Metro Wines presents a new, convenient way to deliver wine to your home or work by just texting us “wine please.” This fast and easy service is an Asheville first that combines selection, service and convenience. Text two words, just two, and your case of wine shows up at your door!
It’s easy to use. First, set up your account at MetroWinesAsheville.com/wine-please. In the profile, tell us the price and style of wine you prefer. As always, Metro Wines offers a 15% discount on case purchases. There are some delivery and service fees involved, so read the details on their website.
Now, order your wine any time by just texting us “wine please” at 828-575-9525. Our team of wine professionals will select wines that match your preferences at the average bottle price you want. And we’ll deliver it to your door within 24 hours. It’s that easy!
Why “wine please”? “We understand the changing landscape,” says Zach Eidson, General Manager of Metro Wines. “Convenience is king. This service works for customers who prefer to shop online, customers who are too busy, too tired or just want someone to shop for them! Our driver, Lou, will carry the wine in and even fill your wine rack if you wish. That’s more convenient than Amazon,” Eidson says.
This annual competition is designed to promote and spotlight the talent of chefs, pastry chefs, and mixologists across North Carolina.
“Chef Showdown has become the place to showcase the incredible talent of the North Carolina hospitality industry” said Lynn Minges, President & CEO of NCRLA.
“Our seventh annual event will feature more North Carolina chefs, bartenders and distilleries than any year prior. These innovative chefs will all work with local NC products; as will the incredibly creative bartenders who will craft cocktails and mocktails as they represent distilleries from across the state,” she added.
Presented by Got To Be NC, the NC Department of Agriculture, the Chef Showdown features culinary and mixology competitors who will showcase North Carolina proteins, produce and products on competition plates and in competition craft cocktails.
New for 2023: A trio of “Undeniably Dairy Awards” to be awarded at the Chef Showdown Grand Finale to the chef, pastry chef and bartender who showcased the best use of NC dairy products in the savory and sweet plates and in the cocktails, they present to judges during the season. Competitors are not required to use dairy products in their competition dishes and cocktails, but if they do, they are eligible to be considered for this trio of additional Grand Finale accolades presented by the Dairy Alliance.
The 2023 preliminary rounds of culinary competition will feature 76 talented chefs and pastry chefs from across the state who have been selected to cook their way through the first rounds of competition on the road to the 2023 win.
In July, only 15 savory chefs and five pastry chefs will move on, based on judges preliminary round scoring, to compete in one of two regional culinary rounds of competition. The same 20 chefs move on to cook for the public and a chance at People’s Choice Award honors, made possible this year by the NC Sweetpotato Commission, at the Aug 14 Grand Finale.
At stake, the coveted titles of NCRLA Chef of the Year and NCRLA Pastry Chef of the Year, to be awarded at the competition’s Grand Finale on August 14, 2023, at The Pavilion at Angus Barn in Raleigh, NC.
In addition to the culinary competition in which chefs start in one of five preliminary rounds held across the state and then, if selected, move on to compete in one of two regional rounds, there is also a mixology component to the annual competition.
This year 18 individual NC bartenders, have each teamed with a North Carolina distillery, and are preparing to shake and stir things up in one of two regional rounds of mixology competition to be held in July 2023. Each bartender will craft two cocktails and a mocktail for a panel of judges to consider, as they vie for one of six spots in the 2023 NCRLA Chef Showdown Grand Finale on August 14.
In the end, one team will be named the NCRLA Bartender of the Year and the NCRLA Distillery of the Year.
The action all starts with five individual preliminary rounds of the 2023 NCRLA Chef Showdown series. All preliminary and regional rounds of competition are private events open only to competitors, judges, media, and invited guests. The public is invited to follow along on the NCRLA Chef Showdown social media feeds.
The NCRLA is proud to compete at some of North Carolina’s finest community college culinary schools throughout this competition, each one serving to teach and inspire the North Carolina hospitality industry of tomorrow.
This national level mountain biking championship is expected to bring some 800 event competitors to the region, along with their coaches and teammates. Many of these athletes will visit Henderson County for practice leading up to the competition, as well as for the event week in July. Additionally, the event will draw spectators, vendors, USA Cycling staff, volunteers and many people interested in mountain biking to the region.
Why is this event a big deal for us in Henderson County?
