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.
-
Christmas in Asheville: 15 Festive Things to Do
With all the Thanksgiving leftovers gone from your fridge, are you ready to celebrate the most popular holiday in the country and the world? Well, Asheville is! Luckily, our city features many Christmas events and festivities that are fun for the entire family. From welcoming the season with an original holiday parade to fantastic light displays and a famous gingerbread house competition, we have everything you need to make your Christmas in Asheville memorable. There are so many things going on in Asheville in December it’d be impossible to list them all. We’ve chosen something for everyone, always keeping the kids in mind because those little creatures tend to adore…
-
13 Awesome Places to Volunteer in Asheville During the Holidays
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” Gandhi’s words made me aware that I can create the world I want to live in, moment by moment, choice by choice, from the instant I wake up to closing my eyes before falling asleep. I want to live in a community where everyone has yummy food, cozy shelter, and lots of love, connection, and safety. I’m sure you want the same. Volunteering is a great way to take action and embody your highest desires for your community. By being there for others, you’ll also be showing up for yourself. I’m in close contact with many Asheville volunteers, and I’ve…
-
15 Fun Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Asheville!
Celebrating Thanksgiving in Asheville seems like a great plan. After all, this is a food-centered holiday, and so is our town! Thanksgiving is also a time to reflect and appreciate the abundance in our life; it’s a time for sharing what we have with friends, family, and the broader community, and, again, that’s what Asheville’s culture is all about. Our generous mountains are abundant in beauty. They give us many fun adventures and opportunities to feel peaceful and connected, and they don’t ask for anything in return (except that we take our trash home and leave the plants and animals alone). The truth is, it’s very easy to feel appreciative…
-
The 13 Best Things to do in Asheville in January
I once read that “when someone falls in love with your flowers and not your roots, they don’t know what to do when winter comes” (Anonymous). Popular wisdom always encrypts some truth. Loving the seasons of the year and the seasons of your life is a crucial element to happiness! Asheville in January is very special and has a sweet intimacy. The introvert in me (I also have a very loud extrovert who shows up in spring!) loves the quieter streets of downtown, the less crowded restaurants, and the beautiful light in the winter afternoons. If you want a less touristy and more authentic experience, January is one of the…
-
The 18 Best Spas and Wellness Experiences in Asheville
Asheville is known for its orientation to holistic, whole living. We love to eat good, organic, local food, strive to interact with the rest of the natural world more harmonically, and have many non-profits that address the needs of our most vulnerable communities. Wellness and self-care are essential to our lifestyle, and we offer many experiences that facilitate them. So, be ready to turn off your phone for a few hours and disconnect from the rest of the world to connect to yourself. We’ve compiled a list of the coolest wellness experiences and best spas in Asheville, not only because of the world-class treatments they offer but because many are…
-
14 Fun and Spooky Ways to Celebrate Halloween in Asheville
Asheville in October gives a steady display of fun and beauty. From the gorgeous color of the leaves and perfect fall weather to the many festivals and events held to enjoy the season, there is something to do every single day of the month. Each family celebrates Halloween in Asheville in a different way. Some traditions come back year after year, and new ones are always popping up. Of course, the evening of October 31 is the grand finale of a spectacular month, and we go all out to celebrate. Asheville’s October events cover it all: from family-friendly haunted houses, fun corn mazes, and picturesque pumpkin patches to fabulous ghost…
-
The Best Places to go Trick-or-Treating in Asheville
Halloween in Asheville is fun, like everywhere else, and beautiful! The weather is perfect by the end of October: warm, sunny, glorious days and chilly, crisp nights. Most years, the trees still display their stunning fall colors, and the evening breeze adds the last touch for a perfect night to celebrate the magic of fall. The roots of the current traditions of All Hallows’ Eve are ancient and diverse, but one thing is for sure – almost everyone loves Halloween! What’s not to love about wearing a fun costume, walking around after dark with dozens of people wearing costumes, and getting (tons of) free candy? Of course, the biggest applause…
-
12 Awesome Latino and Latina-Owned Businesses in Asheville
More than 40 million people living in the US today were born in a different country, and an estimated one million immigrants arrive in the US every year. People come from all walks of life and for diverse reasons. But one thing is for sure: ours is a nation of immigrants looking for new beginnings and working to make their dreams a reality. According to Pew Research, the US Hispanic population reached 62.5 million in 2021, up from 50.5 million in 2010. So, we are a powerful force, folks! Latino people bring so much to the fan of identities this country is made of. Excellent food, fun music and traditions,…
-
17 Incredible Women-Owned Businesses in Asheville
“I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.” (Extract of Maya Angelou’s poem Phenomenal Woman) Asheville is full of phenomenally phenomenal women. They are mothers, friends, lovers, employers, employees, stay-at-home moms, wizards, lovers, fairies, good witches, mischievous witches, dancers, teachers, scientists, spiritual leaders, cat ladies, healers, bird whisperers, volunteers, and amazing! They work with nonprofits and have imagined and manifested extraordinary women-owned Asheville businesses. They rock big time. From mobile bookstore, beauty salon, cat café, and donut shop owners to Queen Bees offering free honey tastings and a photographer who doesn’t take photos but makes visual poems, I’ve compiled a list of some great Asheville women-owned businesses and some fun…
-
The Best Small Towns to Check Out Around Asheville, NC
Asheville itself is firmly in the small-city status, especially during the summer when its population of 94,000 swells to much more due to the presence of many tourist visitors (it’s even in the name of our baseball team!). The nice thing, though, is that within an hour’s drive, there are more than a dozen charming small towns giving you a lot of options. While the cities close to Asheville are more the metropolises like Charlotte, Greenville, and Knoxville, there are more than enough small mountain towns close to Asheville, NC, to give you a taste of the country life without being too far from the amenities of the city. The…
