Asheville ECO-GREEN Real Estate

Why is it that, for most of us,  stars and the rainbows create magic ? Is there some mystical connection with "essential matters"  that simply seems to happen? 

Late yesterday, this rainbow appeared in my back yard after the summer storm. The skies cleared and then, as midnight approached,
the sky became just stars.
(Photo of rainbow by janeAnne)

I climbed to the top of the ridge, facing north. A  million stars  called my name. Here in the venerable mountains, almost as old as time itself, I realized that magic was afoot. How easy it was to connect  with something much larger than little me..  YES! last night was splendid.  Pure Potential was in the air!  Something exciting ...on so many levels ...arranged itself somewhere between the coves and rising ridges. Then, in my possibility-thinking, I could find the place simultaneously to start and to leave behind.  So this is my legacy. This point through which my spirit flies... A reflection in the stars. A rainbow. An abundance of choices.... places to meet myself and others...heart open...  and  where you and I can create "safe landings" for generations to come.... 

Understanding this, you need only to choose the where and when. 
 But you probably already know this.

A gentle soul once told me, "...there's a pathway to contentment .It is like the rainbows over the ridges.
It's an uncommon force. When you see it you can measure it by your heartbeat,
an all-at-once coming together and letting go."  

The Summer of 2007 in Asheville, North Carolina. 
Green-o-Lina

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 update:..PRODUCER LOOKS FOR MORE STORIES....There may be a House Hunters "Green Week" Special (not sure)...but if so... let us know if you have sold a LEED certified home, and we will be happy to pass the word along to the Producer.          

Guess who's been here filming all week? Yes. HGTV's House Hunters crew. And how did they find us? They contacted us after reading a number of posts to the ECO-All-Stars Group from my BLOG right here at Active Rain. Seems there is huge audience interest in sustainable design, green building and retrofitting. And you know that is our market niche. 

Our real estate firm decided years ago to add our support to Asheville's "New Urbanist" Plan.
The Plan calls for business and property owners on Haywood Road (just across the street from our offices seen in the photo here) to create a development pattern along Haywood. As ECO real estate professionals we are interested in  avoiding urban sprawl. We advocate compact, transit-oriented, walkable, bicycle-friendly land use, including mixed-use development .

Our neighborhood, Lucerne Park is an awesome, diverse neighborhood with historical charm.
We bought our 1923 brick bungalow last year because we find the neighborhood not only charming, but convenient (transit-oriented, walkable, bicycle-friendly.)

The building itself is a ‘work in progress", but is about 90% restored. We have

1) replaced all  light bulbs throughout the entire building  with compact fluorescents
2) are proud of our non-toxic flooring throughout...gorgeous old  hardwoods and, in the kitchen, marmoleum
3  have used Low VOC paints
4) are beginning to replace all the windows with energy efficient windows.

We recycle, of course. No chemicals are used on our lot. We hope to have an organic garden next year.

Our building not only is a lovely place to meet  our clients, but is a place where we have the opportunity
to give back to the community- neighborhood meetings and  educational events have taken place here.
In addition, we support local artists... notice the photography and wall art. We also are proud to be a contributing member of the Asheville community . We are a  resource center. We can connect our clients with ecologists, land planners, green developers, architects, builders and so forth. . .

Active Rain helped us get the word out. We all are thrilled. For sure, I will let you know when the episode will air. In the meantime, our very own Bill "Doc" Westel (there he is during the taping just below) shines.

 Bill Westel ECO certified real estate professional explains contract  

                            Bill's clients (right) arrive at the ECO office  to
                            make an offer while film crew prepares to shoot.

                                                                                                                        
(above) Bill reaches for well-deserved organic strawberries while janeAnne looks on, happily

 UPDATE:  ...PRODUCER LOOKS FOR MORE STORIES....There may be a House Hunters "Green Week" Special (not sure)...but if so... let us know if you have sold a LEED certified home, and we will be happy to pass the word along to the Producer.           as promised...A few photos from today's shoot are below.

 Bill, his wonderful eco-wise clients, and the crew discuss the HGTV House Hunters series over lunch.(right)

By the way, the paint in this room is LOW VOC paint.  And the food is organic (I'm smiling)

Here's Bill (left) as he comes in the back door for the taping of the show. If you look hard you will see he has someone greeting him.

 This photo also shows the Asheville neighborhood in which we've located our offices. It is a charming, older neighborhood with much to offer including a sense of community.

