6AM City In-house

Local subscriptions for the win 🎁

7 Asheville-based subscriptions that would make perfect gifts
The Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club
Enjoy rare olive oil varieties from The Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club. | Photo via @freshpressedoliveoilclub
Looking for a holiday gift that’s thoughtful, local, and requires no gift wrap? Consider signing your loved one (or yourself) up for a subscription.

All it requires on your end is a few mouse clicks — and these 7 area subscription services will take it from there.

The RunnerBox | This “obsessively curated” box of snacks, drinks, and other goodies will make all the pain, sweat, and tears of running, cycling (or really, any sport) worth it.

Juniper Dates | For the person who craves more connection: this customized + curated date planning service dreams up dates that encourage intentional quality time with friends, family, and love interests. Choose between a three-, six-, or nine-month subscription.

Cutting of the Month Club | Make every month of 2023 special for the plant lover in your life with this live plant cutting subscription box from the OMG Asheville Etsy Shop. Cuttings include everything from lavender scallops and string of pearls to the Thanksgiving cactus. There’s also a subscription specifically for succulents.

The Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club | Fancy olive oil is a commodity every cook cherishes but doesn’t necessarily want to purchase. Brighten their meals (and palate) with this subscription, which delivers three unique olive oils quarterly.

Zine Subscription | Want to spread a little whimsy? Consider signing up for Weaverville artist Katie Gebely’s zine subscription, which sends a handmade zine in the mail each quarter.

12 Months of Cookies | Make the mailbox a mecca of shortbread sweetness with a monthly cookie subscription to this Candler-based bakery Butter Blossoms. Each month offers a new flavor, from chocolate caramel and cherry almond to peppermint bark.

Wickbox | This luxury candle subscription service, founded by local Scarlett Sturgis, sends candles that are tailored to fit the recipient’s unique scent preferences on a monthly basis.
MB Haynes

Click here to have your event featured.

Thursday, Dec. 15
  • Local Showcase: Home for the Holidays | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 6-9 p.m. | Rhubarb Event Space, 7 SW. Pack Sq., Asheville | $45 | Vibe over hors d’oeuvres and drinks at this “live-action Pinterest board” demo of how to host a holiday soiree.
  • Notorious HBC (History Book Club) | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 7 p.m. | Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe, 55 Haywood St., Asheville | Free | Discuss notorious historical topics with other bibliophiles at this recurring book club.
Friday, Dec. 16
  • AVL Underground Comedy: Blaire Postman | Friday, Dec. 16 | 7:30-10 p.m. | GiGi’s Underground, 122-002 College St., Asheville | $15 | Comedian Blaire Postman is known for her explosive, fast-paced delivery and comedy that spans unusual topics.
  • Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters | Friday, Dec. 16 | 8 p.m. | The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville | $15-$22 | Enjoy jazz-infused new classics and old country standbys at this holiday spectacular.
Saturday, Dec. 17
  • Community Holiday Extravaganza | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 12-4 p.m. | Arthur Edington Center, 133 Livingston St., Asheville | Free | Local author Jorge Redmond will read from his book at this family-friendly holiday event that also features crafts, cookie decorating, free lunch, and a holiday market featuring BIPOC-owned businesses.
Sunday, Dec. 18
  • Pet Photos With Santa | Sunday, Dec. 18 | 2-4 p.m. | Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Rd., Asheville | Free | Visit the Asheville Outlets with your pets or children to take photos with Santa Claus.
Tuesday, Dec. 20
  • Quilting Bee | Tuesday, Dec. 20 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | East Asheville Library, 3 Avon Rd., Asheville | Free | Quilters of all ages are invited to bring their own sewing machine and projects to work on in a friendly community setting.

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.
100+ MORE EVENTS
The Biltmore

Pilot program to annually award new Western Carolina University students
Students gather around a firepit outside of Shining Rock Residence Hall at Western Carolina University
“I am proud that we as a university can make a program like this happen and I’m tremendously excited for all the good it will do,” says WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown. | Photo provided by Western Carolina University
Securing financial aid or a scholarship can make the difference of someone continuing their education or not. To help North Carolinians turn their college dreams into a reality, Western Carolina University is launching Catamount Commitment, a new pilot program that annually provides new first-year students from NC a GPA-based financial award.

