Meaningful Experiences

The YMI Cultural Center — one of the nation’s oldest Black cultural institutions — champions community and creativity through exhibits, events, and programs that bring local heritage and contemporary culture to life.

Hi-Wire is a locally rooted craft brewery with deep ties to Asheville’s culture and economy. Their Asheville taprooms — including the South Slope Specialty Brewery, Biltmore Village production space, and River Arts District Beer Garden — contribute to local vibrancy and small business ecosystems.

Highland Brewing blends craft beer with purpose — powering its facility with one of the largest solar arrays among U.S. craft breweries and embracing reduce-reuse-recycle practices throughout operations. Its long-standing sustainability focus and community-centered ethos make it a standout example of a business integrating environmental responsibility into everyday practice.

At Nantahala Outdoor Center, hands-on outdoor experiences build connection to rivers, land, and local culture. Through rafting, paddling, and wilderness programs, the organization supports local jobs and guide training while reinvesting in river stewardship and conservation.

RiverLink strengthens the environmental and economic vitality of the French Broad River by improving watershed health, expanding public access, restoring contaminated lands, and engaging volunteers and students in river education.

Asheville Free Walking Tours creates positive impact through accessible, community-rooted storytelling. Its tip-based, pay-what-you-like model removes financial barriers, inviting all visitors to engage with Asheville’s history, culture, and local businesses while highlighting diverse narratives and creative traditions. As a queer, woman-owned business employing local guides, it supports both community livelihoods and representation in tourism.