November 20, 2023

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Today’s Forecast

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

🗺️ Meet me at the Pack Square pigs

The Jackson Building makes it easy to say, “Go that way.” | Photo by @overasheville

We’ve all been there: Someone’s trying to give you directions by describing 10 lefts, 20 rights, and a jumble of cardinal directions. Isn’t it easier to just point out a landmark?

That’s exactly what we’re doing. We have 13 of the most recognizable Asheville landmarks — from the Jackson Building to the RAD silo. Not only are these local icons easy to remember, but they’ll also get you where you need to go in a jiffy.

Pack Square pigs + turkeys
Address: N. Pack Square
Nearby: Asheville Art Museum, Pack Square Park

Sure, you could just say, “Take a left at the Pack Square Plaza median” if you’re telling someone where to go, but we prefer the idea of saying, “Turn when you see the pigs.” These bronze pigs and turkeys, called “Crossroads” and part of the Urban Trail, wander a path that represents the road traveled by Native Americans and later those herding livestock across the mountains.

The Flatiron Building
Address: 20 Battery Park Ave.
Nearby: Pritchard Park, The Grove Arcade

If you’re using The Flatiron Building as a directional guide, you could pick a lot of different attributes to set it apart — its triangular shape, its Beaux Art design, or even the large statue of an iron out in front of it (also part of the Urban Trail). Fun fact: It used to be home to Skybar, a rooftop bar that was spread out over three balconies on the top three floors.

guide-asheville-murals-nc-avltoday — Two queens comprise one of Asheville’s most iconic murals.
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Photo by AVLtoday

Dolly and RuPaul mural
Address: 783 Haywood Rd.
Nearby: Westville Pub/All Sevens Brewing, Orbit DVD

Country music icon Dolly Parton was paired up with the only other icon worth her weight in wigs, drag performer + singer RuPaul, when Gus Cutty finished his addition to the mural on the side of West Asheville’s Beauty Parade in April 2021. This mural is in a prime Haywood Road spot — and easy to point out to lost wanderers.

City Guides are presented by Laura Dahl, Broker City Home Realty.

10 more famous features

Asked

What local landmarks do you use to get around the city?

We want to know what structures, signs, or natural features you always rely on when directions like “go east” and “turn left after two miles” start to fail you.

Go this way

Events

Monday, Nov. 20

Tai Chi for Beginners | Monday, Nov. 20 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Dragon Phoenix, 51 N. Merrimon Ave., Unit 109, Asheville | $13-$15 | Practice the Yang 10 and 24 forms along with some Qigong exercises.
Best Ever Karaoke | Monday, Nov. 20 | 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. 21

Poetry Night | Tuesday, Nov. 21 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St., Asheville | Free | Join fellow artists and step on the stage for an evening of poetry + expression.
Wines for the Thanksgiving Feast Wine Dinner | Tuesday, Nov. 21 | 7 p.m. | Location is to be announced | $95 | Blend wine, food, and expert guidance during a workshop that will help take your Thanksgiving table to the next level.

Wednesday, Nov. 22

Friendsgiving at Bear’s | Wednesday, Nov. 22 | 7-10 p.m. | Bear’s Smokehouse, 135 Coxe Ave., Asheville | Free to attend | Live music, food, drinks, and friends offer a little escape from the holiday madness.
Family Avoidance: A Thanksgiving Comedy Showcase | Wednesday, Nov. 22 | 9 p.m. | DSSOLVR, 63 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville | $15 | Start the holiday weekend de-stressed with help from an evening of escapism and laughs.

Saturday, Nov. 25

Estate Planning Workshop: Craig Associates | Saturday, Nov. 25 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Downtown Office, 149 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville | Free | Learn how to build and protect your estate for loved ones with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and more during this seminar led by Chris Craig.*

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Shop

Ring in the holidays with these gifts

This holiday season shop for unique gifts from our small business partners. | Photo by 6AM City

Our online shop (Six & Main), a site that celebrates small businesses locally and in our 25 sister markets, is dishing out major deals this holiday season. From coffee to artwork and apparel, there’s a gift for everyone.

