The plan guides recovery efforts for the next five years. | Photo via Buncombe County
Buncombe County Commissioners have formally adopted the Helene Recovery Plan, which will guide the next five years of recovery work across the county’s six municipalities.
More than 2,600 community members provided input on the plan, which details 114 projects. Examples include constructing more affordable housing on county-owned property to replace storm-damaged units, and building a new emergency operations center + shelter.
In the coming months, funding strategies will be finalized to capitalize on federal funding and prioritize the order of projects. ICYMI, earlier this month, county commissioners adopted the 2030 Strategic Plan, outlining the county government’s priorities for the next five years — explore some of the plan’s key goals.
Meet us there for a sundae? | Photo by Asheville Elevated Photography
Featured
Eater named Potential New Boyfriend “this year’s best third place” in its list of the 15 Best New Restaurants in America. No, it didn’t rank third place — it was lauded for creating community through BYO vinyl nights, movie screenings, and of course, through decadent desserts.
The state of NC has awarded $3.17 million from its Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund to support Asheville’s new PGA Tour event, the Biltmore Championship. The tournament is one of the first events to receive the grant funds, which are generated from sports betting taxes.
Opening
On Monday, Nov. 24, local restaurateur Hector Diaz will reopen Chorizo after nearly a decade in its OG Grove Arcade location. The spot will be open for dinner, Thursday-Monday from 4 to 9 p.m., serving up a “modern take on tapas.”
Cause
In mid-December, the City of Asheville will open a Holiday Free Store, offering a variety of items to the community at no cost. If you have clothing, books, toys, or decor (in clean and working condition) you’d like to donate, drop off items at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, Thursday, Dec. 11 through Friday, Dec. 12.
Are you taking advantage of all the savings opportunities for adults ages 50+? This list of tips can support your continued saving and help build additional wealth.*
Asheville will be ballin’ for another 10 years. | Photo via Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville
Asheville will be the home of the Ingles SoCon Basketball Championships through 2035. The Southern Conference, City of Asheville, Asheville-Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, and Explore Asheville announced the 10-year agreement, extending Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville’s longtime role as tournament host.
The championships have been held in Asheville from 1984 to 1995 and from 2012 to the present, spanning a combined 26 years. Tickets for the 2026 tournament, March 5-9, are on sale now. The week will bring special community events, like the Downtown Dribble and the SoCon Hall of Fame Ceremony.
The Southern Conference hosts more than basketball here in the Land of the Sky. The SoCon Volleyball Championships are being held at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville for the first time, beginning today, Nov. 20 and running through Sunday, Nov. 23.
The Buy
It’s go time. Amazon’s Black Friday Week kicks off today as one of the best sales of the year. New deals drop daily, and these are today’s top five you don’t want to miss:
🚪 Boost home security with Blink’s popular video doorbell that’s under $30 for a limited time.
🧦 Replenish your sock drawer with 50% off these 4.5-star rated mini crew socks.
🔌 Achieve better home connectivity with Amazon’s top-rated smart plug for just $12.99.
👖 Upgrade your closet with a pair of Levi’s wide leg jeans for under $45.
🥩 Get dinner on the table faster with 40% off Cuisinart’s rapid defrosting tray.
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 your little ones want to get a hand in crafting holiday confections, Bargello is hosting a kids’ cookie decorating class on Sunday, Dec. 14 with pastry chef Kai Ramsey. Lunch and hot chocolate are included with the $45 ticket — and there will be plenty of treats to take home.
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