02.14.2024

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

56º | Sunny | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:18 a.m. | Sunset 6:10 p.m.

💘 Love in the Land of the Sky

Our readers’ local love stories

The Asheville skyline with a sunset behind it and heart location markers over various buildings.

There’s love all around the city. | Graphic by AVLtoday

For Valentine’s Day 2024, we made a map of local places where our readers have made memories. We asked for your help compiling everything from proposals to making friends. You did not disappoint.

You can explore these local love stories by clicking on the hearts in the map — and here are just a few that we had to share.

Sweeten Creek Brewing

Hobbit Affair 2023. Turns out, we’re a match made in The Shire.

- Anonymous

French Broad Food Co-Op

We were on a date to AVL’s first TedX and walking down the sidewalk in front of the French Broad Food Co-Op. I spotted a wooly worm in danger of being run over in the street and dashed out to save it. It was then that my now husband decided he might have a keeper.

- Amanda H.

French Broad River Dog Park

We met at the dog park. He randomly commented on my dog’s “doggles” (she has two brindle patches around each eye) and I couldn’t stop laughing at his 75 pound pit bull wiggling his way into the only mud puddle at the park. He asked me on a date, and almost two years later, the fur of us are loving life.

- Anonymous

A pink map of the City of Asheville with dark pink hearts marking love stories. — Click on the map to explore even more stories of love in Asheville.
|
Graphic by 6AM City

Mama Gertie’s Hideaway Campground

My life partner, Terry A., and I, David T., were “first loves” back in 7th grade and dated on and off until after college. For the majority of our adult life, however, we were on different paths, until life’s circumstances brought us back together. Since our first kiss, some 50+ years ago, we reconnected with a rendezvous at Mama Gertie’s Campground in 2021. We’ve been together as a couple, ever since.

- David T.

Luella’s Bar-B-Que

I met my husband at Luella’s BBQ in 2010. My friends brought him to brunch, and I wanted to go skinny dipping afterwards but not everyone wanted to go (my husband did not). I thought, how boring. We’ve now been married almost 10 years and have a 7-year-old (who was born to skinny dip and did not want to wear clothes for the first five years of his life).

- Anonymous

Pool skills, jailhouse wedding + more

Events

Wednesday, Feb. 14

Elizabeth Moen | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | 7 p.m. | Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave., Asheville | $21.49 | Experience the stripped-down sound of this introspective, blues-inspired artist, with support from Dan and Ryan of River Whyless.
Cheesy Valentine’s Day Comedy Show | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | 9 p.m. | DSSOLVR, 63 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville | $18-$20 | Laugh, love, and live it up with your partner, friends, or all by your single self.

Thursday, Feb. 15

Book Speed Dating for Teens | Thursday, Feb. 15 | 3:30-5 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., Asheville | Free | Teens can find their perfect book match while they rate first impressions of titles during a fun, drop-in speed dating game.
Craft and Connect | Thursday, Feb. 15 | 7-8 p.m. | Harvest House Community Center, 205 Kenilworth Rd., Asheville | $5 | Get crafty as you create your own candle and get to know the community.

Friday, Feb. 16

Black History Through the Eyes of Art Opening Reception | Friday, Feb. 16 | 6-8 p.m. | Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St., Asheville | Free | See how local artists acknowledge and honor the past — the works will be on display through Thursday, Feb. 29.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen and More | Friday, Feb. 16 | Times vary | Asheville Masonic Temple, 80 Broadway St., Asheville | $28-$50 | Hear the hits of the rock legends during this multi-sensory musical experience.

Saturday, Feb. 17

Mushroom Cultivation Workshop | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Fifth Season Gardening, 4 S. Tunnel Rd., #450, Asheville | $75 | Discover the secrets of growing gourmet mushrooms in your home — whether you’re a novice or a mycology master.

Saturday, Feb. 24

Atelier Maison & Co. Wedding Faire | Saturday, Feb. 24 | 12-5 p.m. | Atelier Maison & Co., 121 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville | $15-$25 | Connect with top-tier wedding vendors + enjoy demos, tastings, and more at the Atelier Maison Wedding Faire on Feb 24, 12-5 p.m. Sip sparkling wine while learning about the art of the perfect wedding.*

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

Making their way downtown. Asheville Downtown Association and Dewey Property Advisors are hosting Candidate Cafe, a discussion with the candidates for Asheville City Council, at Citizen Vinyl on Tuesday, Feb. 20. It will be a chance to converse, connect, and understand the candidates’ vision for downtown. Register for the free event.

