Wiseman’s View is a popular location took look for the lights. | Photo by Ken Thomas
On certain darker nights near Linville Gorge here in WNC, an age-old mystery comes out to play. Since the mid-1800s, the Brown Mountain Lights have puzzled locals, visitors, and even scientists.
There’s been so much talk of the mysterious, unexplained, reddish orbs of light that dot the treeline that the US Geological Survey even investigated them in both 1913 and 1922, ultimately concluding most sightings were likely misidentified car or train headlights.
But many can’t get on board with that theory — a myriad of ideas have been tossed around, like that the phenomenon is extraterrestrial, paranormal, a mirage, or simply just a natural occurrence yet to be explained.
The US Geological Survey used this map to plot light sources. | Graphic via USGS
After studying the lights for more than a decade, Appalachian State University Professor of Physics and Astronomy Dr. Dan Caton and Observatory Engineer Lee Hawkins are believed to have caught the lights on video — although they told WCNC, “It was something we really couldn’t explain.”
Even though chances of seeing the lights are scarce, some say that clear fall nights after a rain are your best shot. Sounds like current conditions are promising.
Asked
Asked
Do you think there’s something ghostly going on with the Brown Mountain Lights?
A. Yes — signs point to paranormal. B. No — there’s probably some scientific secret behind it.
The market sells products from 120+ WNC businesses, and the cafe serves drinks, breakfast, lunch, evening bites daily. | Photos courtesy of Jordan Powers Photography
Where most would see neglected buildings, Emily and Robert Gunn saw an opportunity to create a vibrant gathering space on the new Ecusta trail. The couple enlisted Altura Architects to breathe new life into the abandoned space, and the result was Ecusta Market & Cafe, now open in Hendersonville.
Warm colors and rich finishes give the market and cafe an inviting atmosphere. The location offers easy access to the trail, and is a welcoming space that fosters community connection.
Andrea Clark, acclaimed photographer, historian, and granddaughter of James Vester Miller, has died. Clark’s photography was instrumental in documenting life before and during urban renewal in the historically Black East End neighborhood from the late ‘60s to early ‘70s. She created the James Vester Miller Historic Walking Trail, sharing his legacy as one of Asheville’s most important builders.
Civic
Buncombe County is partnering with MANNA FoodBank to host a countywide food drive beginning today, Oct. 31. Shelf stable foods will be collected at all county libraries. Learn about more county resources, including Community Engagement Markets offering free food, and a diaper bank at the Register of Deeds.
Coming Soon
Construction on the Nasty Branch Greenway — a three-quarter-mile path linking Southside, the River Arts District, and South French Broad neighborhoods — is set to begin in 2026 and take about 18 months to complete. The $4.3 million project will include signage honoring Southside’s Black history. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Sports
New sports club Ace & Eagle is celebrating its grand opening tomorrow, Nov. 1. The club partnered with Hi-Wire’s RAD Beer Garden to build outdoor pickleball courts, indoor golf simulators, and billiards into the mix. Stop by between 1 and 7 p.m. for a Pilates class, drinks, food, a makers market, pickleball tournament, and DJ.
Arts
On Thursday, Nov. 13, the newest piece of public art on the Urban Trail will be unveiled. “Fluvial” by Rachel David of Red Metal will be installed in front of the S&W Building, filling the unoccupied stop No. 7 on the trail. The public is invited to the 11 a.m. ribbon cutting.
Regional
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy has preserved an additional 120 acres of the Roan High Preserve in a ridge line adjoining the Pisgah National Forest. “SAHC’s 1,200+ acre Roan High Preserve protects pristine high elevation habitat, supporting a host of high elevation endemic or rare species,” Roan Stewardship Director Marquette Crockett said.
Biz
Do you need hiring help? We’ve got your back. Post your open roles on our Job Board + get connected with local candidates in no time. Pssst — did we mention it’s free?
Featured Apartment
Sip your morning coffee with a view at RiverBlue — a new apartment complex in West Asheville featuring 24 acres of green space, miles of wooded trails, and breathtaking views. Leases start at $1,500. Take a peek inside.*
Editor’s Pick
⛸️ Ice, ice, baby
The rink will welcome skaters in late November. | Photo via Pexels
There aren’t any ice skating rinks in Asheville — yet, at least. While shows are paused for the winter, Asheville Yards will open a real ice rink for the holiday season, running Wednesday, Nov. 15 through Monday, Jan. 19.
The venue will be decked out in holiday decor and have a winter market, themed cocktails, and hot chocolate for sale. Check out the calendar for special events like live music, holiday movies, and sensory-friendly skate nights.
Advance tickets are recommended — a 75 minute session is $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends, with free entry for folks not skating. Bonus: look out for Locals Night on Tuesdays, offering half off admission.
The Buy
The Shark Matrix IQ Robot Vacuum that’s 40% off for a limited time. Psst — that’s a savings of $120. The Buy Editor Emily loves its precision home mapping technology that results in a more thorough clean on multiple surfaces.
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.
Happy Halloween, Asheville. I hope today’s mysterious tale of the Brown Mountain Lights got you in the seasonal spirit. Bonus: The legend of the Brown Mountain Lights even makes an appearance in a season six episode of The X-Files.
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