The 500-mile journey begins right here in Asheville. | Graphic via The Great Mother March
On Sunday, March 22, roughly 100 people will embark on a 500-mile walk from Pack Square Park to Washington, DC. Arriving on Earth Day, the 32-day journey — called The Great Mother March — aims to raise awareness about caring for the planet and fostering unity and empathy.
” It’s connected to embodying and being the change we want to see in the world, modeling it,” said founder Whitney Freya, an Oregon-based artist, author, and educator.
She took on the challenge of planning the march in November 2024, and was inspired to make Asheville the starting point after teaching a series of painting classes with the local inter-spiritual nonprofit, When Women Come to Pray.
But before the logistics of the march were carefully planned across each NC and VA town, the route already carried significance. The group will walk alongside the Appalachian Mountains, among the oldest mountain ranges in the US, and what Freya calls the symbolic “spine” of the US. She hopes the journey, like a spine, will help healing and transformation ripple outward.
Rhubarb will reopen early this year, with the revival led by Mallory Foster, the restaurant’s former executive pastry chef. Rhubarb 2.0 will keep the same Appalachian farm-to-table focus that Chef John Fleer created, with some old favorites returning to the menu. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Civic
Asheville’s new City Manager, Dakisha “DK” Wesley, was officially sworn in last week and finished her first day on the job yesterday, Jan. 12. One of her earliest major tasks will be selecting a new police chief following Mike Lamb’s retirement. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Development
Construction on the largest section of the I-26 Connector project will begin this year along the French Broad River, focusing on bridge foundations and early work outside traffic — major construction is expected to finish by 2031. An environmental study regarding the controversial flyover bridge is expected next month. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Environment
Through the end of the year, you can collect firewood from selected areas of the Pisgah National Forest for personal use. Helene left an increased amount of woody debris, creating an increased wildfire risk — get the details on where to gather. (Mountain Xpress)
Kids
The Asheville Museum of Science is gearing up for a new exhibit, “The Science of Bikes,” rolling in Thursday, Jan. 22 through mid-May. A series of interactive stations will teach visitors all about the history, design, and engineering of the bicycle. Find even more kid-friendly educational activities around Asheville.
Cause
Black Bear BBQ has launched a fundraiser to support staff after a fire forced the restaurant to temporarily close. You can donate to the Staff Support and Fire Recovery Fund to help the team cover essential expenses while repairs are underway.
Outdoors
Reservations are open for the 2026 camping season along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Note: Crabtree Falls Campground and Linville Falls Campground will be closed for the season. Make reservations now.
Shop
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As promised, I’m back today with the word on Asheville’s impressive Batman mural. You can find this Dustin Spagnola piece on the side of Morgan’s Comics on Haywood Road. Psst... you’ll also spot the Joker across the way.
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