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🔨 Nailing down some answers
The South Tunnel Road plaza is currently listed for sale. | Screenshot via Google Maps
Today, we’re giving rapid-fire answers to readers’ burning development questions. Let’s get to the bottom of what’s going up.
“What is being built at the corner of Haywood Rd and Virginia Ave? Next to Haywood Country Club.” — Adam L.
The former gas station is going to the dogs. According to city permits, the spot is being converted into a combination dog park and bar, called BarK Asheville.
“I am dying to know if anything is going to replace the demolished Wendy’s next to Cava!?” — Whitney D.
After being torn down by Helene, Wendy’s is rebuilding in its original location. In more fast food news, right across the street, a new Dunkin’ will replace the shuttered Long John Silver’s.
“What about the building at the corner of Swannanoa River and Tunnel roads? Where the mattress store was.” — Barbara M.
After Helene’s damage, the property is being sold essentially as a rebuild opportunity, listed at $2,250,000. The listing notes that the shell of the building is still solid and can be used for future plans.
Buncombe County is considering a unified fire tax district to ensure consistent protection across unincorporated areas outside Asheville, Black Mountain, and Weaverville + improve aging equipment and uneven service among the current 20 fire districts. A public hearing and vote are set for Tuesday, April 21, with a proposed tax rate expected in May. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Eat
When the sun goes down, you’ll be able to find South American fare at Brü. Starting in April, chef Carlos Torres’Palmar Latin Kitchen will pop up in the restaurant for dinner service, dishing out ceviche, crudo, empanadas, whole fish, and traditional roast chicken. (Mountain Xpress)
Environment
Asheville GreenWorks invites the community to celebrate NC Arbor Day tomorrow, March 20, at Sand Hill Native Tree Nursery. Branch out for interactive tours, planting demos, games, and the chance to be an official TreeKeeper. Reserve a free tree to pick up while supplies last.
Travel
This Sunday, March 22, 100+ people will embark on The Great Mother March, a 500-mile walk from Asheville to Washington, D.C., spreading a message of healing and unity. Send them off with well wishes during a Saturday gathering in Pack Square Park with music, speakers, and a look at the group’s traveling mural.
Featured
According to Yelp, one of the country’s “most outrageous restaurants” is here in Asheville. Double D’s Coffee & Desserts earned the honor, with reviewers saying the double-decker bus is as delightful as the desserts. Bring cash and stop by for a sweet treat to congratulate the crew.
Outdoors
Wisconsin-based YouTuber Robin Greenfield started 2026 with a lofty goal: to forage 100% of his food for the year. He’s been documenting his journey on his channel, and this Saturday, March 21, he’s headed to Asheville to lead a foraging walk in Carrier Park, where he’ll teach sustainable harvesting and plant identification.
Sports
Even if your bracket is already busted, you can enjoy the NCAA Tournament action from a local sports bar with a winning formula: Ample seating, good food, strong drinks, and plenty of TVs.
Listen
The newest episode of Live Better, Feel Better, AdventHealth’s new podcast, is out now. Medical Director of Cardiology discusses how he and the AdventHealth Hendersonville team are bringing more people access to advanced heart care, plus plans for a new cardiac catheterization lab. Watch or listen here.*
Tech
If your computer overheats with a few tabs open or sounds ready for liftoff, the problem might not be your device — it’s likely your antivirus. Many big-name brands are bulky + full of pop-ups. Webroot’s antivirus protection uses 33 times less space and scans up to six times faster. Get protected.*
Eat
When dinner turns into a staring contest with your fridge, Forkful meals save the night. They’re fully prepared and ready in minutes — with zero seed oils and high-quality proteins. Use code CMD50 to take 50% off your first order.*
The Buy
The best Easter eggs and decorations on sale ahead of the holiday. We recently shopped online party supply store Oriental Trading, and it’s got Easter covered — especially if you’re hosting an event on a budget. Check out our faves + use code BCFREESHIP for free shipping on any order:
The Asheville Tourists are hosting a job fair this Saturday, March 21, to staff the new ballpark for the 2026 season. Personally, I’m interested in moonlighting as Mr. Moon.
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