for all sorts of chocolate artistry, like truffles infused with unique flavors such as wasabi, maple, green tea and basil, various chocolate dipped fruits, colorful chocolate “designer shoes” as well as chocolate boxes recipients must break to get to the surprise inside. (9/2011)

  36 Haywood St
  828-258-2353
  chocolatefetish.com
  

• Antique Tobacco Barn

  With more than 75 dealers and rows and rows of antiques skillfully set up in smart vignettes, this is the catchall for antiques from the North Carolina mountains. From old-timey butter churns to the odd Duncan-Fife cupboard, this is the place to find gently— or not-so-gently—used items from yesteryear, including jewelry, hats, books and kitchenware. (9/2011)

  75 Swannanoa River Rd
  828-252-7291
  atbarn.com
  

• BLACKBIRD FRAME & ART

  Twenty-five of the area's professional painters, photographers and crafters show their works at this gallery and full-service framer just north of downtown. Housed in a six-room bungalow, the space has an intimate flow that’s perfect for year-round special events like art openings and charity fundraisers. (9/2011)

  365 Merrimon Ave
  828-225-3117
  blackbirdframe.com
  

 

Go See View archives

• Montford Park Players

  The weather is perfect for Shakespeare in the Park. The heat is dissipating and there are no more threatening summer T-storms, so get thee to the amphitheater in the historic Montford neighborhood. The seasonal theater company has been going strong since 1973 and will be performing Julius Caesar (Aug. 12 - Sept. 4) and The Asheville Shakesperience III (Sept. 9 - Sept. 18). (9/2011)

  100 Gay St
  828-254-5146
  montfordparkplayers.org
  

• Estes-Winn Car Museum

  Established in 1965, this museum is home to several rare and vintage automobiles, as well as original horse-drawn carriages and Asheville's own 1922 American La France fire engine. After ogling cars—which have been mostly preserved to their original and running condition—it's always fun to check out the on-site Grovewood Gallery and stroll in the sculpture garden. (9/2011)

  111 Grovewood Rd
  828-253-7651
  grovewood.com
  

• The Magnetic Field

  This new café, theater and bar showcases drama, comedy, dance and poetry readings. Patrons are encouraged to take their snacks (like seared tuna, pulled pork and blackbean burgers) and cocktails from the on-site café into the black box theater for a night that satisfies both the belly and the intellect. This month, check out The Songs of Robert (April 2) and Synergy Story Slam (April 4, 18). (9/2011)

  372 Depot St
  828-257-4003
  themagneticfield.com
  

 

Go Eat View archives

• Restaurant Solace

  Chef and owner Bryan Kimmett, who is new to Asheville, but not NC, has opened what is likely to become one of the city’s top fine-dining restaurants. A two-story space with outdoor seating as well as an elegant white-linen dining room, Solace features locally-raised and beer-braised rabbit, quail, trout, pork and beef. Fresh farm produce and freshly baked bread are also available at the farm stand inside the main entrance.$$$$ (9/2011)

  At Haywood Park Hotel 1 Battery Park Ave
  828-505-8333
  dineatsolace.com
  

• White Duck Taco Shop

  In the River Arts District with a gritty outdoor patio overlooking the French Broad River and railroad tracks, this new eatery promises authentic deeply herbed and spiced tacos like Bangkok shrimp or Jamaican jerk chicken from husband and wife team Ben Mixson and Laura Reuss. $ (9/2011)

  1 Roberts St
  828-258-1660
  whiteducktacoshop.com
  

• Cúrate

  Spanish for “cure yourself,” this new traditional tapas restaurant serves up creamy chicken fritters, stuffed piquillo peppers and other small plates, as well as tableside-made cocktails like the cava sangria and a gin and tonic with an edible flower. Chef/owner Katie Button is an alumna of Ferran Adria’s famed elBulli in Spain; with her family, she has created a hip dining/drinking/socializing venue downtown. $$$ (9/2011)

  11 Biltmore Ave
  828-239-2946
  curatetapasbar.com
  

 

Go Party View archives

• THE BOILER ROOM

  While it's not the only club to inhabit the building at 11 Grove St., The Boiler Room rocks harder than any other place in town, attracting local talent like Lecivius, Kings of Prussia and Iam Somnus. (9/2011)

  11 Grove St
  828-252-2838
  www.thegrovehouse.com
  

• SKYBAR

  With three wide balconies extending from Asheville’s historic Flatiron Building, this bar is the perfect place to imbibe on a warm summer evening. Enjoy a cool breeze, a tasty cocktail and fabulous bird’s-eye views of the city from a lofty café table. (9/2011)

  18 Battery Park Ave
  828-225-6998

• Bele Chere

  Over the past 33 years, this event has morphed from a small crafts gathering on a single street to a downtownwide celebration of arts, crafts, music, food, drink and general weirdness. The festivities—which transform much of downtown into a pedestrian zone—include restaurants serving “street” food, merchants selling handmade wares, and live music on multiple stages. July 29-31. (9/2011)

  Downtown Asheville
  828-259-5800
  belecherefestival.com