Monopoly Deal | $7.99 | This fun + family-friendly gift is a fast-paced version of the classic Monopoly board game.
Three pounds of really good salt | $49.99 | This one is sure to get some strange looks, but its silliness and sheer practicality might make it the most memorable gift at the party.
Local pick: Everyday Oil | $24+ | This Black Mountain-made oil is the perfect multitasking body care product.
Olive oil mister | $9.99 | A handy gift they can use to turn oil into a fine mist or a steady drizzle.
Towel warmer | $150.99 | The only thing better than a warm shower is emerging from said shower with a fresh, hot towel.
Gifts for book lovers
Literary quote clock | $209 | Why tell time the normal way when you could use 13,000 curated literary quotes?
Local pick: Custom book box | $34.99+ | Share the favorite genre, colors, scents, flavors, and hobbies of your loved one and Read Me Unconditionally will put together the perfect book package for them.
“To be read” storage basket | $19.98 | Perfect for that friend with an amazing aesthetic bookcase, this TBR book storage basket is both functional and adorable.
Biltmore Park Santa in the Square & Holiday Market | 3-6 p.m. | Biltmore Park Town Square Green | Free | Head to Biltmore Park Town Square to meet + take photos with Santa, shop local vendors, and make festive family memories.*
Order one of the cute new cards. | Graphic via Go Local Asheville
Shop
It’s the gift that keeps on giving. The 2026 Go Local Card is now available for purchase. The theme this year is “A Parade of Ants,” representing community collaboration. Snag a $25 card to score big savings at 600+ local businesses all year long.
Eat
Turkey Day has come and gone, but you can keep looking forward to good eats. Learn about the newest restaurant openings in Asheville with our monthly Restaurant Roundup.
State
Five NCDOT employees and a state trooper received the Governor’s Award for Excellence for safely evacuating drivers on I-40 during Helene, when flooding caused parts of the highway to collapse. They were honored at a Nov. 19 ceremony at the State Archives in Raleigh. (828 News Now)
Civic
The City of Asheville is asking residents to shape two major recovery projects — the French Broad Riverfront Parks Project and the Azalea Parks and Infrastructure Project — after flood damage. A drop-in open house will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Asheville Middle School, and an online survey is open now.
Number
$23,587. That’s the annual cost of raising a child in NC in 2025, according to new data from Visual Capitalist. But when it comes to family fun, the best things in life are still free — including these 20+ no-cost activities across Asheville.
Award
The Nantahala Outdoor Center has been honored with the American Canoe Association’s 2025 Event of the Year Award for hosting the 2025 Junior Olympics and Regional Teams Development Camp. Lee Liebfarth, father of Olympic medalist and Bryson City native Evy Liebfarth, accepted the award. Start planning your next adventure at the center.
Announced
The 2026 Met Gala theme has been revealed: “Costume Art” draws connections between garments and historic art in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While we wait to see what the stars wear on the first Monday in May, try sourcing art-inspired pieces of your own at Asheville’s secondhand shops. (Associated Press)
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?
Event Spotlight
Here are the nine talented finalists. | Photo via NewSong Music
The famed competition, previously held at NYC’s prestigious Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, has been a launching pad for singers like Ingrid Michaelson, Meghan Trainor, and Grace Potter.
A panel of music industry vets will select one grand prize winner to receive a six-song EP, recorded and mixed at Citizen Studios, and a vinyl package pressed at Citizen Vinyl.
Grab tickets for the show and cheer extra hard for the two WNC finalists, Jackson Grimm and Susan Anderson.
The Buy
Happy Cyber Monday. Shop these deals today before they’re gone tomorrow — seriously, they end tonight at midnight.
Still savoring Thanksgiving eats? Don’t toss those turkey bones and veggie scraps — they’re gold for homemade broth. Try this kitchen-sink soup from the Citizen Times, packed with whatever you have on hand. Or, if cooking isn’t your thing, grab a bowl from one of these local spots.
}})
