Culture

Speaking of Travel celebrates 10 year milestone

Local podcast Speaking of Travel features travel tips and tales of transformation. | Photo provided

Local podcast Speaking of Travel celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The brainchild of marketing and public relations maven, author, documentarian, and podcaster Marilyn Ball, it features travel tips and tales of transformation with local + international guests like Graham Sharp of the Steep Canyon Rangers and Richard Crawford of Leave No Trace TV. We sat down with Marilyn for a look into the last decade and a glimpse into what’s next for this local multihyphenate.

Initially launched in 2013 as a radio show, Speaking of Travel has grown into “a global podcast platform that’s not only about destinations, but about breaking down barriers,” says Marilyn. “We really came out of the pandemic with a focus on how to travel more mindfully and sustainably. We showcase stories that inspire you to ask: ‘Where can I do good?’”

Case in point? One of Marilyn’s favorite interviews with Dayna Reggero of The Climate Listening Project and award-winning playwright Ebony Stewart. “It’s one of our most popular stories, and it’s about the ways people’s lives in the Gulf Coast have been affected by climate change,” she says.

Marilyn also notes an interview she did with motorcycle journalist Neale Bayly, who documented the war in Ukraine from a BMW motorcycle, as well as one with locals behind the Blue Ridge Honor Flight that take area Veterans to Washington, DC, to visit the memorials dedicated to their sacrifice and service.

What’s next? Marilyn says she is excited about continuing to partner with Leave No Trace’s Richard Crawford to teach folks about ecotourism and sustainability, and she welcomes the chance to partner with more folks to continue her mission of sharing stories of travel and adventure with “people doing incredible things to change the world.”

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Wednesday, March 1

Rainbow Inspiration-Generation Plus-Blue Ridge Pride | Wednesday, March 1 | Times vary | Virtual | Free | Be inspired by this series of spotlights on elder LGBTQ community leaders and influencers.
Winter Works | Wednesday, March 1 | 7 p.m. | Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $16-$25 | See contemporary and neoclassical dance from the Ballet Conservatory of Asheville.

Thursday, March 2

Appalachian Clogging and Flatfoot Lessons | Thursday, March 2, Thursday, Mar. 9 | 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | In His Step Dance Ministry, 159 Church St., Asheville | $18.50 | Learn the basics of clogging and flatfoot dance.
Women’s History Month Movie: Hidden Figures | Thursday, March 2 | 6-8 p.m. | Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St., Asheville | Free | Kick off Women’s History Month with a screening of “Hidden Figures,” plus free drinks + popcorn.
Old School Line Dancing | Thursday, March 2-Thursday, April 20 | Times vary | Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave., Asheville | Free | Bust a move to all your favorite old school dances from back in the day.

Friday, March 3

Sandy Mush Herb Nursery Open Hours | Friday, March 3 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Sandy Mush Herb Nursery, 316 Surrett Cv Rd., Leicester, Leicester | Free | Visit the otherworldly Sandy Mush Herb Nursery to check out the herbs, perennials, and wildflowers.
Wine with Divine | Friday, March 3 | 5-6:30 p.m. | plēb urban winery, 289 Lyman St., Asheville | Free | Raise money for Healing Solutions Counseling while enjoying an hour of wine and fun antics with local drag queen legend, Divine The Bearded Lady.

Saturday, March 4

Pioneering Women of Craft | Saturday, March 4 | 1-2 p.m. | Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St., Weaverville | Free | Explore the history of the women who began the Southern Highland Craft Guild.
Cellarest Dog Adoption Event | Saturday, March 4, Saturday, April 1 | Times vary | Cellarest Beer Project, 395 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Free | Meet a crew of adoptable dogs at this monthly event.
Donna The Buffalo | Saturday, March 4 | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $25-$28 | These roots rockers are legendary in the jam band world, having played with everyone from The Grateful Dead and Rusted Root to Los Lobos.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Culture

Get an insider’s look at UNC Asheville’s IGNITE program

Presented by an AVLtoday Partner

UNCA Asheville’s IGNITE program is built to ensure all freshmen feel a sense of belonging and are equipped with the skills to succeed in college (and life). | Photo provided by UNC Asheville

From adjusting to new surroundings to charting an academic path, the first semester of college can be overwhelming. That’s why all UNC Asheville freshmen participate in IGNITE — a first-year program that helps new students build connections and develop skills while igniting their passions and fostering a sense of self and community. To deepen the experience, cohorts are led by upperclassmen Peer Advising Leader (PAL) mentors.

