If the standard chocolate and roses are losing their sparkle, luckily, there are plenty of unique ways to celebrate the day of love in the Land of the Sky.
For the real romantics
Learn to wax poetic at the upcoming Love Letter Writing Workshop this Sunday, Feb. 1 at Story Parlor. You’ll leave with all the tools you need to write from the heart + a wax-sealed envelope and letter.
For the animal lovers
Spend the day snuggling the adorable donkeys, horses, goats, dogs, and sheep of Final Run Rescue, the nonprofit animal rescue at Montgomery Sky Farm. Your snuggle sesh includes a warm beverage and a chocolate treat.
For a classy vibe
Put your pinkies up for Valentine’s Day high tea. The Giddy Chick and Let’s Dish AVL are offering two seatings at Ivory Road, complete with loose leaf from Full Moon Tea Co. and sweet and savory delights served on vintage china.
For the angsty ones
Harness your heartbreak at Hi-Wire’s annual Cupid is Stupid Car Smash. Bring a few bucks to take a few swings with the provided equipment and protective eyewear.
Asheville City Council approved measures making it easier for homeowners to add accessory dwelling units to existing structures, like garages or sheds. Requirements on parking, height, and size remain. Additionally, short-term rentals will not be allowed in ADUs. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Try This
The Asheville Truffle Experience returns Feb. 6-8, offering a weekend of events celebrating the intense, earthy flavor. Activities include truffle hunting, a cooking class, and a truffle tea party. Register for events à la carte or indulge in the entire schedule.
Announced
Asheville City Council approved $904,000 in federal HOME funds for affordable housing across Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania counties. Grants support tenant rental assistance, down payment help, and home repairs, with recipients including Helpmate and the Asheville Housing Authority. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Watch
The pawn stars of the Land of the Sky Chess Tournament will duke it out for cash prizes this weekend, Friday, Jan. 30 through Sunday, Feb. 1. Spectators are welcome to watch for free from the Crowne Plaza Hotel or from the livestream.
Award
Two Buncombe County organizations — the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center and the Swannanoa Valley Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Corporation — received $5,000 Cultural Resources grants from the Community Foundation of WNC as part of a $40,000 funding round supporting cultural and historic organizations across the region.
Eat
Vinnie’s is giving you the tools to imitate its Italian flavors at home. The restaurant shared its recipe for steamed mussels with white wine and capers. Pro tip: If you plan on whipping it up, Mother Ocean is a great spot to buy seafood.
Some nights you have the energy to cook. Other nights, you have the energy to… stare at the fridge and negotiate with it.Forkful meals arrive fully prepared, use grass-fed beef and free-range chicken, and are 100% seed oil-free. Get 50% off your first box with code CMD50.*
Category
City
Advisory board set for Millennial Campus
The project was formally announced in June. | Photo via UNC Asheville
UNC Asheville has announced the members of its Millennial Campus Development Advisory Committee, a group tasked with making recommendations for the property, which includes 45 acres of urban forest.
The committee was created after the university paused its proposed $200+ million project — including a 5,000-seat stadium, housing, and retail — in response to strong community interest and public input, including local advocacy through the Save the Woods movement.
The 12-member committee includes former Asheville mayor Lou Bissette, Explore Asheville CEO and President Vic Isley, and former NC State Representative Chuck McGrady, and will meet in monthly closed sessions through May.
Then, urban development consulting firm HR&A Advisors will use the committee’s recommendations to create the Millennial Campus Action Plan, which will be delivered to the University for review.
Super Bowl LX kicks off on Sunday, Feb. 8. Whether you’re catching the game at your favorite sports bar or hosting a watch party at home, we’ve rounded up a few must-haves for every kind of big-game watcher:
I’ll admit, I’ve been skeptical, but it’s looking more and more like we could expect a little snow this weekend. Personally, I’m here for it. Time to consult our soup guide once again to plan a weekend of cozy meals.
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