Hosting a USA Cycling National Championship event will bring mountain bike enthusiasts to Ride Rock Creek and Henderson County all year long. Portions of the Ride Rock Creek bike park facility were designed and built as a training ground for US downhill mountain bike athletes seeking the experience they need to compete on the global level. The results are already being recognized throughout the country, and this helps to further cement Henderson County as a destination for mountain biking at all levels.
This is the first national sports competition championship ever held in Henderson County, NC.
How will this event impact the roads around Henderson County?
This is a mountain biking event, not a road cycling event, so it will not impact our roads any more than normal visitor traffic. The Visitor Center are hoping to help secure shuttles for event participants, USA Cycling Staff and volunteers, media, and spectators to further reduce any additional car traffic on our roads during this event.
What is USA Cycling?
USA Cycling is the national governing body for the sport of cycling in the United States and oversees the disciplines of road, track, mountain bike, cyclocross, and BMX. With a mission to develop the sport of cycling in the United States at all levels and to achieve sustained international racing success, USA Cycling supports cyclists from enthusiasts just beginning in the sport to seasoned professionals.
USA Cycling is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation which funds it operations from a combination of member generated revenue, sponsorship, US Olympic Committee funding, and donations from the USA Cycling Foundation.
What is Ride Rock Creek?
Opened in 2022, Ride Rock Creek is a brand new, premier downhill mountain biking destination founded by world-class downhill racer, Neko Mulally. With business partner and lifelong rider, investor, and entrepreneur Dave LaMond, the park was built on a 300-acre plot of privately-owned land that backs up to DuPont State Forest. Ride Rock Creek currently has 6 downhill-specific trails with a variety of skill levels and a shuttle to take riders to the top of the course. It has quickly become recognized as an elite downhill mountain biking destination.
This event will truly put this new mountain biking venue on the map for mountain bikers of all skill levels.
Big Buck Racing (https://bigbuckracing.com/) isn’t something I’d normally cover on Carolina Epicurean, but the event was so impressive, it was held on a dear friends South Carolina farm property, and hey, there were some awesome food trucks on site.
A LITTLE BACKGROUND
My interest in bikes (motorcycles) goes back as far as I can remember. For a time my much older brother raced dirt bikes professionally. For practice he’d sometimes put me on the back of his bike for added weight (and fun) while he rode up and down hills and around obstacles in our yard. Then he chose a bike, based on it’s center of gravity and weight, for my post college great cross-country adventure. It was perfect, and my only transportation for a couple years while I lived in CA.
BIG BUCK, THE FARM
Our friend’s Union, SC multi-hundred acre farm has been in his family since the 1970’s. The name came about after years of he and his son hunting on the property. The ultimate goal being bringing home the “big buck”.
The “farm” property has lots of fields – and lots of woods – that the bikes ride through at high speed on mostly narrow trails. People come from all over, including other countries, to participate and watch the official GNCC (Grand National Cross Country) races. Rows and rows of huge RV’s, vans, and tents fill fields.
One of the problems with events like this is that they’re often in rural locations and lack Wi-Fi coverage. Big Buck solved the problem with WOW– Wide Open Wi-Fi. It worked great for me everywhere I went on the property.
Plans are in the works for opening up the property to other types of events, including music festivals. The property includes a natural amphitheater, which would be perfect!
THE FOOD
So much great food! Where to start? More importantly, when to STOP! All the trucks/vendors were new to me, so that was fun. Fifi’s Hibachi Burrito, Tilley’s Tennessee BBQ, Down South Water Ice, and others. As always, be sure to click gallery images for descriptive captions.
THE HILL CLIMB!
Probably the most popular spot on the course for watching riders is at the steep hill climb. Lots of people walk out to watch the action from great viewing spots. Some riders make it to the top. Some don’t. Some skip it altogether! If riders make the climb, they take some time off their circuit.
THE RACES, PROS, GEAR & MERCH
The next GNCC race at Big Buck is just days away, on April 1st. Just like the event I went to, this race will include ATV’s and Motorcycles. There are multiple categories of racers – Pro, Amateur, Youth, and more. And there are different rules for some of the groups, pro vs amateur for instance.
Racers line up at the start according to engine size (2 stroke, 4 stroke, cc’s), pro vs amateur, and rank. Each category/row begins from a “dead start”, meaning engines off until flagged to start.
There were quite a few Pro Riders and their support teams at this race. The support teams were serious with com head sets, white boards to hold up with info for their rider, backpacks full of emergency gear, water, etc. Most of them rode trail/mountain bikes to whatever key spots of the thirteen mile course they needed to be at for their rider. The Pros do the 13 mile circuit five times, making it a three hour race for them!
