Today’s Forecast

42º | Cloudy | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:40 a.m. | Sunset 5:30 p.m.

🧭 A perfect day trip to Banner Elk

Check out Banner Elk’s breathtaking mountaintop views. | Photo by Jeffrey L. Cohen on Flickr

Banner Elk is a popular destination for winter sports, but it’s also bringing the heat when it comes to warm weather fun. Here are some must-try activities and eats for your next day trip to this small mountain town.

Distance: 75 miles
Est. Population: 1,035
Avg. High in May: 73°

🎟️ Things to do

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, 3265 Tynecastle Hwy.

Take in the scenery as you zoom down the track on this alpine coaster. Keep the thrills coming and challenge yourself to the 28 obstacles included in the Wilderness Run Adventure Course next door.

Beech Mountain Resort, 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy.

Rent mountain bikes and hit one of the many trails that cater to all skill levels. If biking isn’t your thing, hop on a scenic lift ride to the top of Beech Mountain and enjoy a beer at the 5506' Skybar.

Sugar Creek Gem Mine, 3045 Tynecastle Hwy.

Who doesn’t love shiny things? Grab a bucket and sift through the dirt to reveal precious gemstones sourced right here in NC — like garnet, citrine, and rubies.

Grandfather Mountain State Park, 9872 Hwy. 105 S.

Take a hike — on one of Grandfather Mountain State Park’s trails, that is. Choose from nine trails ranging in difficulty to explore the picturesque forest.

🍔 Food and bev

The Peddlin’ Pig BBQ, 4235 Hwy. 105 S.

This casual joint offers barbecue classics like pulled pork, smoked brisket, and fall-off-the-bone ribs. Plus, check out the daily specials for more delicious surprises.

Bella’s Breakfast & Lunch, 142 Main St. E.

This no-frills cafe is a go-to among locals, serving up southern classics like biscuits and gravy, and fried chicken sandwiches.

Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, 225 Vineyard Ln.

With 20+ wines to choose from, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste buds. Grab a glass and relax along the banks of the Watauga River.

Events

Wednesday, April 26

West Asheville Library Book Discussion | Wednesday, Apr. 26 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Free | To celebrate National Poetry Month, bring one of your favorite poems to share with the group.
Queer Comedy Party | Wednesday, Apr. 26 | 8-11 p.m. | Different Wrld, 701 Haywood Rd. Ste. 101, Asheville | $15 | A night of performances from Tamar Rubin and queer comedians from Modelface Comedy, followed by a drag show.

Thursday, April 27

Creative Writing Workshop: EcoFiction | Thursday, Apr. 27 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Rd., Asheville | Free | Learn how to write about nature through poetry, fiction, and autobiography with local author and teacher Dr. Beth Keefauver — registration is required.
Plant show! Native flowers and more | Thursday, April 27-Saturday, April 29 | Times vary | M. R. Gardens, 441 Onteora Blvd., Asheville | Free | Browse this nursery’s plant selection and find what you want to plant for spring.
Adaptive Outdoor Adventures: Fishing Fun | Thursday, Apr. 27 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Azalea Dog Park, 395 Azalea Rd., Asheville | $2 | Anglers of any skill level are welcomed to participate at this accessible fishing excursion.
Listen to This: Stories and More On Stage | Thursday, Apr. 27 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $15-$20 | Listen to Maryedith Burrell, Gina Murphy, David Novak, and more share powerful stories related to the theme, “Just Blame It On the Rain.”

Friday, April 28

Wilco | Friday, Apr. 28 | 7:30 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville, 87 Haywood St., Asheville | $56-$95 | Jeff Tweedy’s Wilco is on tour with its new album “Cruel Country.”
Bear Shadow Festival | Friday, Apr. 28-Sunday, Apr. 30 | Winfield Farm, 250 Winfield Farm Rd., Highlands | $150-$775 | Headliners for this music festival include Spoon, The Head And The Heart, and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.

