Episode 67~ Anna Stearns: Love for Community and Buncombe County Commission Candidate

Episode 68~ Ruen Ellis from Side B Bar in Black Mtn, NC

This week on The Mountain Magnolia Show, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ruen Ellis, co-owner of Side B Bar, one of Black Mountain’s newest and most intriguing gathering spaces. Tucked beneath the historic Monte Vista Hotel at 106 New Bern Avenue, Side B is much more than a bar. It’s a place intentionally designed for connection, conversation, music, and slowing down long enough to enjoy the moment. As Ruen says, “The best was always saved for the other side of the vinyl.” Inspired by Japan’s legendary listening bars and informed by sounds, cultures, and experiences gathered from around the world, Side B feels like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. ~Late-night lo-fi love  ~Hi-fi sounds  ~Global pours ~Vibes for all the people of Black Mountain During our conversation, Ruen shares his incredible journey from South Africa to Australia, Europe, New York, and ultimately Western North Carolina, along with the vision behind creating what many are already calling Black Mountain’s living room. We also talk about their beautifully curated cocktail menu, including favorites like the smoky Dessert Funk, the refreshing Pink Noise, the Scandinavian-inspired Malmö, the Colombian espresso martini Calles de Cali, the tropical Indigo Drift, and the Japanese-inspired Club Toki-San. Even the non-alcoholic Arashiyama feels like a carefully crafted experience. What I loved most is the intention behind every detail—from the vinyl records and listening room to the lighting, seating, and atmosphere. Side B is a place where music deserves attention, cocktails are crafted with care, and conversation is still one of life’s greatest pleasures. If you’ve been curious about Side B or simply love hearing the stories behind the people helping shape our community, I think you’ll really enjoy this conversation.  SIDE B Bar 106 New Bern Avenue Basement of the Historic Monte Vista Hotel Black Mountain, NC 28711  Hours: Tuesday–Thursday: 5 PM–11 PM Friday–Saturday: 5 PM–1 AM Closed Sunday & Monday www.sideb-bar.com [http://www.sideb-bar.com/] So grab a cup of coffee, take a walk around Lake Tomahawk, or settle into your favorite chair and join us as we reveal the heart and soul of another special member of our Western North Carolina community. Listen now on The Mountain Magnolia Show. #MountainMagnoliaShow #BlackMountainNC #SideBBar #WesternNorthCarolina #Community #VinylCulture #CocktailCulture #BlackMountainLiving #SupportLocal #WNCLife

Episode 67~ Anna Stearns: Love for Community and Buncombe County Commission Candidate

In this episode of The Mountain Magnolia Show, Mary Noble sits down with Black Mountain based attorney, advocate, and Buncombe County Commission candidate Anna Stearns.   The conversation opens with a powerful quote from Brian Solis: “Community is much more than belonging to something. It’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.”   That quote becomes the heartbeat of this episode as Mary and Anna reflect on what community truly means in Buncombe County, from showing up for neighbors after Hurricane Helene, to rebuilding trust, supporting local families, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and connected.   Together, they explore how our community is beginning to shift away from constant hustle and productivity and back toward human connection. They talk about slowing down, being present with one another, sitting on front porches again, checking on neighbors, sharing stories, and remembering that our value is not only tied to how productive we are.   Anna shares her journey from growing up in Buncombe County and becoming a young mother, to building a career rooted in service, law, and advocacy. Together, they discuss Swannanoa recovery efforts, public trust, local leadership, and the importance of reconnecting face to face.   Anna also explains what the Buncombe County Commission actually does , from setting county property tax rates and budgets, to supporting public schools, AB Tech, libraries, parks, DSS, public safety, and long-term recovery efforts throughout the county.   The episode also highlights the upcoming election, with voting taking place in November and early voting beginning in October.   To learn more about Anna Stearns, support her campaign, or get involved, visit Anna For Buncombe [https://www.annaforbuncombe.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]   At the heart of it all is a conversation about togetherness, kindness, resilience, and the role we each play in caring for our communities.

Episode 66 ~ Jaqueline Smith from Black Mountain Tailgate Market

Opening Day for the Black Mountain Tailgate Market’s 32nd season is Saturday, May 2nd from 9 AM to 12 PM at 130 Montreat Road in Black Mountain , and I could not be more excited! On this episode of the Mountain Magnolia Show, I had the joy of sitting down with Jacqueline Smith, Market Director, to talk about the heart, history, and community behind this beloved Black Mountain tradition. The market is so much more than a place to buy fresh produce. It is where neighbors gather, farmers and makers are celebrated, music fills the air, and our community comes together in such a beautiful way. Jacqueline also shared how the market, now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is helping support local farmers, artisans, musicians, children’s programming, culinary arts, and food access efforts right here in our community. So grab your basket and come early for first picks of fresh strawberries, snap peas, baked goods, flowers, local meats, eggs, honey, handmade goods, and so much more. Opening Day: Saturday, May 2nd Time: 9 AM – 12 PM Location: 130 Montreat Road, Black Mountain Let’s show up, support local, and celebrate the start of the market’s 32nd season together.  To support food access for WNC please consider a monthly donation to Nourish Appalachia at tinyurl.com/feedwnc [http://tinyurl.com/feedwnc]    #MountainMagnoliaShow #BlackMountainTailgateMarket #BlackMountainNC #SupportLocal #FarmersMarket #WNCCommunity #NobleAndCompanyRealty

