You can’t miss it with its mint green sign. | Photo by AVLtoday
Asheville Forager, a combination grocery store, butcher shop, deli, and bakery, opened downtown on Wall Street this week. Whether you’re looking to cook up a full meal or pick up a sandwich for a picnic, this one-stop shop has you covered with a plethora of local options. Here’s a peek at what you’ll find inside.
The produce area is filled with organic, colorful options — many of which you may not find in your average grocery store, like cippolini onions, gorgeous rainbow carrots, fresh bay leaves, and leeks.
Take a virtual stroll through the store.
Photos by AVLtoday
As you scour the shelves full of local, regional, and NC-made products, you’ll find clever signs all throughout. There’s a reason for that. Owners Paddy and Heather Collins have the punny and lighthearted signs posted throughout to try and combat the pretentious undertones sometimes associated with health food stores.
Additionally, Asheville Forager has big plans when it comes to sustainability, hoping to be the first in NC to earn a TRUE Zero Waste Certification.
Hay-Waiian Party Weekend | Friday, June 13-Sunday, June 15 | 12-10 p.m. | Cellarest Beer Project | Price of purchase | Cellarest will pour Hay-Waiian tropical lagers while Cassia serves up delicious Hawaiian plate lunches, accompanied by a weekend of live music.
Southside Block Party | 6-9 p.m. | Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center | Free | Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy a night of food, sweets, yard games, and music from DJ Audio.
Movies in the Park | 8-11 p.m. | Pack Square Park | Free | Grab a lawn chair and snacks from local food trucks for a screening of “Black Panther.”
Saturday, June 14
Asheville Art in the Park | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Pack Square Park | Free | As you stroll through downtown, be sure to stop by the booths to see the treasures local artists have in store.
Asheville’s 48-Hour Film Project | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | The Flood Gallery | Free | See the films created by Asheville’s talented filmmakers in just two days.
Pride Month Night Market | 8-11 p.m. | Haywood Famous | Free | When the sun goes down, the coffee shop will come alive with local art + books for sale and live music.
Sunday, June 15
Detective Blind | 12 p.m. | Highland Brewing Company | Free | The indie rock band of sisters will tear up the Meadow stage with original tunes.
Monday, June 16
The Bard For Beginners | 6-7:30 p.m. | Lamplight Avl | $15 | Instructor Alexandra Wingo is making Shakespeare more accessible, teaching you how to approach the text and ease into unfamiliar language.
The National Park Service could complete Helene-related projects along the Blue Ridge Parkway late this summer. According to a news release, repairs have begun at 12 of 50+ landslide locations across a 200-mile stretch. Pro tip: Always check for closures before heading out.
Shop
Spicewalla is now offering a “Made with Love in Asheville” collection, with 10 spice blends created by local restaurants, chefs, and institutions. For every purchase, $15 will be donated to MANNA Food Bank, Blue Ridge Public Radio, and Homeward Bound, honoring their efforts during the storm.
Festival
On Saturday, June 21, head to Root Cause Farm in Fairview for the annual Take Root Festival. The free, family-friendly fest is the farm’s biggest event of the year, boasting a bounce house, cyanotype printing, farm skills workshops, cooking demos, bouquet making, live music, sweet treats, and local brews.
Read
Shannon Hitchcock’s “Of Words and Water,” an illustrated children’s biography of author, environmental activist, and Ashevillian Wilma Dykeman, was named a winner at the 27th annual Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards. You can find the book on the shelves at Malaprop’s.
Environment
Want to spend the season improving our watershed? RiverLink is hiring for temporary fellowship positions in watershed management and environmental education. Check out the listings and apply.
Edu
The Community Foundation of WNC has awarded more than $586,000 in scholarships to 94 students across the region. Learn more about the young scholars being recognized as they begin their college careers.
Number
300+. That’s how many small businesses, manufacturers, and local companies have posted jobs on the AVLtoday Job Board. Try it for yourself. Post unlimited job listings for free + get connected with top local talent.
Health
Say goodbye to rushed doctor visits and insurance games: at RiverRock Clinic, you’re more than a chart. For $100 per month, get direct access to your primary care doctor, plus in-person and telehealth visits. Score $25 off your first month.*
Featured Home
Sitting on three acres with a chicken coop and tiered garden, this colorful Black Mountain retreat is perfect for homesteaders, hobby farmers, and homegrown veggie lovers. And did we mention the four porches? Yes, four porches — each with its own view.*
Category
Culture
Where to celebrate Juneteenth
Head to The Block for a community gathering. | Photo by AVLtoday
Juneteenth is Thursday, June 19. Around Asheville, there are plenty of events to engage the community and commemorate the legacy of emancipation.
A Tour in Black Resilience | Thursday, June 19 | 12-6 p.m. | YMI Cultural Center | Free | Discover the legacy, cultural impact, and history behind America’s oldest Black Culture Center during a walking tour through Asheville.
Juneteenth on The Block | Thursday, June 19 | 5-8 p.m. | Eagle and Market St. | Free | The evening features community conversations, historical discussions, music, art, cocktails, coffee, and more.
Juneteenth Gala | Thursday, June 19 | 6-9 p.m. | A-B Tech Conference Center | Free, RSVP | Enjoy a soul food feast, dancing, and a fashion show.
Downtown After 5 | Friday, June 20 | 5-10 p.m. | Pack Square Park | Free | Asheville’s beloved community concert series continues with a Juneteenth celebration featuring Southern Avenue and DJ Phantom Pantone.
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💎 Choose your favorite color of Anthropologie’s Fiona beaded bag and watch the compliments flood in.
🥝 Madewell’s best-selling handwoven mini tote comes in bright summer colors like kiwi, apricot, and festival red.
👀 If you’re searching for something simple instead, this crochet tote bag is under $30 and will look adorable for walks, beach days, or running errands.
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.
If you’re celebrating a father, father figure, or someone else in your life who deserves love this weekend, consider taking them to the Adventure Center of Asheville. The center is offering dads free entry to climb the Treetops Park or zip KidZip with paying family members. Just use the code “dads2025" when booking.
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