The center will show off some new renovations during its milestone year. | Photo via WNC Nature Center
It’s about to get wild. The new year marks the centennial celebration of the WNC Nature Center, which opened as Recreation Park Zoo in 1925. Plus, 2025 is the 50th anniversary of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center, the nonprofit that transformed the zoo into the education-focused facility we know today.
To mark this momentous occasion, let’s take a look back at how the wildlife park has transformed over the last century.
A brief history of the zoo
Before the WNC Nature Center, there was the Recreation Park Zoo. On May 30, 1925, the zoo was added to the city park, and in the following years, it housed both native and non-native animals, like black bears, deer, and an elephant.
Fast forward to 1943, when the zoo was forced to sell its animals to other zoos and close due to WWII.
Tuesday, Jan. 7 Game Night | 6-11 p.m. | TRVE Brewing Co. | Free | Whether it’s Clue or Catan, bring a board game for some healthy competition with friends — plus, enter a raffle to get free swag from Gamer’s Haunt.
Wednesday, Jan. 8 Intro to Drumming Class | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free | Register to reserve a djembe and explore the foundations of rhythm.
Open-Level Adult Dance | 5:30 p.m. | Black Mountain Center for the Arts, Black Mountain | $15+ | Dancers of all levels will learn combinations in ballet, jazz, and modern styles in this weekly class.
Thursday, Jan. 9 Film Screening: “home” | 7 p.m. | Black Mountain College Museum | Free | Dive into the connections between home, body, and nature — plus, stick around for a discussion with filmmakers Sue Schroeder and Adam Larsen.
Friday, Jan. 10 Money Visioning and Goal Setting | 3:30-5 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free | Get assistance from one of OnTrack WNC’s financial coaches as you set goals for financial wellness in the new year.
Life Stories for 2025 | 7-8 p.m. | Center for Spiritual Living Asheville | Free | Share your goals for the new year in an encouraging and supportive environment.
🤝 Imagine the impact if we all volunteered on January 20
Presented by AmeriCorps
Join AmeriCorps in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King by volunteering this MLK Day. | Photos provided by AmeriCorps
Did you know? Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, Jan. 20) is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer.
For 30 years, the MLK Day of Service has grown as more people embrace the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving the communities where we live, work, and play.
New name, new look, same management, same team. Tastee Diner is turning into Hail Mary after ownership was transferred to a team member. The spot is expected to open this month — stay tuned for updates on Instagram.
Weather
With the potential for snow this Friday and Saturday, read up on some of Asheville’s most notable snowfall stats.
Open
RAD boutique hotel, The Radical, has reopened following Helene and is now welcoming guests. The hotel’s restaurant, Golden Hour, as well as its rooftop bar and cafe, after/glow, are set to reopen in the coming months.
Biz
Buncombe County’s unemployment rate stood at 7.2% in November, a decrease from October’s 10.4% rate, which was the highest in the state following Helene’s devastation. Reminder: The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance was extended to Thursday, Feb. 6. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Real Estate
Property owners can now meet with representatives from the state’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program at FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center at the Asheville Mall. The program awards funding for projects to make homes more resilient to natural hazards. Find dates and times to meet with program staff.
Try This
Experience two jam-packed days of Latin dance at the BachataAVL Winter Weekender. From Friday, Jan. 17 to Sunday, Jan. 19, Bachata and Salsa dancers from across the world will convene at the Crowne Plaza Asheville for masterclasses, performances, and parties. Explore the schedule and get tickets — net proceeds benefit Hell or Highwater NC.
Wellness
Simplify wellness with fast, convenient deliveries that fit your schedule: Thrive Market delivers organic groceries and family essentials straight to your door. (Members save an average of 30% on top brands.) Join today for 30% off your first purchase and a free gift valued at up to $60.*
Featured Home
This authentic log cabin near Lake James blends new and old into a warm, inviting whole, featuring a stunning stacked stone fireplace, private patio hot tub, and a gorgeous kitchen built for entertaining. See inside the space.*
Announced
New year, same AVLtoday. While we love a good New Year’s resolution, we love unbiased, fact-centric local news even more. Buy your AVLtoday team coffee + support us in creating this free, daily newsletter.
The Buy
The Buy
A highly-rated hydroponic growing system, so you can still have fresh herbs and vegetables in winter. We like this self-misting version, which avoids root rot and helps plants grow quicker. Hello, fresh leafy greens, basil, and tomatoes.
This weekend, I had the delight of stumbling upon Curiouser & Curiouser, a recently opened shop filled with antiques, oddities, and plenty of edgy, alternative clothing. If you want to check out the dark academia vibes for yourself, stop by 117 Sweeten Creek Rd., Ste. 40. Pro tip: Be sure to grab a bev at Bluebird Bubble Tea on the same strip.
}})
