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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Easter in Asheville: The 12 Best Activities and Events
Easter is among the most celebrated holidays in the United States and worldwide. It recounts the resurrection of Jesus and is also an occasion to mark the return of spring, warmth, and life after the winter months. In addition to its religious meaning, Easter has become a secular celebration with various traditions, including the Easter Bunny, Easter eggs and treats, festive meals, and family reunions. Traveling to Asheville for Easter is always a great idea! Early spring temperatures range from the 50s to 70s, with lots of sunny days and chilly nights, ideal for staying cozy by a firepit. In case you’re planning an Easter trip to Asheville, I’ve compiled…
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The 16 Best Free Things to Do in Asheville
They say that the best things in life can’t be bought, and that’s especially true in Asheville. Planning a trip on a budget to a place with astonishing outdoors and plenty of walkable areas is easy! You’ll have a blast spending the day hiking trails off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, enjoying scenic drives, chilling at a downtown park, listening to bluegrass at a free concert, or checking out local vendors at the River Arts District farmers’ market. Don’t be intimidated by Asheville’s award-winning food scene. There are plenty of places – from cafés to restaurants to food trucks – where you can have excellent food at reasonable prices. Also,…
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16 Uniquely Asheville Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
While no doubt love is the most potent force in the universe, the Western world has quickly been moving into a more inclusive definition of love, expanding it from romantic love to other meaningful connections with friends and even fur friends. Nowadays, every loving relationship is celebrated on Valentine’s Day. While this list focuses mainly on romance, I’ve included options for Galentine’s Day gifts, fur Valentine experiences, and even gift ideas for single folks. Choosing a uniquely Asheville Valentine’s Day gift can be complicated because there are so many cool choices. To help you out, I’ve included a list of some of the best local gift ideas perfect for Valentine’s…
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The 31 Best Things to Do in Asheville in the Spring
Spring in Asheville is glorious. From chasing full waterfalls and spotting wildflowers to festivals, farmer’s markets, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, you’ll be busy as a bee in Asheville in the spring! Although the weather can bring a little bit of everything, from gorgeous sunny days to rain and even snowflakes, it’s a beautiful time of the year to visit. Dressing in layers and having a good attitude is crucial to having a wonderful spring vacation in Asheville. The temperatures vary and can change fast, but it’s safe to say that the later you come in the spring, the warmer the climate you’ll get. We all know that rain…
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The 13 Most Romantic Hotels in Asheville, NC
Are you planning a perfect romantic getaway in Asheville, North Carolina, and wondering where to stay? We’ve got you covered! Asheville has lodging options for everyone. No matter your needs, you’ll find something cool, from luxury boutique hotels to bed and breakfasts, glamping sites, and dog-friendly hotels. Whether you want to spend your time hiking to waterfalls or exploring Biltmore Estate with your love, you’ll quickly see why Asheville is made for romance. But first, you have to find that perfect romantic getaway in Asheville. To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best romantic hotels in Asheville to ease your planning. Now, you can use…
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The 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Asheville
An astonishing number of 11 million people visit Asheville every year, and it’s easy to see why! Our city has been praised in the national media and honored with titles like “Beer City USA,” “Dog City USA,” “Friendliest City in the US,” and “Best Place to Move.” Asheville is home to famous attractions like the Biltmore Estate (“America’s Largest Home”) and offers a fantastic food and beer scene, with James Beard award-winning restaurants and more breweries per capita than any other city in the US. From the art studios and street art in the River Arts District to all of the fantastic music venues and annual festivals, there’s always something…
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Elevated Kava Lounge Review: An Alcohol-Free Alternative
Have you seen all these kava bars popping up around the country and wondered what they are? They are alcohol-free, family-friendly social spaces that primarily serve kava, a beverage made from the roots of the kava plant (Piper methysticum), native to the South Pacific islands and known for its sedating effects. Elevated Kava Lounge West Beth and Chris Fisher are an adorable father/daughter duo who share the same friendly smile and twinkly eyes. They moved to Asheville from Southwest Florida in 2021 to open Elevated Kava Lounge West on the second floor of 747 Haywood Road in West Asheville. Beth had previously worked in a kava bar and loved the…
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House of Black Cat Magic Review: ‘Where Magic Truly Saves Lives’
My son and I love to explore the origins and different aspects of our culture’s traditions. That’s how, on the weekend before Halloween, we got to the House of Black Cat Magic in an attempt to learn more about the Celtic pagan celebration of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker months. The Celts believed the veil between the living and the dead was thin on this day, allowing the spirits of the deceased to connect with the living. Samhain is the origin of Halloween, and, not surprisingly, it also has a lot in common with the Mexican Day of the Dead tradition,…
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The 15 Best Dessert Places in Asheville for a Sweet Treat
Asheville’s food scene has you covered for every food craving, and dessert is no exception. From Polynesian-inspired sweet treats, churro fondues, and vegan donuts to pie flights, liquid truffles, and sippable desserts, there is something for everyone and lots of vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free options. Of course, the definition of dessert is broad, and we’ve included a list of frozen treats, cakes, classic desserts, baked goods, and everything in the middle! You can start your evening with drinks at a rooftop bar, enjoy a world-class dinner in one of Asheville’s award-winning restaurants, and end the night with a fantastic dessert in another spot. Or you can have dessert and coffee…
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Working Remotely in Asheville: The Best Cafes and Coffee Shops
Asheville’s food scene is fantastic. We have nationally awarded restaurants and an abundance of excellent places to eat every meal (and snack during the day). Asheville coffee shops, of course, keep up with the curve, and it’s no surprise that we have tons of great ones! Ashevillians crave good food and wellness – and it’s no secret that this city loves its coffee. According to Randy Talley (the owner and founder of the Green Sage cafe described below), Asheville consumes more natural food per capita than anywhere else. I wonder if he’s right, but we are fortunate to enjoy so many cafes featuring food and drinks made with organic, whole,…
