Ask WNC

The Asheville Piano Man

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 01:41:00 -0500

Asheville Piano and Keyboard influence is strong in our community. Think about it. All of us are or have been influenced, soothed, and some have even danced to a beautiful melody played on a piano. When you enter a room with a piano in it, the mood changes, the atmosphere is different, a tune is calling.

When it comes to music in the Asheville area, a piano plays a big part. Whether it is a traveling band, a restaurant, a nightclub, a playhouse, and believe it or not.. we have seen a pickup truck speeding down the streets of Asheville with a guy jamming away on a piano in the back of the pickup. Asheville has dueling pianos in Elaine's at the Omni Grove Park, and also at a new place called Off The Wagon downtown. I know I have walked into Red Stag Grill in Biltmore Village, heard the piano playing, and the whole hustle and bustle of the day just melted away.

We recently stopped by the Piano Emporium on Hendersonville Rd in south Asheville, and met who we now call "The Asheville Piano Man". For some reason my wife wants our 16 month old to have a brand new piano to play with. Shane had so many options, even ones that could connect to Wifi, grab a tune online, and the piano will play the music by itself; and with the keys dropping and everything!! I thought about a "ghost piano player" production idea for a minute, then focused on trying to talk my wife out of this. But deep down inside, after seeing and feeling it; I still have that piano on my mind. Something tells me soon!

Hendersonville Fire Restoration

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Mon, 6 Jan 2014 23:06:00 -0500

Hendersonville Fire Restoration services must be a comprehensive effort to bring your home or business from damaged, back to restored and new. Of course nobody plans a fire, and it is a major inconvenience to all affected. Safety is the first concern. Making sure your smoke detectors are working, candles and flammables are secure, your exits are clear, nobody is smoking in the house, and having extinguishers nearby are just a few of the measures you can take. 1-800-Water-Damage is ready to help you with some preventive ideas, to make sure you do not regularly need a Hendersonville Fire Restoration to come to your rescue.

Hendersonville Fire Restoration could mean anything from dealing with damaged furniture, up to structural damage; things that needs to be carefully evaluated to assure the restoration process is properly completed. Then you have the "smoke smell" that needs to be removed from the home or business as well. Dealing with the insurance company is also an area that 1-800-Water-Damage can assist you with, and make sure every bit of ruin is taken care of. When dealing with all of the damage, and having to hire a Hendersonville Fire Restoration company; the last thing you need is to get stuck trying to do it all yourself.

Hendersonville Fire Restoration companies understand about the loss of personal things, even highly sentimental items such as family photos and jewelry. Having a "Fire-Box" or fireproof safe is your best bet, but like we mentioned before, we never plan on having a fire, so very few have these items to preserve their keepsakes.

1-800-Water Damage of WNC is a company that provides Hendersonville Fire Restoration services from start to finish. As soon as your family is safe, and the local Fire Department puts the fire out; give them a call for prompt and reputable service and repairs.

Asheville's Biltmore Property Group Purchases Two Shopping Centers in Knoxville TN

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 21:23:00 -0500

Knoxville, TN – The Biltmore Property Group, LLC (BPG) which is based in Asheville North Carolina recently announced 2 new fine acquisitions to add to their real estate portfolio. The Shops at Western Plaza which features the Fresh Market, CVS, Jos. A. Bank, Tuesday Morning and many others.

These local real estate investors also purchased a property called Melrose Place, an upscale shopping center in Knoxville. Talbots, M.S. McClellan, and Sherwin Williams Decorating Center all occupy part of this space.

Add this to their grand real estate portfolio in Asheville, and the Biltmore Property Group is one of the most aggressive commercial real estate companies in the area. Wait until you hear what is coming next!!

Knoxville, getting more are more closely associated with the growth in the Asheville and WNC region, is now becoming a hotspot for investors and entrepreneurs alike. Some say it is a hop, skip and a jump over the mountains, and you are there! From the Blue Ridge to the Great Smokies!

Oh, if you are interested in leasing information, please contact Curtis Williams with BPG at (828) 450-4253 or cwilliams@biltmorepropertygroup.com.

Need to speak with the property management and get some info? Please contact Morgan Bromley with BPG at (865) 279-0670 or mbromley@biltmorepropertygroup.com.

Lounging at the Battery Park Book Exchange and Wine Bar in Asheville

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 22:54:00 -0500

We have been to the Battery Park Book Exchange and Wine Bar in downtown Asheville several times. I have to say that every time we have been here, it was a hit. The atmosphere is wonderful, the walls and isles are lined with books and art, there was live music playing in the background while I was there, people having great conversation at the bar, delicious wine selection, yummy desserts, and so many little places and corners that you can surely find a spot to fall in love with. This is Asheville's ultimate lounge. While sitting there and enjoying the hum, I looked up and saw this Moose head above. It made me smile so I took a photo of it.

