We’ll be sending you our newsletter for the next five days, but if you’re not feeling it after that, we’ll call it quits — no action required. If you like what you see, click any link in this email, and each morning, we’ll keep sending the most relevant news, events, and updates from around Asheville. Our newsletters are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Build the perfect Asheville picnic
Here’s what we think should go in your basket. | Photo by @ashevillepictures
Now that it’s warming up across the 828, it’s time to take your lunch outside. If you’re planning a picnic, peruse no further — here’s your guide to a perfect outing, from what to pack to picturesque locations.
What to pack
Meats | Asheville Charcuterie Co.
Pick out individual items to make the perfect board or opt for premade grab-and-go cups.
Bread | Mother
Pick up a gorgeous, olive-studded focaccia loaf and a crisp sparkling rosé to boot.
Cheese | South Slope Cheese Co.
From gruyere to gouda to goat, an un-brie-lievable selection awaits.
Where to set up
Botanical Gardens at Asheville | This easily accessible spot is ideal for lunching and learning about native plants and flowers.
North Carolina Arboretum | Bring your own basket of goodies to set up around the lawn, or get some to-go grub from the new Arbor Eatery.
Lake Julian Park | We do love a good place for waterfront dining — post-picnic, you can enjoy disc golf, a playground, and even paddleboats.
The Asheville Fitness Sampler | 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | The Restoration Hotel | $25 | Expect 25 min back-2-back “tastes” of fitness from various studios + health, wellness, & spa experience stations, with the opportunity to take as many classes as you want.*
Local leaders estimate it will take about two years to open a public park on Deaverview Mountain. Buncombe County closed on the 342-acre purchase in late March, paving the way for the county and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy to preserve the land and create what will become its largest public park. (WLOS)
Civic
Buncombe County has filed for foreclosure on the Mountaineer Inn over more than $29,500 in unpaid property taxes. The Tunnel Road motel, bought by LOGE Camps in 2023 with renovation plans, has remained largely idle. If approved, the court could order the $3.5 million property to be sold to recover debts. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Number
10. That’s how many years New Belgium is celebrating in Asheville with an all-out bash on Saturday, May 2. Raise a glass and party on with live music, local vendors, pet adoption, and giveaways.
Sports
As pickleball picks up around the city, you can play your way to victory this weekend at The Franklin School of Innovation’s second annual tournament. Middle school, high school, and adult players can join the fun this Saturday, April 18.
Coming Soon
We can add another rooftop bar to the list. Starting this weekend, La Pizza Party will open up its Cielo Rooftop for sips, sunsets, slices, and DJ sets. Stop by Friday-Sunday, 6-9 p.m.
Arts
Story Parlor is turning four, and it’s throwing a storytelling soiree to celebrate. Parlor Fest returns for a three-day weekend of creativity and community with workshops, panels, roundtables, and live performances, bringing together artists and writers of all kinds.
Active
The Pisgah Conservancy is launching the Pisgah Bridge Adventure Challenge, a self-guided tour of five recently built or repaired trail bridges. Through Saturday, Aug. 15, visit each site, snap photos, and submit a log to earn prizes and a chance to win an overnight stay at Pilot Cove.
Finance
“Worth its weight in gold.” That’s how experts are describing this versatile card that offers cash back on every single purchase and up to 6% cash back in categories you’ll actually use, all for no annual fee. See the details.*
Listen
The latest “Live Better Feel Better” podcast episode from AdventHealth is out now. Vice President of Physician Services for AdventHealth North Carolina, Christy Sneller, joins the podcast to talk about growing care in our region + more. Listen to the full episode.*
Shop
It’s the very last day of Nordstrom’s end of season sale — shop up to 50% off best-selling spring items, like this stunning (and comfortable) jersey maxi dress perfect for date night, vacation, and warm weather outings.*
Category
Culture
💥 Meet your match
An ice-cold Corpse Reviver No. 2 from Crucible is as enticing as the matchbook. | Photo by AVLtoday
Over the years, I’ve put together a striking collection of matchbooks from local spots — but I knew there were more to find.
After sharing some of my favorites last week, I asked our readers to share some Asheville haunts that dole out or sell matchbooks. Here’s what you said:
👚 This No. 1 best-selling women’s short set is comfortable, lightweight, and effortlessly put together.
👖 Get an instant outfit with this striped shirt + wide leg pants set rated 4.5 stars — it’s soft, slouchy, and flattering.
👚 Keep it casual in this sporty two-piece short set that features soft and cooling fabric.
👖 For professional occasions, eliminate outfit guesswork with this two-piece v-neck set featuring a tailored, feminine fit.
👚 Look instantly chic on vacation or sunny days in this sleeveless knit two-piece available in your favorite color or stripes.
Modern matchbooks aren’t the only one’s worth collecting. If you want a memento of Asheville landmarks past, eBay has some great (albeit pricey) options. In a quick search, I found vintage matchbook covers from Buck’s Restaurant, Poseidon, and The Grove Park Inn.
}})
