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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Asheville, NC
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
Service Areas
The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Asheville, NC You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Asheville, NC
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Asheville, NC
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
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Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Asheville, NC that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in Asheville, NC
NC Supreme Court upholds Asheville’s removal of Confederate statue
Michael Praatshttps://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/nc-supreme-court-upholds-ashevilles-removal-confederate-statue/X7RGZRKLKNBTHIL3RQIHDZVBPY/
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — North Carolina’s highest court ruled in favor of the City of Asheville in a lawsuit challenging the city’s removal of a Confederate monument in 2020.The lawsuit, filed in 2021 by the Society for the Historical Preservation of the 26th North Carolina Troops, alleged the City of Ashville and Buncombe County breached a contract by removing the Vance Monument from downtown Asheville....
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — North Carolina’s highest court ruled in favor of the City of Asheville in a lawsuit challenging the city’s removal of a Confederate monument in 2020.
The lawsuit, filed in 2021 by the Society for the Historical Preservation of the 26th North Carolina Troops, alleged the City of Ashville and Buncombe County breached a contract by removing the Vance Monument from downtown Asheville.
ALSO READ: Confederate monument will stay outside Gaston County Courthouse, ruling says
The Vance Monument was erected in 1897 in Pack Square Park in Asheville but faced issues with upkeep and fell into disrepair, according to the court’s decision. That’s when the group suing the city got involved and raised money to provide work on the monument and upkeep it.
“Plaintiff raised $138,447.38 for the purpose of restoring the monument, and on 30 March 2015, plaintiff executed an agreement with the City of Asheville … whereby plaintiff agreed to ‘purchase and conduct the restoration of the Vance Monument . . . and donate said Restoration to [defendant City] upon completion of the work,’” according to court documents.
The nonprofit claims they entered a contract with the city by raising that money – and say their efforts were essentially undermined when the city tore it down.
“Plaintiff asserted that it did not intend to raise money and expend significant amounts of time over the restoration period only for the monument to be torn down soon after completion,” according to the lawsuit.
In 2020, Confederate monuments across the state and the country faced significant backlash and some were even torn down by citizens, leading to some cities, including Asheville to remove them citing public safety concerns.
ALSO READ: Charlotte renames 2 more streets with names tied to slavery, Confederacy
The lawsuit shares similarities with another case out of Forsyth County where the United Daughters of the Confederacy challenged the removal of another monument. The North Carolina Supreme Court eventually ruled on the case and determined the organization did not claim ownership or ‘contractual interest in the monument,’ and dismissed the case.
When reached for comment, the City of Asheville provided a statement saying:
“On Friday, March 22, the North Carolina Supreme Court issued its opinion in the lawsuit filed against the City of Asheville in the wake of its decision to remove the Vance Monument. The City is extremely pleased with this result and we are grateful to the Court for its consideration of the issues involved in this case.
“With nearly three years of litigation at an end, the City looks forward to re-visioning Pack Square and the former monument site in a manner that fosters hope, healing, and inclusion. We are hopeful that this represents a meaningful turning point for this site, our City, and our many residents and visitors.”
Channel 9 reached out to the Society for the Historical Preservation of the 26th North Carolina Troops, the group has not responded to a request for comment.
(WATCH BELOW: North Carolina court says county doesn’t have to remove Confederate statue)
North Carolina court says county doesn’t have to remove Confederate statue
Meherwan Irani to move Chai Pani in Asheville, N.C., to a larger space
Stacey Ballishttps://www.nrn.com/menumasters-spotlight/meherwan-irani-move-chai-pani-asheville-nc-larger-space
Since 2009, Chai Pani in Asheville, N.C., has been serving Indian street food to wide acclaim. Over the past 15 years, business partners Meherwan and Molly Irani have expanded the business to include other locations, opened other concepts like their Botiwalla restaurants, launched a spice company, Spicewalla, and won countless awards including a James Beard Restaurant and Chefs Award for Outstanding Restaurant and the ...
Since 2009, Chai Pani in Asheville, N.C., has been serving Indian street food to wide acclaim. Over the past 15 years, business partners Meherwan and Molly Irani have expanded the business to include other locations, opened other concepts like their Botiwalla restaurants, launched a spice company, Spicewalla, and won countless awards including a James Beard Restaurant and Chefs Award for Outstanding Restaurant and the MenuMasters Innovator award by Nation’s Restaurant News.
One of the hallmarks of the original Chai Pani has been that it doesn’t take reservations, and waits can sometimes be more than two hours to snag a table at the modestly sized restaurant. After the closing of one of their other concepts, Buxton Hall Barbecue, the Iranis recognized a unique opportunity to move the restaurant into a much larger space, and begin to imagine what Chai Pani 2.0 might look like. It’s slated to open in April. Meherwan Irani recently discussed the move.
