🌳 Parham-Fortner Farm

🌳 Lake Eden Preserve

• The Houseplant Social | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 6-8 p.m. | B.B. Barns, 3377 Sweeten Creek Rd., Arden | $25 | Spend an evening shopping for unique + rare houseplants, mingling, and enjoying live music, desserts, discounts, and giveaways.
• The Community Lab Showcase | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Misfit Improv & Acting School, 573 Fairview Rd., Unit 21A, Asheville | Free | Gather your improv group or take the stage yourself for this monthly open mic — if you don’t like the spotlight, just join the audience.

• Jamie Shriner | Friday, Feb. 9 | 7-9 p.m. | Catawba Brewing Company South Slope, 32 Banks Ave., Asheville | $15-$18 | The Chicago-based comedian will share humorous original songs about her hearing loss, mental illness, and general struggles of life.
• Flyin’ West | Friday, Feb. 9-Sunday, Feb. 25 | Times vary | Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E. Walnut St., Asheville | $18-$30 | Don’t miss this compelling drama following four women in the 1890s in one of the all-Black towns established in the American West.

• Valentine’s Day Market | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 12 a.m.-3 p.m. | Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Asheville | Free | Find unique gifts for your Valentine, decorate a complimentary card, snack on desserts + ice cream, and listen to the live music.
• Bike Love | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 7-11 p.m. | Highland Brewing Company, 12 Old Charlotte Hwy., Ste. 200, Asheville | $30 | Revel with the rest of the WNC cycling community during a night of music, dancing, and merriment.

• You Had Me at MEOW: Speed-Dating for Cat Lovers | Sunday, Feb. 11 | 6-7 p.m. | House of Black Cat Magic, 841 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $20 | Mix + mingle with other single cat lovers — not to mention twelve adoptable cats.

• 2024 Organic Growers School Spring Conference | Friday, March 8-Sunday, March 10 | Times vary | Mars Hill University, 100 Athletic St., Mars Hill | Choose to attend workshops from 13 different themed tracks, including Mushrooms, Herbs, Living on the Land, Gardening, Permaculture, and more.*

• Don’t miss your chance to speak out. The City of Asheville has introduced a form for reporting issues with accessing or participating in public meetings — think technical glitches or difficulty hearing speakers. The new feature is intended to allow the City to address the accessibility + inclusivity of its meetings.

• Signed, sealed, and delivered. Beginning this week, a random sampling of Buncombe County residents will receive a short community survey in their mailboxes. The answers will be used to shape local initiatives and programs and to identify other opportunities and challenges. Those who aren’t selected can keep an eye out for future engagement.

• Celebrate a new season of TEDxAsheville as this year’s speakers step into the spotlight. The Pass the Mic Celebration & Ceremony on Saturday, March 2 will include hors d’oeuvres, drinks, talks from two TEDxAsheville 2022 speakers, and behind-the-scenes experiences of the 2024 lineup. Get your tickets.

• It might be time for a motel makeover. The Mountaineer Inn on Tunnel Road may see a number of renovations, including a new cafe + bar, coworking space, gear rental, and outdoor deck, according to a project proposal submitted to the City by the property owner, LOGE Camps. The company intends to keep the motel’s famed sign intact. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

• The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved closing funds from the CDBG Coronavirus Program, which originally awarded the County $900,000 for mortgage and utility assistance. The grant period ended in June 2023, and $404,212 in funds have not been expended, due in part to changes in guidelines for eligibility.

• Close your eyes and picture this: A cozy 2022 cabin, tucked away in Catawba Falls Preserve. Wide windows, a wraparound covered porch, and a move-in ready, fully furnished modern interior. Is this what you were imagining? Or is the real primary shower even more luxurious than you envisioned?*

• Crossnore Communities for Children is a North Carolina nonprofit dedicated to helping children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other trauma reclaim, rebuild, and reimagine the essential belief in a safe, dependable home. Learn more about Crossnore’s work in the Asheville area + help support the cause.*

• A friendly reminder to book spring + summer vacations (they’re just around the corner). Looking for privacy? This beachfront Bahamas cottage is perfect for two. Prefer the mountains? Book this newly built Gatlinburg, TN cabin. Want beach time? Walk to St. Simons, GA’s shore from this Vrbo that’s also a treehouse.*

If you love the great outdoors

• Let the picnic pros do all the planning — get a fully prepped pop-up picnic with local companies like Asheville Luxury Picnics or Asheville Picnic Company. Or DIY at one of these five local spots.
• Take a walk on the wild side and try one of these beautiful local hikes.

For the ones who like to play games (just not with your heart)

• Grab a fun drink at Rocket Fizz (key lime or marshmallow soda, anyone?) after playing arcade games at the nearby Asheville Pinball Museum. If you’re in West Asheville, Asheville Retrocade will keep you entertained for hours.
• Get to know each other over a drink, snack, and board game of your choice at Well Played Board Game Cafe.