We are happy to be part of  the community and proud to sponsor community events from our conference room.

Look for a post on Bill's BLOG on the show soon. Knowing "Doc" it will be informative.

   " Subscribe to Your Favorite BLOGS, Comment & Bring Your 'Energy' to the Posts You Read"
                                                                                                                               ~ Green-o-Lina 

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 UPDATE: 10/07 MOTIVATED SELLER for LAND Near Asheville, N.C.

Here is land for sale  just 20 minutes from Asheville, North Carolina. And it's an easy drive you will love.

This land could be your private retreat, acreage for a family Vacation/Second Home. Whatever you choose,  THIS is amazing acreage with vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the sound of a cascading stream, and your own private, yet not remote place (again, just 20 minutes from Asheville, NC.) 

It is rare that you will find land for sale of this size and quality. This 27+ AC parcel with amazing distant views awaits your land planning and design. Great old shade trees grace this property as well as a sheltered cove.

 We took the photo above and other photos of the View from this mountain land near Asheville.

FEATURES & BENEFITS: This land is CLOSE to Asheville                          
and a healthy impetus for "sustainable" development,
diverse economic structure based on tourism, services,
industry. Overall education levels, wages and per capita income levels are great. Standards of living are ,too.

NOTE: THE DEMAND FOR GREEN-BUILT HOMES is huge here in the Greater Asheville area.  According to the folks at the NC Green  Builder Program, "Green building" is also referred to as "high performance building" or "sustainable building."

High performance means that energy, water, and materials are used efficiently during the construction and lifetime of the structure; the health and productivity of occupants is supported; and the impact of the structure on the local and global environment is minimized...

Asheville, North Carolina's real estate market caters to clients who are  hungry for sustainable design and building. AND just take a look at the topography here on the topo map to your left, and them look at this photo of the view (all the other photos) ...and you may conclude, as I have that 

THIS IS THE PERFECT LAND for ECO-friendly construction. In fact, we offer an eco-site evaluation with this property. That being said,  here are a few thoughts on how this 27.4 AC land buy could work for you:

·1) It might be an investment, a 1031 Exchange.   The  Asheville market is appreciating steadily.                 
·2) It could be someone's prized find for a family or second/ vacation home. Private, though not remote.
·3) It could be the perfect mountain retreat with sheltered cove, distant mountain views, two homes, two guest cottages beneath the shade of the mature trees.
•4) A cascade is at the edge of the property, the well is already in place. . .there is the "sound of music" in the air and there are water sources. Good-good!  

                                                   ..Your DOGS will love it!    

 ...and so will YOU!

If you are not committed to another real estate professional, then please call me at 828-776-0773 . For more information on THIS and other featured properties, you can always check out my website at http://www.janeanne.com/

That's where you can specify your property needs, design your dream , see my "prime property picks" and search the MLS that covers a 5-county area here in mountains of North Carolina. I specialize in land for sale in the Greater Asheville, North Carolina area and  in value-added, ECO-friendly properties, and focus on positive futures. My real estate practice inspires property investments for wealth of the generous kind.

This 27.4AC is listed at $270,000.. . .MOTIVATED SELLERS

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Dawn's a good time to scope out property, especially a land sale a short drive from Asheville, N.C, -  one of interesting proportions  - 27+ irregular acres.  So today , as I rolled down a highway where pale-blue mountains fringed the still-pink skies,  I considered the anatomy of this particular land sale, and how it could play out for sellers and buyers.

•1) It might be an investment, a 1031 Exchange.
•2) It could be someone's prized find for a second home.
•3) It could be the perfect mountain retreat with sheltered cove, distant mountain views, two homes, two guest cottages.
•4) A cascade is at the edge of the property, the well is already in place. . .water sources. Good-good!

  Reveries and Realities

I have to tell you, by the time I arrived at the land,  I was imagining a sunny acre, in the midst of the other twenty-or-so,  fed by a cool mountain stream, and embraced by big old shade trees who stood majestically around protecting an organic herb garden.  I  could almost smell the sage and lavender. The neighbors in this eco-friendly development would come singing down the road to visit and share stories there in the garden.

Isn't imagination is a wonderful thing? 
What I really saw before me
pushed the envelope. 

•1) The gravel driveway into the property had disappeared under an intense bramble of grass and wild carrot.  

