It’s 6AM somewhere — in fact, if you’re reading this at 9 a.m. local time, it’s 6 a.m. in our sister market SEAtoday. Which brings us to our main point: Did you know there are newsletters just like AVLtoday across the country, providing the same need-to-know local news and events for their communities?
Mary Hulsman’s “The Tiny Gnome Builders” won the grand prize. | Photo via Omni Grove Park Inn
The 2025 National Gingerbread House Competition has made a sweet return to the Omni Grove Park Inn. This year, 235 participants presented meticulously crafted, 100% edible frosting-fortified fortresses, but only one creation was awarded the grand prize.
A panel of esteemed chefs gave Mary Hulsman of Concord, NC the competition’s biggest honor for her architectural marvel, “The Tiny Gnome Builders.” Click the button below to see a gallery of winning houses.
Seeing the sugary showstoppers
Now that bakers have been recognized for their gingerbread gems, the display is open for viewing through Sunday, Jan. 4. Also on display is the Great Gingerbread House in the Great Hall — a life-sized gingerbread house modeled after the historic hotel, serving up hot chocolate and sweets.
Holiday Parade Viewing Party | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Wicked Weed Brewing | Free | Get front-row seats to the Asheville Holiday Parade at Wicked Weed Brewpub as you enjoy breakfast specials, a bloody mary bar, and hot toddies to warm your spirit, plus photos with Santa 12-2 p.m.*
Perfect for couples or solo travelers, Columbia’s arts scene promises memorable experiences. | Photos provided by Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina State Museum, and Experience Columbia SC
Columbia, SC offers a vibrant mix of cultural experiences for visitors seeking something unique:
Plans for a Costco went before the city’s Technical Review Committee on Monday, Nov. 17. Documents show a medical office and sit-down restaurant will also be constructed at Enka Commerce Park. The Costco build is slated for 2026, with the other buildings slated for 2028. Next, the project will go before the Planning and Zoning Commission in early January. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Arts
A new exhibit from the River Arts District Artists will debut this Saturday, Nov. 22 at downtown’s RADA Outpost. The “Small Wonders” art show will feature works measuring eight inches or less in any direction. Attend the opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. and pick up a piece — all proceeds support the RADA Foundation.
Legacy
Peggy Swicegood, co-owner of Asheville’s longest-running restaurant, Little Pigs BBQ, has died at 93. The Swicegood family shared a heartfelt message on the restaurant’s social media, celebrating Peggy’s life and thanking the community that has embraced their family for generations.
Announced
Asheville native MJ Lenderman and indie darling Waxahatchee are joining forces for a co-headlining tour, making a stop at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on Tuesday, April 14. General public tickets go on sale this Friday, Nov. 21 at 10 a.m. Now, queue up the pair’s duet, “Right Back to It.”
Travel
Fuel up. Garden & Gun mapped a Michelin-inspired road trip through the Carolinas — and Asheville makes the cut. Their seven-day itinerary lands at Luminosa for pork and beans agnolotti before sending travelers on to Charlotte and Knightdale for the ultimate Southern foodie tour.
Seasonal
Got something big happening this winter? From new menus to limited-time promos, make sure your message lands in front of our thousands of highly engaged local subscribers. Get started on our business promo portal with zero long-term contract.
Worried about hearing clearly at upcoming holiday gatherings? Try this best-selling hearing aid with dual processors for outstanding speech clarity. See if you qualify for the 45-day no-risk trial + experience effortless hearing for the holidays.*
Shop
Meet DUER jeans — aka the world’s most comfortable pants. Each pair blends classic denim with 360-degree stretch, moisture-wicking fibers, and antibacterial treatment. DUER jeans are made to move, not constrict, dig in, or pinch. Explore the collection.*
Editor’s Pick
Leaf your thoughts here
The plan will guide the preservation of Asheville’s urban canopy. | Photo via Asheville Adventure Company
Time to make like the Lorax and “speak for the trees.” The City of Asheville has launched a public survey to inform its first-ever Urban Forest Master Plan.
The plan will “provide a roadmap of community-influenced recommendations to support a sustainable, resilient urban forest that thrives into the future,” according to the project’s webpage. Studies of invasive species, tree inventory, and tree canopy assessment are underway and are being revised to include post-Helene data.
The survey takes about five minutes to complete and will be open through late March.
The Buy
Dinner for two for less than delivery? A spa facial for the price of a sheet mask? With Groupon, these aren’t fantasies — they’re today’s deals waiting for you to claim. Discover up to 70% off restaurants, salons, and adventures near you, so you can try more, spend less, and fall in love with your city all over again.
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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