Allegiant Airlines offers direct flights to Austin, Boston, Key West, and 10+ other spots. | Photo via Asheville Airport
Traveling via plane is fun — but navigating the airport? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. That’s especially true nowadays at Asheville Regional Airport with expansions underway and millions of people passing through.
The airport recently shared that it saw nearly 2.2 million travelers in 2024, bringing in a $3.9 billion economic impact. This was the second consecutive year when AVL’s passenger numbers exceeded 2 million. In 2023, the airport welcomed slightly over 2.2 million travelers.
Nonstop flights
If you’re ready to be one of those passengers, AVL offers 25+ nonstop flights that primarily focus on locations in the Southeast, Northeast, and Midwest. Here are five options that have recently arrived at AVL or will be departing soon:
Orlando, FL | Allegiant | Year-round, less-than-daily | Various times
Denver, CO | United | Year-round, daily | 4:10 p.m.
Phoenix, AZ | Allegiant | Year-round, less-than-daily | Various times
Boston, MA | Delta | Year-round | Begins May 10
Washington, DC (IAD) | Allegiant | Year-round | Begins June 25
Valentine’s Guided Painting | 7-8:30 p.m. | Plant Bar Coffee and Tea | $25+ | Follow the guided watercolor prompts to make a colorful, romantic picture.
Suns of Stars: Billy Strings After Show | 11 p.m.-2 a.m. | One World Brewing - Downtown | $5 | Keep the tunes coming with music by the high-energy bluegrass and jam band.
Saturday, Feb. 15
Bird Day | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | The North Carolina Arboretum | Included with entry | Celebrate all things avian with tours, exhibits, presentations, and live demonstrations.
Goat Kisses and Sweet Wishes | 1-3 p.m. | Animal Haven Thrift Store | $5 | Meet Jingles, the new blind baby goat, and take pictures to support the animal sanctuary.
The Brewly Weds | 3-4:30 p.m. | The Whale - West Asheville | $5 | Test your knowledge of your partner while sipping beer at this classic question-and-answer game.
Broken Heart Bash | 9 p.m. | Fleetwood’s | $10 | Sing your heart out as local punk bands My Gal Monday, Bad Fidelity, and In Dog Years perform.
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Valentine’s Day, a holiday named after St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers. The occasion is often observed with acts of affection, gifts, and romantic gestures. If you’re trying to make last-minute plans, there are still opportunities in Asheville for a romantic outing this weekend.
Development
Construction on the New Haw Creek Road sidewalk could finally start this spring after Asheville City Council authorized an engineering and inspection contract with TranSystems Corp. The long-awaited project will install a mile of 6-ft-wide sidewalk in East Asheville; work is expected to last 18 months. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Opening
Get your shopping bags or donations ready —the Goodwill on Tunnel Road will reopen on Thursday, Feb. 20. This location has been closed since the storm, and the staff has been working since then to get the store in running order.
Closing
Another anchor store plans to leave the Asheville Mall. JCPenney announced it will close its Tunnel Road location on Sunday, May 25. The retailer will continue to operate online and other NC + SC stores will remain open. (WLOS)
Environment
The City of Asheville shared its performance measures for the FY24 Municipal Climate Action Plan that ended on June 30, 2024. Highlights included increased renewable energy production and activity on 15 high-impact projects. The report also identified an increase in greenhouse gas emissions with plans to decrease the output.
Outdoors
Blue Ridge Parkway staff voiced concerns that federal hiring freezes could negatively impact its visitor experience, especially as it rebuilds from Helene. The park generally hires ~120 seasonal employees for the busier summer + fall, and the decreased support could impact services like visitor center staffing and debris removal. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
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Travel
Travel
🪪 Time to get REAL
REAL IDs have a star in the upper right corner. | Photo via NCDOT
After years of delays the official deadline to obtain a REAL ID is finally approaching: May 7, 2025.
Why do I need one?
You’ll need a REAL ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter secure federal or military facilities starting May 7. If you don’t have one by that time, you’ll still be able to vote, drive, apply for benefits, purchase alcohol or cigarettes, and access federal courts with a standard state license.
Take this 30-second quiz to find out if you need a REAL ID.
How can I get one?
If you currently have a NC driver’s license or ID, you can apply for a REAL ID at a NCDMV location. You’re first REAL ID cannot be obtained online — you have to go in person.
One document proving liability insurance coverage from a provider licensed to do business in NC
If applicable, one or more documents verifying any name change
For non-US citizens, one document proving legal presence/lawful status
The Buy
The Buy
It’s Valentine’s Day and Friday… a combo that won’t happen again for another six years. Why not treat yourself for the occasion? We’ve got five picks we think you’ll love.
It looks like rain is in the forecast this weekend, so I anticipate staying indoors. I might use the time to explore Asheville via the movies. Did you know 1994’s “Richie Rich” starring Macaulay Culkin has scenes filmed at Biltmore Estate? It makes sense, so much of the historic house feels and looks expensive.
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