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A message from our team
Next week, we’re excited to launch BizBrief, a new local, weekly business-focused newsletter from our teammates over at GVLtoday. We’ll keep readers up-to-date on all the latest developments, trends, and opportunities + pro tips and insights from Greenville’s top movers and shakers. Subscribe now, and if you’d like to see something similar for AVL, let us know.
A match made in heaven Asheville
There’s love all around the Land of the Sky. | Graphic by AVLtoday
While love lingers in the air in anticipation of Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing sweet stories from readers’ first dates, engagement moments, and meet-cutes that feel straight out of an Asheville rom-com.
Sweeten Creek Brewing
Hobbit Affair 2023. Turns out, we’re a match made in The Shire. - Anonymous
French Broad Food Co-Op
We were on a date to AVL’s first TedX and walking down the sidewalk in front of the French Broad Food Co-Op. I spotted a wooly worm in danger of being run over in the street and dashed out to save it. It was then that my now husband decided he might have a keeper. - Amanda H.
Buncombe County Detention Center
My husband and I eloped and the court was closed on the weekend, so we got married at the jail since they had a notary on duty. It’s such a funny story to tell everyone that we got married at the jail. We’ve been married five years this October. - Anonymous
Scale your business without scaling your costs thanks to T-Mobile. | Photo provided by T-Mobile
With T-Mobile for Business, leveling up your business communications comes with smart, built-in savings.
With the CoreMobile plan, get 10 or more business voice lines for just $15 per line, per month. You’ll keep your current devices and phone numbers, resulting in zero interruptions + no contact updates.
It’s a simple way to scale your communications and streamline operations — the perfect solution for growing teams ready to save without sacrificing reliability.‡
Friday the 13th, a day that has been long associated with bad luck. We hope it doesn’t impact you. Research shows, however, that superstitions like these definitely impact black cats, who are less likely to be adopted than other cats. Help the felines at Binx’s Home for Black Cats find their furever homes. (History.com)
Arts
The Village Potters Clay Center has reopened at its new Westgate home, now offering classes and hands-on workshops. Save the date for the center’s grand reopening celebration on Saturday, April 11.
Health
Buncombe County Public Health has confirmed an additional measles case, bringing the county’s total number of cases to 7 in 2026. Learn more about exposure locations and vaccination info.
Civic
Next week, the three-part Black Asheville Town Hall series will be hosted at the YMI Cultural Center, centering Black voters while welcoming the greater community to hear from city council and congressional candidates. City council candidates will field questions on Feb. 16 + 17, with congressional candidates following on Feb. 18.
Featured
The Inn on Biltmore Estate and its Dining Room have earned Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star awards for the 25th and 9th consecutive years. Book a dinner reservation or a day at the spa to see what the hype is all about.
Community
We love our readers — this Valentine’s Day and always. Your thank-you emails pour in each week, often asking how you can support us. In this season of love, consider making a contribution to support our team and power local storytelling.
Editor’s Pick
The trolls’ AVL adventure is almost over
There are still a few days left to visit. | Photo by Thomas Dambo
Time is running out to see Thomas Dambo’s “Trolls: A Field Study” at the NC Arboretum. The whimsical sculptures have consistently drawn crowds since they came onto the scene in mid-November, with visitation at the arboretum up 800%.
Don’t miss out on the chance to see all 12 of the charming trolls. They’re only here through Tuesday, Feb. 17.
The Buy
Expert-built lessons, podcasts, and speaking practices to help you learn a new language (and gain confidence in your life). Shop Babbel’s 60% off Lifetime subscription sale, giving you unlimited access to all 25 languages forever. Whether you’re planning travel, boosting your career, or learning for personal growth, this is the perfect time to start — and continue for life.
Whether you’re treating yourself or a loved one, Valentine’s sweets are a non-negotiable. And this year, Old Europe’s macarons, mousse bars, cookies, and cakes are looking extra sweet. Go get them before they’re gone.
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‡10 lines for $150/mo; each additional line $15/mo/line with AutoPay; plus taxes & $35 device connection charge.
