The raddest parts of the RAD

Neighborhood Guide: River Arts District

Grind AVL is the first Black-owned coffee shop in the area. | Photo by AVLtoday

When you head to the River Arts District — aka the RAD — you’re visiting one of Asheville’s coolest, quirkiest + artistic communities. The neighborhood has grown since our city’s early days, so we wanted to check out what’s currently brewing here. If you haven’t explored in a while, it might be time to rediscover why so many people — maybe even you — love to call it home.

Need to know

You’re not the only one with your eyes set on this artsy oasis. Over the last decade, the artist population has nearly doubled — and there are now 15 restaurants/coffee shops in the neighborhood (up from three).

Wondering why? The completion of the River Arts District Transportation Improvement Project in 2021 has much to do with it. The $35 million project rebuilt the transportation network along the east side of the French Broad River, which has supported the growth of new businesses + residential spaces.

From the 1930s to the early 1970s, Ned Wheeler Brokerage Company was located in this building — now it contains artist studios.

The early days

Before this mile and a half section of Asheville became a mecca for artists, outdoor recreation, and craft beer, it was our city’s first industrial hub.

Then, a devastating 1916 flood (plus economic ruin brought about by the Great Depression) led to decades of downturn — with many of the once booming factory buildings becoming shuttered + abandoned.

In the 1970s, creatives were drawn to the area for its cheap rent + abundance of warehouse spaces, and thus the neighborhood’s artistic renaissance began.

River Arts District — The Wilma Dykeman Greenway traverses more than two-miles along the French Broad River.

Eat + drink

The food and beverage scene in the RAD is just as creative as the graffiti, tattoo shops, and artisan makers.

Enjoy a toasted marshmallow latte, dalgona, or another specialty coffee drink at Grind AVL.
Taste a buttery, delightful fusion of Southern + European culinary influence with dinner at Vivian.
Sample flights or glasses of NC-made wine at plēb urban winery.
Snag a pitcher of beer and check out an array of rotating food trucks at Wedge Brewing‘s two RAD locations.
Eat a legendary double cheeseburger (paired with a chocolate malt) at Baby Bull.
Load up on an array of sourdough loaves, bagels, babka, fluffy focaccia, and jambon beurre at artisan bakery Mother.

WHERE TO SHOP, PLAY + WORK

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Today

International Peace Day Celebration | Wed., Sept. 21 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum | Free | Learn about the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, make art, and participate in poetry, music, and dance in the plaza. ☮️
Autumn Equinox Celebration + Fundraiser | Wed., Sept. 21 | 3-6 p.m. | RAD Farmers Market, 289 Lyman St. | Free | Celebrate the Autumn Equinox with all your favorite market vendors, plus live apple cider pressing + a class with Burning Sage Yoga.

Thursday

Garden Song: An Evening of Music & Prose | Thurs., Sept. 22 | 6-8 p.m. | The Flora Garden Cafe, 428 Haywood Rd. | Free | Enjoy snacks and drinks while listening to Appalachian folk tunes from Sally Anne Morgan + Derek Clatterbuck, plus storytelling from Sarah Simpson.
Jettie Rae’s + Good Hot Fish Pop-Up Dinner | Thu., Sep. 22 | 5:45-10 p.m. | Jettie Rae’s Oyster House, 143 Charlotte St. | $135 | James Beard semi-finalist and Top Chef alum Ashleigh Shanti joins forces with Chef Will Cisa of Jettie Rae’s Oyster House for a collaborative, six course pop-up dinner. 🍽️
Tuning In & Turning Inward | Thurs., Sept. 22 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Asheville Yoga Center | $30 | Mark the Fall Equinox with live music from Verena Wieloch + gentle yoga led by Shala Worsley.
10th Anniversary Mini Spa Event | Thurs., Sept. 22 | 2-7 p.m. | 16 N. Liberty St. | $48 | Celebrate the Asheville Salt Cave’s 10th anniversary with a salt cave session, table massage, and herbal foot soak.

Friday

Empire Strikes Brass | Fri., Sep. 23 | 9 p.m. | Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave. | $25+ | This kickoff party for the NOLA Brass Fest features Empire Strikes Brass + Funk N Around with King Garfield. 🎷
Hi-Wire’s End of Summer Blowout Drag Show | Fri., Sep. 23 | 9:30-11:30 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing-Biltmore Village, 2 Huntsman Pl. | $10+ | Brenda the Drag Queen will host this end of summer party, with tunes spun by DJ Lil Meow Meow.

