You even get your own custom spice tin. | Photos by AVLtoday
Spicewalla’s Grove Arcade store has grown to include the Walla Workshop, making room for its new spice blending classes. During the 1.5-hour class led by Culinary Director Alyse Baca, you’ll get a lesson on balancing and building flavors before crafting a blend perfectly suited to your tastebuds.
Grace here — I opted to make a savory, herby blend perfect for roast chicken, which I aptly named “Hot Chick Blend.”
Ready to spice things up?The next class is Friday, Nov. 21, but keep your eye on the calendar for more sessions + special holiday editions.
Asked
Asked
Spicewalla has a collaboration with which hip-hop artist?
Discovery Day at Warren Wilson College | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa | Free | Join a campus visit day for prospective students + their families and learn about free tuition opportunities for NC residents.*
Enjoy unlimited visits to Biltmore House & Gardens and Antler Hill Village & Winery, with exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, overnight stays, and special events + exhibitions. Plus, children 16 and under can join you for free.
The community is invited to learn about the Oakley Public Safety Complex project and even lend an eye for architecture at a drop-in-style event on Monday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Murphy-Oakley Community Center. The design phase will go through the end of the year, with construction set to end in 2028.
Arts
Mark your calendars — Lamplight AVL is hosting its annual fundraising gala on Friday, Dec. 12 at Drop of Sun Studios. This winter, the arts org is raising $120,000 to support its expansion to 2 Westwood Pl., creating a mixed-use space including affordable studios and an arts-focused event space. Learn all about it.
Award
Mountain Housing Opportunities recieved a $100,000 unrestricted grant from NeighborWorks America, allowing the nonprofit to continue its mission of expanding affordable housing in the region. Explore affordable complexes MHO currently has in development, from Leicester to Black Mountain.
Seven UNC Asheville students and faculty earned grants of more than $11,000 to advance research ranging from the use of rivercane in mitigating riverbank erosion, to how credit access affects WNC small business recovery post-Helene. Explore all seven projects.
Seasonal
Winter Lights begins this Saturday, Nov. 15 at The North Carolina Arboretum. Grab tickets to experience traditional favorites like the 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with a few new surprises.*
Fun Fact
Posting on our local job board is like using a GPS for hiring. It gets you to the right talent without the scenic detours. Ready to find your dream candidate? Post your job today. It’s 100% free.
We experienced Radiant Vision and were captivated by Haring’s energetic style and powerful messages. Every piece feels alive, blending joy with social commentary. This exhibition is a vibrant celebration of creativity and activism. Learn more + plan your visit.*
Category
Travel and Outdoors
Reviving a revered climbing spot
The area has some of the state’s hardest climbs. | Photo by Carolina Climbers Coalition
After a 25-year effort, the Asheville-based Carolina Climbers Coalition (CCC) has made its largest land acquisition to date — securing Lower Ghost Town, a renowned climbing area across from Chimney Rock State Park. The purchase allows public access to the 17-acre tract, which has 50+ established routes.
The site became popular with climbers in the 1970s, when it was home to the Western ghost town-themed amusement park, Silver City. It remained a revered spot until developers bought the property in the early 2000s.
With help from partners including Access Fund, the Village of Chimney Rock, and the NC State Trails Program, the acquisition goes beyond climbing, connecting a key section of the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail network.
The outdoor recreation opportunities are expected to aid the local economy as the region recovers from Helene.
Access will be limited to volunteers while trails undergo construction. The CCC hopes to open Lower Ghost Town to the public in the spring.
The Buy
Gutter guards that make clogs physically impossible. Yes, really. Meet LeafGuard, a system with seamless construction that eliminates joints where leaks typically develop. The result? A maintenance-free solution that’s built to last. Bonus: Our readers save 75% off installation + an additional $200 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.
On November 10, 1969, the first-ever episode of “Sesame Street” aired. Since then, we’ve all learned and laughed with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert + Ernie, and all the other familiar faces. Continue their legacy with a random act of kindness in Asheville.
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