Saturday, April 29

Southside Community Clean Up | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St., Asheville | Free | Each volunteer will be provided gloves, masks, and bags to help pick up trash and recyclables — free refreshments will be provided at the Grant Southside Center afterwards.

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News Notes

Coming Soon

Hi-Wire Brewing is bringing beach vibes to the mountains. This July, it’s set to open the Tiki Easy Bar at its current South Slope location. House made specialty rum, bourbon, gin, and vodka will be featured on the menu — and hopefully, lots of drinks with tiny umbrellas. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Film

Remember when Diane Keaton was spotted in Biltmore Village last week? It’s confirmed that the star is shooting the upcoming film “Summer Camp” at Camp Pinnacle in Hendersonville. The movie focuses on three best friends reuniting at summer camp. (WLOS)

Real Estate

Spiritual community Jubilee! has sold its building at 46 Wall St. The property is expected to be ready to lease for office and retail space in ~six months. Jubilee! is hosting its final Sunday Celebration in the space on May 14, after which it will relocate to Rainbow Community School on Sunday, May 21.

History

Happy 201st birthday to Frederick Law Olmsted — dang, that’s a lot of candles. Known as the father of American landscape architecture, Olmsted designed the grounds at Biltmore Estate. Celebrate his legacy by taking a stroll around the Biltmore gardens or visit his statue at the NC Arboretum.

Sports

Time to dust off your cleats. Asheville Sports Club is hosting a 4-on-4 soccer tournament this Saturday, April 29, sponsored by Boojum Brewing. Reserve a spot for your team here. Kickoff starts at 1 p.m.

Eat

The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project recently released its 2023 Local Food Guide. The resource details where to find local food, markets, and farms with Appalachian-grown produce. Plus, the issue features seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, and The Montford. (Mountain Xpress)

Active

Have you been working out lately? Show off those muscles at The Trauma Intervention Program of Western North Carolina’s Third Annual Fire Truck Pull on Saturday, May 13. Teams of 12 will compete to pull a 33,000-pound firetruck a distance of 100 feet. Sign up. (The Laurel of Asheville)

Featured Deal

Discover more Biltmore with the purchase of a new Annual Pass — now on sale for $209 plus tax. Available for a limited time, save $90 off the regular Pass price, just in time to experience Biltmore this spring (and every season).*

Today Is

National Pretzel Day — AKA the most important day of the year for Stanley Hudson from “The Office.” If you’ve got a hankering for one of these fluffy on the inside, crisp and perfectly salted on the outside snacks, celebrate with this at-home pretzel kit or this gourmet pretzel pack.

Announced

Congratulations Nora R., the winner of our product survey! We hope you enjoy your $500 cash prize, and we thank you for providing your feedback. Responses from this survey are helping us improve our newsletter.

Answered

📚 And the winner is…

Read the winning poem from our 2023 poetry contest

A graphic that says 2023 Poetry Contest Winner.

The votes are in. | Graphic by 6AM City

We’re pleased to announce that “An Asheville Summer Night” by Christina Hernandez is the winner of our 2023 poetry contest.

This poem received the most votes from our audience. A big round of applause to our other finalists and everyone who participated in our contest — it was a true joy for the AVLtoday Editorial team to read what you came up with.

Now, we’re handing it over to Christina to dazzle us with their creation.

“An Asheville Summer Night”

At sundown,
Fifteen pink alpacas throw a killer party.
Beer and herbal teas in any direction.
Three lobsters appear to see what the evening includes.
The music is provocative.
A chicken is emerging in the mix,
Gentle and dramatic.
In the garden, wildflowers open with creativity and gusto.
Farmers, playwrights and hikers do an artistic walk into the event.
We mix and we match and we include all
Just a regular summer night in Asheville.

Read all our finalists' poems

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Grace

From the editor

Hey there, Asheville. Notice a new face in today’s newsletter? (Hint, it’s me). I can’t wait to bring you the scoop on all the latest and greatest happenings around town.

Miss yesterday’s edition? Check out six homes we’re dreaming about.

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