•2) Almost all 27+ acres were overgrown.. .hard to see the amazing view.

•3)It's summer. Ticks, gnats, bees, and snakes could alarm my clients.  (Now you know why land specialists do lots of business in the winter.)

While it might not be what I had imagined (YET),  "magic" was here . I'm going to take this listing as soon as I get the go-ahead on this checklist:

                                       CHECKLIST : Site Prep for 27+  Land Listing, Mountain Retreat 

 1. Bush-hog. Call and schedule Handsome Masters. (This is our land "curb appeal" crew. They will do basic bush hogging and cleanup. Free the stream and cascade. Unearth the incredible huge rock outcroppings. Make paths to the 300 degree overlook and deep, cool woods. And show the potential of that sunny acre.

2.  Professional Photo Shoot . This will be refined when we get good weather for photos

3. Pests.  Call and schedule the non-toxic pest control  folks. (They can discourage pests from crawling on trousers and bare legs on the newly formed paths.)

4.  ECO-site evaluation. Marcus Renner, professor and past President of the Green Building Council (see the GREEN RESOURCES Directory) here in the mountains, will review the property for appropriate building sites and development, solar, wind and other eco-friendly assets.  His analysis, a wonderful marketing plusfor our eco-friendly audience and for green builders, will be the centerpiece in the marketing strategy.

What's Next?  Stay tuned for Part II.  and in the meantime, please do let me know what you think. 

         "Subscribe to Your Favorite BLOGS, Comment & Bring Your 'Energy' to the Posts You Read"
                                                                                                                               ~ Green-o-Lina 

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Some cool 1031 cats right here in the Asheville, NC real estate investment market can see what's in the picture right away.

Others need to take some time to "take stock" of the whole scene. Today I am writing about 1031-savvy "cats' . . .real estate professionals and investors who fall in both categories.

Have you ever met someone who always seems to have a reference guide in her tote bag, a "compass" if you will...?

For me, that would be "Marie". I long had suspected Marie carried her "compass" in her big black briefcase. A conversation just the other day confirmed it.  I asked Marie who, by the way, is an accountant , my favorite question:

(cool 1031 cat photo by janeAnne)

"Hey, Marie," I asked quite pointedly, " What are your top 1031 investment strategy tools? (You learn so much about an investor's priorities and  style by asking good questions, don't you think? )

"I'll tell you, janeAnne," she replied. "I only have one tool I consider essential. That's  my 1031 Compass. It  keeps me sure-footed as a cat on a ledge. "   

Now I know Marie, And I know what she means. Her "compass" is really a system for gathering information. Marie once told me, "Any investment strategy has to include tactical know-how. That means knowing the market, the market trends, who you're dealing with, asking good questions, doing your homework, getting the facts and . . .    putting together a professional TEAM."

On the subject of the "team" an aside well-said from Wikipedia:"Anyone who is related to the taxpayer, or who has had a financial relationship with them within the two years prior to the close of escrow of the exchange can not be used as the QI. This means that the taxpayer cannot use their current attorney, certified public accountant or real estate agent. A corporation or other entity to act as Qualified Intermediary owned by your CPA, CPA firm, real estate agent or attorney is likewise disqualified."

So often in the excitement or acquisition, less seasoned investors forget to check their bearings. What is assumed to be familiar territory turns out to be quite the opposite. That's what a 1031 "Compass" is for. So here's my handy "Compass" for smart 1031 Exchanges and real property investors. 

A 10-Question "1031 Compass"  

1. When relinquishing property, did you include the required 1031 Language in your listing?
2. Are you "coach-able"? Do you have a good coach?
3. Do you understand the leverage power of a 1031 Exchange?
4. Do you understand time-lines & how important they are?
5. What does "depreciation recapture" mean to you?
6. Is your team together? REALTOR®, Attorney, Qualified Intermediary, etc.?
7. Is your certified Qualified Intermediary a Certified Exchange Specialist (CES)and member of the FEA?
8. Does your REALTOR®, and do you understand the 3-Property Rule?
9. Have you familiarized yourself with the mixed use parameters? 
10. Having gathered your team, your data, etc., and used your "compass" have you also relied on your intuition and insight?

Let me know what you think.

