A ZOOM pass grants you free game play at Well Played. | Photo by @holly_mclay_blalock
If the post-holiday return to reality has your wallet feeling a little thin, it may be time to rethink your plans. To help you stretch the fun and stretch your budget, we’ve rounded up 20+ free activities around Asheville.
Visit a museum
Learn something new at the Folk Art Center, Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, Center for Craft, or Asheville Radio Museum, which all offer free admission.
Take a tour
Lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement to learn more about our city’s history. The Asheville Urban Trail, Asheville Architecture Trail, and Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail are all self-guided tours.
Show the library some love
Utilize the library’s ZOOM passes to reserve free admission to all kinds of local attractions, including The NC Arboretum (the trolls exhibit is up through Feb. 17), Well Played Board Game Cafe, and the WNC Nature Center.
Riverside Stump Dump LLC is facing relocation due to two City of Asheville greenway projects planned adjacent to its property. On Monday, Jan. 12, the company held a virtual meeting with neighbors to discuss its move to Brookshire Road off New Leicester Highway. County officials will consider a special use permit this week for the new site. (WLOS)
Civic
The City of Asheville allocated $3 million in disaster funding to the state to administer the Renew NC program to address unmet Helene-related reconstruction needs for owner-occupied, single-family homes. Applications remain open through the end of the month.
Real Estate
The former Village Wayside Bar & Grille on Biltmore Village’s Lodge Street has been sold for $581,000 and is likely to be leased by another restaurant. ICYMI, Village Wayside Bar & Grille announced late last year that it will reopen in Grovewood Village in late winter. (WLOS)
Weather
We could see rain transform into light snow flurries tonight and into tomorrow morning as a storm system rolls in. Higher elevations across WNC can expect more accumulation. See the rest of the forecast.
Sports
UNC Asheville Athletics has unveiled the Sherri and Rob Daniels Golf Center, a new on-campus practice facility for the women’s golf program. The team had been using a temporary space at Country Club of Asheville after losing its original facility to Helene — mentors Sherri and Rob Daniels built the new facility inside the Student Rec Center.
Novant Health is showing up across Western North Carolina — partnering with local nonprofits, supporting students, and sponsoring community events. From cancer care collaborations to mental health support, these efforts reflect a commitment to meeting people where they are and building long-term relationships that strengthen community health. Learn more.*
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Home
Dreaming of a new bathroom in 2026? Make it a reality with a one-day walk-in shower installation. HomeBuddy conveniently connects you with trusted local contractors, complete with customer reviews to help ensure a smooth, hassle-free project. Enter your ZIP code for a free estimate.*
Read
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Category
🧈 Biscuit biz is booming
Get ready for biscuits and brunch in the new space this March. | Photo by Ashley Williams
In March, the popular biscuit and coffee shop Flour will move from its S&W Market location into a bigger space at 40 Wall Street, the former home of Laughing Seed Cafe. The move marks the transformation from food stall to a full breakfast and brunch restaurant with more seating, a larger kitchen and menu, and a full coffee program.
“We can’t wait to welcome you into our new space and share more mornings together,” the team shared on IG. While work continues on the new spot, you can still get your biscuit fix from its OG location.
This past fall, the team also opened Easy Tiger, a South Lexington Avenue sports bar with elevated pub fare and cocktails.
Asked
Asked
What would you like to see open in S&W Market?
A. A vegan/vegetarian cafe B. A bakery C. Pizza by the slice D. A taqueria E. Other
Bragworthy deals from local restaurants, spas, salons, gyms, and more. If one of your resolutions in 2026 is to spend less + save more, Groupon is your No. 1 resource. Uncover up to 70% in savings on experiences right in your own backyard.
ZOOM passes can also get you free entry to Chimney Rock State Park, where on Monday, Feb. 2, Tater the groundhog will make his predictions about spring and Super Bowl LX during the park’s 21st Annual Groundhog Day celebration.
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