You don’t have to go far to get breathtaking mountain views. | Photo by Danny Bernstein
Asheville’s hiking season looks a little different this year.
Since many of our beloved trails were hit especially hard by Helene, a lot of go-to spots are still closed. But with the help of hardworking crews and volunteers, some of our favorites are back in action. So, lace up your boots to explore 15+ open trails.
Hike through Blue Ridge Pastures to panoramic views of the mountains at the summit, and connect to the nearby Trombatore Trail. These trails offer similar views as Bearwallow Mountain, which remains closed, but hopes to reopen soon.
This nice and easy hike follows the Big Laurel River and offers the perfect route for birding and trail running. Go as far as you want, but the first mile is perfect for families with small children.
West African Djembe Workshop | 2-3 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free, RSVP | Learn about the traditional music and dance of West Africa with master djembe player Adama Dembele.
Beer Release Party | 5-8 p.m. | Salt Face Mule Brewing Co. | Free | Enjoy limited-edition brews, beer and dessert flights, live music, and a community art project at this Pink Boots fundraiser.
Celebrate Black History: Soul Food Supper | 6-8 p.m. | Stephens-Lee Community Center | Free | Learn history with the foods that became central to Black communities, now considered soul food.
Friday, March 21
Southern Appalachian Weather and Climate Workshop 2025 | Friday, March 21-Saturday, March 22 | 1-5:30 p.m. | Highsmith Student Union | $25+ | Join researchers, meteorologists, UNCA faculty, and students to learn more about our region’s weather.
Held in Perspective: Open Mic Poetry | 1-5 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum | Price of admission | Share poetry on recovery and resilience in front of a live audience while overlooking Mount Pisgah.
This two-day showcase brings together 60+ top builders, design experts, local suppliers, and WNC artisans — all under one roof.
Where: WNC Agricultural Center
When: Saturday + Sunday, March 22-23
Produced by the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains and presented by Cason Builders Supply, this event is a one-stop shop for home design solutions and community support, particularly for those rebuilding after Hurricane Helene.
Good Morning America is coming to Asheville. The morning show will broadcast live from Highland Brewing on Thursday, March 27. Residents are invited to attend and create signs that tell stories of resilience and progress. Set your alarm clocks — arrival is at 6:30 a.m. Register to attend by this Friday, March 21.
Open
Pucker up, Asheville. Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium is set to reopen in May. The reimagined space will continue to serve a variety of sour beers in a new German-inspired beirgarten and feature a new food menu of wood-fired creations.
Development
Plans for Mission Hospital’s emergency department facility in West Asheville will move forward. An opening date for the $29 million Candler facility has not been announced, but once open, it will provide 24-hour emergency care — treating strokes, severe chest pain, and traumatic injuries while also accepting EMS patients. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Edu
The Asheville School District (ASD) and the Asheville City Association of Educators teacher’s union made a historic deal this week, creating a new avenue for educators to participate directly in decision-making at the district level. ASD is the first school district in the state to try this approach. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Family
Parents, this one’s for you. Asheville Parks and Recreation’s April calendar is packed with kid-friendly events like the Glow in the Park egg hunt, Truck City AVL, and a job fair for young adults. Need more ideas? Check out our guide to kid-friendly activities around town.
Plan Ahead
Get your stretchy pants ready. The Southern Roots BBQ Reunion returns Saturday, April 12 at Trailblazer Park in Travelers Rest, SC (a ~1-hour drive from Asheville). Enjoy smoky ribs, tender pulled pork, and juicy brisket from 35+ pitmasters, plus live music, craft drinks, and an artisan market. Meat us there.*
Featured Home
Walk to the greenway (or nearby frisbee golf course) from this inviting Black Mountain abode, which features low-maintenance landscaping, covered porches, and a dedicated workshop for DIY projects or storage. See all 20+ photos.*
Give your gently used items new life. | Photo by AVLtoday
You’ve swept, scrubbed, decluttered, and disinfected. Now, the hard part: What to do with it all? Here are a few places where you can donate items, help locals in need, and support community causes.
Take your less-than-loved clothing items to rEvolve and receive 50% of the retail value in store credit. The best part? You can shop for new treasures right away.
For the furniture gathering dust
Take your furniture and household goods to Homeward Bound WNC’s donation center in Woodfin — donations are distributed to people transitioning out of homelessness and into housing.
Speaking of spring cleaning, don’t forget about your spices. As it turns out, they do in fact, expire. Luckily, Spicewalla is offering 15% off certain spice bundles as part of their “spring into spice” sale.