Plus, 10+ places to watch sports in Asheville.
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Sunrise 6:58 a.m. | Sunset 8:03 p.m.


How do you like them apples?

basket of apple in the sunlight
Grab your baskets, and get ready for a harvest. | Photo by AVLtoday
We’re coming up on Labor Day weekend, the unofficial start of apple picking season in WNC, and the return of the 79th NC Apple Festival in Hendersonville.

There’s no shortage of orchards in the area (after all, Henderson County produces about 85% of North Carolina’s apples), but in case you’re in it for more than just the eating, we’ve rounded up a few spots to get you started on your harvesting.

Take your pick

Coston Farms | 3748 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville
Grab your own apples Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., then head to the Apple House for fresh cider, baked goods, and apple-themed gifts.

Creasman Farms | 280 Bent Arrow Ln., Hendersonville
The pick-your-own orchard is open 1-5 p.m. on Sundays in September + October, but you can also grab its fresh apples at local farmers markets.

Grandad’s Apples | 2951 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville
This well-known spot is home to a market, store, pumpkin patch, and lots of family activities (read: an apple cannon) — the orchard offers daily updates on which varieties are available for picking.
More farms to pick from

Asked

Which of these have you noticed most in the past year?

According to new data from PODS, our region is currently one of the fastest-growing in the US.

So whether you’ve clocked new jobs hitting the market, more cranes popping up around town, or fresh “sold” signs up and down your street, tell us what you’re noticing in this quick survey.

A. 🏡 More homes being built or sold
B. 💼 New jobs or companies moving in
C. 🚙 Increased traffic or commute times
D. 🛍️ More restaurants, stores, or services
E. 💸 Rising rents or home prices
F. Other
Let us know

Events

Wednesday, Aug. 27

“We Are Neighbors: Faces of Our Community” | 4-7 p.m. | 12 Baskets Cafe | Free | Portraits and stories from our community will be shared to honor connection, dignity, and belonging.

Well-Crafted Music Series | 6 p.m. | Highland Brewing Company | Free | See what kind of magic unfolds as musicians Jon Stickley, Lyndsey Pruett, and Christian Ferri join pedal steel guitarist and host Matt Smith for a genre-less collaboration.

Thursday, Aug. 28

Summer Heat: A Soda Candle Making Series | 4-8 p.m. | The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage | $20 | Turn one of Devil’s Foot’s crisp craft sodas into a sweet-smelling candle.

Friday, Aug. 29

Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL | Friday, Aug. 29-Sunday, Aug. 31 | Times vary | Pack Square Park | Free+ | Honor the region’s history of rebuilding with heritage trail tours, community workshops, local artisans, and lots of live music from local bands.

Saturday, Aug. 30

NC Hellbender Festival | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Downtown Spruce Pine | Free+ | The inaugural fest celebrates the native salamander and community resilience with a day of exhibits, food, vendors, and music from The Local Honeys and River Whyless.

Picklefest 3 | 1-4 p.m. | The Whale - West Asheville | Free | Back bigger and brinier than ever before, the beer bar will be serving pickle brews and fermented eats and hosting gherkin-themed games.

The Return of the King: An Unrivaled Tribute to Elvis | 7 p.m. | Diana Wortham Theatre | $40+ | Tribute artist Tyler Christopher will channel The King for an eventful evening of rock and roll.

Sunday, Aug. 31

Show & Tell (for grown-ups) | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Story Parlor | $15+ | Cool people are welcome to come talk about the cool stuff they have — just like your school days.

Monday, Sept. 1

Asheville Jazz Orchestra Labor Day Show | 2 p.m. | Highland Brewing Company | Free | Bring a chair and soak in the sounds of big band at this annual concert.
See our full events calendar
Click here to have your event featured.

Try This

🍺 Cheers to supporting our community

Presented by Highland Brewing
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Highland Brewing’s CEO Leah Wong Ashburn with Highland Haze. | Photo by Griffin
$13,580. That’s how much Highland Brewing’s Thirst for Good campaign contributed to the NC Hospitality Workers Relief Fund, thanks to you.

From February through July, proceeds from every Highland Haze keg sold directly benefited Thirst for Good. The goal was $10,000, but Highland Brewing customers, distributor partners, and retail collaborators helped shatter that by more than $3,500.

The NC Hospitality Works Relief Fund provides vital aid to hospitality workers facing housing insecurity, major health challenges, and economic hardship.
More good things brewing

News Notes

Coming Soon

Tiger Bay Cafe announced on social media that it will soon return in a new location. After Helene, the cafe put things on pause, sharing that it wouldn’t resume business inside Battlecat in West Asheville. Stay tuned for the new address — we’ll be first in line for a breakfast burrito.

