Head back to your childhood roots at this adults-only summer camp
Prepare to get splashed. | Photo via Nantahala Outdoor Center
Find yourself reminiscing about your summer camp days? If you miss the childlike wonder of singing songs with your friends, roasting marshmallows over a fire, and exploring the outdoors, then we have great news for you.
It’s not too late to relive those memories, thanks to Camp Wesser, an adults-only summer camp hosted by the Nantahala Outdoor Center. This Saturday, Aug. 5 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., adults ages 21+ can play like kids again — but this time with beer.
Camper itinerary
The festivities begin at 9 a.m. with a fully guided whitewater rafting excursion on the Nantahala River. Pro tip: bring an extra set of clothes and shoes for when you return because, after working up an appetite on the river, campers head to Big Wesser Riverside Pub for lunch — no mess hall vibes here.
Post-lunch, glide across Fontana Lake on a stand-up paddleboard or a sit-on-top kayak from 1 to 3 p.m. If you’re looking for more of an adrenaline rush, thrill-seekers can opt for a journey through the Zip Line Adventure Park and Ropes Course.
Take a trip through the trees at the Ropes Course.
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Photo via Nantahala Outdoor Center
Come 5 p.m., it’s time to get your competitive juices flowing for the New Belgium Beer Olympics. Think you may get carried away during the games? Lodging and accommodations are available with campers receiving a 10% discount using the code CAMP23.
The day wraps up with a summer camp classic — a bonfire with plenty of s’mores. Satisfy your sweet tooth while listening to live music at Nantahala Outdoor Center’s Riverside Stage.
Ready to go?
Reserve your spot at Camp Wesser by purchasing a ticket, priced at $150. Prepare for an unforgettable day by browsing the detailed schedule and checking out tips on what to wear and bring for each adventure.
Events
Thursday, Aug. 3
All Arts Open Mic | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 6:30-10 p.m. | Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Prepare a five-minute original piece in your chosen medium — from storytelling to music, comedy to dance — or sit back and enjoy.
Park Rhythms Summer Concert Series | Thursday, Aug. 3, Thursday, Aug. 10, Thursday, Aug. 17 | 7-9 p.m. | Veterans Park, 10 Veterans Park Dr., Black Mountain | Free | Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy live music from Twain and Natalie Jane Hill.
Friday, Aug. 4
Public Workshop: Missing Middle Housing Study | Friday, Aug. 4 | 4-7 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville, 87 Haywood St., Asheville | Free | Attendees can drop in to this open house to learn more about Missing Middle Housing and to give feedback to help guide the final Missing Middle Housing report.
Sparkfire Comics Release Party | Friday, Aug. 4 | 5-7 p.m. | Open Hearts Art Center, 217 Coxe Ave., Asheville | Free | Celebrate the first issue of Dave Demmer’s comic series, “The Chronicles of Sparkfire Blade,” created with assistance from Open Hearts Art Center, a supportive studio for adults with varied abilities.
Saturday, Aug. 5
Uncommon Market Summer Extravaganza | Saturday, Aug. 5-Sunday, Aug. 6 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Mission Health/AB Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Dr., Asheville | Free | Shop antiques, art, vintage decor + clothes, jewelry, plants, candles, and more.
“Sing” | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 11:30 a.m. | Rabbit Rabbit, 75 Coxe Ave., Asheville | Free | Bring the whole family for a screening of the film, following a young pig chasing his dreams of becoming a musical sensation.
Sunday, Aug. 6
Marquee Live | Sunday, Aug. 6 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Marquee Asheville, 36 Foundy St., Asheville | Enjoy live music, art installations, mimosas, food trucks + more at this interactive brunch experience.
Headshot Pop-Up Studio | Sunday, Aug. 6 | 2-5 p.m. | Ginger’s Revenge South Slope Lounge, 32 Banks Ave., Asheville | $40-$70 | Update your LinkedIn profile pic after a shoot with photographer Brian Konutko.
Buncombe County received a National Association of Counties Achievement Award for its racial equity training series. The series was created through 100+ hours of work by the Meaningful Engagement, Equity Together (MEET) Team.
Civic
During their Tuesday, Aug. 1 meeting, the Buncombe County Commissioners approved providing nonprofit Mountain Housing Opportunities (MHO) with $300,000 for downpayment assistance loans. MHO’s program helps qualified borrowers with fully deferred, zero-percent-interest loans that are repaid when the property is sold or refinanced.
Eat
Chef J Chong is setting up shop at Pop Bubble Tea today, Aug. 3 from 2 to 5 p.m. selling frozen to-go shrimp shumai. While you’re there, be sure to try Pop’s special release of Hong Kong Coffee Milk Tea using Penny Cup cold brew.
Kids
Support Fairview’s youngest artisans at the Kids’ Maker’s Market this Saturday, Aug. 5. Stop by the Spring Mountain Community Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to shop arts + crafts, jewelry, confections, and more from the budding entrepreneurs.
Outdoors
Feeling confident in your climbing skills? Head to the Riveter this Saturday, Aug. 5 for its Summer Showdown bouldering competition. All skill levels are welcome to compete, with cash prizes awarded to the top three winners. Claim your spot.
Arts
Center for Craft is seeking volunteers for its upcoming immersive art installation, “Krafthouse 2023: Forest of the New Trees.” Sign up to guide visitors through the experience when it opens in late September.
Featured Home
This quality 4 BD, 4 BA log cabin with views of Lake James sits just one mile from a public boat ramp and a 5-minute drive from Lake James State Park (which has a swimming beach and miles of trails). This gorgeous lakeside gem also offers a finished basement with a full kitchen + game room. See the view from the deck.*
Edu
Help local teachers stock their classrooms
Help local teachers stock their classrooms with school supplies
Help a local teacher out by donating needed school supplies. | Photo by Laura Rivera
Teachers are the unsung heroes of our community. With the 2023-2024 school year just around the corner, they are beginning to stock their classrooms with supplies to make sure students have the tools they need for success — and oftentimes, they’re using their own personal finances to do it.
We want to show our support by helping local teachers clear their school supply wishlists. If you, or a teacher you know, has a wishlist, be sure to send it to us for the chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
Looking for more ways to support our local schools for the upcoming year and have some family-friendly fun while you’re at it? This Sunday, Aug. 6 at 4:30 p.m., Broker Asheville is hosting a free screening of “The Princess Bride” at Rabbit Rabbit that doubles as a school supply drive. Bring markers, pens, pencils, notebooks, and more to benefit the Asheville City Schools Foundation.
Today is the day I’ve been waiting for. Tubby the Duke’s Mayo mascot makes his arrival in Pack Square Park this morning from 9 to 11 a.m. He was already spotted yesterday at Eblen Charities’ school supply drive.
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