Stories by David Thompson

27 Stories Posts
David Thompson

David Thompson is the Digital Communications Manager at Explore Asheville, an avid runner, hiker and lover of all things Asheville. 

Sounds of Asheville

Behind the Sounds: Explore Asheville's Newest Commercial

From the morning chirps of Carolina wrens and the mighty rush of Looking Glass Falls to the comforting hum of a local coffee shop and the creative buzz of an award-winning kitchen, Explore Asheville’s latest commercial highlights how the city’s unique sounds contribute to our shared identity.  In “The Sounds of Asheville” (seen above), we thoughtfully

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Summer Camp Trailer Still

Where the Summer Camp stars visited in Asheville

“Oh my God, it’s Diane Keaton!” Those words were heard around Asheville in 2023, as the Academy Award-winning actress explored the city while shooting her new comedy Summer Camp with co-stars Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodard and Eugene Levy. Filming took place in surrounding Western North Carolina, an area steeped in summer camp tradition, and Asheville provided a natural base

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LEAF Festival

How to Experience the 2024 LEAF Retreat and Festival

Over four days in the spring and fall, LEAF Global Arts hosts a celebration of world music, art, creativity and culture in the backdrop of Black Mountain's beautiful Lake Eden. With a festival atmosphere that includes local vendors, global cuisine, multiple stages of wall-to-wall performances and presenters, LEAF's festivities offer valuable opportunities for global

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A kayak situated on Lake Julian during sunset

Relive Your Summer Camp Experience in Asheville

You’re never too old to enjoy marshmallows toasted over an open flame and shack up with a group of friends in the middle of the woods. That’s the theme of Summer Camp , a comedy filmed in the Asheville area, out in theaters May 31. The star-studded cast—which includes Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodard and Eugene Levy—return to a sleepaway camp of their youth, to

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Ground Level Media Latinx

Mejores Eventos de Primavera 2024 en Asheville

A medida que las temperaturas cálidas traen hermosas flores a las montañas Blue Ridge, el calendario de festivales y celebraciones de Asheville también florece. Disfrute de estos coloridos eventos que le ayudarán a dejar atrás el invierno y a sentir de nuevo la primavera. A continuación, un vistazo a los eventos primaverales en Asheville en 2024. Las

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BCHT 2

History comes alive with the Black Cultural Heritage Trail

Asheville's Black Culture Heritage Trail was unveiled in December 2023, marking a significant milestone in the growing effort to amplify and preserve Affrilachian heritage. The trail includes 14 stops and 20 panels that reach across three historic Black neighborhoods and unearths intimate and fascinating stories of dignity, struggle and resilience. The

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Jason Sellers  / plant

The future of Asheville's cuisine is rooted in Appalachian past

Southern Appalachia is a place that prides itself on self-sufficiency and resiliency – an ability to create and sustain using what’s available. The cooking practices that evolved from this mindset – canning, pickling, foraging, preserving – are deeply rooted in our history, shaped by the rugged terrain, limited access to commercial goods and an ingrained culture

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Runners starting at the starting line at the River Arts District Marathon and 10K

A 2024 Runners Race Guide for Asheville, NC

Asheville is a runner’s paradise. From urban jogging downtown to the endless forest trails that encompass the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has something to offer runners of any level. Even better, the city offers a plethora of exciting races to test yourself and local running groups that meet often to train and are always excited to add new members. So, before you lace up your

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Camp 7

Overnight Summer Camps In and Around Asheville, North Carolina

There really is nothing like camp. For generations, the laughter, friendship and memories made at summer camps in Asheville, Western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains have sparked lifelong connections to this special part of the world. The 1995 summer camp classic  Heavyweights  was filmed in this region, and soon, the Blue Ridge Mountains will once again

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Chai Pani

Asheville's Cant-Miss Bucket List of 2024

As we near the midway point of 2024, it's a great time to reflect on the exciting new experiences this year in Asheville while adding a few that have recently premiered.  From highly anticipated restaurant openings, chic new boutique hotels, shops, bars, unforgettable festivals and immersive performing arts, the Asheville experience continues to redefine itself. Here are 21 new

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