Wedding venue in Blue Ridge, GA for couples in Asheville, NC

From the mountains to the coast, the South is home to some pretty popular destinations — but a few North Carolina cities have been named the best among the best.

As part of the 2024 South’s Best awards, Southern Living released a list of the top cities in the region, based on readers’ votes.

“From North Carolina’s majestic mountains to Texas’s dizzying metros, this year’s reader-voted best cities represent every corner of the region and offer a little something for every type of traveler,” the report says. “When it comes to the South’s Best Cities, the options are endless.”

Once again, for the second year in a row, Asheville, Charlotte and Raleigh ranked among the most beloved cities in the South.

“Asheville will likely always have a home near the top of our reader-voted Best Cities list — and for good reason. Between the sprawling and stately Biltmore Estate, the endless hiking trails crisscrossing the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the close-knit community of artists that give this mountain town its quirky flair, there’s a lot to love about Asheville,” the report says.

Asheville was also highly rated for its craft beer and culinary scene, which Southern Living says also benefit from local creative talent.

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March 06, 2024 11:00 AM

“The largest of the three Research Triangle cities, over the past few years, Raleigh has consistently been voted one of the best places to live in the country. The distinction was earned in large part because there’s so much to see and do here,” the report says.

If you’re looking for things to do, Southern Living recommends a visit to the North Carolina Museum of Art, William B. Umstead State Park and a self-guided tour of fan-favorite food spots, such as Stanbury, The Pit and Poole’s Diner, which was also named the best diner in the state.

“There’s never been a better time to visit North Carolina’s largest city. A glowing destination for the arts, you’ll want to visit both the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture,” the report says. “Outdoor time can be spent at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden or Little Sugar Creek Greenway.”

Like Southern Living says, in Charlotte you can count on “your pick of the litter when it comes to dining options, from authentic Carolina barbecue or upscale global-inspired eats.”

Charlotte is also home to Southern Living’s pick for the best new restaurant in North Carolina: Salted Melon Market & Eatery.

You can find the full list of the South’s Best Cities online at southernliving.com.

This story was originally published March 12, 2024, 5:30 AM.

Widespread Panic has detailed its plans to return to Asheville, NC’s ExploreAsheville.com Arena for a three-night run on July 25th, 26th, and 27th, 2024. Tickets for all three shows go on sale this Friday, March 15th at 10:00 a.m. ET here.

The Athens, GA rockers recently had to cancel a trio of shows in Chicago due to an unspecified health issue regarding bassist Dave Schools. In a statement shared days after the cancellation, a representative for the band explained, “Recently, Dave had a brief stint in the hospital due to an unexpected health concern. We’re happy to share that he is on the road to a full recovery and in good spirits. Dave and the Boys are excited to reunite for the upcoming St. Augustine concerts in March. Thanks to everyone for your understanding and Loving words of encouragement these past weeks.”

Related: Andy Frasco Covers Widespread Panic In Chicago Following Health-Related Postponement [Watch]

In addition to the St. Augustine, FL run, due to take place on March 22nd, 23rd, and 24th, the band recently detailed its annual trip to Morrison, CO’s famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre on June 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. The upcoming Widespread Panic tour schedule is rounded out by the 12th edition of the band’s annual Mexican getaway, Panic En La Playa (4/14–4/17), a headlining slot at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans, LA (4/25), and a two-night stand in Memphis, TN (5/24, 5/25). For a full list of upcoming Widespread Panic 2024 tour dates, head here.

Widespread Panic has also been ramping up the rollout of its as-yet-untitled new album with a string of singles, most recently “We Walk Each Other Home” in mid-February. Following January single “Little by Little” and 2020’s “Sundown Betty”, “We Walk Each Other Home” marks just the third new studio single from the band since its 2015 LP, Street Dogs. While the studio output has come at a trickle, the band has debuted several new songs live in recent years—including the three aforementioned tracks in addition to “Blue Carousel”, “Tackle Box Hero”, “Halloween Face”, and “King Baby”—leading many to predict that they will be featured the new album.

While the band has not provided details on the forthcoming LP in any official capacity, Schools said in a summer 2023 interview that Panic had recently wrapped up a ten-day recording session for a new record with longtime producer John Keane in the band’s native Athens, GA. Though Widespread Panic has never been known to rush the creation and release of new music, the band maintains a steady stream of archival releases ranging from past live performances to 2022’s Miss Kitty’s Lounge, a collection of previously uncirculated studio demos recorded in 1990.

