Editor Laura here. Can you feel Asheville begin to stir from its winter slumber? There’s daffodils poking through the grass, new festivals being announced, and in just ten days from now, the South Slope will be alive with an exuberant parade of Mardi Gras goers. Go ahead and get that king cake order in now — and get in the spirit with Empire Strikes Brass’ NOLA-themed party this Friday, Feb. 10 at Salvage Station.
And we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that this weekend is Super Bowl Sunday. We recommend Asheville Pizza & Brewing’s free watch party, which opens doors at 5:30 p.m., and Chef Santiago Vargas’ legendary wings.
We’re also in the midst of honoring Black History Month, which means there’s plenty of walking tours, events, and other programs available for Ashevillians to commemorate the struggles, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans — including the “Hidden In Plain Sight” story time with local elders on Saturday, Feb. 11.
Finally, if you still need to find your sweetheart a Valentine’s Day gift, you’d do well to check out The Rhu’s “Sweethearts Market” or Clayspace Co-Op’s “Vases for Valentines” sale on Saturday, Feb. 11.
Friday, Feb. 10
Rite of Passage Sample Sale | Friday, Feb. 10-Sunday, Feb. 12 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Rite of Passage + Sew Co., 240 Clingman Ave Ext, Asheville | Free | Shop deeply discounted seconds and samples from this slow fashion clothes label.
Give ‘Em Hell Or Cry Trying | Friday, Feb. 10 | 6-11 p.m. | DSSOLVR, 63 N Lexington Ave., Asheville | Free | DSSOLVR’s third annual Emo Valentine’s Party will have you all in your feels with its bites, drinks, art pop-up, merch, and an angsty hits from DJ XZaneInsaneX.
Empire Strikes Brass: Mardi Gras Party! | Friday, Feb. 10 | 7 p.m. | Salvage Station, 468 Riverside Dr., Asheville | $20-$25 | Don your dancing shoes and celebrate Mardi Gras with the lush horns and bumping rhythms of hometown band Empire Strikes Brass.
Saturday, Feb. 11
Hibernation Celebration! | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 7-10 p.m. | Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $15-$20 | Marlene Thompson hosts an evening of stand up comedy, improv from Family Dinner, plus storytelling and music with Laura Boswell, Hannah Kaminer, and Kathryn O’Shea.
Fall Out Brunch | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | DSSOLVR, 63 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville | Free | Kick your hangover to the curb with a sinfully delicious menu including items like chicken and waffles, breakfast smashburgers ,and stuffed French toast.
Make Your Own Meadow Workshop | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 1-3 p.m. | Ag and Land Resources Building, 49 Mt. Camel Rd., Asheville | Free | Nathan Buchanan of Wildbud Natives will cover the basics of meadow-themed planting, including planning, plant selection + management.
Hidden In Plain Sight | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 2 p.m. | Black Wall Street , 8 River Arts Pl., Asheville | Free | Community elders will share struggles and triumphs of Asheville’s Black community.
Sunday, Feb. 12
Galentines Day at Cultivated Cocktails | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 12-5 p.m. | Cultivated Cocktails Distillery , 25 Page Ave., Asheville | $45 | Each ticket includes champagne, chocolate, spirit tasting, and a grazing table — jewelry, crafts, and aesthetic treatments will also be available.
Puppy Bowl | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 1-4 p.m. | Down Dog Yoga Studio, 51 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville | $5 | Adoptable puppies will take the field to score touchdowns and score the hearts of their forever families.
Cupid is Stupid Car Smashing | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 1-4 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing-Biltmore, 2A Huntsman Pl., Asheville | $5-$10 | Take all of those feelings and smash a car with it — there’s also the added option to purchase a “hex” for your ex.
Have you checked out Dobra Tea’s new East Asheville location? This Eastern-style tea room, which now has three spots in Asheville, has a delightful ambiance, expansive tea selection, and ample parking. There’s also a fireplace and dedicated room for meditation + tea ceremonies. Take a virtual tour — or visit at 1011 Tunnel Rd. 🫖
Eat
Looking for a new weekend spot? Longtime local favorite Chestnut is now open for brunch on Fridays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The menu features Southern hits like beignets, pimento cheese tater tots, and chicken + waffles, plus plenty of gluten-free options.
Holiday
Valentine’s Day is approaching quickly, but lucky for you, we’ve got plenty of ideas for how to spend the special day. Check out our gift guide and roundup of romantic + platonic-themed events. 💘
GREAT ESCAPES
Our guide to Leavenworth, WA
Great Escapes: Our guide to Leavenworth, WA
Front Street offers stunning views of frosted mountains all winter long. | Photo by 6AM City
Yo-deh-lay-hee-hoo. Do you hear that? The mountains are calling you to the sweetest little alpine village that’s like something from a fairy tale: Leavenworth, Washington.
Why go? As far as themed winter destinations go, Leavenworth wears the ice crown. It offers fun activities for every age, like Nordic and downhill skiing, unique holiday shopping, German dining, sleigh rides, and spa time.
Act like a local: Treat yourself to a special, truly unique, multi-course meal showcasing organic, local, and wild-foraged ingredients at Mana Restaurant at the corner of Commercial and Division streets, near the river. Don’t forget to make a reservation.
Where to stay: Vrbo: Alpine View Haus on Main, a Bavarian-themed condo for up to four people (~$240/night)*
Bonus message from our partner: If you’re looking to book this trip, Going offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up here.*
SHOP
Seasonal
Here’s your reminder that Valentine’s Day is next Tuesday. Don’t forget to order that special someone a bouquet of flowers that will leave a lasting impression. Psst — check out Floom, an online marketplace that partners with florists that deliver locally. Shop Floom’s selection of special edition Valentine’s Day arrangements.*
Travel
Dreaming of a tropical summer vacation? Us too. We’re eyeing this romantic villa with pristine views in Costa Rica and this charming beachfront cottage in St. Kitts. Or maybe we’ll splurge on a trip to Tahiti and stay in this beach house with a private pool.*
Wellness
What’s getting us through February: Our humidifiers. We love the Levoit Blue Cool Humidifier for its quiet design, multiplemist levels, and how easy it is to clean. Do your skin (not to mention, your houseplants) a favor and up your home hydration.*
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