Spread the love around the city this week. | Photo by @honeybadgerimages
Kids, this is the story of how I met your mother, and it was all thanks to AVLtoday.
Maybe that’s not exactly how the 2000s sitcom went, but if Ted Mosby had consulted us for date night ideas, we could’ve shaved the show down to two seasons. Whether you’ve already met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone new, we’ve got 25 local date night ideas that are legen — wait for it — dary.
If the way to their heart is through their stomach
Blind Date Live | 6:30 p.m. | The Orange Peel | $22+ | See if you find love at the singles mixer before the show — then take your seat and see if sparks fly as locals take the stage for a live date, sight unseen.
Art After Dark | Friday, Feb. 7, Friday, March 7 | 7-9 p.m. | rEvolve Mercantile | Free | Shop + browse art and creations from local artists and makers, accompanied by music and entertainment.
Saturday, Feb. 8
Adult Studio: Making Mosaics | Saturday, Feb. 8, Saturday, Feb. 15 | 1-4 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum | $100 | Learn to cut, shape, and arrange colorful mosaics in this two-day workshop led by Linda Guarin.
Dear Valentine: A Love Letter Writing Workshop | 1-4 p.m. | Story Parlor | $75 | Learn what goes into writing a meaningful, heartfelt love letter so you can wax poetic to your other half.
Valentine’s Day All Improv Show | 5-7 p.m. | Danceclub Asheville | $30 | The steamy improv dance showcase gets a dose of comedy, hosted by Cayla Clark of Blind Date Live.
Winter Warmer at Wicked Weed Brewing | 1-5 p.m. | Wicked Weed Brewing | Free | Spend a cozy afternoon in the Caribbean — we mean in downtown Asheville, enjoying authentic Caribbean dishes, classic cocktails, music, and, of course, beer.*
Sunday, Feb. 9
Stout Week | Through Saturday, Feb. 15 | Times vary | Various locations | Price of purchase | Breweries across WNC will celebrate the dark beer with activities like a live brew at Outsider or a brunch at Hi-Wire.
Monday, Feb. 10
Sushi Workshop | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | White Labs Brewing Co. | $60 | Craft your own delicious rolls and learn authentic techniques from professional chefs.
Yelp’s Elite Squad is the place for local movers and shakers. | Photos provided by Yelp
Meet your new favorite club.
If you love food, Asheville, and meeting people who also love both, get to know Yelp’s Elite Squad.
As a member, you’ll be invited to special events, get to know more Asheville businesses, and have a genuinely good time with other Elites who write “chef’s kiss” reviews.
Here’s the best part — you can nominate yourself (or a friend) to join the Yelp Asheville Elite Squad. We’re cheering you on.
Buncombe County’s unemployment rate came in at 6% in December, a decrease from November’s report of 7.4%. Despite showing a slow but promising downward trend, Buncombe County is tied with Madison County for the highest unemployment rate in NC. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Number
2,174,125. That’s how many passengers Asheville Regional Airport served in 2024, marking its second year of record-breaking growth. A new north concourse is slated to open this summer and the airport continues to add more nonstop flights to regional destinations.
Learn
On Wednesday, Feb. 12, the Asheville Museum of History will debut part two of “The Photography of Andrea Clark: Remembering Asheville’s East End Community.” Part one of the exhibit, documenting the neighborhood before and during urban renewal, is up through tomorrow, Feb. 8. See the exhibit for free on Community Day, Saturday, Feb. 22.
Announced
The James Beard Foundation’s biennial Chef Action Summit is coming to Asheville April 6-8. Chefs from around the country will gather to discuss food and climate advocacy, addressing critical issues like food systems and sustainability. The event is free, though registration is required. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Cause
Switchyards, the South Slope coworking space, is offering 24 free memberships to employees at any local nonprofit organization. Members enjoy perks like 24/7 access to the space and unlimited Cooperative coffee. Apply by 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14.
Job
Ready to connect with the best local talent in 2025? We created our community job board just for you. Give it a try + post your first listing for free.
Eat
Restaurant week returns on Tuesday, Feb. 18 and The Lobster Trap is serving up another round of delectable deals. Reservations are highly recommended, but the bar is first-come, first-served.*
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. This one even offers 5% cash back on your purchases, helping you save even more while you pay down your debt.*
Shop
Set the mood this Valentine’s Day with these rapid onset cannabis gummies that keep selling out. Get 20% off your first order with code FIRST20.*†
Category
Cause
$7 million for MANNA’s new warehouse
The new warehouse is stocked up, ready to serve the community. | Photo via MANNA FoodBank
The decision to expand to a new facility had been years in the making, but Helene’s devastation expedited that plan. MANNA’s headquarters along the Swannanoa River was destroyed, along with the food and equipment it housed. But in the following days, the food bank set up at its new facility at 99 Broadpointe Dr. in Mills River.
The grants support the construction of a 15,000-sqft freezer and refrigerator, sprinkler system and generator installation, and more so MANNA can continue to fight food insecurity in WNC. If you want to support its work, you can donate or volunteer.
The Buy
The Buy
A corner bathroom counter organizer. Elegant and functional, its three tiers are perfect for housing toiletries and cosmetics while saving precious bathroom counter space.
I have one more Valentine’s Day date idea for you. The River Arts District Artists Outpost is hosting a grand opening party next Friday, Feb. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. Spread the love by showing up to support displaced RAD artists.
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†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by 6AM City. It is commonly advised to read a company’s terms & conditions and instructions for use before trying new products.
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