Dine with new friends at Dinner with Strangers. | Photo via Cook With K
Goals for 2025? To be a trendsetter. At the end of last year, the New York Times put together a list of food trend predictions for 2025. But we see that there are a couple of Asheville spots ahead of the curve when it comes to these trends.
Grab-and-go grub
It seems like we’re always on the move, and the NYT says 2025 shouldn’t be any different, so grab-and-go fare is expected to rise up the ranks. The sandwiches, soups, and burritos from West Village Market are a classic, and we also love the tasty + convenient bites from Side Project, the grab-and-go case from Chef Michelle Bailey in Citizen Vinyl.
Heart-warming hospitality
NYT predicts people will crave companionship and seek more intimate + cozy dining experiences emphasizing eating together and community connection. The perfect answer to these desires is Cook With K’s Dinner with Strangers. Keep a close eye on its website to get tickets for the next dinner — they sell out fast.
The NYT also predicted 2025 would be “A Year of Sauces.” Tell us which local spot you think is already killing the condiment game. Does 12 Bones’ barbecue sauce reign supreme? Is the Papa’s & Beer salsa bar far ahead of its time?
Random Acts of Flowers | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | AmeriHealth Caritas NC | Free | Bring a vase and some garden scissors to create bouquets to be delivered to individuals in healthcare facilities.
Community Drum Class | 7-9 p.m. | The Well | Free | Practice your hand drumming skills with local drummer and instructor Larry McDowell.
Tuesday, Feb. 11
Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games Clinics | Tuesday, Feb. 11-Tuesday, March 18 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | West Asheville Park | Free | Get active and learn a new sport during the weekly clinics leading up to the Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games.
Trivia Tuesdays | 7-9 p.m. | Voodoo Brewing Co., Arden | Price of purchase | Gather your group and play for prizes as you answer questions and sip pints.
Wednesday, Feb. 12
Oakley Community Closet | Wednesday, Feb. 12, Wednesday, March 12 | 1-2 p.m. | Murphy-Oakley Community Center | Free | The free closet will be stocked with clothes, shoes, and toys — you can drop off donations at the community center throughout the week.
Styrofoam Collection Event | 3-6 p.m. | Weaverville Community Center, Weaverville | Free | Keep styrofoam out of the landfills — feed it to Audrey III, the mobile densifier, so it can be recycled.
There’s a new spot for coffee, beer, and wine in Mills River. The Old Haywood Filling Station has transformed a 1958 gas station into a chill spot for sipping, snacks, and food trucks.
Job
125+ employers from across the region will participate in the Hearts and Hires Job and Resource Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the WNC Agricultural Center. The job fair will feature opportunities in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, construction, and more. See the full list of participants.
Outdoors
A portion of the Appalachian Trail, including parts of the Mountains to Sea Trail in Buncombe County, has reopenednearly four and a half months after Hurricane Helene. Forest Service workers have cleared debris from ~140 miles of trails since the storm. (WLOS)
Show
The Orange Peel will host a benefit concert on Thursday, April 17 to support local artists and musicians in Buncombe County. All proceeds from “They Named the City After Me” will go to ArtsAVL, and Hendersonville-based singer and songwriter Glaive will headline. (WLOS)
Older Adults
Step up to the plate for the Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and SilverArts. From the beginning of April to mid-May, adults 50+ can join in on the sports and arts events hosted by Asheville Parks and Recreation. Sign ups are open now.
Biz
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce asks business owners across WNC to complete a new survey on Helene’s impact on their business. The results will be used to inform federal and state policy for recovery — take the survey.
Featured Home
This cozy 2020 Cabin in Old Fort is full of little details that make all the difference, like custom kitchen cabinets (with a nook for cookbooks), tongue-in-groove ceilings, and mountain views from the hot tub. And did we mention fully furnished?*
Tour the renovated space at the grand reopening. | Photo by AVLtoday
Thursday, Feb. 27 will mark the grand reopening of one of the oldest operating Black cultural centers in the US. The YMI Cultural Center — located on The Block, Asheville’s historic Black business district — has served as a cornerstone of the Black community since 1893.
The center’s reopening was previously scheduled for the day before Helene’s arrival, but was postponed as the YMI partnered with Bridging the Gaps WNC to provide critical recovery resources to marginalized community members.
Since 2022, the building has undergone renovations, including upgrades to the auditorium and gallery as well as the addition of AV technology throughout and new spaces like conference rooms and classrooms. With the new renovations, the YMI Cultural Center aims to provide even more opportunities to celebrate Black heritage through social, educational, and cultural activities and programming.
Learn more about the history of the landmark and its continuing legacy and join the YMI Cultural Center in celebrating Black History Month with a series of upcoming events.
The Buy
The Buy
High-quality jewelry from Mejuri. Whether you prefer the elegance of pearls, the classic beauty of gold, or the brilliance of diamonds — all of Mejuri’s collections are crafted with responsibly sourced materials that are as beautiful as they are durable. Psst — they’re the perfect self-gift for Valentine’s Day. Shop now.
Hope everyone had a good time watching the big game. I’m not talking about the Super Bowl, I’m talking about Mountain Pet Rescue’s Puppy Bowl at RAD Brewing. Just look at all these all star players.
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