For more details on the July 2024 Widespread Panic Asheville shows and all of the band’s upcoming dates, head here.

Round of a-paws, please. From interactive dog park/bar hybrids like Wagbar to to spoiling your pup with royal treatments at Pawsitivity Pet Spa, it makes sense that Asheville is known for being one the nation’s most pet-friendly travel spots.

Whether you’re in need of a drinking paw-tner at a local brewery, want to walk to a market, or feel like spending an evening dining out, well bone appétit. Get ready to dig into this guide for just a few dog-friendly businesses around the 828.

Pro tip: You can use BringFido to find more dog-friendly restaurants, pet-friendly hotels, and events, too.

Sweeten Creek Brewing, 1127 Sweeten Creek Rd. This brewery loves dogs so much that it opened its very own 8,000-sqft private dog park (but dogs are welcome in the taproom too). There’s also a beach volleyball court and Bear’s BBQ on-site.

Archetype Brewing, 265 Haywood Rd.Well-behaved dogs are welcome inside taprooms — they just have to stay attached to their humans.

Cellarest Beer Project, 395 Haywood Rd.This open-air taproom is a great place to enjoy a beer in the sunshine with your pup.

Hi-Wire Brewing, 197 Hilliard Ave., 284 Lyman St., and 2A Huntsman Pl.All three locations are splendid, but the beer garden, made of nine open-aired shipping containers, is our favorite due to its close proximity to the French Broad River Greenway (perfect for post-beer walks).

Zillicoah Beer Co., 870 Riverside Dr. This riverside brewery has plenty of space for you + your dog to roam (as long as they stay on a leash) — and if you’re hungry, we recommend grabbing a bite from the newly opened Master BBQ food truck.

Hillman Beer, 25 Sweeten Creek Rd. Dogs that are leashed and well-behaved are always welcome in this Biltmore Village taproom. This spot also has excellent pub fare, like the housemade soft pretzels, patty melt, and fried buffalo chicken wrap.

The Meadow at Highland Brewing, 12 Old Charlotte Hwy.This wide-open green space is an oasis for enjoying pours from Asheville’s oldest craft brewery. There are also plenty of events and a designated outdoor bar open all summer long.

Whistle Hop Brewing, 1288 Charlotte Hwy., FairviewThis train-themed taproom is built out of a 1969 caboose and has three acres of pet-friendly fun, including mini golf, mini bowling, disc golf, and plenty of park + picnic spots.

Ginger’s Revenge, 829 Riverside Dr.This locally owned and founded brewery pioneered alcoholic ginger beer in our community — it’s a great stop on the way to or back from the French Broad River Dog Park with your well-behaved, leashed pup.

plēb urban winery, 289 Lyman St.Sample a slew of NC wine while hanging indoors or out on the patio with your pup.

Bold Rock Mills River Cidery, 72 School House Rd., Mills River It’s worth taking the 20-minute drive to Mills River to visit this apple oasis, complete with a cider garden and mobile kitchen.

Urban Orchard Cider Co., 24 Buxton Ave.Sip on unique ciders with your dog at the South Slope tasting room.

Noble Cider, 356 New Leicester Hwy.Your pup can join you while you drink the cider and see how it’s made.

Posana, 1 Biltmore Ave.This gluten-free restaurant goes above and beyond for its four-legged guests, with a special menu that includes chicken and rice, doggie biscuits, and a seasonal doggie ice cream. If you really want your pet to soak up the experience, you can also get them a “Bowser Beer” — patio dining only.

Mellow Mushroom, 50 Broadway St.This funky pizza chain has a huge, pet-friendly patio in the heart of downtown and a menu brimming with pizza, calzones, salads, and hoagies.

Creekside Taphouse, 8 Beverly Rd.This family-friendly spot is nestled in the Haw Creek neighborhood and includes two acres of waterside property — perfect for a peaceful meal with the pup.

Twisted Laurel, 130 College St., Asheville and 10A S. Main St., WeavervilleBoth the downtown and Weaverville locations offer pet-friendly patio seating. For a special doggie menu — including dishes like burgers, brussels sprouts, scrambled eggs, trout, and ice cream — head downtown.

White Duck Taco Shop, 12 Biltmore Ave., 388 Riverside Dr., and 16 Miami Cir., ArdenThis quirky taco shop has three locations, all with outdoor and pet-friendly seating. Bonus: There are plenty of great vegan and vegetarian menu options.

