Want to take in some offbeat culture this holiday season? WNC has some weird and wonderful area museums which will enlighten you and arm you with some off-the-wall knowledge that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
This delightfully kitschy exhibit, located at the Transylvania Heritage Museum, is dedicated to the retro aluminum trees that were popular in the ’50s and ’60s. With dozens of faux trees decked out in whimsical contemporary + vintage ornaments (including some that feature the likes of Elvis and Marilyn Monroe), a visit here is a quirky, firsthand look at Christmases of yore. You can even bring some of your own vintage ornaments to donate. Pro tip: Admission is free, but donations are encouraged + appreciated.
Gamers, rejoice. With over 70 pinball machines + classicarcade-style video games,this museum celebrates the nostalgia entertainment of the ’70s and ’80s — and even includes a sign for each one explaining the machine’s history. Coolest of all? You can play dozens of games with no coins or tokens needed after paying the $15 entrance fee. And with snacks, soda, and beer on hand, you’re set up to game all day long.
Holiday Shop Party | Thursday, Dec. 1 | 6-9 p.m. | Melona, 315 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Free | Visit Playdate, Garden Party, and Melona for their annual holiday block party, featuring special sales, wine, oysters, and “a hot dog like you’ve never experienced.”
Creativity Mixer: Grief Tending | Thursday, Dec. 1 | 7-9 p.m. | Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $20 | This month’s creative workshop will focus on grief and will be facilitated by Story Parlor founder Erin Hallagan Clare.
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP | Thursday, Dec. 1 + Thursday, Dec. 8 | 7-10 p.m. | The Orange Peel Pulp, 103 Hilliard Ave., Asheville | $13 | Laugh the night away with some of the area’s best standup comics.
Friday, Dec. 2
Drag Music Bingo with Divine The Bearded Lady | Friday, Dec. 2 + Friday, Dec. 16 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Highland Brewing Downtown Taproom, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville | Free | Toss back a pint and dance while you flex your mental skillswith the lovely Bearded Lady Divine as your host.
Southern Culture on the Skids | Friday, Dec. 2 | 8 p.m. | The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville | $20 | Enjoy original Southern-fried rockabilly tunes from this Chapel Hill-based band that’s been touring the world since 1983.
Saturday, Dec. 3
The Big Crafty | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 12 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville, 87 Haywood St., Asheville | $9 | Celebrate the holidays and the creative spirit of our city while shopping selections from Asheville’s finest artists and makers.
Santa Paws | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 3-6 p.m. | Ginger’s Revenge, 829 Riverside Dr. Ste. 100, Asheville | Free | Enjoy seasonal brews and photo opps with Santa at this family-friendly event.
Queen Bee and the Honeylovers :Holiday Concert | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 8:30-10 p.m. | $25-$20 | The Main Stage, 743 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Enjoy classic and original tunes from this local swing band.
Sunday, Dec. 4
Winter Flow | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $15 | Build heat in the body and release excess kapha at this winter yoga class.
Jettie Rae’s Oyster Roast | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 12-4 p.m. | Whippoorwill Farm, 6751 NC-126, Nebo | $55 | Gorge on Lowcountry roasted oysters, pickled shrimp, cod fritters, pimento cheese, and beyond at this pop-up dining event.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
If you’re one of the whopping 110 million Americans over age 50 — or a wise Millennial looking to get ahead — SmartAsset’s no-cost tool makes it easy to find vetted financial advisors serving our local area.
Crust Never Sleeps Bakery will officially open the doors to its brick and mortar location at 24 Sardis Rd. on Friday, Dec. 9at 7 a.m. We plan to order at least one of everything from this spot that specializes in naturally-leavened breads. 🥖
Open
Delish the Store celebrates the grand opening of its storefront today, Dec. 1, from 5-7 p.m. at 3871 Sweeten Creek Rd. in Arden. The business, which began online, specializes in Latino and Venezuelan food products. Get more info. 🇻🇪
Try This
The inaugural Saturday Shindig and BeLoved Asheville Toy Drive event will take placeSaturday, Dec. 3, 12-4 p.m. at The Outpost (521 Amboy Rd.). The free event will feature live music, food, dancing, yard games, cocktails, and beer from Archetype Brewing. Organizers are requesting new or gently used toys. 🧸
Eat
Looking for show stopping holiday eats? Look no further than this list from WNC magazine featuring sweet and savory recipes from local chefs Karen Donatelli, Michael Gilligan, Anthony Cerrato, Rachel Miriam, and Cleophus Hethington. Season’s eatings. 🥧
History
Historians have discovered a piece of century-old fruitcake at Biltmore Estate. The treat has been determined to be from the 1924 wedding of Cornelia Vanderbilt and John Cecil. Learn more — and even get the recipe — here. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Featured
Executive Director of the Southern Highlands Reserve, Kelly Holdbrooks, has been featured in the Washington Post for her organization’s red spruce restoration efforts. Learn how the nonprofit is working to preserve this native tree. 🌲
Listen
The latest episode of Venture Asheville’s podcast Talking ’Ship is now available. Hosted by Venture Asheville director Jeff Kaplan, the podcast explores entrepreneurship in WNC. Tune in to hear Clark Duncan, the Senior Vice President of the Economic Development Coalition of Asheville-Buncombe County, discuss regional economic development.
Shop
The perfect gift doesn’t exi — meet our local makers gift guide. Browse unique, handmade gifts crafted right here in Asheville by sellers on Etsy. We’re talking high-quality botanical jewelry, candles that smell like national parks, and personalized leather sketchbooks. Get shopping.
If you work from home like us, you’ve likely become accustomed to having stiff muscles at the end of a workday due to prolonged sitting. Combat this with a little office upgrade — an electric standing desk paired with a sleek under desk treadmill. Oh, and don’t forget to stay hydrated.*
Featured Deal
Let any stress of the holiday season melt away with a warm, quiet, relaxing saltwater floatation experience at Still Point Wellness (read: a great gift for yourself or anyone on your gift list). Still Point Wellness is offering buy one, get one free 90-min. salt water floatsfor $95 (original value $190) now through Friday, Dec. 2. Snag the deal.*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
The idyllic and convenient Town Square mimics the main streets of the past with access to modern amenities. | Photo provided by Biltmore Park Town Square
There’s something about the holidays that conjures up those old fashioned feelings — thoughts of strolling down main street, hot coffee and shopping bags in hand, while enjoying the lights and essence of the season.
Enter: Biltmore Park Town Square, where walkable access to premier shops meets tree-lined streets and picturesque scenery.
The best part: In addition to soaking in the season, dozens of shops + restaurants means you can one-stop-shop for everyone on your list:
For the outdoor enthusiast: High-quality gear from REI.
For the fitness-minded: Sports gear from Athleta or membership at Club Pilates.
For the avid reader: The gift of curling up on a Lovesac with a blanket and a good book from Barnes & Noble.
For kids: An imagination-sparking STEM Experience at Zaniac Asheville.
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.
* This content is paid advertising, or contains links to our Six & Main marketplace, or affiliate partners which we may receive a commission from. ^ This content is created by our content studio.