• “Even As We Breathe” by Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle | Release date: September 8, 2020 | The first novel ever published by an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, this World War II-era story centers on a young Cherokee man who navigates new life roles and raises broader questions about identity, culture, and history.
• “Where All Light Tends to Go” by David Joy | Release date: March 3, 2015 | Joy’s first book, a dark tale of a young man seeking redemption, was an Edgar Award finalist for best first novel. It’s also the basis of an upcoming American crime-thriller film starring Billy Bob Thornton and Robin Wright.

• “Carolina Haints: Ghosts, Folklore, and Mysteries of the Old North State” by Dan Sellers and Jeffrey Cochran | Release date: October 26, 2021 | This book explores the Tar Heel State’s legends and lore using storytelling and fun personal narratives.
• “Santa Claus Worldwide: A History of St. Nicholas and Other Holiday Gift-Bringers” by Tom Jerman | Release date: May 11, 2020 | This fascinating and comprehensive history of Jolly Old St. Nick showcases the iconic character’s diversity and evolution.

• “Discovering the Appalachian Trail: A Guide to the Trail’s Greatest Hikes” by Joshua Niven and Amber Adams Niven | Release date: June 1, 2022| Featuring stunning original photos, the essays in this work detail the healing nature of hiking the iconic trail.
• “The Power of Scenery: Frederick Law Olmsted and the Origin of National Parks” by Dennis Drabelle | Release date: Nov. 1, 2021 | This lavish tome tells the fascinating story of how the national park movement began and spread around the world.

• Foodie Book Club | Wed., Sep. 28 | 7 p.m. | Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe, 55 Haywood St. | Free | This month’s book club will discuss “Hippie Food: How Back-to-the-Landers, Longhairs, and Revolutionaries Changed the Way We Eat.” 📘
• Community Meditation for Pride Week | Wed., Sept. 28 | 6-7 p.m. | Botanical Gardens, 151 WT Weaver Blvd. | Free | Sit quietly with community and process the meaning, origins, roots, and purpose of Pride. 🌈

• Fire Cider Making and Volunteer Garden Day | Thurs., Sept. 29 | 4-7 p.m. | Red Moon Herbs, 26 Davis Chapel Rd. | Free | Bring a jar with a lid and an item to share for this class, which will also include weeding and harvesting fresh herbs. 🌿
• Zumba Class | Thurs., Sept. 29 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | St. James Episcopal Church, 424 W. State St., Black Mountain | Free | Bounty & Soul presents a fitness class that will leave you energized and refreshed.
• The Art of Letting Go - Fall Art Therapy Session | Thurs., Sept. 29 | 6-8 p.m. | ArtPlay, 372 Depot St., Ste. 44 | $45 | This intimate art class will help attendees release and let go of old burdens in order to welcome new cycles into their lives. 🎨

• Appa-Laffin’ Mountain Revue | Fri., Sep. 30 | 8 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl, 14 O’Henry Ave. | $16+ | Check out the inaugural event of this monthly comedy, variety, and game show that features local talent.
• The Infamous Stringdusters | Fri., Sept. 30 | 7 p.m. | Salvage Station | $30+ | This spirited bluegrass jam band will also include a performance from country performer Sierra Hull. 🎤
• Asheville Quilt Show | Fri., Sept. 30-Sun., Oct. 2 | Hours vary | WNC Ag Center, Davis Event Center, 765 Boylston Hwy. | $10 | Explore 300+ quilts from around the country at the 38th iteration of this beloved event.

• Moroccan Tagine Cooking Class | Sat., Oct. 1 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Asheville Mountain Kitchen, 332 E. Sondley Dr. | $85+ | Learn to prepare a traditional Moroccan lamb tagine with couscous, vegetable sides, and mint tea. 🥘
• Bears Bees + Brews Festival II | Sat., Oct. 1 | 12-5 p.m. | Rabbit Rabbit | Free | This family-friendly fest features local wildlife and conservation organizations, sweet + savory bites, and tasty brews. 🐻
• BIG PIG BBQ Contest | Sat., Oct. 1 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | 405 E. Main St. | $12 admission; free for children under 10 | Enjoy barbecue, bands + beer at the third annual BBQ contest benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of Chattanooga. 🐖 *

• 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 of music from Small Black, Nation of Language, and Secret Shame, plus a beer tasting experience featuring 50+ of the nation’s best breweries, all curated by Burial Beer Co. 🍺 *

What we tried:

• 63º | Mostly sunny | 3% chance of rain
• Wondering if Hurricane Ian will affect WNC? Experts expect heavy rainfall over the weekend, but aren’t certain yet about the amount. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

• $3.3 million. The amount the NC Department of Information Technology has granted Frontier Internet to install broadband fiber infrastructure in north Buncombe County. The project, which is expected to take ~two years to complete, will bring broadband fiber to about 1,000 area households. (Carolina Public Press)
• 48,150. That’s how many newsletter subscribers (like you) we reach every day through AVLtoday. Have a local, regional, or national business and want to expand your audience? Learn how to advertise with us.

• The Whale is partnering with DSSOLVR for the second annual “Your Dog Here” event. The three-night fundraising event for the Asheville Humane Society kicks off Fri., Oct. 7 at The Whale from 5-8 p.m. and includes raffles, a photo booth + the chance to see your dog on a can of beer. 🐾
• Asheville FM’s Fall Fund Drive kicks off on Fri., Oct. 7 and will include a week of special programming, an open house, and unique events. The independent radio station’s goal is to raise $30,000.

• The annual Tour de Fat returns to New Belgium Brewing on Sat., Oct. 8 from 12-9 p.m. The bicycling, beer-clinking + community-centric festival will feature live entertainment, a fashion show, a dance contest, and a slow bike challenge, all in support of nonprofit Asheville on Bikes. 🚴
• The third annual Black Bear Half Marathon & 8K will return to downtown Hendersonville on Sun., Oct. 9. Newly certified by USA Track and Field, both races will wind through city streets, park pathways, and the Oklawaha Greenway. Register. 👟

• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is celebrating a milestone: its Smokies Most Wanted citizen science project has had 100,000 observations recorded by folks using the iNaturalist app. The park’s nonprofit partner, Discover Life in America, uses the observations to map under documented plants, insects, birds, and other species. (Smoky Mountain News)

• The wedding of Neng Jr’s Chef Silver Cousler and Cherish “Cherry” Anthony Iocovozzi has been featured in the latest issue of Vogue. The joyful nuptials took place on Tybee Island, Georgia, and included lush florals, exquisite fashion, and whimsical details.

• Looking to add more veggies to your diet? A tasty dipping sauce won’t hurt. Try this tasty and healthier take on the classic Green Goddess dip, which can also be used as a salad dressing. 🥗 (WLOS)

• While we can’t extend our youth, we can age healthy. The key? Embrace preventative care. Hear from Prisma Health geriatrician Margaret Matthews, MD, PhD, about how to “live long and die short.” *

• Woof woof. That’s the sound of your pup asking what they’re going to be for Halloween this year. Our ideas: Sherlock Holmes, a professional chef, a fluffy lion, Oscar the Grouch, or a taco. Cats can get in on the fun too, as a “Meowbucks” barista, a slice of bread, or a sophisticated Parisian. 🎃 *