Find the perfect gift to express gratitude and love for the role models in your life. | Graphic by 6AM City
This year, Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 15 — meaning it’s a great time to browse our gift guide for parents, grandparents, neighbors, mentors, and life-long friends. Shop great gifts that say I appreciate you:
Local pick:Cooperative Coffee Subscription| $60+ | For the parent constantly on the go, or with a taste for the finer things, give them the gift of putting their coffee game on autopilot.
Golf practice net | $99.99 | Golfers can perfect their swing before stepping out on the course with this golf net.
Personalized photo wallet card | $14.95 | Tug on heartstrings with this engraved metal wallet insert that features your custom message on one side + a meaningful photo on the other.
Local pick:Blue Ridge Woodcut T-shirt | $35 | For the trendsetter —this limited edition t-shirt from a local screenprinting shop will have people everywhere stopping them to ask, “Where did you get that shirt?”
Mom’s story book and Dad’s story book | $24.95 | Prompt them to write down memories, advice, and stories in these guided journals.
Neck + shoulders heating pad | $39.99 | This electric heat wrap helps with back pain, muscle aches, and de-stressing.
Crocs recovery slide | $64.95 | If they already love Crocs, upgrade them to the next best thing: a luxe, comfortable slide that will become their most-worn shoe of the summer.
Custom photo socks | $16.99 | Photos of pets, babies, or any person can be added to socks sure to delight.
Carhartt lunch box | $29.50 | This camping cooler and worksite lunchbox is durable, waterproof, and extra roomy.
Golf cooler bag | $25.99 | This slim, insulated cooler fits up to six beer cans.
A new hobby is on the horizon. | Photo by Jerry Sherman, via Astronomy Club of Asheville
There’s no shortage of outdoor activities in Asheville, but if you want more direction than just to take a hike, these clubs and classes can introduce you to the world outside.
Asheville Mushroom Club, various locations | Forage for fungi around WNC through day trips and camping excursions, or attend monthly presentations at East Asheville Library to hear all about mushrooms.
Blue Ridge Audubon, various locations | Serving Buncombe and Henderson counties, this Audubon Society chapter offers talks, special events, and bird outings to both members and nonmembers.
Carolina Mountain Club, various locations | Join the club for weekly hikes all around the area — whether you’re up for a half-day jaunt or a full-day adventure.
Wild Abundance,65 Sanford Way, Weaverville | Work with your hands and understand a little more about the ecosystem with classes in foraging, carpentry, holistic gardening, and permaculture.
Free Mega-Health Clinic | Thursday, June 5-Friday, June 6 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville | Free | The pop-up clinic will provide medical, dental, vision, and minor surgical care to people impacted by Helene.
Bless Your Heart Trivia with Harmon | 7-10 p.m. | Eda’s Hide-a-Way, Weaverville | Free | Gather a group and test your knowledge with host Harmon of Dumb Ashe Trivia.
Friday, June 6
Open Art Reception | 5-7:30 p.m. | Asheville Gallery of Art | Free | View artist Sahar Fakhoury’s new still life exhibit “In Light of Everyday,” inspired by time spent exploring the beauty and significance of ordinary items.
Nerd Pride Fest 2025 | 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa | Free | Shop from LGBTQ+ vendors, jam to live music from bands like Holler & Crow, and grab a coffee from host org Asheville Phoenix Fire.
Community Tile Making Event | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Odyssey Clayworks | Free | Make decorative tiles that will adorn a new public art piece on the Reed Creek Greenway.
Twilight in the Treetops Night Climb | Saturday, June 7-Saturday, Aug. 30 | 7:45-9:45 p.m. | Adventure Center of Asheville | $64 | Glide through a vibrantly illuminated forest of lights as you complete the aerial ropes course.
Blue Ridge Bonsai Society Show | Saturday, June 7-Sunday, June 8 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | The North Carolina Arboretum | The Blue Ridge Bonsai Society will present its 2025 Exhibition at the Education Center at the North Carolina Arboretum as part of Spring Into the Arb.*
Sunday, June 8
Two-Year Anniversary Purrrty! | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | House of Black Cat Magic | Free | Visit the cat lounge for free all day long and grab a treat from Runaway Cafe parked right outside.
Luxury Goods Fundraiser Sale | Sunday, June 8-Tuesday, June 10 | Times vary | Sterling Transitions WNC Shop | Free | Shop the three-day online sale for luxury clothing items from brands like Kate Spade and Coach at discounted prices — proceeds benefit the Always Asheville Fund.
Buncombe County Commissioners voted 5-2 to approve a $624 million FY26 budget. The approved property tax rate is lower than initially proposed, and education spending remains the largest portion of the General Fund, keeping parallel with FY25 spending and defying the initially proposed cuts. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Announced
It appears the WNC Nature Center will soon welcome some new furry friends. The wildlife park posted a picture of an empty stall on social media, asking followers to guess what species will be moving in. Leave your guess in the comments.
Watch
WNC got the spotlight on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. After welcoming Gov. Stein to talk about Helene recovery and tourism, Colbert said, “Go to Western North Carolina this summer, you’re going to absolutely love it.” Asheville, Flat Rock, and the Green River are spots he loves to visit.
Opening
Rustic Ritual Beauty is coming back stronger after its Biltmore Village salon faced extensive damage from the storm. The clean beauty shop will soon reopen in a new location on the South Slope. Plus, they’re currently hiring for a new stylist.
Drink
Battlecat’s West Asheville location is expanding its repertoire from beans to booze. The new in-house restaurant, BUD’s Texas Fare & Kolaches, is shaking things up with margaritas, bloody marys, and pina coladas. Bonus: Cocktails are $6 on Mondays and Tuesdays. Even better, you get to keep the cute plastic cup.
State
NC could be blazing a new trail when it comes to cannabis. Yesterday, June 4, Gov. Stein established the NC Advisory Council on Cannabis, which will begin meeting next month to recommend “a comprehensive approach to regulate cannabis sales” with public safety and public health in mind. (NC Newsline)
Real Estate
Meet Chorus Asheville — a 55+ active adult community with a focus on wellness and connection. Opening winter 2026, this amenity-rich community is just minutes from downtown and will feature studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments, along with a variety of resident-led events and clubs. Take a virtual tour.*
Number
$4,000. That’s how much an ounce of gold is expected to cost in 2026. You can beat the FOMO with a gold IRA, which lets you own physical gold without the hassle of storage.†*
Shop
Mood’s THC gummies take effect in as little as five minutes — no lighter, lingering smells, or coughing required. Get 20% off your first order with code FIRST20.†*
This best-selling bath mat. When was the last time you replaced the mats in your bathroom? If you’re anything like us, it’s been too long. Consider this your sign to upgrade. We love this one that features a soft, ultra-absorbent design and comes in multiple colors and sizes for easily mixing + matching.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
National Chocolate Ice Cream Week is a perfect reminder that your Go Local card earns you some pretty sweet deals on sweet treats at shops like The Hop, Sunshine Sammies, and Sugar & Snow Gelato. Go ahead and snag one if you haven’t already.
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