Hello Friday.
April 25 2025 |
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If you’re a dog owner and an Asheville resident, then consider yourself doubly lucky, because our city ranks as one of the most pet-friendly destinations in the country. Ready to take your pup out on the town? Here are the top, reader-recommended destinations to bring your dog, so every creature can live their best life. Pro tip: Remember to check each spot’s vaccination requirements before showing up. |
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Some pups consider this a tunnel of love. | Photo by @wagbar.dogpark |
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Off-leash bars
Wagbar | 320 Merrimon Ave.
This outdoor, interactive 25,000 sqft bar offers ramps, tunnels, and a permanent pool to keep your dog entertained for hours. There’s also plenty of shade, fans, and outdoor heating options — along with a plethora of snacks + beverages for purchase — to make the outdoors more bearable for humans. We recommend the wine slushie. Down Dog Bar & Yoga Studio | 51 Sweeten Creek Rd.
A place where you can practice yoga and let your dog roam free? Count us in. This indoor-outdoor bar also offers weekly trivia nights + music bingo, with fun drink options like prosecco popsicles and an array of local craft beers. Bonus: There are “dogtenders” on staff who ensure all the pups stay safe + get along. Sweeten Creek Brewing | 1127 Sweeten Creek Rd.
This local brewery, which offers weekly open mic, trivia, and live music, has recently added a 8,000 sqft fenced area to the mix so dogs can frolic with their humans in harmony in the brewery’s grassy meadow. Pro tip: Get acquainted with the new space at the Dog Days of Summer event on Sat., May 21.
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This pup would like a rosé, please and thank you. | Photo by @downdogavl |
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Where dogs are VIPS Barkwells | 290 Lance Rd., Mills River
Want to take a staycation with your dog? This unique vacation rental service (which provides fenced in cabins) allows your pup to roam freely among acres of grass, swim in a pond, and get plenty of chances for off-leash socialization.
Off-leash public parks French Broad River Park | 508 Riverview Dr.
This one's Editor Laura's personal favorite. This riverside park, which most locals consider the most lively dog park in town, offers two fenced-in play areas and is a great place for dog owners to connect over conversation. Pro tip: Stop by Summit Coffee on your way over for a latte moment — or snag a bite from Homeground Coffee Bar & Deli afterwards.
Azalea Dog Park | 395 Azalea Rd.
Azalea is arguably the most peaceful dog park in town, thanks to its sprawling acreage, minimal crowds, and nearby river access.
Buncombe County Sports Park | 58 Apac Circle
Buncombe County's first-ever dog park, which just opened in May 2022, features two fenced-in play areas. County staff hopes to add more amenities and water fountains in the future. |
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Click HERE to have your event featured |
Today -
Explore Asheville Tourism Summit 2022: The Future of Travel | Wed., May 18 | 12-5 p.m. | The Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave. | Free | This comprehensive tourism summit features guest speakers Stewart Colovin of MMGY Global, Evita Robinson of NOMADNESS Travel Tribe, and other industry leaders.
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Trivia Night | Wed., May 18 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing, 2a Huntsman Pl. | Free | Test those trivia skills with the hosts from Not Rocket Science Trivia for a chance to win a Hi-Wire gift card. 🧠
Thursday -
Sound Effects Benefit Concert | Thurs., May 19 | 5 p.m. | Salvage Station, 468 Riverside Dr. | $20 | This special benefit show, which supports Asheville Music School, will feature a live performance of The Beatles’ White Album from the Asheville Beatles Band. 🎸
- Food Systems Revolution | Thurs., May 19 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Celebrate the release of activist + author Robert Turner's new book, “Lewis Mumford and the Food Fighters.” 📘
Friday -
Downtown After 5 | Fri., May 20 | 5-9:30 p.m. | 115 N. Lexington Ave. | Free | Enjoy local food and live music from Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience. 🎵
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Kenny G | Fri., May 20 | 7:30 p.m. | Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville | $36 | Discover why the iconic saxophonist is one of the best-selling artists of all time. 🎷
Saturday -
WNC Comic Con | Sat., May 21 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | WNC Agricultural Center, 761 Boylston Hwy. | $5 | Meet artists and shop from the Southeast’s best comic shops.