          "Subscribe to Your Favorite BLOGS, Comment & Bring Your 'Energy' to the Posts You Read"
                                                                                                                               ~ Green-o-Lina 

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Prairie Crossing (Grayslake, IL) means High Performance Homes and Human-Scale Living. Today I'm going to tell you about our client, a novelist, who completed her current best-seller while sequestered in the master bedroom closet at her home (pictured just to your left) at Prairie Crossing. ("High-Performance of another kind.)

Prairie Crossing is a conservation community  in Lake County just outside the "Windy City", Chicago, Illinois. And, judging from our client, you might find some pretty interesting and eco-wise neighbors there. And too, you could be delighted to discover a very much in demand  high-performance home, like that you see to your left,  in a neighborhood geared for human-scale living.

(And don't forget those uncommon writer's-closet retreat spaces . . . I'm smiling.).

Prairie Crossing's literature describes life in this community-  ". . . people live in ways that are good for them and healthy for the land" there is room for building sustainable community.  In fact, when I first visited  the community's web site to better understand my client's needs as they relocated to our town, it informed me that , " Over 60 percent of the 677-acre site is protected open land that is actively used by people and wildlife. Ten miles of trails wind through a landscape of farm fields, pastures, lakes and ponds, native prairies and wetlands.

Residents use them to walk, run, bike, ski, ride horseback, I discovered. And if you are a wildlife enthusiast, you can " watch the many species of birds, butterflies and other wildlife that are attracted to a healthy ecosystem and native landscaping."      In addition, Prairie Crossing is linked by regional trails to the Liberty Prairie Reserve, over 3,200 acres of legally protected land. The Reserve, is "an ongoing story of how people and institutions can work together to preserve precious open space for people and wildlife. . . it is listed as one of America's "Last Chance Landscapes" by Scenic America."

I asked our author, her husband and the boys if they would miss the innovations in planning and community design for which Prairie Crossing is known, now that the family is moving? Would they miss the homes in her neighborhood that are "grounded in the history of the area" but also "designed for modern living utilizing "green" construction techniques?

Would they miss all of Prairie Crossing's amenities-

1)   The renovated, century-old Byron Colby Barn for concerts, meetings and social events
2)   The Prairie Crossing Farm to buy fresh organic vegetables, eggs honey and flowers.
3)   Lake Aldo Leopold--swimming at the sandy beach, fishing, canoing, or sailing in summer . . .
4)   The Prairie Crossing stable and adjoining pastures.
5)   The Prairie Crossing Charter School, a public elementary school to which Prairie Crossing homeowners may apply, emphasizes citizenship and learning from experiences of the natural environment.
6)   10 miles of trails within the community and in the 5,800-acre Liberty Prairie Reserve.
7)   The Prairie Crossing Stable and adjoining pastures.

I asked if she and the family would miss the cold, snowy, freezing, miserable, windy winters now that she and her family are moving to an incredible equestrian property in the glorious mountain town of Asheville, N.C. (see photo above) where the seasons are friendly, colorful and creative, and so are the people.

And she just smiled.

Epilogue: Be sure to let me know what you think about the eco-community, Prairie Crossing-- the neighborhood, the amenities for nature lovers and horse lovers and the high performance homes.  

Use this link at Active Rain has to access a huge network of real estate professionals who can help you make your dreams come true.. . even if it's c o l d outside.

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"Can You Recognize a QEP When You See One?" my clients inquired.  And I was soooo happy I could answer in the affirmative. It doesn't take much to be QEP-prepared, but just in case you don't know what I'm talking about, tonight, I'm sharing a few QEP tidbits you might like to have. 

But first a little background:

My clients, a retired airline pilot and his ("still at it") CEO wife,  (she's in the software business supplying the airline industry) are excited about real property investment.  We've had our initial sit-down meeting to make sure we're on the same "landing-strip" with this high-energy duo. We know they are looking for energy tax credits plus the tax advantages of a 1031 Exchange. Their 1031 is a bit unusual.

They will be relinquishing their private jet and exchanging it for land to be dedicated to equestrian pursuits. They are choosing to downsize from their current 4,000 square foot home on  50 + AC. They want  1) New construction, 2) a LEED certified or Healthy Built Home.   3) on   200+ AC tract  4)  150  of which they will place in a land trust (more tax advantages.)

We see all kinds of possibilities. Our first meeting produces a signed Exclusive Right to Represent employment contract, and the request that our Team keep a "focused eye" out for a combination of land and building sites on which  to construct a QEP. 

