Be the big fish at Lake Julian. | Photo via Buncombe County
If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon out by the water, it might be time to cast a line. “Fishing near me” was one of Asheville’s top Google searches of 2023, so explore these fishing spots + resources to have a reely good time while you fish around the area.
You can fish from the shore, a privately owned boat, or a rented boat for bass, catfish, bream, and crappie in this popular lake. In addition to your NC Fishing License, you’ll need a fishing permit ($4/day, $25/year).
Bonus: The nearby Asheville Parks and Recreation office is a site partner of the WRC Fishing Tackle Loaner Program, which is like a library for registered anglers to check out fishing gear for free.
The park’s pier is just one draw — there are also soccer fields, a dog park, and the nearby WNC Nature Center. Azalea Park Pond is part of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s Community Fishing Program, meaning it gets stocked monthly, from April to September, with channel catfish.
Enjoy pier or bank access at these two Swannanoa ponds. The ponds are also Community Fishing Program sites, so channel catfish are regularly stocked.
When in doubt, you can always visit the NC Wildlife Resource Commission’s Fishing Access Map, which lets you view public fishing areas throughout the state.
A. Yes, I know all the best fishing spots. B. I’ve cast a line or two. C. No, but I did Google “fishing near me” last year. D. No, catch me anywhere but a fishing trip.
Bluegrass Jam Wednesdays | Wednesday, June 26 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | French Broad River Brewery, 101 Fairview Rd., Asheville | Free | Grab a drink and enjoy improvisational bluegrass from The Saylor Brothers.
Thursday, June 27
Survey Says | Thursday, June 27 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing - Biltmore Village, 2A Huntsman Pl., Asheville | Free | Gather a team for Asheville’s version of “Family Feud” — guess the No. 1 answer to questions asked of 100 people.
Stories for Seasons and Reasons | Thursday, June 27 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Weaverville Community Center, 60 Lakeshore Dr., Weaverville | Free | Settle in for an evening of personal tales from local storytellers, many of whom are members of the Asheville Storytelling Circle.
Friday, June 28
Michael Franti & Spearhead | Friday, June 28-Saturday, June 29 | 5-10 p.m. | Salvage Station, 468 Riverside Dr., Asheville | $50-$90 | Catch the musician and activist on his two-night run, with support from Trevor Hall and Bombargo — plus, these concerts benefit the French Broad Riverkeeper.
Summer Skate Jam | Friday, June 28 | 6-9 p.m. | Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd., Asheville | Free | Show off your skating skills and jam to the music — skates are available for rent if you don’t have your own.
The Art of Drag: Connections Through Drag | Friday, June 28-Saturday, June 29 | 7 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl, 14 O. Henry Ave., Asheville | $10-$20 suggested donation | See seasoned drag performers and some drag debuts at this show presented by Southern Equality Studios and Campaign for Southern Equality.
Saturday, June 29
Asheville Vintage Market | Saturday, June 29 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Rabbit Rabbit, 75 Coxe Ave., Asheville | Free | Find the perfect vintage ‘fit along with accessories and housewares.
Community Day: “Shifting Perceptions” | Saturday, June 29 | 12-5 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville | Free | Enjoy free admission and explore the exhibition with games, live music, a photo booth, tours, talks, and more.
Celebrate Asheville’s Design District at Anniversary Event
Stop by the Anniversary Event at 11 a.m. for some free Outdoor Yoga. | Photo provided by Atelier Maison & Co.
Asheville’s now flourishing Design District started in the minds of Sean and Laura Sullivan.
Inspired by design districts around the country, the pair — owners of Living Stone Design + Build, ID.ology Interiors & Design, and Atelier Maison & Co. — envisioned a hub right here in Asheville to connect + elevate the city’s design community.
The Anniversary Event on Saturday, July 20, celebrates that vision — and you’re invited. See where + how to enjoy design events, food trucks, live music, a full market, and more.
Fast casual Mediterranean chain CAVA is opening a new location on Friday, June 28 at 1 Brian Blvd. in Arden. But you can sign up to snag a free meal the day before it opens during Community Day. Plus, donations to MANNA FoodBank will be matched up to $1,000.
Featured
Asheville is featured as an inclusive destination in National Geographic’s “Out in the World: An LGBTQIA+ (and Friends!) Travel Guide to More Than 100 Destinations Around the World.” Find a copy at Malaprop’s Bookstore or at a book signing at The Hop’s S&W Market location on Saturday, July 13. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Pets
Buncombe County has issued a warning of scammers posing as county animal shelter or animal control employees to target owners of lost pets, requesting that owners pay to reclaim them or for “life-saving surgeries.” Learn more about what the scammers are saying and how they may be receiving information.
Learn
The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association is accepting applications through Wednesday, July 3 for the second session of its Financial Empowerment Pilot Program. The program supports local service industry employees in creating a savings plan (with a 2:1 match) and hosts sessions to establish personal finance goals.
Watch
After it was taken offline in 2022, the Chimney Rock State Park live webcam is back up and running. Get the picture, and check out the 24/7 live stream.
Award
Felice Ball, president of the Asheville-Buncombe Adult Soccer Association, is the first recipient of the Meghann Burke WNC Soccer Pollinator Award. The award honors her work in making soccer programming accessible to all, with a focus on underserved communities. See the award presentation at the Saturday, June 29 home match.
Featured Deal
The Fourth is quickly coming up, and delighted has everything you need to host memorable + fabulous festivities. Think: Unique and eclectic paper goods, decorations, earrings, and even sparklers. AVL locals — mention this promo for 10% off July 4 holiday items. Start shopping.*
Finance
This card is a cash rewards dream, ft. unlimited cash rewards on purchases, a $200 bonus after spending $500, and a long intro APR on purchases + balance transfers. Reward seekers, say it with us: Cha-ching.*
Arts
🎵 Legislate that funky music
North Carolina establishes NC Music Office
The 58th season of Shindig on the Green, one of Asheville’s biggest music events, begins Saturday, July 6. | Photo via the Folk Heritage Committee and Shindig on the Green
Last week, Gov. Roy Cooper announced that a new office within the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) will be established to promote + celebrate the state’s music. The NC Music Office was announced by Cooper on June 21, Make Music Day.
The new office will:
Facilitate music-related programming and investments across the state.
Attract music industry investments (think: festivals like AVLFest, Lovin’ Life, and Merlefest).
Increase awareness of NC’s music scene + history.
NC will be one of just a few states with a dedicated music office, joining Tennessee, Louisiana, and Texas. “We are excited to expand our resources and opportunities for the state’s thriving music industry — one that creates jobs and improves quality of life in all 100 counties,” said DNCR Secretary Reid Wilson in a press release.
We have to say, we’re big fans of NC’s music scene, too. Check out the “Asheville Music Scene” playlist, created by reader Lark Frazier, to get in tune with local artists.
It looks like our guide to daily restaurant deals needs an addition. The newly opened Romeo’s Vegan Burgers has some deals, including a double burger combo for a single burger combo price on Wednesdays.
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