Plus, help restore Lake Lure's fish habitat.
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What’s in with wellness?

A Lagree fitness class in Asheville, NC.
Scorch offers a “Badass Basics” class on Saturdays for beginners. | Photo by @scorchfitavl
From saunas to red light and Pilates to plunges, Asheville’s wellness scene is heating up (sometimes literally).

Whether you’re looking to feel stronger, sleep better, or simply slow down, here’s what’s trending in the wellness space and where you can try it.

Pilates

What it is: Strengthens core muscles + improves flexibility and balance

Why it’s trending: Low-impact, mobility + posture benefits

Where to find it:
  • Echelon Pilates | Owner + teacher Erin Brown brings a wealth of knowledge in this classical movement method, after training with first-gen teachers.
  • Scorch Fitness | Head to this gym for a full-body workout using The Lagree Method, which incorporates core stabilization, strength training, and cardio.

Red light therapy

What it is: Specific light wavelengths to boost collagen, reduce inflammation, and speed healing

Why it’s trending: Non-invasive anti-aging, pain relief, and skin rejuvenation benefits

Where to find it:
  • Asheville Cryotherapy and Recovery | Red light therapy works well with the center’s other services, like compression therapy, cryotherapy, and infrared sauna.
  • Inner Peace Wellness Co. | The spa uses industry-leading PlatinumLED BioMax 900 panels to deliver results. Plus, new clients can get their first session for $30.
Retreats, contrast therapy + strength training

Events

Wednesday, Jan. 7

Performance + Film Screening: “Suite for Two” (1958) | 7-8 p.m. | Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center | $12+

Candlelit Yin & Gong Bath | 7-8:15 p.m. | Yoga Center of Black Mountain | $25

Thursday, Jan. 8

Artbeat After Hours: Live Painting | 5-7 p.m. | Artbeat Gallery & Lounge | Free

Watercolor Collage Blind Tiger | 5-8 p.m. | Blind Tiger Asheville | $40

Herbal First Aid Kit Workshop | 6-8:30 p.m. | Twin Star Tribe, Alexander | $95

Thomas Wolfe Short Story Discussion: “Fame and the Poet” | 7-8 p.m. | Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site | Free

Friday, Jan. 9

Caverns Of Gold Showcase Benefit | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel | $21

Sirenum: A Lesbian Folk Opera | Friday, Jan. 9-Saturday, Jan. 10 | 8-9:30 p.m. | 35below | $18

Saturday, Jan. 10

Asheville Humane Society Sketching | 1-3 p.m. | Asheville Humane Society | Free

Asheville Junior Theater presents: “The Lion King JR.” | Saturday, Jan. 10-Sunday, Jan. 11 | 2 p.m. + 6 p.m. | Diana Wortham Theatre | $25+

Sunday, Jan. 11

Steppin’ Out AVL Line Dance Lessons | 4-6 p.m. | Hi-Wire Event Center | Free

Sam Jay | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel | $25+
See our full events calendar

Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash.
Warren Wilson College

News Notes

Biz

Pending federal approval, Nofar USA will acquire ~1 gigawatt of Pine Gate Renewables’ solar portfolio following the Asheville-based company’s bankruptcy. The $285 million deal includes nine solar projects across the South and transfers ownership to the global renewable energy company, a subsidiary of the Israel-based Nofar Energy. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Civic

As we approach NC’s Tuesday, March 3 primary election, there are some key dates and deadlines to keep top of mind. Luckily, Buncombe County Election Services has put together a guide of everything you need to know about early voting, absentee voting, and your polling place.

Regional

Your old Christmas tree can help restore Lake Lure’s fish habitat. Bring your tree (with no flocking, tinsel, or lights) to Pool Creek Picnic Park so it can be planted on the backshore of the lake, offering bass a place to hide out after the lake was cleared out post-Helene. (WLOS)

Environment

Foothills Conservancy of NC has acquired 1,513 acres in Rutherford County, expanding the Pinnacle Mountains Preserve. The acquisition extends protections from the South Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains, preserving rare species, water, and critical wildlife habitat. A public trail can be expected in the next several years.

Read

The new year brings new operating hours for Buncombe County libraries. Libraries are now open at 9 a.m. and late closings have been adjusted to 7 p.m. Pack Memorial Library has also shifted to a Monday–Friday schedule with three late evenings per week. Bonus: The digital library is open 24/7.

Ranked

Speaking of Buncombe County libraries, the system has revealed that “The Women” by Kristin Hannah was the most checked-out adult novel of 2025. Rebecca Yarros’ “Onyx Storm” topped the list of books published in 2025, and Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games” was most popular with young adults. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Real Estate

Sitting on 4+ rolling acres, this historic valley farm includes a barn, riding ring, and cozy wood cabin with modern touches — all just west of Asheville. Imagine coffee mornings with these private views.*

Plan Ahead

Nearly here: Ice Fest Weekend 2026. Frostivities include spectacular ice sculptures, glimmering garden displays, skating, games, gifts, food, fun, and snow much more. Peek at the packed schedule.*

Watch

Discover how 400+ locals embraced Transcendental Meditation (TM) in the wake of Hurricane Helene in the short yet powerful documentary “Relief From Within: TM in WNC.” Then, explore the benefits of TM by joining a free online introductory class offered every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.*

Biz

Kickstart the new year by expanding your business’s reach. Our business promo portal puts your message in front of our thousands of highly engaged local subscribers in as little as two days. Plus, first-time customers save 15% with code NEW15 at checkout. Get started.

Health

Did you find yourself straining to hear during holiday gatherings? Make 2026 a year of better hearing with Horizon IX. This revolutionary hearing aid delivers natural sound so real, experts are calling it a miracle. Dual processors separate speech from noise for effortless clarity so you won’t miss a single word. Start your 45-day no-risk trial.*
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity

Post of the Day

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Post by @britandco

Emily Henry, one of the most popular contemporary romance authors right now, revealed in an interview with Brit + Co that Sunshine Falls, the fictional setting of her 2022 novel “Book Lovers,” is based on Black Mountain, NC.

The book follows two writers with clashing ideas about romance — but by the end of the summer, they realize their views on love (and each other) aren’t so different after all.

Pick up a copy from Malaprop’s so you can be ready when the story makes it to the silver screen. Television writer Sarah Heyward, known for “Girls” and “Modern Love,” is on board to write the script. Fingers crossed that the town of Black Mountain can star in the production.
Want to be featured?

The Buy

Are you resolving to drink more water this year? Set yourself up for success with a sleek, insulated water bottle that keeps liquids chilled for up to 24 hours. Bonus: It’s dishwasher safe.
More worth The Buy
AVLtoday Games

The Wrap

“Book Lovers” has now climbed up to the top of my TBR list thanks to that very TikTok. If reading more books is a New Year’s resolution, start off with a novel penned right here in Asheville.
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