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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14 Gorgeous Glamping Spots Near Asheville
Are you wondering what glamping is? It’s the marriage of glamour and camping. It involves having the best of both worlds – outdoors and comfort – in one lodging experience. Glamping is also a great introduction to the outdoors without sacrificing a good bed, a private bathroom, charming furniture, a sauna, or a hot tub. It’s also not giving in to the mosquitos and other bugs that are often the uninvited guests of camping adventures! Luxury camping can be defined as everything that upgrades the basic camping experience: a tent, a sleeping bag, a mat, a gas cooking stove, and shared bathrooms. It can be as simple or as lavish…
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Learn about the Past, Present, and Future of Asheville’s African American Community on a Hood Tour
Taking a Hood Tour, focusing on the history of the Asheville African American community, is essential for locals and tourists. Although I was familiar with some historical facts, our tour guide Daniel took us on a fun, interactive, and profoundly emotional journey around town in which we unburied layers of the past to see them come alive in the light of the present. Don’t forget to check out our web story: Asheville’s African American Community on a Hood Tour We cried, laughed, got angry, and celebrated this community’s history and everlasting impact while never losing sight of the bright, wholesome future we are all creating today. We also visited one…
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16 Ways to Celebrate Pride Month in Asheville
I was born in Argentina in the ‘70s during some of the most violent years of our history, leading to a brutal dictatorship that ended when I was 13 years old. My hometown had a little mall with a low-profile café/bar. The windows had curtains, and the inside was always dark and illuminated with purple lights. But once, when I was about seven, I took a sneak peek and saw two men holding hands. That was when I learned that two men could love each other romantically. I then remembered I had seen two women holding hands once. However, nobody had told me about them – we never mentioned them…
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Where to Elope in Asheville: 14 Intimate Venues
What is an elopement wedding? To “elope” used to mean to run away or to run away and secretly get married, or even more scandalously, it was the action of a married woman escaping with a new lover. (Apparently, men never did such a thing!) Thankfully, these days the term “elopement” means to have an intimate wedding. The purist version of an elopement includes just the couple, the wedding officiant, and usually a photographer. However, the term also refers to micro-weddings – or weddings with a maximum of 25 guests – and keeping the details simple. Couples choose to elope to focus on their commitment and hope for their future…
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14 Fun Dog-Friendly Activities in Asheville, NC
Did you know that “Dog City, USA” is one of Asheville’s most prestigious titles? A quick Google search will show you that our city has been chosen multiple times as one of the friendliest towns in the United States. Of course, that level of care, service, and hospitality had to include being welcoming of man’s best friends: doggies! I couldn’t agree more with photographer and writer Roger Caras when he said, “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” Traveling is not the same without them, and while some destinations are not suitable for their needs, Asheville is the perfect place for dogs to enjoy themselves…
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The 13 Best Hotels in Asheville with a Pool
Did you know that an estimated 11 million travelers visit Asheville every year? Our small city, settled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the land of the Cherokee people, is often featured in the press and praised by celebrities, and nobody wants to miss it! A travel destination since the 1800s, when privileged families used to come here to spend the summers and breathe the healing mountain air, modern-day Asheville holds many honorific titles from Beer City, USA to Dog City, USA (it’s one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country!). Plus, it continues to make it on all “the best” lists. Asheville is fun year-round, with its perfect…
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Getting Married in Asheville: 16 Beautiful Wedding Venues
Asheville is such an excellent place to set the mood for love. I’ve spent most of my time here as a single person, but I find myself falling in love daily with the mountains, the flowers, the leaves, the pale winter skies, and the wonderful community full of exciting businesses, art, and projects. I can’t imagine a better place to celebrate love in all its forms. Only you and your partner can decide when it’s the perfect time to ritualize your union, and there are places to get married in Asheville all year round. But, of course, there is a wedding season from May to November, with peaks in May…
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The 14 Best Things to do in Asheville in February
Asheville in February is a transitional time between the winter and the spring. Hence, the weather can be very unpredictable. We have frigid days (some of the coldest days of the year can happen during February) and some days when nature teases us about the beautiful spring yet to come. The daffodils, snow crocus, and winter aconite on the ground make it even more confusing (and pretty!). I love seeing the first splashes of color and the brighter shades of green. February is the month of Valentine’s Day, a celebration that’s thankfully turning into a day to celebrate love in all forms: friendships between humans, friendships between pets and humans,…
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The 15 Best Things to do in Asheville in Summer
Asheville is glorious in the summer! There is so much to do, and the weather couldn’t be more perfect. It’s in the 60s in the morning and rarely goes up to the low/middle 80s during the day. A day with higher temperatures is not unheard of, but it’s rare! Also, there are plenty of opportunities to cool down by a river, a creek, or a waterfall, and you don’t have to go far to enjoy cooler temperatures at higher elevations. Hiking, enjoying the outdoors, and playing by the water are some of the best things to do in Asheville in summer. Asheville is a favorite destination for family vacations, and…
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The 14 Best Things to do in Asheville’s River Arts District (RAD)
The Asheville River Arts District (aka RAD) by the French Broad River is a former industrial area that slowly became one of the coolest parts of town after being abandoned and run-down for decades. Spending a day walking around this area to appreciate the eclectic Asheville art studios and shops is one of the best things to do in Asheville! There are over 200 art studios and shops in 23 buildings and many wonderful restaurants – from family-friendly options to a James Beard award nominee to the Obamas’ favorite BBQ joint. You’ll also come across plenty of cafes, breweries, and music venues, as well as two skate parks and a…
