The largest gathering of Elvis impersonators brought ~900 costumed kings. | Photo via Guinness World Records
Being fortunate enough to live in Asheville means we’re all already winners. But did you know there are some actual Guinness World Record holders here in the mountains?
Here are just a few of the most impressive titles claimed right here in the 828.
Asheville educator Vicki Garlock visited 185 places of worship in the Chicago area this past September. Learn all about the logistics of her journey in an interview with Mountain Xpress.
Back in July of 2014, 895 folks gathered at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort dressed in white jumpsuits, wigs, glasses, and belts. The crowd delivered a rousing cover of the King’s classic hit, “Can’t Help Falling In Love.”
Residents shared their hopes for Asheville’s riverfront parks during an open house last week, requesting greater connectivity, dog parks, and resilient landscaping — and there’s still time for you to share your vision through the online survey, open through Friday, Dec. 19. Design work will continue through early 2027 before rebuilding begins. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Concert
Not only did Warren Haynes and friends bring down the house at this year’s Christmas Jam, raising money for Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity and Beloved Asheville — the event was estimated to have generated about $4.8 million in direct business sales locally. Check out some pics from the show. (WLOS)
Community
Today, Dec. 16, local music venue White Horse Black Mountain is launching its Community Hub, offering free weekly daytime events all about connection and creativity. The programming kicks off with a performance from acclaimed Madison County ballad singer Donna Ray Norton.
Real Estate
Buncombe County property owners have until Monday, Jan. 5, to pay their 2025 property tax bill and avoid penalties and interest. Payments can be made online, by mail, in person, or by phone. Just note holiday closures coming up as you make a plan to pay.
Active
If joining a new gym is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, you can try out a free class All Bodies Movement and Wellness during its Community Day on Saturday, Jan. 10. Explore our guide to Asheville’s gyms, from kickboxing to climbing.
Health
Are you self-employed and looking for private health insurance instead of dealing with marketplace plans? Or maybe you’re a small business owner looking to provide health benefits for your employees. Get a free consultation with locally owned Cory’s Health Insurance for solutions based right here in WNC.*
Read
Staying behind on tech trends can be a career killer. The Code is a twice weekly newsletter with curated tech news, practical resources, and insights decoded. Join 100,000+ engineers who read The Code to stay ahead of the curve.*
There’s something new at 701 Haywood Rd., formerly occupied by The Mothlight and later Different Wrld. It’s now home to Blank Space, a private workspace and event venue.
Interested in finding a cozy office or hosting your next shindig here? Reach out for more info.
Add some fun and laughter to holiday gatherings with a few of our favorite card and board games. We love these five:
🎲 Put your drawing skills to the test in Telestrations — perfect for 4-8 players.
🎲 The award-winning game Flip 7 is self proclaimed “the greatest card game of all time.”
🎲 Shut the Box is an easy-to-play dice game for up to six players.
🎲 Perfect for parties, Ransom Notes will have your entire crew belly laughing.
🎲 Connect words with colors in an engaging game of Hues and Cues.
This year I’m taking on a new challenge and baking some holiday cookie boxes for friends + fam, complete with five different kinds of cookies. If you want to spread some cheer without covering your kitchen in flour, The Rhu, Piccolina, and Seven’s Bakehouse all have stunning cookie boxes for sale.
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