This week, Hallmark began filming another holiday love story at Biltmore and locations across downtown Asheville, like the Fine Arts Theatre and Pack’s Tavern. In honor of the studio being back in town to film another flick, we thought we’d make a little movie magic of our own.
We’ve created a fill-in-the-blank, “Mad Libs"-style activity for you to write up your very own Asheville-inspired holiday film.
Simply fill in the blanks in this form (the wilder the better, of course) — once you’re finished, it will show you your fully completed story. Send us your script and we just might share it in an upcoming newsletter.
“An Asheville Christmas Miracle”
It’s the week before Christmas in the (adjective) city of Asheville, and (character name 1), a successful (job title), is back in town to visit family after years of living in (different city). When they arrive, they discover that Asheville’s (annual holiday tradition) is at risk of being canceled due to (reason). Refusing to let this happen, (character name 1) agrees to help save the (annual holiday tradition).
While sipping on a (beverage) at (local coffee shop), (character name 1) bumps into (character name 2), a quirky (job title) with a passion for (hobby). (Character name 2) is just as upset as (character name 1) about (annual holiday tradition) being canceled and agrees to help save it.
As the two work together, sparks begin to fly, but (character name 1) is not here for romance. They fully intend on returning to (different city) after the holidays — they’re up for a promotion to head (job title) after all.
Finally, the day of the (annual holiday tradition) arrives and it has the biggest turnout ever — (number) people. Mayor Manheimer declares that (annual holiday tradition) is officially saved thanks to (character name 1) and (character name 2) and they receive keys to the city.
Holding the key in their hand, (character name 1) decides that Asheville is the place where (verb) happens best, and realizes that they can still pursue their dream career of (job title) right here in town. They share a kiss with (character name 2) under the glow of the (color) Christmas lights before walking to (local coffee shop) to split a (food item).
Your submissions
We asked you to complete our Mad Libs-style script and send us your creations — and boy, y’all did not disappoint. Here are a few of our favorites:
By Rick B. (who in our book, gets bonus points for theme)
It’s the week before Christmas in the HomeGrown city of Asheville, and Tall John, a successful Baby Bull, is back in town to visit family after years of living in Jerusalem Garden. When they arrive, they discover that Asheville’s tradition of Day Trip is at risk of being canceled due to The Madness. Refusing to let this happen, Tall John agrees to help save the Day Trip.
While sipping on The Mule at Rowan, Tall John bumps into Neng Jr., a quirky Gypsy Queen with a passion for Hot Box. Neng Jr. is just as upset as Tall John about Day Trip being canceled and agrees to help save it.
As the two work together, sparks begin to fly, but Tall John is not here for romance. They fully intend on returning to Jerusalem Garden after the holidays — they’re up for a promotion to head Baby Bull after all.
Finally, the day of the Day Trip arrives, and it has the biggest turnout ever — Five Points people. Mayor Manheimer declares that Day Trip is officially saved, thanks to Tall John and Neng Jr., and they receive keys to the city.
Holding the key in their hand, Tall John decides that Asheville is the place where W.A.L.K.(ing) happens best, and realizes that they can still pursue their dream career of Baby Bull right here in town. They share a kiss with Neng Jr. under the glow of the Copper Crown Christmas lights before walking to Rowan to split a Biscuit Head.
By Emma M.
It’s the week before Christmas in the quirky city of Asheville, and Annabelle Sarah Jones, a successful plant store barista, vlogger, and part-time ceramic artist, is back in town to visit family after years of living in Greenville, SC. When they arrive, they discover that Asheville’s tradition of Belle Chere is at risk of being canceled due to too many tourists. Refusing to let this happen, Annabelle Sarah Jones agrees to help save Belle Chere.
While sipping on an artisanal gin at High Five, Annabelle Sarah Jones bumps into Jason James Johnson III, a quirky Lumberjack content creator, hairdresser, and part-time DoorDash driver with a passion for kombucha making. Jason James Johnson III is just as upset as Annabelle Sarah Jones about Belle Chere being canceled and agrees to help save it.
As the two work together, sparks begin to fly, but Annabelle Sarah Jones is not here for romance. They fully intend on returning to Greenville, SC after the holidays — they’re up for a promotion to head plant store barista, vlogger and part-time ceramic artist after all.
Finally, the day of the Belle Chere arrives, and it has the biggest turnout ever — 2 people. Mayor Manheimer declares that Belle Chere is officially saved, thanks to Annabelle Sarah Jones and Jason James Johnson III, and they receive keys to the city.
Holding the key in their hand, Annabelle Sarah Jones decides that Asheville is the place where things ought to happen best, and realizes that they can still pursue their dream career of Plant store barista, vlogger, and part-time ceramic artist right here in town. They share a kiss with Jason James Johnson III under the glow of the forest green Christmas lights before walking to High Five to split a fermented potato strings fried in beef tallow.
By Emily B.
It’s the week before Christmas in the quirky city of Asheville, and Dilbert, a successful Professional Cuddler, is back in town to visit family after years of living in Butterbottom. When they arrive, they discover that Asheville’s tradition of goat riding is at risk of being canceled due to competitive duck herding. Refusing to let this happen, Dilbert agrees to help save the goat riding.
While sipping on a Dirty Shirley at High Five, Dilbert bumps into Marsha Mellow, a quirky Chief Biscuit Dunker with a passion for sloth racing. Marsha Mellow is just as upset as Dilbert about goat riding being canceled and agrees to help save it.
As the two work together, sparks begin to fly, but Dilbert is not here for romance. They fully intend on returning to Butterbottom after the holidays — they’re up for a promotion to head Professional Cuddler after all.
Finally, the day of the goat riding arrives, and it has the biggest turnout ever — 9,743,412 people. Mayor Manheimer declares that goat riding is officially saved, thanks to Dilbert and Marsha Mellow, and they receive keys to the city.
Holding the key in their hand, Dilbert decides that Asheville is the place where schmoozing happens best, and realizes that they can still pursue their dream career of Professional Cuddler right here in town. They share a kiss with Marsha Mellow under the glow of the arsenic-yellow Christmas lights before walking to High Five to split an avocado pie.
