Hello Thursday.
April 25 2024 |
|
|
If you love the scenic views and easy driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway — not to mention all the moolah it spreads through surrounding communities — you’ll be happy to hear that nearly $1,000,000 in funding has been secured for the corridor’s future.
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has received $911,117 in grant money to bolster its economic development planning in the NC + VA communities that make up the Blue Ridge Parkway corridor.
|
|
|
With a $517,924 grant for North Carolina and a $393,193 grant for Virginia, leaders from counties in the corridor will be tasked with strategizing ways to increase the economic impact of tourism, recreation, and however else Blue Ridge travelers like to spend their money.
💰 Fast facts about the corridor -
There are 29 counties in the corridor (17 in NC + 12 in VA), mostly rural communities who see economic benefits from Parkway travelers.
-
In 2020, 14 million people visited the Parkway. How did they spend their money? They spent $468 million on lodging, $227 million on restaurants, and $118 million on gas.
-
Since 2017, Parkway spending has reached $1 billion or more annually.
|
|
|
Have you ever experienced a more scenic sunrise drive? | Photo by @neal.cornwell
|
|
|
Share this story with your camping + road trip pals. |
|
|
How do you recreate along the Parkway? |
Share your go-to activity when you're traveling the Blue Ridge corridor. |
|
|
Click HERE to have your event featured |
Today
Tuesday -
Coffee with Kit | Tues., May 10 | 9-10 a.m. | 36 Montford Ave. | Free | Ask questions + share your perspective about the business community with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kit Cramer. ☕
-
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid | Tues., May 10 | 5:30 p.m. | Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave. | $35 | Join for a fiesta with food, drink, and a costume party before watching the classic Paul Newman + Robert Redford film. 📽️
Wednesday - Joy Oladokun | Wed., May 11 | 8 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $17 | Black, queer artist + child of Nigerian immigrants Joy Oladokun makes her Grey Eagle debut. 🎤
-
Lunch & Learn: Building Local Food Systems | Wed., May 11 | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Learn how SAHC farmland programs are helping to build local food systems and increase access to farmland. 🌱
Thursday -
God is a Scottish Drag Queen | Thurs., May 12 | 8 p.m. | Wortham Center, 18 Biltmore Ave. | $35 | This award-winning comedy tells the story of a floral pantsuit-clad God descending from heaven into the modern world.
Friday |
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends. |
|
|
Picnic’s plans combine over-the-counter and prescription meds for maximum effectiveness. | Photo provided by Picnic | |
|
Is allergy season worse this year? Yes, according to the experts — and Asheville is no exception. The good news: You can say peace out to your symptoms with a treatment plan from Picnic. ✌️
Interested? Take Picnic’s allergist-designed quiz to receive a personalized plan that treats your specific symptoms.
Bonus: It’s delivered right to your door, so you have plenty of time to get back to outdoor hangs in the River Arts District allergy-free.*
|
|
|
Weather - 76º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain
Closing -
Ziggy's Bakery & Deli has announced it will permanently close its doors. The Philly-style deli in the Asheville Commons has been serving up cheesesteaks, hoagies, and schmears to the community for over three years. Stop by for a last bite before the deli closes on Sat., May 14. at 3 p.m.
Biz -
Phase 2 of the NC Department of Revenue’s Business Recovery Grant program is now open. The program provides payments to small businesses with significant economic losses due to COVID-19. Eligibility requirements have been revised so businesses like farmers, gyms, hair salons, and tour guides may now receive funding. Apply here.
Development -
The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission has approved rezoning for a new affordable housing development in East Asheville on Swannanoa River Road. Redwood Commons will have 70 units designed for seniors, with rent prices at 60% of the Area Median Income + Housing Authority vouchers accepted. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Try This -
Your new summer plans: touring Oaxaca, Mexico with an Asheville chef as your guide. Tequio Foods’ Luis Martinez is launching a culinary trip series where you can spend five days experiencing the tastes + traditions of Oaxacan culture. Four trips are planned for this summer, all focused on partnering with the indigenous community. 🫔 (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Eat -
Planning a wedding or big event soon? Make it seafood-centric with The Lobster Trap’s new catering service, starting in early June. The restaurant’s catering will focus around a live oyster shucking station, which can be booked for gatherings from small backyard parties up to a 200-person shindig. Sounds shucking delicious. 🦪 (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Listen History -
The Western North Carolina Historical Association is kicking off its 2022 ReadWNC Series with a discussion of the history behind Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle’s book, “Even As We Breathe.” Annette + historian Dr. Barbara Duncan will dive into mid-20th century Cherokee life in Asheville. Join virtually on Tues., May 24 at 6 p.m. 📚
Shop Correction -
"Run, Forrest! Run!” We got a little ahead of ourselves Friday when we shared some Grandfather Mountain + Forrest Gump trivia. During the iconic sequence of Gump’s cross-country run, there’s a portion where he’s actually running up Grandfather Mountain — which is located in the High Country of WNC, not Asheville, specifically. 👟*
|
Content marked with a * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free. |
|
|
If you’ve been wondering about GiGi's Underground, the new speakeasy-style bar opening in downtown Asheville, we’ve got the tea: not only is its bar fully built out, but the grand opening is slated for the weekend of Fri, May 13. These teapot-style cocktails will be on the menu, with cocktails like the Red Queen (last picture).
GiGi’s Underground will feature jazz and blues music, and is in a historic downtown building built in the same 1920s era the bar draws inspiration from. |
#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter? Just use #AVLtoday on social media. |
|
|
| Points Balance
zero? That can't be right |
EARN FREE GEAR
Keep earning and learn other ways to earn points here. Then redeem them for exclusive Asheville swag at The 6AM Shop.
Share now with your friends, family, and all Asheville lovers! Just click the buttons below: |
|
|
Here is your unique referral link : ⤵️
Copy, paste, share + save this in a safe spot... or check here each morning anytime you need it. |
|
|
Did a friend forward this free newsletter to you? |
|
|
|
