We’d line up in Pack Square Park for fresh arepas. | Photo via Delish
The City of Asheville has been cooking up a new program to bring folks downtown. Beginning this Friday, Oct. 3, the city is launching a Food Truck Friday pilot program, bringing a rotating selection of one to two food trucks to Pack Square Park each week through Friday, Dec. 19.
According to the city’s social media, we can expect Philly cheesesteaks this Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — each week, you can check the city’s socials for hints to which trucks will be at the park.
While you’re there, a QR code on the food truck will lead you to a city survey letting you share your feedback. The responses from the survey will inform the future of the program and its possible expansion.
Food Truck Friday isn’t the only program the city has been toying with to increase foot traffic downtown. At the upcoming City Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 14, City Council will consider the activation of an events-based social district on the South Slope. More to come on that soon.
Asked
Asked
What local trucks would you want to see for Food Truck Friday?
Tour de Fat | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing Asheville | Free | Don your costume and bring your bike to New Belgium for a bike parade party, plus free live music by Polyrhythmics, Sam Greenfield, and Electrolust.*
This year’s event features favorites like the 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden. You’ll also meet a few new friends: six of Thomas Dambo’s trolls can be viewed at the light display.
Permits show a Publix grocery store is headed for New Leicester Highway at 14 Hitching Post Ln., almost a mile from the nearby Ingles. Plans show that the 50,000-sqft store would also include a pharmacy, drive-thru pharmacy window, and cafe area. The application goes before Buncombe County Board of Adjustment on Wednesday, Oct. 8. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Learn
The Asheville Fire Department and the city’s sustainability department are teaming up to host an emergency preparedness workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Stephens-Lee Community Center. There, you’ll learn how to build a well-stocked emergency kit tailored to your family’s needs — RSVP to attend.
Outdoors
City staff are taking inventory of trees along the French Broad River, using size, species, and location data for the French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery Project. So if you see trees marked with bright red tags along the greenway, don’t worry, it doesn’t mean they’re marked for removal. Learn more about the phased approach to restoring riverfront parks.
Drink
Combination restaurant, distillery, and cannabis bar Modern Alchemist is opening on Friday, Oct. 10 in Old Fort. The concept comes from the team behind Appalachian Mountain Brewery, bringing house made spirits, beer, and THC-infused beverages under one roof at 78A Catawba Ave.
Number
$2 billion. That’s how much tourism in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park contributes to the local economy. About 12.2 million people visited the park in 2024, and according to the National Park Service, the park has a higher cumulative benefit to the local economy than any other national park in the country.
Lower your risk of breast cancer with annual screenings
Presented by Mission Health
Online scheduling tools make it easy to book your appointment. | Photo provided by Mission Health
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The most effective weapon against breast cancer is through annual screening mammograms — but how do you know when it’s time?
For women with an average risk, annual mammograms are typically recommended starting at age 40. Options include traditional 2D and more advanced 3D mammograms. Your doctor may recommend additional screenings, like an MRI or ultrasound, if you have other risk factors, including a family history or dense breast tissue.
Beginning this Monday, Oct. 6, Leo’s House of Thirst is going all out Italian to kick off the week. It’ll transform into “Leoni’s” every Monday evening, dishing out red sauce classics alongside Italian vino.
This new feature is just the latest exciting announcement to come from the wine bar and restaurant. The team has been cooking up delicious new experiences all year long, adding breakfast and lunch into the mix and offering a special Aperitivo Hour with 50% off oysters and 25% off apps.
A great lightweight women’s sweater. Choose your favorite color (we’re eyeing navy and burgundy) and pair this basic top with jeans for an easy outfit this fall. Bonus: Some colors are 24% off.
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 feeling like singing your heart out, The Crowbar’s karaoke night is here for you. The brand new downtown bar will give you the mic tomorrow, Oct. 2 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. If you’re looking for a tune, “Goodbye Earl” gets the crowd going every time... I know from personal experience.
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