FTW Burlesque in Biltmore Village Asheville

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 21:53:00 -0500

The funky and freaky arts and entertainment scene is not something that you are going to regularly find on your tourism map. We stopped by the Toy Boat Community Art Space in Biltmore Village last night and happened into a burlesque show featuring the new troop, FTW Burlesque. Toy Boat features shows of this magnitude several times a year. They also do some amazing entertainment including juggling, hula-hooping, musical and many other types of shows and classes for the people of Asheville.

Merry Christmas in Biltmore Village, Asheville NC

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 19:58:00 -0500

The holidays and cheer are here in Asheville and Western North Carolina as many communities are lighting up trees, having celebrations, and getting ready to bring in 2014. Wow! Time has flown by so quickly this year. Here is a photo of a friend from Doubletree Hotel at the Christmas Tree Lighting event in Biltmore Village. She even had some of those delicious cookies with her! SO YUM!!!

Travelocity and the Roaming Gnome in Asheville

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 19:38:00 -0500

On behalf of Travelocity, the Roaming Gnome recently traveled to Asheville and Western North Carolina to experience the great things the area had to offer. Everything from an Architect's tour at the Biltmore Estate, to a Beer scavenger hunt at the local breweries. This little man was pretty much down for anything. We are glad he stopped by Asheville and look forward to his return! See the blog recap about the Roaming Gnome Visiting Asheville.

NYC Makeup Artist Yuko Takahashi Visits Asheville

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 19:25:00 -0500

The team was very excited to get a chance to meet famous makeup Artist Yuko Takahashi recently in the west Asheville / Leicester area, at a multi-cultural hair salon owned by Lety Onate. Some of Yuko's most recent projects included doing the makeup for a Rolex campaign. Yuko moved from Japan to New York City years ago and has made this world so much more beautiful with her wonderful makeup art and talent.

Almost Leaf Season on the Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville NC

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 18:50:00 -0400

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the main attractions, or better yet experiences of Western North Carolina. Such a gorgeous ride through the mountains just about any time of the year; but especially during Fall. Leaf Season is followed closely by droves of Leaf Watchers. Photographers from all around the world come to Asheville during this time of the year to see all of the colorful leaves that line the roads and parkways. The landscapes are waves of incredible colors. This photo was taken yesterday, so they are just about to change colors. These next few weeks are vital for Leafinators! Then visit the Biltmore Estate, and plan a half day tour of Historic Biltmore Village. Bring your camera and get ready to make beautiful memories in these mountains!!

The "Moving to Asheville" Checklist

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Fri, 5 Jul 2013 18:51:00 -0400

Moving to Asheville, or anywhere for that matter, is when you want to make sure you have some things in order. You want to have the right people and connections, or at least have direction on where to find them. Even though southern hospitality rules this neck of the woods, people can get lost in the shuffle and feel like strangers for a long time. There is no need for this! There are so many groups and micro communities in Western North Carolina, that there is a place for anyone and everyone.

When our family first entertained the thought of moving to Asheville, we were happy it was "in the middle" of the East Coast. Same distance from NYC as it is to Florida, so we could live in paradise, and also have the best of those two other worlds. We purchased some property in the mountains of Weaverville, and lived the "semi-secluded" life for a few years. Then we moved to North Asheville.

Here is a Checklist of items you may want to consider when moving to Asheville and Western North Carolina:

1. Asheville Real Estate

Are you looking to purchase a home, or a piece of property, or just rent for the time being? Do you need some information about the area, the school district, restaurants, shopping etc? An Asheville Real Estate Agent can assist you with this.

2. Asheville Insurance

Making sure you have the proper Insurance policy in place for the moving, your new home, rental insurance, and your automobiles. You want to make sure you are covered all across the board, and that your are properly insured. An Asheville Insurance Agent can help you with this.

3. Asheville Automotive

Finding an Auto Mechanic in a new town is not that easy. All of us know people that have been around the block a few times with their Auto Repair Shop. When moving to the area, make sure you have an Asheville Automobile Mechanic like Jimmy that you can get to know and trust.
Looking for a New Car connection in the area? Rob Smith from Anderson Nissan can help.
Used Cars? See Appalachian Motors in Enka Candler NC, and also opening up a new shop in south Asheville.

4. Asheville Jobs

Finding Employment in the Asheville area is important for you, your family and the whole community. Finding a place to work, or the funding and resources to open a business is vital to growing us as a whole. You can see the NC Employment Security Commission for some great opportunities. RelyLocal Asheville and AshevilleJobs.com also have job listings on their website.

5. Asheville Friends

Some people have friends in the area already, while others may not know too many people. There is everything from an Asheville Mommies network to an American Outlaws fan club.

