Laura Bernhein
Born in Argentina, Laura is a journalist who's lived in Asheville for 10 years. She loves all things Asheville, from the vast business scene to the beautiful nonprofits, magical people, and marvelous nature. She loves being involved in projects that are the change she wants to see in the world.
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15 Fun Things to Do in Asheville with Neurodivergent and Disabled Kids
Asheville strives to be an inclusive community, and each year, new organizations make the “welcome to all” slogan a tangible reality, creating spaces for those with additional needs because of a medical, emotional, or learning difference. From gyms offering safe sensory experiences for all to special needs farm days, Halloween and holiday events, accessible trails, and supporting shops hiring disabled folks, there are many fun things to do with neurodivergent and disabled kids in Asheville. Differences add so much richness to human diversity. It’s comforting to know that we all have something unique to share with the world, and nobody else has it. Differences bring so much wisdom and love…
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A Guide to DuPont State Forest: Waterfalls, Hikes, and More!
With 10,000 acres of protected land, 86 miles of multiuse trails, mountain views, swimming lakes, and some of the most beautiful waterfall hikes near Asheville, DuPont State Recreational Forest is a favorite destination for outdoor lovers. The best part? It’s only 40 miles south of Asheville, and there is no admission fee – although you can always make a donation. Although the hike that takes you to Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls is one of the main attractions, there are also great opportunities for biking, horseback riding, fishing, lakeside picnicking, and enjoying views from mountaintops. Swimming is one of the most fun things to do in DuPont State…
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18 Fun Things to Do in Asheville with Tweens and Teens
Asheville is a fun place for tweens and teens. There are so many engaging activities for them to participate in with their families and a few areas where they can explore independently. They’ll love checking out thrift shops and tea houses, going skateboarding or bike riding, watching movies at an indie theater, or sitting at an urban park enjoying the sunshine and bubble tea. Traveling with teens comes with its own set of rewards and challenges. According to my experience as a mom of two, it’s crucial to involve them in the planning and let them contribute ideas based on their interests. It’s also a great chance for them to…
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20 Fun Bachelorette Party Ideas and Activities in Asheville
There are many fun ways to celebrate a bachelorette party weekend in Asheville. From pole dancing and tarot readings to fantastic spas, drag shows, and outdoor adventures, you will love mixing and matching these activities to create the perfect, unforgettable bachelorette getaway! Having a bachelorette party in Asheville is a growing trend. If you are wondering why, think about an outstanding food scene, a rich nightlife culture, more breweries per capita than any other city in the country, spectacular mountain scenery, lots of shops, and some of the friendliest folks you’ll ever meet. Also, Asheville is small, with a population of less than 100,000, so you will only have to…
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14 Uniquely Asheville Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
Mothers are rockstars, heroines, and goddesses. We have yet to see when the work of being a mom gets the recognition it deserves: Raising happy humans is the most revolutionary thing we can do to transform the world positively! Motherhood has been celebrated since ancient times, and every culture has worshiped deities who represented and protected fertility, wombs, childbirth, and the sacred role of the child-rearer. Modern Mother’s Day festivities are usually held in the spring when life is abundantly blooming everywhere. Our mountains in May are astonishing, and Asheville is a buzzing city with many festivals, markets, and activities, giving hundreds of ideas of how to celebrate Mother’s Day…
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13 Fun Things to Do for Mother’s Day in Asheville
Life is blooming everywhere in Asheville in May. Flowers and baby bunnies can be spotted at parks and hiking trails, there are tons of festivals and events, and folks are wearing their brightest smiles because the spring weather has finally settled in. In the middle of it all, we take one day to celebrate the superheroes of our lives: moms! There are infinite ways to honor moms daily, from meaningful Asheville-made gifts to curated tea parties, spa experiences, and epic outdoor adventures. I’ve compiled a list of some of the best ideas to celebrate Mother’s Day in Asheville, ranging from an adventurous hot air balloon ride to a grounding waterfall…
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13 Excellent Team-Building Experiences in Asheville
Are you looking for the perfect team-building adventure in Asheville? We’ve got you covered! Trying to figure out the ideal experience for your group can be overwhelming, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the best in town. Scheduling regular team-building experiences is essential. They bring people together in a new environment to do exciting things and help create a more relaxed atmosphere and a positive group culture. They break down barriers to foster communication and build trust among members. The first step is to find out what you’re looking for. Are you seeking a simple, fun outing to break the ice and deepen the bonds between your team?…
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12 Must-Visit LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses in Asheville
Supporting LGBTQ+ businesses is one of the most influential ways to create more inclusive and diverse communities. We all need to shop for things, so why not do it intentionally to make the change we want to see in the world? When purchasing goods or services from an LGBTQ+-owned business, you are creating an economic impact – which is great in a community that might face workplace discrimination – and a social impact by fostering a culture of acceptance and a more diverse society. Spending your money at an LGBTQ+-owned business creates more jobs within the community of gay people and allies. It also increases representation, visibility, and the feeling…
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The 9 Best Picnic Spots in Asheville
Having a picnic is one of the easiest, most fun things to do with your friends, family, date, or even your dogs. And lucky for us, there are so many excellent picnic spots in Asheville! Whether you’re looking for a park by the river, a super fun playground, spring blooms, a perfect sunset spot, or a huge mansion surrounded by 8,000 acres of gardens with impressive fall foliage, Asheville has it all! You can get snacks at the grocery store, make your own, or stop by City Bakery or OWL Bakery for sandwiches and pastries. Grab a picnic basket from The Rhu or a charcuterie box from South Slope Cheese…
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The 10 Best Waterfall Hikes Near Asheville
Asheville’s surroundings offer infinite hiking opportunities, including many that will lead you to cascading waterfalls. Hiking to get to one of the many waterfalls near Asheville is always a fun adventure, and nothing beats a picnic in the sunshine while listening to the falls and taking in the view. The 500,000-acre Pisgah National Forest is home to many of the area’s most famous waterfalls (including Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls), swimming holes, and hiking trails. And over in DuPont State Forest, you’ll find six astonishing waterfalls, including some that have been featured in Hollywood movies. The landscapes surrounding these waterfalls change with the seasons, giving excellent photo ops year-round.…
