Bolton Services has kept Asheville cool for more than 100 years. | Photo via Bolton Services of WNC
They say home is where the heart is — so it’s probably a good idea to have your house serviced now and again. With a hot NC summer coming up + spring cleaning in full swing, we’re highlighting a few local businesses that are pros at taking the stress out of cleaning, home improvement, servicing, and more.
Bolton Services of WNC
The family-owned plumbing, heating, and air conditioning business has serviced local homes for more than 100 years. Bonus: Get $500 off a new HVAC system and $250 off a new water heater if you mention this Small Business Week offer.
Straight Edge Painting
If your art leans more abstract, let this team tackle your interior painting projects. After all, they’ve been doing it for 20+ years.
LEAF Retreat | Thursday, May 8-Sunday, May 11 | Times vary | Lake Eden Retreat, Black Mountain | $50+ | The spring camping festival offers a more intimate experience than its fall counterpart, but the lineup of music, workshops, and panel discussions packs a punch.
Asheville Improv Festival | Thursday, May 8-Saturday, May 10 | Times vary | Various locations | $20+ | See what creativity comes of the performances when there’s no script and no safety net.
Leeda Lyric Jones at The Funkatorium | 5-7 p.m. | The Funkatorium | Free | Celebrate alongside Explore Asheville + the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail with live music from the one and only Leeda Lyric Jones.*
Friday, May 9
Movies in the Park | 7-11 p.m. | Pack Square Park | Free | Sit back in your lawn chair and watch “Moana 2" (with treats from food trucks, of course) — a new family-friendly film will play each month through August.
Guided Blue Ghost Firefly Night Tour: Escape the Crowds | Friday, May 9-Saturday, May 17 | 8-11 p.m. | Location shared upon registration | $155 | Hike into a private forest to marvel at the light show in a small group setting.
Saturday, May 10
Bouquet Bar, Plant + Dahlia Sale | 12-4 p.m. | Blazing Star Flowers, Alexander | Price of purchase | Head to the farm to browse a selection of landscaping flowers and build the perfect, vibrant bouquet for your special someone.
Mother’s Day Sale | 1-5 p.m. | Garden Party | Price of purchase | Spread the motherly love by shopping for ceramics from local artists, natural wine from Crocodile Wine, and treats from Camille Cogswell.
Sunday, May 11
Jazz Sundays | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Ginger’s Revenge | Free | Kick back with a ginger beer and take in the tunes of the weekly jazz jam hosted by Jason DeCristofaro.
Put your business in front of thousands of daily readers. | Graphic by 6AM City
This month, we launched our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide to showcase gifts that say I appreciate you to parents, grandparents, neighbors, mentors, and life-long friends.
While we’ve already filled all our slots ahead of Mother’s Day, we’ve opened up a few more for Father’s Day.
Whether your business offers a neat product, one-of-a-kind gift, or unique service that could be enjoyed by a father figure — we want to feature it. Secure your spot by Friday, May 23.
Well, butter our butts. ButterPunk opens on Depot Street this Saturday, May 10, serving up flaky biscuit sandwiches, creamy + dreamy gravy, and fresh-baked sweet treats. To add to the excitement, the vibrant space is a leopard lover’s dream — check it out while celebrating the RAD Renaissance.
Drink
Hi-Wire is resurrecting its RAD Beer Garden with a grand reopening party on Saturday, May 24. The all-day celebration calls for live music, food trucks, roaming circus performers, a photo booth, and special drinks. Plus, see local artist XCVI’s new mural showcasing the resilience of the RAD.
Eat
As Finest Deli prepares to open this summer, the team wants you to taste test a few things. The “Finest R&D Tour” is making its first stop at Potential New Boyfriend, embracing the wine bar vibe and serving up Italian small plates like olive dip, tuna on toast, and meatballs. Grab tickets for the Wednesday, May 14 dinner.
Number
24,193 pounds. That’s how much food was collected by WNC letter carriers during last year’s Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive for MANNA FoodBank. This Saturday, May 10, residents are encouraged to place a bag of nonperishable food next to their mailbox to be distributed to local families.
Environment
The French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers are among the most endangered historic locations in the US, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Read how local organizations are working to improve pollution levels, restore the rivers’ health, and revitalize the endangered species that call the rivers home. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Civic
County Manager Avril Pinder presented a $624 million FY2026 recommended budget to Buncombe County Commissioners on Tuesday, May 6. The budget includes a 3.26-cent property tax rate increase to fund county operations and an education budget $20 million less than what Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools requested in funding. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Real Estate
Buncombe County Commissioners approved the Reduce to Rebuild program at its Tuesday meeting, reducing the price of planning and inspection permits by half for residences affected by Helene. The program begins in June and will last through the end of the year.
Listen
This Saturday, May 10, the 15-member Asheville Dulcimer Orchestra will perform its spring concert at the East Asheville Library. Want to know how the instrument became a cornerstone of folk music? Dive into the history of the Appalachian dulcimer before you head to the show.
UNC Asheville formally installed its ninth chancellor, Kimberly Van Noort, at a ceremony on Friday, April 25. Van Noort brings three decades of higher education experience, and has already helped launch initiatives like the Access Asheville financial aid program.*
Stat
$8,000+. That’s how much you could spend if your dog breaks a bone in a car crash, fall, or collision — from wound treatment and x-rays to emergency surgery and aftercare. Luckily,this pet insurance plan could reimburse you up to 90% of that cost.*
Biz
You know that moment when a company goes from “never heard of” to “suddenly everywhere?” That’s RAD Intel — and you can still invest. Join their supporters like Adobe and Fidelity by end of day today, May 8.†‡*
Category
Plan Ahead
🐟 Good Hot Food
Shanti adds yet another culinary accolade to her resume. | Photo by Johnny Autry
Beloved Asheville Chef Ashleigh Shanti adds yet another culinary accolade to her resume — A James Beard Foundation TasteTwenty Chef. If you’ve been keeping track, please let us know because we’ve officially lost count.
The Foundation’s “Taste America” series highlights a class of 20 chefs nationwide deemed “the ones to watch” in the culinary industry. Each chef hosts a dinner in their city to showcase their unique style and craft as the “future of American dining,” and you could have a seat at the table.
Tickets are on sale now for a multi-course dinner created by Shanti with help from James Beard Semifinalist William Dissen of The Market Place.
The dinner will take place at The Market Place on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 6 p.m. Tickets are $175 and include beverage pairings with each course.
The menu hasn’t been finalized yet, but we already know it’ll be delectable.
The Buy
It’s easy to support small businesses across the globe when you shop unique + one-of-a-kind products on Etsy. One of our favorite things to browse is Etsy’s selection of custom artwork. These are five of our favorites:
Today, May 8, from 12 to 6 p.m., St. Rita’s Amazing Bookstore will be parked at New Belgium. The mobile book store traverses the US selling used books. If you miss Rita, that’s ok — Asheville has its own bookstore on wheels. Chapters Bookstop’s next pop-up will be at The Whale Outpost on Wednesday, May 21.
‡This offering is made pursuant to Regulation A Round and involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The Company valuation is set by RAD Intel. Please review all offering materials before making an investment decision.
}})
