There’s more than a century of history behind these red doors. | Photo via NC Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources
The National Register of Historic Places — the official list of our nation’s historically and culturally significant spots — added 11 locations in NC to its roster. Two of them are right in our backyard, so let’s take a minute to get acquainted.
Hopkins Chapel AME Zion Church
This Gothic Revival church was designed by architect Richard Sharp Smith and is just one of the four churches constructed by master brick mason James Vester Miller in the East End neighborhood. The current building was finished in 1911, but the congregation and its significance predate the building itself.
The congregation has been worshiping since 1868, parting from the Central Methodist Church after Black worshipers were mistreated by white members of the church and denied the opportunity to welcome a visiting Black minister.
One Sunday, the Black church members marched from Central Methodist to the East End, worshiping under an outdoor awning. The church bought the property at its current site in 1883, naming the church Hopkins Chapel after its first pastor.
“King James” | Friday, April 25-Sunday, May 18 | Times vary | North Carolina Stage Company | $24+ | Witness how a love of LeBron spawns an unlikely friendship.
Saturday, April 26
Grove Arcade In Bloom | 12-5 p.m. | Grove Arcade | Free | Watch the historic building transform into a botanical dream with immersive floral installations, a plant market, an Aperol Spritz bar, dance performances, and a live quartet.
Thomas Wolfe Memorial Mural Unveiling | 2 p.m. | Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site | Free | Artist Katie Kasben will show off her masterpiece, capturing Wolfe’s impact on American literature.
Trampled by Turtles | 5:30-9 p.m. | Asheville Yards | $58 | Asheville Yards’ outdoor concert season kicks off this Saturday with the bluegrass-inspired stylings of folk-rock band Trampled by Turtles.*
Sunday, April 27
Crawdad Bash | Times vary | Jettie Rae’s | $65 | Bring the crew for a Louisiana-style crawfish boil with all the fixings and a complimentary beer — two time slots are available.
“Spinning Towards the Sun” Community Book Release | 5-7 p.m. | Ginger’s Revenge | Free | Musical poetry band The Dead Poets and local authors will join for the release of the anthology — Malaprop’s will sell books, with proceeds benefiting BeLoved Asheville and World Central Kitchen.
Monday, April 28
Music Bingo with DJ Spence | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing | Free | See if you’re the human form of Shazam as you identify upbeat, family-friendly tracks with prizes on the line.
Tuesday, April 29
Moms Unhinged Standup Comedy Show | 7 p.m. | Wortham Center for the Performing Arts | $25+ | Explore the comedic side of motherhood and midlife crisis with three stand-up comics.
After the show, a panel of experts in law enforcement, child protection, and mental health will lead a discussion and share insight on online grooming, legal issues, and protecting children in the digital world.
A small gravel parking lot on Church Street could be transformed into a nine-story, 99-foot luxury condo development, which would become Asheville’s seventh-tallest building. The Chapel Hill-based developer said that the 47 proposed condos are anticipated to “come with the highest price,” regarding their cost. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Civic
Asheville City Council is restructuring its council committees and reinstating remaining advisory boards to aid recovery efforts. With the new structure comes four new council committees, established to align the city’s priorities with recovery efforts and provide more transparency. The new committees will launch in May.
Development
Mountain Housing Opportunities broke ground on Star Point Apartments, an affordable housing complex located just off of Tunnel Road. Of the 60 units, 12 will be reserved for young people aging out of foster care. The first residents are expected to move in by summer 2026. (WLOS)
Shop
Poppy is poppin’ off. On Saturday, May 3, Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn is hosting a warehouse sale, offering 20% off everything, including throwback flavors. Head to the warehouse at 12 Gerber Rd. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to get it poppin’.
Number
2,000 pounds. That’s about how much trash and debris MountainTrue staff and volunteers picked up along the river for its Earth Day cleanup. If you didn’t make it out there, the nonprofit regularly hosts plenty of cleanups across WNC. (WLOS)
Open
It’s time for Friday margs. Salsa’s is back open after a couple of months of winter break, ready to dish out Caribbean and Mexican flavors. Stop by for lunch today, beginning at 11 a.m.
Sports
More than 600 athletes will participate in the Special Olympics Buncombe County Spring Games, beginning Thursday, May 1. The games will begin with a torch run to raise awareness and funds for the games. To donate, volunteer, or register an athlete, send an email.
Real Estate
Nature meets convenience at Longview Carolina, a new “agrihood” centered around wellness and outdoor living in Easley, South Carolina. From an organic farm and hiking trails to community gathering spaces with panoramic mountain views, Longview makes healthy living easy. Plus, it’s just five minutes from downtown Easley. Explore the community.*
Cause
It’s hammer time: Construction begins in May on the 21st Women Build house, and Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity needs volunteers. Sign up to learn new skills, meet new people, and make a difference in our community, no construction experience required.*
Secondhand doesn’t mean second best when it comes to books. | Photo by AVLtoday
Ah, we love the smell of a fresh new book — especially when it’s from a local bookstore. Independent Bookstore Day is tomorrow, April 26, and Asheville booksellers are spreading the local literary love with special events.
Head to Cooperative Coffee to hit the books. Cuentos y Café BIPOC Bookstore will offer a stirring selection of reads, along with vegan Peruvian treats from Chocloavl, and locally made art.
Malaprop’s is also going big for the holiday, bringing in four authors for book signings. Jennifer McGaha, Jorge Redmond, Lauren Paige Conrad, and Nathan Ballingrud will be on-site — check the schedule for their respective signings. Plus, you can also pick up special Independent Bookstore Day books + merch.
Of course, the best way to celebrate the day is by selecting a new read. From Bagatelle to Bookends, there are plenty of places to go for exciting new novels. Then, find the perfect local spot to start turning some pages.
The Buy
Freshen up your jewelry box with some of 2025’s top trending styles:
Bethany and I are equally giddy and grateful to share that AVLtoday has been shortlisted for a 2025 Publisher Newsletter Award in the Best Local & Community Newsletter category. Thank you to each and every one of you for reading as we share our love for all things Asheville. It’s a pleasure to be in your inboxes every morning.
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