Chai Pani has been thriving in its original space for so many years, what is the driving force behind moving it to a new location?
The original Chai Pani space was always a challenging space to work in and take care of our guests. The kitchen is tiny, there’s almost no storage, and the dining room is crowded and cramped. But it was part of the charm and we made it work. When the James Beard award happened, our customer count nearly doubled, and the space can’t keep up with the sheer volume of busyness. I’ve always said that a good business has an obligation to make it easy to be a customer. By moving to the new location, we’re going from 2,400 square feet to 10,000 and can provide an incredible customer experience worthy of Chai Pani’s fame.
What opportunities does the new space provide that you are most excited about?
There will be three times the seating — no more two-hour waits! — and much more space for equipment in the kitchen. We’ll be able to seat large groups and offer private dining and catering again. A big part of the Chai Pani experience is décor and storytelling and unique experiences. We’re able to lean in even more into décor and artworks. We’ll offer Pani Puri [stuffed deep-fried snacks] on the weekends and will even have a Bollywood themed bar upstairs.
Will the new space have a big impact on the menu? Are there dishes you just couldn’t execute in the original kitchen that will be possible now?
All the Chai Pani hits that are currently on the menu will stay but we are excited to bring in even more street food and regional Indian specialties with more space and more equipment than we've ever had. As an homage to Buxton Hall, we’re retaining a smoker to create some wood fired low-and-slow recipes.
You are going to install a Botiwalla in the old space this summer. Why is that the right concept for that location?
The original Chai Pani was a counter service, fast-casual restaurant that evolved into a full-service restaurant. Its success also came with the compromise of changing my original vision for what a street food restaurant should look like. Botiwalla takes it back to the street vibe, fast and furious service: Our average ticket times are under 2 minutes. It’ll better serve both locals living or working downtown looking for a quick lunch or easy dinner, and downtown tourists who don’t want to wait an hour in line just to experience our food.
What are you most excited about with Botiwalla?
Firstly, we get to keep our beloved space where it all started. We often refer to that location as the mothership. I’m also excited about the efficiency that the Botiwalla concept will bring to that kitchen and dining room. It’ll be an experience that matches the space and vibes of a downtown dining scene.
How do you define the differences between a Chai Pani and a Botiwalla?
While Chai Pani is a celebration of chaat, the iconic street food of India, Botiwalla is our fast-casual concept paying homage to the near-extinct Irani cafes of my childhood and my particular love of all things grilled. The Chai Pani look is defined by the street hawkers and truck stops of India. Botiwalla’s decor is a play on the juxtaposition of the faded Victorian colonial influence in our architecture along with Parsi sensibilities and Bollywood themed nostalgia.
Downtown Patton Avenue Corridor Feasibility Study
The City of Ashevillehttps://www.ashevillenc.gov/projects/downtown-patton-avenue-corridor-feasibility-study/
The purpose of the Patton Avenue Corridor Study is to develop transportation, land use, and urban design recommendations for Patton Avenue from the Jeff Bowen Bridge to the easternmost terminus at Pack Square. The goals for the study are to:There are three other City projects within this same study area, as shown in the map below (click the map to expand it). To learn more about any of those projects, select the relevant hyperlink below....
The purpose of the Patton Avenue Corridor Study is to develop transportation, land use, and urban design recommendations for Patton Avenue from the Jeff Bowen Bridge to the easternmost terminus at Pack Square. The goals for the study are to:
There are three other City projects within this same study area, as shown in the map below (click the map to expand it). To learn more about any of those projects, select the relevant hyperlink below.
Carter St/Ann St/Patton Ave Stormwater Project
College Patton Bike Lane Project
Patton Avenue Sidewalk Accessibility Improvements
On August 22, 2023, the Asheville City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with McAdams for a corridor and feasibility study of Patton Avenue between the Jeff Bowen Bridge and Pack Square. The project will take approximately one year and will be reviewed regularly by a Project Working Group composed of community members.
On Wednesday, November 29, 2023, the project will conduct a public open house event to kick off the project. This free meeting will be held in the Banquet Hall of Harrah’s Cherokee Center located at 87 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801 from 5-7PM. Please help to spread the word. More information will be shared as we approach the meeting date.
For decades residents have been trying to create a vision for the western gateway to downtown Asheville. Concepts focused on transportation changes, such as realigning Patton Avenue, as well as land use ideas to extend the downtown westward to the Jeff Bowen bridge. In 2022, staff summarized these efforts in the East Patton Avenue Report.