What's a QEP?  It's a Qualified Energy Property.
Can You Recognize a QEP When You See One?Sure you can. . .and your clients will be happy to have your focused eye on the lookout for QEPs. Where to look? Know the High-Performance Homes in your neighborhood and look for:

•ü      Electric heat pump water heater with EF (efficiency factor)  of 2.0 or greater.
•ü      Electric air-source heat pumps with HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor) of 9.O or greater.
•ü      Closed loop products with EER (energy efficient rating)  of 16.2 and COP (coefficient of performance) of 3.3   or greater.
•ü      Open loop products with EER of 14.1 +  and COP of 3.3 or greater.
•ü      DX (direct expansion) products+ with EER of 15 and COP of 3.5 or greater.
•ü      Central air conditioner that receives the highest efficiency tier established by the Consortium of Energy Efficiency as of Jan.1, 2006.
•ü      Natural gas, propane or oil water heater with EF of .80 or greater.
•ü      Natural gas, propane, or oil furnace, or hot water boiler with AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) of 95 percent or greater.
•ü      Advanced main air circulating fan used in natural gas, propane, or oil furnaces that uses no more than 2 percent of the total annual energy use of the furnace.
•ü      Geothermal heat pumps.  GHPs use 25%-50% less electricity than conventional heating or cooling systems. (see related photo just below)

Here is the famous "slinky loop"                                              
closed loop field where the pipes overlay each other.
One like this could service the geothermal heat pump our clients will most likely select.

According to Wikipedia,  who also is providing the amazing photo, "...a slinky loop field can be used if there is not adequate room for a true horizontal system, but it still allows for an easy installation. The photo shows a 3-ton slinky loop prior to it being covered up with soil.

Can you see the three slinky loops running out horizontally and three straight lines returning the end of the slinky coil to the heat pump? Neat, eh?.

Follow-up: I'll review what's available on our MLS, contact our resources in the eco-structure community for further news on property availability. I can tell right now my investors are going to be smiling. Here, in our much sought after city in the mountains, demand has created a vibrant market for high-performance, green-built, energy efficient homes. Remember, home builders get a tax credit of $2K for HVAC systems that reduce energy use by 50%. •ü      Green remodels can get tax relief ,too. But that's a story for another post. Stay tuned! I'll be writing about that soon. . .

Resources:

Healthy-Built Homes
Energy Star Products & Tax Credits 
Tax Credits for Consumers
Home Improvements
Solar Energy Systems 
Tax Credits for Home Builders
Tax Deductions for Commercial Buildings

  "Subscribe to Your Favorite BLOGS, Comment & Bring Your 'Energy' to the Posts You Read"
                                                                                                                               ~ Green-o-Lina 

I don't know about you, but I LOVE maps!I love unwrapping them the night before a journey into places unknown, spreading them out, full-paged, on the kitchen table. It makes me smile to gather "the crew" around those cartograms and talk into the night about a mutual adventure that is just around the bend.

Context. That is exactly what maps provide. If you are out on the road, feeling lost and all alone in some mysterious land far from familiar city lights, all you need to do is park under a weeping willow by a bubbling brook and get out your map.

Keeping in mind how many positive features I attribute to maps. the print variety you can unfold and hold, that is,  you might imagine how excited I was when, just the other day, I discovered a treasure trove of local maps, well-done and download-able. The web site issued an invitation I couldn't deny.

• "Come to our mountains, where we will reveal to you a botanical paradise. 
• You will see 43 mountain peaks that reach 6,000 feet, including Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern United States.
• You will find breathtaking valleys and the powerful rivers that rush through them.
•  Hike or bike the miles of trails and discover cascading falls in the many state and national parks that nestle among them.
• Plan a winter vacation and visit one of our seven resorts offering skiing, snowboarding or tubing.. "

That's all I needed to read. I was there!

But, wait a minute. . .I already live in a "botanical paradise" among the peaks and powerful rivers. Best idea then is  to welcome you Home to North Carolina. As a real estate professional, ECO certified , may I offer you a map to my compellingly beautiful corner of the world?

Local Road Maps

1. The Greater Asheville area and Buncombe County 
2. Marshall and Mars Hill and Hot Springs in Madison Countyto to the north and west of Ashevillle.
3. Hendersonville and south in Henderson County 
4. To the north and east of Asheville, Burnsville, the Toe River and Yancey County 
5. About an hour south toward South Carolina, "horse country" in Polk and Rutherford Counties

If you happen  to be feeling energetic and you have your bicycle handy,
let me know and I'll send you a link to a pretty good(download-able)  bike trail map.