Luella’s Bar-B-Que, 501 Merrimon Ave. and 33 Town Square Blvd., Ste. 110Sit with your pup on the outdoor patio and enjoy the sunshine (and the barbecue).

Sunny Point Cafe, 626 Haywood Rd.Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the patio and in the outdoor seating area for classic and creative breakfast and lunch fare.

Pro tip: Asheville restaurants love their dogs — tons of outdoor seating areas will welcome your furry friends, so browse BringFido for an extensive list.

Barkwells, 290 Lance Rd., Mills RiverThis unique vacation rental service (which provides fenced in cabins) allows your pup to roam freely among acres of grass, swim in a pond, and get plenty of chances for off-leash socialization.

Kimpton Hotel Arras, 7 Patton Ave.This hotel is a great launchpad for downtown Asheville adventures, with plenty of dog-friendly restaurants and breweries within walking distance. Bonus: There’s no pet fee or size restrictions, and you can get special treats, bowls, and beds from Patton Avenue Pet Company.

The Black Walnut Inn, 288 Montford Ave.This historic bed and breakfast just north of downtown allows dogs in certain rooms with no extra deposits or fees, so long as dog owners are responsible for any excessive cleaning costs or damaged items.

Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Rd.This outdoor shopping center has a pet way station with plenty of green space and a drinking fountain, located behind the West Elm outlet. While each store may have different policies, dogs on leashes are welcome on the campus.

Downtown AshevillePlenty of shops welcome pups inside, including the Asheville Emporium, Duncan and York, Malaprop’s Bookstore + Cafe, and Mast General Store. Just ask before you waltz in with your four-legged friend.

Patton Avenue Pet Company, 109 Patton Ave., 1338 Patton Ave., and 582 Hendersonville Rd.All three locations, which span North, South, and West Asheville, welcome well-behaved pets inside to shop for toys, treats, leashes, and other goods.

Foundy Street, 1 Foundy St.This artsy outdoor plaza in the River Arts District has plenty of pet-friendly shops. Plus, when you’re done shopping, you can enjoy a beer at Wedge Brewing Co., which is also dog-friendly.

Azalea Dog Park, 395 Azalea Rd.Azalea is arguably the most peaceful dog park in town thanks to its sprawling acreage, minimal crowds, and nearby river access.

French Broad River Park, 508 Riverview Dr.This riverside park, which most locals consider the most lively dog park in town, offers two fenced-in play areas and is a great place for dog owners to chat. Pro tip: Snag a latte or smoothie from Home Ground Coffee Bar & Deli afterwards.

Wagbar | 320 Merrimon Ave., WeavervilleThis outdoor, interactive 25,000-sqft bar offers ramps, tunnels, and a permanent pool to keep your dog entertained for hours. There’s also plenty of shade, fans, and outdoor heating options to make the outdoors more bearable for humans.

Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Cir.Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park, which opened in May 2022, features two fenced-in play areas.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — By a vote of 5-2, the Asheville City Schools Board of Education has elected to consolidate Montford North Star into Asheville Middle School.

“This is a school that is one of the highest and one of the only achieving schools in our district,” Montford North Star Academy parent Jennifer Gladden said. “They’re closing it.”

Tears were shed, voices were raised and frustration was felt following Monday night’s decision.

“I’m angry. I’m sad. I’m not surprised,” Gladden said.

A capacity crowd in support of Montford North Star left saddened by the vote to consolidate the school into Asheville Middle. The vote has many questioning if the decision will benefit the schools as a whole in the long run.

“They’ll see how unable, dishonest and how we can’t believe anything that’s happening,” Gladden said. “How do they know that if they send their kids to these schools, and the numbers keep dropping, that their school won’t close?”

DEBATE ENSUES OVER POTENTIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL RECONFIGURATION IN ASHEVILLE CITY SCHOOLS

The future of the Montford building has not been made official.

However, multiple conversations before Monday’s meeting would see the ACS Education Career Academy (ECA) moved into the old Montford space.

“I believe fully that what we are doing creates a more stable and strong district,” ACS Board of Education Chair George Sieburg said. “One that can pay teachers what they truly deserve and allocate resources that are best for all of our students. I hope that the parents can see that.”

“As we look at the big picture, we’ve got to make some tough decisions,” Superintendent Dr. Maggie Fehrman said. “There was going to be no easy decision here going forward on what’s the next best thing for Asheville City Schools. At the end of the day, I believe the board made the right decision.”

