Local artists make this city beautiful — even when beauty must be born from rubble. | Photo via ArtsAVL
The votes are in for the AVLtoday historical markers contest. Check out the finalists below, including the contest winner decided by your votes.
Winner: Flood Back Love Memorial
You all voted that this heartfelt tribute to Asheville’s strength and resilience is deserving of a historical marker.
“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,” shared reader Brandi A., who nominated the location.
Finalist: Carolina Bed & Breakfast
The bed and breakfast earned the second most votes. The house, designed by Richard Sharp Smith, was the childhood home of the celebrated luxury jewelry designer David Webb, who decked out ladies like Elizabeth Taylor in diamonds.
It doesn’t stop there. Click the button below to read up on the last finalist and browse more submissions on our map of unofficial historical locations — both locally and across the nation.
Friday, Dec. 13 Holiday Skate Jam | 6-9 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville | Free | The event venue will turn into an epic skate rink for just one night with holiday jams and decor — bring your own skates if you have them.
Five Years of Fury | 7 p.m. | DSSOLVR | Free | Cheers to five years of the brewery with special beers, new merch, and emo anthems.
Saturday, Dec. 14 Come Hell or High Water Studio Tour | Saturday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 15 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Various locations | Free | Support artists affected by Helene by visiting their studios across WNC or shopping online.
Sunday, Dec. 15 Torched Holiday Market | 12-6 p.m. | Torched | Free | Shop the market for handmade art, then try your own hand at creating a brass or copper ornament.
Full Moon Circle: Yoga & Ritual | 7-9 p.m. | West Asheville Yoga Studio | $25+ | Sierra Hollister will lead the evening practice as you center yourself under the full moon.
Monday, Dec. 16 “Elf” | Monday, Dec. 16 | 6:30 p.m. | The Orange Peel | Free | Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny muggins — bring the fam to watch the holiday flick, with donations supporting the IamAVL Music Industry Relief Fund.
The Malvern is back in business. The owners of DayTrip resurrected the Patton Avenue bar and are hosting the DayTrip: Winter Vacation pop-up from now until March. To make the news even more exciting, a corn dog towerwas promised.
Coming Soon
Posana announced it will open a second location in Biltmore Park this spring. The menu of contemporary American cuisine will expand and include lunch service as well.
Plan Ahead
On Sunday, Feb. 2, Explore Asheville will present Stars Serving Up Love, a star-studded tennis event benefitting several local nonprofits and grant funds. Tennis pros like Andre Agassi and Jessica Pegula will take the court along with celebs like Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz and Survivor host Jeff Probst.
Listen
Citizen Vinyl and Parkway Studios have collaborated to create “The Resonance Sessions,” a benefit album supporting the Madison County Arts Council and Rare Bird Cultural Arts. More than 30 artists, including Avey Tare and Tyler Ramsey, recorded the album’s songs in the Old Marshall Jail.
Eat
Flour is expanding to two kiosks in the S&W Market. The Flour Cafe will remain in its current spot, serving up coffee and breakfast biscuits, and the Flour Focaccia Sandwich Shop will take Bun Intended’s place, serving up sandwiches + focaccia pizza. Stay tuned for the sandwich shop’s opening date.
Civic
Buncombe County has launched a form where residents in unincorporated areas can report issues with the transition from Waste Pro to FCC Environmental Services. You can also use the form to report debris piles in a public right of way that are posing a public safety risk.
Edu
Congrats to the graduates. This afternoon is UNC Asheville’s December Commencement, with 200+ students earning degrees. Highland Brewing Co. founder Oscar Wong will give remarks (and earn an honorary degree).
Cause
Did you know? When you donate blood, you can save lives and get rewarded (think: gift cards). The Blood Connection hosts blood drives across Asheville seven days a week, making it convenient to find a location + give back. Make an appointment.*
Sports
The winter chill has officially reached AVL, but that doesn’t mean activities have to go into hibernation. YMCA’s Youth Basketball winter leagues and clinics help kids ages 5-14 stay active while learning valuable social skills. Register before spots fill up.*
Health
Did you know? Mission Hospital has some of western NC’s most cutting-edge technology, including minimally invasive techniques. You can also schedule an appointment at Mission Surgery for specialized care for hernias, pancreatitis, colorectal issues, and more with one of their highly-specialized physicians.*
A cute custom gift under $20 — we like this custom name necklace and this minimalist personalized wallet. Personalize it just for them and watch their face light up when they open it. You’re so thoughtful.
Feeling lucky? If so, now’s the time to grab a raffle ticket to win one of the 12 stellar baskets that WE ARE is offering. WE ARE is an initiative from the owners of Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn, SoulKu, and Plum Print, designed to help support other woman-owned businesses in restoring what they lost due to Hurricane Helene.
And even if you don’t win, you can still feel good about your $20 raffle ticket being used to fund grants and provide mentorship for local businesses.
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