Cause

The Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Western North Carolina is looking for volunteers before its next Volunteer Training Academy starts on Wednesday, Feb. 28. TIP volunteers work with first responders in Buncombe and Henderson counties to provide emotional and practical support to people who have experienced sudden trauma.

Eat

Now that the Usher concert (and its surrounding sports event) is over, you need a new game plan. Luckily, Blue Ghost Brewing Company’s Souper Bowl 2024 is about to touch down. This Saturday, Feb. 17, taste an array of delicious soups from local chefs as they compete to be champion — in support of The Free Clinics.

Edu

On Monday, Feb. 12, the Asheville City Board of Education voted to permanently increase the local supplement by 2%. The supplement, which is compensation given in addition to an educator’s state salary, was passed unanimously after the local chapter of the North Carolina Association for Educators advocated a raise for about a year. (WLOS)

History

The Asheville Citizen-Times is donating its photo archives to UNC Asheville’s Ramsey Library, allowing them to become a public resource. The photos, dated from the newspaper’s genesis in the 1870s, will be UNC Asheville’s largest photo collection and will eventually be digitized.

Sports

Passing the ball. Asheville City Soccer Club announced the appointment of Brooke Bingham as the new women’s head coach for the 2024 season. Bingham is a former Asheville City SC and UNC Tar Heel player.

Edu

On Monday, Feb. 12, after several delays, Asheville City Schools’ board voted to implement policies that bring the district into compliance with NC Senate Bill 49, known as the “Parents’ Bill of Rights.” The board made edits to policies to allow for greater “flexibility” and will discuss an additional reform policy in March. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Giveaway

This $900 prize package is up for grabs thanks to Highland Brewing’s Get Lucky With Gaelic Giveaway. Enter for free through March 31 for a chance to win a Highland hammock, a voucher for Wrong Way River Lodge + Cabins, and a whole lot more.*

Active

Young man, are you listening to me? The YMCA may be best known for lap pools and group classes, but it also offers Personal Training from nationally certified professionals. Plus, starting this month, the Reuter Family YMCA + Woodfin location now offers flexible + interactive EGYM Smart Strength Circuits.*

Home

If you spent your whole Sunday reorganizing your closet, here’s another spring cleaning suggestion: Move your credit card debt. This card offers 0% interest on a balance transfer until mid-2025. That’s over a whole year to pay off your balance, sans interest. Plus, you’ll earn 2% cash back on purchases.*

Holiday

There’s still time to send Valentine’s Day flowers. Pick up a bouquet at Pollen Coffee & Flower Shop, or shop same-day delivery bouquets on 1-800-Flowers.*

Civic

Join the community conversation

Join the conversation at an upcoming community input meeting

You’ll have a chance to share your thoughts on plans for Coxe Avenue. | Photo via Buncombe County

It may be cuffing season, but when we talk engagement, we’re not looking for a ring. Instead, we mean the frequent opportunities for engagement with the City of Asheville and Buncombe County — chances to speak up, speak out, and have a say in the future of the community.

Here are just a few ways to offer your input over the next few weeks:

Board of Education electoral redistricting

The Buncombe County Board of Education is holding a public hearing on the proposed electoral redistricting options, based on the new House Bill 66 requirements for six electoral districts and one at-large seat. On Thursday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m., the plans will be on display in the Maple Room at Entrance B, and the hearing will follow at 6 p.m. in the Buncombe County Schools Minitorium (175 Bingham Rd.).

If you’re interested in speaking, you’ll need to arrive no later than 5:45 p.m. to go through the security screening and sign in. And since brevity is the soul of wit — you’ll have to keep your comments to three minutes.

Affordable housing, elections + more

The Buy

The Buy 2.14.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A portable touch screen for your car, so you can connect your phone and use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for music, GPS, and more. Stick the screen where you want with its sturdy suction cup holder + use the voice control feature for safe driving.

Share AVLtoday

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_6}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

Grace and I were swooning over all of the sweet stories you submitted to the Valentine’s Day map. And even though we love all the love, we were particularly besotted by the couple who met at Sweeten Creek Brewing’s Hobbit Affair. Since we shared that event right here in the newsletter, we’d like to think we played a part in bringing them together (there’s a “one ring to bind them” pun in there somewhere). Our role is entirely unconfirmed and unsubstantiated, but if we have ever helped you find love, romantic or otherwise, we want to know.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

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.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY