6AM City In-house

About that arctic blast headed our way... 🥶

About that arctic blast headed our way...
Asheville in winter. Photo: @kleindigital
Consider this your reminder to pull out your ice scrapers. | Photo by @kleindigital
It’s going to be an ice cold Christmas weekend as an arctic blast works its way down from Canada, through the Midwest, and eventually into Western North Carolina.

Also known as a polar vortex or a blue norther, this weather movement occurs when a surge of high-pressure Arctic air funnels through milder parts of the globe, bringing sudden, extreme cold and bursts of heavy snow. During this type of cold front, temperatures can drop 40 degrees or more in a span of 24 hours, or in some cases, within minutes.

Midwest cities like Chicago, Des Moines, and Denver are expected to see the most dramatic impacts, with temperatures sinking into the negatives this week. And Asheville certainly won’t get off easy, either. Starting Friday, Dec. 23, temperatures are predicted to drop as low as seven degrees, with strong winds that will make it feel much colder.

Arctic blast 2022

Asheville could face freezing rain or mixed precipitation starting on Thursday.

Photo via NOAA


According to the Asheville Citizen-Times, we may see wind chills below negative five degrees around Asheville and as low as negative 20 in the higher elevation parts of WNC like Avery County. At night, temperatures are expected to dip below twenty degrees through Sunday or Monday. Since the arctic air is mostly dry, snow is unlikely in the lower elevations, but there may be a mixture of rain and ice. If we do see snow, it’s predicted to happen on Friday morning before 7 a.m.

A Code Purple is already in effect and is projected to continue for the next two weeks. This means shelters, which are run by the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, will remain open 24/7 for folks who are experiencing homelessness — and to help with this big lift, the organization is currently asking for donations.

Wondering how to prepare for this intense weather? Hit the button below for tips on how to keep warm + stay safe.
    HOW TO AVOID BURST PIPES

    Which year did Asheville experience the most inches of recorded snow in history?

    A. 2018
    B. 1929
    C. 1993
    D. 1906
    SNOW US YOUR KNOWLEDGE
    The Lobster Trap

    Click here to have your event featured.

    Wednesday, Dec. 21
    • Hanukkah Candle Lighting | Wednesday, Dec. 21 | 5-5:30 p.m. | JCC Main Courtyard, 236 Charlotte St., Asheville | Free | Join the JCC community in the front courtyard for a half hour of warmth and light — plus a singalong led by JCC music legend Penny White.
    • Beauty Parlor Comedy: Stephen Taylor | Wednesday, Dec. 21 | 7-9 p.m. | Asheville Beauty Academy, 28 Broadway St., Asheville | $12 | This comedian combines his unique perspective with sweet Southern charm.
    Thursday, Dec. 22
    • Making Spirits Bright Holiday Jazz & Blues | Thursday, Dec. 22 | 8:30-10 p.m. | The Main Stage, 743 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $20 | Local blues singer Peggy Ratusz brings smooth and soulful sounds backed by her holiday jazz and blues band.
    Friday, Dec. 23
    Saturday, Dec. 24
    • Christmas Eve Candlelight Dinner | Saturday, Dec. 24 | 5-9 p.m. | Monte Vista Hotel, 308 W. State St., Black Mountain | $60 | Make a reservation to attend this intimate Christmas Eve dinner, which features four courses of gourmet dishes like deviled egg spread, mushroom toast, braised venison, and shrimp + grits.
    • Fancy Marie Christmas Honky Tonk | Saturday, Dec. 24 | 2-4 p.m. | Botanist and Barrel, 32 Broadway St., Asheville | Free | Make it a honky tonk holiday with local singer and songwriter Fancy Marie.
    Plan Ahead
    • Christmas Tamaleada | Wednesday, Dec. 28 | 6-10 p.m. | One World Brewing-West, 520 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Free | Try tamales from all over Latin American, including Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela + Honduras, at this delicious Christmas celebration.
    • Foodie Book Club | Wednesday, Dec. 28 | 7 p.m. | Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe, 55 Haywood St., Asheville | Free | This month’s book selection is “Truffle Hound: On the Trail of the World’s Most Seductive Scent, with Dreamers, Schemers, and Some Extraordinary Dogs.”
    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
    YMCA of WNC

    Explore the charms of Charleston, SC during this month-long festival 🏘️
    MULTI.CHS-Historic Charleston house garden tour-2022.jpg
    Get an inside look at the iconic homes and gardens that define Charleston — and the history that endures. | Photo provided by Historic Charleston Foundation
    We get it, holiday shopping can be tough. This year, shake up those usual stocking stuffers and give the gift of travel (and some pretty incredible memories).