August 22, 2023 – City Council authorizes a professional contract with McAdams
August 28, 2023 – Internal Kickoff Meeting with McAdams, NCDOT, the MPO, and City staff
November 29, 2023 – Public Open House (5-7PM, Banquet Hall, Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801)
The following chart summarizes the proposed timeline and milestones of the Downtown Patton Avenue Corridor & Feasibility study over the span of the next year.
Resolution No 23-174 Authorizing the City to Execute a Contract with McAdams
View 2024's solar eclipse in Asheville-area dark sky certified park; one of the only in NC
Will Hofmannhttps://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2024/02/29/solar-eclipse-2024-asheville-star-gazing-dark-sky-park-and-more/72772017007/
Millions of Americans will be in the path of the April 8 total eclipse — the first eclipse for all of North America since 2017.Asheville may not be in the path of totality, but some of the best opportunities to learn about the celestial event are taking place in the area — including an event with a retired astronaut.Yet, Western North Carolina also has the opportunity to see the night sky in a unique way — that is, in a dark sky certified park.The Asheville-area has one of the only dark s...
Millions of Americans will be in the path of the April 8 total eclipse — the first eclipse for all of North America since 2017.
Asheville may not be in the path of totality, but some of the best opportunities to learn about the celestial event are taking place in the area — including an event with a retired astronaut.
Yet, Western North Carolina also has the opportunity to see the night sky in a unique way — that is, in a dark sky certified park.
The Asheville-area has one of the only dark sky certified parks in North Carolina — Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, or PARI.
Dark sky certified parks are certified by the International Dark Sky association as "protected areas around the world that preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education."
The only other parks with dark sky certification in North Carolina is Cape Lookout National Seashore and Mayland Earth to Sky Park & Bare Dark Sky Observatory.
Dark Sky Week is a "worldwide celebration of the dark and natural light," as light pollution grows to effect the night sky, according to the International Dark Sky Association website. This year's "Dark Sky Week" will take place from April 2 to April 8 — coinciding with the total annular eclipse.
Over the next three months, PARI will host three dark sky astronomy nights, where amateur astronomers will be able to visit the institute with their own viewing equipment. The events cost $15 to attend.
For the eclipse, PARI will host a day-long event during which eclipse watchers can pay to view and learn about the solar event from 11 a.m to 4:30 p.m. on April 8.
Tickets for the event start at $40 for children 12 and under, and $80 for adults. The day-long event includes an eclipse education session, lunch and a guided museum tour in the afternoon.
More:Perplexing side of the moon: WCU prof works with NASA to help solve longtime lunar mystery
The eclipse will be partially visible - don't forget your glasses
While Western North Carolina will not be within the eclipse's path of totality, it will cover roughly 87% of the sun's disk in the Asheville area, according to Eclipse2024.org, a website dedicated to providing information from eclipse experts and eclipse chasers.
On April 8, the eclipse will start to dim the sun's light at 1:51 p.m. Maximum coverage from the eclipse will take place at 3:09 p.m., when the moon will cover most of the sun's disk in the Asheville-area. The eclipse ends at 4:24 p.m.
All eclipse watchers need proper ISO rated 12,312 glasses to view the eclipse, as staring at the eclipse without protection can cause severe eye injury or blindness.
However, other options to watch the eclipse are available, such as pinhole and optical projections from the sun's light. The American Astronomical Society has directions on how to safely view or create devices to view the eclipse at https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/projection.
Looking for glasses? Look no further:Everything you need to know about solar eclipse glasses, including where to get them
A once-in-a-lifetime comet comes into view
Comet 12/P Pons-Brooks, also known as the "devil comet," will be just out of the viewing timeline, yet the celestial event will arguably be as interesting.
The comet is making its first pass over Earth since June 1954 and will likely not make its return until 2095, according to NASA. This April, when it will be brightest, will be one of the few opportunities to view the rare comet.
The comet earns its name for its "horn-like" emissions of dust and ice, which create a stream that has often been compared to a horseshoe or Star Wars' Millennium Falcon.
Sun-orbiting comets are made of dust and ice that stream away from its "nucleus" or its solid frozen core, according to NASA. The Astronomy Club of Asheville noted the comet may be visible during the eclipse to the left of the sun.
Upcoming local star gazes
The Astronomy Club of Asheville, in conjunction with the University of North Carolina Asheville, will be hosting three star gazing events in March, giving the public free opportunities to learn more about our universe. Here's when you can go:
While star gazes with the club are free, some require pre-registration to attend. If weather prevents star gazes, back-up dates are provided.
