Feeder types 🪶

• Seed feeders are the most versatile. Black-oil sunflower seeds appeal to the greatest number of birds, according to the Audubon Guide to Bird Feeding. They’ve also got homemade recipes that everyone will be chirping about.
• Suet (or beef fat) is a high-energy treat for bug eaters, and you can make a DIY feeder from an onion bag. We recommend a hot pepper suet, as that helps deter bears.
• Nectar feeders give hummingbirds and orioles a sweet treat. Opt for a low-capacity feeder to make sure you’re cleaning it regularly.

The perfect setup 🪶

Maintenance 🪶

• “Brothers and Sisters Like These” Veterans Writing Classes | Tuesday, Apr. 11 + Tuesday, Apr. 18 | 5:30-7 p.m. | East Asheville Public Library, 3 Avon Rd., Asheville | Free | Register to join other veterans for this series of writing classes led by NC Veterans Writing Alliance Writer in Residence Elizabeth Heaney, author of “The Honor Was Mine.”
• The Asheville Riot of 1868 | Tuesday, Apr. 11 | Buncombe County Special Collections at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., Asheville | Free | Dr. Steve Nash of East Tennessee State University reflects on the 1868 election riot in Asheville.

• Small Batch Sake Release Party | Wednesday, Apr. 12 | 5-8 p.m. | Ben’s Tune-Up, 195 Hilliard Ave., Asheville | Free | Sample four new locally-made sakes at this release party.

• Family Outdoor Night: Let’s Try Fishing | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Azalea Dog Park, 395 Azalea Rd., Asheville | $2 | Learn basic fishing skills at this family-friendly, introductory class — fishing poles and bait will be provided.
• Poultry Butchery and Broth Class | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 6-8 p.m. | The Chop Shop Butchery, 100 Charlotte St., Asheville | $100-$130 | Watch a butcher break down a chicken and learn how to use the parts to make a perfect broth.
• Harlem Globetrotters | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 7 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville, 87 Haywood St., Asheville | $18-$99 | These legendary ballers are returning to Asheville for an evening of trick shots and other delights.

• David Childers & The Serpents w/ Zachary Warren | Friday, Apr. 14 | 6-8 p.m. | Bloom WNC Flower Farm, 806 North Fork Rd., Black Mountain | $20 | David Childers and The Serpents will perform the first outdoor concert of the series at Bloom WNC Flower Farm.
• Live Music with Lavender Blue and Balm | Friday, Apr. 14 | 6-8 p.m. | 12 Bones Brewing, 2350 Hendersonville Rd., Arden | Free | Feast on great barbecue while enjoying live tunes from slow-core artist Lavender Blue and loop jammer Balm.

• North Asheville Library Bird Walk | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 8-9 a.m. | 1030 Merrimon Ave, Asheville | Free | Register in advance to attend a bird-watching excursion led by members of the Blue Ridge Audubon Society.
• Farm Where You Live Homesteading Fair | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 8 a.m.-7 p.m. | WNC Ag Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher | $10 | Learn everything you need to know about homesteading, from tending chickens to herb gardens.
• Asheville Symphony - Masterworks 6: New World | Saturday, April 15 | 8 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville, 87 Haywood St., Asheville | $22.50 - $72.50 | Asheville Symphony’s Masterworks 6: New World explores the deeply rooted sense of triumph over adversity in American orchestral music.*

• Artisphere presented by TD Bank | Friday, May 12 - Sunday, May 14 | 12-8 p.m. | Downtown Greenville, SC, Main Street from Wardlaw and Main to Broad and Main, Greenville | Free | Artisphere presented by TD Bank is back during Mother’s Day Weekend in downtown Greenville, SC — enjoy a free, family-friendly celebration of the arts.*

• Buncombe County leaders are in conversation with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) about potentially creating a new park on Spivey Mountain. The 342 acres are currently owned by a “conservation-minded individual” and the SAHC has signed a three-year option agreement to purchase the land. We’ll keep you posted as plans develop. (WLOS)

• Spread your creative wings with our poetry contest. The rules: Craft a 75-word or less poem using the words that appeared in our Wednesday, April 5 newsletter. Submit before Sunday, April 16 for a chance at an AVLtoday feature.

• Ever wonder how SylvanSport makes its RV/MH Hall of Fame camper (plus other camping gear)? The Brevard-based biz is inviting the public to see for themselves at its Factory Spring Sale and Open House on Saturday, April 15. The family-friendly event runs 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at 21 Welcome St.

• Congrats to the UNC Asheville women’s tennis team on winning the program’s first Big South Conference regular season championship since 1989. With their recent defeat of Charleston Southern, the Bulldogs are now on a 15-match win streak.

• OnTrack is sharing free credit reports on Thursday, April 13 as part of its Credit Awareness Day. To participate, stop by its office at 50 S. French Broad Ave. from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• Garden & Gun Magazine teamed up with Explore Asheville to release its first limited-edition album. The album celebrates the Southern music scene including bluegrass, country, rock, and soul. Check it out.

• Whether you’re a new or seasoned homeowner, navigating home maintenance can be overwhelming. Here’s an ultimate home maintenance checklist with 20+ ways to keep your home’s heating, cooling, plumbing + electrical running efficiently this spring.*

• Make a PAWS-itive impact. Help save a life + help animals in need by donating blood with The Blood Connection. In honor of National Pet Day, all donors receive $30 in rewards. After you’ve saved three lives with your donation, consider donating your rewards to local humane society groups. Find a donation location.*

• Today is National Pet Day. Celebrate your fur babies with our brand partner, Hannah Chloe Co. From bandanas to bows, your adorable pet will appreciate these gifts. Shop now.

• Itching to take a vacation? We’re always in support of time off + self care — so we’ve rounded up five drool-worthy vacation spots to help you plan. This oceanfront suite in Bermuda is one of our favorites on the list. See the rest.