Cheers to Small Business Saturday with Ginger’s Revenge. | Photo by @gingersrev
Small Business Saturday, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting small + locally owned businesses and the impact they have in our communities, is on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The day falls between two of the biggest shopping days of the year — Black Friday and Cyber Monday — and has become an annual shopping tradition for many since its establishment by American Express in 2010.
If you’re looking to join in on the festivities this year, check out some suggestions from our followers — plus, a couple of City Editor Grace’s + City Editor Molly’s favorite spots.
Embellish Asheville | “They are the best curated, affordable jewelry and gifts, and just walking in there gives all the vibes of self indulgence without the price tag.” — @mamaofmatilda
Ginger’s Revenge | “The best ginger beer around, with local owners who care about this community.” — @arosan333
Sparky’s Toys & Gifts | “More than a toy shop... being there makes me feel like a kid!” — @constancelombardo
There There | “Mindy has done an amazing job creating the most beautiful space full of thoughtful, cozy, and chic gifts, home decor, and clothing.” — @gentry684
Wednesday, Nov. 27 All Aboard AVL: The Last Waltz | 7 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $20 | The 3rd annual show pays tribute to the Scorsese film with performances from Eric and Kyle Travers, Marcus White, and many more.
Thursday, Nov. 28 South Asheville Turkey Trot | 9-10:30 a.m. | Biltmore Park Town Square | $45 | Join the flock and trot across town to earn a shiny medal.
Friday, Nov. 29 Winter Wonder Walk | Friday, Nov. 29-Saturday, Dec. 14 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Adventure Center of Asheville | $0+ | Be there for the opening night of this family-friendly, immersive walk that’s filled with actors, lights, and holiday cheer.
The Snozzberries Psychedelic Circus | 9 p.m. | Asheville Music Hall | $25+ | Fresh off the release of their new self-titled album, the high-energy, genre-bending band will put on a show that’s equal parts concert and art show.
Saturday, Nov. 30 Rebuild RAD Local Market | Saturday, Nov. 30-Saturday, Dec. 21 | 10 a.m. | The Grey Eagle | Free | Every Saturday you can shop art, crafts, and handmade goods from local makers.
2024 Kenilworth Artists Fall Studio Tour | Saturday, Nov. 30-Sunday, Dec. 1 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Kenilworth Neighborhood | Free | Visit 14 studios to explore works in watercolor, glass, fiber, and more — a portion of sales benefit Loving Food Resources.
Sunday, Dec. 1 Express Tour: American Made | 1-1:30 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum | Free with admission | Join a quick guided tour to learn about some of the work featured in the exhibit — right now, admission is pay-what-you-wish for Buncombe County residents.
Biltmore’s most magical season as an Annual Passholder
Presented by The Biltmore
Soaring to a height of 35 feet, the majestic Banquet Hall Christmas Tree is the centerpiece of the celebration. | Photos provided by Biltmore and AVLtoday
This holiday season looks a little different for Asheville, but the community continues to celebrate the unwavering spirit of Western North Carolina.
It’s with that spirit in mind Biltmore has reopened for Christmas at Biltmore®to provide a gathering place, and a sense of peace this holiday season.
What we tried
We spent an afternoon wandering through Biltmore House and the grounds while getting some holiday shopping done in Antler Hill Village.
Pro tip: The best way to experience the Biltmore is watching it transform through the seasons, and the Annual Pass makes it easy and more affordable — especially now, when you can save $90 on new Annual Passes for a limited time this season.
What not to miss
Walk through the grand entrance and you’re immediately greeted by sparkling lights, velvet bows, and the smell of pine from the 35ft live Christmas tree in the dining hall. Don’t skip the Conservatory if you’re a fan of poinsettias.
Third Room recently opened on Wall Street as part live music venue and part art gallery, with digital displays and a projection-mapped interior that immerses you in the art. Check it out during gallery hours, Tuesday through Sunday, 1-4 p.m., or grab tickets for an upcoming show.
Open
Sugar & Snow is back to making creamy, dreamy gelato after Hurricane Helene destroyed its Riverside Drive location inside Second Gear. You can order pints online with pickup and shipping options. Plus, you can help the team rebuild by donating to their GoFundMe.
Eat
On Friday, Dec. 20, local bakers are coming together to support WNC with their holiday treats. The Sweet Impact Initiative is hosting Cookies for a Cause, an evening of live music, community, and of course, cookies. Your $50 ticket gets you a dozen unique cookies, and 100% of proceeds benefit WNC Long Haul.
Closed
The beloved RAD restaurant Vivian announced on social media yesterday that after eight years, it has closed its doors due to storm-related financial damages. Owners Josiah and Shannon McGaughey thanked both guests and employees in the post, saying, “Vivian would be nothing without the incredible community y’all have built.”
Cause
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications for no-cost storm damage repairs. To qualify, homeowners must make less than 70% AMI and live in Buncombe or Madison counties. The program is focused on helping those who are underinsured or do not have insurance. Find the application.
Edu
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina recently awarded nearly $2 million in grants to more than 80 education and human service nonprofits. Grant applications were submitted before Helene hit, but Senior Program Officer Virginia Dollar said, “Nonprofits need support for their work now more than ever.”
Feel Good
In collaboration with FEMA and Buncombe County’s storm debris removal program partners, fallen timber is getting new life. At the NC Arboretum, ~80 tons have been processed into firewood and donated to local churches, ~80 tons have been donated to local builders and furniture makers, and ~2 tons have been donated to local artists.
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (Yes, it sounds peppermint-mocha nuts. But it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. Here are hands down some of the best.*
Edu
Building on a successful launch, UNC Asheville is introducing a major expansion of Access Asheville, a financial aid initiative supporting low- and middle-income students. See the details.*
You know how awesome your business is, but do our 57,366 readers? Visit our self-service ad portal to learn how AVLtoday can help connect your business with our local audience — no long-term contract required.
Category
Community
Updates + need-to-know information
I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge is estimated to partially reopen in January. | Screenshot via NCDOT
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. 26
$5 billion estimate for roadway repairs
The NCDOT has reopened 1,100 roads since Helene hit and reported that fewer than 270 roads remain closed. The NCDOT’s Western Communications Manager David Uchiyama said that as of last week, the department has identified 8,795 damaged locations in WNC, including 813 bridges and 852 culverts.
Engineers are working to refine estimates for the work that needs to be done, determine what can be done in-house, and draw up contracts for site-specific repairs. “Current general estimates are about $5 billion to restore roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure,” Uchiyama shared.
Like every year, traffic increases around the holidays. Before you hit the road, it’s recommended you check drivenc.gov for real-time traffic info and the best routes.
A really good pickleball paddle — it’s rated 4.8 stars and is 62% off for early Black Friday. Notable features include: a larger sweet spot on the paddle + a handle with sweat-wicking ventilation for an anti-slip grip.
In the spirit of more local business love, get out and support Records in the RAD as it reopens this Friday, Nov. 29. It also happens to be Record Store Day Black Friday, meaning there will be some extra cool titles perfect for gift giving.