“The Catamount Commitment program has the potential to be a huge game changer for WCU and incoming students regarding affordability,” says WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown. “It will be one extra step to help alleviate some of the financial burden students face.”

Here’s a breakdown of the awards (based on high school GPAs):
  • A 4.00 or higher GPA can earn $3,000 annually
  • A 3.80-3.99 GPA can earn $2,000 annually
  • A 3.65-3.79 GPA can earn $1,500 annually
  • Those who gain admission and have a GPA up to 3.64 can earn $1,000 annually
Learn more and see if your student qualifies for the program.*
BECOME A CATAMOUNT
YMCA of WNC

Weather
  • 51º | Scattered showers | 60% chance of rain
Civic
  • Property assessment and taxes in Buncombe County just got a little easier, thanks to this redesigned website. After receiving community feedback, county staff has simplified the process of searching for information like property value and tax bills online — now, all you need to do is enter your address. 💰
Transit
  • Applications are now open for Buncombe County’s new affordable parking program. To get approved for the reduced rate of $40 per month, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. 150 applicants will be selected and invited to purchase a pass by January, 20, 2023.
Development
  • 263 more residential units are coming to the River Arts District. The new mixed-use facility, which is slated for 175 Lyman St., will also include 4,500 sqft of retail and artist studio space. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
  • Developer Shangri-La Industries has officially broken ground on a permanent supportive housing shelter at the former Ramada Inn. The conversion project will create 113 units of housing for Asheville’s homeless population + has an anticipated occupancy date of August 2023. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Holiday
  • The Chabad House of Asheville is presenting a celebration for the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday, Dec. 18 at downtown Asheville’s Pack Square. The event runs 4:30-5:30 p.m. and includes latkes, lights, live music, and traveling menorah gift kits. Planning to attend? RSVP here. 🕎
Eat
  • Holeman & Finch AVL is offering a special Friday lunch service from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. On the menu: the acclaimed H&F burger, seafood towers, charcuterie, and other Southern comfort fare. Reservations + walk-ins are accepted.
  • We’re screamin’ with joy. The Hop Ice Cream Cafe and Indigenous Walls Project have collaborated to produce a new Elderberry (ᎪᎦᏌᎩ) ice cream flavor, with elderberries foraged from The Qualla Boundary. The official release takes place Friday, Dec. 16 at The Hop (640 Merrimon Ave.). 🍦
Cause
  • Local nonprofit Babies Need Bottoms is aiming to distribute one million diapers to area families in need by the end of the year. Thus far, the org has reached 949,000 diapers and is calling upon the community to help reach this milestone. Donations to the diaper fund can be made online.
Arts
  • From cooking and blacksmithing to glasswork and woodcarving, there’s a course for everyone at the John C. Campbell Folk School. Pro tip: Grab a gift certificate for the artist, maker, or creative hobby enthusiast on your list — call (828) 837-2775 to purchase. 🎁 *
Shop
  • Experience the one-of-a-kind crafts of Asheville’s artisan makers — and give a gift you know won’t be collecting dust throughout the year — at the Merry Makers Market, Saturday, Dec. 17 from noon-5 p.m. at Atelier Maison & Co.'s showroom in the Asheville Design District.*
  • The WNC Nature Center’s Holiday Gift Guide is full of gifts that support animals we think your loved ones will go wild for. From adoption packages to membership gift certificates + stocking stuffers, there’s something for everyone on your list. Pro tip: Today is the last day to order for delivery by Christmas.🎁 *
Seasonal
Correction
  • In yesterday’s story about American Miso Co., we incorrectly described the traditional red miso as “barley-based.” The red miso is actually naturally fermented with koji, salt, and soybeans.
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
Range Urgent Care
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Laura.

Editor’s pick: Bonus gift idea: A Biltmore Annual Pass is kind of like a subscription, but for your soul. Plus, it’s currently $90 off until Dec. 21.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Learn about WNC’s history of miso magic, here.
Connect with us.

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

Sales: Helen Purnell | Advertise with us.

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