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82º | Sunny | 0% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 6:51 a.m. | Sunset 8:07 p.m.

🥨 Expert-approved munchies for 4/20

Presented by Hometown Hero

Hometown Hero is spilling the beans on the best snacks to pair with 4/20 festivities. | Photo provided by Hometown Hero

If you’re partaking in 4/20 festivities today (safely, of course), here are five expert-approved snacks to make (or to order on your fave food delivery app… because, let’s be honest, we’re not leaving the couch today), courtesy of the pros at Hometown Hero CBD.

🍣 Omega-3s

Omega-3s are a type of acid found in fats and oils that offer all sorts of benefits. They’re a great energy source that helps keep your cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems functioning.

Additionally, research shows that a whole bunch of chemical reactions in your body convert omega-3 fatty acids into endocannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system helps regulate vital functions such as memory, appetite, sleep, temperature, emotional processing, and much more. (More on the science around that here.)

Foods rich in Omega-3s include:

Salmon, oysters, mackerel, and anchovies (sushi, anyone?)
Walnuts
Peanut butter
Soybeans
Flaxseed and chia seeds (hello, smoothie bowl)

🍫 Chocolate

Before gummies came into the spotlight, the humble brownie was the most iconic cannabis edible — and for a good reason too. With its sweetness and deep earthy undertones, chocolate does a spot-on job of covering up any “meh” grassy aftertaste.

But there’s another benefit: Chocolate (particularly dark chocolate) is rich in anandamide, an endocannabinoid that gets its name from the Sanskrit word “Ananda,” which means “happiness” or “bliss.”

Snacks on snacks on snacks.
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Photo by Christian Kaye Photography via Hometown Hero

🥭 Mangoes

Ever wonder where plants get their smell? (Stay with us here.) Through naturally occurring compounds called terpenes.

Mangoes are rich in a terpene called myrcene, which may help transport cannabinoids into the brain. Plus, this terpene may help the transdermal absorption of cannabinoids too — aka help topical Delta-8 products absorb through the skin.

Keep reading for two more ideal munchies — and snag Hometown Hero’s bonus offer of a free sample, offered today only for our readers.*

2 more ideal munchies

This content was created in partnership with Hometown Hero CBD. Please note: Hometown Hero advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions, consult a physician before trying products, start only with small amounts, and to not consume Delta-9 before driving or before a drug test. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AVLtoday.

Asked

What’s the origin of the “4/20" holiday?

A. 420 is the number of active chemical compounds in marijuana.
B. 420 is police code for marijuana violations.
C. The location of Denver Interstate mile marker 420.
D. 420 is what you get if you multiply 12 by 35, the numbers from the title of the Bob Dylan song “Rainy Day Woman no. 12 and no. 35.”
E. 4:20 is the time when a group of teens from California would search for a legendary lost marijuana crop near the Point Reyes Coast Guard Station.

Puff, puff, guess

See the correct answer in The Wrap.

Events

Thursday, April 20

First Time Homebuyer Class | Thursday, Apr. 20 | 5:45 p.m. | Exit Realty Vision, 101 Weaver Blvd. | Free | Learn tips about securing home ownership, including loans, buyer incentives, and credit requirements.
Speakeasy Improv Presents: Improv Jams | Thursday, Apr. 20 | 7-9 p.m. | Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Free | Enjoy a free night of speakeasy-style improv and play.

Friday, April 21

Drag Music Bingo with Divine the Bearded Lady | Friday, Apr. 21 | 7-9 p.m. | Highland Brewing Downtown Taproom, 56 Patton Ave., Asheville | Free | Have a blast at this free event with great tunes hosted by the lovely Bearded Lady Divine.
Viva Las Vegas - BMC Concert | Friday, Apr. 21-Sunday, Apr. 23 | 7-9 p.m. | Moore Auditorium, 79 Cascade St., Mars Hill | $12 | Say “Viva Las Vegas” with Mars Hill University’s Bailey Mountain Cloggers as they put on a Vegas-themed performance.*
This is What Dreams Are Made Of: Disney & 2000s Throwbacks Dance Party | Friday, Apr. 21 | 8 p.m. | The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville | $20 | Bop along to early aughts hits from High School Musical, Britney Spears, NSYNC, Jonas Brothers, and more.*

Saturday, April 22

Yoga in the Park Asheville | Saturday, Apr. 22-Sunday, Apr. 23 | 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd., Asheville | $10 | Register in advance to attend this outdoor, all-level friendly yoga class.
Plant Identification and Yoga Earth Day Hike | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Bearwallow Mountain Trail, 4854 Bearwallow Mountain Rd., Hendersonville | $52 | Join Former AVLtoday Editor Ali McGhee and Tara Eschenroeder for a special Earth Day adventure.
SPARC Creative Market | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 12-4 p.m. | The SPARC Foundation, 225 E. Chestnut St., Asheville | Free | Expect 30+ booths of creative vendors at this benefit for the SPARC Foundation.

Sunday, April 23

Weekly Sunday Scrabble Club | Sunday, Apr. 23 | 12:15-4:30 p.m. | Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave., Asheville | Free | Come by to play your favorite word game — it’s okay to come late or leave early.

