Unique local searches

• Top trending TV show | “The Last of Us” on Max
• Top trending tour | Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour

Four top trending “near me” searches in the Asheville area

• Air quality near me | We dove into burn bans placed across WNC counties this fall.
• Pawn shop near me | On a related note, check out Asheville’s flea markets, vintage, and resale shops.
• Staffing agencies near me | If you’re looking for a new gig, brush up on some of the area’s top industries and employers.
• Fishing near me | Let the experts help you reel in a catch on a guided fishing tour.

• Black Cat Tales: Story Time with Kiddies & Kitties | Friday, Dec. 15 | 4-4:30 p.m. | House of Black Cat Magic, 841 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $15-$25 | Encourage a love of reading in your little ones with a kitty-companion storytime.
• Winter Wonder Walk | Friday, Dec. 15-Saturday, Dec. 30 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Adventure Center of Asheville, 85 Expo Dr., Asheville | $18-$40 | Immerse yourself in the magic of the season during this live-action walk on an outdoor trail featuring characters, lights + Jack Frost himself.

• The Little Crafty | Saturday, Dec. 16-Sunday, Dec. 17 | 12-5 p.m. | Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Asheville | Free | Enjoy live music and artist demonstrations while shopping locally made art + goods from talented makers.
• Yoga + Live Music | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 6:30-8 p.m. | West Asheville Yoga Studio, 602 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $30-$40 | Tara Eschenroeder will lead the class with Hope Griffin providing the music, making this an engaging experience for the senses.
• Merry Makers Market | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 12-5 p.m. | Atelier Maison & Co., 121 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville | Free | Support local + small this holiday season at the Merry Makers Market. Shop unique housewares, vintage pieces, original art, handmade crafts, fair trade imports, and a whole lot more.*

• Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 4-9 p.m. | The Nerd Dungeon, 505 New Leicester Hwy., Asheville | $10 | Show off your gaming skills with a friendly competition at 4 p.m. and a prized tournament at 6 p.m.
• Holly Jolly Industry Chili Smackdown | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 6-9 p.m. | DSSOLVR, 63 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville | Free | Get your taste buds ready to try chilis from 5+ local establishments before deciding the next chili champion — proceeds benefit MANNA FoodBank.

• “Elf” | Monday, Dec. 18 | 7 p.m. | The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | Free | The whole family is invited to view this holiday classic on the big screen.

• Digital media company mitú collaborated with Explore Asheville to highlight Latino/a/x artists across mediums from sculpture to music to cuisine. Read up on the nine artists, and follow their social media accounts to stay up to date with the work.

• Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) is inspiring folks to get outside during these colder months with the return of the SAHC Winter Hiking Challenge. From January 1 to March 1, participants will aim to complete 60 miles in 60 days. Think you’ve got what it takes? Find registration info.

• On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Asian Southern fusion food truck Sticky 8’s caught fire — nobody was injured, but the business has started a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds for new equipment and create a plan for its next steps. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

• Start planning your eating itinerary now. Asheville Restaurant Week is coming up Tuesday, Jan. 16-Monday, Jan. 22. Check out the nearly 30 restaurants already slated to participate, with more being added soon.

• Through a letter posted to its website, Asheville Internal Medicine announced that it will close Friday, Dec. 29 and merge with Carolina Internal Medicine on Tuesday, Jan. 2. After its closing, patients will be seen at one of the two Carolina Internal Medicine locations. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

• Let’s not beat around the bush. Art Garden AVL is hosting its biggest plant sale of the year next week, Monday, Dec. 18-Friday, Dec. 22. Get 20% off your pick of greenery, including rare plants.

• Take a tour through the recently completed Jones Cove Farmhouse, a stunning blend of warm modern elements and historic design. Standing on an expansive mountain property in Buncombe County, Altura Architects used a series of transparent passages + breezeways to connect separate structures into a cohesive, light-filled whole.*

• This no-annual-fee balance transfer offer now lasts until 2025. Transferring your existing balance to a no-interest card could be the simple solution you’re looking for to finally get ahead of your payments. (Oh, and it offers cash back rewards on everyday purchases.)*

• Planning for personal growth and emotional well-being in 2024? Connect with a licensed therapist on BetterHelp in just 48 hours + get 25% off your first month.*

FedEx deadlines

• Friday, Dec. 15 | 5-day shipping
• Monday, Dec. 18 | 4-day shipping
• Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 3-day shipping (ground) + express saver
• Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 3-day shipping (home) + 2-day shipping (ground)
• Thursday, Dec. 21 | 2-day shipping (home) + 1-day shipping (ground)
• Friday, Dec. 22 | 1-day home delivery + same day

UPS deadlines

• Tuesday, Dec. 19 | UPS 3-Day Select
• Wednesday, Dec. 20 | UPS 2nd day Air
• Thursday, Dec. 21 | UPS Next day Air

United States Postal Service deadlines

• Saturday, Dec. 16 | USPS Ground Advantage + First-Class Mail
• Monday, Dec. 18 | Priority Mail
• Wednesday, Dec. 20 | Priority Mail Express