6AM City In-house

A bear-y important coalition

Safe Passage’s campaign to make wildlife crossings safer in WNC
avl wildlife passages
Area roadways are a hotspot for wildlife-vehicle collisions. | Photo by @billy_jack_sinkovic
Black bear encounters are a local rite of passage. While always unnerving, they’re especially dangerous on roadways, where high speeds, heavy machinery, and massive mammals mingle perilously.

Just last week, renowned hiker and founder of Blue Ridge Hiking Company, Jennifer Pharr Davis, totaled her car when she hit a black bear — thankfully, she and her family are safe. Sadly, the bear was mortally wounded and had to be put to rest at the scene.

The same week, the NC Department of Transportation also announced that it will soon begin replacing aging area bridges near Asheville with ones that help wildlife and reduce collisions. These sorts of wildlife crossings, which use bridges and tunnels, have successfully reduced animal and vehicle fatalities elsewhere in the country, including in Wyoming, Florida, and New Jersey.

Shoring up these wildlife crossings is the primary focus of the Safe Passage Coalition. The Appalachian-based organization is comprised of 20 local, state, federal, and Tribal land managers, who are all working with conservation organizations to enable the safe flow of animals over and under interstate traffic. The coalition is currently working on the I-40 Pigeon River Gorge Wildlife Crossing Project, located near the North Carolina-Tennessee border.

Want to advocate for more local wildlife crossings? Check out ways to support Safe Passage’s mission to make roads safer for wildlife and drivers.

POLL
Do you think dedicated wildlife passages will make driving in the Asheville area safer?

A. Bear-y much so, yes
B. Maybe
C. I’m more concerned about other drivers than wildlife
LET US KNOW
Mercy Urgent Care

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Thursday, Nov. 3
Friday, Nov. 4
  • Burmese Bites & Brews | Friday, Nov. 4 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | 7 Clans Brewing, 66 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville | $60-$72 | Enjoy creative Burmese dishes from Chef Yunanda Wilson — including Mohinga + boiled rice balls — at this pop-up dinner, with the option of pairing your food with a beer flight.
  • Quarteto Nuevo | Friday, Nov. 4 | 8 p.m. | Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $38 | This quartet incorporates multitudes of musical styles — from western classical and eastern European folk to Latin and jazz.
Saturday, Nov. 5
  • Coats for the Cold | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, 225 Patton Ave., Asheville | Free | Individuals in need of essential winter gear like coats, hats, gloves, and scarves are encouraged to come “shop” for items distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Quietus | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $5+ | Explore the themes of death and the regenerative powers of nature through the poems of DH Lawrence, Edgar Allan Poe, and May Swenson.
  • CoThinkk’s 2022 Annual Event | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 7-11 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing Biltmore, 2A Huntsman Place, Asheville | Free | Celebrate our community of leaders, grantees, and the work of change makers in WNC.
  • LionFest Visit Day | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 9 a.m. | Mars Hill University, 100 Athletic St., Mars Hill | Free | Prospective students are invited to an academic fair ft. a guided campus tour, meetings with admissions counselors, and more.*
Sunday, Nov. 6
  • Knuckle-Deep BBQ Fest | Sunday, Nov. 6 | 12-4 p.m. | Wedge Brewing, 5 Foundy St., Asheville | Free entry | Support local nonprofit Food Connection by sampling chicken, pork butt, pork ribs + beef brisket at this 13th annual backyard barbecue cook-off.
  • WNC Fermenting Festival | Sunday, Nov. 6 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Madison County Fair Grounds, 258 Carolina Ln., Marshall | $5 | Explore the bubbly and broad world of fermentation at this sixth annual fest, which includes presentations, workshops, and products from local and regional fermenters.
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.
100+ MORE EVENTS
John C. Campbell

Weather
  • 69º | Partly cloudy | 9% chance of rain
Civic
  • The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has unanimously voted in favor of offering 150 reduced-price parking passes to downtown workers. The passes will cost less than half the current price and will be for the Coxe Avenue Garage. This is set to begin by the end of the year. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Ranked
  • Asheville is the most expensive NC city to live in, according to a new report from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, which notes that wages have not kept up with rising rent costs. Learn more. 💰(WRAL)
Shop
  • The Show & Tell Pop-Up Shop’s Sunday Market will take place Sunday, Nov. 6 from 1-6 p.m. at The Orange Peel. Featuring local and indie crafters, designers, and artisans, folks can shop vintage clothes, housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, and accessories. 🛍️
  • Ditch the paper napkins. Opt for a set of handsewn, eco-friendly linen napkins instead. This Etsy seller offers four different colors to add a cozy yet elegant look to your holiday tablescape.*
Community
  • The Friends of Hominy Creek Greenway will host its annual meeting and social gathering on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at Cellarest Beer Project from 5:30-8 p.m. Celebrate the mile-long corridor, meet board members + volunteers, and learn about upcoming projects, tree plantings, and future workdays. 🌳
Active
  • The South Asheville Turkey Trot 5K returns to Biltmore Park Town Square on Thanksgiving Day at 9 a.m. The classic local tradition can be done in-person or virtually and benefits nonprofit Sheep Dog Impact Assistance. Register by midnight on Sunday, Nov. 6 for a free shirt. 👟
Cause
  • Local Free Fridge (382 S. French Broad Ave.) needs help keeping its community fridge and pantry full. Want to help local folks facing food insecurity? Sign up to donate. 🍳
Eat
  • Need a sweet treat? We can’t stop thinking about Chef Katie Button’s salted chocolate chip and almond skillet cookie. Get the recipe, and don’t forget to top it with your favorite ice cream. 🍪
Edu
  • From mushrooms to light pollution to electric vehicles, UNC Asheville’s McCullough Fellows spent the summer researching different areas of sustainability. Find out how they’re addressing issues like conservation, urban planning, sustainable agriculture + more. 💡*
Real Estate
  • Built to the highest degree of craftsmanship and offering a peaceful + serene setting within walking distance of Christmount, this one-of-a-kind 3 BD, 6 BA home boasts gorgeous outdoor spaces and 2,500+ sqft. Pro tip: The property would be ideal for a permanent residence or an income-producing short-term rental.*
Correction
  • In yesterday’s newsletter, we messed up a few details about the Knuckle-Deep BBQ Fest. While the event does take place over two days, the public is invited to taste the food on Sunday, Nov. 6, 12 - 4 p.m. (not Saturday). Also local chefs, will be judging the competition — not participating. It’s an amateur competition of local “backyard” barbecue enthusiasts.
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The Lobster Trap

Culture

Local ways to prepare for the end of daylight saving time
avl daylight saving time preparation
The skyline looks as moody as we feel when our sleep gets disturbed. | Photo by @overasheville
It’s that time again. On Sunday, Nov. 6, people throughout the continent will set their clocks back an hour and “fall back” to standard time.

Wondering how to navigate shorter, darker days as painlessly as possible? Make the transition easier by maximizing these helpful resources:

Add some sunlight back in your day with Asheville Fit Tribe’s exercise offerings, which include group fitness classes at Carrier Park from 7 a.m.-6:15 p.m. Monday-Friday. Sunlight, wellness, and new friends? Win-win.

Disrupted sleep and routines can make us drowsier and more peckish, so make eating healthy easier on yourself. Hit up New Stock Pantry for pre-made meals that only need reheating.

Resist the urge to lounge and binge watch TV and engage in something creative instead. Peruse works of arts by the Asheville Art Museum, take in a theatrical production from the Magnetic Theatre, stimulate your mind with some games at Well Played Board Game Cafe, or take a cooking class from Asheville Mountain Kitchen.
6AM City In-house
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Brook.

Editor’s pick: Need a cup (or gallon) of ambition to get you through the end of daylight saving time? Check out our coffee crawl guide and vibrate your way through the transition.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Learn about Barnardsville resident Reid Woolsey and how he broke a world running record.
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.

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