A gift from George Willis Pack, this green heart of Asheville has welcomed the community for over a century. | Photo by AVLtoday
For us? You shouldn’t have. Living in the Land of the Sky is the greatest gift, but Asheville has also received plenty of thoughtful gestures — from playful sculptures to historic land donations — that show the heart of the city.
“Cat Walk” | Head up, keep walking between Battery Park Avenue and Otis Street to spy three curious cat sculptures, marking spot No. 9 on the historic 1.7-mile Urban Trail. Sculpted by Vadim Bora, the tiny bronze figures are modeled after the cats of the Lavelle family, who sponsored the station in 2000.
The view of Pack Square in 1910.
Photo by H. W. Pelton
George Willis Pack land contributions | Lumberman and civic benefactor George Willis Pack bought land and buildings for Asheville’s public library in 1899 and later donated land that helped create Pack Square Park. The library was renamed Pack Memorial in his honor, and in 1919 it became a free public library for all Asheville residents — a gift that keeps giving.
Explore care options for loved ones needing hospice
Presented by CarePartners
Compassionate care when you need it most. | Photo provided by CarePartners
CarePartners Hospice is dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care, helping each patient live the fullest, most rewarding life possible.
Through CarePartners Hospice, patients, caregivers, and families receive a team of expert healthcare professionals to help establish an individualized plan, answer questions, and offer guidance through every step.
Hospice care is available in the home setting, and for those requiring intensive symptom management, in the 27-bed inpatient Solace Center, which provides a homelike environment equipped with family-friendly amenities.
Prep for post-holiday cleanup chaos with our go-to organization hacks:
🎁 Tuck leftover wrapping paper into this storage container with handy pockets for ribbons + bows.
🌲 Keep ornaments protected in a durable storage box with drawers that hold up 128 pieces.
🎀 Organize holiday decor in these best-selling containers that are transparent so you can easily see what’s inside.
🚪 Prevent your wreath from getting crushed with a specially designed storage bag that keeps its shape intact.
💡 Say goodbye to tangled wires — this storage solution features three spools for easy holiday light organization.
Asheville’s gifts come in many forms — some historic, some playful, all rooted in community. From parks to public art and everything in between, this city knows how to make generosity last. Wishing you a bright, cozy holiday season and a wonderful new year.
And since Asheville knows how to celebrate, Grace rounded up a stellar mix of NYE plans to help you ring in 2026.
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