Join this flock in South Asheville. | Photo via iDaph Events
Whether you come from a “turkey trot family” or you’re just looking for a way to get moving this Thanksgiving, we’ve rounded up a handful of opportunities to connect with the community through movement — whether that be through a run, a peaceful flow, or lively dance class.
24th Annual Asheville Turkey Trot | 8:30-11 a.m. | Pack Square Park | $25-$45 Register by 3 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 26 to participate in this local tradition by running the 5K or one-mile fun run — you can also nominate someone affected by Hurricane Helene (or yourself) for a gift registration.
South Asheville Turkey Trot | 9 a.m. | Biltmore Park Town Square | $45 After you finish this 5K, you’ll get a medal to show off at the Thanksgiving table. And if you have a costume lying around, enter the “Best Dressed Turkey” contest to win a prize. Psst... If you’re in the spirit of giving, bring Sam’s Club gift cards to the packet pickup area for the race’s nonprofit partner, 12 Baskets Cafe.
Monday, Nov. 25 Community Drum Class | Monday, Nov. 25 | 7-8 p.m. | The Well | Free | Practice your hand drumming skills with local drummer and instructor Larry McDowell.
Tuesday, Nov. 26 Disaster Recovery Resilience Forum | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Grind AVL | Free | Whether you need resources or want to offer help, this community gathering is designed to connect people with the support they need.
Wednesday, Nov. 27 All Aboard AVL: The Last Waltz | 8 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $20 | The third annual show features performances from members of the Marshall Tucker Band, Toubab Krewe, Warren Haynes Band, and more.
Thursday, Nov. 28 Thanksgiving Buffet | 12-7 p.m. | Hemingway’s Cuba | $79 | Make a reservation to enjoy a traditional turkey dinner alongside a prime rib special and an ice cream bar.
Friday, Nov. 29 Winter Wonder Walk | Friday, Nov. 29-Saturday, Dec. 14 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Adventure Center of Asheville | $18+ | Be there for the opening night of this family-friendly, immersive walk, filled with actors, lights, and holiday cheer.
Rock N Roll Rewind | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel | $15+ | Hear local musicians play rockin’ hits from the 1970s to the 1990s — a portion of proceeds benefit No Hungry People and you can also drop off a toy for The Jingle Bell Trolly of Woodfin.
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The NC Short Term Rental (STR) Alliance is helping connect residents who have been displaced due to Helene’s devastation with STR hosts. The matching service is free and requires applicants to share their number of guests, estimated duration, and budget. Find more information on applying as a displaced resident or interested host.
Civic
Buncombe County and City of Asheville offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28-Friday, 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 Thursday, but will open again on Friday. See the full schedule.
Community
Blunt Pretzels and Bounty & Soul are teaming up to offer a free Thanksgiving meal this Thursday, Nov. 28. Stop by Blunt Pretzels (120 Alexander Pl., Swannanoa) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to dine family-style or pick up a to-go meal. Find more organizations offering free meals + how you can support their efforts.
Number
2,000. That’s how many heaters BeLoved Asheville has distributed. But as cold weather continues, the nonprofit needs more donations of propane and electric heaters to distribute to people in need. See more of BeLoved’s current needs and find the link to make a donation.
Biz
Applications for the Asheville Buncombe Rebuilding Together grant close this Wednesday, Nov. 27. Small businesses that were severely affected by Helene can apply through Mountain BizWorks for up to $25,000 to support recovery expenses not covered by insurance.
Outdoors
After months of hard work clearing debris and downed trees, 85 miles of trails have reopened in the Grandfather Ranger District. See a list of open trails and explore the interactive map from the G5 Trail Collective.
Eat
Freeze — you’re going to want to hear this. This afternoon marks the start of The Hop’s Patio Drop series. It’s your one chance to try exclusive, unique ice cream flavors like Cardamom Rose Jamun, inspired by Botiwalla. Grab a scoop at The Hop’s S&W Market location at noon.
Asked
What locally owned business will you be shopping at for Small Business Saturday? Let us know your favorite WNC small business for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter. Bonus points if you share what items you’re excited to buy.
State
Over 5.7 million. That’s how many North Carolinian ballots have been counted for the 2024 general election, meaning ~70% of the voting-eligible population. Compare that to the ~63% US average. (UF Election Lab)
Job
Are you passionate about storytelling and capturing all things local in AVL? We are looking for a dynamic City Editor to assist with curation of our weekly content and newsletters. Apply to join our team now.
Holiday Pick
For a limited time, you can give the gift of a lifetime of languages for less. Think: Forever access to all of Rosetta Stone’s immersive + engaging lessons at more than 60% off. Snag the deal.*
Finance
This leading card is one of the best-kept secrets for managing debt. The key: Transfer your existing balance and pay it down as much as possible during the intro period (this one offers 0% interest until 2026).*
Featured Home
One-level living meets “lock and go” low maintenance at this cozy home in the Bee Tree Village Cliffside community. We’re loving the vaulted ceilings + breakfast bar, but the gorgeous open kitchen is really the centerpiece of the space. Take a peek inside.*
Travel
Going’s “Best sale of 2024” is here with up to 50% off select memberships for a limited time. Sign up to save an average of $500 on international flights.*
Category
Shop
The new mascot for shopping local 🧸
You’re looking at another beary good reason to shop local. | Photo via Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
Meet Bizzy Bear, the fuzzy new face of local shopping this holiday season. A new initiative from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is helping support local businesses by sending you on a scavenger hunt.
Bizzy Bear made his official debut at the Holiday Jamboree this past weekend, but the fun is just getting started. Through Friday, Dec. 20, tune in to the chamber’s Instagram to find clues about which local businesses the Bizzy Bears are hibernating in that week. After you find a bear (and get some holiday shopping done), post a selfie of you and the bear with the hashtag #AVLBizzyBear and tag the chamber and local biz.
Making that feed post (sorry, no Instagram Stories) enters you into weekly gift card drawings — plus, it enters you into the grand-prize drawing happening Monday, Dec. 23, where you have the chance to win local items + gift cards. Happy hunting.
The Buy
The Buy
A king size sherpa electric blanket that’s 22% off for early Black Friday. Save $30 on this warm, washable electric blanket, great for yourself or as a holiday gift for a friend.
Am I good at rollerskating? Well, no. But do I do it anyway because it’s so much fun? Absolutely. So imagine my joy in finding out that Harrah’s Cherokee Center will transform into a massive skate rink for Asheville Parks and Recreation’s Holiday Skate Jam on Friday, Dec. 13. I’ll be the girl in the holiday sweater with the horrible balance.
