Our Newest Stories

Arts Literature

Book Feature: Half the World

Asheville author Leissa Shahrak chose Iran of the late 1970s, the time of the Iranian Revolution, as the setting for her debut novel, Half the World. “I think it’s important that readers understand that today’s Iran, the Iran they hear about on the news, is quite different,” she says.

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Outdoors Recreation

A Bird’s Note: Purple Finch

The Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) has been very aptly described by the late, great Roger Tory Peterson as a “sparrow dipped in raspberry juice.” Not to be confused with its doppelgänger and close relative the House Finch, this purple variety is unique in its own right.

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The Laurel of Asheville lifestyle magazineThe Laurel of Asheville is available in both print and digital editions

We are delighted you have chosen us to be your gateway—both through our popular print Asheville lifestyle magazine and our website—to the arts, culture, and communities that comprise the remarkable area that is Western North Carolina. In these pages, you will find behind-the-scenes stories about the region’s concerts, theatre and dance productions, festivals, restaurants, artists, and the multitude of locally-based businesses. We also enjoy bringing you features about the people and organizations who are caring for those in need, protecting our historic heritage, preserving our rich and diverse environment, and nurturing our cultural soul.