6. Asheville Faith

The are many faith based groups and congregations represented in the area. You can find this in action at The Asheville JCC - Jewish Community Center, The Basilica of St. Lawrence. North Asheville Baptist Church, Seacost Church, The Rock of Asheville, Jubilee and Missio Dei Church. These are just a few of the places doing great works in the City.

7. Asheville Health

Chiropractor - There are many choices in the Asheville area. We use One Love Chiropractic. They may come in handy especially after a big move; your back hurting, neck pain etc. Packing and moving boxes is a pain in itself!
Dentist - Dr. Stuart Yoon DDS is a Dentist in the area that covers both Family and Cosmetic, and has proven very valuable in us getting the proper treatment we needed.
Eyeglasses and Contacts - Asheville has many beautiful things to see, so your eyesight is of utmost importance. The Optical Shoppe in West Asheville can assist you greatly in this area.
Asheville Health Span MD specializes in Aesthetics, Hormone Replacement and Weight Loss.
Doctors - Here is a list of Asheville Family Doctors.

8. Asheville Movers

Two Men and A Truck is based in the WNC area, and they are our locally preferred Moving Company. They come with all of the necessary insurance options, and have taken great care of us.

Other items include Duke Energy for your Electric, PSNC for Gas, Asheville Water Department, Verizon for Mobile, Charter for Phone, Cable TV and Internet.

Also see the City of Asheville and Buncombe County websites.

Amazing View: Lake and Mountains from Fletcher NC Community Park

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Sat, 11 May 2013 20:01:00 -0400

See more Asheville and Western North Carolina photos like this on AskAsheville's Instagram and AskAsheville's Facebook.

Carpet Repair in Asheville and Western North Carolina

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Fri, 3 May 2013 12:13:00 -0400

The carpet in your Asheville area home needs regular cleaning and sometimes even repairs. Without proper maintenance, a new carpet can look 5 years old in just a matter of months due to traffic, pets, kids, and dirt. At Dry Master Carpet Care, they specialize in carpet and tile cleaning, but they also do carpet repair. You may have those few little strands of carpet that just keeps getting worse, or you may need a whole section of carpet for a certain room or area. Watch this video and let them show you how it's done!

Meet some Asheville Real Estate Agents

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:11:00 -0400

Getting to know the Asheville Real Estate Agent you are working with definitely has its benefits. A new home is kinda like a marriage; like a new job. You do not just want anyone to marry you, just as you do not want to work for just anyone. You want something real and tangible; someone who cares about you and the important choice you are making. Working with people like Pat and Donna, who are a vibrant part of the Asheville area can make all of the difference in the world. Building relationships online and offline is important in a growing community. Pat and Donna of KW Asheville talk about how their passion is Real Estate, and helping you buy or sell a home, upsize, and even downsize is what they would love to help you with.

Amazing meal at The Cantina at Biltmore Village!!

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:49:00 -0400

Watch this video of an amazing meal being made at The Cantina. Talk about great, fresh food; and a tasty selection from their Margarita & Tequila bar... this is the place to be!!

The Cantina at Biltmore is located on the southside of Asheville NC, in Biltmore Village, just 1 minute from the Biltmore Estate.

Asheville Family Dentist - Dr. Stuart S. Yoon DDS PA

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Sun, 7 Apr 2013 13:38:00 -0400

Finding a Dentist in Asheville is a careful experience. Just like your Physician, you do not go to just any Dentist. Meet Dr. Stuart S. Yoon DDS PA, who is in Candler North Carolina, just 5 minutes west of Asheville. One of the reasons this establishment is the perfect fit is because they not only do family dentistry, but also cosmetic dentistry. Years ago, I had a bunch of dental work going on, and ended up with appointments at 4 different places. With an Asheville area Dentist like Stuart Yoon, he covers 3 of those areas of dental service. What a savings on money and time this would have been. Anyway.. the family needs more dental work and this is the place we are going to!

Asheville area Real Estate in Fairview NC

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:07:00 -0400

Living in downtown Asheville is not for everyone. There are many Real Estate options on the outskirts of town. Pat and Donna of Keller Williams Asheville have this beautiful home for sale in the Fairview community. We have many friends who live around these parts, and they love the area. Very convenient to East Asheville and just over the mountain from Gerton, Chimney Rock, and Lake Lure NC. See the video of this home for sale in Fairview NC:

Asheville Italian Restaurant Video

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:35:00 -0400

If you have been to downtown Asheville, you have probably seen Strada Italiano, featuring local Chef Anthony Cerrato. Here is a 2013 video that was recently taken at the restaurant and takes you through a great plate of Italian Cuisine and Fusion being made. So delicious, a must try whether you live in the Asheville area or if you are visiting this incredible foodie community.

