SOLVE AN APPALACHIAN MYSTERY AT THE HEALTH ADVENTURE’S FALL FUNDRAISER

Boring fundraisers are all wet. On October 17, The Health Adventure will host an event that the guys and dolls of Asheville won’t forget. A Roarin’ Mystery, taking place at On Broadway downtown, is sure to be the cat’s pajamas.

Partygoers will step back in time to 1922 at the annual convention of SSPAM, the Society of Supernaturalists, Psychics, & American Mentalists. The widow of SSPAM founder Harry Doohini will be there, as well as an assortment of seers, clairvoyants, and a tea leaf reader. But beware, all are not who they seem. Moonshiners have caught wind of the meeting, and plan to make contact with the owner of a big city speakeasy to smuggle their spirits out of town. If white lightning is at hand, can revenuers be far behind?

The mystery will be performed by actors from Nightshade Mystery Theatre. The company has performed over 200 mystery shows since its inception in 1993. Characters mingle with party guests during the cocktail hour, then, as dinner is served, scenes are acted out amongst the tables. After the inevitable crime, each table becomes a detective agency and works together to bring the scoundrel to justice in time for dessert.

“Our fundraisers are always one-of-a-kind,” said Paige Dickens, President & CEO, “but this year we decided to forego the ‘gala’ mentality and really tap into the interactive, smart fun that embodies The Health Adventure. Nightshade is preparing an exciting, entertaining performance, and Chef Kim from Céline and Company has created an incredible menu for the night. It’s going to be one of the city’s best parties this year.”

Tickets to A Roarin’ Mystery are $85 per person, and include dinner, cocktails, and entertainment. Tickets may be purchased online at www.thehealthadventure.org, or by calling (828) 254-6373, Ext. 307. The event is sponsored by PGAV Destination Consulting, Asheville Regional Airport, Insurance Service of Asheville, and Blossoms at Biltmore Park.

For more information call (828) 254-6373 or visit www.thehealthadventure.org.

Earth Fare West Asheville ~ Pasta Night for Everyone!

PASTA NIGHT FOR EVERYONE!

5:30-8:00 PM

Join Us By The Café Every Wednesday Night From 5:30-8 PM for our weekly pasta night. Cooked to Order for just $7.99! Kids bowl, $3.99. Choose your favorite ingredients, pasta and sauce to created by Chef Greivin make your very own masterpiece! Each week the menu will change so come out and taste the many delicious pasta dishes we have to offer. See you there!

Earth Fare West Asheville

Back to School: How to pack NUTRITION in your lunch box!

6:30 pm

Having our young ones eating well in today’s fast-paced, fast-food world is a huge challenge for any parent, and needs some real creativity. If we fail to supply nutritious food their energy level, ability to focus and event their sense of self can be affected. Kids are about FUN! That is what we will have while creating Lunch Boxes packed with Nutrition!

Join us for this presentation and a bonus of how to holistically protect your children from the flu. 6:30 pm.

GROSSOLOGY at The Health Adventure

Grossology is now open for the grossest of things!

Hey! COME ON DOWN TO HEY DAY AT THE WNC NATURE CENTER!

Hey! COME ON DOWN TO HEY DAY AT THE WNC NATURE CENTER!

October 10th, 2009, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hey! Come to Hey Day, on Saturday, October 10th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Road in East Asheville. We’ve made the event a little greener with the addition of demonstrations on solar energy, chicken tractors, sustainable agriculture and water catchment. While being educated, families can still enjoy our special visiting animals and the following local entertainers:

Jay Brown (10 a.m. – 11 a.m.) Founding member of the old time, swing band Lazybirds, Jay has toured throughout the southeast and as far as Alaska and has performed at festivals such as Merle Fest, Bele Chere and the Rhythm & Roots Reunion. He has shared the stage with artists including Doc Watson, Ritchie Havens, Gillian Welch and Sam Bush.

Mountain Thunder Cloggers (11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) dance to many types of music - from Bluegrass & Country to 80s/Pop/Hip-Hop. A family-oriented team, they encourage the families watching them to join in!

Haw Creek String Band (11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) Whoop it up to the music of the Haw Creek String Band, featuring banjoist Brad Searson and ole time fiddler Bob Hill!

