Pre-order a box of Asheville Grey tea on the company’s website. | Photo via Asheville Tea Company
No Grey Days — both the name of Asheville Tea Company’s signature cocktail at its upcoming fundraiser and founder Jessie Dean’s motto as she navigates the business’s next chapter.
“We’re at a point where we want to move forward and celebrate the recovery process for our community so far,” Dean told AVLtoday.
Asheville Tea Company experienced major disruptions when Helene hit, including the total loss of their facility.
“We’ve revisited the tragedy so many times in conversation, and it’s nice to do something more lighthearted,” Dean said.
The company’s fundraiser, Rebuild + Regrow, takes place at Haywood Common and The Whale this Saturday, March 29, from 4 to 7 p.m.
The family-friendly event will feature craft tea tastings, a donation-based blend-your-own tea station, and a live DJ.
Plus, the aforementioned tea-infused cocktail with gin, lemon juice, Asheville Grey tea syrup, and Cava and specialtea scoops of ice cream from The Hop.
A. Chamomile Lavender: Floral, like a stroll through Asheville City Market. B. Asheville Grey: Versatile, like our natural beauty and thriving arts culture. C. Pisgah Breakfast: Reliable, like our gorgeous mountain views. D. Mountain Chai: Flavorful, like a good meal at any local restaurant. E. Other
Open-Level Adult Dance | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Black Mountain Center for the Arts, Black Mountain | $15+ | Dancers of all levels will learn combinations in ballet, jazz, and modern styles in this accepting environment.
Thursday, March 27
East Nash Grass + Bronwyn Keith-Hynes | The Grey Eagle | $23+ | Tickets are standing room only, but you’ll be too busy dancing to these bluegrass newcomers.
Friday, March 28
Jazz Jam at Leaf Global Arts | 6-9 p.m. | Leaf Global Arts | Free | The night starts with a class for aspiring jazz musicians — by 7 p.m., the free-flowing jazz jam begins.
Saturday, March 29
Coloring with Cats: Kiddie Edition | 1-1:30 p.m. | House of Black Cat Magic | $15 | Relax with cats and color a feline image, perfect for kids 13 and younger.
Duncan Trussell | Saturday, March 29 | Times vary | The Orange Peel | $38+ | See the comedian, actor, podcaster, and Asheville native take the stage for two shows.
Sunday, March 30
Wine Walk Asheville | 2-5 p.m. | Hideaway | $60+ | Sip your way through downtown, stopping at local businesses all while supporting MANNA FoodBank.
Eddie Dewey, a co-founder of the commercial real estate group behind Foundy Street, confirmed on Instagram that the group plans to rebuild three businesses in the area, including the Marquee and Wedge Brewing, as well as bring back affordable art studios.
Weather
Henderson County released a new evacuation map amid the Black Cove fire. Additionally, many air quality alerts in impacted counties have been downgraded by the state since Tuesday afternoon. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Cause
The Buncombe County Register of Deeds partnered with Babies Need Bottoms to provide resources to families in need. Whenever a family purchases a birth certificate from the deed’s office, they can also pick up supplies like diapers and formulas. Those wishing to donate can visit Babies Need Bottoms’ website for more details.
Try This
Bears Smokehouse will host “To Hell with Helene” on Saturday, March 29 to celebrate returning to normal business operations. This event starts at 5 p.m. with live local music followed by stand-up comedy, a pie eating contest, ax throwing, and mechanical bull rides.
Community
A new bridge is coming for residents near the Reedy Patch Creek after Helene washed the previous one away. The project is a first for a collective of local Mennonite, Lutheran and Amish groups aiming to repair bridges damaged by Helene. (Citizen-Times)
Watch
This kitty is not friend-shaped. Asheville Reddit user Biloba414 recorded a bobcat trolling around less than two miles from downtown on a Ring Camera. Plus, the comment section confirms these clawed neighbors are often closer than we think.
Correction
The watch party and Q+A session for “The Rotating Chef” is on Saturday, March 29. Yesterday’s newsletter listed the incorrect date— talk about a recipe for disaster.
Featured Home
Overlooking the Black Mountain Golf Course near Lake Tomahawk (with views from the private porch), this low-maintenance condo features warm spaces + wide windows — plus easy access to the community clubhouse and swimming pool. See inside.*
Edu
UNC Asheville recently announced tuition grants for Summer 2025, making it more accessible than ever for students to catch up, stay on track, or get ahead. Explore all programs and see how you could get up to two summer courses free.*
Trending
Eyeing some Hoka shoes for spring hiking, running, and walking adventures? Brad’s Deals rounded up which stores are offering the best prices.*
Category
Outdoors
These trees stink
Photo via Conserving Carolina
The early-blooming white flowers popping up around our lovely city aren’t necessarily something to celebrate. If those blooms are on a Bradford pear tree, they’re more of a warning sign than an indicator of spring.
Bradford pear trees, a variety of Callery pear native to Asia, were introduced to the US in the early 20th century for their ornamental, symmetrical beauty. But don’t let their looks fool you — these trees are structurally weak and are quick to shed branches during heavy wind and rain.
Recognizable for their white flowers and strong, distinctive stench, these beautiful-but-deadly trees cross-pollinate with other pear trees, producing invasive offspring that threaten the lives of native trees + create food deserts for birds. The invasive trees have white flowers and huge, inch-long thorns capable of puncturing tires (good luck mowing your lawn).
If you want to quickly join a tree bounty program, check out this registry that targets Elizabeth City + Hendersonville in April.
A really good Wi-Fi extender, because you deserve reliable internet access (yes, even in that corner of the house). Bonus: It’s 52% off until midnight thanks to Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.
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