Check out the new POV. | Photo via City of Asheville
A years-long renovation has been completed at Memorial Stadium. In 2016, Asheville voters approved a $17 million bond package to upgrade parks and recreation facilities, including the redevelopment of Memorial Stadium.
The site had long served as the home base for high school sports and recreation in Asheville’s historically Black East End neighborhood, and for years, residents had continually called for the track to be rebuilt. As the stadium’s centennial approaches, the venue’s rich legacy of serving as a community resource continues with a new chapter — and a new track.
Back on track
In 2003, the track was removed to accommodate special events and sports teams, but now, a six-lane synthetic track once again surrounds the field.
What else is new? The field got fresh turf, a sidewalk was built surrounding the track for accessibility, and restrooms and storage facilities were replaced. Additionally, the adjacent Mountainside Park has received upgrades since 2020, including new paved walking paths, playground equipment, and lighting.
Opening Reception: “viewshed” | 5:30-8 p.m. | Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center | Free | Analyze works that represent the radical and enduring impact of Black Mountain College in contemporary art.
Saturday, April 5
Glass, Metal, and Clay Day | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Folk Art Center | Free | It’s time to watch and learn — see expert demonstrations of some of the oldest craft mediums, including blacksmithing, glass blowing, and knife making.
Invasive Plant Removal | 12-8 p.m. | Hominy Creek Greenway Parking | Free, RSVP | Help MountainTrue and Friends of Hominy Creek Greenway remove non-native invasive plants — wear pants and closed-toed shoes.
Asheville on Bikes Spring Out | 1-7 p.m. | Wedge Studios | Free | Bike through Asheville’s community trails before earning a drink, with proceeds ensuring a safer community for cyclists.
Sunday, April 6
Spring Artisan Festival | 1-6 p.m. | Terra Nova Beer Co. | Price of purchase | Grab a slice and a brew as you jam out to live music and support 20 local artisans impacted by Helene.
Yonder Mountain String Band | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel | $38+ | Ward off the Sunday scaries with some “Midnight Gospel Radio” from the five-piece bluegrass outfit.
Monday, April 7
ART-POW! | Monday, April 7-Thursday, April 10 | 3:30-4:45 p.m. | Story Parlor | $5+ | Kids will have the chance to try different art forms with affordable classes, like Monday’s collage and mixed media workshop.
Tuesday, April 8
It’s a Good Day to Crochet: Beginner Class | 4:15-6:15 p.m. | Firestorm Books | $30 suggested donation | If you yearn for yarn, this biweekly beginner class is the perfect way to get the basics down pat — a portion of class fees will benefit artists impacted by Helene.
Matcha Nude, Spice Witch, and Full Moon Tea Co. have joined to launch The Stir, an office hub and commercial kitchen space to serve each of their businesses. The space not only allows for collaboration but also financial accessibility as the brands expand. The three women-owned businesses plan to host a grand opening this spring.
Coming Soon
Marshall’s beloved Star Diner was lost to Helene, but owners Brian and Kate Sonoskus are building out a new endeavor, Star Taco, inside the former Main Street Cafe building. Star Taco will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner Tuesday-Saturday in a laid-back atmosphere. Construction timelines are still unclear, but we do have a sneak peek into the delicious fare. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Outdoors
Take out your calendar. FIND Outdoors announced that tickets for its 2025 Blue Ghost Firefly Tours go on sale this Tuesday, April 8. Tours begin in late May and run through early June, limited to 150 participants each night. So snag those tickets to see the elusive blue glow light up the Cradle of Forestry.
Read
Former Water Resources Director for the City of Asheville, Michael Holcombe, recently published a book chronicling the history of Asheville’s water from the incorporation of the city in 1797 to the tragic events of Helene. Read about why he set out to write “The Story of Asheville’s Water: Before and After Hurricane Helene” and what he learned along the way. (Mountain Xpress)
Environment
The World Meteorological Organization’s Hurricane Committee has retired Helene, Beryl, and Milton as Atlantic hurricane names, given their deadly impacts. The committee typically recycles its hurricane naming list every six years. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Look forward to two stories of beautiful finishes at this Black Mountain abode near Lake Tomahawk. Our favorite feature? A three-way tie between the floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, private back patio, and low-maintenance landscaping. See inside.*
Finance
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Number
$100. That’s how much you can save on the HP Smart Tank 7602 printer for a limited time. Plus, you’ll get free shipping + two years of ink. Order it now.*
Category
Traffic
Swannanoa River Road reopens today
Say goodbye to these signs. | Photo by AVLtoday
This afternoon, the NCDOT will reopen Swannanoa River Road from Biltmore Avenue to Bleachery Boulevard after Helene wreaked havoc on the roadway in September. The difficult restoration process involved partners from the City of Asheville, the Army Corps of Engineers, Buncombe County, and their contractors.
This restoration follows the late January reopening of a stretch from Tunnel to Fairview Roads. NCDOT Buncombe County Maintenance Engineer, Paul Roberts, said that crews “started from scratch,” having to not only repair the roadway, but repair or reconstruct water lines, overhead cables, traffic signals, shoulders, and drainage structures along the three-mile stretch.
A new signal system, lane markings, and pedestrian improvements were also implemented at the intersection of Swannanoa River Road, South Tunnel Road, and Wood Avenue to “make it better than it was before,” according to Roberts.
The Buy
The Buy
A pair of 5” lined track shorts from lululemon. Designed for running, the shorts have a built-in liner for extra coverage and wick away sweat fast. Psst — these Soothfeel athletic shorts are a great workout option, too.
Night owls don’t get to have all the fun. Coffee shop raves are gaining traction across the globe, offering a new, sober way to party in the AM. Which coffee shop in Asheville do you think could keep a caffeinated crowd pumped? Let me know.
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