Forge Mountain Cloggers (12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.) LOVE to clog and they bring smiles and energy to their audiences!

John Bowers and David Ray (guitar/mandolin) (1:30 – 2 p.m.) play a mellow alternative country genre and play weekends only!

Sherry Lynn and the Mountain Friends Band (2 - 3 p.m.) play acoustic country and contemporary bluegrass. This is a strong team that combines fine musicianship and pure joy, giving audiences a highly entertaining show.

Mark DeVerges (3 p.m. to 4 p.m.) is a true balloon artist. He will create a massive custom object/animal/creature right before the audience with the help of many volunteers in a way that incorporates science, education, and visual art! Following the show, Mark will amaze the kids with his award winning balloon twisting!

Admission is $9 for adults, $5 for children, and FREE to Members of Friends of the Nature Center. Scrumptious food will be available at the Classroom Café onsite, so families can spend the whole day! This year’s generous Hey Day Gold level sponsors include Animal Hospital of Reems Creek, Harrington Electric Company and Dr. Ryan Haldeman, Orthodontist. Silver level sponsors include ABC Pediatrics, Allergy Partners of Asheville, Steven Cahan, Eye M.D., Greenworks Healing Center, Doug Sherry with Preferred Properties and the Toy Box. Media sponsors include Advantage Printing, Mountain Xpress and WOXL-FM.

Hey Day will be filled with fun for the whole family. Events include pony rides (extra $), weaving and spinning demonstrations, soapmaking, crafts, face painting($), a clown show, The Rainbow and You – a special storyboard performance, watercolor painting, pumpkin painting (extra $) and the always popular cake walk (extra $). Visiting animals include rescue Llamas, Fjord Horses and Miniature Ponies. Enjoy educational exhibits from the Asheville Fire Department, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, Ashevillage, a chicken tractor expert, Doubletree Farm, Rainbow Recycling (inventors of the Recycling Stomp!), Riverlink, Greenworks, Higher Ground Gutter Cleaners and Sundance Power Systems.

All proceeds benefit the Friends of the WNC Nature Center’s College Summer Internship program. The Friends’ mission is to support the programs, facilities and the residents of the Western North Carolina Nature Center, which showcases the fauna and flora of the southern Appalachian region. The Nature Center’s mission is to educate the public about the flora and fauna of Western North Carolina and foster an interest in the conservation of native plants and animals. . The Center is operated by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department of the City of Asheville. For more information on the Friends or Hey Day, contact Sarah Oram, Director, at (828) 298-5600 ext. 308

Asheville Pizza Company on Merrimon.

Tuesday nights are always Family Night.

Come see us Tuesday for dinner & board games, see The Balloon Guy in action! Family dinner specials as well as free sundaes for the kiddies EVERY Tuesday from 5:00p-8:00p

Asheville Pizza Company on Merrimon.

Is showing Ice Age 3!!!!

Spellbound Children's Bookshop ~ Story Time

Sunday, September 27 at 1:00pm

Story Time for Ages 3 to 7

Featuring stories and activities about conservation and recycling, with special guest Alexandra from Asheville Greenworks.

No registration required. Free. Ages 3 and up, please.

Earth Fare West Asheville

Local Farmers Harvest Market

2:00-6:00 pm

Come meet some of our local farmers, flower growers and vendors in our community. They will have a selection of local foods for you to taste and buy. People from Green Opportunities (our September Friends) will also be here to inform you about how they are working with young people today. Join us on our patio from 2-6 pm today.

The Health Adventure

Half Price Admission: Sept. 8 thru 24, 2009

LAST DAY!!!

It takes some time to get gross! From September 8 through 24, the top floor of The Health Adventure will be closed to prepare for our grossest exhibit ever. But there’s still plenty of Adventure to explore! During this time of transition, the museum will offer half off admission. Spend a few hours, or spend the whole day. At The Health Adventure, there’s always smart fun waiting for you!

Admission Prices September 8 – 24, 2009:
Adults - $4.25
Students (12 & up) - $3.75
Children (2 – 11) - $3.00
Children under 2 are always FREE!

Earth Fare West Asheville ~ Pasta Night for Everyone!