You can learn more about registering at the UNCA Lookout Observatory website at lookoutobservatory.unca.edu/upcoming-stargazes/ and more about the Astronomy Club of Asheville at www.astroasheville.org.
More:New Aldi and Sheetz locations 'expected' in proposed Asheville-area development
More:Asheville, other forest advocates sue U.S. Forest Service over timber target analysis
Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at WHofmann@citizentimes.com.
This Affrilachian Chef Just Opened Asheville, North Carolina's 'Hottest' New Restaurant
Taryn Whitehttps://www.travelandleisure.com/ashleigh-shanti-restaurant-asheville-north-carolina-black-appalachian-cuisine-8536164
The fast-casual eatery celebrates Black Appalachian culture, community, and cuisine.Amidst the buzzing food scene of Asheville, North Carolina, one restaurant has managed to garner constant anticipation and excitement: ...
The fast-casual eatery celebrates Black Appalachian culture, community, and cuisine.
Amidst the buzzing food scene of Asheville, North Carolina, one restaurant has managed to garner constant anticipation and excitement: Good Hot Fish. Created by James Beard Award finalist and Top Chef contestant Ashleigh Shanti, this fast-casual eatery opened this month in Asheville’s South Slope District. Good Hot Fish, which pays homage to the fish-frying heritage in Shanti’s family, is not only one of the hippest places to dine in Asheville but also a gathering spot that celebrates Black Appalachian culture, community, and cuisine.
For Shanti, food and fishing have always been a way of life. Growing up along the woodlands and waterways of coastal Virginia, she learned the art of frying fish at her family’s fish camps, where the men would catch and gut the fish, and the women would season and fry their catch. Led by her grandmother and Great Aunt Hattie, the matriarchs of her family would sell their mouthwatering creations after Sunday church services and throughout town, their signature call of "Good hot fish! Come get your good hot fish!" drawing customers from far and wide.
Surprisingly, none of Shanti's family members pursued a culinary career. But Shanti is proudly carrying on their legacy through her unique fusion of Black Appalachian or "Affrilachian" cuisine with Southern flavors and global influences. She’s reimagined everything from her grandmother’s buttermilk cornbread soup to international staples like hummus, crafting it with black-eyed peas and fermented benne.
Shanti's culinary journey has taken her to various corners of the U.S. and the world, from culinary school in Baltimore to flavorful expeditions in Cameroon. Yet, despite her vast experiences and coveted chef positions, she’s often found herself yearning for the simple joys of her childhood kitchen.
"Food has always brought people together and created a sense of community for me," Shanti told Travel + Leisure. But a trip to Shenandoah National Park sparked a deeper realization for Shanti. A thought-provoking exhibit at the visitor’s center at Shenandoah National Park asked, "Where are the African Americans of Appalachia?” This exhibit caused her to reflect on the lack of representation of African Americans in Appalachia, and it ignited her determination to showcase the rich food culture of Black Appalachia.
As chef de cuisine at Benne on Eagle in Asheville's historic "The Block" neighborhood, Shanti's bold and innovative Black Appalachian menu garnered critical acclaim. It’s also where she discovered the power of storytelling through food and the importance of owning one's narrative. Her departure from Benne on Eagle in 2020 marked the beginning of a new chapter that saw her pop-up shop bring her cherished foods to an eager public, but this time, on her own terms.
“It’s deeply important for me to fully own my story,” she said. With her latest venture, Good Hot Fish, Shanti aims to recreate those same childhood feelings of togetherness and connection, drawing inspiration from iconic spots like Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington, DC. As she takes diners on a journey back to her roots, she wants patrons “to feel welcomed and nostalgic, like they're visiting my home.”
Housed inside Eulogy, a live music venue by Burial Beer Co., Good Hot Fish will serve a carefully curated menu with elevated offerings like caviar beer, locally sourced seasonal fare, and classic sides like baked beans, stewed collards, and hush puppies. Not to be missed are Shanti's famous fish sandwiches and plates, made with wild-caught Carolina blue catfish and a signature Burial Beer batter texture she describes as "glass-shattering crispy." Another standout dish is Shanti's personal favorite, trout “bologna” and cheese, a filet of sunburst trout cured in the same fashion as the conventional pork classic and served on a fluffy potato bun with yellow mustard, grilled onions, and American cheese.
Beyond serving delectable dishes, Shanti uses food as a medium to spark meaningful dialogue about important topics such as diversity, heritage preservation, and food justice. And as an advocate for African-American and Southern food traditions, she is elevating the voices and stories behind these traditions and shining a light on their invaluable contributions to American gastronomy. Far more than a chef, she’s a storyteller and a changemaker, using the universal language of food to unite and inspire.
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