Fletcher NC Real Estate

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Mon, 4 Mar 2013 00:17:00 -0500

Fletcher North Carolina is located about 10 minutes from downtown Hendersonville NC and 20 minutes from downtown Asheville. This is a beautiful area of Western North Carolina with the Asheville Regional Airport just minutes away. Airport Road is growing by leaps and bounds so a wide range of shopping is nearby. Are you in the market for Real Estate in Fletcher NC or the surrounding areas? See the video of this beautiful home and contact Pat and Donna for more information.

Asheville Junk Haulers, Hauling and Salvage

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Sun, 3 Mar 2013 23:21:00 -0500

Meet Tyler Garrison of Junk Recyclers in this video below about Asheville & WNC Junk Haulers, Hauling and Salvage. Is junk piling up on your property, in your garage, in your home, in your basement? This is the company that can assist you in getting rid of it. You can also see the "Asheville Junk Haulers" video on YouTube.

Asheville Real Estate in the Montford Community

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 00:10:00 -0500

One of the choice areas of Asheville Real Estate is the Montford Community. The area some great bonuses. First of all, it is walkable from downtown Asheville so "City" access is easy. Next, it is an historic neighborhood which preserves a lot of the original features, with even the new construction matching the existing district. Many Bed & Breakfast estates are in the Montford Community. If you can find a piece of real estate in that area, you need to seriously consider it.

Pat & Donna, Asheville's Dream Team assist Buyers and Sellers in the Western North Carolina community with real estate choices. Are you looking to purchase a new home or a piece of property to build a new house? Their Realtor team can help you find what you are looking for. Looking to sell? Check out PatandDonna.com for more information.

Asheville Auto Insurance

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 17:05:00 -0500

When it comes to Auto Insurance in Asheville NC, you want the best coverage for the lowest payment you can find. Sean at Adams & Brown Insurance Agency in South Asheville is what many call the "Lizard Whisperer" and "Pig Roaster" when you stand their local company against the bigger nationwide and worldwide insurance agencies. They are so confident, he offers a free quote comparison that has allowed several of our friends to save hundreds of dollars per year on their Asheville area auto insurance policy.

Whether your drivers record is perfect, or if you have had problems, speeding tickets, DUI... Adams and Brown in South Asheville can find you the right insurance to fit your exact needs. Sean does the homework for each client individually because an insurance policy is not "one size fits all." Looking for Asheville Auto Insurance? Call Adams & Brown Insurance at 828-681-0790 and you can apply for a Quote on the Website.

Asheville Barber and Haircuts at Joe King's

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 16:42:00 -0500

The "Joe King" barber shop has been in the Asheville area for years. We had stopped by here several times to get a quick buzz or haircut from Joe back in the days. Today is is run by several women and they have a nice thing going on there. From what I have observed, there are a lot of barber shops in Asheville that are run by women. The team at Joe's also do haircuts, styling and more for the ladies of course. They are located at 484 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville NC 28804, on the northside on town. You can also see Joe King on Yelp.

Asheville Contacts and Contact Lenses

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 15:28:00 -0500

George and Jackie at the Optical Shoppe in West Asheville are great local people in the community who can help you with your contacts, contact lenses, eyeglasses, sunglasses and more. There are plenty of eyeglass frame styles for you to choose from. They also have an Optometrist at the shop several days a week who can provide exams for you and your family.

Are you looking for contacts / contact lenses in the Asheville North Carolina area? The Optical Shoppe is a great choice with one on one transactions with the Owners, and personalized service that has made them the top pick of many.

Mezzaluna - Yum in Hendersonville NC

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 11:01:00 -0500

In Hendersonville North Carolina, you will find a great restaurant called Mezzaluna on Main Street downtown. We stopped by there for a meal & had a wonderful experience. The atmosphere was inviting and comfortable, the staff was great, and the food was sooo good. Here is a photo of Mussels + Chorizo, a combination that quickly elevated this to one of the best Mussel dishes I have tried in WNC. Looking for a yum place to eat in Hendersonville NC? This restaurant is a must stop!

Two Asheville locals “follow their bliss” to create an unusual yet meaningful book

askasheville@gmail.com (AskAsheville) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:47:00 -0500

“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.” – Joseph Campbell (1904–1987)

Mark Bloom and Linda Ray are duo behind Ray Access. They find other outlets for creative and professional passions. Mark edits books, both fiction & nonfiction.

Asheville author Dielle Ciesco took the words of mythologist Joseph Campbell to heart and started writing. Mark gave her words the heartbeat to make them come alive. The book definitely personifies the kind of collaboration that makes Asheville a unique and thriving arts community.

Contact Dielle Ciesco: atinfo@thevoiceoflife.com or at 828-667-2967.

Contact Mark Bloom: info@rayaccess.com or at 828-280-1686.