Learn something new about this beautiful city. | Photo by @overasheville
Did you know Asheville is also known as the Land of Sky?
Nah, just kidding. If you know us, you know we’re here for the deep cuts — and there are plenty of interesting factoids to go around. As connoisseurs of the quirky and unconventional, we put together a list of Asheville’s history, oddest characteristics, and more. Maybe you’ve lived here your whole life and know some of this, or maybe you’ll learn something new.
Asheville used to be called Morristown before its incorporation. The name was changed to Asheville to honor NC Gov. Samuel Ashe, our state’s ninth governor, who served from 1795 to 1798.
Pisgah National Forest is considered to be the birthplace of modern forestry in America. The Biltmore Forest School was founded in 1896 and was the first forestry school in the country.
The blue in the Blue Ridge Mountains come from a chemical called isoprene that trees release into the atmosphere. Isoprene contributes to the beautiful blue haze you often see over the peaks of the Blue Ridge on a clear day.
The Omni Grove Park Inn houses more than just guests: The Pink Lady, one of Asheville’s most famous resident phantoms, is said to have fallen to her death off of a 5th floor balcony in the 1920s. Some say she roams the halls of the resort.
Carrier Park was once the former Asheville Motor Speedway. Popular from the 1960s to 1990s, the track hosted many big time race car drivers such as Banjo Matthews.
Asheville’s ideal temperate climate helped put it on the map as the perfect place to recover from tuberculosis. The reigning theory of the time was that Asheville’s mild weather + cool night air would help clear the deadly bacteria from the lungs of the afflicted.
If you know something interesting or unusual, fun or fascinating about our city, now’s your chance to share it. Click on the link below to drop your trivia treasures.
Meditative Morning | Tuesday, Sept. 5 | 8-10 a.m. | The North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville | $10-$62.50 | On the first Tuesday of each month, the Arboretum + its work pauses for quiet so you can enjoy the sound of the birds and breeze — parking is half off.
Book Club | Tuesday, Sept. 5 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | East Asheville Public Library, 3 Avon Rd., Asheville | Join other literature lovers for a discussion of “What My Bones Know” by Stephanie Foo.
Wednesday, Sept. 6
Music to Your Ears Discussion Series | Wednesday, Sept. 6 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Asheville Guitar Bar, 122 Riverside Dr. Ste. D, Asheville | $10 | Bill Kopp, author and music journalist, and Dulci Ellenberger, local singer and songwriter, will lead a discussion on Carole King’s landmark 1971 LP “Tapestry.”
Thursday, Sept. 7
Introduction to Fly Fishing for Adults | Thursday, Sept. 7 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Asheville Parks & Recreation Outdoor Programs, 70 Gashes Creek Rd., Asheville | $5 | If you need more of a challenge than bobber fishing, learn the basics of the rewarding + exciting sport of fly fishing.
Chow Chow Food + Culture Festival | Thursday, Sept. 7-Sunday, Sept. 10 | Times vary | Locations vary | $0-$725 | Spend four days of incredible events celebrating Southern Appalachian culinary creativity.
All Arts Open Mic | Thursday, Sept. 7 | 6:30-10 p.m. | Free | 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.
Friday, Sept. 8
The Grimm’s Tale: Riding Hood | Friday, Sept. 8 | 7-10 p.m. | UNC Asheville Carol Belk Theatre, 1 University Heights, Asheville | $10 | Watch Monica McDaniel’s modern adaptation of the classic fairytale — set against an Asheville backdrop.
If living it up in true Gatsby-era fashion is on your bucket list (or just got added), this is the event for you. | Photos provided by The Omni Grove Park Inn
What’s the best way to celebrate F. Scott Fitzgerald’s birthday? Party like Fitzgerald would party.
Step back in time to the Roaring ‘20s at The Omni Grove Park Inn’s Fitzgerald Weekend, happening Friday, Sept. 22-Sunday, Sept. 24. The Gatsby-era weekend kicks off on Friday with the Gin & Jazz Social — a classy evening where 1920s attire is encouraged and guests enjoy small plates, cocktails, games + live music by the Firecracker Jazz Band.
To fully immerse yourself in the Fitzgerald vibes, make a weekend of it with:
Tickets to the Gin & Jazz Social on Friday, Sept. 22 (ages 21+ only)
A Roaring ‘20s Sunday Brunch at Blue Ridge Restaurant with live music from Russ Wilson (reservations recommended)
Guided tours of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s guest rooms (yes, where he really stayed)
Not staying for the weekend? Ashevillians are welcomed to join the fun by purchasing a single-evening ticket to the Gin & Jazz Social.
Biltmore Park Town Square will be welcoming four new businesses in the coming months. Dolly Llama Waffle Master is slated to start serving up its culinary creations before the season is out while Reeds Jewelers, Taco Boy + golf club fitter Club Champion plan to open up this fall.
Number
150,000. That’s how many dollars of grant funding the City of Asheville’s Neighborhood Matching Grant Program has provided for neighborhood improvements. On Thursday, Aug. 31, the program + grant recipients celebrated with a cookout at Shiloh Community Garden. (WLOS)
Theater
The Magnetic Theatre’s New Play Development Program is now open for submissions through Tuesday, Oct. 31. Playwrights will have a chance to meet with directors, designers, actors, and more to refine their work and develop their craft. Only one play is accepted per applicant.
Plan Ahead
Leicester Library is teaming up with the WNC Repair Cafe to provide free sewing repair. On Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 5-8 p.m., stop by the library for help mending damaged or just worn-out garments and fabrics — think a ripped couch cushion, a broken purse strap, even a torn stuffed animal.
Arts
Soak in the starlight at Newberry Opera House in Newberry, SC (~ a 2 hour drive). Revel in the heartfelt melodies of The Wildwoods on Oct. 1 — or get swept away by the dazzling Deanna Carrol, in Lady Supreme: The Diana Ross Experience on Oct. 6.*
Shop
Enza Home Furnishings and Mattress Gallery has extended their Labor Day Sale. Save up to 50% off select items including new furniture, mattresses, lighting, art, and home decor at their 25 Long Shoals Rd. location.*
September is National Preparedness Month (it’s also National Chicken Month, but I digress), so Buncombe County + the City of Asheville are sharing their suggestions for emergencies. Keep an eye on the City’s social media for tips throughout the month, and read the County’s steps for preparedness.
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