State parks close backcountry campsites as WNC wildfires continue to burn
Prepare for takeoff this holiday season. | Photo via NC Forest Service
North Carolina remains under a state of emergency due to major wildfires burning in WNC. A burn ban is still in place in 30 counties, prohibiting all open burning and canceling burn permits.
On Friday, Nov. 10, backcountry campsites across 10 state parks closed due to fire risk through Friday, Dec. 1, while several parks closed all campsites. Anyone who made a reservation at one of the listed campsites will receive a refund.
The Poplar Drive fire in Henderson County spans 434 acres and is 70% contained as of a Sunday, Nov. 12 update. Edneyville Fire & Rescue has received a huge influx of community support with donations of food + supplies. To help contribute to their efforts, you can donate to the department.
The Collett Ridge fire in Cherokee County remains at 5,335 acres and has now reached 55% containment, per an update on Sunday, Nov. 12. The cloud cover, cooler temperatures, increased humidity, and light precipitation that occurred over the weekend helped moderate the fire’s behavior — but until there is greater rainfall, smoldering can be expected to continue.
In the event of an emergency, Buncombe County will use its CodeRED text messaging system to communicate with residents. To receive alerts, text “BCAlert” to 99411 or register online. Explore additional resources to protect your home + community.
Events
Monday, Nov. 13
Music Movie Mondays: “The Stones & Brian Jones” | Monday, Nov. 13 | 7-9 p.m. | Grail Moviehouse, 17 Foundy St., #20, Asheville | $15 | Catch the film detailing Brian Jones’ role in launching The Stones into success, followed by a moderated discussion led by Asheville-based author and music journalist Bill Kopp.
Best Ever Karaoke | Monday, Nov. 13 | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Fleetwood’s, 496 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Free | Start your week off right by channeling your inner superstar for a wild karaoke night.
Tuesday, Nov. 14
Open Folk | Tuesday, Nov. 14 | 7-9 p.m. | The Funkatorium, 147 Coxe Ave., Asheville | Free | Join a silent audience as six songwriters play three original songs each.
Bodega Catena Zapata Wine Dinner | Tuesday, Nov. 14 | 7 p.m. | Bargello, 7 Patton Ave., Asheville | $114 | Dine on a four-course meal, paired with wines from Bodega Catena Zapata.
Wednesday, Nov. 15
Intro To Cupping | Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 3-4 p.m. | Coffee Curious Workshops, 45 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville | $10 | Learn to evaluate the aroma, body, and acidity of coffees from local roasters.
Second Annual Friendsgiving Potluck Party | Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville | Free | Bring a dish and a friend to create new connections at this holiday event hosted by AVL Digital Nomads.
Saturday, Nov. 18
Asheville Symphony Presents Masterworks 3: “American Portraits” | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 2 p.m., 8 p.m. | First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St., Asheville | $25-$75 | This all-American program features Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon plus narration by Bryan Terrell Clark, best known for starring as George Washington in Broadway’s Hamilton.*
Worried about spammers during Black Friday shopping?
This service protects your personal data not only from targeted ads, but also from scammers and identity thieves. | Image by Incogni
The best way to cut down on all those Black Friday spam emails, texts, and calls? Cut marketers off at the source by removing your personal information from data brokers — aka companies that sell contact info to spammers (and scammers).
Save yourself the manual work and get your data off 180+ data brokers and people search sites automatically with Incogni.
Bonus: Sign up for a one year subscription with code 6AM60 and get 60% off.
Sip, sip, hooray. Cultivated Cocktails Distillery’s Tavern location is now open at 161 Charlotte Hwy. Stop by for local libations and food from Mountain Madre.
Closing
Eurisko Beer Co. will pour its final brew on Saturday, Nov. 18. Back in July, the brewery announced that it would cut back operations and find someone else to take over the space. Come support the business in its final week at 255 Short Coxe Ave.
Cause
Local diaper bank, Babies Need Bottoms, is opening an expanded warehouse in Ernest Co-Warehousing + Co-Working, aiming to serve more families across WNC. You can support the mission by donating and attending the nonprofit’s sixth anniversary celebration at Ginger’s Revenge on Sunday, Nov. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. with donations of diapers, wipes, and rash cream.
Eat
Take it cheesy at Gourmand + Botanist and Barrel’s Raclette Brunch Party on Sunday, Nov. 19. Indulge in small bites incorporating the gooey cheese with perfectly paired wines — walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are encouraged.
Pets
Did you bring your pup to The Whale or DSSOLVR to get their photo snapped for the Your Dog Here beer can? See if you can spot your pooch on the finished label. The Amber Ale is available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Asheville Humane Society.
Feel Good
As firefighters work hard battling the Poplar Drive Fire, a team of volunteers from the North Carolina Baptists on Mission Disaster Relief have been working hard to keep them fed with hot breakfast and dinner. Led by Ronnie McMahon, the efforts have been by firefighters + the community. (WLOS)
Job
Looking for a career in healthcare? Mission Health is hiring. Offering exceptional career opportunities in all clinical specialties, the health system has several job openings at the Carolina Spine and Neurosurgery Center + multiple practices across Asheville. See jobs + apply.*
Finance
This card is offering a rare $300 welcome bonus (and bonuses like that don’t come around that often). That’s why thousands are lining up for it. Learn more and apply.*
Trending
It’s here — Oprah’s Favorite Things list, just in time for the holidays. We’re seeing: luxury flaky sea salt, all-weather boots, fleece robes, and a baked brie board.*
Travel
Making your flying process plane and simple
How to navigate the Asheville Regional Airport
Everything you need to know just in time for holiday travel. | Photo via Asheville Airport
Traveling via plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours is unlike anything else.
The whole navigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. To help make your time at the Asheville airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from shuttles and parking to details on the airport’s 20+ nonstop flights.
What to know
Peak hours | According to an Asheville Airport spokesperson, peak hours fluctuate depending on the flight schedule. This November, peak hours usually occur from 6-8 a.m., then again from 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. The airport does not track TSA wait times, but recommends arriving two hours before your flight to be safe.
Food and drink | The Blue Ridge Trading + Tavern serves breakfast biscuits, sandwiches, salads, and coffee drinks. Aletitude is the latest addition, featuring local brews on tap and grab-and-go salads and sandwiches. There’s also Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s pretzels available.
Tune in to LIVE with Kelly and Mark this morning to see our neighbor Michael C. Hall (who you may know as Dexter) perform with his band Princess Goes. The band just released a new album and is set to head out on tour next month. Catch their show at The Grey Eagle on Friday, January 19.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.