Spring Refresh
Sometime around mid-March, my deep morning inhalations center less on gathering warmth from that first cup of black coffee and more on drawing in a long-awaited breath of spring. The shift feels subtle yet momentous, a promise that sunnier days are just over the horizon. For many, this season marks a fresh beginning.
That’s especially true at WNC, where we’re enjoying a revitalization of our own. Having logged more than two decades with lifestyle publications in New York, Baltimore, Charleston, and Asheville, I’m thrilled to step into the role of editor-in-chief opposite talented art director Julie Wood, who’s been here since the first issue launched 20 years ago. Newly minted director of advertising Melissa Carr also joins our in-the-know operations manager Rachel Leslie to grow the network of reliable partnerships that keeps this publication humming. Together, we’ll continue bringing you the quality content you’ve come to expect from WNC, buoyed by our newcomers’ fascination and perspective.
Inside this Spring edition—fittingly themed the “Renewal Issue”—you’ll read about some clever approaches to sustainability, locals still rising up from Hurricane Helene, and mindful practices of creativity. Writer Melissa Reardon introduces a handful of regional craftspeople and companies dedicated to environmentally and socially responsible fashion (“Threads of Change,” page 64). As someone who’s most comfortable in good jeans, I’ll be saving for a pair from Twin Denim Co. The question is: could I pull off an Appalachia Blues trilby hat?
Then, we invite you to take a fresh look at Asheville with 25 striking scenes from around the city, some obvious and others more obscure, all captured through the artful lens of photographer Michael Oppenheim (“Where is This?,” page 74). Let us know how you do! Finally, take a relaxing journey through the region’s distinctive spas and wellness retreats with writer Denise K. James as your guide (“Live Well,” page 86).
While you’re getting in the Zen zone, we’ll be diligently curating stories for our forthcoming Summer issue (including our annual Images of Western North Carolina Photo Contest), and I’ll be drinking in that warm spring air for inspiration—along with my morning coffee.
Editor-in-Chief
Lauren B. Johnson
editor@wncmagazine.com