Parks where you can grill and chill in Asheville, NC
There are about 12 grills underneath the Carrier Park pavilion. | Photo by AVLtoday
If you’re lucky enough to have Labor Day off, we hope you’re planning to take it real easy.
To make the relaxation easy, we’ve got recs for six of the best spots to grill and chill in the Asheville area. And don’t forget to peep our guide to grilling, featuring tips from Luella’s BBQ owner Jeff Miller, later down in the newsletter.
Carrier Park | 220 Amboy Rd.
Carrier has something for everyone, including basketball + volleyball courts, baseball fields, a giant playground, and the famed “Mellowdrome,” which is perfect for skating or biking. Pssst, should any grilling fiasco occur, there’s also the HomeGround Coffee Bar & Deli and Cascade Lounge across the road.
This spot has a dog park, serene riverside views, and several large pavilions that are perfect for a sizable grilling operation. If you have a hammock, bring it along as well, as there’s a nice selection of trees from which you can suspend.
Chillax and bask in gorgeous views, and enjoy amenities like sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a disc golf course + walking trails. Plus, there’s great fishing spots.
If you’re down for an adventurous drive and soaring views, this cool, nestled-in-the-forest picnic locale will not disappoint.
Want more options? Find additional parks with grill setups via the City’s Park Finder app. And if you want to make a reservation for a picnic shelter, you can do so here.
Canton Labor Day Festival | Mon., Sept. 5 | All day | Sorrells Street Park, Canton | $10 | Mipso, Whitewater Bluegrass, and Leslie Hipps will perform on the second day of this 100+ year old community celebration.
Rummage Sale | Mon., Sept. 5 | 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. | Congregation Beth Israel, 229 Murdock Ave. | Find amazing bargains at this annual sale.
Tuesday
Swing Dance (and Lesson) | Tues., Sept. 6 | 7-10 p.m. | Cork & Keg Bar, 86 Patton Ave. | $5 for lesson, $7 for dancing | Join for a cozy evening of dancing at the wine bar.
Wednesday
I AM FROM HERE: Cookbook Dinner and Release Party | Wed., Sept. 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Chai Pani, 22 Battery Park Ave. | $129+ | This celebration of Vishwesh Bhatt’s first cookbook will feature plenty of storytelling + a multi-course dinner with paired cocktails.
Beauty Parlor Comedy: Tom Peters | Wed., Sept. 7 | 7 p.m. | Asheville Beauty Academy | $12 | Enjoy a performance from this NYC-based comedian, who is known for his contributions to The Hard Times and Reductress.
Music to Your Ears: Magical Mystery Tour | Wed., Sept. 7 | 7 p.m. | Asheville Guitar Bar | $10 | Local music journalist + author Bill Kopp will lead a discussion about The Beatles with bassist and songwriter Steve Stoeckel of The Spongetones.
Thursday
River Improvement and Protection Summit | Thurs., Sept. 8 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing, 21 Craven St. | Free | The Asheville Area Riverfront Redevelopment Commission will look for input on the challenges that development, flooding + sewer overflows pose to the watershed.
The Big Easy Wine Dinner | Thurs., Sept. 8 | 6 p.m. | Ivory Road, 1854 Brevard Rd., Arden | $58 | Gorge on a New Orleans-inspired five-course meal with an optional wine pairing.
Saturday
Highlands Historical Society’s Dazzling Dahlia Festival | Sat., Sept. 10-Sun., Sept. 11 | Highlands, NC | 12-5 p.m. | Free | Dahlia + floral vignettes will placed around Highlands for this family-friendly festival — don’t miss the bluegrass music, clogging, or kid’s scavenger hunt.*
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*
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76º | Scattered thunderstorms | 60% chance of rain
Announced
Garden & Gun Magazine is teaming up with Explore Asheville to host the multi-day “Spirit of Asheville: A Creative Experience” on Sun., Nov. 13-Mon., Nov. 14. The event will include opportunities to tour local galleries, studios, and creative spaces and sample innovative food + drinks. There will also be a dinner that celebrates the Made in the South Awards winners.
Jobs
Buncombe County is launching Project Fresh Start to help connect Ashevillians with potential jobs. The event will take place Sat., Sept. 17 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Arthur R. Edington Education & Career Center, where attendees will have the opportunity to network, build resumés, and take free professional headshots. RSVP. 📸
Learn
Calling all writers: Registration is now open for UNC Asheville’sGreat Smokies Writing Program Fall 2022 program, in which professional writers lead university-level classes in audio drama, memoir, publishing, fiction, poetry + more. ✍️ *
Eat
You won’t be-leaf this: Nine Mile is selling two of its signature salad dressings. Hollapeño Lime (made with jalapeno, lime + cilantro) and His Majesty’s (made with sesame, garlic + tahini) are available for purchase at all three Nine Mile locations starting this month. 🥗
Try This
How’s this for a hook? Buncombe County Parks and Rec will host its next kids fishing tournament at Lake Julian on Sat., Sept. 17, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Anyone 15 and under is welcome to compete + prizes will be awarded for the longest fish, shortest fish, and most fish caught. Register. 🐟
Plan Ahead
Looking Glass Realty is inviting you to its second annual block party on Sat., Oct. 1 from 2-7 p.m. at South Liberty St. There will be live music, craft brews, and food trucks, and all proceeds will benefit the Pisgah Conservancy’s work to preserve the Pisgah Ranger District. 🎉
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EAT
Pro tips for a great grill sesh
Expert grilling tips from Luella’s BBQ owner Jeff Miller
Photo via Pexels
Whether you’re prepping a simple supper or throwing a party, grilling is a great way to cook a meal. And because it’s always good to have some expert pointers, today we’re highlighting tips from a bona fide BBQ master: Jeff Miller, owner of Luella’s Bar-B-Que.
A frosty beverage, a meat thermometer + a good set of grill tongs is key.
Don’t forget the veggies. Eggplant, zucchini, squash, and corn are all ideal — but the sky’s the limit.
Go sweet + savory — ”If you can make a condiment like grilled fruit salsa to go along with your proteins, it’s the best thing,” says Jeff.
Editor’s pick: I hope you all have wonderful Labor Day. I’ll be celebrating the occasion today (and for the rest of the week) with a camping trip on the coast of Maine. Don’t worry, though, your newsletter will remain in skilled hands with my wonderful co-editor Brook and the rest of the team. See you when I get back!
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