The Richmond Hill forest is home to many rare species. | Photo via SAHC
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) has purchased 83 acres adjacent to Richmond Hill Park, protecting what the conservancy says is “one of the last undeveloped parcels along the French Broad River in Asheville.”
SAHC sought to purchase the land several times since 2013 — and the recent acquisition terminates plans for a hotly contested 690+ unit development that was proposed for the area. The Conservancy will maintain the property before it can be used to expand Richmond Hill Park, growing our city’s largest forested park from 180 to 263 acres.
The tract will bring Richmond Hill Park from 180 to 263 acres.
Map via SAHC
Reflecting on Helene’s ecological impacts, MountainTrue French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson said the storm has “underscored the importance of protecting our floodplains and forested slopes to soak in and filter stormwater, protect important riparian species, and help reduce future flooding risk.”
In a press release, MountainTrue’s Resilient Forests Director and SAHC Land Protection Committee member Josh Kelly explains that the land is already home to rare species like the mole salamander. Expanding the park’s boundary not only protects wildlife habitats but also the French Broad’s water quality.
Frequinox | 9 p.m. | Third Room | $0+ | Asheville Fringe and Surreal Sirkus will come together for an eccentric afterparty with a bumpin’ dance floor, aerial performances, art vendors, and more.
Sunday, March 23
Spring Equinox Yoga | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Visuals Rooftop Bar | $35 | Soak up the sun of spring with an awakening yoga flow — the class includes your choice of CBD or Delta 9 gummy from Garden Party (but you don’t have to partake).
Music of Taylor Swift for Kids | 12 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $0+ | The concert will feature tunes from the pop star at a kid-friendly volume.
Monday, March 24
Intro to Line Dance | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Harvest House Community Center | Free | Hit a boot-scootin’ boogie during this beginner course.
Tuesday, March 25
Laughs and Libations | 7-10 p.m. | District 42 | $20 | Order from a special menu while enjoying stand-up from Hilliary Begley, Peter Smith-McDowell, and more.
Wednesday, April 23
Art Charleston 2025 | Wednesday, April 23-Sunday, April 27 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston | $10+ | Enjoy a five-day celebration of art, fashion, and food featuring a street festival, designer luncheon, fashion show, panels, film screening, and tours in Charleston, SC.*
The folks from Smokee’s Pizza are serving up hearty and delicious breakfast and lunch sandwiches in Woodfin at Smokee’s on the Creek. We’re drooling over this open-faced breakfast beauty. Head to 235 Weaverville Rd. to try it out.
State
Gov. Stein signed a relief bill sending $524 million to communities affected by Helene. The largest amounts are earmarked for rebuilding homes, recouping agricultural losses, and repairing roads and bridges. (WUNC)
Coming Soon
Longtime local favorite Latin restaurant Chorizo is heading back to its old digs at Grove Arcade. Chef Hector Diaz is expected to open the spot this spring.
Opening
There’s more headed for Woodfin. Hilltop Ice Cream Shop is expanding into the area, bringing fresh, homemade treats. Now, chill while we await an opening date.
Pets
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue can help you find a new best friend at its community adoption event next Friday, March 28 at Mercedes-Benz of Asheville. Plus, thanks to Royal Canin, adoption fees will be half-price through the end of the year. If you miss the event, Brother Wolf continues to offer adoptions by appointment.
Announced
On Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the annual Asheville Maker Faire (the only maker faire in the Carolinas) will bring together scientists, engineers, and artists for a chance to showcase experiments and projects. This year’s exhibits include robotics, make-your-own synths, and paper rockets.
Sports
The upcoming Spring Youth Soccer season at YMCA of Western North Carolina will have some special guests: Collegiate athletes from Mars Hill University + UNC Asheville will lead clinics twice a week. Register while spots are still open to kick it with the big kids.*
Festival
Have the best bookish time at Read Freely Fest, happening Friday, March 28 through Sunday, March 30 at Richland Library Main in Columbia, SC. Enjoy talks with NYT bestselling authors, a unique audiobook silent disco, and the chance to connect with fellow literature lovers. See the full lineup.*
Catch the games at Olde London Road. | Photo by AVLtoday
Football season is nearly here, and we’re ready to huddle up at our favorite spots to catch a game. From cozy bars to lively patios, these 10+ local hangs are perfect for kicking back, grabbing a drink, and keeping your eye on the ball all season long.
Village Pub | With 17 TVs, you’re guaranteed to catch every shining moment.
The Bier Garden | The lowkey downtown spot has the games on the big screen and daily specials to wet your whistle.
Asheville Sports Club | Cheer on your team at the elevated sports club, where the cocktails are craft and the TVs are golden.
The Village Porch | The Woodfin bar has the sports covered — but we’re more hyped for the truffled tater tots, wings, and pretzels with homemade beer cheese.
Olde London Road English Pub | English football takes priority here but it’s still a great spot to catch any game.
Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive | Every seat is the best seat in the house when there’s a TV everywhere you look. Pair that with smoked wings and pimento cheese, and that’s a pretty dang good gameday.
W.A.L.K. | If gameday has you in the competitive spirit, you can challenge your bud to a game of pool. Bonus: This neighborhood spot pulls out a projector for the big games.
Dirty Jack’s | The South Slope haunt is Green Man’s OG brewery and Asheville’s OG soccer bar. Grab a brew and park it in front of one of the three big screens to catch a match.
Creekside Taphouse | To us, the greatest part about gameday is the grub. And to go along with 10 TVs, this Haw Creek restaurant has our favorite wings in Asheville.
Foggy Mountain Brew Pub | Saddle up to the bar for an epic mac and cheese bowl and front and center views of the TV behind the bar.
Easy Tiger | The crew behind Flour is opening the sports bar in the former Storm Rhum spot with 12 big screen TVs and elevated pub grub. Look out for an opening date soon.
The Buy
The Buy
A breathable long-sleeve tee, great to pair with jeans and jackets on cool spring days.
Smokee’s makes some of my favorite pizza in town, so I can’t wait to head to the new shop for a sandwich. We’ve already received a rave review from a reader telling us how fabulous and adorable it is (all caps might I add), so I have a strong suspicion I’ll be a frequent customer.
