Plus, Wicked Weed's Funkatorium has a timeline for reopening.
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Today’s Forecast

75º | 1% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:35 a.m. | Sunset 7:41 p.m.


⛰️ We’re lichen hikin’

Lookout-Point-Asheville-hikes-Voices-avltoday
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.

Strawberry Gap Trail
  • Difficulty: 🥾🥾
  • Length: 5-mile out-and-back
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.

Laurel River Trail
  • Difficulty: 🥾
  • Length: 7-mile out-and-back
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.
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The Biltmore

Events

Wednesday, March 19

Asheville Fringe Arts Festival Preview Party | 6-9 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl | Free | Get a sampling of the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival shows in one night.

Thursday, March 20

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.

Mercy in the Mountains: Ashes and Arrows + Abby Bryant | 8 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $31 | From the America’s Got Talent stage to a beloved local venue, jam with WNC natives while raising money for hurricane relief.

Saturday, March 22

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.
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Home

🏠 WNC Build and Remodel Expo returns this weekend

Presented by Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Four people stand facing away from the camera indoors at the Build and Remodel Expo.
Who doesn’t love browsing the latest home design trends? | Photo provided by the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Looking for inspiration for your next renovation? Or resources for an upcoming remodel?

Meet the experts at The 2025 WNC Build and Remodel Expo.

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.
Snag tickets today

News Notes

Announced

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.*
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.*

Job

Know anyone looking for a job? This employee-owned local biz has 15+ openings right here in Ashevilleall with great benefits.*

Wellness

Needed’s Sleep + Relaxation Support is crafted by women, for women. The supplement incorporates magnesium and L-Theanine, which foster deeper, more restorative sleep. Use code 6AM for 20% your order.*

Cause

Where to make spring cleaning donations

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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.

For the stuff in the back of the closet

For the furniture gathering dust

Donate bikes + baby supplies

The Buy

New swim options. Get ready for vacations, trips, and beach days ahead with one-pieces and cover ups:

🌊 This one-shoulder swimsuit has a ruched midsection and a high waist.
🌊 This ruched twist-front swimsuit has push-up support and side ties.
🌊 Wear this chic black + white one-piece for a stylish resort look.
🌊 Throw on an easy crochet cover up around the pool.
🌊 Go for a flowy shape with this ruffled button-down cover up.
🌊 Rock some drawstring cover-up pants for full-leg coverage.
More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Image of City Editor next to name "Bethany Osborn"
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.

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