Malaprop’s regional fiction section is a literary goldmine. | Photo by AVLtoday
What’s better than a good book? A good book written by your neighbor. Brew up a batch of your favorite cup of tea or coffee and get ready to meet your next read, because we’re talking about a few books written by Ashevillians and WNC residents.
Fiction
“Thrill Ride” by Amy Ratcliffe | Release date: March 25, 2025 |After writing several Star Wars and Marvel books, the author is set to release her first adult rom-com at the end of this month, set in a small-town theme park.
For the family
“Of Words and Water: The Story of Wilma Dykeman” by Shannon Hitchcock | Release date: April 16, 2024 | This picture book tells the story of the environmentalist’s work protecting the French Broad, complete with beautiful illustrations from Sophie Page.
Learn something new
“George Masa: A Life Reimagined” by Paul Bonesteel and Janet McCue | Release date: Sept. 10, 2024 | The first comprehensive biography about the photographer’s life details his work documenting the land, and his role in the conservation of the Appalachian mountains.
Flood Relief Film Screening | 7-8:30 p.m. | Firestorm | Free | Screen an animated film about mutual aid in the face of a climate crisis — donations benefit eKY Mutual Aid, helping those affected by the recent flooding in KY and WV.
Thursday, March 6
Black Mountain College and Mexico Author Panel | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free | Authors Diana Stoll and Eric Baden will explore the creative ties between the artists of Black Mountain College and Mexico from the 1930s to 1950s.
Honky Tonk: Rodeo Night | 5-9 p.m. | Highland Brewing Company - Event Center | Free | Join Highland Brewing for a rootin'-tootin’ evening of line dancing, live country music, and mechanical bull riding.
2025 Paddling Film Festival World Tour | 7-9:30 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $15+ | The film festival is on a world tour screening paddling adventure films —the event benefits MountainTrue.
Friday, March 7
Donna the Buffalo | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel | $36+ | See the band in the same mountains that inspired its reggae and rock-infused folk music.
Juniper Bends Reading Series | 7-10 p.m. | Story Parlor | $16+ | Enjoy an evening of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction readings supplemented by a musical performance by Jane Kramer.
Saturday, March 8
One Year Anniversary Celebration | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Alchemy Yoga & Reiki | Free | Celebrate the first year of this yoga and wellness studio with free classes, local vendors, and raffle prizes.
Olivette Farm 5K Race and Fun Run | 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Olivette Farm Stand, Alexander | $48 | Get to steppin’ at this early spring run through the beautiful farm — enjoy food vendors, music, and a family-friendly party after you cross the finish line.
Whether you’re craving Irish cheer, literary inspiration, or delicious eats, these Columbia, SC festivals are worth the drive. | Photo provided by Experience Columbia SC
Get ready for road trip season. The perfect destination? Columbia, SC, a vibrant city with southern charm, delicious eats, and festivals that will make your trip unforgettable.
Add these five festivals to your itinerary:
Five Points St. Pat’s Festival | March 5 | Don your best green outfit at one of the Southeast’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Expect live music, a festive parade, and plenty of spirit.
Read Freely Fest | March 28-30 | A celebration of literature, free speech, and diverse voices, this festival brings authors, activists + book lovers together for a weekend of thought-provoking conversations.
Tartan Day South | April 3-6 | Embrace Scottish heritage with highland games, bagpipes, and traditional food — kilts encouraged.
Columbia Food & Wine Festival | April 22-25 | A must for foodies, this event showcases the city’s best chefs, restaurants, and wineries.
SC Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival | May 17 | Indulge in a delicious feast of gourmet food trucks paired with craft brews from across the Palmetto State.
Ready to make the most of your road trip? Explore even more fun things to do in Columbia, and discover hidden gems, local favorites, and unforgettable experiences.
After losing its space beside DayTrip, Boy Howdy will begin serving sandwiches in its new digs at DSSOLVR this Friday, March 7. Check out the menu posted on its Instagram story — we’re eyeing the Bacon Jam Band with bacon + onion jam and jalapeno pimento cheese.
