Malaprop’s Bookstore & Cafe is located at 55 Haywood St. | Photo by AVLtoday
There’s nothing like finding that perfect spot to get lost in a good book. With several cozy nooks around Asheville, we’re rounding up our top picks for places to curl up with your latest read.
Buncombe County Public Libraries | We love supporting a free community resource, especially when it offers a nearly limitless selection of books, audiobooks, and news media. Bonus: Be sure to check out the used bookstore at the Pack Memorial location, or the giveaway cart for an unexpected literary adventure.
Flora + Forage | Enjoy your latest read surrounded by greenery while sipping on a botanical-flavored latte or glass of wine in this combination plant shop and cafe. Plus, Bagatalle Books is right next door.
Malaprop’s Bookstore & Cafe | Pick up a new book for purchase at this popular bookstore that’s been in AVL since 1982 then stick around for a coffee, espresso, or tea in the cafe.
Pranks, Plot, & Playful Tales - Gallery Tales | 6-7:30 p.m. | Trackside Studios | Free | Kids ages 8-13 have a chance to put their creative spin on the tricks, pranks, and playful stories of April Fools Day.
TEDxYouthFSI Presents “What If?” | 6-8:30 p.m. | North Carolina Stage Company | $15 | Hear speakers reimagine elements of their lives as they explore the prompt, “what if?”
Wednesday, April 2
John Vincent III | Wednesday, April 2 | Times vary | The Orange Peel | $38+ | See the indie singer-songwriter play in this rescheduled show from October.
Thursday, April 3
Hurricane Helene Recovery Panel & Discussion | 5:30-11:30 p.m. | NC Arboretum Education Center | Free, RSVP | Hear from a panel of experts on the impacts of natural disasters and how the community can support recovery efforts.
Bless Your Heart Trivia with Harmon | Thursday, April 3 | 7-10 p.m. | Eda’s Hide-a-Way | Free | Gather a group and test your knowledge with host Harmon of Dumb Ashe Trivia.
Foreign Film Fridays | 7 p.m. | Flood Gallery | Free | Bring your own snacks and drinks for a showing of Francois Truffaut’s 1959 French film, “The 400 Blows.”
The Biltmore in spring is teeming with florals, miles of hiking + biking, and locally-sourced wines. | Photos by AVLtoday
We have a bit of extraspring in our step this week after recently spending a day exploring the blooming Biltmore Estate®as Annual Passholders — complete with all the exclusive perks that come with it. Here’s how it went.
What we tried
We started with a self-guided tour of the Walled Garden + Conservatory to see the 8,000-acre estate’s greenery come to life. Pro tip: The Conservatory is in bloom year-round, making it the perfect winter or rainy day activity.
After the gardens, Biltmore Winery in Antler Hill Village welcomed us with a crisp white wine — crafted with grapes grown at the on-site vineyard.
An Annual Pass gets you access to everything we experienced + more, including unlimited daytime visits and discounts on events + exhibitions like the brand-new Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures.
After a month of community discussions, the state’s proposed action plan for $1.4 billion in Helene relief funds has been submitted. Governor Josh Stein sent the proposal late last week, and it mostly allocates money for low- and medium-income residents. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Weather
The weekend rain showers + upcoming forecasts have WNC firefighters feeling confident about several wildfires. First responders told local outlets that the rain made “great progress.” (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Try This
No jokes here — today is the return of the West Asheville Tailgate Market after a long winter break. The local pop-up brings 66 vendors and live music from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday. This week features music from Miriam Allen, a local pop artist.
Community
The city is seeking public opinion on future changes to the historic pool at Walton Street Park. The survey officially opened yesterday and runs through the end of April. The online forum should take roughly 10 minutes to fill out.
Opening
Jersey South Bagel Co. is opening a permanent location at 5 Regent Park Blvd. Sales have been paused for now, but you can still find bagels at Daymoon Coffee Bar in Fairview and Battlecat East on Tunnel Road. An exact opening date was not announced.
Plan Ahead
Head to AVLtoday’s Instagram page for a quick look at the top events in the city this month. We recommend saving the post for later so you never have FOMO in April.
You can still participate even if you aren’t a distance runner — some legs are only three miles long. | Photo via Ville to Ville Craft Relay
Picture this: You and a group of five friends decide to run 72 miles from Asheville to Greenville, all in one day. No, it’s not an episode of your favorite sitcom — it’s the Ville to Ville Craft Brew Relay.
The beloved race that celebrates our region’s craft brewing scene while raising money for local charities returns for its eighth year on Saturday, April 12.
The race has gained a lot of momentum over the years — selling out in just eight hours. This year marks the largest group of participants yet, with 2,300 runners across 380 teams, representing 34 different states and Puerto Rico.
Runners will start at AC Reynolds Middle School in East Asheville, making stops in Fletcher, Hendersonville, East Flat Rock, and Travelers Rest before crossing the finish line at Hampton Station in Greenville.
Think you and your friends have what it takes? Registration for next year’s relay opens on Sunday, April 13.
The Buy
The Buy
Cute heeled raffia slides, dressy enough for warm-weather events and neutral enough to elevate everyday outfits.
Happy April 1, AVL. We wanted to start the month off on the right paw and introduce our newest editor. His copy is rough, he sleeps on the job, and he’s easily distracted by shoe laces.
Just kidding. Happy April Fool’s Day, ya’ll. This is Mitch and today is my last dispatch in the city. Thanks for having me and you’re back in the talented hands of Grace and Bethany.
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