Get creative with educational courses for older adults. | Photo via @cityofasheville
Goodbye, 9-5. If you (or someone you know) recently retired, you might be looking for activities catering to retirees. Clock into our guide for older adults, and find opportunities in Asheville that work for you.
Get fit
If you’re not planning on slowing down in your retirement, keep moving with fitness classes designed for older Ashevillians.
Asheville Parks & Recreation offers a variety of classes for seniors, many focused on fitness.
Get moving with the YMCA of Western North Carolina’s Healthy Aging programs.
If you’re looking to spend time with the grandchildren, explore these 20+ kid-friendly activities in Asheville and pick one that’s your speed. Pro tip: Don’t drive — students under 19 and adults 65+ receive discounted fares on Asheville Rides Transit buses.
Trivia Night With Two Bald Guys and A Mic | 6-8 p.m. | Taproom At Highland Brewing Co. | Free | Let’s get quizzical — test your knowledge in teams (up to six people) and compete for prizes.
Will Boyd Live Recording | Monday, Feb. 3-Tuesday, Feb. 4 | 7-10 p.m. | Little Jumbo Bar | Free | Enjoy a night of jazz music as the saxophonist is joined by vocalist Kelle Jolly, bassist Zack Page, and drummer Alan Hall.
Tuesday, Feb. 4
Golden Era Movie Magic | Tuesday, Feb. 4 | 12:45-2:30 p.m. | Tempie Avery Montford Community Center | Free | Folks 60+ can grab some popcorn and watch a classic film — this week, it’s “The Wizard of Oz.”
Noah Gundersen with Abby Gundersen | 8 p.m. | Eulogy | $37 | The folk-rock singer + songwriter performs for the 10-year anniversary of his album “Ledges.”
Wednesday, Feb. 5
Tot Time | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum | $10 | Take an express tour of the galleries followed by an activity at the Museum’s interactive Art PLAYce for kids 0-5.
It’s almost Super Bowl Sunday. If you’re not wearing your favorite team’s merch, shop five comfy tees + sweatshirts that say “I’m just here for the snacks” ... literally.
Electrify Asheville-Buncombe is empowering locals to re-energize their homes by supporting their clean energy transition process. The program now offers free Home Energy Navigators who will consult with locals to evaluate where energy savings are possible and help them make budget-informed decisions.
Civic
Gov. Josh Stein + Dogwood Health Trust announced a $30 million grant program to help WNC small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Businesses in 28 counties — including Buncombe — that earn up to $2.5 million in revenue are eligible to apply for grants and could receive up to $50,000.
Biz
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Board approved a reduced $25.7 million budget for FY25 after Hurricane Helene resulted in an estimated $11.5 million loss in lodging tax revenue. The industry is expected to recover, and the TDA will host a recovery seminar on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Health
A deceased waterfowl at Lake Julian Park tested positive for the avian flu, and staff are conducting tests on eight other dead birds. The park will remain open as it is uncommon for the virus to spread to humans, and Buncombe County has shared health tips to stay safe.
Opening
A sweet new shop will start serving West Asheville today. Nothing Bundt Cake will open on Smokey Park Highway — the brand’s second location in the city. The store offers cakes and pastries for special occasions like birthdays, but there are also snackable options to feed your sweet tooth any time. (WSPA)
Coming Soon
Woodfin is moving forward with The Whitewater Wave — a river wave project that will span the French Broad River. The project was postponed due to Hurricane Helene and is designed to add excitement for kayakers and river surfers. The attraction is now expected to be completed this fall. (WLOS)
Outdoors
The NC Wildlife Resources Commission will rely on a modified plan for the 2025 WNC trout fishing season after Hurricane Helene significantly reduced stock. The plan means some locations will only be supplied monthly — others could see fewer trout or a modified species ratio.
The Word
Bunk. Allegedly, the word is derived from “Buncombe County” because of an intentionally long + boring speech local politician Felix Walker delivered to Congress in 1820. This made the term “Buncombe County” a joke for empty, nonsensical speech; later, it was shorthanded to “bunk.”(NC Rabbit Hole)
Home
Selling your home? Promote your listing where buyers will see it — right here in this newsletter (in as little as two days).
The Buy
The Buy
A four-pack of bamboo + glass jars — these 10-ounce containers are perfect for overnight oats, chia seed puddings, dressings, snacks, or anything else you want to prep and store.
Today is Feb. 3, which was dubbed “The Day the Music Died” in 1959, mourning the loss of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. Richardson. Luckily, music never truly went away, but it’s a great reminder to keep the tunes alive by checking out a local record shop — and to listen to Don McLean’s “American Pie.”
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