Episode 65: Mountain Magnolia Show – Stonewall Bakery with Martine Van Velden

Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about bread, tradition, craftsmanship, and the beauty of building community one loaf at a time.   “In a world of instant everything, sourdough reminds us that the best things still take time.”    “Sourdough is like a baby that never grows up.”   -Martine Van Velden    This week on the Mountain Magnolia Show, we welcome Martine Van Velden, owner of Stonewall Bakery, a beloved micro bakery nestled in the heart of Grovemont in Swannanoa, North Carolina.   Martine’s love for bread began over 10 years ago when she set out to feed her family the wholesome, nourishing bread she grew up with in the Netherlands—and today, that passion has grown into one of our area’s most treasured local bakeries.   At Stonewall Bakery, Martine believes “It’s all in the ingredients.” From locally sourced organic flour from Carolina Ground, to eggs from her chickens, produce from her garden, Dutch chocolate, French Broad cocoa, and even cherries flown in from California—every ingredient is intentionally chosen for quality and flavor.   Join me and Martine as we dive into the beautiful art and science behind true sourdough:   * Why long fermentation makes bread easier to digest * Her meticulous week-long baking process * Why she uses spelt and rye for gentler digestion * How 200 loaves are prepared each week with patience and precision   Martine shares what makes her artisanal sourdough so special, and why supporting local food systems and small makers matters so deeply to her.   How to Order: Visit https://stonewallbakery.com [https://stonewallbakery.com/] Sign up for texts to receive the weekly menu and place your order.   Friday Pickup Locations:   * Stonewall Bakery Micro Bakery – Grovemont in Swannanoa, NC * Beradu – Black Mountain, NC * Trout Lily – Fairview, NC     Find Stonewall Bakery at the Black Mountain Tailgate Market:   * Spring Market: Saturdays 10–2 through end of April (Behind Noble & Company Realty & The Grange)106  Black Mtn Ave and 120 Broadway  * Summer Market: Saturdays 9–12 beginning May 2 (At the Baptist Church) 130 Montreat Rd     Martine closes by sharing the one thing that changed her life for the better: Being part of a community where people support one another in such a beautiful way.     Bread Making workshop on April 21st https://www.history.swannanoavalleymuseum.org/wnc-hands-on-workshops/ [https://www.history.swannanoavalleymuseum.org/wnc-hands-on-workshops/]   socials https://www.instagram.com/stonewall_bakery/ [https://www.instagram.com/stonewall_bakery/]   https://www.facebook.com/share/18SYj9hCca/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/18SYj9hCca/?mibextid=wwXIfr]

Episode 64: Holiday Happenings at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts with John Hall

Holiday Happenings at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts with John Hall   In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with John Hall — associate director at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, and a well-loved actor, director, and arts advocate in our community. Our conversation dives into all of the incredible Holiday Happenings taking place over the next two weeks. These events bring world-class music, storytelling, comedy, and Appalachian traditions to the heart of Black Mountain.   Here’s a preview of what’s coming to BMCA:   Reasonably Priced Babies — Improv Comedy Friday, December 12 | 6:30pm and 9pm | $20 Each show is completely unique, created on the spot from audience suggestions. Fresh, original, and always a great time.   Kellin Watson & Friends’ Holiday Special (featuring Aaron Price) Saturday, December 13 | 7:30pm | $25 A beloved local favorite. The stage is transformed into a cozy living-room setting where Kellin and her friends share music and stories. Last year’s show sold out quickly.   Tales of Chanukah Sunday, December 14 | 2pm | $15 Featuring storytellers Catherine Serota, Zane Chait, and Donna Catton-Johnson, with Larry Pearlman as emcee. A warm and uplifting celebration of the Festival of Lights.   Christmas in Appalachia — A Family Show December 19–21 | $15 adults, $10 youth A singin’, strummin’ holiday experience with Appalachian music, storytelling, and audience participation. Led by musician Travis Stuart, storyteller John Hall, and friends, this show explores holiday traditions and memories from our mountain region.   Beyond these performances, the Black Mountain Center for the Arts continues its mission of bringing art to the people and people to the art. Programs include dance classes, art and clay studios, private music lessons, the Junior Appalachian Musicians program, the Swannanoa Valley Community Chorus, and ongoing gallery exhibitions.   John’s closing reminder is one to carry with us: “Life is short and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who make the journey with us. Be swift to love and make haste to be kind.”   Listen to the full episode to hear more about the heart, history, and creativity that make BMCA such a vital part of our community.