Knowledge is power!
We have a heard this quote at some point throughout our life. To learn a skill or new information can unlock many new opportunities for ourselves or to share with others. That is why when I see the new class schedules for workshops held at some of my favorite stores around Asheville, I snatch up the flyer or snap a picture, decide what classes I would be interested in learning more about and put the time and dates in my planner!
I have had so many great experiences in different workshops around Asheville. I’ve made friends that share common interests, learned a new skill or trade and learn valuable information to add to my life. I’ve gained new insight by picking the brain of an expert on something I’m interested in from a class at Flora. I’ve studied more into herbs and incorporated them into my life from the information learned in a class offered by The Villagers. I have bought a vacuum sealer (that I’m in love with) to help me preserve the harvest from my garden with information I learned at a Living Web Farm’s workshop. Honestly, I could go on and on but enough about me. Lets see if you have any interests in the following workshops.
Every wonder how to capture the image of your favorite flower or plant by using the power of the sun? There’s a class for that.
Or how to reduce your food waste contribution through the magic of compost? Yup there’s a FREE class for that.
Ever wanted to have your own herb garden outside to cook with but didn’t know how to grow or take care of it? You can learn that!
Off Haywood road in West Asheville is a little shop that has my heart. Flora is a beautiful place to get lost in, inspired by, drink coffee at and guess what else; broaden your mind in.
Classes at Flora usually center around all things botanical, the store is a magical greenhouse for all things beautiful and green after all. They host classes taught by experts at what they do to learn about herbs, plant care and different art projects. Honestly, just learn how to live your best life surrounded in the beauty of nature.
Here is a picture of their late Spring and Summer Classes for 2018. Follow them on instagram @floraasheville
This is the place that started it all for me. Down the road a bit from Flora on Haywood road heading to downtown is a bright aqua colored building. Inside is a magic place full of everything you’ll want to get your hands into. I’d be amazed if you don’t become inspired to start a project when you go into their space. I love that you can take a class there and usually find everything you need to practice what you’ve learned from what they sell. A section for planting, gardening, a library of books, a bulk section of herbs, all different jars and bottles to enclose your potions in, special pre-made goodies from herbalists, and so much more.
The classes are always up to date on their website but if you visit the store you can see the workshops posted on the wall. Also, they keep you in the loop for classes because finding a flyer print out of their offerings isn’t hard, I can usually find one in the window of Flora. Classes are normally held Sundays or Wednesdays. The majority of classes offered are in the Spring and Fall but they trickle a few classes here and there in summer.
Not only are the people who run the farm and workshop’s a joy but they host their learning in a beautiful space, full of lush greenery and encompassed in farmland. Mills River Educational Farm is the venue usually taught at and is only about 25 minutes outside of Asheville, which can be a nice get away if needed! I have taken a class from Living Web Farms hosted in the French Broad Co-op.
Here you can learn all things farm related, how to grow crops, harvest and cook with them! Covering all different subjects in cooking, you can learn how to be a real chef at the Farm. I’ve had a class where I learned all about edible weeds, they talked in-depth on how to recognize different “weeds” and passed around samples. Then they broke out the pots and pans and turned the class into a real cooking show on how to make delicious meals with things you find outside that you would probably just pull up and out of your garden. They also offer recorded videos for further education on all sorts of topics on their website.
The best place I’ve found for finding out what classes they are offering is on their website, under workshops. You can also follow them on instagram @livingwebfarms.
Ediable Asheville’s FED talks:
Of course living in town you know about the famous local food and beverage magazine, Ediable Asheshille. Well, they offer classes called FED talks, too! F.E.D. standing for Food. Education. Discussion. A clever twist off TED talks. The classes are held at Rhubarb Event Space, right downtown by Pack square. When I mentioned all the reasons I love attending classes, FED talks offer all the reasons to love in a single event. Making friends, Check. Classes start off with a cocktail hour to connect with fellow locals and visitors over a common interest…FOOD. All while enjoying scrumptious appetizers from the talented chefs at Rhubarb. The event includes demonstrations, Q&A, and tastings.
Learn a new skill, Check. Each event has the common goal to share knowledge on food and beverage and encourage a new sense of adventure in the kitchen, creating with all the bounty Ashesville has to offer. They offer 4 classes a year, with some topics of past events being about Fermentation, Sourdough Bread, Cocktails with a DIY bitters bar, Artisan Ice Cream, Local Cheese, and Cider. Listen up, classes fill up fast here (no wonder) so sign up for a one quick! They have all the events listed on their website and follow them on instagram @edibleasheville to stay connected.
Of course, there are so many places around Asheville to learn. Please, if you have a favorite venue for classes let us know! Comment below or just leave some love on the event spaces mentioned above.
I’m sure we will run into each other at a workshop soon!
**Disclaimer: Obviously if you are peeking at this post in a later time than the dates for these 2018 spring and summer classes and missed any, don’t worry there will be more, and different classes full of all new ways to learn!