Saturday

New Orleans Brass Fest: Asheville | Sat., Sept. 24 | 3 p.m. | Salvage Station | $20+ | This NOLA-style music festival includes performances from Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Joint Killer Brass Band, and Da Truth Brass Band, plus New Orleans cuisine, arts and crafts, and beyond. ⚜️

Plan Ahead

Burnpile 2022: a Music and Beer Festival | Sat., Oct. 15 | 1-6 p.m. | Forestry Camp, 10 Shady Oak Dr. | $40+ | Enjoy a full-day concert from three musical acts, a tasting experience from a lineup of over of the country’s best breweries + more. *

We have a monthly 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.*

100+ MORE EVENTS

What’s growing at WNC Farmers Market

Scuppernong at the farmers market_WNC Farmers Market_AVL

Shop the season’s latest and talk to NC farmers at the 36-acre property. | Photo provided by WNC Farmers Market

WNC Farmers Market is known for providing our region with the best local agriculture + goods — seven days a week, 361 days a year. But did you know about the market’s fresh, new additions? 🌻

Here’s what’s growing at WNC Farmers Market:

Updated market map and signage
WNC Foodworks Kitchen, an upcoming 5,000-sqft facility for aspiring food-focused entrepreneurs + local food trucks
Seasonal fall produce
Locally grown native plants and trees for fall planting

Pro tip: Visit now for muscadines, scuppernongs, NC apples + pumpkins — and tour the market below. 🍎*

SEE WHAT ELSE YOU’LL FIND

Weather

87º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain

Community

The new James Vester Miller walking trail, which traces the historic contributions and impact of the renowned Black architect, will officially debut with a public tour on Sat., Oct. 8 at 11 a.m. at Pack Library’s Lord Auditorium. Learn more history via Buncombe County’s newly launched website.
Buncombe County Public Libraries will adjust its hours on Thursdays starting this week. From now on, all libraries will be open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., rather than the previous schedule of 10 a.m.-8 p.m.. The goal is to reduce unscheduled library closures. ⏱️ (Mountain Xpress)

Traffic

A section of I-26 East will be closed through this Thurs., Sept. 22. From 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., exits 40 to 44 of I-26 will be closed + drivers will be detoured to US 25 (Hendersonville Rd.). Green lights will be held longer to accommodate additional traffic. 🚦(Mountain Xpress)

Arts

The inaugural Asheville Design Weekend, produced by AIGA Asheville and the Center for Craft, will take place Fri., Sept. 30-Sun., Oct. 2. The event celebrates Asheville’s amazing design, craft, and architecture + includes networking, workshops, and other presentations.
Join local music journalist Bill Kopp on Wed., Oct. 5 for the next Music to Your Ears discussion. Attendees will chat about the legacy of key tracks on John Lennon’s Rock ‘N’ Roll LP + hear from special guest Jay Bergen, the author of “Lennon, the Mobster & the Lawyer.” 🎸

Film

The 25th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival will show at the Grail Moviehouse Fri., Sept. 23-Mon., Oct. 3. The international festival will feature eight short films that deal with the common theme of how people manage adversity. Check out a trailer. 🎞️

Eat

Tickets are available for Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity’s Blueprint Breakfast for Dinner, taking place on Thurs., Oct. 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Rabbit Rabbit. Executive Chef Michelle Bailey will cook up breakfast in support of building safe, affordable housing in Asheville. 🍳

Plan Ahead

The Haunted Farm, one of WNC’s most popular haunts, will open for the Halloween season on Sat., Oct. 1. The Hendersonville attraction will include 60+ actors and 45 minutes of terrifying fun. Get tickets. 🎃 (WLOS)

Real Estate

With successful long-term rental history and easy walkability to West Asheville, this 3 BD, 3 BA home is currently divided into three units (two on the main level + one basement-level). A homeowner could live on-site and rent out the other units or transform it back into a spacious, single-family home. 🏡 *

Celebrate

We want to wish a happy belated birthday (yesterday) to our teammate Emily, 6AM City Multi-City Editor. Happy birthday, Emily!

Health

Cancer in children is rare — however, it is still the leading cause of death by disease past infancy in the US. Prisma Health pediatric oncologist Stuart Cramer, DO, answers questions + explains what you should know about childhood cancer and sickle cell disease.*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Celebrate Latinx Heritage Months in AVL

How to celebrate Latinx Heritage Months in Asheville, NC

The name comes from a gregarious South American bird. | Photo by Camille Nevarez-Hernandez

Happy Latinx Heritage Months, AVL.

Asheville City Council has proclaimed Sept. 15-Oct. 15 as a time to highlight + honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central + South America.

Here are a few events to add to your calendar:

Puerto Rico Celebration | Tues., Sept. 27 | 5:30-8 p.m. | BeLoved’s Liberation Station | Free | Join this cooking and history lesson that celebrates the fusion of cultures in Puerto Rico.
Latin Cuisine with Martina | Thurs., Oct. 20 | 5-7 p.n. | Burton Street Kitchen, 134 Burton St. | Free | This Latinx cooking class is led by Chef Martina Valdez.
Hispanic Heritage Celebration | Fri., Oct. 21 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St. | Free | An evening of music, dancing, and delicious Latin cuisine followed by an outdoor screening of the 2021 Disney film “Encanto.”
Mr. and Ms. Gay Latino Asheville 2022 | Sat., Nov. 12 | 7 p.m. | $40+ | Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave. | Now in its 14th year, the MGLA pageant brings together contestants for a night of music, dance, drag, and fabulous competition.

Another way to honor the occasion? Give extra support to all of our local Latinx artists, business owners, and creators.

5+ LATINX-OWNED BUSINESSES

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Laura.

Editor’s pick: What’s a Halloween costume that Ashevillians would find uniquely scary? One of my teammates said “plastic bags” and it cracked me up — now I’m wondering what you all think? The funnier, the better.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Get the scoop on the Blue Ridge Pride Festival and New Stock Pantry’s new storefront, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Hackett, Brook Bolen, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Helen Purnell | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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