Map graphic courtesy of the NC DOT

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Green-o-Lina's  Picks & Picnic Trips. Whether you are visiting Asheville-possibly   hunting for land on which to build or a "high-performance" new home-
or if you are new to the area, or already are fortunate enough to live here, local real estate professional, Green-o-Lina  has a Picnic Trip  for you. It is sure to make you smile and offer you a sense of place in the mountains.

Just fix a picnic  full of  locally-grown goodies, or drop in to one of Green-o-Lina's favorite places, Picnics where you can collect  the incredible results of  "four generations of baking from scratch" and you're off on a mini-adventure.

The Mars Hill Loop #1

The Mars Hill Loop #1 takes you about 20 minutes to the north
of downtown Asheville to the charming village of  Mars Hill, N.C.
in Madison County.  Mars Hill is a largely rural community in the heart of Madison County. It is also a small college town.

The college opened in 1864 with 35 students and today is the oldest educational institution in Western North Carolina.

You'll start by strolling up the path of flags to the main campus.

the Owen Theater.

This summer, The Fantasticks, To Kill a Mockingbird and Little Women are in production. In case you want to order tickets, here's a link. Just across the street for the Owen , the lawns and park benches on the campus bring back the sense of  "human-scale" living. And, although the college is the centerpiece of the small mountain village, views of near and distant mountains still dominate the scene. In the distance too you will see some of the ichest and most diverse temperate forests in the world.

                                                         Many people have picnicked here before you.
Cherokee villagers, antebellum settlers, loggers, industrialists, and scientific foresters, among others, have told their stories,So, be  sure to notice the plaque honoring Bascom Lamar Lunsford, "Minstrel of Appalachia".

On your stroll through the campus you will see the old log field schoolhouse dating from the 1850s. This structure is typical of the log cabins built by  frontier settlers. As they cleared the land in our mountains and Appalachian valleys through the back country and over to the rivers, they brought with them their logcrafting  expertise.

Here in Mars Hill, Madison County, North Carolina this remarkable school, an excellent example of what dedicated stewardship can accomplish stands at the center of the campus.  On your next picnic with Green-o-Lina, you might even find  churches, gristmills, barns and small outbuildings crafted in  this fashion. B ut that's something to save for another day.

 For those who find themselves as fascinated as I am with this structure and want to know more here a link to

But that's not all!

Consider, if you will,  the various campus buildings. You will see that  some are modern. Constructed in the recent past, they offer students the convenience of comfort and the latest technologies.

Still some , constructed of stone, surely will captivate you. They seem to enjoy a certain the allure that only
  hundred year-old buildings evoke.

 But now it's time for your picnic, so head on over to the gazebo at the corner of Main Street and 213.

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Not too long ago, our local farmers, artisans, craftspeople and music-makers got together to create one of the treasures of our sustainable community here in the mountains of Western North Carolina.  

They formed the  Mountain Tailgate Market Association(MTMA) in 2002. Their collaborative effort with sustainable agriculture as its seminal force brings more than fresh food, artisan crafts of the area's farmers, artists, bakers, food processors, and other products made by local vendors.

The weekly tailgate markets they conceived now bring a sense of community --the chance to spend time with your neighbors delighting in your "green roots" . This seems to be something that everyone  cherishes. 

(logo courtesy of MTMA)

As a member of the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, I receive a NEWSLETTER-each week telling me what's available and what to anticipate. This week, I am sharing the What's Fresh List with you along with a link to the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project so that you can get the newsletter, too!  Have FUN!

PLEASE NOTE: Bookmark this page, and please do CHECK BACK often as 
I will update this feature on my BLOG with the latest news and photos.

What's fresh this week?

There's so much in season we can only hit the highlights.  Summer's here, and the tomatoes are slowly getting bigger, juicier, and more varied.  Potatoes, too, are here in all their glory, with the Wednesday Greenlife Market reporting new potatoes in "red, white, and blue."  Raspberries and blackberries are here: Black Mountain, Wednesday Downtown, North Asheville, and Riceville report having them in stock - if you get there before they sell out.  Cucumbers, cabbage, and onions are abundant now:  stock up for your pickling and canning needs.  Market shoppers' kitchens are filling with the aroma of pesto as fresh basil is blended with nuts, oil, cheese, and garlic to make the traditional Italian sauce.  It's hard to grow great onions in our clay soil, but Full Sun Farm had stunning yellow onions at the North Asheville and French Broad Food Coop markets this past week.  

