Bonus: There are plenty of charging ports next to all the seats. | Photo by AVLtoday
The Asheville Regional Airport reached a new milestone in its AVL Forward expansion project, opening the new sleek and spacious North Concourse and TSA checkpoint at 4 a.m. this morning, Wednesday, June 25.
Plans for the airport’s landmark expansion were cleared for takeoff in 2018, with construction on the North Concourse beginning in late summer of 2023. Now, nearly two years later, let us take you on a tour of the new space.
The design is a nod to the natural beauty of WNC.
Photos by AVLtoday
What to expect
Travelers will now proceed from the new ticket lobby into TSA security checkpoints before heading upstairs to the brand new North Concourse, greeting you with floor-to-ceiling windows, an art installation, and new concessions.
While the North Concourse opens on Wednesday, June 25, not all the new gates will be operational just yet. Although everyone will be directed from security through the new North Concourse, for the first few weeks, some passengers will be directed via ramp through to the Legacy Terminal for boarding.
Slice Comedy Standup Pageant Finale | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | PULP | $17 | Six winners of previous stand-up contests will vie for the comedy crown, and it’s up to the audience to decide who earns the title.
Thursday, June 26
Wine By the Vines: Greece | 6-8:30 p.m. | Gemelli | $75 | Reserve your seat for a five-course dinner that will transport you to the Mediterranean coast, complete with Greek wine pairings.
Blondshell | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel | $28 | The indie darling will rock the stage with support from Daffo.
Friday, June 27
Open Studio Party and Sale | 4-8 p.m. | Loom Imports Studio | Price of purchase | Shop vintage clothing, accessories, and home goods to help Loom Imports celebrate its expanded studio.
Juniper Bends Summer Reading | 7-9:30 p.m. | Story Parlor | $18 | The quarterly reading series welcomes five authors spanning multiple genres to share work surrounding the theme, “Illumination.”
Saturday, June 28
Super Summer Book Sale | Saturday, June 28-Sunday, June 29 | Times vary | Pack Memorial Library | Price of purchase | Expand your collection of antique, collectible, and coffee table books — plus, explore special deals on all items in Bookends Used Book Store.
It’s the last week to grab a focaccia sandwich at the Flour Sandwich Shop in the S&W Market. Due to increased demand at its biscuit shop, also in the food hall, the team said they can’t operate both. The owners also announced a new concept — a sports bar and restaurant opening this fall.
Opening
It’s music to our ears. American Vinyl Co. will show off its new Leicester location during a Sunday, July 13 grand opening party, complete with tunes from Martha Spencer, ice cream from Hilltop, and a record pop-up with Earth River Records. Bonus: Bring audio on a USB for a free 7" vinyl cut.
Theater
Time is running out to see “Merry Wives of Windsor” grace the stage at Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre before the Montford Park Players debut the beloved Shakespearean comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on Friday, July 4. Shows are always free — find more summer fun that won’t break the bank.
Community
Wicked Weed Brewing announced its “You Deserve An Upgrade” contest, allowing you to nominate a local who’s made a positive impact on the community a chance to win $10,000 toward their next project. Nominate a hero before Wednesday, July 9.
Outdoors
The Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy has purchased a 31.5-mile corridor along the Saluda Grade Railroad from Norfolk Southern to create the Saluda Grade Trail, stretching from Inman, SC, to Zirconia, NC. Now, the conservancy will move into the fundraising stage to cover construction costs. (WLOS)
Try This
POV: You’re in a bind trying to fill an important role for your local biz. We can help. Post your job on AVLtoday Job Board and get connected to top local talent. Psst — it’s completely free.
Cause
Summer travel means more emergencies — and fewer blood donations. Join Operation Blood Drive by donating with The Blood Connection on Wednesday, June 25 at WLOS or Thursday, June 26 across WNC. You’ll get $30 in TBC Rewards and an Appalachia Strong T-shirt as a thank-you. See locations + register.*
Correction
We may have painted with a broad brush when talking about ArtsAVL’s Arts Build Community grant yesterday. The grants will be awarded not just to Asheville, but Buncombe County organizations and support more than just physical public art projects, including performances and festivals. Find more info and apply by Monday, July 21.
The Buy
Printer ink that’s shipped to your house when you’re running low (yes, it’s a thing). HP Instant Ink makes printing worry-free by delivering ink before you run out automatically. Save up to 50% compared to buying cartridges the old-fashioned way.*
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.
Congrats to American Vinyl Co. on opening their new spot. I like to consider myself a very thoughtful gift giver, and I’m pretty adamant that a custom 12" record from the biz was one of the best gifts I’ve given — and so much fun to make.
}})