We got a first-hand account of the program from an IGNITE PAL + student participant. Here’s what they had to say.

Parker Lacewell, PAL mentor, built conversations with her group around empathy, communication, equity, inclusion + changemaking.

About her IGNITE group: “After just the first class, I could see they were already building community and becoming close with one another. I think by the end they really felt like they found their spark.”
To UNCA upperclassmen considering PAL mentorship: “Do it. Absolutely do it. It’s a wonderful way to sharpen your leadership skills, to build community, and to give back to UNCA. It’s another way to shape the campus culture of being involved.”*

UP NEXT: HEAR FROM A STUDENT

Weather

71º | Partly cloudy | 7% chance of rain

Number

$3 million. That’s the amount of money Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn raised in its first funding round. Proceeds will be used to double its existing manufacturing footprint, and to invest over $2 million in new equipment and technology. We love to see big things popping for our local businesses. 💰(WRAL TechWire)

Giveaway

Did you miss getting tickets to this year’s Taste of Asheville? Fret not, foodies. We’ve partnered with the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association to give away four tickets to the event (a $300 value). Want to enter? See the giveaway’s details, launching today at 12 p.m. on our Instagram page. 🎟️

Arts

Local painter Amar Stewart will open his new studio space Friday, March 3 at The Refinery Asheville (207 Coxe Ave.). The public is invited to check out the space along with Amar’s new paintings from 4:30-8:30 p.m. 🎨

Try This

Peace Gardens & Market’s Annual Early Spring Plant Sale takes place Saturday, March 18 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The event will feature an array of cool season plants including mesclun mix, dill, parsley, and watercress for your spring gardens, all available on a sliding scale of $4-$6 each. 🌱

DYK

The North Carolina Glass Center is offering a series of free hot shop and flame shop classes. Part of the nonprofit’s Community Day program, the classes are offered for Veterans and their family + caregivers, and folks who identify as BIPOC or LGBTQ+. See the class dates and times.

Eat

Looking for something simple and sophisticated to add to your meal repertoire? Check out Corner Kitchen’s recipe for the classic French butter sauce beurre blanc. The silky sauce is ideal on fish, seafood, poached eggs, or vegetables. 🧈

Shop

Our online store Six & Main is now featuring Jeff Pittman, an AVL artist primarily known for his dramatic skies, panoramic mountain vistas, and small-town area street scenes. Explore the colorful oil paintings. 🎨

Travel

What’s your vacation vibe — cozy, luxurious, or chic? For a cozy stay, look no further than this snug and cheerful getaway on beachy St. Simons Island, Georgia. For luxury, book this lush Hawaiian resort on the island of Kaua’i. And for the chicest of stays, peep this renovated house in downtown Charleston.*

Seasonal

What we’re eyeing: Zulily’s sneaker shop and some fresh kicks for spring. Shop street styles from Nike, versatile New Balance picks, or fashionable Tory Burch sneakers all on sale now. 👟*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Caution: women at work 🚧

Rad women in Asheville, NC

Mixed media artist and tile setter Liz Roberts created this intricate design for the Asheville Salt Cave’s hammam spa. | Photo via @lizrobertsworks

While we love our big boss ladies in town, like Highland Brewing’s Leah Wong Ashburn and the Bob Moog Foundation’s Michelle Moog-Koussa, today we’re highlighting a few lesser-known Asheville women working in male-dominated fields that you, our dear readers, told us about.

Masonry | Need some stonework done? Ancient Stoneworks, owned by Jill Haynie, creates everything from steps and landscape walls to benches and birdbaths.

Tile | With over a decade of experience, mixed media artist and tile setter Liz Roberts creates custom designs for both commercial + residential exterior and interior spaces, including bathrooms, kitchens, and floors. You’ve probably noticed her work inside The Hop on Merrimon.

General contracting and design | Do you need renovations made to your home? Thanks to general contractor + professional designer Sally Spiegel, owner of Sally House to Home, Joanna Gaines can step aside.

Tech | Find coders, developers, designers, and more at Asheville Women in Tech, a group for women working in tech fields who range from novices to professionals. Follow them for deets on their next meeting.

3 MORE RAD LOCAL WOMEN

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Brook.

Editor’s pick: I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off Women’s History Month than by featuring so many influential local women.

And DYK Marilyn also offers personal walking tours with Asheville Walking Tours on Sunday mornings? I hope my daughter and I see y’all on the next one.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Get the scoop on joining Asheville’s boards + commissions.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Hackett, Brook Bolen, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Helen Purnell | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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