Saturday, May 13

Sip & Shop | Saturday, May. 13-Sunday, May. 14 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave, Asheville | Free | Celebrate Mother’s Day with a wine tasting and pop up shop at The Omni Grove Park Inn.*

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Coming Soon

In a few months’ time, we’ll have one of the world’s largest medical cannabis dispensaries in our backyard. Qualla Enterprises is slated to be the first legal sellers of marijuana in the state, operating its dispensary on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians land. (The News & Observer)

Civic

Preparedness is key, people. The City of Asheville wants to hear your input as it creates a new Emergency Operations Plan and the Continuity of Operations Plans. The plans detail practices in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies. Take the survey here.

Concert

Head out this Friday, April 21 for the start of Asheville’s Downtown After 5. The free summer concert series will be held on the third Friday of every month through September at North Lexington Avenue. First up for this weekend’s show? Devon Gillfillian + Joe Lasher Jr. and Kaitlyn Baker.
The second wave of performers for August’s inaugural AVLfest has been announced. Get ready for acts from Scott McMicken of Dr. Dog, Nikki Lane, and Chatham County Line. See the full lineup and stay tuned for another round of artist announcements in the coming weeks.

Outdoors

The only thing better than Asheville views? Easily accessible Asheville views. On April 18, Buncombe County Commissioners voted unanimously to explore creating a park on the picturesque Deaverview Mountain summit. Funding is being sought to conserve the land, while Parks and Recreation works to establish the property as a park. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Award

Students from The Christ School were recipients of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 2022 Volunteer of the Year award. The students were recognized for keeping the parkway pristine by removing vegetation, painting, and fixing up campsites. We call that a win for National Volunteer Week. (Mountain Xpress)

Featured Home

Located within the quiet Pinnacle Ridge South neighborhood, this beautiful 3 BD, 3 BA move-in ready home offers an easy-to-maintain yard, 180° views from two levels of porches, and workshop spaces for storage + tinkering hands. Full of character, the home boasts built-in bookcases, elegant fixtures, and upgrades throughout. See inside.*

Finance

Now may be a good time to transfer your balance. This leading balance transfer card offers 0% intro APR for 21 months and no annual fee. Eliminating interest payments? A no-brainer.*

Kids

The perfect family-friendly activity does exist, and you can even do it all spring and summer long, rain or shine. We’re talking about Kids Bowl Free — a national program that connects you with local bowling alleys where kids can receive two free games of bowling each day. Learn more + sign up.

Travel

What trip would be worth leaving Asheville? For City Editor Laura, it’s Sicily — to pretend like she’s in an episode of “The White Lotus” (sans murder). Sign up for Going to get notified when flight prices drop so you can book your dream trip and feel great about it. Join for free.

Listen

We’re dropping the needle on Record Store Day deals

Stock up for Record Store Day in Asheville

Earth River Records' sign for Record Store Day 2025

Earth River Records is ready for the big day. | Photo via Earth River Records

Music lovers’ favorite holiday is nearly upon us — Record Store Day is Saturday, April 12. Here’s where you can find the special releases you’re itching to get your hands on (or just some cool LPs to add to your collection).

Earth River Records | The Woodfin shop will open early at 10 a.m. — and if you plan on lining up even earlier, Shady Grove Coffee will keep you fueled with coffee, tea, and cocoa.

Harvest Records | Expect a line to form bright and early — the shop opens at 8:30 a.m., selling RSD titles only until 11 a.m. Then, any records are up for grabs, including a fresh batch of used vinyl. The good vibes will go ‘til 5 p.m., with DJs and free drinks.

Records in the RAD | Back in February, the record store and art gallery hybrid asked you which special LPs you wanted in stock for the special day — browse the music memorabilia section before you check out.

Baby Rabiez | More than just a record store, this shop is a pop culture nerd’s dream, filled with Pokemon cards, comic books, and Funko Pops. Come for RSD picks and stay for a performance from Lost Cat and special giveaways.

Static Age Records | After scoping out the vinyl selection, head back in the evening for a live show to take in the sounds of psychedelic country, neo-soul, folk punk, and post-punk.

Answered

Yesterday, we reported on Sawhorse closing on Sunday, April 16. Here’s what you had to say in tribute to the diner.

Via our social media posts:

“I’m honestly going to miss the warm vibe there with excellent service. It felt like old Asheville to me — where the staff was happy to see you and the food was good. And I sure did love their pancakes.” — Beth R.

“The steak sandwich and fried walleye sandwich were out of this world. We went every weekend” — @merbear927

“The light has gone out of my life.” — @bullfrogjaws

“Often off menu chocolate chip cookies, fresh out of the oven, were the best things you’d ever eat. Absolute tragedy, especially to the locals’ restaurant scene in town.” — @stephjkane

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Sarah Leonhardt

Answered: E. According to several sources, 4:20 is the time when a group of teens in Marin County, California would search for a legendary lost marijuana crop near the Point Reyes Coast Guard Station in the 1970s.

One of the kid’s older brothers was friends with Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, who co-opted and popularized the now-iconic association between the number and the recreational activity (and, ultimately, the celebration of both on April 20 — aka 4/20 — each year).

Editor’s Pick: If you’re not following AVLtoday on Instagram, you’re missing incredible bear videos like this. Just sayin’.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Hood Huggers turns 20 and Sawhorse closes.

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