PASTA NIGHT FOR EVERYONE!

5:30-8:00 PM

Join Us By The Café Every Wednesday Night From 5:30-8 PM for our weekly pasta night. Cooked to Order for just $7.99! Kids bowl, $3.99. Choose your favorite ingredients, pasta and sauce to created by Chef Greivin make your very own masterpiece! Each week the menu will change so come out and taste the many delicious pasta dishes we have to offer. See you there!

Asheville Pizza Company on Merrimon.

Tuesday nights are always Family Night.

Come see us Tuesday for dinner & board games, see The Balloon Guy in action! Family dinner specials as well as free sundaes for the kiddies EVERY Tuesday from 5:00p-8:00p

Local Libraries offer Free FUN!

Story Time at the library focuses on early literacy as it helps children develop a joy for learning language and enjoying books. We have Storytimes for every age group:

* School-age story times are for 5 to 7 year olds
* Preschool story times are geared towards 3-5 year-olds and include singing, stretchers, and creative activities.
* Toddler Times are interactive story times for children ages 18 months to 3 years.
* Mother Goose Time is a lively language enrichment story time serving our youngest folks--the 4 month-old to 18 month-old set.

Many libraries can accommodate groups or school field trips if arrangements are made in advance. West Asheville Library provides Spanish Story Times on request. Call any library for more information on the children’s programs available or email library@buncombecounty.org.

You may also check out Storytimes and Toddler Times by going to our library locations page and searching by library branch.

School Age Story Times (for 5 to 7 Year Olds)

Thursdays
North Asheville 3:15pm


Preschool Story Times (for 3 to 5 year olds)

Tuesdays
Weaverville 11:15am

Wednesdays
Black Mountain 10:30am

East Asheville 11:00am

Enka - Candler 10:30am

Leicester 10:30am

North Asheville 11:00am

Oakley / South Asheville 10:00am

Thursdays
Fairview 10:30am

Skyland / South Buncombe 10:30am

Swannanoa 11:00am

West Asheville 11:00am

Saturdays
East Asheville 11:00am


Toddler Times
(for 18 to 36 month— olds)

Wednesdays
Fairview 10:30 am

North Asheville 10:00 am

Skyland / South Buncombe 10:30 am

West Asheville 11:00 am

Thursdays
Black Mountain 10:30 am

Enka - Candler 10:30 am

Swannanoa 10:00 am

Weaverville 11:00 am (1st Thursday of the Month)

Mother Goose Time
- for 4 to 18 month olds

Mondays
West Asheville 11:00 am

Tuesdays
Fairview 10:30 am

Wednesdays
Swannanoa 11:00 am

Weaverville 11:00 am

Thursdays
Oakley 11:00 am

YWCA Black & White Gala

The YWCA of Asheville’s fifth annual Black & White Gala will be held on Thursday, October 1, at 7:00 pm at the Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Avenue. The evening will feature high energy dance music by Westsound, silent and live auctions, and food from local restaurants. The mission of the YWCA is eliminating racism and empowering women. All event proceeds will go to support YWCA programs aimed at bridging gaps in child care, education, health care, and earning power. Tickets are $40/each or two for $75. Festive black and white attire is encouraged. To reserve tickets, go to www.ywcaofasheville.org or call YWCA Development Director Tami Ruckman, 254-7206 x 206.

Lead sponsors of the 2009 YWCA Black & White Gala are the Grove Park Inn, Resort & Spa, Biltmore Oil Company, Eblen Short Stop Stores and WNC Community Health Services.

Monster Mash-Up by Oriental Trading Company!

This is HILARIOUS!!!!!

Click here to see me and the kids to the Monster Mash-Up!

THE HEALTH ADVENTURE CELEBRATES SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE’S 5TH ANNUAL MUSEUM DAY WITH FREE ADMISSION

THE HEALTH ADVENTURE CELEBRATES SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE’S 5TH ANNUAL MUSEUM DAY WITH FREE ADMISSION

On Saturday, September 26, The Health Adventure will participate in the fifth annual Museum Day, presented by Smithsonian magazine. A celebration of culture, learning, and the dissemination of knowledge, Smithsonian’s Museum Day reflects the spirit of the magazine and emulates the free-admission policy of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, DC-based properties. Doors will be open free of charge to Smithsonian magazine readers and Smithsonian.com visitors at museums and cultural institutions nationwide.