    As if exploring Charleston any time of the year isn’t reason enough, next spring’s Festival of Houses and Gardens will unravel all the charms of Charleston in a whole new way. With dozens of events wrapped up in one, the Historic Charleston Foundation’s 76th annual city-highlighting festival, happening March 15-April 16, features:
    • House & Garden Tours: Explore the rich history + architectural beauty of Charleston by touring the epic interiors and private gardens of some of the city’s most famous streets.
    • Live Like a Local Events: From wine tasting to artisan workshops to the new Festival Music Series, experience the best of Charleston’s culture — like a local.
    • Splendor Tours: Tour the city’s most splendorous gardens and architectural wonders.
    • Morning History Walks: Stroll Charleston’s historic districts on these guided walking tours.
    • Food For Thought Luncheon Lectures: Lunch and learn with expert speakers, who will elaborate on a variety of topics.*
    SEE MORE EVENTS + SNAG TICKETS
    6AM City In-house

    Weather
    • 46º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain
    Open
    • Taco Boy, a Mexican-inspired restaurant with locations in South Carolina + Georgia, has officially opened in West Asheville (in the former Zia Taqueria space). This location will house the company’s first in-house tortillera (think: scratch-made heirloom corn tortillas). Stop by for lunch and dinner daily. 🌮
    Biz
    • Wondering what else is on the horizon for the Asheville restaurant scene? Check out this roundup of local eateries slated to open in 2023 and reminisce on the places that closed throughout 2022. (Asheville Citizen-Time)
    Drink
    • Wicked Weed will celebrate its 10-year anniversary on Wednesday, Dec. 28 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the brewery’s downtown brewpub (91 Biltmore Ave). There will be music from DJs Marley Carroll + Lil Meow Meow, plus unique draft and rare bottle selections.
    Plan Ahead
    • Looking for fun New Year’s Eve plans? Check out this collection of end-of-year events from Mountain Xpress, which includes special dinners, soirees, and more. Personally, we’ve got our eyes on the cocktail-centric party at the Top of Monk.
    Active
    • Does stress have you feeling twisted? City Editor Brook recently had the chance to try two different classes at Asheville Yoga Center, leaving her feeling relaxed + replenished. See how her full experience went + how you can Try This. Bonus: New students can try five studio classes for a discounted rate of $45. 🧘 *
    Home
    • Overwhelmed by your home maintenance? The local pros at MB HAYNES have the ultimate home checklist for you. Here are 20+ ways to keep your home in tip-top shape (think: remove debris from around the AC unit, check for hidden leaks, and toss 10-year-old smoke detectors). 🏡 *
    Number
    • 550,000+. The number of women who love The GIST, the sports newsletter with a much needed female perspective and equal coverage of women’s and men’s sports. Buh-bye, male-dominated sports media.*
    Shop
    • Don’t stress over finding last-minute gifts. Make gifting easy by selecting a gift card to our AVLtoday shop, Six & Main. From candles to clothes, there’s something for everyone. Purchase a gift card today. 🎁
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    6AM City In-house
    THE WRAP

    Today’s issue was written by Laura.

    Editor’s pick: There’s a fresh mural from the legendary Gus Cutty that now adorns Burial Beer’s South Slope location. The muralist has also recently painted the Chop Shop Food Truck and a Nine Mile Truck. Keep your eyes out for these new designs around town — they’re quite the visual treat. 👀

    Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Brush up on the ultimate Asheville holiday itinerary, 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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