Announced
The Buncombe County Fire Marshal’s Office extended the open burning ban through Friday, March 7, with potential for another extension as low humidity and strong winds are forecasted. Remember, open burning is never permitted in Asheville or any other municipal limits where yard waste removal is offered.
Real Estate
Mountain Housing Opportunities has officially secured financing for Star Point, a multi-family affordable housing development off Tunnel Road, behind the Mountaineer Inn. Of the 60 units offered to renters earning up to 60% AMI, 12 will be reserved for young adults aging out of foster care.
Number
One million. That’s how many meals Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue served the community in partnership with World Central Kitchen. As the restaurant finishes up relief efforts, celebrate their incredible contributions + grand reopening at “To Hell With Helene.” Expect live music, comedy, axe throwing, mechanical bull rides, and more on the evening of Saturday, March 29.
Trending
While Asheville didn’t take home any awards at the Oscars this past Sunday, we did provide some — in the form of chocolate. Take a look at the Academy Award-embossed chocolates local chocolatier Timothy Maguire created for the event. Get acquainted with the chocolate master before he opens a downtown shop.
Transit
In the loop while on the road. ART buses are now equipped with free WiFi, thanks to grant funding from Land of Sky Regional Council and Dogwood Health Trust. The addition is part of the city’s efforts in “enhancing public transportation and improving the rider experience.”
Eat
Despite losing their retail space in Riverview Station, Ashley Capps and Travis Schultz of New Stock Pantry have fed folks at farmers markets, Oak & Grist, and on pick-up days at their Woodfin production kitchen. Read about the team’s new setup — and the upcoming Nosh Bagel takeovers. (Mountain Xpress)
Biz
Beginning Monday, March 17, the DIY Tourism Marketing Conference will take place at the Renaissance Hotel. Spots are still available for marketers in our local restaurant, retail, or events industries who want to learn the latest strategies to encourage visitors.
Edu
Hanger Hall School has limited spots still available for the 2025-26 school year. Enroll today to learn what makes this school stand out.*
Grammy® Award-winning songwriters Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark (who performed at the Orange Peel last fall) have penned hits for some of music’s biggest artists, from Kacey Musgraves to Brandi Carlile + more. Now, you can hear their music in a whole new way when “Shucked” opens at the Peace Center in Greenville. Learn more and snag tickets.*
Featured Home
Y’all knowhow much we love a stunning chef’s kitchen. Especially when paired with a first-floor primary suite, upstairs loft, and full chicken coop (with chickens) — all on a private, 1.3-acre lot. Come admire with us.*
Category
Coming Soon
Broadway or bust
Other local businesses in the neighborhood include High Five Coffee and Little Jumbo. | Photo via AVLtoday
Stoker’s Studio, a new service-based bike shop, announced this week that it will open at 170 Broadway St. later this spring.
The shop joins a list of other businesses that have recently moved to the area.
The mostly empty block of commercial buildings on Broadway Street once served as various properties for Moog Music. Now, the spaces have found a new legacy housing businesses and artists that were heavily impacted by Helene, including:
Atomic Furnishing + Design | The vintage furniture and art gallery opened in December, moving to its new location just months after its original location on Swanannoa River Road flooded.
DayTrip | The cocktail/mocktail bar and community space plan to reopen later this month after its original location on Amboy Road also received devastating flood damage.
Resurrection Studios Collective | The former Moog Music Building will now house studios and exhibition spaces for WNC artists. Its grand opening event takes place on Friday, March 7.
The Buy
The Buy
A women’s tennis dress made from stretchy, soft fabric that’s perfect for workouts or casual wear on sunny days.
In case you haven’t been by the shop across from Grove Arcade, Threads of Asheville has some incredibly cute Asheville merch. If you’re looking to rep our city or gift a great tee to a loved one, check out this woodcut design, available for preorder.
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