Last year, over 200,000 people attended Museum Day at more than 900 museums across the country. Participating attractions, including 84 Smithsonian affiliate museums, could be found in all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico. This year’s Museum Day is poised to be the largest yet. The magazine expects upwards of 1,000 museums throughout the United States to take part in the event.

“Our mission at The Health Adventure is to spark curiosity about health and science,” said Paige Dickens, President and CEO. “Working with Smithsonian magazine—a cultural institution that has always encouraged curiosity and exploration of the world around us—seemed a natural fit. We hope that our participation in Museum Day will provide a child, a family, a teacher, or a student the opportunity to learn something new in the true spirit of the Smithsonian Institution.”

Museum Day coincides with the opening weekend of The Health Adventure’s biggest, grossest exhibit to date. Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body opens Friday, September 25. The exhibit is based on the best-selling book by Sylvia Branzei, and uses interactive displays and games to tell children and adults the good, the bad, and the downright ugly about runny noses, body odor, and much more.

Visit www.smithsonian.com/museumday to download your Museum Day Admission Card. Attendees must present the Museum Day Admission Card to gain free entry to participating institutions. Each card provides museum access for two people, and one admission card is permitted per household. Listings and links to participating museums can also be found at www.smithsonian.com/museumday.

For more information, visit www.thehealthadventure.org, or call (828) 254-6373.

FYI! New Payment Options and Rate Structure for City Parking Garages

New Payment Options and Rate Structure for City Parking Garages

The City of Asheville has completed the installation of the new exit pay-in-lane station machines in the Civic Center, Rankin Avenue, and Wall Street municipal parking garages. The new machines provide greater ease of use, additional pavement options, and flexibility in the parking garage rate structure. The exit pay-in-lane stations accept coins, bills, validation tickets, and Master or Visa Credit Cards.

With the installation of the exit pay-in-lane stations, the City of Asheville has instituted a new parking garage rate structure effective Tuesday, September 8. The new rate structure will expand the "First Hour Free" program to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with a charge for additional time up to a daily maximum charge of $8.00 and include nights, weekends, or holidays. Special rates for events will continue under the new rate structure. Rates vary for the three municipal garages and are as follows:

Civic Center Garage Parking rates:

* First hour is free and then $0.50 per each additional hour or fraction thereof. (Daily maximum: $8)
* Special Events: $7
* Monthly rental rate: $70

Rankin Avenue Garage Parking rates:

* First hour free and then $0.75 per each additional hour or fraction thereof. (Daily maximum: $8)
* Special Events: $6
* Monthly rental rate: $90

Wall Street Garage Parking rates:

* First hour free and then $0.75 per each additional hour or fraction thereof. (Daily maximum: $8)
* Special Events: $6
* Monthly rental rate: $100

For more information, please contact Harry Brown, Parking Services Manager, at 259-5437 or hbrown@ashevillenc.gov

The WNC Nature Center is holding a Pumpkin Carving Contest.

The WNC Nature Center is holding a Pumpkin Carving Contest. Contest entries are due to the front desk by October 8th. Pumpkins must be tasteful and of either a nature or Fall/Halloween theme. Entries will be used to decorate the Nature Center grounds throughout the season. Each winner will receive two guest passes to the Center. Winners will be announced Oct. 24th and do not have to be present to win. One winner per age group.

Age Groups:
Up to 10 yrs
11 - 15 yrs
16+ yrs

Tasteful Fall/Halloween decorations are also needed! The Nature Center is looking for donated decorations and people willing to help decorate.

If you are interested, please contact the front desk at 828-298-5600 ext 316.

NATURE CENTER ~ Hey, Volunteer For Hey Day!

Our Annual Hey Day program is coming up Saturday, October 10th. Last year we had approximately 3,750 people attend, and we need your help once again.

We need baked good donations the day before and volunteers to run the cake walk and hand out fliers at the soccer field that morning.

To volunteer, please contact Angele Mainhart at
298-5600, ext 319 or by email at membership@wildwnc.org.

