The tree is planted in front of MHU’s Carter-Humphrey Guest House. | Photo by AVLtoday
This tree on Mars Hill University’s campus is out of this world. No, literally. Before the American Sweetgum sprouted, its seed spent about four weeks in lunar orbit aboard NASA’s Artemis I mission in November 2022.
It’s from NASA’s Moon Tree program, a STEM and conservation education initiative. In partnership with the US Department of Agriculture Forest Services, seeds of five tree species were sent into the Orion spacecraft, grown into seedlings, and sent to universities, museums, and monuments across the US.
On Friday, April 25 — Arbor Day — MHU held an official dedication ceremony for the tree, which students voted to name Luna. Besides just being plain cool, the tree provides a wealth of educational opportunities. Dr. Nicole Soper Gorden, associate professor of biology, explained that the tree will support the botany department in tracking tree phenology, inform history classes, inspire a science fiction-based elective course, and bolster MHU’s existing Tree Trail.
Bonus: Western Carolina University and Haywood Community College also received American Sweetgum moon trees.
Remi Wolf | 5:30-9 p.m. | Asheville Yards | $40 | Remi Wolf brings her unique blend of funky soul pop to her “Any Color of the Rainbow” tour.
Wednesday, April 30
Sunset Sound Bath | 7-8:30 p.m. | Restoration Hotel | $25+ | Find peace and clarity in soothing vibrations as the new moon rises.
Thursday, May 1
Derby Dinner Party | 6:30-8 p.m. | Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar | $59 | What better way to ring in spring than with fried green tomatoes, fried chicken, banana pudding, and drink pairings?
Funkatorium Grand Re-opening | 12-10 p.m. | The Funkatorium | Free | Celebrate the grand re-opening of The Funkatorium with beers, food, friends, and fun.*
Friday, May 2
NC Writers’ Network Spring Conference | Friday, May 2-Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | DoubleTree Asheville—Biltmore | $170+ | Writers from across the Tar Heel State will join to hone their craft through masterclasses, workshops, open mics, and a keynote from Ron Rash.
“Tar Heel Art - From the Outer Banks to the Blue Ridge” | 5-7 p.m. | UpMarket Gallery | Free | Be the first to see the exhibition that captures our state’s geographic diversity, from rolling waves to lush mountain forests.
Taking place Saturday, May 10, at 7 p.m. in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, this festival finale from the Asheville Symphony brings 11 days of artistic celebration and community events to a crescendo, offering audiences a powerful performance from a true musical maestro.
🎼 Experience Thile’s work like never before
Led by conductor Darko Butorac, An Evening with Chris Thile will feature the AVL Symphony and brilliant mandolinist Chris Thile — a MacArthur Fellow, Grammy winner, and co-founder of the beloved bands Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek.
Expect the unexpected as Thile performs his new work, ATTENTION! A narrative song cycle for extroverted mandolinist and orchestra, performs the third movement of Barber’s Violin Concerto (on mandolin, of course), and explores a kaleidoscope of styles spanning classical, bluegrass, and beyond.
Tickets are available now, and flying faster than fingers on a mandolin, so we highly recommend securing yours sooner rather than later.
This Friday, May 2, Highland Brewing will close its downtown taproom inside S&W Market. But don’t worry, you’ll still be able to get a Highland beer there. Chris Faber of The Times Bar will reopen the space in June, using the 17 taps to serve beers from a variety of local breweries, as well as draft cocktails and mocktails. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
State
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development approved NC’s $1.4 billion disaster grant action plan. The majority of the funds will be used to support housing. The state plan differs from the City of Asheville’s plan, which received city council approval on Tuesday, April 8 and awaits HUD approval. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Environment
Ever wonder how your empty Pepsi cans are recycled? You don’t have to wonder anymore because Curbie is offering a behind-the-scenes tour of its Woodfin facility on Tuesday, May 6 and Thursday, May 15. Registration is required, and act fast, because spots are limited.
Seasonal
The Biltmore Park Town Square farmers market is sprouting up soon. Starting Thursday, May 29, the weekly market will offer fresh produce, plants, and artisan goods from 3 to 6 p.m. through late October.
Outdoors
As the Friends of Asheville Muni work to get the golf course Audobon Sanctuary certified, the nonprofit is hosting a BioBlitz on the back nine on Thursday, May 15 at 5 p.m. Sign up to help log the plants and animals that call the course home.
Announced
The Great Smoky Mountains Firefly Viewing Lottery goes live this Friday, May 2 at 10 a.m. Apply before it closes on Monday, May 5 for a shot at seeing the synchronous fireflies light up the night at Elkmont Campground. If you don’t snag a pass, you can still see the equally magical Blue Ghost fireflies here in Asheville.
Plan Ahead
The Asheville Snot Otters has a nice ring to it, right? On Friday, June 6, the Tourists will trade their navy and jade jerseys for some slime green threads to rep the Eastern Hellbender — just one of three giant salamander species in the world and natives of WNC rivers. Merch will be auctioned off before the game to benefit the WNC Nature Center.
You’re awesome — thank you so much for taking a moment to participate in our survey we ran on April 10. We’re excited to announce our winner. Drumroll please. Congrats to Karen W. Keep an eye out for future opportunities to share your thoughts and enter for a chance to win.
Category
Outdoors
Celebrate Hot Springs at Town and Trail Fest
Hot Springs is the first town the AT passes through heading northbound. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
For 100 years, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has been protecting and stewarding the longest hiker-only trail in the world (2,198.4 miles to be exact) — which runs right through our backyard. To celebrate its centennial, the conservancy has highlighted festivals across the trail this summer, including in our neck of the woods this weekend in Hot Springs.
Formerly known as Trailfest, this year, the annual bash is called by Town and Trail Festival because it’s not just the AT being celebrated. It also marks the grand reopening of downtown Hot Springs after Helene devastated the community. This Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, participate in volunteer cleanups, sing campfire ballads, compete in the duck race, and support local businesses. Every dollar of proceeds from the festival will be donated to Rebuild Hot Springs.
The car tech upgrades you need ahead of summer road trips for better, safer driving:
🗺️ No more phone in your cup holder — keep navigation instructions in your eyeline with a suction cup phone mount equipped with one-button release.
🔊 Skip plugging in your phone to activate CarPlay and use this wireless CarPlay adapter for a faster, more reliable bluetooth connection.
🚙 A front and rear dash cam can make all the difference in a fender bender — this one captures crystal-clear footage even at night.
📲 Everyone gets to charge their devices at once with a four-port car charger that’s here to end road trip squabbles.
🌸 Looking for an air freshener upgrade? This No. 1 best-selling wood air freshener looks chic on your sun visor.
After you head to the Asheville Botanical Garden to marvel at the moon tree this weekend, you can pick up some locally-grown native trees, shrubs, and flowers at its spring plant sale. Stop by this Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3.
}})
