What do you think the average cost for a wedding is? You’ll have to listen to find out, but let’s just say it is more than $20,000. Do you need to spend big bucks to have an epic event? Not in this lifetime, just ask John Paul and his crew at Elope Asheville. They have been creating spectacular, unique wedding elopements in and around Asheville for the past 9 years. You can do something as simple as have them pick a killer spot and they’ll officiate to having them act as florist, photographer and more. Whether you are looking for an intimate waterfall backdrop or a celebration at a local brewery, they have done it all. Want to get more extreme? How about tying the knot on SUP’s or with a theme, like Oh, Brother Where Out Though. John Paul has a great back story as to how he ended in Asheville, how many elopements’ he does in a year here and where his #1 pick for a rooftop cocktail is. Take a listen and let us know what you think! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/experienceasheville/support

Where has the market grown since 2008? We sit down with Chip and Amelia of Greybeard Realty to learn about the residential real estate market and talk about a niche they have with long term rental business. The mention so fun stats like - mire than 50% of the people working in Buncombe Co live outside of Buncombe Co. The real estate market is still hot here in Asheville, and although slightly flat from last year it is still up overall. What is really interesting is that there are buyers looking here to buy all year round for 1st home buyers, and more than 50% are coming from outside the area. GreyBeard Realty, formed in 1999, began as a rental management company but quickly shifted to include sales. Today sales make up 75% of the company's business. Why is it called GreyBeard Realty? Although we are a real estate company we wanted to anchor our name to our beautiful surroundings. Greybeard Mountain is the largest of the Seven Sisters (Middle Mountains), which is the closest range to Black Mountain and Montreat. Greybeard Mountain got its name from the old timers who thought the ice-covered trees on its ridges looked like an elderly man's flowing grey beard. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/experienceasheville/support

We sit down and talk with the Marketing + Communications manager of 15,000 square foot Blue Spiral 1 art gallery, Ali Whitman an Asheville native. Ali shares her knowledge and experience of all types of art, from Penland School folk art to Modern art and she even gives some insight in to what is making a comeback in the art world. Blue Spiral 1 has been around since 1991, which is the 2nd oldest gallery in Asheville, started by the innovative John Cram who used his foresight to put the art on the forefront of and helped to drive the economy and energy of Asheville. Ali talks about her own business Art Organized working with private collectors assisting with installations, cataloging and more. Meet the artist Kirstin Stingle October 20th at Blue Spiral 1 and you can catch Ali at the gallery or at the Cantina for Margarita Mondays! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/experienceasheville/support

Have we got a treat for ya'll! We are talking all things fashion with Asheville natives Dema Badr of Scout Boutique and Allison Jerele of J Smith Boutique. These ladies have a passion for fashion, which, combined with a fun, no nonsense attitude make this episode one we know you will love. Even if you love their boutiques you may not know about there newest collaboration the Style Edit! Looking for a closet clean out or a bit of a wardrobe make over, these ladies have got you covered! They have traveled the globe and are bringing their talents in to your closets! Curious about what is new for Fall fashion, how these ladies got their start, what they did before being women entrepreneurs and lady bosses? You will have to take a listen. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/experienceasheville/support

We sit down with head brewer, owner, creative genius, Gary Sernack of Bhramari Brewhouse in Asheville. Gary shares how his world travels, Caribean culinary experience and love for collaboration have made this craft brewery one of our long time favorites in the South Slope and beyond. We couldn't agree more with USA Today's review "Each menu item at Bhramari has a beer element that's designed to perfectly complement each pour. Bonus: The burger is incredible." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/experienceasheville/support

What started as a quick conversation between Lisa and Joe long before they came to Asheville, Sweet Bear Rescue is an amazing place for animals of all kinds to heel and feel love. The farm is a beacon of hope for animals of all species -- a place where kindness and compassion are the norm, and all individuals are treated with love and respect. Sweet Bear is dedicated to changing the world, spreading the values of veganism, and creating a safe haven for those who've experienced abuse and neglect. We talk about the true lifestyle Joe and Lisa have created, the killer beer they make and what their goals are for the future. Lisa and Joe will be holding a volunteer day Saturday September 8th to help build a run for the new birds they will be rescuing from Kaporos. If you can please consider donating, no amount is too small. For those of you that don't know, each year 60,000 chickens are slaughtered on the sidewalks of NYC as part of a religious ritual known as Kaporos. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/experienceasheville/support

Chatting it up with Franny from Franny’s Farm who gives us a lesson on Hemp farming, the difference between growing for CBD vs. Fiber and how NC has the only farmer funded, industrial hemp pilot program in the country. Franny and her fellow farmers have been leading the way to grow this crop. You are going to love her personality and you can hear her enthusiasm in her leap then look approach to life and farming. This year is her first year with a large crop and will be launching a new product line. Talks on regulations, state vs. federal and DEA vs. the business of agriculture. Franny’s farm also hosts a farm camp for kids, goat yoga and agritourism, she shares her passion for keeping people connected to the land. Save the date for Asheville Barnaroo September 28-30 to benefit Asheville Music School! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/experienceasheville/support

Avid mountain biker looking to explore WNC Mountains or just curious about what this biking thing is all about? Red Wolf Tours founder Barrett Hoover shares his favorite gear, what makes these trails great, safety and more. Red Wolf provides private mountain bike experiences designed by skill level. Joined by Collin O'Berry of Pilot Cove, which is over 140 acres, much of which borders the forest, has unique, well appointed cabins. These two have immense knowledge in the technical rides, the connectors and making the most of your time here in town. Immerse yourself in nature while enjoying modern design and luxurious furnishings. With Pisgah National Forest at your doorstep, enjoy direct access to hiking, biking and outdoor recreation activities, all within minutes from downtown Brevard – a quaint mountain town named one of the best small towns in America! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/experienceasheville/support

You've got to take a listen to Steven and Steve from Applachian Adventure Company, hear the serendipitous way they met and some of their favorite hikes. These two have such a fun story have have been living a life of adventure and giving back, particularly with a charity near and dear to their hearts, Big City Mountaineers - #Summitforsomeone These 2 pros take their 7 years experience, trial and error hiking in the back country and teach you how to pack well, cook you a superior meal and even some photography lessons, all while on a mountain top. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/experienceasheville/support

We get to talk balance, nature and yoga with Miranda, former art director of Whole Foods turned Entrepreneur in Asheville. Miranda shares how a sabbatical to India changed her course and how Yoga and being outside can improve our overall health and well being, oh and her favorite tea shop. Namaste in Nature is a unique respite from the stress, anxiety and overwhelm of our modern, concrete, electronic life. We facilitate outdoor yoga + hiking + meditation experiences, camps & retreats that encourage adults to reconnect with themselves and with nature, resulting in renewed health, self-awareness & happiness. Our mission is to encourage sustainable self-care, mindfulness and to spark or strengthen one’s connection to nature. Namaste in Natures mission: sustainable self-care, mindfulness & respite for mind, body & soul. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/experienceasheville/support