Asheville Pizza Company on Merrimon.

Now Showing:

Ice Age 3

Earth Fare West Asheville ~ Pasta Night for Everyone!

PASTA NIGHT FOR EVERYONE!

5:30-8:00 PM

Join Us By The Café Every Wednesday Night From 5:30-8 PM for our weekly pasta night. Cooked to Order for just $7.99! Kids bowl, $3.99. Choose your favorite ingredients, pasta and sauce to created by Chef Greivin make your very own masterpiece! Each week the menu will change so come out and taste the many delicious pasta dishes we have to offer. See you there!

The Health Adventure

Half Price Admission: Sept. 8 thru 24, 2009

It takes some time to get gross! From September 8 through 24, the top floor of The Health Adventure will be closed to prepare for our grossest exhibit ever. But there’s still plenty of Adventure to explore! During this time of transition, the museum will offer half off admission. Spend a few hours, or spend the whole day. At The Health Adventure, there’s always smart fun waiting for you!

Admission Prices September 8 – 24, 2009:
Adults - $4.25
Students (12 & up) - $3.75
Children (2 – 11) - $3.00
Children under 2 are always FREE!

Asheville Pizza Company on Merrimon.

Tuesday nights are always Family Night.

Come see us Tuesday for dinner & board games, see The Balloon Guy in action! Family dinner specials as well as free sundaes for the kiddies EVERY Tuesday from 5:00p-8:00p

Castle in the Corn ~ Eliada Homes

Castle in the Corn maze at Eliada Homes! I am so excited about this!!! I will be totally taking the family a couple of times!!!!!!

The maze will open September 25th and will remain open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through the month of October. Maze hours are:

Friday: 4-9

Saturday: 10-9

Sunday: 12-6

Note that the closing time is "last in" time; i.e., ticket holders will be allowed in the maze until closing time.

Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children under 12, and free for children under 5.

We also offer group discounts and discounts for military personnel and teachers (with appropriate credentials).

Wednesdays, by special reservation only, the maze will be open for school and church groups. Give us a call to schedule your group visit to the best corn maze in the Southeast!

Customize a book for your child!

Lil O got a brand new book.



Click HERE to read all about it.

Local Libraries offer Free FUN!

Story Time at the library focuses on early literacy as it helps children develop a joy for learning language and enjoying books. We have Storytimes for every age group:

* School-age story times are for 5 to 7 year olds
* Preschool story times are geared towards 3-5 year-olds and include singing, stretchers, and creative activities.
* Toddler Times are interactive story times for children ages 18 months to 3 years.
* Mother Goose Time is a lively language enrichment story time serving our youngest folks--the 4 month-old to 18 month-old set.

Many libraries can accommodate groups or school field trips if arrangements are made in advance. West Asheville Library provides Spanish Story Times on request. Call any library for more information on the children’s programs available or email library@buncombecounty.org.

You may also check out Storytimes and Toddler Times by going to our library locations page and searching by library branch.

School Age Story Times (for 5 to 7 Year Olds)

Thursdays
North Asheville 3:15pm


Preschool Story Times (for 3 to 5 year olds)

Tuesdays
Weaverville 11:15am

Wednesdays
Black Mountain 10:30am

East Asheville 11:00am

Enka - Candler 10:30am

Leicester 10:30am

North Asheville 11:00am

Oakley / South Asheville 10:00am

Thursdays
Fairview 10:30am

Skyland / South Buncombe 10:30am

Swannanoa 11:00am

West Asheville 11:00am

Saturdays
East Asheville 11:00am


Toddler Times
(for 18 to 36 month— olds)

Wednesdays
Fairview 10:30 am

North Asheville 10:00 am

Skyland / South Buncombe 10:30 am

West Asheville 11:00 am

Thursdays
Black Mountain 10:30 am

Enka - Candler 10:30 am

Swannanoa 10:00 am

Weaverville 11:00 am (1st Thursday of the Month)

Mother Goose Time
- for 4 to 18 month olds

Mondays
West Asheville 11:00 am

Tuesdays
Fairview 10:30 am

Wednesdays
Swannanoa 11:00 am

Weaverville 11:00 am

Thursdays
Oakley 11:00 am

Asheville's Fun Depot for September

Spellbound Children's Bookshop

I JUST SAW THIS SO ACT FAST, LIKE NOW, IF YOU WANT TO JOIN THE FUN!!!!!!!

