If you haven’t heard, the US sauna market is heating up.
According to a report from market research firm Technavio, the industry is projected to grow by $151 million through 2029, fueled by Americans seeking new ways to stay active + socialize. And yes, Asheville’s sauna scene is gaining steam, too.
Sauna House | The Asheville-based bathhouse is contributing to that growth, expanding to eight more cities across the US.
Drip Sauna | Drip’s wood-fired sauna and cold plunge experience can work wonders for your wellness and for your social life — check out the calendar of community yoga classes and sauna socials.
Shoji Spa & Retreat | If you’re looking to treat yourself to a more private, luxurious sesh, you can book a spa package that includes a trip to the cedar sauna and cold showers.
Wicked Weed Brewing’s Appfest with live music by S.O.S Quartet | 12-5 p.m. | Wicked Weed Brewing | Free | Celebrate Appalachian fall at Wicked Weed’s Appfest with live music every Saturday, a Makers Market hosted by the Appalachian Artist Collective, seasonal beer releases + flights, and more fall fun.*
Several seasoned Orange Peel employees have bought the business, establishing Big Picture Concert Group. The group is already up to big things, having filed permits for a new 6,000-person capacity outdoor venue on Thompson Street, the home of Cursus Keme Brewery before Helene. (Ashevegas Hot Sheet)
Arts
The Center for Craft will acquire the American Craft Council Library and Archives Collections, marking a milestone in the preservation of craft history. The collections will be added to the center’s existing materials downtown to create the Center for Craft Community Library and Archives, opening to the public in 2028.
Traffic
The NCDOT announced overnight closures of I-26 in both directions beginning Sunday, Oct. 19 as crews remove the segments of the old Blue Ridge Parkway bridge that run directly over interstate traffic. Contractors will work through Thursday, Oct. 23 and the following week as needed.
Announced
The city will enter into a $4,228,200 contract with Olin Partnership Limited to rebuild recreation areas along the Swannanoa River and Azalea Road. The full design and public engagement process is expected to take two years, followed by two to three years of construction.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, Asheville City Council approved the donation of a new playground for Stephens-Lee Community Center, replacing the current Helene-damaged structure. The Burton Street Community Center’s playground was also just replaced, and Weaver Park’s will be done in early 2026.
Talk
Pisgah Legal hosts its 14th Annual Justice Forum on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. This free community event features a conversation with Imani Perry, a celebrated author and Harvard Professor, who will speak about the intersections of race, justice, and democracy.*
Finance
Crush credit card debt with a balance transfer.This card offers nearly two years of 0% interest (into 2027) + cash back perks on additional purchases. Learn more and apply.*
To recognize National Manufacturing Month on the local front, Buncombe County shared some historic images of the area’s major players, including the old Coca-Cola bottling plant at 345 Biltmore Ave.
The building is emblematic of the sleek, modern architecture Asheville adopted before WWII. The plant was active through 1960, but elements of the building remain, like Coca-Cola bottle crown molding and a map of WNC’s Coca-Cola bottling HQs on the floor. Today, the building houses Mission Health’s ground facility services.
Before the 345 Biltmore Ave. bottling location was built, Coca-Cola was operating locally from 90 Biltmore Ave., the current home of French Broad Food Co-op.
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.
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