Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
It’s been awhile. Some of what’s going around:
-Pisgah Inn: The federal government has re-upped the Pisgah Inn contractor. Here’s the press release:
Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Mark H. Woods announced (Monday) that Parkway Inn, Inc. was awarded the concession contract to operate the Pisgah Inn at Milepost 408.6 for the next ten years. Parkway Inn, Inc. has operated the Pisgah Inn since 1978. The current contract period expires at the end of 2014 and an open bid period was announced in the spring seeking interested operators to manage the popular Parkway destination.
The Pisgah Inn concession includes a 51-room Lodge, the Restaurant and Gift Shop, the Country Store, and employee housing. Concessioners fill a vital role in helping the National Park Service carry out its mission. A concessions operation is a way of providing commercial visitor services such as food, lodging, and retail through a third party (concessioner) within a national park.
Parkway Inn, Inc. is the management company established in 1978 when current owners, Bruce O’Connell and his family, took on operations of the Parkway establishment. “Mr. O’Connell and his family have provided services to millions of visitors over 35 years on the Parkway,” said Superintendent Woods. “We are pleased that Parkway Inn, Inc. will continue this rich tradition.”
The Inn’s elevation of 5,000 feet provides impressive views of surrounding mountains and valleys.
-Burger Bar: Ashvegas contributor James Harrison reports that the new owners of the Burger Bar hope to have their place open on Saturday.
-Uncle Junebug’s: Uncle Junebug’s General Store has moved from Woodfin to South Market Street in downtown Asheville.
-Rainbow celebration: Rainbow Community School is having a little party on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.:
Rainbow Community School will be celebrating the grand opening of their expanded campus and new auditorium, located at 60 State Street. They are excited about Rainbow’s new era as a community organization, and they invite you to come and see their auditorium, which is available for public use.
-King James for lunch: Chef Steven Goff says King James Public House is open for lunch
-Twisted Laurel opening in downtown Asheville: Angelo Karnezis, one of the owners of the new Twisted Laurel restaurants in Weaverville and Asheville, says the downtown Asheville location at the corner of Spruce and College is set to open Sept. 24 if all goes according to plan. The Weaverville location opened a couple of weeks ago and has been a hit, Karnezis says.
-Stu Helm vs Mountain Xpress: Asheville food critic and Ashvegas contributor Stu Helm blogs that Mountain Xpress hired him to write a story, then asked him to tone it down so as not to offend advertisers.
-Asheville Growler: Several Ashvegas readers have noted that the growler-filling station has closed on Merrimon Avenue. Owner Sean McNeal tells me to stay tuned for an update.
-Zombie float and zombie walk: Asheville has two zombie-themed events this year. First, there’s the big zombie float set for Sept. 20 on the French Broad River. Then there’s the ever-popular zombie walk, which is scheduled for Oct. 12.
–What Should AVL Call Me: The mysterious blogger behind featuring funny quips and gifs recently announced that they’re taking a break from the site as of Oct. 1. The blogger said they’re looking to hand off the site for a bit. Here you go:
I want this site to live on however, and I will plan on returning in some shape or form in the future. If you feel like you have the time, energy, snark, and funny bones to take over (it really isn’t much, search some gifs, save some gifs, post a funny headline, boom you done) please e-mail me at [email protected] and write a little something and some ideas and I can hand over the password.
-Empty Bowls fundraiser: Here are the details for the upcoming annual fundraising event:
On Monday, September 15th MANNA will hold the Empty Bowls luncheon and dinner. Attendees enjoy soup, bread, and desserts made by local restaurants, bakeries, and sweet shops. Each ticket holder may select a handcrafted clay bowl to keep, made by local artisans. Tickets for both events are $30 and all proceeds go to supporting MANNA’s operations. MANNA can provide 3 meals with each $1 donated. There will be live music at both events, and an opportunity to learn more about MANNA and hunger in Western North Carolina.
Where and When: Monday, September 15th. Lunch will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton Asheville-Biltmore in Biltmore village from 11:00 to 1:30. Dinner will be held at the Hilton Asheville in Biltmore Park from 5:30 until 7:30.
-Asheville Greenworks fundraising float: Here’s another fundraising event that sounds like a lot of fun:
On Sunday, October 5, The Fun Conspiracy will launch its first annual Root Beer Float at the Asheville Outdoor Center on Amboy Road.
Tickets are $34 for adults and $24 for children 12 and under. Tickets must be purchased in advance on The Fun Conspiracy website. Space is limited to 24 participants. A portion of Root Beer Float ticket sales will benefit Asheville Greenworks.
The Fun Conspiracy’s first annual Root Beer Float will provide individuals, families and those in recovery with an opportunity to explore the river and socialize while engaging in un-adulterated fun.
After the float, participants are encouraged to stay and enjoy a root beer float or ice cream treat and AOC’s facilities which include a volleyball sand court, ping pong tables, a playground, outdoor stage and picnic tables.
Participants will meet at 12:30 pm at the Asheville Outdoor Center on Amboy Road, where transportation will be provided to the Bent Creek put in.