Sunday, September 13 at 1:00pm
Book Making Workshop
Learn how to make four books from one paper grocery bag. Great idea for Grandparents Day gifts. Free, but please call ahead. All materials provided. Ages 5 and up.

Asheville Arts Center

Our Fall Shows!

This fall, we are producing FOUR shows! Two of them are part of The Children's Theatre Workshop, one of the shows is part of our Academy program and one is our fall community theatre production.

Here they are, in order of when they will performed:

Cinderella, Kids! (Children's Theatre Workshop, 4-7 years) October 10, 2009.

Grease, School Version (Children's Theatre Workshop, 8+ years) October 16-18, 2009.

The Songs: An Asheville Arts Center Cabaret (Community Theatre) November 5-15, 2009.
*Cast list just announced yesterday!

Once on this Island, Jr. (The Academy at the Asheville Arts Center) December 4-6, 2009

NATURE CENTER ~ Hey, Volunteer For Hey Day!

Hey, Volunteer For Hey Day!

Saturday, October 10th

Volunteer for Hey Day, Saturday, October 10th, at the Western North Carolina Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Road, East Asheville. Hey Day is our largest annual fundraiser for the Friends of the Nature Center, drawing in crowds of more than 3,000 people. Currently, there are still some volunteer slots open that need to be filled in order to make this a successful family fall festival. Volunteers must be 16+ years old to volunteer without an adult.

Girl Scout troops, Boy Scout troops or other volunteer organizations are wanted for groups of 4+ to donate baked goods, run the cake walk and bake sale and to distribute flyers at the Soccer field. These would be great service projects to earn volunteer hours or badges. Individual volunteers are needed for the Games , Pumpkin and Face Painting and Hay Jump areas.

If you have a group or are interested in volunteering for one of these positions, please contact Angele Mainhart at the Friends office at 828-298-5600 ext 319 or by email at membership@wildwnc.org.

Kindermusik!

Kindermusik is more than just music classes, it also teaches parenting skills

Asheville Arts Center’s Kindermusik classes start September 14, 2009. Kindermusik, a world-wide music and movement program, offers music and movement classes for children from newborn to 7 years olds, contributing to overall growth and development.

Each week in class children play, listen, and dance to music that impact in profound ways. Every song, story, and two-step has a carefully chosen purpose in this creative curriculum—one that’s designed to stimulate and strengthen the vital neural wiring taking place in children’s mind, right now.

“I have a t-shirt that says ‘We must be what we want our children to be’ or something like that- I'd have to go in the laundry basket to quote it perfectly,” said Yvette Odell, Kindermusik instructor. “Teaching Kindermusik keeps this out front for me. I offer parents ways to be with their little ones with tools for careful observations, positive communications, nurturing creativity, deliberate guiding, and loving interactions. And everyday I go home and try to hone my own parenting skills, to do my practicum.”

Odell has been teaching Kindermusik since 1994 and in 1998 she became director/owner of her studio in Holland, MI. For nine years she earned the status of Maestro in the top 5% of studios worldwide. Odell has a master’s degree in music education from Wichita State University In Kansas and her bachelor’s degree in music education from Western Maryland College (now named McDaniel College).

Her continuing education involves child development, sensory integration work and communication skills. She is frequently asked to present at conferences on topics such as child development, parenting, music and learning, sensory integration and homeschooling. She has private flute students, is involved her her church’s music ministry by playing the flute and singing with the choir. Yvette has been teaching music to young children since 1980 and is happy to be bringing her warm and friendly style of teaching to Asheville, North Carolina.

Asheville Pizza Company on Merrimon.

Is still Showing UP and now Transformers 2.

North Carolina Mountain State Fair is OPEN!!!!!!!!!

Click HERE for details.

Earth Fare West Asheville ~ Pasta Night for Everyone!

PASTA NIGHT FOR EVERYONE!