Black Friday

30% off items included in our gift guides for her + him

Cyber Monday

30% off Treat Yourself Gift Guide

There are more savings this weekend for the foodies, pet parents, and more…

Unwrap more gifts

News Notes

Community

The votes are in. At 11:45 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, the Buncombe County Board of Elections officially certified the votes cast in the Tuesday, Nov. 7 municipal election. Check out the results.

Civic

Time to take a holiday. The City of Asheville government offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24 for Thanksgiving. ART bus service will be suspended on Nov. 23 as will trash and recycling collection. Parks will be open, but all recreation and community center buildings will be closed on Nov. 23 and Nov. 24.

Regional

The US Forest Service has closed the Appalachian Trail from I-40 to Max Patch due to the Black Bear fire in Haywood County. The Black Bear fire, which start on Thursday, Nov. 17, has grown to more than 1,700 acres.

Closing

Urban Orchard Cider Co. announced that it will close its West Asheville location (210 Haywood Rd.) on Sunday, Nov. 26, citing “post-COVID fatigue and a careful consideration about what will serve the community better in this location.” Don’t worry, though — the team will still be serving up ciders at its 24 Buxton Ave. location in South Slope.

Eat

Cheers to a decade of dining. Rhubarb is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a Decade Dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m. Executive Chef John Fleer + Chef de Cuisine Davis Taylor will collaborate with Rhubarb alums for a special menu commemorating the restaurant’s history.

Closing

Gold’s Gym in South Asheville (1815 Hendersonville Rd.) is closing its doors on Friday, Dec. 15, but the Patton Avenue and Oakley Plaza locations will get renovations + updates. According to an email to members obtained by the Asheville Citizen-Times, members of the South Asheville location will have their memberships automatically transferred. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Announced

Dreary winter weather got you dreaming of sunshine? Well, traveling to the Sunshine State will soon be a little easier — because Allegiant announced a nonstop flight between Asheville and Orlando come May 2024. Before you pack your bags, check out our airport guide for all you’ll need to know. (WLOS)

Regional

The National Park Service issued a ban on all campfires and charcoal use in Great Smoky Mountains National Park because of dry conditions and high fire danger. Visitors can still use cookstoves with compressed gas canisters and gas grills that have an on/off switch. The ban is in effect until further notice.

Travel

Did you know? Greenville, SC is a pet-friendly haven for travelers. Plan the paw-fect trip with these dog-friendly experiences.*

Shopping

This dangerously comfy Norwegian recliner + ottoman is headlining 2023 holiday gift guides everywhere thanks to its timeless look, state-of-the-art ergonomic design elements, and extra cushioning in all the right places. Take a peek.*

Answered

Your plans for carbon reduction

More than half of respondents wanted pedestrian-friendly improvements. | Photo by John Wollwerth, via the City of Asheville

Recently, we shared info on the Carbon Reduction Program, a distribution of $6.4 billion in formula funding over a five-year period in an effort to reduce transportation emissions across the US.

We also asked how you’d like to see funding from the program spent for carbon reduction in Asheville, should we receive program money again.

Here’s a breakdown of what you said:

61% | Pedestrian-friendly roads and facilities
49% | Public transportation
28% | Traffic management/road diet projects
16% | Fuel alternatives

12% of you mentioned other projects that you’d be eager to see. Click the button below to find out some readers’ thoughts on a carbon-reduced future for Asheville.

Trolleys, bikes + more

The Buy

A Black Friday deal on the ultimate gift: A Bwine F7 GPS Camera Drone. They’ll have fun flying it and capturing incredible footage. Get it for ~~$529.99~~ $370.99.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

I have a bookshelf in my house that’s dedicated solely to cookbooks, and I’ve reached the point in my collection that there are volumes stacked in piles in my kitchen because the shelf has reached capacity. Well it looks like I need to invest in a new bookshelf altogether — because I’ve got another one to add to my wishlist. Chef William Dissen of The Market Place is releasing “Thoughtful Cooking: Recipes Rooted In The New South” this coming April, and you can start pre-ordering now.

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