March to show support for Martin Luther King Jr.'s message. | Photo via MLK Association of Asheville & Buncombe County
The Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County is hosting its 45th annual MLK Celebration, honoring the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. This year’s programming follows the theme, “Celebrating 45 Years of Resilience – Marching Toward the Dream.”
To honor MLK’s message in the Asheville area, check out these local events from the association and other local orgs:
Monday, Jan. 19
Peace March + Rally |11:30 a.m. service at St. James A.M.E. Church, followed by a march to Pack Square | Spread a message of peace and justice at the march hosted by the Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County.
Hood Huggers Day of Service | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Burton Street Community Center and Southside Cemetery | Help with gardening, greenhouse work, and trash pickup.
Asheville officials are beginning budget planning amid a $30 million shortfall, driven by one-time post-Helene saving strategies that can’t be repeated, rising healthcare costs, and debt on general obligation bonds. Officials say a property tax rate increase will be expected to balance the budget. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Announced
The Asheville Police Department secured city council approval to create a new resource center at Tanger Outlets. Interim Police Chief Jackie Stepp said that the police resource center on Haywood Road would remain open as well, and patrol response levels in West Asheville will remain unchanged.
Transit
Asheville City Council authorized an agreement with the NCDOT to create a bike and pedestrian bridge, running parallel to the existing Craven Street Bridge, to improve multimodal transportation in the RAD. The NCDOT will contribute about $10.3 million, while the city will contribute about $2.1 million.
After five years of business, South Slope’s Boomer’s Bourbon and Cigar Bar has closed, citing a decrease in sales and lower foot traffic following Helene. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Drink
The tribe has spoken. On Tuesday, Jan. 27, you can head to The Whale’s West Asheville location to have a beer with “Survivor” season 48 winner, Kyle Fraser. Get to know him before seeing him return to the island for season 50, premiering in late February.
Eat
Posana’s Biltmore Park location is now serving up weekday lunch and weekend brunch. Reservations (and maple pecan sticky buns) are encouraged for brunch.
Real Estate
Right down the road from breweries, biking, and the Broadmoor Golf Course, this cozy and colorful home includes Cathedral ceilings and a private screened patio. Take a peek inside.*
Wellness
Interested in a THC or CBD journey in 2026? Women-owned and operated brand TribeTokes is offering 15% off with code DRYJAN15, plus a free CBD/CBG tincture when you spend $40. Try pineapple THC gummies or mini THCA prerolls for some California sober fun during dry January.†*
Next Saturday, Jan. 24, the River Arts District Artists are inviting you to shop discontinued items, overstock, and seconds from local artists at The Great RAD Sale.
All items will be offered at steep discounts, making it the perfect way to start your art collection if you’re ballin’ on a budget.
Studios and galleries across the RAD will be participating — head over during normal business hours.
The Buy
Our favorite winter golfing accessories:
⛳ This men’s fleece-lined quarter zip is the perfect base layer.
⛳ A pair of windproof and waterproof pushcart mitts to keep your hands warm + dry.
⛳ These men’s thermal golf pants that deliver lightweight insulation for under $50.
⛳ A handy golf cart heater that can run for almost six hours.
⛳ Bonus: If your course is closed for the season, this 4.8-star rated indoor golf simulator is calling your name.
It’s National Bagel Day and Joey’s Bagels is celebrating with a special deal. Head to the Asheville, Fletcher, or Hendersonville locations today to score a bagel with cream cheese and a coffee for $5.
}})
