Downtown Asheville Blog

If you’re planning on doing a little shopping downtown this week, you’ve picked an ideal time. Summer clothes are on clearance, and fall threads have arrived at many stores.

At The Old North State Clothing Company (23 Broadway), the latest in upscale outdoors and traditional sportswear has hit the racks. That means a new selection of Icebreaker, Arc Teryx, Woolrich, Bills Khakis, Ibex, and more.

Mast General Store also has a similar selection, but it’s the custom Blue Ridge Parkway/Mast T-shirts that have us really excited. The mountain decor/outdoors store is donating 10 % of sales made on Saturday to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.

Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag. When it comes to choosing paper or plastic, the best choice is neither! Reusable fabric shopping bags are all the rage right now, and there are plenty for sale in the downtown shops, in all shapes, sizes and colors.

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff, a certified ECO (Environmental Consultant) REALTOR in Asheville.

Sept. 8, 2008. If you’re planning on spending time in Downtown Asheville this week, you might also want to head out to the county and attend the 2008 NC Mountain State Fair. It’s being held through Sunday at the WNC Agriculture Center, near the airport.

Here are our picks at the fair:

Rhonda Vincent concert - One of bluegrass music’s best ladies, she always puts on a heck of a show.

Children’s soap carving workshop - If Little Johnny’s allowed to carry a pocket knife, this daily workshop will take his whittling a step further.

The dhalia show - Roses are romantic, but dhalias are sumptuous. You never knew these flowers were so great.

Thursday is $15 unlimited rides wristband day - What a deal! Just don’t ride the spinning ones too many times in a row.

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff, an Asheville real estate agent.

Sept. 5, 2008. Just north of Downtown Asheville, the historic Montford neighborhood will open a new free play at its cozy Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre. Set in a park and surrounded by trees, this venue is a great place to see one of the city’s favorite companies, the Montford Park Players.

Tonight, Doctor Faustus will appear on stage. The show will run through Sept. 28 and will occur on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 7:30. Performances are free.

Doctor Faustus, by Christopher Marlowe, tells the story of a man with good intentions who is corrupted by power. It’s a timeless tale.

If you go, feel free to bring a blanket, and food and drink. Remember, too, that mountain nights can be cool, so you may want to bring a light jacket. Because it’s outdoors, there may be bugs, so bring some bug repellent.

Posted by Asheville REALTOR Mark Vanderhoff.

Sept. 3, 2008. Two popular annual events return to town this weekend: OrganicFest and LAAFF. Both will be held downtown - one on Saturday and one on Sunday - so you don’t have to choose between the two.

OrganicFest will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Battery Park Avenue. This is the place to come learn about organic foods and products, as well as natural lifestyles. Best of all, there’s usually plenty of free stuff to grab! Vendors will also have food and beer on hand.

LAAFF, the Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival, will be held 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday at Lexington Avenue, between I-240 and College Street. This is no ordinary art fest - it’s highly interactive, with a very kid-friendly vibe. This year, a local custom bicycle maker will attempt to set a record by pedaling on the world’s tallest bicycle. And bicycle jousting (yes, you heard right) will be back!

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff, who can be spotted at both events.

Sept. 1, 2008. The Asheville Art Museum, located on Pack Place in Downtown, will hold “A Taste of Art and Wine” on Wednesday evening. The annual event brings wine distributors in to pour wine and beer while patrons enjoy the paintings, scultpures and other great works.

The event will be held from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door for $40 per person, or in advance at the Museum for $30 per person, $55 per couple for Museum Members and $35 per person, $65 per couple for Non-Members. Call 828.253.3227 for tickets now.

By the way, the Asheville Art Museum is celebrating its 60th anniversary!

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff, Asheville real estate broker.

August 27, 2008. If you’re coming up to Asheville for the the Labor Day weekend, here is a sample itinerary:

Friday - Dining in Downtown Asheville. Make sure to go out to dinner early, because this will be a hoppin’ weekend. After getting your name on a list, check out an art galley or two. Save some room for ice cream.

Saturday - Visit the Biltmore. From touring the home, to sampling the wine, to enjoying the gardens, the country’s largest private home will keep your jaw dropping in amazement.

Sunday - Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. Make sure you have batteries and disk space on your digital camera. You’re going to be taking a lot of photos, my friend. NOTE: The parkway is closed right now near Mt. Mitchell.

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff, a REALTOR based in Asheville.