Take a seat in the outdoor patio area. | Photo by AVLtoday
Sandwiched between Cellarest Beer Project and Double Crown, the big white brick building has gotten a fresh new look — and new tenants. The top floors have been vacant for some time, but it’s now a hub for handcrafted art, home goods, and fresh ink. Get acquainted with three new businesses at 387 Haywood Rd.
Haunt
Owner Anneliesse Gormley admits that it’s difficult to put Haunt into a box.
There’s a flower bar, fridge full of New Stock Pantry goodies, bulk dried herbs, woodworking tools, gardening supplies, and eclectic clothing + housewares. You could call it a general store — but possibly the most whimsical general store you’ve ever stepped foot in (see: the giant wooden horse beckoning your attention in the back room).
Sorry, only Beyoncé is allowed to touch the horse.
Photo by AVLtoday
It’s also home to spoon + hook goods, Gormley’s own hand-carved wooden items, from spoons to cheese boards with flowers encased inside.
Haunt’s broad-ranging offerings are the point. The shop pays homage to the beloved haunts that Asheville has lost over the years. You might not be able to buy chicken feed at Southern States anymore, but Haunt has it. Miss refilling on laundry detergent at Ware? Haunt has you covered.
Roses and Rosé with Chef Cheetie Kumar | 3-6 p.m. | Spicewalla | Free, RSVP | Raise a glass of rosé and snack on rose harissa whipped feta toasts to celebrate the collaborative spice blend with Chef Kumar of Ajja, a popular Mediterranean spot in Raleigh.
“The Book Of Will” | Friday, May 16-Saturday, May 31 | 7:30 p.m. | Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre | Free | Grab a blanket + chairs to sit in for the Montford Park Players’ first performance of the season, chronicling the betrayal and heartbreak Shakespeare’s friends experience as they compile the First Folio.
Saturday, May 17
Vintage Store Day | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Atomic Furnishing and Design | Free | DJs will soundtrack your shopping experience while you browse sales from individual booths and hit up the sale tent outside to get deals on vintage clothes and records.
Asheville City SC Women’s Season Opener | 7:30 p.m. | Greenwood Field | $12+ | Kick off the season at the women’s team home opener and cheer on the Blues while snacking on goodies from local food trucks.
Sunday, May 18
Wrong Way Revival Series | 4-7 p.m. | Wrong Way River Lodge and Cabins | Free | What better way to end the weekend than with a pie from Imposter Pizza and bluegrass from the Dead Strings Trio?
Kishi Bashi | 7 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $33 | The singer and violin virtuoso will bring the bright and funky-fresh sounds spanning his entire discography to life.
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved the City of Asheville’s action plan for spending $225 million in CDBG-DR funds — see how the spending shakes out. Next, HUD must review the city’s financial, procurement, and grant management practices before certifying the funds.
Announced
The city is taking steps to rebuild along Azalea Road, which is facing more than $25 million in damage from Helene. Priority projects include the Gashes Creek Bridge, Recreation Park (including the pool), and the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex. The project is expected to be completed in 2031.
Open
Barley’s upstairs bar has reopened after getting a refresh, including new seating, a new cocktail menu, and a shuffleboard table. The downstairs restaurant is still temporarily closed. Celebrate Oscar Wong Day today, May 16 at Barley’s — Wong sparked the local beer scene in the basement of the Biltmore Avenue spot.
Travel
Asheville Regional Airport’s new north concourse will debut on Wednesday, June 25, with seven gates and new food + beverage options. The new ticket lobby and TSA checkpoint are opening up two weeks earlier. See what’s in store for phase two of the $400 million expansion. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Try This
Short Sleeves Coffee has gone from pop-ups to a permanent space, opening its new cafe at 222 Whitson Ave. in Swanannoa. Stop by for a delicious dark roast, plus, breakfast sandwiches and pastries from spots like Recess and Honey Badger Bakes.
Ranked
No. 2. That’s where Hole Doughnuts lands on Yelp’s list of the top 50 donut shops in the US according to its elite users. The toasted almond sesame cinnamon donut earned special praise, and for good reason (it’s our favorite, too).
Watch
Chef Meherwan Irani is back in front of the camera, hosting a second episode of Bon Appétit’s popular “Street Eats” web series. This time, he’s giving us a crash course on the most popular sandwich in the world, Vada Pav. If you’re now craving the crispy potato dumpling sandwich, head to Chai Pani or Botiwalla.
Craving a slower pace, organic food, and fresh air? Located at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Easley, South Carolina is Longview Carolina, a modern “agrihood” where community, wellness, and nature meld. See what it’s like. Hint: The panoramic views are stunning.*
Number
48 million. That’s how many Americans hear so poorly that their quality of life suffers — think: missing out on convos, concerts, and un-captioned movies. Fortunately, this hearing aid changes the game. Try out its dual processing technology for yourself with a free 45-day, no-risk trial.*
Wellness
Improve gut health + boost natural production of GLP-1 (the same hormone Ozempic mimics for weight loss) with Bioma’s 3-in-1 formula. Get an extra 10% off with code 6AM10.*
Category
Drink
Cheers to the weekend
Cheers to Leo’s for its James Beard Award nomination. | Photo via Leo’s House of Thirst
Can we interest you in a post-work beverage? Gather your closest friends and colleagues (read: drinking buddies), and hit the town with this guide in tow.
Whether you’re hankering for a locally brewed IPA, a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc, or a gin + tonic featuring gin distilled right here in Asheville, grab a drink at these 40+ places around town.
Leo’s House of Thirst | Drink we love: Any wine on tap Cheese and wine, anyone? This West Asheville wine bar offers a wide variety of natural and organic wines in an intimate setting — perfect for unwinding after a long day. Best of all, you can soon look forward to breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
RAD Brewing Co. | Drink we love: Frat Soda
The beer is great, but the free popcorn is a perfect bonus. This weekend, the brewery is celebrating its second anniversary with a special beer release, plenty of live music, burgers, and permanent jewelry.
A shower scrubber mat. It’s made with 500 soft silicone bristles that remove dirt and dead skin. Bonus: It easily attaches to the floor or wall of your shower with non-slip suction cups.
A couple weeks ago, we put you on to Sunny Point’s new Smoked BBQ Pop-Up Patio Dinner series. The first dinner starts tonight, and if the idea of crab Hushpuppies with roasted red pepper aioli, smoked pulled pork, poblano mac + cheese, and white chocolate banana pudding has your stomach rumbling, stop by between 5:30 and 8 p.m. to dig in.
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