Spirit-forward spots

Off the vine

Mocktail musts

Beer lovers

I am most proud of Asheville’s…

• Hallowine Candy Pairing + Costume Contest | Mon., Oct. 31 | 4-10 p.m. | Bottle Riot, 37 Paynes Way, Asheville | Free | Celebrate Halloween with a wine + candy pairing — the best costume wins a $50 gift certificate.
• Greenhouse of Horror | Mon., Oct. 31 | 4-8 p.m. | Grove Street Community Center, 36 Grove St., Asheville | Free | Experience a haunted greenhouse where the plants come alive at night — each participant will receive a plant goodie bag and light bites. 🪴

• Dark City Poets Society | Tue., Nov. 1 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Black Mountain Library, 105 N. Dougherty St., Black Mountain | Free | This meeting is open to writers of all experience levels who are looking for feedback on their poetry. 🖊️
• Revisiting the ‘Bible of the Civil Rights Movement’ | Tue., Nov. 1 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Buncombe County Special Collections at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., Asheville | This new permanent exhibit charts the history of racial violence in Buncombe County.

• State of the Arts Brunch | Wed., Nov. 2 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $45.00 | A sit down-style brunch where arts advocates will learn about the state of the creative sector in Buncombe County.
• Music to Your Ears Discussion Series: SHA NA NA | Wed., Nov. 2 | 7 p.m. | Asheville Guitar Bar, 122 Riverside Dr., Asheville | $10.00 | Asheville-based author and music journalist Bill Kopp will lead a discussion with a member of SHA NA NA, a 1950s doo-wop revival band that played at Woodstock.
• An Artful Approach to Bonsai Design | Wed., Nov. 2 | 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | The North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville | With the Bonsai Exhibition Garden as the perfect setting, students will learn a variety of sketching techniques to assist in the development of bonsai design as well as learn aspects of tree growth.
• Building Our City: Small Scale Development Matters Now More Than Ever | Wed., Nov. 2 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | The Collider, 1 Haywood St., Asheville | Free | Bernice Radle, founder and CEO of Buffalove Development, discusses how zoning changes can help make cities more walkable and accessible for working people.

• Ambrozia, “The Bear” and Materra Wines | Thu., Nov. 3 | 4-6 p.m. | Metro Wines, 169 Charlotte St. , Asheville | $50.00 | Chef Sam Etheridge will prepare dishes inspired from the Hulu hit show “The Bear,” with special pairings from Materra Wines. 🍽️

• The 3rd Annual Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival | Fri., Nov. 4 - Sun., Nov. 6 | 2-11 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville, 87 Haywood St., Asheville | $22.00 - $45.00 | See the latest and greatest tattoo artists at this three-day exhibition.

• 63º | Showers | 60% chance of rain

• The BCTDA has approved an additional $9 million to fund 10 community projects, including the construction of the Swannanoa River Greenway + renovations to the UNC Asheville Karl Straus track and Municipal golf course. See the full list of community projects. 💰
• The BCTDA also approved $90,150 in occupancy tax funds to support 22 local festivals + cultural events. See the full list of recipients — which includes Asheville Mardi Gras, Blue Ridge Pride, and the Swannanoa Valley Museum — and learn more about the grant program.

• On Tues., Nov. 1, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will vote on the proposed Coxe Avenue Affordable Parking Program. The plan would reduce parking fees to $40 per month for folks who make a low to moderate income. If approved, the program would kick off by the end of 2022. Email the commissioners to share your input. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

• Local writer Rebecca Buchanan has a new poetry collection: “Not a Princess, But (Yes) There Was a Pea, and Other Fairy Tales to Foment Revolution.” In this book, Buchanan retells and reimagines classic stories with a modern eye. Get a copy. 📗 (Mountain Xpress)

• Check out these “gourd-geous” creations from the MAHEC Dental Health Center. The office’s annual pumpkin decorating contest yielded some impressive works, including donuts, pigs, and a “pumpkin spice latte.” 🎃

• Located in the charming Village of Cheshire (~five minutes from downtown Black Mountain) this stunning “Treehouse” boasts a history as a successful short-term rental and has served as a permanent residence. Bonus: Homeowners have exclusive access to walking trails, a community garden + greenspaces, and a Village Center with shopping/dining options.*

• How does Scott’s Cheap Flights work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and Scott’s will notify you when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a $300+ round trip to Bermuda). 🌴*