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Get amped up for this announcement
Sit on the lawn for a jam sesh. | Rendering via City of Asheville
The Orange Peel’s new outdoor venue, Hellbender, will open this July and hold its first show in August. The three-acre, 6,00-seat Thopmson Street venue sits along the Swannanoa River, where Cursus Keme called home before Helene.
Named for the elusive Appalachian salamander, the creature became the venue’s mascot to represent their shared history of adaptability and sense of place.
Check out a bird’s eye view. | Rendering via City of Asheville
Audiences can expect a limited season this year, with a full season slated to begin in spring 2027. The first show, “Rhiannon Giddens presents American Tunes: Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” is set for Aug. 1, bringing folk and R&B icons Rhiannon Giddens, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Mavis Staples, and Hurray for the Riff Raff together for one night only for “a joyful celebration of American songs that connect generations.” Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 6, at 10 a.m.
Haywood County’s most outrageously delicious burgers reign supreme during this flavor-packed journey through five cozy NC mountain towns.
Look forward to towering stacks of patties rivaling Haywood’s highest peaks, all-new burger-inspired dishes, and just about everything in between. Plus, vote for your favorite Fat Burger across three unique categories.
Just pick up a Fat Burger sticker card at any participating restaurant or the Visit Haywood Welcome Center and track your burger-eating progress every step of the way.
The more spots you try, the more stickers you get, which means even better prizes (think: gift cards, t-shirts, custom hats + more). Full prize details this way, including shipping info.
Ready for unlimited burger fun? Sneak a peek at this year’s lineup of 20+ custom burgers below.
Yesterday, more than 40,000 people cast their ballots during primary election day, with candidacy for Asheville City Council, US House of Representatives, and more on the ballot. See how local results stack up.
Real Estate
The block of Broadway Street, formerly home to Moog Music and owned by former CEO Mike Adams, has sold for $9 million. The nine parcels were purchased Feb. 19 by Somerville-based RCG LLC. Recently, the site has become a hub for businesses displaced by Helene, including DayTrip, Atomic, and Resurrection Studios. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Eat
Thai Pearl on Haywood Road is now solely owned by Chef May. To launch the new chapter, the restaurant is now offering lunch, including a $13.99 special, Monday-Friday, 12-3 p.m.
Watch
This competition is just heating up. Tune in to CBS tonight, March 4 at 9:30 p.m. to see Cúrate’s Chef Katie Button face off against 15 elite chefs in “America’s Culinary Cup,” hosted by Padma Lakshmi. What’s on the line? The largest cash prize in culinary TV history — a whopping $1 million.
Environment
Let’s keep talking hellbenders. WNC advocates are rallying around the giant salamander, native to cold Appalachian streams. Populations have dropped sharply due to pollution, warming waters, and Helene. As federal endangered status stalls, local leaders and conservationists are urging protection now. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Open
Grab a coffee and croissant before your next walk at the NC Arboretum’s new cafe, The Arbor Eatery. French Broad Pastry and catering company My Food Experience lead the new spot, open daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Education Center.
Sports
The SoCon Basketball Championships begin tomorrow, but that’s just the start of Asheville’s sports season. The Big South Baseball Tournament, the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, and the PGA Tour’s Biltmore Championship are all to come. Get the play-by-play on each + what it means for our local economy. (Mountain Xpress)
The popular Certificate in Leadership series from the WFU School of Professional Studies is coming to AVL for the first time next month. Designed to develop higher-performing leaders, the first of four workshops will begin on Thursday, March 19.Course details + registration this way.*
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
Get a glimpse of the setup at VISUALS. | Photo by AVLtoday
Is it just us, or does eating outside make food taste better? Mid-70s temps are in the forecast through next week, which means it’s time to catch some rays or laze in the shade at one of these 35+ Asheville patios.
Rooftop views
Antidote | Partially covered
The vintage vibes of the indoor space are charming, but the two outdoor seating areas — a garden patio and the partially covered rooftop bar — might draw you out in the open air.
Low-key locations
All Day Darling | Partially shaded
The historic Montford spot features tree-shaded spaces for your enjoyment of baked goods and coffee, seasonal fare, and signature cocktails.
Bars and breweries
Cellarest Beer Project | Partially covered
This open-air neighborhood brewery hosts Cassia every Friday-Sunday to serve up scrumptious Thai food — the menu changes each week, so you’re always in for a special treat.
A 4.5-star-rated practice golf mat. It simulates a real hitting experience with three different mat options so you can practice driving, chipping, putting, and more.
I have to admit, Hellbender is moving a lot faster than I had anticipated, and I’m all the more excited for it. I’ll undoubtedly be grabbing tickets to the first show when they drop on Friday — and I’ll share a reminder in Friday’s newsletter to make sure you get some too.
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