East Fork has donated $2+ million to AVL nonprofits through its Community Partnership Program. | Photo courtesy of Mallory Schwartz
Happy news for East Fork fans: To meet increasing national demand, East Fork Pottery has invested $2.5 million to double its production capacity. In the next three years, the expansion will generate 40 new engineering and skilled production jobs at an average of $26 per hour, while supporting more than 125 existing jobs.
“There is a long tradition of pottery making in North Carolina, and we are proud to continue that legacy in our own way, proving that beautiful, durable dinnerware can still be made here in the U.S. at scale while providing a living wage,” Founder and CEO Alex Matisse said.
It’s not the first time the pottery company has made major investments in its Asheville HQ — East Fork invested $2.4 million in its tech in 2021 to ramp up output.
To put it in perspective, East Fork began in Madison County 15 years ago as a small wood-fired pottery operation. Fast forward to today, the certified B Corp produces more than 750,000 pieces of pottery per year from its facility near Biltmore Village.
Pictures with Santa at the Humbug Hideout | 5-7 p.m. | Wicked Weed Brewing | Free | Snap free photos with Santa, sip festive drink specials, and soak in twinkling holiday décor + seasonal cheer at Wicked Weed’s annual pop-up bar, the Humbug Hideout.*
Handel’s Messiah is a special holiday program and not part of the 2025-2026 Masterworks Series. | Photos courtesy of Ezekiel Coppersmith
You’re invited to join the Asheville Symphony in a moving seasonal tradition, the annual performance of Handel’s Messiah on Saturday, Dec. 20.
This special holiday program is one of Asheville Symphony’s largest performances of the year, bringing together the orchestra, Asheville Symphony Chorus, and four Grammy-recognized vocal soloists. Get to know the soloists here.
In addition to opening a pizza spot and welcoming Cultivate Climbing for a new ropes gym, Highland Brewing Co.'s 40-acre campus will be the new home to Black Dome Mountain Sports. Early next year, the longtime sporting goods store will move from Tunnel Road to the brewery. (Asheville Watchdog)
Concert
Bob Dylan is returning to Asheville on Sunday, April 19 for his Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour. Tickets for the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium show go on sale this Friday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m.
Open
Joey’s Bagels is debuting its new location inside Mission Hospital’s cafeteria today, Dec. 9. “Whether you are running between shifts, visiting a patient, or just need your bagel fix, we’ve got you covered,” the shop posted on Instagram.
Arts
ArtsAVL awarded 74 Artist Support Grants across WNC, totaling more than $100,000. Each artist received up to $1,500 to create new work, pursue training, advance their career promotion, or support travel. Read a bit about each of the artists and their work.
Eat
Following Taqueria Rosita’s exit from The Odd, the West Asheville Bar has welcomed a new food partner. Lucky’s Asheville Food is now dishing out tacos, nachos, and all kinds of worldly-inspired loaded burritos, Thursdays-Mondays.
Closing
Honey & The Hive, a Weaverville destination for local honey and beekeeping supplies, announced it will close its doors on Saturday, Dec. 20. Before then, stop by and shop the discounted selection to show your support.
Community
A new WNC hospital could be on the way — and your voice matters. With a public hearing on Dec. 16, here’s what to know about Novant Health’s plans, how the CON process actually works, and the simple ways you can get involved in shaping local healthcare. Learn more.*
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.*
OWL’s North Asheville location has an extra sweet addition. The bakery has expanded right next door to their Charlotte Street digs, adding a cake shop and pantry.
Fridays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., stop by for a slice of cake, a bottle of wine, or handcrafted goods from local makers. Stay tuned for more details about custom cake orders.
In no way does this photo do it justice, but I saw a gorgeous rainbow yesterday along Riverview Drive and just had to share. I spotted it from a few places in West Asheville — send me a pic if you got a better shot than I did.
}})