As always, enjoy farm-fresh cheeses, eggs, meats, jams,
and salsas.  Some of our region's best bakers sell at market,
as do beekeepers, now in the midst of summer honey harvest season.  And if you look hard enough, you might just find something quite unusual, like a pint of quail eggs, an orchid plant, or stoneground grits made from heirloom corn.  Find out the source for each of these items, and a list of "who grows what where," below or at BuyAppalachian.org/tailgate.php.

Buncombe

Black Mountain Tailgate Market
Where: 500 Montreat Rd. (Hwy 9 N. at exit 64 off I-40), yard of UU Congregation. Black Mountain, NC
When: Sat 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Fresh This Week: Cantaloupe, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, daikon, leeks, tomatoes of all sizes, green beans in addition to yellow and purple beans, potatoes, onions, snow peas, summer squash, peppers, cucumbers, spinach, Red Russian kale, various lettuces and salad mix, mesclun mix, arugula, fresh herbs including basil, cilantro, mint and parsley, tomato and pepper plants, 3 kinds of basil plants, cornmeal and grits, honey, farm fresh eggs, pasture raised natural beef and chicken, baked goods including bread, muffins, brownies, foccacia, fresh cut flowers, homemade jams and jellies, wooden bowls, beeswax candles, greeting cards, soaps, emu-based lotions, hats, aprons, pottery, jewelry and more.

No charge for stimulating conversation. Free hugs.
Unlimited laughter.                                                                                   (logo courtesy of MTMA)

French Broad Food Coop Saturday Tailgate Market
Where: 76 Biltmore Ave. next to the French Broad Food Co-op. Asheville, NC
When: Sat 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Fresh This Week: Greens, lettuces, broccoli, turnips, garlic, radishes, fresh shiitake mushrooms green beans, beets, zucchini, yellow squash, new potatoes, cucumbers, onions. Vegetable and flower starts, perennials and annuals. Delicious baked treats including sticky buns, muffins, scones, turnovers, freshly baked pies, breads from a wood fired brick oven, and foccacias.  Beautiful flower bouquets, sustainably-raised pork and beef, fresh eggs and wonderful goat cheeses. Shop for an entire meal here and top it off with a jar of honey for the table or a box of delicious, locally produced artisan chocolates. Come early for a good selection, enjoy a cup of coffee and hang out to listen to the live music. Thanks for supporting local growers and producers.

Greenlife Tailgate Market on Wednesday Afternoon
Where: Under the locust trees, next to the parking lot. Asheville, NC
When: Wed 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Fresh This Week: Lots of really fresh wonderful produce! Lettuces, fresh herbs, green onions, arugula, kale, chard, bok choi, green garlic, red, white and blue new potatoes, summer squash, cabbage for cole slaw, potted herbs, beautiful cut flowers, as well as edible landscape and bedding plants. Farm fresh local eggs, goat cheese and much more. Come check us out!

North Asheville Tailgate Market
Where: Located in the parking lots behind Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company, 675 Merrimon Avenue. Asheville, NC
When: Sat 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Fresh this week: Don't miss: pastured raised beef, pork, lamb and chicken, pasta, salad dressings, hot jams, raspberry jams, eggs, goat cheese, herbal soaps, flower bouquets, cutting boards, pickles, raspberries, salsa, sunflowers, bees wax candles and herbal crafts. Live music every Saturday. Lots of vegetables: green beans, heirloom tomatoes, cauliflower, garlic, mushrooms, potatoes, snap peas, carrots, beets, cucumbers, summer squash, broccoli, turnips, eggplants, onions and leeks. Greens still: head cabbage, salad blend, kale, chard, collards, endive, dandelion, braising mix, napa cabbage and head lettuce. Herbs: basil and parsley. Plants: evening primrose, medicinal herb plants, shade plants, orchids, blueberry bushes, sweet potato plants and potted plants. Baked goods such a fried apple pies, cinnamon rolls, chocolate chip pound cake, bread and some wheat free baked goods.