This particular race was the 2023 season opener. Quite a few pros were there, including the number one team from Japan! Honestly, I had no idea that some Pro cross country racers can make six figures a year. It’s a big deal.
Also a surprise to me were the rows of semi’s that opened up the sides of their trucks, exposing shops selling parts, tires, all kinds of gear, and merchandise. There was even one selling e-bikes.
If you’ve never seen an event like this, you’ll be amazed. It’s very family friendly. Even if you’re not into cross country racing, it’s a great way to spend time outside, checking out something that might be completely outside your wheel house. Get tickets for the April 1st, 2023 race HERE.
Savor Charlotte is a two-week celebration of the dynamic and creative culinary community who make the Queen City one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the Southeast. Taking place March 8-22, epicurean adventures include experiential hands-on classes and demonstrations, exclusive menus, special offers and more.
From a special cooking class at Taco Molino with Executive Chef / Owner Scott Wallen, the Amaro tasting dinner with Chef Tommy Vance at Little Mama’s Italian, and special discount at Biblio, to wine tastings at Dogwood Southern Table & Bar, cocktail classes at Billy Sunday or The Cocktailery, and a specialty barbeque flavored doughnut from Reigning Doughnuts, every Savor Charlotte activation is customized and unique to the culinary artists making them. Savor Charlotte will also include the kick-off of Black Food Truck Fridays in partnership with Black Business Owners of Charlotte (BBOC), which will take place on Friday, March 17 from 4-9 p.m.
Designed to raise awareness of Charlotte’s diverse gastronomic offerings, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) invited the city’s culinary curators to submit specials that reflect their signature taste and distinct charm. Savor Charlotte is intended to connect locals and visitors alike and inspire them to indulge in one-of-a-kind flavors not available anywhere else. With a focus on celebrating the culinary tastemakers helping to shape Charlotte, all are invited to partake during two weeks of delicious activations to explore the flavors of the city.
“We are passionate about honoring and recognizing Charlotte’s extremely innovative and dynamic culinary community,” said Tom Murray, Chief Executive Officer at the CRVA. “With 25% of visitor spending attributed to food & beverage, we know that Charlotte remains a city of culinary opportunity. We are excited to spotlight the talented individuals and local businesses bringing the city’s distinctiveness to life through creative programming for Savor Charlotte.”
Charlotte has an eclectic mix of epicurean adventures ranging from internationally inspired dishes to local farms and everything in between. From recently announced James Beard Award nominees to perpetually creative mixologists, Charlotte remains at the forefront of travelers’ minds as a must-visit culinary destination. Savor Charlotte is a testament to the inspirational work of those who define the flavor of the Queen City.
The Savor Charlotte journey is easy to navigate. As Charlotte’s industry trendsetters continue to confirm and add new details on a rolling basis, those interested in booking an exclusive Savor Charlotte offer can make reservations directly by clicking on each listing of the participating chefs, mixologists, restaurateurs, bakers, and more.
Friends have, but I’ve never participated in “Dry January”. It’s been an official “thing” since 2013. And now we also have “Damp January”, a modified approach where alcohol intake is limited instead of cut out completely.
The idea was hatched and the term coined in the UK in 2013, but going “zero proof” really took off during covid years 2020 and 2021. Contrary to what many thought might happen during covid restrictions when folks were confined to their homes, there was actually a move towards less or no alcohol.
Why my interest in digging into the history and all things Dry January and giving up alcohol? A couple reasons: 1) a friend casually mentioned giving up alcohol during January and then continuing on because the benefits had surprised her. Among other healthy choices, she partially credits going dry for loosing thirty pounds, no more puffy face/body, and clear skin, and 2) new alcohol-free bars & club openings seem to be trending, along with non-alcohol social groups.
What’s happening is more than giving up alcohol and everything associated with it, like going out to bars with friends, having a glass of wine with dinner, a late afternoon cocktail on the deck, or hanging out at a brewery, winery, or distillery.
All those things are still in play because most breweries, wineries, distilleries, bars, and restaurants have new non-alcoholic spirits, beers, and wines that are delicious and are providing the same craft drink and cocktail experience to non-drinkers and drinkers alike.
FINDING ZERO PROOF IN ASHEVILLE AND HENDERSONVILLE
Although many of your favorite watering holes and restaurants offer a few to many Mocktails – sophisticated non-alcohol drinks made with tasty ingredients – there are a few new options of note that have launched recently or are about to open soon.