ASHEVILLE CITY SCHOOLS MAY RECONFIGURE MIDDLE SCHOOLS AMID DECLINING ENROLLMENT

But, that line of thinking was hard for the parents to see not long after the decision was made.

“I don’t have the money to send my kids to private schools,” Gladden said. “But this is making it really, really hard to stand by Asheville City Schools.”

The decision will take effect at the start of the 2024-25 school year.

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ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Leaders with Asheville City Schools are pressing pause on plans for closing an elementary school and relocating students while renovations take place.

In early March, officials said due to extensive renovations needed at Lucy S. Herring Elementary School, the school would be closed for the 2024-25 school year while repairs were made. Officials also said students would be moved to one of the district's four other elementary schools during this time.

Then, on Friday, March 8, Asheville City Schools Superintendent Maggie Fehrman sent a letter to Lucy S. Herring Elementary families, announcing the district would put plans to close the school on hold while looking at ways to "possibly keep the school open with students in attendance."

LUCY S. HERRING ELEMENTARY SET FOR MAJOR RENOVATIONS NEXT YEAR, STUDENTS TO RELOCATE

Dr. Fehrman apologized for the way the initial announcement was made, while asking families for more feedback.

"I apologize this announcement took you by surprise," Fehrman wrote in Friday's letter. "Information about a construction project of this magnitude should have been shared with the community over a year ago when the initial plans were being drafted. I have already put proactive steps and accountability measures in place to ensure this never happens again.... I ask for your patience and invite you to help us explore viable options to keep students in the building while the construction takes place."

District officials previously said the building, which is more than four decades old, needs extensive renovations, including upgrades to the heating and cooling systems, new bathrooms, new mechanical systems, new ceiling, new roof, new windows, kitchen upgrades and a three-tiered security vestibule. According to the previous news release, the upgrades will impact classrooms, the media center, the playground area, the gym and the cafeteria.

In Friday's letter, Dr. Fehrman said renovations will continue with a start date of mid-June 2024, stressing that the "magnitude" of the project would have possible impacts "on the health, wellness, and the safety of our students and staff."

The superintended said she will be hosting "an additional in depth construction meeting" at Lucy S. Herring on Thursday, March 14, at 5:30 p.m. in the planetarium.

Suggestions and ideas are welcomed during the meeting, Dr. Fehrman said.

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIRS NEEDED AT ASHEVILLE CITY SCHOOLS

Below is the full letter sent to Lucy S. Herring Elementary School families on March 8, 2024:

Good evening, Lucy S. Herring Families,

I first want to thank you for sharing your feedback, suggestions, and ideas on the upcoming construction at LSH. I, along with the Board have heard your concerns about having to relocate the students to other schools and the significant impact this will have on them. I apologize this announcement took you by surprise. Information about a construction project of this magnitude should have been shared with the community over a year ago when the initial plans were being drafted. I have already put proactive steps and accountability measures in place to ensure this never happens again.

I have made the decision to take a pause and look at ways we could possibly keep the school open with students in attendance. I ask for your patience and invite you to help us explore viable options to keep students in the building while the construction takes place.

I must stress the magnitude of this renovation project and the impact it will have on teaching and learning as well as the possible impact on the health, wellness, and the safety of our students and staff. The renovations will continue with a start date of mid-June 2024. If you know that staying at LSH during construction is not a good option for your child, you still have the option to complete the transfer form for the 2024-2025 school year. The electronic transfer forms and school tour information will be sent out to all staff and parents tomorrow.

Additionally, for the 2024-2025 school year, we will still need to relocate the pre-K class to Hall Fletcher Elementary School, and we cannot enroll new LSH kindergarten students. This is due to the requirements for pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms. The enrollment office has already contacted every incoming kindergarten parent on Wednesday, March 7, via a phone call to let them know about the decision. In addition to the individual calls, a follow-up email was sent to parents providing them with the opportunity to re-rank their schools of choice.

I will be hosting an additional in depth construction meeting at Lucy S. Herring on Thursday, March 14, at 5:30 in the planetarium. We will have Ronnie Lunsford, General Facilities Project Manager for Buncombe County General Services, in addition to representatives from Vannoy construction. At this meeting, we will provide visuals of how each area will be specifically impacted and a tentative schedule of how students and staff could be moved if they opt to remain in the building. I also welcome additional suggestions and ideas for how we can keep LSH open through this process.

Dr. Maggie Fehrman, Superintendent

This is a developing story. Check back at WLOS.com.