The Laurel of Asheville lifestyle magazine

Wortham Center Presents Aquila Theatre in Two New February Productions

This season, local favorite Aquila Theatre brings two productions to the Wortham Center. The first, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, takes place Friday, February 3, at 8 p.m. in Diana Wortham Theatre.

Lifestyle • Outdoors • Sustainability

Spotlight On: Weddings That Give Back

The planning and expense of a wedding can also reflect the passions and values shared by a couple. Support the mission of a meaningful regional nonprofit by choosing a venue that gives back.

Food • Lifestyle • Sustainability

The New Science of Farming Can Help Us Reconnect

As a science writer with a focus on food and agriculture, I’ve written about everything from climate change to the global food web to little bugs in the dirt. A lot of it, I know, has been a bit disheartening to the reader as scientists have sounded the alarm about the serious, looming problems that may affect our ability to feed ourselves down the road.

Lifestyle • Outdoors • Wellness

Rescue Volunteers Provide Invaluable Services

Have you ever wondered who would respond if you call 911? Many people are unaware of how our local and rural fire and rescue services operate. Although our local counties in Western North Carolina have dedicated rescue squads, many of the fire departments operate as both fire and rescue stations.

Heritage/History • Lifestyle

History Feature: Mars Hill University Collection Chronicles the Region’s Agrarian Past

Donated to Mars Hill University in 1982, the James G. K. McClure, Jr. Collection features more than 3,000 photographs of regional farms in the 20th century. There are images of grazing cows in Madison County, husbands and wives tending tobacco fields and scrappy children picking blackberries.

Heritage/History • Lifestyle

Digital Heritage: Cherokee Frybread

Frybread, a fried dough similar to funnel cake, is a cultural dish for Tribal Nations across Indian Country, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) tucked away in the ancient mountains of Western North Carolina.

Conservation • Lifestyle • Outdoors

Conservation: Getting Married on Public Lands

One of the most desirable things about our region is the many pristine, protected tracts of public land. From Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Blue Ridge Parkway and a myriad of stunning state parks, Western North Carolina is home to a variety of conservation lands where you can host a wedding.

Lifestyle • Outdoors • Sustainability

Sustainability: Local Efforts Help Preserve Natural Habitats

How often in life do you have an opportunity to save a mountain? One that’s right in your own backyard? When the question arose for homeowners in Biltmore Lake last spring, the residents did something extraordinary—they raised $1.8 million to buy a mountaintop.