Asheville Rooftop Tours – Choose mocktails or other non-alcohol drinks on their tours. You’ll love the “stunning birds-eye-views of Asheville along with the history of the city, while enjoying food and drinks all from Asheville’s highly acclaimed rooftop bars.”
Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours tour groupAsheville Rooftop Bar Tours van
Devil’s Foot Beverage Company – Sample and enjoy their non-alcohol drinks in their new taproom that opened late last year. “Devil’s Foot BevCo provides locally produced, all-natural non-alcoholic craft beverages for our community. There are no additives nor preservatives – just fresh ingredients.”
The Mule taproom at Devil’s Foot Beverage CompanyThe Mule taproom at Devil’s Foot Beverage Company Photo by Brendan Almand
The Buzz – Hope Coalition will be opening “Henderson County’s First Sober Social Bar & Café” this Spring in Hendersonville. “Move over alcohol, there’s a new bar in town . . . 100% zero proof bar.”
Future location of The BuzzFuture location of The Buzz
Looking for other alcohol alternatives? Those that still “relax” or provide a buzz without the negative effects of alcohol?
Shakedown Lounge (Kava Bar) – Opened late 2022 at 706 7th Ave E in Hendersonville. They offer traditionally-prepared kava, as well as herbal teas, CBD/hemp edibles, lotus drinks, and coffee. The focus is on top-quality products and community through conversation, live music, poetry, and art, in an alcohol-free environment.
Shakedown Lounge Kava BarShakedown Lounge Kava Bar
Looking for a weekend getaway? An escape to Nashville is the answer! It’s only a 4 1/2 to 5 hour straight shot on I-40 West from Asheville. Four of us – two couples – did just that in mid-December.
We found the perfect AirBnB in The Gulch, for a three night stay. It’s quieter than staying downtown near all the action on Broadway, yet has lots of excellent restaurants, shops, and a Hop On – OffOld Town Trolley stop, all within easy walking distance. Of course, sometimes you want to be where the action is. Just not this time.
Just south of downtown lies this once-abandoned industrial area that’s undergone an urban revitalization in recent years sparking an intoxicating new energy. The exceedingly walkable LEED-certified community is teeming with boutique hotels, high-rise condos, instagrammable murals, shops, live music venues, breweries, and diverse culinary offerings spanning everything from biscuits and Nashville Hot Chicken to Detroit-style pizza, traditional ramen, and Indian food. VisitMusicCity.com
An overview and image galleries (see captions) of our favorite places to Eat, Play, and Stay in Nashville’s Gulch and beyond are below the map. Use the Open/Close Icon top left for flyout map location details.
Our weekend getaway was full of great food, drinks, and entertainment.
If you’re new to Nashville, definitely get a one-day ticket for the Hop On – Hop Off Old Town Trolley. That way you can get a good overview, making note of where you want to go back to and explore more thoroughly.
We took in the Christmas Show at the Grand Ole Opry. None of us had been before and thoroughly enjoyed it. Even the one of, who shall remain nameless, that isn’t a country music fan, had a good time.
The Musician’s Hall of Fame and Museum was amazing. Displays that included country musicians, as well as others like Jimi Hendrix and Elvis, sound equipment, instruments, and costumes worn during iconic performences went on and on. Live music and private events are also held here.
Finally, don’t miss the live music, neon, and partying on Lower Broadway, the city’s main drag, also known as Honky Tonk Highway downtown, and Printers Alley. I’d recommend going to both during the day, and again at night for the full effect.
We try to go to Milk and Honey whenever we’re in town, especially for breakfast and espresso. There’s a light, fun vibe, which may or may not involve the energetic full bar. A long wait isn’t uncommon in peak season, so plan ahead and get there early if it’s breakfast you’re after.
Good food! Good drinks! If you’re looking for excellent execution of traditional British dishes, order Scotch Eggs and Fish & Chips. Check out their whiskey and beer offerings, also. Cozy atmosphere, which was ramped way up with holiday decorations, and nice, attentive staff.
Best biscuit I’ve had to date. Crisp/crunchy outside – light, fluffy inside. Not embarassed to say I could easily make of meal of their biscuits with jam. If I did that, I’d mis out of the very tasty sausage gravy, though. Feeling adventurous? Check out their “Brunch favorites with a twist”. They serve up very good espresso drinks and take the time to top them off with a rosetta.
