Absolutely an unforgettable Asheville experience!…read more Christian and I had an amazing time at the North Carolina Glass Center. We each created a piece--I made a glass pumpkin, and Christian made a pint glass--and the entire experience was fantastic from beginning to end. We recently picked up our finished pieces, and seeing how beautifully they turned out was almost as exciting as making them. The artists and staff made the process fun, comfortable, and approachable, even for complete beginners. Watching molten glass transform is incredible, but getting to participate makes it truly special. I also found a gorgeous clear glass icicle, an adorable curly glass plant spike I nicknamed "Baby Curly Cute" , and the cutest little glass measuring cup. This was one of our favorite Asheville experiences and a wonderful vacation memory to bring home. If you're visiting Asheville, GO HERE! Make something, explore the glass art, and bring home something beautiful. Five VERY enthusiastic stars from us! Thank you, North Carolina Glass Center, for such a memorable experience!

Since we travel with a carry-on and backpack, I am extremely selective about what I buy when we…read moretravel. I do, however, have a fondness for hand-blown glass and pottery. ChatGPT recommended that I definitely check out the North Carolina Glass Center while exploring the River Arts District North stop on the Gray Line Trolley, and I am glad I did. There is a good-sized shop with a wide variety of items, from larger decorative statement pieces and vases to drinking glasses and jewelry, with many items at affordable prices. While I was there, two artists were creating fall pumpkins using the furnaces, molds, and different techniques for blowing and shaping the hot glass. It was a great free demonstration that I hadn't needed to schedule or show up for at a special time. One of the artists even engaged those of us watching by asking what color he should use for the stem of the purple pumpkin he was making. Even though I still had more trolley stops and sightseeing ahead of me, I bought two hand-blown glasses that I knew I could fit into my personal-item bag. For me, buying something when I know I have to carry it around for the rest of the day and somehow get it home in my luggage is a pretty good endorsement. 8-) I recommend making the North Carolina Glass Center a must-stop during a visit to the River Arts District. You may also want to check their website before you go to see if there is a glass-making class you can sign up for.

The Cathedral of All Souls (Episcopalan) was originally built for the workers working on the…read moreBiltmore Estate. Pre-COVID, the church used to offer guided tours of the cathedral but tours have not yet resumed post-COVID. My wife spoke to a a cleric (I'm not sure what the proper name is for a cleric in the Episcopal Church) and he introduced her to a lady who had been one of the docents pre-COVID who gave her private tour of the cathedral. I didn't go inside but toured the grounds. My wife said the interior was beautiful and inspiring.

A beautiful place in just about every aspect…read more Architecturally, it was designed by Richard Morris Hunt at the same time his Biltmore Estate was under construction. Biltmore Village was to be a community for estate workers, with this being their parish church. It wasn't until a few decades ago that it was designated a cathedral, so it is a bit more compact and jewel-box like than your typical mind's-eye cathedral. As this was funded by the good ship Vanderbilt, all the stops were pulled out - an ornate design (in a Greek cross style as opposed to the more typical Latin, or rather X-shaped than t-shaped), beautiful stained glass windows (the Holy family, the saints, and memorial windows to Frederick Law Olmstead and Cornelius Vanderbilt), etc. I don't know how old the organ is but it had a bright tone to it as well. The grounds and parish hall make for lovely strolling too. It's like seeing a highlight of Biltmore but at no expense! On the functional side, we attended a 9am Eucharist. The church is a progressive one, as you'd expect from both the Episcopal church and the Asheville location, with commemoration that day for a former parishioner who had led a national appeal to recognize same-sex relationships in 1975! The Dean delivered an engaging, thoughtful sermon in an easy-going style, and the hymns were personal favorites (starting with the Sacred Harp, ending with Beethoven's 9th). Children sit with parents until the sermon where they are ushered out, and return for the Collect. One unique thing here is that children are called to the altar when Communion is being prepared, though they return to their seats before properly receiving it. And upon leaving, we spoke with a number of friendly parishioners who went out of their way to welcome us. Dress was mostly business casual if that matters to you. We really enjoyed our visit to All Souls, and though Asheville has a number of impressive looking churches that we'd like to get a look at, it might be hard to steer away from here the next time we're in town!

Middle school sucks for everyone but while i was here i had some great teachers that made it…read morebetter. Unfortunately these teachers had an unconventional teaching style and were fired shortly after the new principal arrived a couple years ago. 8th grade was the easiest year of school i've ever had in my life, after febuary you could literally just walk out of class to join your friends and the teacher wouldn't care. Also the 8th grade outer banks trip was awesome, though we messed it up for the rising 8th graders by getting into trouble consistently, (urinating off of the hotel balcony, trashing the hotel room, etc.) The school has been ridiculed in recent years for being lenient with bullying however in my time there I never witnessed any bullying past your run of the mill middle school drama which was often dealt with efficiently. I recommend it to anyone looking for a good education and good opportunities. It also feeds into Asheville High which is the best high school in the area

I could not be happier with BES. They have an outstanding staff and administration. They have a…read moregreat title 1 program which Haywood County desperately needs. The teachers and administration know every child in the schools name. Even the custodian staff is above board. go Blue!

Oakley Elementary School is a fantastic school with marvelous teachers, students and staff members…read more They strive to assist their students excel and become outstanding members of the community.

We expected a good school when our kid started Kindergarten, but instead got a great school! Our…read morekid loves it here - the teachers and staff are phenomenal.

I've taken adult art classes from Peggy over the past 15 years from her studio in Cupertino. Peggy…read moredoesn't just show you the basics, she really makes students think about the process from beginning to end. From pre-planning an art project, to sketching to execution of the piece. I've learned more from her than any art teacher I've taken classes from in the past. She also teaches a variety of after school art classes for children as well as classes throughout the school year. It's always fun to see what the younger students come up with. She's pretty amazing and supportive of the kids as well. Her class offerings change regularly as well, so there's never a dull moment. I've taken PMC classes, mosaic art as well as the adult studio classes. Peggy's studio is really awesome - there are a lot of tools, supplies, books, and more to draw inspiration from. The grounds are lovely too - beautiful garden area with flowing water. It's a creative oasis for art students in Cupertino. :-)

I took ceramics from Peggy for 10 years and I cannot even start to tell you how much I learned…read more Peggy challenges her students to make whatever their mind can think of (and that can fit into the kiln). She teaches a variety of techniques in ceramics and allows her students to think for themselves and use their imagination. She also has an unimaginable amount of glazes to help make each piece of artwork very unique and exactly how the artist envisioned it. Peggy also teaches a variety of different art classes as well, not limited just to clay. She is one of the best teachers I have ever had and you will benefit so much if you or your child chooses to take a class (or several classes) from her!

Fantastic magnet school focusing on engaged and experiential learning. Amazing community garden…read morewith chickens. Great teachers, involved parents, and diversity