This is Wayfair’s biggest (and best) Black Friday sale to date. | Photos provided by Wayfair
We asked, and you answered: The key to impressing guests is “setting the perfect vibe.” Before welcoming family and friends into your home this holiday season, consider these five tips to enhance the vibe in your spaces — at up to 80% off.
Yes, Black Friday came early. Now until Sunday, Dec. 1, you can snag the lowest prices of the year during Wayfair’s extended Black Friday sale. Psst... Check back on Dec. 2 for Cyber Monday deals, too.
Pro tip: Warm lighting makes for an extra-cozy atmosphere. These dimmable Edison light bulbs will do the trick.
3. Minimize clutter
Storage doesn’t have to be an eyesore. You can tuck away miscellaneous items (think: books and games) in this extendable coffee table and store shoes in this natural rattan shoe storage cabinet that always seems to be trending online.
Tuesday, Nov. 26 A LEAFy Friendsgiving | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $26 | Come together for music, culture, and community during this event benefiting LEAF Global Arts.
Wednesday, Nov. 27 Family Avoidance | 9-11 p.m. | DSSOLVR | $15 | Get out of the house for a beer and a laugh, and enter your holiday weekend with a little less stress.
Swanny, Crowe & The Monk | 10 p.m.-1 a.m. | The One Stop | $5 suggested donation | Join this local bluesy funk band for a night of both originals and covers.
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.
Thanksgiving Gratitude Flow | 10-11:15 a.m. | West Asheville Yoga | Free | Attune to the gratitude of the season and find some mindfulness amidst the chaos.
Friday, Nov. 29 Authentically Asheville Winter Wonderland | Friday, Nov. 29-Sunday, Dec. 1 | 1-7 p.m. | Ella’s at The Hideaway | Free | Shop for blown glass, foraged teas, unique earrings, and lots more while you support 40+ local artists.
“All Is Calm” | Friday, Nov. 29-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | North Carolina Stage Company | $5+ | Experience the remarkable true story of ceasefire, camaraderie, and music in a time of war.
FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center is operating under new hours. | 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.
Monday, Nov. 25
Buncombe County addresses temporary housing misinformation
According to Buncombe County, misinformation circulating on social media about county policies has caused unnecessary confusion. A recent false claim suggested that tiny homes are prohibited in Barnardsville. In reality, the structures in question were storage sheds that do not meet North Carolina Building Code requirements for safe habitability. You can learn about the codes here.
Check out the new financial transparency dashboard
Buncombe County’s Strategy and Innovation Department has launched a financial transparency dashboard to allow the community to see how county funds are spent, particularly around Helene recovery. The dashboard includes actuals, which are funds that have been paid, as well as obligations, which are funds that will be paid. Explore the fully searchable site. It will be updated monthly.
On Monday, Dec. 2, regular fees will resume for street parking in the City of Asheville. However, city-owned garages will still be free until Thursday, Jan. 2 — with the exception of event parking fees for the Harrah’s Cherokee Center parking garage.
Award
All your online voting paid off. Appalachian Wildlife Refuge received the first prize in the Defender Service Honorees category of the Land Rover Defender Service Awards, which recognizes nonprofits that are making a difference in their communities. The wildlife rehabilitation organization will receive $25,000 + a customized Defender 130.
Health
AdventHealth’s bid to add 26 beds to its new Weaverville hospital received state approval. The nonprofit competed against two other healthcare providers, Mission Hospital and Novant Health, to receive a Certificate of Need for the expansion. Construction is scheduled to be completed in October 2027. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Civic
Last week, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved changes to the county zoning ordinance to allow for emergency housing. The emergency housing — which is a travel trailer or other temporary, code-compliant, habitable structure — is allowed in all zoning districts in unincorporated areas. Learn more.
Community
ArtsAVL, GBX Group, and Asheville Independent Restaurants have collectively set up WNC Tip It Forward, a fund dedicated to providing relief for local hospitality workers and creatives. The funds will be distributed through the nonprofits to eligible artists + restaurant workers and will support ongoing charitable efforts.
Shop
Grab your bags and baskets — the River Arts District Farmers Market has announced its new home. Starting this Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 3 to 5:30 p.m., you can find the market on the A-B Tech campus, which will offer plenty of parking, extra space for vendors, and accessibility. Check out the map before you shop.
Cause
The Rotary Club of Asheville has launched a Disaster Relief Program to support organizations in the community. Nonprofits, schools, and government agencies with 501(c)(3) status can apply for grants of up to $5,000. Learn more and apply online. Applications are evaluated biweekly.
Seasonal
That’s the spirit. West Asheville businesses are invited to sign up for a holiday decorating contest and a scavenger hunt challenge, hosted by On Haywood. If you don’t have a WAVL business, keep an eye out for how to join in the festive fun — and mark your calendar for the Holiday Wrap Party on Sunday, Dec. 15.
Outdoors
Due to excessive wood debris that increases forest fire risk, firewood collection permits for Pisgah National Forest will not be required through December 2025. Firewood can only be for personal use, and visitors are encouraged to be cautious as they collect. For more details, call our Ranger District at 828-877-3265. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
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Home
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Cause
Don’t miss the deadlines
Deadlines for FEMA and disaster unemployment aren’t far away either. | Photo by @andre.daugherty.photo
It’s been two months since Helene swept through our city, but recovery hasn’t slowed. Organizations all over the area have continued to offer support to a community working to rebuild — through goods, services, and funding. But for some of this funding, application deadlines are fast-approaching.
So we’ve gathered a few relief grants whose application windows are quickly closing.
Rebuilding Together Grant Fund | Deadline: Wednesday, Nov. 27 Initially funded by the City of Asheville and efforts of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Mountain BizWorks, this grant allows small businesses to receive up to $25,000 for expenses not covered by insurance or other relief.
Emergency Relief Grant | Deadline: Saturday, Nov. 30 Storm-impacted artists of all disciplines can get stipends of $500 — so far, the organization has awarded 1,231 grants.
An electric salt and pepper grinder set that’s 20% off for early Black Friday. Snag one for just over $20 for yourself or as a holiday gift for your chef-iest friend.
I truly love giving gifts — but like many things in my life, I tend to overthink it. So rather than my usual endless shopping trips, searching for the one thing that will be perfect and meaningful, I may just try the Botanist & Barrel way. The tasting bar and bottle shop has released its mystery wine bags, just in time for panic-buying season. In their words, “Way better than socks.”