Open since 2013, serving up award winning BBQ. They “cook fresh every day and serve until items run out.” Everything was very good, but we were especially impressed with the juiciness of the 1/2 rack of dry rubbed ribs! Expect a line, but don’t worry, they move everyone through pretty quickly.
Adele’s – not the singer – was our choice for our final dinner in Nashville. We wanted to wrap up our weekend getaway with a special evening and excellent food. We experienced elevated, as opposed to fine (although it was fine), dining. They refer to their dishes as “comfort food”, which I’d definitely agree with. We were seated with a good view of where the magic happens – their very open kitchen. Prep, plating, garnishing, a wood-fired oven, and a wood-fired grill. Our meal and evening were deliciously perfect. Note that they change their menu regularly, so items here may not be available when you go to Adele’s.
Love that the building used to be a garage and that they’ve kept just enough of that “feel” to make it fun.
Six of us celebrated a friend’s birthday over dinner at Hendersonville’s Never Blue. I hadn’t been in a while, so was really looking forward to a “fresh” post-pandemic experience. Conclusion? They’re still rockin’ their menu, drinks, dessert, service, everything!
Notes:
The vibe at Never Blue is fun, colorful, and energetic.
Can’t talk about other’s experience, but our server did a great job.
Many menu items are unusually creative.
Expect quality ingredients.
Portions are generous.
Yes, the Pumpkin Love dessert looks a little . . . , but it’s supremely delicious.
Outside seating is available in warmer weather.
Descriptions of each image are in the gallery below.
Never Blue
119 S Main St
Hendersonville, NC 28792-5083
828 693 4646
On Tuesday, December 20, 2022, Folly Beach favorite Taco Boy will open in West Asheville, at 521 Haywood Road, marking the restaurant’s fourth location and its first in North Carolina. The restaurant will be serving its signature tacos and other Mexican-inspired eats, but with one caveat: West Asheville will house the company’s first in-house tortillera that will be producing scratch-made heirloom corn tortillas. Diners will be able to watch the process and taste the difference.
Longing for the ocean-side fish tacos of her youth, Taco Boy was created in 2006 by Charleston restauranteur Karalee Nielsen Fallert, a founding partner and co-owner of a dozen restaurant ventures in the Holy City and a leading advocate for community projects and women-led initiatives. She’s been recognized for her contributions to Charleston’s culinary community and for revitalizing Charleston neighborhoods. She’s also the founder of hospitality management group All Good Industries.
Taco Boy’s flagship location opened on Folly Beach in 2006, followed by downtown Charleston in 2009, and Summerville, SC, in 2019. West Asheville opens December 20, 2022 after only 2.5 months of construction. Plans are underway to introduce three more restaurants in the Carolinas in 2023, including a second Asheville location in Biltmore Park, with an anticipated summer opening.
A TAQUERIA FOR THE SOUL – COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Taco Boy’s mission is to use the power of tacos to nurture people and build community, which is why there is a very intentional goal to work within each community to partner with and support local nonprofit initiatives and charitable efforts.
In Charleston, a core beneficiary is The Green Heart Project, which was co-established in 2009 by Taco Boy founder Karalee Nielsen Fallert, and uses garden-based experiential learning to educate students and cultivate community through food. In addition to nutrition and hunger initiatives, Taco Boy also supports education, sustainability, equality, mental health, and other efforts that improve the world around us. Other Charleston area organizations Taco Boy has supported include Charleston Pride, Surfers Healing (autism advocacy), Waves for Women, SC Sea Grant Consortium, Pay it Forward Charleston, Charleston County School District, the National Down Syndrome Society, and The Trevor Project (LGBTQ suicide prevention).
Taco Boy’s first community partner in Asheville is Asheville on Bikes, which will benefit from the VIP Preview Party. The company has plans to support many other Asheville initiatives in the future.
“The impetus for our growth is to create a positive impact for our team members and the communities we call home,” says Fallert.
Additionally, Taco Boy is also a major supporter and advocate for its team members, offering generous benefits for full- and part-time employees, as well as an emergency financial assistance program, all of which supports long-term career growth and upward financial mobility. Taco Boy is always hiring, with details at tacoboy.net/jobs.
