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Offer your input on the Millennial Campus
Input will be gathered over the coming months, through spring 2026. | Photo via UNC Asheville
UNC Asheville’s Millennial Campus Advisory Committee has launched a new public engagement plan as it works on recommendations for the 211-acre site, which includes 45 acres of urban forest that the Save the Woods movement is working to protect.
Plans for the proposed $200+ million project — which could include a 5,000-seat stadium, housing, and retail — were paused last August to allow more review. The 12-member advisory committee, announced in January, will now guide the university’s next steps.
Community input will be collected in three ways:
Small-group discussions with invited participants representing neighborhoods, environmental groups, businesses, civic organizations, and the campus
Interviews conducted by committee members and consultants
Summaries of the small-group sessions, interviewees, and public forum feedback will be shared publicly. The committee will continue meeting through spring 2026, after which UNC Asheville’s urban development consultants, HR&A Advisors, will turn their recommendations into a plan for the university to review.
GE Aerospace is investing $48 million in its Asheville facility, which manufactures critical engine components used in commercial airplanes, military fighter jets, helicopters, and ships. The state of NC will see more than $160 million as part of a greater $1 billion investment in US facilities. (Axios Raleigh)
Open
If you’re looking for St. Patrick’s Day plans, try out Shamrock Irons, a new Irish pub that recently replaced Claddagh downtown. The bar has planned an all-out afternoon of live music and Guinness for the holiday.
Coming Soon
Local artist Gavin Gerundo has been named creative director of Blue Ridge Putt-Way, an “immersive art mini-golf experience” here in Asheville. Explore Gerundo’s vibrant, hyper-detailed work to get a feel for what to expect. More deets to come on the game.
Civic
Buncombe County is reviewing its development regulations, starting with an update to its 2009 flood ordinance. Officials also plan to modernize addressing rules and resolve unzoned pockets of the county, though changes may be delayed due to legal uncertainty around a new state law restricting downzoning. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Active
The Asheville Marathon and Half will bring 2,300 athletes into town next Saturday, March 21 — if the course runs through your part of town, use the race day info guide to know when to expect traffic delays. If you’re inspired to start training for next year, start with an upcoming spring race.
Environment
Over the next two months, the US Forest Service will conduct prescribed burns in areas of the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests to reduce hazardous fuels and improve wildlife habitats and forest health. See specific burn areas and prepare for road and trail closures.
State
The USS Monitor was the first ironclad warship deployed by the US Navy in the Civil War, and its sunken remains are still well-preserved off the coast of NC. New high-resolution sonar images revealed that significant details have been maintained over 160 years, like the captain’s quarters and the anchor well. (The News & Observer)
Featured
Citizen Vinyl earned a pretty stellar celebrity endorsement. James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem and DFA Records gave the local record processing plant praise for its test pressings — see his full quote.
Finance
According to Motley Fool Money, the average person with $5,000 in credit card debt pays $1,200+ in interest every year. The solution? An expert-approved balance transfer card with 0% interest for up to 21 months. Learn more + apply.*
Health
If food noise and constant hunger are exhausting, MEDVi offers clinician-guided GLP-1 care built for real life. It starts with an evaluation by a licensed U.S. provider, followed by ongoing monitoring and dosage adjustments. See if you qualify + start an intro month at $179.‡*
Editor’s Pick
🐛 For the Buncombe bookworms
The novel is set here in WNC. | Photo via Buncombe County
One Book, One Buncombe is back for its second year, announcing author and historian Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s “Happy Land” as the pick for 2026. The countywide book club will bring themed events and discussions to each branch, ranging from deep literary analysis to casual conversations.
The club culminates with a free author talk on Saturday, May 16 at A-B Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium.
Free copies are available at every county library branch while supplies last (one per household), and extra copies can also be checked out. You can also purchase the book locally at Malaprop’s Bookstore or Daymoon Coffee and Books with a book club discount.
The Buy
We’ve got something just for you: the perfect handbag for every occasion. Add these five bags to your closet + complete any look, any time.
👜 Everyday: On sale for over 50% off, American Leather Company’s hobo bag has multiple pockets + a top zip closure to secure all your essentials
💄 Date night: This versatile leather wristlet and clutch brings style + elegance to any outfit.
🎶 Concert: A chic, stadium-approved clear bag is a wardrobe must-have. We love this one’s durable and trendy design.
🌴 Spring break: Enter vacay mode with this boho rattan bag that easily converts to a crossbody with the included detachable strap.
🧳 Workday: This leather leather Kate Spade tote can fit your laptop, wallet, and more — get it while it’s 68% off.
March is National Craft Month — the perfect excuse to dive into an artsy hobby. Whether you want to pick up a new skill or DIY some fresh home decor, the new South Slope creative cafe Muse Art Bar is a great place to begin.
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‡Prescription-only GLP-1 treatment requires evaluation by a licensed U.S. provider. Treatment is provided only if medically appropriate; not all patients qualify. Results vary. Compounded medications, if prescribed, are prepared by licensed U.S. pharmacies and are not FDA-approved as finished products. See program terms for details.
