The Carolina Bed and Breakfast has plenty of history packed inside. | Photo by AVLtoday
Today, 177 Cumberland Ave. is the home of the charming Carolina Bed and Breakfast. But about 95 years ago, the small pebbledash cottage behind the Arts and Crafts-style home was the first workshop of David Webb, a remarkable and prolific luxury jewelry designer.
Before his sparkling, opulent work graced the covers of Vogue and donned the necks of regal women like Grace Kelly and Lana Turner, he was crafting ashtrays and dogwood pins to sell on the streets of Asheville. But that’s not the only alluring piece of history tucked in the home — let’s take it back to the beginning to appreciate this historic home.
History behind the house
The Montford house was built in 1901 and designed by Richard Sharp Smith, the supervising architect at the Biltmore. True to his signature style, no two rooms are alike. Even the doorways in the house are all different sizes.
The Zebra Bracelet is one of Webb’s most iconic designs. Just as it was in 1963, it’s still handcrafted from enamel, circular-cut diamonds, cabochon rubies, platinum, and gold.
Read to a Dog with Cooki the Shih Tzu | 4-5 p.m. | East Asheville Public Library | Free, RSVP | Practice new reading skills in front of Cooki, who always listens and never judges, as long as they get a treat or two at the end.
Wednesday, Feb. 12
Folk Club | Wednesday, Feb. 12, Wednesday, March 12 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Leveller Brewing Co., Weaverville | Free | Celebrate performances with folk artists from Appalachia and beyond.
YAMATO The Drummers of Japan | Wednesday, Feb. 12-Thursday, Feb. 13 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Wortham Center for the Performing Arts | $22+ | The group will put on a powerful percussive performance, playing more than 40 Taiko drums to tell a tale of AI’s influence on art.
Thursday, Feb. 13
“Share the Love” Root Cause Farm Fundraiser | 4-8 p.m. | The Mule | Free | Enjoy an evening of live music, storytelling, and community connection in support of growing + distributing more organic produce in 2025.
Friday, Feb. 14
Gawd Save The Queen: A Benefit for Suzy Phillips + Crew | 6-10 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl | $5 | Chefs Michelle Bailey and Terri Terrell will provide the food during this fun-filled benefit for Suzy Phillips, owner of Gypsy Queen Cuisine and Simple, and her staff.
Bluegrass First Class | Friday, Feb. 14-Sunday, Feb. 16 | Times vary | Crowne Plaza Resort | $64+ | For the 30th year, this bluegrass fest will welcome a slate of performers with headliners Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Authentic Unlimited, and One Achord.
Brian Canipelli, the beloved chef and owner of Cucina 24 and Contrada, died unexpectedly from a medical emergency on Thursday, Feb. 6. Canipelli is remembered by colleagues and friends as an incredible talent and genuine leader. You can help support his wife and three children by donating on GoFundMe. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Traffic
Governor Stein announced that two-way traffic will resume on the 20-mile stretch of I-40 in Pigeon River Gorge on Saturday, March 1. Destroyed by Helene, crews have been working to repair the road for months, facing delays due to winter weather. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Open
Donut worry — the wait is finally over. Vortex Doughnuts will reopen under new management on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Stop by the Banks Avenue shop to pick up old favorites, including vegan options.
Cause
Feed AVL’s Veggie Box Program returns for its fifth year of providing free weekly vegetable boxes to members of our community. See how to sponsor a box or donate to help individuals and families in AVL receive 20+ weeks of fresh, locally grown produce from Southside Community Farm.
Number
$20,000. That’s how much money the Carolina Panthers donated to a Fletcher school to help repair damage from Hurricane Helene. Funds will go toward rebuilding outdoor athletic fields and purchasing new equipment. (WLOS)
Try This
The Asheville Mule — a delicious combination of citrus, ginger, and raising money for our local hospitality industry. Head downtown to The Lobster Trap to sip + support.*
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Community
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The Buy
The Buy
Fun fact: Nordstrom Rack gets new arrivals every day that are marked down up to 60%. Here are some we have our eye on:
If you’re looking for a history-filled staycation and aren’t afraid of a friendly, ghostly encounter, you should definitely book a night at Carolina Bed and Breakfast. Have any other cool stories from local historic homes? I’m all ears.
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