12.12.2023

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Today’s Forecast

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

It’s play time

30+ kid-friendly activities in and around Asheville

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Let your budding paleontologist uncover fossils. | Photo courtesy of Asheville Museum of Science

We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like the Asheville Museum of Science to hidden gems like the KOLO Bike Park, there’s something in Asheville for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 30 kid-friendly activities around the 828.

🧠 Educational activities

Asheville Museum of Science, 43 Patton Ave. | $10
This small-but-mighty museum offers kids opportunities to explore astronomy, climate, ecology, and geology. Kids will remember a hands-on paleontology display that lets kids uncover fossils.

Hands On! Children’s Museum, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville | $10 | Family memberships available
Kids can learn emotional and social development skills, as well as practice cognitive, fine, and gross motor skill development through educational and interactive exhibits that feature art, STEM, and beyond. Kids will remember coming here for birthday parties.

🎨 All about the arts

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Sq. | $10-$15 | Family memberships available
Let little ones embark on an “I Spy” scavenger hunt of the museum’s colorful offerings. Kids will remember creating their own art at the Youth Studio.

Fired Up! Creative Lounge, 26 Wall St. | Prices vary
From paint-your-own-pottery to canvas painting, there are a variety of ways for the little ones to unleash their inner artist. Kids will remember crafting their colorful masterpieces.

pump-track-asheville-nc-avltoday — Kids can show off their best tricks.
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Photo courtesy of KOLO Bike Park

🎢 Thrill-seeking fun

KOLO Bike Park, 85 Expo Dr. | $5+
Beginner pump bikers can get their thrills on two tracks with mounds that maximize momentum. Kids will remember riding continuously without pedaling.

fun-rainy-day-activities-asheville-nc-avltoday — With 5,000 video games, the Asheville Retrocade is a blast for all ages.
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Photo by AVLtoday team

🎳 Indoor adventures

FOX-N-OTTER Adventure Escapes, 3 S. Tunnel Rd., Ste. K14 and 3749 Sweeten Creek Rd., Unit 2 | $87+ per group
Enjoy an escape room experience that’s designed for little ones. Kids will remember solving the riddle before you do.

Asheville Retrocade, 800 Haywood Rd., #100 | $10
In addition to 5,000 video games, there’s also pinball, skeeball, and foosball. Kids will remember discovering the games you loved as a kid.

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

20+ more ideas this way

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Kid-friendly bars and breweries are:

A. A life-saver for me and my family
B. A fun place to gather with a group of friends
C. Places I actively avoid

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Events

Tuesday, Dec. 12

Southside Walking Club | Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 10:30-11:45 a.m. | Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St., Asheville | Free | Get your walk on with great music and motivating themes — inside or outside, depending on the weather.
Lake Julian Festival of Lights Drive-Thru Nights | Tuesday, Dec. 12-Saturday, Dec. 23 | 6-9 p.m. | Lake Julian Park, 37 Lake Julian Rd., Arden | $10-$50 | Listen to your favorite holiday tunes as you drive through a stunning display of a million sparkling lights.

Wednesday, Dec. 13

Holiday Cookie Contest | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 1-2:45 p.m. | Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St., Asheville | Free | Show off your baking skills, sip on hot chocolate + apple cider, and compete to win prizes.
10 Years | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $20-$25 | Jam out to the music of this Knoxville-based alt-metal band.

Thursday, Dec. 14

Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 8:45 p.m. | AyurPrana Listening Room, 312 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $35-$60 | Bask in the glow of candlelight while taking in the sounds of Vivaldi’s violin concerti performed by the Opal String Quartet.
103.3 Asheville FM Record Release & Listening Party | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 7-10 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl, 14 O’Henry Ave., Asheville | Free | Celebrate and listen to the music of many of the artists featured on the “Real People Great Radio, Vol. 2" compilation.

Friday, Dec. 15

Winter Wonder Walk | Friday, Dec. 15-Saturday, Dec. 30 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Adventure Center of Asheville, 85 Expo Dr., Asheville | $18-$40 | Immersive yourself in the magic of the season during this live-action walk on an outdoor trail featuring characters, lights + Jack Frost himself.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Biz

Local beverage business Shanti Elixirs announced it will suspend production indefinitely, citing ongoing financial challenges in brewing Jun, its honey-sweetened fermented tea. You can show your support for the business at its last event of the year at the North Asheville Tailgate Market this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Award

Through Friday, Dec. 15, you have the chance to send in your nominations for the Black Wall Street Legacy Awards. At the Saturday, Feb. 24 ceremony, Black community members will be highlighted for their progress + achievements in categories including Business Trailblazer, Outstanding Elder, Emerging Young Leader, and more.

Arts

Next time you’re at the East Asheville Library, you can explore Asheville’s future from the youth perspective. Through the end of December, postcards made by Buncombe County kiddos are on display, depicting themes of the County’s 2043 Comprehensive Plan. Need a refresher on the plan’s topics? We’ve got you covered.

Eat

Stop by Whistle Hop Brewing Company or The Brew Pump this week to get your fix of Smashville burgers before the truck goes on a two-month hiatus for the season. Score 25% off your order on Tuesday and Thursday and 50% off on Sunday. Take a look at the schedule and meat your heart out.

Featured Jobs

Know anyone considering a 2024 career change? MB HAYES currently has 10+ open positions in and around Asheville, including HVAC Residential Installer Assistant, Service Plumber, and more. See openings + benefits.*

Real Estate

Sitting minutes away from Downtown Black Mountain and its many restaurants, parks, and breweries, this dreamy 2021 home in Magnolia Sweet Birch Commons checks all our boxes (we’re suckers for a spacious modern kitchen). See photos and details on this open 3-bed, 4-bath build this way.*

Try This

The opportunity to see pieces designed by renowned fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen — up close, in person, right here in South Carolina — is not to be missed. Take a behind-the-scenes peek at this runway-worthy exhibition currently on view at the Columbia Museum of Art.*

Travel

New name, new venues, new events. The Charleston Festival (formerly known as the Festival of Houses & Gardens) is happening March 14-April 14 in Charleston, SC. The 2024 season features iconic tours and events, but better than ever — plus, new events to enhance the experience. Learn more + snag tickets.*

Job

We’re hiring a City Editor for our newsletter in Charlotte, NC. The person we’re looking for is passionate about storytelling + news and has some serious Charlotte pride. Responsibilities include planning, writing, editing, and publishing the most relevant and engaging daily content about the city. See details and apply.

The Buy

The Buy 12.12.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

The go-to gift for people who have everything: a scented candle.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Grace

From the editor

I’m back to talk about waffles (again). Pop Bubble Tea is introducing authentic Hong Kong bubble waffles to the menu. The made-to-order treats are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside — plus, they pair perfectly with the shop’s bubble teas. You can order one for yourself starting Friday, Dec. 15 at 640 Merrimon Ave. inside The Hop.

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