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Enjoy a bounty from spots like Encompass Farms. | Photo via ASAP
We’re nearing the end of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Innovation Network’s annual CSA Week — butmuch closer to home, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) also declared Thursday, Feb. 15 through Friday, March 15 to be CSA Month.
And since we can talk local programs until the cows come home, we’re taking this time to introduce you to some Buncombe County CSAs.
Showing the way to CSA
We don’t want to put the cart before the horse, so let’s start with a definition. In its basic form, a CSA allows an individual (let’s say you) to purchase part of a farm’s harvest at the beginning of the season — then once the harvest starts, the CSA functions like a subscription, allowing you to get a share of the farm’s produce or goods, usually weekly.
The CSA Fair lets you get produce particulars from the experts.
Photo via ASAP
Finding your farm
Meet your farm face-to-face before you decide. Mark your calendar for Friday, March 13. ASAP is hosting a CSA Fair at YWCA of Asheville, where eight area farms will show off their goods + answer questions.
Oh My! Comedy Show | 6:30-9 p.m. | Botanist & Barrel Tasting Bar + Bottle Shop | $20 | Have a jolly good time during this night of laughs — your ticket includes a drink.
Sip & Make: Coaster Painting | 7-8:30 p.m. | The Whale - South Slope | $19 | Sip on a beer while crafting a coaster to sit your beer on.
Judy Collins | 7:30 p.m. | Wortham Center for the Performing Arts | $66.50+ | See the iconic folk singer perform from her discography spanning more than 50 years — Chatham County Line will open the show.
Friday, Feb. 21
“Try-It-Out” Wheel Lessons | Friday, Feb. 21 | Times vary | Fired Up Creative Lounge | $60 | Try your hand at throwing on the pottery wheel, then come back in a couple of weeks to glaze your masterpiece.
Burton Street Black History Discussion | 6-8 p.m. | Burton Street Community Center | Free | Discuss the history of the Burton Street Community, its founder Edward W. Pearson, and its role in local Black history.
Saturday, Feb. 22
Intro To Ashtanga Workshop | 12-2 p.m. | West Asheville Yoga | $20 | Dip your toes into the dynamic, athletic practice with an emphasis on breath and gaze.
Conversation with Elizabeth Brauneis | 3-4 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum | $10+ | The visiting researcher will give a special look at materials from the Richard Sharp Smith and Douglas D. Ellington Collections.
Sunday, Feb. 23
Fourth Wing Threshing | 6 p.m. | The Mule | $15+ | Celebrate the release of “Onyx Storm” in costume with knife throwing, special cocktails, Fourth Wing trivia, and local artisans selling handmade goods.
Monday, Feb. 24
Honoring Our Grief | 7-8:30 p.m. | Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins | Free, RSVP | Get a new perspective on grief in this group circle held by Bright Shadows.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
Anti-Valentine’s Day Film Series Pt. 2 | 6-8 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free | Celebrate friendship with a screening of “Frances Ha” starring Greta Gerwig.
Spartanburg’s charm makes it easy to feel like a local. | Photo by Sam Dean
Looking for a home that blends small-town delights with big-city perks? Enter: Spartanburg, SC, where people come for the adventure and stay for the flavor.
Whether you’re drawn to the scenic trails and foodie adventures or the new minor league baseball stadium and live music, this charming city has something for everyone.
The City of Asheville shared that the final date to place debris at public right of ways for pickup will be Friday, March 1. Then, a final sweep will commence, expected to be completed by Tuesday, April 1. Debris removal on private property and in local waterways will continue.
Coming Soon
La Bodega will not reopen as a restaurant, but rather as a multi-use event space this spring. The Curate team will continue to host its own events there, like Pintxo Parties, but the space can be booked out as well.
Civic
After serving as city manager since 2018, Debra Campbell announced her retirement through a letter to the city council. Her last day will be Dec. 5, and she writes that until that date, she will be fully dedicated to leading recovery efforts for the remainder of her tenure. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Job
On Saturday, March 1, the Asheville Tourists will host a job fair at Hatch Coworking to hire game day staff for the 2025 season. Preregister to attend. Reminder: The home opener is Tuesday, April 8.
Outdoors
Buncombe County Parks and Recreation shared a preview of its spring programming, including an Earth Day festival, kids fishing tournament, and doggy egg hunt. See the schedule and start marking your calendar.
Plan Ahead
Pisgah National Forest’s Sliding Rock sustained minimal damage from Helene and will reopen on schedule this Memorial Day weekend. You’ll be able to visit from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, May 23 through Monday, Sept. 1. (WLOS)
Home
DIY hack: You can fix most common electrical problems on your own with just these eight troubleshooting tips — no electrician needed.*
Finance
Owe more than $10,000 in debt? You’re not alone — personal debt is on the rise. Freedom Debt Relief could help by offering a personalized debt settlement plan and negotiating with creditors to reduce your amount owed (with one low monthly payment + no upfront fees). Get started.*
Plan Ahead
2025 is your year to put a dent in your credit card debt. Check out these top balance transfer cards offering 0% APR on transfers into 2026. (That’s nearly two years of no interest, plus some sweet rewards.) Learn more + apply.*
Coming Soon
Did this catch your eye? That’s because locals (like you) are excited about new happenings in the city. Spread the word about your business, services, big news, or event coming soon to Asheville.
Local nonprofit Mountain Housing Opportunities (MHO) supported over 2,000 households in 2024, despite Asheville’s strained housing market which was further exacerbated by Helene. MHO provided affordable rentals, home repairs, new homes, and down payment assistance.
Of the 2,371 residents MHO’s Real Estate Development team served, 12% were veterans, and 18% were formerly homeless, according to its 2024 impact report. To keep the momentum going, MHO has plenty of work planned for this year.
What’s next?
This year, the nonprofit will continue work on seven projects to create more affordable housing across WNC.
Lakeshore Villas | Currently under construction, the 120-unit complex at Heywood and Hendersonville Roads will serve families earning up to 60% Area Median Income.
Star Point | The nonprofit is expected to secure the property just off Tunnel Road soon to provide 60 affordable units, with 12 set aside for young adults aging out of foster care — it’s tentatively scheduled to open in winter 2026.
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If you’d like to make an impact, both nonprofits featured in our stories today are hiring. Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project is seeking a Director of Programs and Impact and Mountain Housing Opportunities is hiring for an Administrative Assistant to join its Essential Home Repair team.
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