TACOS, TEQUILA, AND WHAT’S NEW IN ASHEVILLE
A citrus- and salsa-infused feast for the senses, Taco Boy offers scratch-made tacos, authentic sides including rice and beans, chipotle slaw, and Mexican street corn, guacamole and other satisfying starters, plus margaritas and Latin-infused craft cocktails, and a weekend brunch menu that delivers more Mexican-inspired flavors to the table. The restaurant is diet sensitive, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Taco Boy is committed to using responsibly sourced, high-quality ingredients.
Photo by Shell Royster
NIXTAMALIZED HEIRLOOM CORN TORTILLAS
Perhaps the most exciting element to be implemented at Taco Boy West Asheville is the development of an in-house tortilleria using traditional equipment and the centuries-old process of nixtamalization. The process involves steeping corn in an alkaline solution before rinsing it to remove the outer kernel cover (pericarp), and milling it into masa (maize dough). Nixtamalized corn produces a tortilla that is more flavorful, digestible, and is higher in nutritional benefits. Additionally, Taco Boy will be using heirloom corn, in a variety of hues, sourced from near and far. This process will be on view, behind glass, at the new West Asheville location.
NEW BEVERAGE PROGRAM
A longtime Asheville, NC, restaurant industry veteran of 30 years, mixologist Maty Hollingsworth developed the beverage program for Taco Boy. He’s managed and overseen beverage programs for a handful of Asheville establishments, including Limones and its erstwhile sister establishment En la Calle, Jargon, and the former Noble Cider Greenhouse.
The new beverage menu includes a fresh batch of original margaritas and specialty cocktails that lean into a lighter, fresher feel, and offers a multisensory layering of flavor profiles and textures. The new menu also highlights a shift to fresh juicing in-house and scratch-made specialty cordials, including a hazelnut corn orgeat that’s a beautiful complement to the nixtamalized heirloom corn tortillas.
Mezcalindo, Hibiscus Margarita, Baja Sunset. Photo by Shell Royster
Tequila flights are also in store, along with a curated selection of tequilas, cristalino tequilas (rested and filtered with activated charcoal), and smoky mezcals. The tequilas will be front and center for weekly Tequila Tuesdays, offering $5 house margaritas on Tuesdays.
A FRESH NEW SPACE
Expect a fresh new look that incorporates elements by Asheville artists at Taco Boy West Asheville, located in the former Zia Taqueria on Haywood Road. Arched windows are now open doorways, and the former front patio is now enclosed for additional seating. Ceiling beams have been sanded to bring in warmer wood tones. A reconfiguration of the back of house spaces allows for better flow, office space, and a tortilleria that’s visible to the public. Fresh paint and a wall-length mural inspired by Mexico’s vivacious tones by Asheville muralist Wyatt Grant enliven the space. Wooden screen installations by local artist Charles Goldberg also enhances the space. And ceramic cantaritas by Asheville creative
studio Batton Clayworks hold craft cocktails. Elm Construction did the construction work.
A painted logoed sign adorns the building, while the vintage light-up sign out front will be adorned with the words “Hot Tacos Cold Margs” by the end of the month. And in spring 2023, an overhaul of the landscaping will be undertaken by Osgood Landscape Architecture of Asheville. The front parking lot has seen a revision for better flow. And the side parking lot will eventually hold outdoor green space for outdoor dining and communal events.
Planning International Travel? If you don’t have it already, apply for the Trusted Traveler Program “Global Entry“. Basically, Global Entry is TSA PreCheck on steroids and specifically for international travel. In fact, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, which runs $80 for 5 years. So why not when Global Entry is $100 for 5 years.
WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN
Basically, it’s a go-to-the-head-of-the-line pass for quick re-entry to the US after international travel. When I re-entered the US via Newark, I moved ahead of a couple of hundred people using Global Entry.
BENEFITS
No processing lines
No paperwork
Access to expedited entry benefits in other countries
Available at major U.S. airports
Reduced wait times
TSA Pre✓® Eligibility
The application process is done almost completely online. After you are “Conditionally Approved” online, you log back in to your account and schedule a 15 minute in-person interview. Interviews are usually in an office at an airport that services international flights. They ask you a few questions, take your picture for facial recognition, and fingerprints.
IMPORTANT:Interviews are HARD TO GET, but doable, at this time. Plan WAY ahead and make your appointment online after finding a location, date, and time that works for you. If you can’t get an appointment, you can do it at the airport as you return from your first international flight after being “Conditionally Approved”.
top left for flyout map location details.
Contact Info: 521 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806 // 828.370.TACO (8226) // 
