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The 2026 Winter Olympics have us itching for a slice of Italy without the price of airfare. With the help of some local businesses, you can make the Land of the Sky feel like “la capitale morale” for just one day, no Duolingo needed.
Morning
Wake up and smell the caffe and cornetto (croissants). Fuel yourself the Italian way with espresso and flaky pastries from OWL, Mattie Lou’s, or The Rhu.
Afternoon
Take a self-guided tour of the Basilica of Saint Lawrence. Designed by Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino + Richard Sharp Smith, the basilica reflects classical design traditions rooted in Rome, including statues of saints and decorative relief tiles crafted in Italy.
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to Piccolina in the RAD for Neapolitan sandwiches, pizzas, and housemade zeppole to finish on a sweet note.
Now what’s a day in Italy without a little shopping? Downtown’s Dolce Vita boutique has a stunning selection of Italian leather bags to suit your style.
Eater Carolinas released its new picks of the 18 hottest restaurants in Asheville right now. Bonus: Several spots are participating in Asheville Restaurant Week, which returns for its second week, running today, Feb. 17 through Monday, Feb. 23.
Gallery
Despite cloudy skies, Asheville showed out for the annual Mardi Gras Parade on the South Slope. See the colorful costumes and beads galore in these vibrant snapshots. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Arts
ArtsAVL surveyed candidates for Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, Asheville City Council, and Asheville Mayor, asking to what extent they agree with the statement, “Local government should play an active role in supporting arts and culture because of their impact on the economy, quality of life, and community recovery.” See the responses.
Sports
The Asheville Tourists will soon step up to the plate, with the 2026 opening day slated for Tuesday, April 21. Plus, McCormick Field’s 18-month, $38.5 million restoration project will cross home base just in time for the opening. Check out season ticket options.
Read
West Asheville author Brad Stulberg’s new personal development book, “The Way of Excellence,” is on the rise, joining the ranks of New York Times Bestsellers. Pick up a copy from Malaprop’s.
Cause
Get swept away in a day of service with RiverLink, Asheville GreenWorks, and Unified RAD. The orgs are teaming up for a RAD Litter Cleanup on the morning of Saturday, Feb. 28, beginning at Hi-Wire. Sign up and help out.
Today Is
The start of the Lunar New Year, marking the start of spring and a new year on the lunisolar calendar. Ring in the Year of the Horse with the special Fire Horse tea from Pop Bubble Tea, Gan Shan’s lucky red envelopes, and Highland’s annual celebration.
Regional
Canton’s Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a 12-month moratorium on data centers, server farms, and cryptocurrency mining in the town’s closed paper mill site. The measure gives officials time to study environmental and economic impacts, including water use and potential job creation, before future development decisions. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Holiday
The start of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. Observe and learn more from the Islamic Center of Asheville.
Play
Are you looking for our Games page? You can find it here. Thanks to all of our readers who let us know you’re enjoying this page — our team is continuing to work on even more ways to play in future.
Health
Wellness is not one-size-fits-all. With a science-backed program that combines personalized coaching with habit-building tools, Noom is ditching restrictive diets for nourishing meals that lead to real results. Start a free trial.*
At Billy Strings’ penultimate show on Saturday, Feb. 14, Mayor Esther Manheimer gave the bluegrass singer an honorary key to the city.
Since 2021, Billy Strings has played 19 sold-out shows in Asheville, and gave the city a major economic boost post-Helene. Hear what he said as he accepted the key.
Strings isn’t the only musician with a key to the city. He’s in good company with Ani DiFranco and local rock legend Warren Haynes.
Sometimes the simplest solutions make the biggest difference. These four products tackle everyday headaches — each for under $30.
👜 Tired of your purse tipping over or disappearing on the car floor? These car purse hooks keep your bags within reach.
🚽 Late-night bathroom runs will no longer feel like an obstacle course thanks to this toilet bowl night light.
🧅 Swap baking soda for this fridge deodorizer that works for up to 10 years, so you can set it once and forget it.
🚗 Designed to reduce strain, this vehicle assist handle provides sturdy support to help you get in + out of your car with ease and stability.
Even if it’s a false spring, I’m using every opportunity this week to get outside, whether it’s hitting a trail or packing up my laptop and heading to a spot with plenty of sunshine, wifi + room to work.
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