5:30-8:00 PM

Join Us By The Café Every Wednesday Night From 5:30-8 PM for our weekly pasta night. Cooked to Order for just $7.99! Kids bowl, $3.99. Choose your favorite ingredients, pasta and sauce to created by Chef Greivin make your very own masterpiece! Each week the menu will change so come out and taste the many delicious pasta dishes we have to offer. See you there!

The Health Adventure

Half Price Admission: Sept. 8 thru 24, 2009

It takes some time to get gross! From September 8 through 24, the top floor of The Health Adventure will be closed to prepare for our grossest exhibit ever. But there’s still plenty of Adventure to explore! During this time of transition, the museum will offer half off admission. Spend a few hours, or spend the whole day. At The Health Adventure, there’s always smart fun waiting for you!

Admission Prices September 8 – 24, 2009:
Adults - $4.25
Students (12 & up) - $3.75
Children (2 – 11) - $3.00
Children under 2 are always FREE!

Asheville Pizza Company on Merrimon.

Tuesday nights are always Family Night.

Come see us Tuesday for dinner & board games, see The Balloon Guy in action! Family dinner specials as well as free sundaes for the kiddies EVERY Tuesday from 5:00p-8:00p

Random Downtown Asheville Photos

I was downtown last week and snapped these photos with my Blackberry. This is where we had our lovely wedding reception catered by Celine and Company.

It brought back some awesome memories.

Organic Fest 2009

Visit Organic Fest to find out more.

Lexington Ave Arts and Fun Festival Downtown Asheville

TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



The 8th Annual Lexington Ave Arts and Fun Festival Downtown Asheville ~
Sunday, Sept 6th, Free!

~All Local ~ All Original~

LAAFF is an annual FREE end-of-summer celebration of Asheville's artistic and musical communities. Three blocks of N. Lexington Ave in downtown Asheville are brimming with all local art, food, beer, music, street performers, and random acts of creativity on Labor Day Sunday, September 6th from 11am - 9pm between College Street and the I 240 overpass.

LAAFF has become the showcase event for all types of talent on multiple stages and performance areas including rock and roll, indie pop, funk, folk, ragtime, reggae, world beats, singer-songwriters, bluegrass, old time, African drummers, clowns, magicians, contortionists, belly dancers, modern dancers, vaudeville actors, break dancers, hula hoopers, and more. LAAFF has grown over the years to become known as Asheville's largest independent street festival with upwards of 12,000 in attendance.

LAAFF is is an experience the whole family can get into. Kids will love making art, dancing, getting their faces painted and having fun all day long. Kids are also in on the act showing off their breakdancing, parading, and making music. The big "kids" enjoy the ever popular bicycle jousting, local brews provided by the Asheville Brewers Alliance, an eclectic culinary and artistic experience, as well as the new big people game, Big Wheels for Big Kids. There are lots of fun new vendors as well as old favorites with a ton of variety.

The ever popular Bicycle Jousting, once again makes it's appearance,led by LAAFF co-founder, Michael Mooney, as Medieval Knievel. This is a fun and safe bike joust where contestants are armored up with foam and helmets. The sit upon bike with banana seats and wheel with elliptical hubs which make the bike bounce up and down like riding on a horse. Each contestant holds a long pole with a boxing glove on the end..If they can reach each other they try and joust the other off the bike. It is extremely fun to watch and a great activity that Michael created as an event at LAAFF.Will you dare to ride?

LaZoom Tour Bus is also involved as a performance area this year if you just want to enjoy an easier going ride... LaZoom has six scheduled shows departing from the top of Lexington Ave on the top of each hour starting at 2pm. Each ride will be a 40 minute loop around Asheville. There will be a variety of acts; a kids show, three family friendly shows, and two adults only shows. This is set up as an affordable way to fundraiser at LAAFF with extra entertainment to the festival. $2 for kids and $3 for adults.

The Asheville Arts Center and the Oddysey Kid schools will be teaming up to host the LAAFF Kid's Area. There will be free face painting and a chill out zone for parents with babies who may need to sit down and relax, breastfeed, or change a diaper.