Plan Ahead

Asheville Oktoberfest is returning to Pack Square Park on Saturday, Oct. 4 — and this time, it’s free. In true Oktoberfest fashion, expect 20+ WNC breweries, German fare, live music, and themed games. While entry is free, you can score a special souvenir glass and tasting experience with the $25 Prost Pass.

Civic

As the City of Asheville searches for a new city manager following Debra Campbell’s impending retirement at the end of the year, the community is invited to complete a survey identifying leadership qualities important to them. There are also in-person engagement opportunities with executive search firm Developmental Associates, LLC.

Edu

Thanks to the Christos Foundation, teachers at five Buncombe County schools now have “serenity rooms” to take a breather. The idea sprouted when the nonprofit’s founder learned that Koontz Intermediate School didn’t have a break room. The calming and cozy digs are designed in empty classrooms with donated furniture from Rooms To Go. (WLOS)

Eat

Special thanks to reader Marie H. for letting us know that Udon Sushi and Noodle on Bleachery Boulevard is reopening today after months of renovations. To make the comeback even sweeter, you can score 20% off your online order through Tuesday, Sept. 9.

Try This

Headed to the NC Apple Festival this Friday, Aug. 29-Monday, Sept. 1? Stop by the VEG ER for Pets booth for some sweet VEG swag + to learn more about their 24/7 veterinary emergency services.*
Experience full-body fitness from the comfort of your home with Hydrow. This Labor Day, save $575 on the Hydrow Pro or $275 on the Hydrow Wave with code NOTES. Dive into immersive workouts that engage 86% of your muscles. Stronger starts here — explore more stunning waterways today.*

Biz

Life isn’t “higher education or bust.” Apprenticeship programs (like this accredited option in Asheville) let you earn while you learn to build a high-paying, reliable, rewarding career.*

Sports

🏈 Game on, Asheville

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See the action at Olde London Road. | Photo by AVLtoday
Football season is nearly here, and we’re ready to huddle up at our favorite spots to catch a game. From cozy bars to lively patios, these 10+ local hangs are perfect for kicking back, grabbing a drink, and keeping your eye on the ball all season long.

Village Pub | With 17 TVs, you’re guaranteed to catch every shining moment.

Olde London Road English Pub | Especially with the Premier League season just underway, English football takes priority here, but it’s still a great spot to catch any game.

Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive | Every seat is the best seat in the house when there’s a TV everywhere you look. Pair that with smoked wings and pimento cheese, and that’s a pretty dang good gameday.

W.A.L.K. | If gameday has you in the competitive spirit, you can challenge your bud to a game of pool. Bonus: This neighborhood spot pulls out a projector for the big games.

Creekside Taphouse | To us, the greatest part about gameday is the grub. And to go along with 10 TVs, this Haw Creek restaurant has some of our favorite wings in Asheville.
Onto the second half

Post of the Day

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Post by Donna Kelce

What are the odds that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce get married at the Biltmore?

In case you missed it, the couple announced their engagement yesterday — and it looks like Travis’ mom, Donna Kelce, has been busy scouting venues. Ok fine, that may not have been the reason she was at the Biltmore this week, but it does look like she had a splendid time based on her Facebook posts.

She posted more photos from her trip to the Biltmore right before Taylor + Travis’ announcement went live, leading some die-hard Swifties to believe the engagement took place at the estate. We can’t lie, that idyllic courtyard garden looks like it could easily be part of the estate’s lush landscape.

Of course, right now, it’s all rumor — all we know is that America’s largest home sounds like a venue fit for a pop star and football player.
Want to be featured?

The Buy

Self-care isn’t all spa days and forest bathing — although we do love a nice hot stone massage. More often than not, it’s the simple things like prioritizing rest, practicing good hygiene, and practicing mindfulness. Elevate your self-care rituals with these five products:

🫧 Treat your skin to a little TLC with a Moroccan exfoliating glove that gently removes dead skin + cleans pores.
💧Elevate your favorite reading or journaling space with an aroma diffuser and lavender essential oils.
🛏️ Look forward to snuggling into bed every night when you score this jersey knit sheet set at up to 75% off.
💤 Pair your new sheets with the Nodpod gentle weighted sleep mask that’s described as “a hug for your head.”
🧥 When you’re craving comfort + relaxation, don this ultra-soft Barefoot Dreams cardigan that’s over 50% off.
More worth The Buy

Games

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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.
Let the games begin

The Wrap

Extending a very heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted in Mountain Xpress’ annual Best of WNC awards, earning AVLtoday first place in Local E-Newsletter and second place in Local Events Information Source and Local Social Media Page. But that’s enough about us. Go read the second Best of WNC issue and give props to all the incredible, beloved businesses that make Asheville so special.
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