Asheville has always had an independent spirit. With its roots growing deep in the heart of Appalachia, the city has a strong, determined identity that works alongside a certain joi de vivre which hums through so many facets of life in this mountain town - including its Modern Appalachian food scene, recently ranked by Yelp as the No. 1 food-destination city in the United States.

The first time I went to New York, it was 1979. I was a freshman on summer break from Bard College. I was exhilarated - and overwhelmed.

Last summer, Livability.com ranked Chattanooga No. 3 on its list of the 10 Best Home Base Cities for Road Trippers nationwide.

The last time we saw the Weasley family car from the Harry Potter canon, it was loose in the Forbidden Forest near Hogwarts castle.

When garden industry experts release a list of prevailing trends for the coming year, a layperson might expect to see mentions of the newest decking material, soil innovation or rosebush. But Garden Media Group's crystal ball uses a wide-angle lens that looks beyond the backyard.

The woman called home contractor Allan Chambers, asking if he had a wet vac that could suck up some water in her house.

The evening's festivities included dinner and live auction, while celebrating the American Heart Association's efforts to build a foundation of community health.

The Mystikal Krewe of Indulgences hosted it 25th annual celebration, featuring a Cajun buffet, drinks, dancing, live music and the crowning of the Mardis Gras king and queen. Supporting a chosen charity each year, this year's milestone event benefited Downside Up Inc. which provides support for those with Down syndrome and their families.

Chambliss Center for Children's eighth annual gala featured Cajun-inspired fare, cocktails, Dixieland jazz by the Ralph Miller Quartet, a late-evening DJ and dance party and lots of New Orleans-style fun. Chambliss serves the community with services from foster care to sliding-scale summer camps.