Put your favorite spots on the map — literally. | Map via Proxi
We’re putting together a map of unofficial locations that deserve a historical marker. We can’t wait to show you the finished product, but in the meantime, we thought we’d share a submission:
“Flood Back Love Memorial. The aftermath of Helene will be with us for generations to come. But one aspect we will not want to forget is the love and help that poured in too.” — Brandi A.
There’s still time to put your favorite location on the map. Submit your unofficial historical marker to our local map by clicking the button below. You have until Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Thursday, Nov. 28 24th Annual Asheville Turkey Trot 5K | 9:15-10:30 a.m. | Pack Square Park | $45 | Start your holiday morning with some fresh air and exercise — race-day registration will be available from 7 to 8:30 a.m.
Friday, Nov. 29 Holiday Sip & Shop | Friday, Nov. 29-Friday, Dec. 27 | 4-7 p.m. | Grove Arcade | Free | Sip on a glass of bubbly while you find unique, local gifts for loved ones.
Leftovers | 7-9 p.m. | Catawba Brewing Company | $15 | Recover from a whole day of eating with a few rounds and lots of laughs from local and national comedians.
Saturday, Nov. 30 Merry Little Movie & Market | 12-4 p.m. | Haywood Park Hotel | Free | Shop local makers in the enchanting atrium while you watch classic Christmas shorts and meet Santa — don’t miss the showing of “Elf” at 2 p.m.
Paper Crowns | 4-7 p.m. | One World Brewing - West Asheville | $5 | Experience the genre-crossing power duo and their modern roots music.
Sunday, Dec. 1 A Tribute to Paul Simon | 5:30 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $19 | Join a 12-piece band for the full orchestration of this legendary musician’s work.
Happy Thanksgiving. However you celebrate, we hope you enjoy a day of rest, reflection, and community. We here at AVLtoday are thankful for our city, and the fact that there’s always plenty to talk about (we’ll be starting a dinnertime debate around the unwritten rules of Asheville).
Civic
Buncombe County and City of Asheville offices will be closed today, Nov. 28 and tomorrow, Nov. 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday. In addition, certain county services created in response to Helene, like community care stations and water distribution sites, will be closed today but will reopen on Friday. See the full schedule.
Health
Buncombe County has issued a public health alert in response to a continuing multi-school outbreak of whooping cough (pertussis) in the county. Since August, 45 cases have been confirmed, primarily in school-age children. Check out more info from the CDC, then contact Health and Human Services for a vaccination appointment.
Edu
With the support of the NC General Assembly, UNC Asheville will offer free in-state tuition for the spring 2025 semester. Current students will automatically receive the award, and new + transfer students will be eligible for the grant funds. Bonus: The enrollment application deadline has been extended to Friday, Dec. 6.
Eat
Rebel Burger has announced an initiative to support the local dining community. The team is temporarily pausing operations of the food truck to allow food entrepreneurs to rent the truck and its equipment for a minimal cost, and they’ll also offer industry expertise + strategic guidance. Learn more and apply.
Cause
The Always Asheville Fund, established by Explore Asheville, has raised more than $1 million in grant relief for 322 local travel and hospitality businesses that were impacted by the storm. The local businesses, which included galleries, restaurants, and retail, received grants of $2,000-$5,000. You can still donate to expand the fund.
Number
79.9 million. That’s how many people AAA projects will travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving this year. If you’re one of the nearly 6 million plane travelers this season, don’t forget to check out our guide to the Asheville Airport.
Featured Deal
Already thinking about those New Year’s resolutions? Give the gift of a healthy lifestyle to yourself or a loved one, with the YMCA of Western North Carolina’s Cyber Weekend Specials. Pay no joining fee when you sign up online before Dec. 2. Snag this deal.*
Finance
See your full financial picture with Fruition. In the Land of the Sky, don’t let finances limit your view. Break free from financial stress. Gain crystal-clear insights into your spending, savings, and investments in a single dashboard. Get 20% off your first three months with code 6AMASHE.*
Health
Hospice is about quality of life. When asked about their experience, families consistently share that they wish they had chosen hospice sooner. CarePartners Hospice is here to help families make the most of their time together. Start the conversation by visiting the website or call 828-255-0231.*
Wellness
Remember all the scammy weight loss ads from the ‘90s that promised “magical results” (but never delivered)? Well, thanks to Hers and GLP-1s — the ingredient behind Ozempic® and Wegovy® — we’re not that far off. Start your weight loss journey. Read website disclaimers for important consumer information.*
Category
Community
Updates + need-to-know information
City Manager Debra Campbell remarked, “The spirit and resilience of our community is truly something to be thankful for.” | Photo via Buncombe County
The following article is being updated on our website daily. Click the button at the bottom of this section to read the full story.
There will be no briefings today, Nov. 28 and tomorrow, Nov. 29.
Wednesday, Nov. 27
Make sure you’re up to code
Buncombe County Permits and Inspections Director Bob Haynes shared details of county permitting after the storm, “I know the process of making repairs or rebuilding can seem overwhelming, but we want to help our community understand the process and the importance of rebuilding and making repairs safely. Permitting the work and following the codes is all about safety.”
Here are the steps for permitting damaged structures:
Ask contractors for their NC State license number (each trade has its own board).
Obtain multiple bids.
Call the permits office with any questions at 828-250-5388.
A Black Friday sale on the No. 1 bestselling clog on Amazon: Crocs. Buy the Crocs classic clog for up to 45% off in select sizes and colors. Psst — They would make a great holiday gift, too.
If your friends and family have strong opinions (or just enjoy a good, low-stakes debate), those unofficial unwritten rules of Asheville might get you through all of Thanksgiving dinner. But in case you run out of topics over dessert, I thought I’d share a couple of my favorite local history tidbits to keep the conversation going. Try impressing the table with details of NC’s only Frank Llyod Wright house — that never came to be. And if that isn’t enough, they might be interested in the Asheville auction house that sold a rare copy of the US Constitution (Bonus fact: It sold for $9 million).