As part of an ongoing commitment to improve and expand the role of the Lexington Avenue Arts Festival in the community, greening efforts and more emphasis on environmental issues will continue to increase. The core principle of being an all local event has been a foundation of the festival's efforts to support local artists, musicians, restaurants, and non-profits. For instance, using water sales as a way for local non-profits to raise funds and involving the Asheville On Bikes organization to host a bike corral, encouraging participants in the festival to ride bikes, use public transportation, and carpool to limit their impact. Reducing waste has always been an important goal, and last year composting was added to the recycling and reuse efforts. Many of the food and beverage vendors are now using compostable cups and utensils from local business Jack's Boxes. The festival will continue to include local non-profits, especially environmental and arts organizations and hopefully will showcase renewable energy at next year's event. For more info email greening@lexfestasheville.com.

LAAFF will also have a great merchandise area with performer merchandise, Freaks of Asheville calendars, LAAFF T-shirts, and LAAFF water bottles. 100% of performer merch proceeds goes back to the bands themselves. There will also be a silent auction to raise funds for Arts 2 People.

LAAFF relies on community support to ensure our success each year. LAAFF is a volunteer driven event, with minimal staff put on by and for the community. If you'd like to donate to the festival or Arts 2 people, your tax-deductible contribution ensures the ongoing successes of this much anticipated yearly Asheville celebration. Contact director@lexfestasheville.com.

For more info visit out website www.lexfestasheville.com

Asheville Pizza Company on Merrimon.

Is still showing UP!!!!!

Superdad took the kids to see it last week and you HAVE to see this wonderful movie on the big screen.

He gave it TWO thumbs way up. Said it was right up there with Toy Story and Monsters Inc.

He also believes it will get best picture!!!!!!

Kid Friendly Asheville Wants You!

Kid Friendly Asheville would LOVE you to send FAMILY FUN PICTURES to post on our website! We will add them to our Flickr account and they will rotate on the very top of the page!

Just email them to

AshevilleKids(at)aol(dot)com

Do you want to share something KID FRIENDLY with everyone? Email us the details, a website if applicable and a phone number just in case there are question and we will post them on KFA.

AshevilleKids(at)aol(dot)com

Kid Friendly Asheville is all about sharing KID FRIENDLY FAMILY FUN with YOU!

The Health Adventure ~ Preschool Play Date

Preschool Play Date

Thu, September 3, 10:30am – 11:30am

Playdate is held at The Health Adventure's Creative Playspace on the 1st Thursday of every month in an enclosed and safe discovery zone for children ages 3-5. Hands-on take-away activities led by an expert educator from The Health Adventure make these play dates enriching for children and adults alike.

Earth Fare West Asheville ~ Pasta Night for Everyone!

PASTA NIGHT FOR EVERYONE!

5:30-8:00 PM

Join Us By The Café Every Wednesday Night From 5:30-8 PM for our weekly pasta night. Cooked to Order for just $7.99! Kids bowl, $3.99. Choose your favorite ingredients, pasta and sauce to created by Chef Greivin make your very own masterpiece! Each week the menu will change so come out and taste the many delicious pasta dishes we have to offer. See you there!

Asheville, North Carolina

We are Natives to Asheville, North Carolina. Which is RARE to hear when you visit Asheville.

Superdad started showing me older pictures from our wonderful town. This started the "Asheville wall."

I had prints made and framed them yesterday.

I wanted to put the collection on the wall behind the TV.



But Superdad didn't want the distraction behind the TV. We will just have a huge BLANK wall there.

We have the start to a wonderful collection.



So, I started the "Asheville wall" on a nice blank wall in the dining room area. Which is a better idea because you can walk up to examine the pictures close up.



Plenty of room to add to our collection!!!!!

Fired up! ~ Parents' Night Out

When??? September 11, 2009 @ Fired Up!

Take the kids, ages 5-12, drop them off for art while you grab a bite to eat with your sweetie.

Call 828-253-8181 to get all the details!

The Health Adventure ~ Free Wednesday

Free Wednesday!!

Wed, September 2, 3pm – 5pm

On the 1st Wednesday of every month from 3PM-5PM, The Health Adventure opens its doors for free!!

Asheville Pizza Company on Merrimon.

Tuesday nights are always Family Night.

Come see us Tuesday for dinner & board games, see The Balloon Guy in action! Family dinner specials as well as free sundaes for the kiddies EVERY Tuesday from 5:00p-8:00p