Embrace the holiday giving season with this guide that’s got something for everyone, including local finds. | Graphic by 6AM City
Season’s greetings, Asheville. As we all continue recovering together, we have the chance to provide crucial support to our local businesses this holiday season. Look no further than the official AVLtoday gift guide, full of unique local treasures to spread cheer this holiday season and support WNC.
Gifts for parents
Custom photo blanket | $20.99+ | Gift them a highly personalized blanket adorned with family pictures and your choice of text from this Asheville-based maker.
Steve Callari 7” Santoku knife | $265 | A good knife can change the way you cook, and Asheville Crafted Edge has a plethora — this one is an all-around performer for everything from dicing veggies to slicing meats.
Gifts for young people
WNC Nature Center symbolic adoption | $25+ | Symbolic adoptions support habitat improvement, environmental enrichment, and education at the Nature Center — plus, if you donate $50 or more, you get a plush animal.
Asheville-opoly Game | $24.99 | This local take on a classic board game is perfect for the next family game night.
Artisan soap and shower mist gift bundle | $48 | This gift set from C&Co. Handcrafted Skincare is ideal for a luxurious moment of self-care, with two scents of soap + an energizing shower mist.
“Good at Naps” woven blanket | $58+ | This versatile and stylish blanket is the perfect addition to their nap time routine.
Gifts for your significant other
Custom picture disc | $110+ | Forget a mixtape — create a personalized record for your loved one with the help of American Vinyl Co.
Warm and cozy honey set | $28-$58 | For a gift as sweet as they are, Asheville Bee Charmer has you covered with these vanilla, coffee, and chai infused honeys.
Due to the storm, some events on our website may be canceled or postponed. Please check the event links and websites to confirm details before attending.
Wednesday, Nov. 13 Dog Behavior 101 Workshop + Q&A | 4-6 p.m. | Enka-Candler Library, Candler | Free | Learn the ins and outs of your dog’s behavior with Deborah Dobson, who has worked with dogs for 30+ years — leave your pups at home for this one.
Latin Night Wednesday | 8 p.m. | One World Brewing - West Asheville | $5 | DJ Mtn Vibez will provide the music as you dance the night away — lessons are from 8:30 to 9 p.m., followed by open dance.
Wicked Weed Brewpub reopening | 12-9 p.m. | Wicked Weed Brewing | Free | Wicked Weed welcomes you back with a full beer, wine, and cocktail menu, plus limited food every day from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.*
Thursday, Nov. 14 Well Played Social Club | 6-10 p.m. | Well Played Board Game Cafe | $3 | Foster new friendships over board games at this weekly social.
Friday, Nov. 15 Laughter in the Heart of Asheville | 6:30-10 p.m. | Botanist & Barrel Tasting Bar + Bottle Shop | $20 | Have a laugh at this comedy benefit show supporting Asheville Comic Aid and BeLoved Asheville.
Pink Pony Club: Chappell Roan Night | 8:30 p.m. | The Orange Peel | $18+ | Join the “Femininomenon” for a night of the Grammy-nominated artist’s hits and more pop anthems.
Saturday, Nov. 16 North Asheville Tailgate Market | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Stein Mart parking lot | Free | Stock up on local produce, meats, prepared foods, and more to support local farmers and artisans.
Sunday, Nov. 17 Big Love for Salvage Station Benefit | Asheville Music Hall | $10+ suggested donation | A lively lineup of local musicians is on deck for this benefit show supporting Salvage Station.
To make the concert series accessible, 200 “Pay What You Can” tickets are available for the Friday, Nov. 22 performance at 8 p.m. | Photo provided by Asheville Symphony Orchestra
‘Tis the season for giving back, and this campaign certainly hits the right note.
Experience the timeless power of Handel’s “Messiah,” as the Asheville Symphony returns to the stage for three performances on Friday, Nov. 22, and Saturday, Nov. 23.
Originally performed as a benefit concert, “Messiah,” carries special meaning this season. The symphony will host a Thanksgiving Food Drive to restock the First Baptist Church of Asheville’s food pantry.
Join the Symphony to celebrate resilience, community, and music.
Reminder: the Homeowner Grant Program reopened in the wake of Hurricane Helene and the deadline to apply is this Friday, Nov. 15. Eligible Buncombe County homeowners can receive up to $300 in financial assistance for housing-related costs — City of Asheville residents may qualify for up to $500.
Featured
Ashleigh Shanti’s Good Hot Fish is one of the 14 spots lauded as Eater’s Best New Restaurants in America for 2024. The restaurant reopens this Friday, Nov. 15, but you can also bring Shanti’s cooking to your Thanksgiving table by pre-ordering appetizers, sides, and dessert.
Opening
Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food faced extensive damage to its truck and patio space, but the restaurant just shared some positive news — Guajiro has a new home at Hi-Wire’s Biltmore Village location. Details on an opening day will be shared soon.
Holiday
This year, Downtown’s Annual Holiday Parade has been reimagined as the Holiday Jamboree, an all-day seasonal celebration in Pack Square Park. On Saturday, Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., expect performances from community groups and musicians, photos with Santa, food trucks, and a holiday market to buy special gifts.
Closing
Bottle Riot announced on social media that due to “the devastation from Hurricane Helene, paired with no support from insurance,” it will close its doors after one last event. On Friday, Nov. 22, the wine bar will host The Last Riot — bring your own vessel to enjoy wine rescued from its cellar and to raise a glass to the bar’s seven years.
Learn
Nerd Nite, a monthly event featuring unique and informative presentations from community members, returns to RAD Brewing Co. tomorrow, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. In this edition, NOAA scientist Jared Rennie will present “Helene: WTF Happened?,” explaining the reasons for why the storm was so devastating.
Eat
To keep up with local restaurant reopenings, you can visit the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association’s running list of open spots. Bonus: It also has a tab for restaurants that are offering holiday event rental space and have Thanksgiving meals.
Cause
MANNA FoodBank and Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity offices were destroyed or severely impacted by Helene, but that didn’t stop the organizations from serving the community. In fact, they partnered up, and ReStore employees filled staffing needs at MANNA. If you want to help with each organization’s mission, you can volunteer with both Habitat and MANNA.
Read
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Shop
Unwrap the season’s best audience exposure with us. Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide is the perfect place for your product to be seen by 57,366+ potential shoppers looking for gifts. Secure your spotjust in time for the season’s festivities.
Category
Community
Updates + need-to-know information
More details on debris pickup on private property will be shared soon. | Photo via City of Asheville
The following article is being updated on our website daily. Click the button at the bottom of this section to read the full story.
Tuesday, Nov. 12
Consulting firm aids with private property debris removal
Buncombe County has retained Tetra Tech, a consulting firm specializing in disaster recovery, to aid with community recovery and private property debris removal.
As part of the Community Navigators Assistance program, the firm’s staff are at the Asheville Mall and out in the community.
The program for private property debris removal is currently being designed, but the Director of Post-Disaster Programs at Tetra Tech explained that the first steps of the program will be to open four intake centers throughout the county, mobilize traveling intake specialists, and set up an online application for private property debris removal. In-house visits will also be available to allow folks to sign up for the program.
Tetra Tech is also hiring locals in roles, including office and field work — find open opportunities.
If you’re looking for meaningful career opportunities, two local nonprofits have open roles. Bounty & Soul is hiring a Produce to the People Manager to oversee its initiative that aims to fight food insecurity, and Babies Need Bottoms is searching for a Warehouse Associate to help manage daily operations. Click the links for more info on each position and to learn how to apply.