Riceville Community Tailgate Market
Where: in the parking lot of the Riceville Community Center, next door to the Riceville Volunteer Fire Department Asheville, NC
When: Sat 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Fresh This Week: Summer's tomatoes and corn have arrived!  You'll also find blackberries and raspberries, green beans, garlic, onions (green and red), potatoes, cucumbers, beets, carrots, daikons, summer squash, chard, kale, basil and other fresh herbs, plant starts, cut flowers, pasture raised beef and pre-order chicken, fresh eggs, heirloom stoneground grits and cornmeal, homemade fudge, cookies and fresh coffee. Also enjoy the work of local artisans and the food and plant knowledge of local chef Michael Gentry.

Sunday Afternoon Greenlife Tailgate Market
Where: Grassy area off parking lot of Greenlife Grocery Asheville, NC
When: Sun 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Fresh This Week: Vegetable, herb and flower plants, breads and other baked goods, cut flowers, edible flowers, herbal products. Lettuce and greens, summer squash, onions, bok choy, turnips, swiss chard, basil, and kohlrabi.

 Wednesday Afternoon Downtown Tailgate Market
Where: 76 Biltmore Avenue, in the parking lot next to the French Broad Food Coop; across the street from Laurey's Catering. Asheville, NC
What: The Wednesday Afternoon Downtown Tailgate Market features all organic vegetables, fruits and berries, honey, freshly baked breads and desserts, goat cheese, jams, vinegars, farm fresh eggs, natural meats, fresh fish and seafood.
When: Wed 2:00 PM - 6:30 PM

West Asheville Tailgate Market
Where: Market is located on the grassy area at the rear of parking lot for West End Bakery and Haywood Road Market. West Asheville, NC
When: Wed 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Fresh This Week: Stock your kitchens with local farm fresh foods! Farmers offerings this week: tomatoes, peas, cucumbers, squash, chard, mustard greens, radishes, lettuce & braising mixes, beets, garlic, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, fresh herbs, leeks, jams/jellies, eggs, pork, shitake mushrooms, fresh goat cheese, fresh pasta and chocolates. You will also find body care products, herbal salves and plants for landscapes plants. Live music.

Haywood

Canton Tailgate Market
Where: At the town hall in the municipal parking lot on Park Street Canton, NC
When: Tue 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Thu 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Pigeon Valley Market

Where: On Pigeon Rd. and Market St. in the parking lot on the left-hand side of Cold Mountain Market.
When: 8am-Noon

Henderson

Henderson County Tailgate Market
Where: 100 N. King Street (between First and Second Avenues) in downtown Hendersonville. Hendersonville, NC
When: Sat 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Hendersonville Curb Market
Where: Church St.(US 25 South), directly across from the old courthouse Hendersonville, NC
When: Tue/Thu/Sat 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Madison

Madison County Farmers & Artisans Market
Where: Mars Hill College. Off dormitory drive, near Pittman dining hall. Mars Hill, NC
When: Sat 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Fresh This Week: mixed lettuces,spring greens,onions,beets,mushrooms,kohlrabi, basil,radishes, beans, red potatoes, swiss chard, eggs and herbs. goat cheese, breads, vinegars,dipping oils, desserts.  Live music every week.

Rutherford

Rutherford County Farmers' Market
Where: From Business 74 Highway turn onto Fairgrounds Road. Rutherford County Farmers' Market is approximately 1/4 mile on the right (white pole barn). Spindale, NC
When: Tue/Fri 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Fresh This Week: Onions, new potatoes,green beans,blackberries, squash, cucumbers, cabbage, bell pepper, carrots, honey, herb plants and flowers are available from the Farmers' Market.

Yancey

Yancey County Farmers' Market
Where: Hwy 19E at South Main Street. Burnsville, NC
When: Sat 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Fresh This Week:  Arugula, beets, broccoli, carrots, collards, garlic, green beans, green onions, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, onions, peas, potatoes, salad greens, salad mix, summer squash, swiss chard, turnips, eggs, plants, shrubs, honey, jams and jellies, fresh baked goods, country crafts.

HUNTING AROUND FOR RESOURCES? Take your"peck" from the following links 

Tailgate Markets 
CSA's 
U-Pick 
Restaurants 
Bed & Breakfast
Appalachian Spring Cooperative
Appalachian Sustainable Development
Appalachian Voices
Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League (BREDL)
The Canary Coalition
Dogwood Alliance
Madison Farms
Organic Growers School
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group
USDA Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education