Hope you had a great week — and ready to support Asheville. Here's local emerging food & bev maker Sarilla’s guide to local sustainable secrets and emerging brands to check out in Asheville: 

Currently we are recovering from the massive destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. The storm came through on September 27th and was a shock to most of us as we woke up that day to neighborhoods under water, homes levelled and without water, gas, cell service or electricity. 

Thankfully, our families and business made it out alive. As you drive around the area things look different, but many of our favorite spots are starting to reopen. I do alot of work from home and I love to take my lunch break and run around Lake Louise (also new pickleball courts there!).

For meetings we usually find a spot for tea, like Dobra (3 locations), or grab a bite at All Day Darling in the historic district of Montford, or my preferred is to walk and talk - favorite spot for that is in North Asheville around Beaver Lake (love the bird sanctuary nearby). You can find us often at Hatch Innovation Hub, a popular local coworking spot and home to 1 Million Cups (Wednesday mornings at 9am, pitch your idea!). 

For folks who enjoy beer and spirits, don’t miss the downtown Asheville beer tour and take a stroll through South Slope Asheville, home to many breweries, eateries and Chemist Distillery. For groceries we love French Broad Food Coop, West Village Market and Earth Fare. You can also find Sarilla in all of those spots! For downtown hotels, our favorites are Aloft, Moxy, Kimpton Arras and The Restoration. For some incredible dinner experiences, book a reservation at Curate (downtown) or check out the businesses in Grove Arcade (we love Proper restaurant and stop in Spicewalla!). For dessert you can’t miss French Broad Chocolate Lounge.

If you’d like to pick up Sarilla directly at our warehouse we can meet you out in Fletcher, near the airport and that’s where we do all of our order fulfillment (nationwide!). While you’re in the area, you can find an incredible network of mountain bike or running trails at Bent Creek or in Mills River. Check out the NC Arboretum and grab lunch at Bent Creek Bistro. Shout out to River Arts District, an area that was hurt terribly by the recent storm. We see this start to come back so depending on when you visit the area, please consider adding it to your itinerary. They need all the love they can get. My son is a rock climber at Cultivate, grab a coffee at Wrong Way Lodge, take a run down the Greenway near Carrier Park and up to Second Gear (when it reopens) and visit the incredible art galleries in this neighborhood.

Thank you from the heart of Western NC!

Sara

Sarilla

Pro Tip #1

Challenge: Anywhere you go, ask any staff member if they have 3 recommendations for their favorite local sustainable spots. Secret of getting in the know!

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Sarilla Tea

Sarilla products is born from the Spirit of Resilience, Sarilla is a sparkling beverage made with 100% plant-based, functional ingredients that are grown with wellness in mind. Fermented tea and fermented fruit beverages to improve your gut and cognitive.

Sarilla is more than a drink. It is a product with purpose and a movement to inspire and help you tap back into your true self. Thank you for choosing to learn more and please let Sarilla know if you would like to become a brand ambassador or if you are a student and would like to join Sarilla's advisory council. Cheers!

Made in Vermont and North Carolina

Founded by  Sara Stender Delaney

Asheville’s Tiny Grocers

Farm2Me Map of Asheville Independent Grocers is not just a map – it’s a vibrant, living community celebrating the hardworking shops and shopkeepers you pass by every day.

Get lost in the intricate stories of shop owners. Discover their journeys, the products they love, and the reasons behind what they do.

Take advantage of the map when you’re visiting a new neighborhood, when you’re traveling around the country / world, or just looking for something special in your neighborhood.

We’ve spent 14 years building this, so enjoy!

65 Emerging Woman Owned Drinks

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