Give your mind + body some love with a yoga class. | Photo via West Asheville Yoga
The holidays can be a difficult time for many. Especially given the struggles WNC has faced due to Helene, we’re here to remind you that you’re not alone + to offer resources and tips for a mental health check-in.
There are also a variety of local support groups designed to offer help processing the effects of Helene.
Check out this list of wellness resources from the NC Department of Health and Human Services to discover more NC helplines.
Animal therapy
Volunteer to walk, clean, and play with animals that are looking for their fur-ever homes at one of Asheville’s local animal shelters + rehabilitation centers.
Get creative
Channel your inner artist by taking a marbling painting class at Majik Studios or learn a new medium with ArtPlay at its new location in Chestnut Hill.
Wednesday, Dec. 18 Holly Jolly Night Market | 5-9 p.m. | The Orange Peel | Free | Get your holiday shopping done during this festive night filled with tunes, beverages, and indie makers.
“All Is Calm” | Wednesday, Dec. 18-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | North Carolina Stage Company | $5+ | See the remarkable true story of ceasefire, camaraderie, and music in a time of war.
Thursday, Dec. 19 Christmas Comedy Show | 6:30 p.m. | Botanist & Barrel Tasting Bar + Bottle Shop | $20 | Have a jolly good time during this night of laughs — your ticket includes a drink.
Friday, Dec. 20 Story Mixer: “Good Grief!” | 7-10 p.m. | Story Parlor | $20+ | During this evening of music and storytelling, performers will dissect the good from the grief amidst the emotionally charged holiday season.
Saturday, Dec. 21 Rebuild RAD Local Market | 10 a.m. | The Grey Eagle | Free | Stop by the last iteration of this market, where you can shop art, crafts, and handmade goods from local makers.
New Origin’s Christmas | 2 p.m. | DSSOLVR | Free | Sip on beers from New Origin and grab a burger from the folks at Boy Howdy.
If you’ve felt the love for our product, support us by sending a donation. | Graphic by 6AM City
Has AVLtoday made an impact on your life this year? Did you find that life-changing concert in our Events section? Or use our City Guides to find recommendations on how to spend the perfect day with your family? Or impress your dinner guests with all the details of that new development in town?
If that was you, we couldn’t be more honored to be a part of your life. Would you be willing to show some love for our team?
The Blue Ridge Parkway was one of 19 new locations designated as National Historic Landmarks. The designation, announced by the Secretary of the Interior, is considered the “highest federal recognition of a property’s historical, architectural or archeological significance.” See why it was chosen.
Open
Hell or High Water, the new restaurant from Foothills, is now open in Black Mountain’s historic Ice House building next to Foothills Grange. Make a reservation to dine on its comforting dishes made with local ingredients. Bonus: The restaurant is also hosting a special five-course New Year’s Eve meal.
Announced
Finalists for the 2024 NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition are in, and among the eight musicians is local singer and songwriter Erika Lewis. The competition will take place at Citizen Vinyl on Saturday, Jan. 11. Get tickets to see which artist will win a six-song EP recorded at Citizen Studios and pressed onto vinyl.
Biz
This Friday, Dec. 20, Explore Asheville will present a free webinar designed to help small businesses navigate insurance claims in the wake of Helene. Register for the 9 a.m. session and submit questions to inform the session led by law firm Gauthier Murphy & Houghtaling.
Civic
The bike lanes that were approved for College Street and Patton Avenue have been delayed until 2026 as the city focuses on economic recovery. Learn more about road closures and traffic changes due to other projects along this corridor. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Drink
The Low Down recently kicked off a new initiative, Monday Magic, a weekly benefit to help bartenders pay rent. Each week, the bar brings in a guest bartender, and after slinging cocktails for the night, they earn 50% of the night’s sales and 100% of tips.
Discover the Horizon IX, where German precision meets hearing innovation. With two processors, it separates speech from noise, delivering crystal-clear sound for effortless listening. (Plus: It’s virtually invisible — and already loved by 425,000+ customers.) Find out if you qualify for a 45-day trial.*
Last call. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use promo code “2025" at checkout.
Shop
Psst — Need a quick gift? Cloud socks are luxe, buttery-soft socks that cradle feet in plush comfort. You’re getting these for yourself, right?*
The Buy
The Buy
A puffy laptop case. It features a waterproof design, secure magnetic closure, and handy inner pocket for added storage.
The winners of the West Asheville Holiday Decorating contest have been announced. But if you haven’t yet had the chance to admire the festive decor from local businesses, don’t spoil the results for yourself just yet. Plus, while you’re on Haywood, be sure to pick up a scavenger hunt challenge card and stamp your way through supporting local businesses.
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