No wonder they’re called the Blue Ridge Mountains. | Photo via NPS
As it turns out, quite a lot.
We’re indulging in some Asheville linguistics today, specifically with a look at some local toponymy — the study of place names.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Isoprene. That’s one of the volatile organic compounds released by trees within the mountains, which cast a blue haze over the region. Oaks and conifers are especially responsible for releasing the compounds.
This outcropping of rocks, the Areopagus, inspired the name of Mars Hill University.
Photo by George E. Koronaios
Mars Hill
The town of Mars Hill was incorporated in 1893, almost 40 years after the establishment of the French Broad Baptist Institute — the school that would later become Mars Hill University. As the college grew, so did the town.
The university’s name change was said to be inspired by the Biblical passage, Acts 17:22: “Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill and said, ‘Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.” Also known as the Areopagus, the hill just northwest of the Acropolis was the meeting place of the “earliest aristocratic council of ancient Athens.”
WNC Repair Cafe | 5-8 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free | Drop in with items like clothing, backpacks, and stuffed animals that need mending or small fixes.
Wednesday, Aug. 20
Brainy Brews: “Planting” Hope after Helene | 6-7 p.m. | The River Arts District Brewing Co. | Free | Get guidance on replanting more resilient native plants in your yard.
Tyler Hilton: Celebrating the Music of “One Tree Hill” | 7 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $36+ | Hilton has portrayed Elvis in “Walk the Line,” toured with Taylor Swift, and starred as Chris Keller on the hit show “One Tree Hill.”
“Tired Souls: King and the Montgomery Bus Boycott” | Wednesday, Aug. 20-Sunday, Aug. 31 | Times vary | YMI Cultural Center | $6+ | Award-winning playwright Mike Wiley tells the powerful story of Claudette Colvin, Jo Ann Robinson, and others whose courage sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott — a Q&A will follow.
Thursday, Aug. 21
Wine By the Vines: Rhône Valley | Thursday, Aug. 21, Thursday, Aug. 28 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Gemelli | $75 | Savor a five-course dinner, with each dish paired with a glass of French wine.
Friday, Aug. 22
ZOSO | 7 p.m. | Pisgah Brewing Co., Black Mountain | $31 | Rock on with the Led Zeppelin cover band as they celebrate their 30th anniversary.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Reems Creek Pottery 10-year Anniversary Celebration | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Reems Creek Pottery, Weaverville | Free | Buy some stunning ceramics to mark the milestone — there will be demos, refreshments, giveaways, and music.
Sunday, Aug. 24
RISE: A Fly Fishing Festival | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins | Free | Celebrate Asheville’s French Broad River fly fishing community with hands-on activities like casting and fly-tying competitions, food trucks, live music, and a fish flash tattoo station.
Admissions are already open for Fall 2026. RSVP to attend an Open House with your 5th, 6th, or 7th grader to explore Asheville’s riverside campuses and learn more about FBRA’s programs for boys and girls.
Famous artist, environmentalist, and drag queen, Pattie Gonia, is hosting a star-studded drag show at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on Friday, Sept. 26. The venue also announced a set from comedian Aziz Ansari on Friday, Nov. 21 — tickets go on sale this Friday, Aug. 22 at 10 a.m.
Biz
Could Buc-ee the Beaver build a home in Asheville? The Texas-based chain is known for sprawling gas stations and convenience stores, with its first NC location opening in Mebane in late 2026. Although there are no official plans for WNC, local blog To Asheville and Beyond is ideating what a local location would look like.
Civic
The City of Asheville is looking for volunteers for its annual bike and pedestrian count and greenway user survey collection. If you’re free the week after Labor Day and want to lend a hand, learn how to sign up. The data is used to identify trends in multimodal transit and inform public safety projects.
Drink
Highland Brewing Company raised $13,580 for the NC Hospitality Workers Relief Fund through keg sales of its Highland Haze, a tropical IPA. It was a draft-only release, but later this month, the brewery will begin selling it in six-packs.
Outdoors
Grab your binoculars. Professional bird guide Clifton Avery is hosting a birding session next Saturday, Aug. 30, scoping out the forests of Hickory Nut Gap Farm. It marks the start of fall migration, so you may see cedar waxwings, Mississippi kites, and scarlet tanagers. Bonus: a biscuit brunch is included with your ticket.
Shop
While you’re browsing at the West Asheville Tailgate Market this afternoon, you’ll discover a new vendor. Grandview Acres Farm will be there with all things lavender, like fresh bundles, essential oils, spa mists, scrubs, and sachets. Stop by the weekly market at 718 Haywood Rd. from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Cause
Environmental nonprofit MountainTrue has a fresh new look — but they’re still committed to protecting the rivers and forests of the Southern Blue Ridge. Later this year, they’ll launch a brand new, more accessible website.
Coming Soon
Joey’s Bagels is expanding once again, adding a Mars Hill location into the mix. “While we don’t have an open date yet, we are hoping by the end of September,” the shop shared on social media. You can visit Joey’s Asheville, Fletcher, and Hendersonville locations.
Wellness
Support your liver’s daily grind with Dose. This orange juice-flavored shot blends curcumin, milk thistle, ginger, and dandelion root into a vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free formula. Try Dose for 30% off — your liver will thank you later.*
Active
Fall marathon on the calendar? It’s normal to be sore as you ramp up mileage, but don’t train through pain. Southeastern Orthopedics & Spine has five WNC locations with a team of experts to treat common running injuries + get you to the start line healthy.*
AI won’t take over the world — people who know how to use AI will. Learn AI skills in three minutes a day with Superhuman AI newsletter. Subscribe for free.*
Category
Sports
Serving up family fun
The whole family is invited. | Photo by CLTtoday
The ball is in Asheville’s court. The Land of the Sky is one of just six cities in the country to host the US Open’s new Family Day event.
This Sunday, Aug. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., athletes of all ages and skill levels are invited to the Aston Park Tennis Center to share the love of the game and spark some excitement for the international Grand Slam tournament, which starts the same day.
Spend the day on the court working up a sweat with cardio tennis games, or make your first foray into the game with red ball tennis — a modified version of the game that’s perfect for beginners. No need to bring equipment.
Even if you don’t play, you can participate in the fanfare with the tournament projected on the big screen, food, and an ice cream truck. Registration is preferred.
The Buy
The bra your wardrobe’s been asking for:
For the gym: Shop this strappy sports bra for a cute, ribbed look that’s non-padded and stretchy for extra comfort. For v-necks: This best-selling deep v bra features no underwire, seamless edges, and a material that’s soft on skin. For tees: Calvin Klein’s Invisibles comfort bralette is made from soft and smooth microfiber and is lightly lined for coverage.
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.
No need to head to the Charlotte area for the Carolina Renaissance Festival (although it’s 1,000% worth it) — Mills River Brewing Co. is hosting its own fest filled with royal revelry on Saturday, Sept. 20. Expect a medieval combat tournament, turkey legs, and ye olde vendors. The full schedule will come out soon.
}})