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Vietnamese Street Food | Sat., May 21 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Asheville Mountain Kitchen, 332 E. Sondley Dr. | $85 | Learn how to make two popular Vietnamese dishes: banh mi sandwiches + pho. 🍜
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Plant Club Pop-up | Sat., May 21 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Art Garden AVL, 191 Lyman St. | Free | This local pop-up sale features 10+ local vendors, including herbal remedies from Soulful Simone Farm, handmade bone jewelry from Ritual Wear, and rare varietals from The Artful Plant. 🪴
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Spring Splash Fundraiser for French Broad River Academy | Sat., May 21 | 6:30-10 p.m. | French Broad River Academy South Campus, 1420 Riverside Dr. | $60 | Celebrate with BBQ, beverages, and a live auction to support Asheville's independent middle school with separate campuses for boys and girls.*
Plan Ahead |
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. |
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Weather - 83º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain
State -
Yesterday night, the polls closed on North Carolina's primary election. In Buncombe County, candidacy for Mayor, Asheville City Council, Buncombe County Commission, and other seats were up for grabs. See local results and catch up with the statewide election results.
Biz -
New Belgium Brewing has doubled its solar power capacity, thanks to the recent installation of a new 446 kilowatts solar system. Over 25 years, the renewable energy produced from the brewery is expected to offset ~11,100 tons of carbon dioxide (equivalent to eliminating the greenhouse gas emissions of ~2,200 cars).
Number -
20. That’s how many years ASAP has worked to support local food + farm networks. Celebrate this milestone at a hoedown hosted by Hickory Nut Gap Farm on Wed., May 25, 4-6:30 p.m. There will be live music, complimentary drinks + snacks, raffle prizes, and other farm activities. 🚜
Arts -
A new monthly music discussion series “Music to Your Ears” will debut at Asheville Guitar Bar on Wed., June 1 at 7:30 p.m. The series, led by local author + music journalist Bill Kopp, will explore significant albums, artists, and movements in popular music. Up for discussion first? Pink Floyd’s 1972 album “Obscured by Clouds.” 🎵
Try This -
Meat your new butcher gurus. The Chop Shop Butchery has released its schedule for spring + summer classes, which include courses on smoking, seafood butchery, beef hind quartering, and sausage making. 🌭
Eat -
Jettie Rae’s new oyster + cocktail slingin’ airstream — aka The Pearl — has received high praise in a recent feature from Eater Carolinas. The nautical trailer that “looks like a rolling aspirin pill” was highlighted as the perfect happy hour locale, thanks to its selection of oysters, canned mussels, pickled shrimp, and batched cocktails. 🦪
Question -
Do you have any dreams for the future of Sly Grog Lounge? After recovering from a nearly $200,000 worth of fire damage, the lounge + venue is now looking to relaunch. Let them know via Facebook how they could use the existing building and what else should be added to the property. 🏗️
DYK -
A Corsa America Rally (one of largest sports + luxury car rallies in the country) will depart from the Omni Grove Park Inn this Fri., May 20 at 9:15 a.m. If you want to get a look at these exotic sports cars before they trek to Atlanta, be sure to come by and check it out. 🏎️
Cause -
The Blood Connection is partnering with the Asheville Tourists to host a blood drive at McCormick Field (30 Buchanan Pl.) on Thurs., May 19 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. All donors will receive two free tickets to a future game, a t-shirt + a clear bag. ⚾*
Health -
For years, obesity has been wrongly viewed by many as a cosmetic flaw. Stephanie Peterson, RDN, shares how this viewpoint has changed since the AMA recognized obesity as a chronic progressive disease.*
Drink - Fuel your active lifestyle with LMNT, the best no B.S. electrolyte drink mix. That means no sugar, no artificial ingredients, and no junk. Receive a free sample pack (read: just pay shipping).*
Featured Home |
Content marked with a * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free. |
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As temperatures rise this summer, we’re so inspired to see that Southside Community Farm has stocked its community fridge (a freedge, if you will) with fresh vegetables, eggs, cheese, meat, and other pantry staples. Local products such as vegetarian patties by Wadadli Dessert Oasis + popsicles from Buggy Pops have also made an appearance.
If you’re currently experiencing food insecurity – or know someone who is — be sure to stop by to visit the freedge at the Arthur R. Edington Center (33 Livingston St.). You can also support the work of the farm by making a donation.
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Editor's pick: Want a more comprehensive look at dog-friendly places where you can wet your whistle? This guide of dog-friendly bars + breweries is sure to make your tail wag. Missed yesterday's newsletter? These works of magical mushroom art by local Heather Brooks are certainly worth your while. |
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